Planning a trip to the bright and bustling capital of Japan can be a little overwhelming. Tokyo is unlike any other city I have been to, a blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modern life. Deciding where to stay, what to eat and what activities to do when you are limited on time, can be headache inducing! Of course, your choices are dictated by your tastes, but this post will give you a great starting point in your planning journey.
We traveled to Japan in April with our Spring itinerary beginning in Tokyo. From there we headed to Kyoto for 4 days and I followed this with 3 amazing days in the Japanese Alps, in the gorgeous town of Takayama, for the annual Takayama Spring Festival.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
One of my friends I was traveling with, has been to Tokyo several times. So, we trusted her accommodation recommendations as Tokyo is so huge, I wouldn’t even know where to start! We stayed in the central Tokyo district of Akasaka, which was perfect. This district is close enough to all the key attractions but with a more relaxed feel compared to the craziness of Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Getting to Akasaka from the airport on the Narita Express train, was relatively easy once you understand how the train network operates. I have explained this in more detail in my post tips for stress-free travel to Japan.
Our hotel, OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka, is located on the main shopping street in Akasaka, with great restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance. The Akasaka train station is also very close, easily walkable with our suitcases.
After check-in, collect whatever extra toiletries you would like from the variety on offer in the foyer, then head on up to your room. We found our rooms to be quite spacious, mine even had a little lounge area. Pyjamas are supplied as well as complimentary bath salts for a relaxing soak after a big day sightseeing.
Once settled into our hotel, our first mission was to orientate ourselves in our new neighbourhood, so a walk around the surrounding streets was at the top of our agenda. Our first sighting of Spring Cherry Blossoms was just a block away from our hotel, we were excited to see them – little did we know what was in store for us!
This was quickly followed by finding something to eat for our first dinner in Japan.
Where to Eat in Tokyo
We ate in some amazing places, but on that first night, when we were tired from our flight, we just wanted something quick and easy. Our first meal met that criteria but also ticked off one of my must-do experiences in Japan, and that is eating egg sandwiches and any variety of food on offer from the Japanese 711 stores.
711 & Family Mart Stores
I was skeptical at first, but the Japanese 711 Stores are a bit different to the ones we have here in Australia. They are iconic and offer not only the usual snacks, but also amazing fresh, high quality prepared foods, really cheap! Trust me when I say, you have to try the egg sandwiches (I felt the Family Mart ones were slightly yummier than the 711 ones – but it was a tough choice!) The strawberry sandwiches are another iconic 711 staple that everyone needs to try. ‘Ewwww!’, I hear you say… but they were delicious, more like a cake than a sandwich.
Japanese staples like onigiri (rice balls), yakitori and bento boxes etc are all there, as well as delicious noodle bowls that the store will heat up for you (especially helpful if your room doesn’t have a microwave). The hardest thing will be deciding what to choose! If you are on a budget, 711 stores are a great option.
My Favourite Dining Experience in Akasaka – Japanese BBQ/Yakiniku
One night, my travel companions decided to have an early night, but I really wanted to experience a Japanese BBQ meal (yakiniku). So, on the recommendation of hotel staff, I made my way solo, to a little hidden restaurant around the corner from our hotel. The website for Akasaka Ozeki yakiniku restaurant doesn’t seem to be working, so I will include a map of where it is in relation to the Omo3 hotel.
An Immersive Dining Experience
I LOVED this dining experience! I just happened to be there right on opening time – actually I think they may have opened a little early just for me! Being the only customer was lucky, because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing!
One of the staff spoke a little English so explained the menu as best as he could. Basically, you choose the type of beef you would like and any side dishes. Being a BBQ restaurant, your choice of meat is beef or beef! There may have been other protein options on the menu, but I only had eyes for the beef.
The staff were wonderful and chatted to me while showing me how to use the BBQ. I struggle to use chopsticks so was very concerned that I was going to wear my dinner rather than eat it. But ‘when in Rome!’ as they say …. and I soon got the hang of it. I felt like I was tasting the true Japan, it was amazing! I loved barbequing my own food, it was such an immersive dining experience.
