5-6 Days in Tokyo Itinerary location index
Locations
- 2D Cafe (Kabukicho Tower)
Author’s favourite inside Kabukicho Tower.
- A Happy Pancake
Souffle pancake chain (author notes great experience in Hiroshima).
- Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
Guided tour for anime/gaming fans around Akihabara.
- Akihabara (Electric Town)
Electronics/anime/video games; shops for gadgets and merch.
- Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko)
Open-air market under railway tracks; street eats and souvenirs.
- Anamori Inari-jinja (Anamori Inari Shrine)
Hidden shrine near Haneda Airport dedicated to aviation safety.
- Asakusa
Historic area; suggested as last stop on Day 3.
- Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
Cultural walk with matcha making in Asakusa.
- Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour
Kimono photography experience in Asakusa.
- Asakusa Tourist Information Center (8th floor view)
Free views over Nakamise-dori/Senso-ji; also views of SkyTree and ‘Golden Poop’; go early.
- Asakusa/Tsukiji/Akihabara Highlights Tour (5 hours)
Combined highlights tour mentioned in guide.
- Atago Shrine
Hidden gem shrine with rare golden torii and steep ‘success’ stairs; associated with career success wishes.
- Bentendo Temple (Ueno)
Temple overlooking pond; swan paddle boats available.
- Bunkyo
Area referenced as location of Rikugien Gardens.
- Cat Street (Harajuku)
Boutiques and indie fashion stores; look for kawaii items.
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Shopping mall with kawaii/Sanrio merch (Hello Kitty, Gudetama, etc.).
- Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya
Recommended stay option in Shibuya/Harajuku area.
- Edo & Hidden Gem Cycling Tour (Asakusa area)
5-hour cycling tour around Asakusa and surrounding areas.
- Edo Wonderland (Nikko)
Attraction option for longer Nikko trip (historical theme park).
- Family Mart rooftop gorilla (Sangenjaya)
Photo spot: gorilla figure hanging from Family Mart rooftop in Sangenjaya.
- Fujinomiya
Author suggests best views of Mt Fuji from Fujinomiya (less-seen side).
- Fuji TV Headquarters (Observation Deck)
Observation deck views; see Statue of Liberty replica and Rainbow Bridge on clear days.
- Ginza
Upscale district with designer shops and interesting architecture; duty-free at Laox.
- Golden Gai
Shinjuku ‘Golden District’ with 200+ tiny bars; lively at night.
- Gotemba Premium Outlets
Shopping stop often included in Fuji day trip itineraries.
- Gotoku-ji (Lucky Cat Temple)
Setagaya temple associated with ‘Lucky Cat’ (maneki-neko).
- Hachiko Statue
Statue outside Shibuya Station; popular meeting/photo spot with Hachiko story (1930s).
- Hakone
Popular Mt Fuji day trip area but overcrowded; use Hakone Round Course / Free Pass if going.
- Hakone Cable Car
Part of Hakone Round Course transport loop.
- Hakone Free Pass
Pass covering trains/cable car/ropeway/boat/bus for Hakone Round Course (per guide).
- Hakone Open Air Museum
Hakone highlight (outdoor art museum).
- Hakone Ropeway
Part of Hakone Round Course transport loop (over volcanic areas).
- Hakone-Yumoto Station
Gateway station for Hakone; access via Odakyu Express from Shinjuku (~1h25).
- Hamarikyu Gardens
Edo-period gardens; meticulously pruned pines; matcha experience at Nakajima No Ochaya teahouse.
- Haneda Airport
Arrive via Haneda (closer to city). Suggested route: Haneda -> Hamamatsucho via Tokyo Monorail (~15 min). Cost ~JPY 500. Suica/IC card...
- Harajuku Crazy Cute Kawaii Foodie Tour
Kawaii culture + sweets tour in Harajuku.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Recommended stay option in Shinjuku; known for Godzilla.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla Head)
Look for Godzilla ‘hanging out’ by Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku.
