Discovering Japanese culture is one of the best facts of visiting this country and put the whole world which I read in books into a new perspective. During our 2 weeks spent in Japan we manage to visit some of the most remarkable cities and to discover the beauty of Japanese culture.
Here is the brief of our 2 weeks itinerary in Japan: we arrived in Tokyo, where we stayed 4 days; then we left to Takayama (2 days) but stopped along the way at Lake Kawaguchi to see Mt Fuji (2 days). Finally we arrived in Kyoto where we stayed 4 days and left Japan from Osaka Airport (here and here you can read Kyoto, Nara and Osaka itinerary).
Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovations, making it a fascinating destination to explore. Visiting Tokyo is like stepping into a futuristic world that still holds strong to its traditional values. With impressive skyscrapers, sprawling neon-lit streets, and unique subcultures, Tokyo is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
In this travel guide, I will take you on an astonishing journey from ancient shrines to modern skyscrapers.
Tokyo top sights and the main neighbourhoods
Sensō-ji Temple
Asakusa’s Sensō-ji Temple, established in 645, stands out as Tokyo’s oldest and most popular Buddhist temple. Its grandiose Kaminari-mon, or Thunder Gate, never fails to impress as hundreds of visitors pass through its gates daily. For me, it was a fascinating transition from the modern architecture we had been exploring prior, as it marked the first Japanese temple I had ever visited.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku – fascinated me as I got there with all its colorful streets, surrounded by skyscrapers and so many restaurants and shops. As the largest neighbourhood in Tokyo, it is particularly bustling during the night with neon signs, advertising billboards and game centers scattered throughout.
During our visit, we ascended the 202-meter high observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The elevator swiftly carried us to the 40th floor, and I highly recommend visiting the observatory before sunset for the best experience.
Shibuya crossing
Shibuya crossing is sometimes called Tokyo’s Time Square and it’s known as one of the busiest crossing in the world. When the traffic signals turn green, throngs of people flood the crossing, darting in all directions until the light switches to red. You can have a good view over the crossing is from the 2nd floor of Starbucks which is right across the street.
Harajuku
Harajuku which is located at the heart of Tokyo’s pop culture scene, is widely considered as one of the liveliest areas in the city. While exploring the bustling Takeshita Street, we couldn’t resist the temptation to check out the numerous Kawaii sweets shops. Our stop at Totti Candy Factory proved to be a memorable experience, as we indulged in a massive rainbow-colored cotton candy.
Ginza
Ginza is the upscale shopping district featuring numerous boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to indulge in some luxury retail therapy.
Sky Circus
Sky Circus is a 240m high observatory for a panoramic view over the city from the 60th floor combined with cutting edge technology for a memorable experience. I love this place because it wasn’t crowded at all being a funny and pleasant way to spent the time.
Where to stay
The best areas to stay in are Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza due to their central locations and access to public transportation.
We stayed at B Tokyo Hotel in Shimbashi which is a mainly business district with many good restaurants and easily accessible to our interest points.
Discover the best hotels in Tokyo with a simple search:
The food
Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of dishes from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some must-try foods in Tokyo:
- Ramen – Tokyo’s ramen scene is world-famous, and you can find a variety of styles, from shoyu to tonkotsu.
- Sushi – Fresh sushi is a must-try in Tokyo, and you can find it everywhere from upscale restaurants to small local joints.
- Tempura – This deep-fried seafood and vegetables dish is a Japanese classic, and Tokyo has some of the best tempura restaurants in the world.
- Okonomiyaki – This savory pancake is a popular street food in Tokyo, and you can find it in many food markets and izakayas.
- Wagyu beef – Japan is known for its high-quality beef, and Tokyo has some of the best wagyu beef restaurants in the world.
Tokyo Transportation
The first thing you’ll notice about Tokyo is its efficient and extensive transportation system. The subway and train networks connect the city’s various neighborhoods, making it easy to get around.
The train network includes the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro, and various private lines. The trains are fast, punctual, and cover almost every corner of the city. Passes like Suica and Pasmo can be used to easily pay for train fares.
Subways are convenient for getting around Tokyo, and many stations have shops and restaurants within them. There are 13 subway lines that are operated by two different companies. The Tokyo Metro operates nine of them, while the Toei Subway operates the other four.
The Japanese railway system comprises various types of trains, including local, regional, and the world-renowned bullet train, also known as the shinkansen.
For tourists exploring Japan, the Japan Rail Pass is a convenient and trustworthy mode of transportation. This pass grants foreign visitors unrestricted access to all Japan Railways (JR) Group-operated trains, which is composed of six companies: JR Central, JR East, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido, and JR Shikoku. These companies provide a comprehensive range of regional and intercity train services, including shinkansen services.
Purchasing your pass from an authorized vendor before departing for Japan is the most optimal method. Although it is feasible to buy the pass upon arrival in Japan, it is less expensive when obtained from outside the country. It’s important to note that passes can only be bought up to 6 months before the intended use date, so it’s best not to be overly eager.
Best day trips from Tokyo
Tokyo offers many incredible day trips, but among them, the following two are the most popular options:
- Mount Fuji: Just two hours southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take a day trip to the base of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Hakone: Located just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone is a mountainous area known for its hot springs, natural beauty, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. You can take a scenic train ride, a boat cruise, or a cable car to see the sights.
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