Just as I was finishing my meal, the locals started coming in. Soon the place was full of people in suits, obviously having just finished work, and the place was buzzing. I highly recommend experiencing a Japanese BBQ while in Japan, especially if you like beef!
Harajuku Gyozaro
Gyoza is another iconic Japanese dish that you need to try while in Japan. The trick to finding good gyoza is finding out where the locals go. Harajuka Gyozaro is a small busy restaurant, in the Shibuya district, that serves gyoza either fried or steamed. We loved the cucumber with miso sauce as a little side dish. What they do, they do well. Service is fast, the menu is inexpensive, payment is in cash only, and most importantly the gyoza is delicious!
Watch the chefs doing their thing in the kitchen which is in the centre of the restaurant. The atmosphere is lively and noisy, we loved it! Time your visit, when we arrived, the line outside was relatively short, but soon extended down the street.
My Favourite Coffee Shop – Komeda’s Coffee
Komeda Coffee is a cafe chain in Japan and there is one a few doors down from the hotel we stayed in. It very quickly became my first stop in the morning, the perfect start to my sightseeing day. Why did I love Komeda Coffee so much?
- They open early
- The coffee is good!
- You get a free light meal with your coffee order! Not kidding – I chose a boiled egg and thick toast to go with my coffee – and it was free!
- A comfortable and clean dining area
- Quiet booths available for work or a little solitude
- Friendly staff
- Contactless payment system – which took a little getting used to but staff happy to explain and show you how to pay.
If you find a Komeda coffee on your explorations of Japan, pop in for a visit, you won’t be sorry!
Amazing Shabu-Shabu at Mo-Mo Paradise
Mo-Mo Paradise is an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant, with several locations in Tokyo. We dined at the one close to the Shibuya Crossing. Again, it was not just the food it was the whole dining experience that made this meal a memorable one.
Shabu-Shabu gets its name because it’s an onomatopoeia for the sound the pieces of meat make, as you swish them back and forth in the hot broth.
How to Shabu Shabu
- Step 1 is to order whatever protein you would like for your meal.
- Step 2 head to the buffet style servery and choose your other fresh ingredients, including vegetables, noodles etc.
- Step 3 gently place ingredients in the hot broth simmering away in the centre of your table.
- Step 4 try and keep track of what is yours and extract it when cooked to your liking.
- Step 5 -Enjoy!!
It is all you can eat for just 1500 yen! Make sure you leave enough room at the end though, for a little dessert. Some Macha ice-cream goes down a treat!
Now that I have filled you in on all of my favourite dining experiences in Tokyo, it is time to share my favourite experiences and tourist attractions with you, to help in your itinerary planning.
Must-Do’s in Tokyo for First Timers
With planning, you can squeeze these activities into a 3-day schedule, without feeling too exhausted at the end of the day. Try and pair destinations that are close together to reduce travel time. First on the agenda is something you can only do in Tokyo, and it is a definite must-do.
1. TeamLab – Planets
There are 2 TeamLab experiences to choose from. We chose the original – TeamLab – Planets. The newest addition to the TeamLab museums is Borderless, but I will focus on Planets here.
What is TeamLab Planets?
TeamLab Planets is a digital art exhibit created by Japanese digital art group TeamLab. This futuristic art gallery houses multi-sensory, full-body immersive art displays that combine, touch, sight, sound and creativity to provide an interactive experience unlike any other.
Tickets must be booked ahead of time with timed entries, so don’t be late! Here is a link for tickets.
Once you are inside, you can make use of a free locker to store bags and shoes etc. There are several different ‘worlds’ to explore – one of which involves water, hence the shoes off! There is no marked pathway, the idea is that you wander through the exhibits at your own pace, in any direction that takes your fancy.
Wander through maze-like dark rooms, dazzling light displays and futuristic gardens while engaging all of your senses.