- Imperial Palace East Gardens
Free gardens; author says not a priority (no actual palace, mostly remnants of Edo Castle).
- Isetan (Shinjuku)
Major department store in Shinjuku.
- JAL City Hotel (near Haneda Airport)
Recommended stay option outside Haneda Airport.
- Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Nagano-area attraction; see snow monkeys (and babies in summer).
- Jizo-dori (Sugamo)
Shopping street in Sugamo with traditional stores and local feel.
- JR Harajuku Station
Reference point: Takeshita-dori is directly opposite the station.
- Kabukicho
Iconic neon district; red-light area; watch for touts.
- Kabukicho Tower
Dining/entertainment complex; includes eateries and the guide’s ‘secret favourite’ 2D Cafe.
- Kabukiza Theatre
Kabuki theatre venue in Ginza; Kabuki recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage (per guide).
- Kamakura
Day trip ~50 minutes; temples/shrines, famous Buddha, hikes.
- Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
Iconic gate/entrance to Senso-ji area; check beneath the lanterns.
- Kanda-jinja (Kanda Myojin Shrine)
Shrine featured in anime; over 1,300 years old; unique ‘protect gadgets’ omamori.
- Kappabashi (Kitchen Town)
Near Asakusa; kitchen utensils/cooking goods; good for unique souvenirs.
- Kawagoe (Little Edo)
Old-world preserved town ~30 minutes from Tokyo; architecture, sweet treats, shrines.
- Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes)
Day trip (~2 hours); lakes with Mt Fuji backdrop; Fuji Shibazakura Festival in May (per guide).
- Keio Department Store (Shinjuku)
Major department store in Shinjuku.
- Kirin City
Izakaya/pub-like chain; Japanese ‘tapas’ style; local atmosphere.
- Kiyomizu Kannon-do
Temple hall in Ueno area; see the ‘Moon Pine’ through a circular branch.
- Lake Ashi
Hakone highlight; boat/sailing options; classic Mt Fuji views when clear.
- Laox (Ginza)
Duty-free shopping for electronics and Japanese souvenirs.
- Le Shiner
Harajuku: rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Maidreamin'
Maid cafe experience (author found it awkward); many other themed venues exist.
- Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)
Major Shinto shrine; forested grounds with many donated trees; near Yoyogi Park.
- Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station
Recommended stay option for families/groups in Asakusa.
- Minato
Southern Tokyo area for Tokyo Tower, temples, gardens, shrines.
- Miyashita Park
Modern shopping/park complex in Shibuya (mentioned in guide’s Shibuya list).
- Nagano
~3 hours; ski town that’s good in summer too; options include snow monkey park and Zenko-ji Temple.
- Nakajima No Ochaya Teahouse
Teahouse in Hamarikyu Gardens; traditional matcha on tatami mats.
- Nakamise-dori
Shopping street leading to Senso-ji; shops closed at night but fewer crowds.
- Nakano Broadway
Alternative anime merch spot; author warns prices can be higher than Pokémon Store Nihonbashi.
- Narita Airport
Arrive via Narita (further from central Tokyo). Suggested route: Narita -> Tokyo via Narita Express (~1 hour). Cost ~JPY 3,250 one-way.
- Narita Airport Limousine Bus
Alternative to N'EX; cheaper option. Tickets can be booked in advance.
- Narita Express (N'EX)
Train from Narita Airport to Tokyo (~1 hour). One-way adult ticket ~JPY 3,250.
- Nezu Shrine
Gem with impressive gardens; popular during azalea season (Tsutsuji Matsuri).
- Nikko
UNESCO World Heritage day trip (~2 hours from Tokyo); temples/shrines and nature scenery.
- Nonbei Yokocho
Narrow alley under railway tracks with tiny izakaya/bars; lively at night.
- Odaiba
Waterfront area for shopping, viewpoints, and attractions; near Rainbow Bridge.
- Odaiba Statue of Liberty Replica
Tokyo’s Statue of Liberty replica overlooking Rainbow Bridge.
