Tokyo is the best mixture of futuristic and traditional, flashing lights and ancient temples, super busy yet no one is in a rush. It is the most populated city in the world but is also classified as one of the safest. It is a place of structure and the utmost respectful people and behaviours. It is a place like which you have never seen or experienced before. It is a place, in our view, that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
You could easily spend weeks here and not experience everything but we think 4 full days in Tokyo is the sweet spot to explore the main attractions and immerse yourself in the culture. It was an added bonus that Dylan had already been to Tokyo so he was my tour guide. Here is how we structured our 4 days in Tokyo.
Our 4 days
Special Mentions
- Stamps
- Don Quitios
- Arcades Galore
- Capsule Toy Fun
- Convenience Stores
Day 1
- Shibuya
- Crossing
- Starbuscks
- Hachiko Statue
- Flippers
- Shibuya Sky
Day 2
- Harajuku
- Shop like the Japanese Youth
- Meiji Jingu
- Shinjuku
- Omoide Yokocho
- Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
- Shinjuku Golden Gai
Day 3
- Akihabara
- Shop Anime
- Card Game Shops
- Vintage Tech and Gear
- Warhammer Flagship Store and Cafe
- Ueno
- Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno
- Ameyoko Shopping District
Day 4
- Asakusa
- Senso-ji
- Tokyo Skytree
- Akasaka
- Harry Potter Cafe
- Ninja Tokyo Experience
Special mentions
Before going into our 4 days in Tokyo we would like to give you a run down of some of the unique experiences you can have all over Tokyo and all of Japan. We feel they are a must throughout your days in Japan and are not only one time experiences.
Stamps
Welcome to the world of stamps. These were our favourite souvenirs we got from Japan. They are free and they are everywhere! At all the temples and attractions, all the train and bus stations and even some shops. We took our journals wherever we went and stamped them nearly every day. It made our journals look much more interesting and fun. You do have to really search for them at most locations as they aren’t obviously placed but don’t give up, they will be there somewhere.
Don Quitios
There is no better “one stop shop” in our opinion than a Don Quitios. In any of these multistoried complexes you can find anything from food, clothes, toys, souvenirs, washing machines, sex toys, and so much more. All piled into corners and sections that never make the most sense, these shops are as much crazy as fun. And if you’re traveling and in need of any random specific thing, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here and for a good price. Another thing to note is that if you shop over a certain amount in these stores you can use their tax free counters to claim your tax back.
Arcades Galore
Bring out that inner child energy and jump into one of the many arcade buildings dispersed throughout the city. This is an adult’s playground! Japan is famous for their love of arcades, games, and costumes. Most arcades are 5 floors high with different arcade categories on each level. Some are for virtual card games, others are more interactive physical machines like dancing.
Head inside and take a peep at the locals. This is one of the nation’s most beloved pastimes and it’s here that young and old can spend hours on their favourite game, trying to better their high score. We particularly liked to watch the reaction games; they are exceptionally good at it.
Capsule Toy Fun
In our opinion, this is one of the best places to buy your souvenirs. They have a wide variety of toys and everyday items that can actually be useful or just a bit of fun. Wander the aisles and find the most quirky, weird and wacky toy in the store.
Half the excitement is picking the toy you want but knowing it’s just luck of the draw as to if you actually acquire it. There are plenty of options that appeal to people of every age.
Convenience Stores
No matter your budget, convennies (convenience stores) should become a favourite day to day stop in. From traveling to actually living in Japan these corner stores are easily one of the big reasons Japan is such a great place to travel. Inside you can buy high quality food and drinks, tech, use the ATM, post mail (not at all), enjoy free wifi, and even sit in the dining area (not at all).
For starters, and the main reason to stop in, the food in these shops are not the cheap quality stuff you’d expect, but often are made and are replenished daily.
Each of the big names are famous for different dishes. For example; Familymart – fried chicken, Lawsons – hot meals like ramen, and 7/11 – the sushi and drinks.
These are also the go to shops for cheap alcohol as well. The saki poppers are particularly cheap.
The wifi has been a savior for us in the past in working out where we were.
During special events like World Cups and the Olympics, these shops also stock cheaper merchandise than in the retail stores.
day 1
Shibuya
How to get there: Take the major city loop, JR Yamanote Line and get off at Shibuya Station
Shibuya Crossing
Address: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, 21 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
We feel that the best way to introduce anyone to Tokyo is to first visit Tokyo’s time square that sits on the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. It is located right outside of Shibuya station at the Hachiko exit. It is a six way crossing that looks up at many lit up high rise buildings.
If you don’t mind crowds, the best time to witness the spectacle is at peak hour, when it is getting dark, so you can experience the city lights above you as you walk with hundreds of others.