You will feel a little like Alice lost in Wonderland, but in the best possible way. Words don’t do this place justice; you really need to experience it for yourself.
2. See the Cherry Blossoms at Chidori-ga-Fuchi
Japan in April is right in the middle of Cherry Blossom season. I told you earlier that we didn’t know what Cherry Blossoms were in store for us…. well, we were about to find out! One of the prettiest cherry blossom viewing areas in Tokyo is Chidori-ga-Fuchi – a 700-meter-long lush green walkway along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Between late March and early April, it is awash with pastel pink views of Cherry Blossoms. In the evening, the trees are illuminated for romantic after-dark strolls and rowboat rides.
Rowboat hire is available during cherry blossom season, but it is very popular, and the queues are long. We opted to just walk along the walkway, which was lovely.
You can choose to wander along the banks of the river yourself like we did or you can opt for a private guided walk along the Imperial Palace Moat.
3. Imperial Palace and Gardens
Adjacent to the Imperial Moat is obviously the Imperial Palace and Gardens. At the time of our visit, the Palace was closed to tourists unfortunately, so we didn’t get to see inside it. Here are some tour options for the Imperial Palace that might interest you.
We were able to wander through the East Garden of the Palace, which was lovely, but nowhere near as beautiful as the Shinjuku Garden – which was my absolute favourite!
4. Shinjuku Gyoen (Garden)
This garden, located a short walk from Shinjuku Station, is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular gardens. During Spring, it is also one of the best places to see a large variety of Cherry Blossoms in bloom.
Shinjuku Gyoen originated during the Edo Period (1603-1868) as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence. Later it was converted into a botanical garden before being transferred to the Imperial Family in 1903, who used it for recreation and the entertainment of guests. The park was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was eventually rebuilt and reopened in 1949 as a public park.
Wander through traditional Japanese gardens with manicured trees, large ponds with bridges and several pavilions dotted around the grounds. English and French gardens can also be explored as well as a greenhouse full of tropical plants.
Shinjuku Garden is a peaceful, green haven in the middle of the hustle and bustle of busy central Tokyo.
5. Meiji Jingu
Located near the Harajuku station, Meiji Jingu is a shrine dedicated to the deity of Emperor Meiji. Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate. Surrounded by thousands of trees, Meiji Jingu is a peaceful, serene setting amidst the city…. except for all the tourists!
As you approach the main shrine, you will see decorative sake barrels or komodaru, that were donated by breweries all over Japan to honour Emperor Meiji. Each barrel is wrapped in straw and labeled with the brewery name. Why sake? It is considered sacred in Shinto and used in rituals to connect humans and spirits. Complimenting the sake barrels are wine barrels from Burgundy in France, which are meant to reflect Emperor Meiji’s openness to Western culture. Looks to me like one big alcohol appreciation society! 😁
Take some time to walk the forested paths that reflects the Shinto belief in harmony with nature.
Visitors can put pencil to paper and write a little prayer at the shrine – a small donation is good etiquette. When paying your respects at the main shrine, the following etiquette should be followed.
- 1. Bow twice
- 2. Clap twice
- 3. Make your silent prayer or wish
- 4. Bow once more
6. Inari Sando Shrine & Senso-Ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple
This Temple is a big-ticket tourist item, but we didn’t actually get to it. I will include it here though as it is probably something that you would want to add to your itinerary. Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the historic Asakusa district. Visitors enter through the dramatic Thunder Gate, with its giant red lantern, then walk along the lively Nakamise Street for a little shopping. At the main hall, you can light incense for good health, make an offering, and pray. Here is a link for some tours of Senso-ji Temple.
Inari Sando Shrine, Akasaka
My favourite shrine though, was one very close to our hotel, the Inari Sando Shrine. It reminded me of the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto – just smaller and without all the crowds! Enter the shrine by ascending stairs beneath a row of 90 bright red torii Gates. The Shrine is dedicated to Inari – the deity of prosperity, success and good fortune. Visitors come here to pray for business success – maybe that is why it is tucked away right in the middle of the surrounding business district.