- Odakyu Express (Shinjuku -> Hakone)
Train from Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (~1h25). Sit right side for Mt Fuji view (Tokyo->Hakone).
- Omikuji at Senso-ji
Fortune-telling ritual; offering JPY 100–200; tie bad fortunes on racks.
- Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Laneways with ramen/soba/sushi/yakitori. Nickname ‘Piss Alley’. Smoking often allowed.
- Omotesando
Designer shopping street (Gucci/Dior/Chanel etc.).
- Oshino Hakkai
Sacred ponds often included in Mt Fuji day trip itineraries.
- Park Hotel Tokyo (Minato)
Recommended stay option in Minato with landmark views.
- Picasso Museum (Hakone)
Hakone highlight mentioned in guide (confirm exact venue when mapping).
- Private Zazen Meditation + Matcha & Sweets
Temple zazen meditation experience with matcha and sweets.
- Rainbow Bridge
Iconic bridge visible from Odaiba/nearby viewpoints.
- Rikugien Gardens
Less-crowded garden option (Bunkyo).
- Ryuguden Honkan (Hakone onsen)
Onsen/hot spring experience option in Hakone.
- Samsung Galaxy Harajuku (Level 4)
Hidden mini teamLab + Sanrio experience on Level 4; good for kids; cafe for parents.
- Samurai Restaurant (formerly Robot Restaurant)
Over-the-top show venue (now 18+). Tourist-y but entertaining.
- Sangenjaya
Local-vibe area; known for a gorilla hanging from a Family Mart rooftop.
- Santa Monica Crepes
Harajuku: popular crepe shop.
- Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple (645 AD). Best visited at night to avoid crowds.
- Setagaya
Area near Sangenjaya; mentioned as location of Gotoku-ji.
- Shibamata
Quiet Kyoto-like alternative neighborhood; survived WWII air raids; retro stores and old-world feel.
- Shibamata Taishakuten Temple
Ancient temple; notable 500-year-old pine resembling a flying dragon; intricate wood carvings.
- Shiba Park
Park near Tokyo Tower; walk to Zojo-ji Temple.
- Shiba Park Hotel (Minato)
Recommended stay option in Minato.
- Shibuya 109
Iconic fashion mall near Shibuya Crossing.
- Shibuya Bar Hopping Tour
Nightlife tour visiting hidden izakaya pubs; includes food and drinks.
- Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Recommended stay option in Shibuya with landmark views.
- Shibuya Ramen Tasting Tour
Ramen tasting tour in Shibuya; mentions discount code Invisible5 (from guide).
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing
World-famous busy crossing in Shibuya; morning visit suggested.
- Shibuya Sky
Observation deck. Sunset slots are hard to get; consider daytime for fewer crowds.
- Shibuya Street Food Tour
Guided street food tour in Shibuya; 5 foodie stops incl. underground food market.
- Shimbashi
More local alternative night spot with izakaya under railway arches; near Minato.
- Shimbashi Hidden Gem Food Tour
Local food tour in Shimbashi (more local alternative night spot).
- Shimokitazawa
Neighbourhood where Tokyo’s ‘cool kids’ hang out; more like old Harajuku vibe.
- Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour
Bar hopping tour to lesser-known Shinjuku gems.
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Large park with Japanese/French/English garden areas; tranquil escape; popular for sakura.
- Shinjuku Night Foodie Tour
Food tour sampling ~10 Japanese foods in Golden Gai & Kabukicho areas.
- Shinjuku no Nekomae (3D Cat Billboard)
Resident cat on a 3D screen near Shinjuku East Exit; fun to watch.
- Shinjuku Station
Busiest station in the world; complex with 200+ exits; very crowded.
- Sugamo (Jizo-dori)
‘Grandma’s Harajuku’ — tea shops, traditional candy stores, local vibe, fewer crowds.
- Sumida Hokusai Museum
Underrated rainy-day museum; features Hokusai works incl. ‘Great Wave off Kanagawa’.
