A Two-Day Journey Through Tokyo's Culture and History
Traveling by train with a family of four (two daughters and two parents)
The hotel is located in Shinjuku, Hilton.
Day1
On a clear autumn day in Tokyo, we experience a warm season known as "Indian summer." While some years see a lot of typhoons flowing in at the end, generally, from October to November, a light sweater during the day and a slightly warmer jacket at night are sufficient.
Many visitors to Japan tend to enjoy shopping and entertainment in Tokyo, while dividing their historical and cultural experiences between Kyoto and Hiroshima. Of course, Kyoto and Hiroshima are fantastic tourist destinations with an overwhelming number of historical and cultural sites, but Tokyo also has its share of Edo culture and history, with several places where you can experience it.
The first and most famous place you'll want to visit is Meiji Shrine. Located within walking distance from Shibuya, next to Harajuku Station, it's a sacred site dedicated to Emperor Meiji, situated in the middle of Tokyo yet spanning 700,000m². Here, you can learn the proper etiquette for visiting shrines and temples, which will be useful during your travels, while enjoying Japanese culture amidst nature.
Leaving Meiji Shrine, you can either head to Shibuya or take a stroll down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the birthplace of Japanese pop culture & trends, and experience its unique atmosphere.
A little walk from Harajuku brings you to Omotesando, a street lined with luxury shops and unique buildings. Venturing off the main street, you can explore Cat Street and the back-street fashion area known as Ura-Hara. Beyond Omotesando lies Kotto-dori, a street traditionally known for its antique shops. Tucked behind this shopping street is Cicada, a Mediterranean restaurant that comes highly recommended in Tokyo, though reservations are required.
One of Japan's world-renowned aspects is its food, alongside its history, culture, and cleanliness. Whether it's Italian, French, grill, or Japanese cuisine, Tokyo offers a plethora of dining options, ensuring satisfaction wherever you go.
From Omotesando, take a train to Ginza. It's about a 20-minute ride on the Ginza Line, or you can opt for the less known bus routes. Buses can be checked here → And for train travel, be sure to register a Suica or PASMO on your smartphone, as these prepaid e-money tickets are incredibly convenient for using public transportation. Wondering how much to charge? You'll need less than 1,000 yen to circle around Tokyo, or you could opt for a day pass.
If you end up overcharging your card, don't worry; you can use it at convenience stores, supermarkets, and any shops that accept Apple Pay.
Back to the tour, any exit will do when you get off at Ginza. Whichever you choose will surely lead to an exciting adventure.
Upon arriving in Ginza, we recommend taking a stroll. It's just the thing after a meal.
For recommended walking routes, consider the Kabuki-za Theater, or if it's a Sunday, enjoy the pedestrian paradise that allows you to walk in the middle of the street and soak in the open-air vibe.
Ginza may be a high-end area, but it's filled with shops that are both fun to look at and shop in, offering recommended souvenirs and Japanese cultural goods. For a bit of modern souvenirs, Tokyu Ginza or Ginza SIX are great, while for traditional souvenirs and quality Japanese items, Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya are recommended.
We entered Mitsukoshi Ginza, scouting for Japanese-style goods, then took photos in front of the Kabuki-za Theater before heading to Tsukiji. While the Tsukiji Market closed in 2018, the surrounding shops, known as the outer market, are still bustling. In Tsukiji's outer market, we enjoyed tamagoyaki (egg rolls), yakitori (grilled chicken), and sashimi before moving on to Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple was originally built near Asakusa in 1617 but was destroyed by fire in 1657. It was later rebuilt on land given by the Edo Shogunate, reclaimed from the sea. The area created for the temple's reconstruction was named Tsukiji. Exploring the temple, where Japanese and modern elements blend, we then took the Hibiya Line subway to Akihabara.
Akihabara is known as one of the world's leading neon districts, lined with electronics stores. Whether you're looking to buy cameras and lenses cheaply, model kits, cosplay outfits, or explore otaku culture, Akihabara offers it all. After exploring, you might visit a maid cafe or an animal cafe if interested. Near Akihabara is Ueno, recommended for its Toshogu Shrine, National Museum, and Science Museum. We skipped it this time due to lack of time, but it's a must-visit for those interested
From Akihabara to Shinjuku, it's a direct ride on the JR line. The most crowded time during the rush hour is from around 6:00 to 8:00 PM. However, be prepared for crowds anytime if you're getting off at Shinjuku Station, as it is the busiest station in the world.
As a major station connecting Tokyo suburbs, Shinjuku Station is bustling with Japanese locals more than foreign tourists. Many shops target Japanese salarymen and women's gatherings rather than catering to English speakers, so it's advisable to do some research before entering. If you're a fan of Japanese cuisine, I recommend "Yamanami," a teppanyaki restaurant in Keio Plaza Hotel.
If you're on a budget, "Yakiniku Sakaiya" near Shinjuku East Exit or restaurants in the building connected to the station are relatively reasonable.
For Western cuisine lovers, "Sawamura" inside NEWoMan near the south exit is recommended.
Today, I'll see you off until dinner, and the tour is over.
Although I didn't introduce them this time, if the customers have children and they're old enough or if it's a group without children, I highly recommend a visit to Golden Gai. There are small-sized bars where 3 to 5 people can fit, each with a unique master.
Some masters can speak English, so don't hesitate to give it a try! It will surely be a night to remember.
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