Starbucks
Address: Japan, 150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 21−6, Q Front, 1F
Open hours: 6:30am-10pm everyday
There is a Starbucks overlooking Shibuya square and is the best place to get a higher view of the crossing. If you love people watching this is the place for you. It is a fairly well known spot so we suggest getting there at least 30 mins early for peak hour either morning or evening to line up, pick up your order and snag a window seat.
Hachiko Statue
Address: 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
You may notice the beloved Hachiko Dog Statue at Shibuya Station just in front of the crossing. This is a very loving story of Hachiko the dog spending his days at the station waiting for his owner to return from work each day. This story turns sad when one day his owner never comes back as he had a stroke at work. Hachiko never left the station in hopes of his return. He lived there for years until he passed.
Flippers
Address: Japan, 150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan, 1 Chome−15−5, Jinnan Plaza Bldg., 1F
Open hours: 11am-7pm everyday
Flippers could arguably be our favourite Japanese chain restaurant for their delectable Japanese pancakes. We are calling it, they are the best pancakes we have ever had! We chose the plain traditional option as it doesn’t need any extra flavour. It tastes so good on its own.
Shibuya Sky
Address: Japan, 150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−12, Shibuya Scramble Square, 14階・45階・46階・屋上
Opening hours: 10am-10:30pm everday
This is the highest viewing platform in Shibuya. You get a full 360° view of the city. It is completely outdoors, there are even hammocks to relax on and watch the clouds. Your way up to the viewing deck is even an experience as you enter from an escalator that also overlooks the city. It is 2000 JPY for an adult ticket.
day 2
Harajuku
How to get there: Take the major city loop, JR Yamanote Line and get off at Harajuku Station for both the shopping area and Meiji Jingu
Shop like the Japanese Youth
First thing to note is that you’re about to step into a Tokyo drift/music video-like area full of the coolest looking locals on the planet. So wear your best when strolling through the very trendy vintage and second hand stores of Harajuku. Don’t forget to take the side streets and alleyways to get a more authentic experience.
This whole area is a hotspot for young artsy and contemporary locals to hang out, shop, smoke and drink. There are also jewelry shops, tattoo parlors, restaurants and bars mixed into the area.
Meiji Jingu
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Open hours: 5:20am-5:20pm everyday
From Harajuku Station let the signs and path guide you through the stunning gardens on the way to Meiji Jingu Shrine. As the Shrine is in the middle of a forest it feels like a nice tranquil break, away from the city’s busy atmosphere. This Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken after his death in 1912.
There are a couple of Shinto rituals held at the main sanctuary each day and ceremonies throughout the year that visitors can witness. Visitors can also partake in praying at the main hall, purchasing fortunes, writing wishes and making offerings.
The park has many signs and little paths that veer off to smaller gardens and shrines. If you have the time it is well worth spending an extra hour or so exploring.
Don’t forget to look for the stamp!
Ebony & Ivory Tip: make sure to purify your hands and cleanse your mouth at the purification well upon entrance.
Shinjuku
How to get there: Take the major city loop, JR Yamanote Line and get off at Shinjuku Station
Omoide Yokocho
Address: 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
In a city of lights and chaos step into the little corner of Omoide Yokocho where you are transported to a new world of narrow alleyway mazes filled with tiny restaurants that only seat up to 8 guests at a time.
Get lost in the maze as you search for the restaurant that speaks to you; not many menus are in English and restaurants fill up fast so be adventurous and not too picky.
We lucked out at a fantastic ramen restaurant which was very delicious.
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Address: 1 Chome-29-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
Come visit your one stop shop for all your entertainment needs. It only opened at the beginning of the year and is already the latest hotspot for nightly activities. As soon as you come up the escalators you’ll instantly be wowed with the bright lights from Kabuki Yokocho food and bar hall. Once you’ve enjoyed your meal head upstairs for all the games you can think of along with an after dinner cocktail.
The tower also has a theater if that is more your speed or you could head down to the basement level where the nightlife continues with the Zero Tokyo Club. If you’re tired, you can always head upstairs to the hotel to rest your head.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Address: Japan, 160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome−1−6 2F
Opening hours: after dark
Welcome to the alleyway maze of tiny Japanese bars. Supposedly where the celebrities come to drink and get away from the crowds. As you wander through the alleyways you can take your pick at one of the bars that isn’t already full. Much like Omoide Yokocho they only seat up to 10 or so people. There are over 200 to choose from but don’t come too early as most bars don’t open till after 9pm.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Most of the bars have entrance fees of about 1000 JPY. We chose a bar that didn’t have an entrance fee but all drinks ended up being at least 1000 JPY anyway so ask before you buy. Dylan ended up having the most expensive soda water he’s ever had.
Day 3
Akihabara
How to get there: Take the major city loop, JR Yamanote Line and get off at Akihabara Station
Shop Anime
You are in the home of one of the most popular styles of cartooning on the planet so it’s time to get into the vibe. Hop in and out of small and big anime shops to discover manga books, merchandise, clothing, and the Japanese standing in aisles reading before buying.