The Inari Sando Shrine complex is small and simple, made up of the torii gates, the main hall, fox statues (messengers of Inari) and a few small subsidiary shrines. Being close to our hotel, I enjoyed wandering around this shrine at my own pace and taking the time to notice the small details, without crowds of people around.
7. Shibuya Crossing
If it is your first time in Tokyo, then you have to experience the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Located outside Shibuya station, it’s where hundreds of people cross from all directions at once. At the time of our visit, the crossing was busy, but not crazy busy.
The famous crossing perfectly reflects Japan’s sense of order amidst the city’s high energy and organised chaos. Surrounded by shops, and pop culture landmarks it is an ideal starting point for exploring modern Tokyo. To fully appreciate the volume of people crossing at Shibuya, watch from a viewing spot above in one of the nearby cafes.
8. Something Completely Different & Completely Tokyo- Hedgehog Cafe or Mario Cart Tour
Animal Cafes
Nothing says Tokyo to me more than the words ‘Animal Cafe’.
There are many to choose from – Hedgehogs, owls, otters, even capybaras! These animal cafes are especially popular in Tokyo for a number of reasons: Small living spaces make it difficult for residents to keep pets, and the cafes allow them to spend time with animals, Tokyo has a strong cafe culture, and they just love a themed cafe – from maids to robots! Lastly, Tokyo is packed with tourists and a selfie with a hedgehog is good for the ‘gram!
I did not know what to expect but felt it was something that I wanted to experience – when in Rome, as they say! Tourists are encouraged to do a bit of research to find animal cafes that adhere to Tokyo’s strict animal hygiene and licensing rules. Avoid places where the animals look stressed or the place looks unclean.
We opted for the minimum session time in a hedgehog cafe near Meiji Jingu. Upon entering, you are seated in front of an animal enclosure, hands are cleaned and gloves are issued. You are free to look, pick up and interact with the animal until your time is up. There are light refreshments available for purchase if you wish. In the cafe we were in, not only were there hedgehogs, but also an owl and a meerkat.
We didn’t end up staying for the entire allocated time, as we felt it was something that we wanted to tick off our list, and we did that, so it was off to our next destination! Besides, they were prickly little cuties!
Mario Cart Tour
Some of the girls in our group booked this uniquely Tokyo thing to do and they loved it! They got to see the major sites of the CBD dressed in silly costumes while driving around in bright and colourful go-karts!
Drivers must have an international driving permit or a Japanese license and be over 18 years of age. You will be driving on public roads so all road rules must be adhered to. Your guide points out places of interest and takes lots of fun photos of you along the way. Be prepared for lots of laughs and stares from the pedestrians!
9. Hakone Day Trip
Hakone makes a great day trip from Tokyo, and includes a scenic train ride, a ropeway over the famous Owakudani volcanic valley, views of Mt Fuji (if it’s a clear day), an open-air art gallery, and a cruise on a pirate ship!
An economical way to visit Hakone is with the Hakone Freepass, which gives you unlimited access to the scenic trains, cable cars, ropeways, and even the pirate ship cruise for just $61AU. The Hakone Freepass also includes a discount for the train ride from Shinjuku, or for a small upgrade, it will include your ticket on the limited express Romance Car.
How to Get to Hakone
Book a train from Shinjuku station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, we booked on the Romance car. The scenic trip will take about 2 hours, so head off early! Once at the Hakone-Yumoto Station, catch the cute red Hakone Tozan Scenic Train, which runs a round course, to your first destination for the day.
Hakone Open Air Museum
Our first stop was the Hakone Open Air Museum. This unique outdoor art museum was opened in 1969, and features large-scale works by Japanese and international artists displayed across landscaped gardens.
Highlights for me were the Picasso Pavilion, the big stained-glass tower, and the moving sculptures. There is also a footbath fed by natural hot springs that you can pay to enjoy, but we opted not to.
