Must-visit itineraries for the first visit to Tokyo
1 cities |
10 attraction(s) |
total distance 34
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day1: Tokyo
4 attraction(s) ·
7 km
1
Shibuya is one of the most unique and bustling districts in Tokyo. It is one of the commercial centers targeting mainly young people, and the famous Shibuya 109 building represents the district. Shibuya 109 has become a symbol of the GAL popular fashion, gathering many department stores, fashion stores, and various types of small shops. Additionally, Shibuya has a variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, live music venues, showcasing popular culture. Walking from the center of Shibuya street to the PARCO department store, you will pass through a slope named Spain Hill (スペイン坂) where there are various clothing and merchandise stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and amusement centers, with a unique Spanish style, which is favored by young people.
The Shibuya crossing in front of the station is famous and is one of the world's busiest intersections. When the green light is on, the torrential flow of people rushes to the road from all sides, and the numerous advertisements and screens in the surrounding commercial areas add a unique charm to this busy city of Tokyo. Each street here has its own style and characteristics, gathering numerous places for eating, drinking, and entertainment. Don't forget to go see the famous statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog, when you come to Shibuya, it is located outside of JR Shibuya Station!
2
km
2
Meiji Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager Shoken. It features the largest green space in Tokyo.
The shrine complex includes the largest torii gate in Japan at the entrance, a "rising" symbolic approach, a main hall, and a treasure house. The main hall was built by the renowned shrine architect Shimotani Shingoro using only pebbles to ward off evil. The plants in the Meiji Shrine garden showcase different seasonal landscapes, but it lacks the iconic cherry blossoms due to initial restrictions on planting ornamental flowering trees. Instead, the lotus flower, beloved by Empress Dowager Shoken, has become the most important plant in the shrine and blooms in September. In autumn, the ginkgo tree-lined pathway at the entrance of the shrine becomes a beautiful sight with its golden leaves. During the October festival celebrating Emperor Meiji's birthday, various traditional performances are held in the shrine, with the ritual of yabusame (horseback archery) being the most special and having a 1500-year-old tradition. It's worth a visit if you have the chance.
4
km
3
Shinjuku Gyoen is a park in Tokyo that combines Japanese and French garden styles. It is the largest of its kind in Tokyo, located in the city center, spanning both Shinjuku and Shibuya wards. The park covers an area of approximately 58 hectares and is known as a lush European-style garden amidst the bustling city. The park boasts a rich variety of trees, with different scenery throughout the four seasons, including cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage in fall, verdant shades in summer, and white snow in winter. It is a popular destination for flower viewing in Tokyo. Originally granted to Naito Kiyonari by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period, the land was later given to loyal retainers for strategic purposes. It wasn't until the Meiji era that the Japanese government started using this vast land as an agricultural experimental field and established Japanese gardens. The entire park was destroyed during air raids in 1945 but was rebuilt in 1947. It is now recognized as one of Japan's three major national parks, alongside the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace and Kyoto Gyoen.
2
km
4
On a street in Tokyo, there are countless stories. This street is called Kabukicho, one of the few large red-light districts in the world. In addition to this, it also houses multiple cinemas, bars, nightclubs, love hotels and other establishments. Because the lights are bright and lively at night, it is known as the "street that never sleeps" (眠らない街). For tourists visiting Tokyo for the first time, Kabukicho is definitely a must-visit place.
Day2: Tokyo
5 attraction(s) ·
27 km
1
One of the famous attractions in Tokyo, a large park with facilities such as a zoo, art gallery, and museum. There are also natural landscapes such as Shinobazu Pond and Take-no-Tsuji Fountain. The bronze statue of Takashi Nishioka is a symbol of Ueno Park. In spring, the park is famous for cherry blossom viewing in Tokyo.
4
km
2
Tokyo's oldest ancient temple located within the city, founded in 628. According to legend, it was originally built on-site when a fisherman caught a gold statue of the Goddess of Mercy, becoming Asakusa Temple. In the early Edo period, it was rebuilt on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu and expanded to its current size.