Figurine shops may also fall into this bracket, these are also a must to check out.
Card Game Shops
Card games such as pokemon and magic have become real commodities in our world, so go check out some shops that sell individual cards. The less valuable special cards are around $2 USD, and then you can find trading cards behind bullet proof glass worth $20,000 USD or more!
Vintage Tech and Gear
This area is known for reused/recycled tech, gear, and electronics giving it the nickname electric town. Find first generation gaming stations, games, phones, computers, and many more in the little lane way stores or underground shops. We found the classic gameboy colours quite enticing.
Warhammer Flagship Store & Cafe
Address: Japan, 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1−7−5 Front Place Akihabara
Opening hours: 12-8pm, 7 days a week
This is one of the newest editions to the area, a grand official Warhammer HQ shop. Here you can find and buy all of the latest products before they are available in most countries. One thing that sets this store apart is its Warhammer themed cafe in the back where you can purchase themed drinks and food to your liking.
Ueno
How to get there: Take the major city loop, JR Yamanote Line and get off at Ueno Station or Okachimachi Station or walk from Akihabara as we did.
Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno
Address: Japan, 110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 4 Chome−10−17 手塚ビル２F
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
If you are willing to line up and wait for a delicious meal be sure to check out Gyukatsu Motomura. Nothing is in English and the staff are very friendly but don’t speak much English either. Thankfully there isn’t much to the menu and the main attraction is the Gyukatsu set menu. It consists of a hot plate for you to cook the Gyukatsu on, rice, miso, and some dipping sauces. It was divine and I wish to go back.
Ameyoko Shopping District
Address: 6 Chome-10 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
We discovered this gem accidentally as we walked from Ueno to Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno. It seems like a local hotspot and untouched by tourists. Many restaurants and shops line the busy hustle and bustling street and goes for a kilometer long. Good luck though it is really hard to decide where and what to eat as there are endless amounts of good options.
Day 4
Asakusa
Senso-ji
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
How to get there: Take the Asakusa Line or the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station then walk to Kaminarimon Gate and continue up Nakamise Dori Street to get to the temple
Opening hours: main hall: 6am-5pm
Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple is at the centre of Asakusa and should definitely be at the top of your list when visiting Tokyo. It is one of the top attractions that most tourists place on their bucket list as the whole area is a magnificent site. As mentioned in the how to get there we recommend you walk up Nakamise Dori Street which has beautiful stalls and shops where you can purchase any of your souvenir needs.
You can then see the extravagant temple’s main hall and the 5 storey pagoda stretch out in front of you. It is truly a spectacular view as you wander up the street. You’ll also notice the incense in the air from the large burner that claims to have healing effects as you walk by.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: make sure to purify your hands and cleanse your mouth at the purification well upon entrance.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: Senso-ji is very popular and gets super busy by 9am so get there nice and early if you prefer having attractions to yourself.
Tokyo Skytree
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
How to get there: head back to Asakusa Station and hop on the Tobu Skytree Line one stop
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, 7 days a week
Welcome to the tallest building in Japan! How could you not come and experience the heights here? The Skytree consists of 3 sections: Tembo Galleria, Tembo Deck and the lower levels.
The lower levels are free and consist of shops and ticket counters. If you are wanting to go up the view points you can either go to just the Tembo Deck the 2nd highest level at 350m for 1800 JPY which has the restaurants and cafes along with the view or you can do both the Tembo Deck and the Tembo Galleria which is the highest viewpoint at 450m for 2700 JPY.
Akasaka
How to get there: get the Chiyoda Subway Line to Akasaka Station
Harry Potter Cafe
Address: Japan, 107-0052 Tokyo, Minato City, Akasaka, 5 Chome−3−1
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, everyday
This was our teenage (and let’s be honest adult) dream! Who doesn’t love Harry Potter? The Harry Potter Cafe experience was one to remember. You enter through two grand doors into a magical dining hall where the hostess will escort you to your tables. You have a 2 hour seating and can order on the IPad provided. Everything was themed; all the food, drinks, decor. It was amazing. Once you are finished there don’t forget to stop in at the Harry Potter shop around the corner. Below is the link to reserve a table.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: They book out very fast. There are no walk-ins. Book as soon as possible.
Ebony & Ivory Tip: don’t be shy in dressing up lots of people do it.
https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/harrypotter-tokyo/reserve
Ninja Tokyo Experience
Address: Japan, 100-0014 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Nagatachō, 2 Chome−14−3
Opening hours: 5-10pm each night and 11:30am-2:30pm on weekends
If you aren’t the biggest Harry Potter fan or just prefer Ninjas and have always dreamed of becoming a Ninja you can’t miss the Ninja Tokyo Experience. They offer 7 options of set menus that are all very carefully put together and plated. As you dine you will get to experience Ninja magic tricks too. Below is the link to reserve a table.