Hakone Ropeway
After wandering around the open-air museum for a few hours, we hoped back on the Hakone Tozan train to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which takes you to the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway was an exciting ride over the steaming Owakudani volcanic valley. Lots of ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’ could be heard as our ropeway carriage crested a hill and the active sulphuric vents came into view. This valley is where they make the infamous black eggs. Not naturally black, the kuro-tamago turn black after being boiled in the sulphur rich hot spring pits.
As expected, the atmosphere was a bit smelly, but not too bad – it may be the only place you can do a fart in an enclosed space and get away with it!
Cruise Lake Ashi
The Hakone ropeway ends at Lake Ashi, which is where you can board your pirate ship for a cruise on the lake. This was a bit of fun and made for some good photos. The weather started closing in as our cruise got underway, so we opted not to do the short 10-minute walk from Motohakone-ko to view Hakone-jinja Shrine and the Torii Gate of Peace.
Hakone-jinja Shrine and Torii Gate of Peace
If you have time, try and squeeze this into your day. The shrine sits peacefully on the shores of Lake Ashi and is most famous for its striking red Torii Gate of Peace, that appears to rise from the waters of the lake itself.
Your epic day trip to Hakone ends by catching the Hakone Tozan bus back to the Hakone-Yumoto station.
Hakone Experiential Stay
For those after a very special Hakone experience, Wabunka offer what they call experiential stays, where you get not only exceptional accommodation, but it is combined with cultural experiences for an unforgettable stay. In Hakone, they have just released this experiential stay offering spectacular views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko with private onsen baths at the gorgeous Kaiseki Ryokan Ashikari.
10. Immersive Yourself in a Traditional Japanese Craft Workshop
If you are looking for less touristy and more authentically Japanese activities to do while you are in Tokyo, you may be interested in these wonderfully exclusive experiences by the Japanese Wabunka company.
Make your own Chopsticks
You might like to choose a woodworking workshop where you make your own chopsticks! Forget buying the mass-produced tourist ones, in this workshop a third-generation proprietor and craftsman, Yutaka Mogami, will personally instruct you in chopstick making. Choose from a variety of precious woods to shave down and finish with oil into a one-of-a-kind souvenir. When your chopsticks are finished, take them home in a chopstick box of real Aizu paulownia wood.
Create your own Piece of Kintsugi Tableware
You may prefer to learn the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi and take home your finished piece of tableware the same day. Kintsugi, is a traditional Japanese repair technique. The word “kintsugi” means “gold” and “to connect” or “to inherit” in kanji characters. Broken or chipped pottery are joined with lacquer, and the cracks are adorned with silver (gold can be used for an additional fee). This technique turns the broken parts into a design element, giving new life to the vessels.
Learn the Craft of Bonsai
My choice would have to be learning about the Japanese art of bonsai. In this exclusive experience you get to view the bonsai exhibited at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum accompanied by expert commentary, before getting hands-on with the craft of bonsai itself. Learn and put into practice the essential techniques of wiring and pruning. Finish the experience with the refined tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional tearoom. What an unforgettable experience!
Become a Silversmith and Create your own Bangle
Finally, you may like to try your hand at silversmithing and become an apprentice for the day with a 12th-generation silversmith. Work with traditional tools to create your own bangle out of 99.9% pure silver while learning about the rich history of silversmithing in Kuramae. A truly one-of-a-kind experience, to make your time in Tokyo unforgettable!
11. Shop up a Storm!
Don’t forget if you have any time spare, there is always shopping that can help fill the void! Head to the very popular Shinjuku district for the best overall shopping experience. If you have a little bit of cash to splash and are in the market for more luxury items, head to the Ginza district.
Shibuya district is the king of all things pop culture, and the Akihabara district is where to head if you’re interested in Anime or electronics. Finally, if you just want to buy souvenirs then head to Nakamise Street in Asakusa, that I mentioned earlier.
If you are like I was, and not really sure whether to include Tokyo in your Japanese itinerary, then I would say ‘Do it!’ – especially if this is your first trip to Japan. Tokyo really is a city that has to be seen and experienced at least once in your life.
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
