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Click for your ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide! This was my second time in Tokyo. The first time I went, it was winter and it was freezing! This time around, I went in May with my family, we stayed for a week and the weather was perfect. Although there's tons of things to do, it's endless, below are some of the things we did, maybe it will inspire you to do the same things on your next trip!
Shibuya Crossing
First things first, we went to the famous Shibuya Crossing. Probably the most instagrammed place in Tokyo, if you have never gone, you have to at least check it out. It's definitely one of the most busiest streets I have ever seen (other than Vietnam), this place is a sensory overload with all the stores, neon lights, and advertisements. One of the things we did was grabbed a coffee at L'Occitane Cafe and just people watched.
Harajuku (Takeshita Street)
This place has always been a favorite of mine. It's where cosplay, Japanese school girls, punk kids, fun fashion, and desserts collide. Sundays is when it's the busiest, you will see the most cosplay people out, if you are into seeing that kind of thing. We went on Monday though to avoid the crowds. I got a rainbow cotton candy at Totti Candy Factory, they were huge! I challenge anyone to finish one.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
We got lucky with the timing for this flower festival, we went towards the end of the festival so the pink moss was almost all gone, but it was better to avoid the crowds. If you ever come to Tokyo in the Spring, try to make it when the pink moss is in full bloom! Otherwise, it was a still a beautiful place with the view of Mt Fuji. It takes about 2 hours by train from Tokyo Station.
Hakone
Another place that is 2 hours away from Tokyo by train. This is a full day trip. We went on a ship on Lake Ashi, checked out the Hakone Shrine, and went on the sky lift to a sulfur hot springs! Definitely worth checking out.
Get lost in the streets of Tokyo
The best part of traveling is just exploring the local streets and of course, shopping. If you want to buy all things electronics, I highly recommend going to BIC Camera stores. I also love browsing Daiso, which is the Japanese dollar store, full of fun, cute, "kawaii" designs. Most places are tax-free if you buy enough items as well (show your passport)!
Tokyo DisneySea
Of course I had to go to a Disneyland park! One of my goals is to go to every Disney park in the World (yes, I am definitely still a kid at heart). This one was definitely one of my favorite parks I have ever been to. The park is located right by the water and everything is ocean themed. There was an area called the American Waterfront that really made you feel like you were back in time, in the early 20th century on the New York Harbor.
Yokohama Cosmo World
After Tokyo, Yokohama is one of the largest cities in Japan. We went to Cosmo World, which is a small theme park located right in the city and by the water. The ferris wheel will give you a great view of Tokyo! There is no admission fee, you just pay for the rides.
Red Brick Warehouse
In Yokohama, near Cosmo World there is the Red Brick Warehouse. It is a historical building that is now an artsy shopping center, has tons of restaurants, and sometimes when the weather is nice there are festivals outside. The building is made of all red brick, hardwood floors, and open ceilings which is pretty rare in Japan.
Sensoji Temple
If you go to Japan, you have to go to a temple! We went to the Sensoji Temple which is a buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It's Tokyo's oldest temple and has massive lanterns which are located at the start of the temple and another at the end. In between there are tons of local vendors selling touristy things and dessert.
Ebisu Alley
Also known as the drunken alley. This was probably one of my favorite places to eat. You really have to look closely or you might miss it. These little narrow alleys were full of lively restaurants and stand up bars. Here you will find the "salary man" grabbing a drink after work. This isn't your regular restaurant and bars where you make reservations and have a guaranteed seat. If you find an open chair, you sit in it. Here you will find yakitori, smoking in bars, and a grungier vibe of Tokyo.
I hope you enjoyed my itinerary for my week spent in Tokyo. I went with my parents so it was family friendly and anyone of any age can enjoy it. Most of the places are touristy but you have to check it out at least once in your life and others are off the beaten path. I will never get sick of Japan and would even consider living there for a few years! Love the vibes!
Love,
Laura C.
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