Tokyo Itinerary
Four Day Itinerary for First Timers in Toyko
Tokyo - Modern Tokyo/West Side
Harajuku area
Visit Meiji-jingu Shrine (free) - The relatively recent shrine was built in 1920 to commemorate Japan's first modern emperor and empress - https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
Yoyogi park - has cherry blossom but we might be a bit too early. Can walk through Takeshita street from the shrine.
Takeshita street - wacky, youth-driven shops selling colorful and crazy clothes and accessories - go later in the day as when we went it was early and still opening up
Shibuya area
Shibuya Scramble Crossing - depending on the day and time the business can vary - just something to consider.
Go up Mag's Park Rooftop Shibuya Crossing for a birds eye view of the cross or shopping malls within the area - paid for a drink for entry to see the crossing from above.
Hachikō Memorial Statue - lots of people queuing for a photo with a dog statue
Roppongi area
Visit Roppongi Hills complex to get a view over the city and stroll towards Tokyo tower - we were tired by then and just headed back to the hotel after seeing the tower.
Tokyo - Traditional Tokyo/East Side
Chuo City - Fish market where you can get up super early and see the auctions.
We didn’t do this as we didn't fancy an early start. Felt it had generally mixed reviews and was a bit on the expensive side.
Ueno area - Visit the park and the museums
Asakusa area - Visit Senso-ji Temple and nearby Asakusa-jinja Shrine
Sumida area - Take Sumida river walk and head to sky tree observatory
Observatory booked for sunset which was cool but the view was not clear so we couldn't see Mount Fuji too well. It was also super busy. You could book the restaurant which would have been better as it is positioned to look at Mount Fuji
Tokyo Station
Walk east from Tokyo Station to the Imperial Palace East Garden. Visit the East Garden and exit via the Kitahanebashi-mon. Walk north through Kitanomaru-koen Park and then visit Yasukuni-jinja Shrine. Do not miss the controversial and interesting Yushukan Museum at the shrine.
TeamLab planets - must do and must book ahead of time!
Shinjuku area - explore the area
Observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices - free
Grab a drink in the Golden Gai area