The entrance to Asakusa Temple is marked by the massive lantern-covered gate called Kaminarimon, which is a symbol of Asakusa and Japan as a whole. On either side of Kaminarimon stand imposing statues of fierce guardian deities, known as the Thunder God and the Wind God, giving rise to its academic name, "Furaijinmon."
Passing through the long shopping street, you can reach the main hall of Asakusa Temple, which became prosperous over time as Tokugawa Ieyasu designated it as a place for prayers for the shogunate, making it a cultural center of the Asakusa area. In the southwest corner of the temple, there is a 53-meter-tall five-story pagoda, which is a nationally protected cultural property. In the northeast corner, there is Asakusa Shrine, built during the Heian period, with its simple and elegant architectural style and exquisite carvings.
One of the liveliest events in Asakusa is the Sanja Matsuri, one of the three major festivals of the Edo period, held annually in May. The Sanja Matsuri, with its origins in the Edo period, fully displays the traditional customs and sentiments of the era. The highlight of the festival is the "carrying of the portable shrine," with groups of dozens of people carrying the portable shrines in traditional style from various directions to Asakusa Temple.
16
km
3
Odaiba is located on man-made land in Tokyo Bay and is the newest entertainment hub in Tokyo, particularly popular among young people. The main tourist attraction in Odaiba is Odaiba Seaside Park, which features the only beach in Tokyo. There are waterfront promenades for strolling and enjoying the sea views, and you can also get a glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge. The beautiful scenery has attracted many TV dramas to be filmed here. Facilities such as Tokyo Big Sight, Fuji TV Building, Toyota Mega Web, Museum of Maritime Science, and National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation are located in Odaiba. The giant Ferris wheel and a wide range of shopping and dining facilities make Odaiba very popular.
From Odaiba, you can enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and other attractions. The dazzling night view is particularly beautiful, making it a must-visit for travelers who love photographing cityscapes.
Odaiba also has several large shopping areas, such as Venus Fort, Aqua City, Decks Tokyo Beach, and Odaiba 1-Chome Shopping Street.
3
km
4
The Rainbow Bridge spans the northern part of Tokyo Bay, connecting the Shibaura and Odaiba districts. Its official name is Tokyo Port Connector Bridge, and it was completed in 1993. It is a symbol of the Odaiba area. The bridge cables are adorned with red, white, and green solar-powered light bulbs, which illuminate the Rainbow Bridge at night. The colors of the lights can change according to festivals and special events. The Rainbow Bridge has also been featured in many Japanese dramas and films, such as "Love Century," and its most famous appearances are in the "Godzilla" series and "Bayside Shakedown."
6
km
5
Tokyo Tower, officially known as Japan Radio Tower, also known as Tokyo Eiffel Tower, is located in Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It is a red and white tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but stands at 332.6 meters, 8.6 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Completed in October 1958, it was the tallest building in Tokyo until the completion of Tokyo Skytree (634 meters) in February 2012. It has always been one of the iconic landmarks of Tokyo. The tower has an observation deck offering panoramic views of Tokyo, with the possibility to see Mount Fuji on clear days. The tower's lighting changes color according to the season and is specially decorated with festive lights during Christmas and other holidays.
Day3: Tokyo
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two amusement parks. Tokyo DisneySea is the only Disney park in the world with a maritime theme. In addition to various entertainment facilities, the park also offers spectacular performances and parades.
Opened in 1982, Tokyo Disneyland, located in Chiba Prefecture, is considered the top amusement park in Asia. It covers an area of 46 hectares and is divided into seven themed areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Each area has multiple plazas and stages where various parades take place.
Tokyo Disneyland retains the authentic Disney experience from the United States. Everything here is full of surprises, and with the addition of new rides and themed plans, it keeps visitors coming back for more. Some recommended experiences include the "Mickey's House" musical, the adventure in Cinderella's Castle, and the journey through Fantasyland. Different styles and cultures blend together in this dreamlike world, just as Tokyo Disneyland's slogan says, "The kingdom of dreams and magic."