- Sumida River Cruise (Odaiba <-> Asakusa)
Cruise option from Odaiba to Asakusa; dinner cruise also mentioned.
- Sumida River Walk
Walkway connecting Tokyo SkyTree area to Asakusa (~18 min); shops/restaurants along river.
- Sumo Wrestling & Lunch Experience
Watch sumo up close; includes lunch; sometimes includes wrestling a sumo.
- Super Potato (Akihabara)
Retro video game store (80s/90s toys, gifts, memorabilia) spread over several levels.
- Takashimaya (Shinjuku)
Major department store near Shinjuku Gyoen area.
- Takeshita-dori (Takeshita Street)
Harajuku’s famous shopping street opposite JR Harajuku Station; quirky shops & street food.
- teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
Immersive exhibition; in Toyosu; noted as open until 2027 (per guide).
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon (Asakusa)
Recommended stay option in Asakusa with landmark views.
- Tobu World Square (Nikko)
Attraction option for longer Nikko trip (theme park with miniature landmarks).
- Togo Shrine
Hidden gem north of Meiji Jingu; carp pond & landscaped gardens.
- Tokyo Cooking Class
Cooking classes ranging sushi/gyoza/mochi/wagashi and more.
- Tokyo Disneyland
Theme park day trip ~25 minutes from Tokyo; book tickets in advance.
- Tokyo DisneySea
Theme park day trip ~25 minutes from Tokyo; book tickets in advance.
- Tokyo Geisha Experience (Kanda Shrine grounds)
Learn traditional skills/culture from a geisha on Kanda Shrine grounds (book in advance).
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Observation Deck)
Free city views (Shinjuku). Author doesn’t recommend due to crowds; go early if you do.
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda -> Hamamatsucho)
Transport option from Haneda Airport to central Tokyo (Hamamatsucho). ~15 minutes, ~JPY 500.
- Tokyo SkyTree
Major landmark tower; panoramic views; may see Mt Fuji on clear days; shops/restaurants inside.
- Tokyo Tea Ceremony & Wagashi Making
Traditional sweets-making and tea ceremony experience with tea master.
- Tokyo Tower
Iconic tower (Eiffel Tower-inspired); observation deck tickets can be bought in advance.
- Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza building with a notable mirrored entrance.
- Tokyu Stay Shimbashi Ginza
Recommended stay option in Ginza/Shimbashi area.
- Toshogu Shrine (Ueno)
Shrine in Ueno Park area; noted for stunning details.
- Totti Candy Factory
Harajuku: pastel fairy floss bigger than your head.
- Toyosu
Area referenced for teamLab Planets and fish market context.
- Toyosu Fish Market
Largest wholesale fish market; inner market/tuna auction closed to tourists since Oct 2018 (per guide).
- Tsukiji Outer Market
Visit on your own or via foodie tour; alternative since tuna auction viewing is limited.
- Ueno
Underrated neighbourhood for markets, parks, and shrines.
- Ueno Park
Large park with gardens; popular for sakura; shrines within grounds.
- Unko Museum (Odaiba)
Novelty ‘poop’ museum; author says okay with young kids, otherwise not worth it.
- Vegan Night Foodie Tour
Food tour option tailored for vegans/vegetarians in Tokyo.
- Villa Fontaine (Haneda Airport Terminal 3)
Recommended stay option inside Haneda T3.
- Yamamoto-tei
1930s former merchant home with garden/boardwalk; enjoy wagashi and matcha.
- Yanaka Foodie Tour
Local-led foodie tour around Yanaka (author recommends).
- Yanaka Ginza
Old-world preserved neighbourhood; bakeries, artisan stores (knives/leather/clothes/coffee), cafes & bars.
- Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
Recommended stay option in Yokohama.
- Yoyogi Park
Park adjoining Meiji Jingu; known for early-blooming cherry blossoms.
- Zenko-ji Temple
Nagano attraction; often paired with tours incl. sake tasting.
- Zojo-ji Temple
17th-century temple; grounds feature many Jizo statues; memorial context—visit respectfully.