I traveled to Japan for 10 days with my cousin, Carson, in March of 2023. Here's a 5 day itinerary. Note that we did not do all these things, but that some of the tips came highly recommended. Pick and choose what suits your fancy.
Day 1: Exploring the City's Icons
Start your day with a visit to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple located in Asakusa.
Then, head to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world, for a panoramic view of the city.
In the afternoon, stroll through Ueno Park, home to several museums and a zoo.
Finish your day with a visit to Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world, and check out the neon lights and bustling streets.
Day 2: A Trip to the Modern Side of Tokyo
Start your day at the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Then, head to Harajuku, known for its vibrant youth culture and trendy fashion.
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Tokyo National Museum in Ueno to learn about Japanese art and history.
Finish your day by exploring the trendy neighborhood of Omotesando, lined with high-end shops and cafes.
Day 3: A Taste of Japanese Culture
Start your day with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest fish market in the world, for some fresh sushi breakfast.
Then, take a trip to the Imperial Palace to learn about the history of the Japanese monarchy.
In the afternoon, visit the famous Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza to experience a traditional Kabuki performance.
Finish your day with a visit to the Odaiba district, home to the futuristic Fuji TV Building and the popular shopping mall, Venus Fort.
Day 4: A Day Trip to Mount Fuji
Take an early morning train from Tokyo Station to Mount Fuji and enjoy the scenic view of the countryside along the way.
Once you arrive, take a bus to the 5th Station and start your climb up to the summit.
Enjoy the stunning panoramic view from the top of Japan's highest mountain before heading back to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 5: Modern Tokyo
Start your day with a visit to the trendy district of Shinjuku, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment.
Then, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck.
In the afternoon, visit the futuristic and innovative district of Otemachi to see the latest technological advances in Japan.
Finish your day with a visit to the bustling district of Roppongi, known for its international cuisine and nightlife.
Where to stay:
Here are some 4 and 5 star hotel recommendations for Tokyo to add to the 5-day itinerary:
The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: This was my favorite hotel in Tokyo. This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Roppongi and offers luxurious accommodations, including a beautiful spa and several fine dining restaurants. The Ritz is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and stunning views. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, it often boasts panoramic city vistas, especially from its higher floors. The hotel is known for its elegant and sophisticated design, exuding a sense of opulence and refinement.
Guests commonly praise the impeccable service and attention to detail, as the staff is known for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a memorable stay. The rooms are usually spacious, lavishly furnished, and equipped with top-notch amenities, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent experience for guests. The dining options within the hotel are often highly regarded, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences from fine dining to more casual settings, showcasing both local and international cuisines.
Additionally, the hotel usually features a range of amenities such as a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and sometimes exclusive club lounges for added comfort and convenience.
Conrad Tokyo: a luxurious and impressive hotel that offers guests an exceptional experience in the heart of Tokyo. From the moment you step into the hotel's grand entrance, you're greeted with a stunning view of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline, which sets the tone for your entire stay.
The rooms at the Conrad Tokyo are spacious and elegantly decorated, featuring modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxurious bathrooms. The beds are incredibly comfortable, and guests can choose from a range of pillows to ensure a good night's sleep.
One of the highlights of the Conrad Tokyo is its exceptional service. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable stay. Whether it's recommending local restaurants or arranging transportation, the staff is always ready to assist with any request.
The hotel's dining options are also impressive, with a range of restaurants and bars offering delicious cuisine and stunning views of the city. The breakfast buffet at the hotel's Collage restaurant is particularly noteworthy, with a wide variety of options to choose from, including Japanese and Western dishes.
The Conrad Tokyo also boasts an excellent fitness center and spa, with state-of-the-art equipment and a range of treatments to help guests relax and unwind.
Overall, the Conrad Tokyo is an exceptional hotel that offers guests a luxurious and memorable stay in the heart of Tokyo. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel's elegant rooms, exceptional service, and stunning views make it a top choice for discerning travelers.
Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection: a cheaper option for those traveling on a budget. Situated in the heart of Tokyo, one of Mesm's most striking features of this hotel is its unique and contemporary design, which blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern elements. The hotel's interior is beautifully decorated with wooden accents, minimalist furniture, and soft lighting, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
The rooms at Mesm Tokyo are spacious and well-appointed, featuring comfortable beds, high-end amenities, and stunning city views. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and even an entire apartment-style room for longer stays.
The hotel's dining options are also impressive, with two on-site restaurants offering delicious and innovative cuisine. The hotel's rooftop bar is a particular standout, offering breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline and a wide selection of drinks and cocktails.
Mesm Tokyo's amenities include a fitness center, a spa, and a range of meeting and event spaces. The hotel's staff is highly professional and attentive, ensuring that guests receive personalized service and a memorable stay.
Overall, Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection is an exceptional hotel that offers a luxurious and immersive experience of Tokyo's unique culture and style. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, this hotel is an excellent choice for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Tokyo and offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a rooftop bar and an indoor pool.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: This 5-star hotel offers unparalleled views of the city and offers luxurious accommodations, including a spa and several restaurants with Michelin stars.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: This 5-star hotel is located near the Imperial Palace and offers a serene and elegant atmosphere, along with a beautiful garden and traditional Japanese-style rooms.
Park Hyatt Tokyo: Made famous by the movie Lost in Translation, this 5-star hotel offers stunning views of the city, along with luxurious accommodations and a rooftop bar.
These are just a few recommendations, but Tokyo has countless amazing hotels to choose from, so you can tailor your accommodations based on your preferences and budget.
Where to Eat
Day 1:
For lunch, try Asakusa Okonomiyaki Sometaro for a delicious okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) experience.
For dinner, head to Tsukiji Itadori Uogashi Senryo for fresh and delicious sushi.
Day 2:
For lunch, visit Kyushu Jangara Ramen in Harajuku for some delicious and hearty ramen.
For dinner, try Narikura Tonkatsu in Omotesando for some crispy and delicious tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets).
Day 3:
For breakfast, grab some sushi at Sushidokoro Suzuki in Tsukiji Fish Market.
For lunch, head to Tonki in Meguro for their famous tonkatsu served with their special sauce.
For dinner, try Ishikawa in Ginza for an upscale kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) experience.
Day 4:
For lunch, stop by one of the restaurants at the 5th Station on Mount Fuji for a warm and hearty meal.
For dinner, head back to Tokyo and try Monja Street in Tsukishima for some delicious monjayaki (a Tokyo-style savory pancake).
Day 5:
For lunch, visit Ichiran in Shinjuku for some delicious and customizable tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen.
For dinner, try Gonpachi in Roppongi for a delicious and stylish izakaya (Japanese gastropub) experience.
These are just a few recommendations, but there are countless other amazing restaurants in Tokyo to try out!
Of course, this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it based on your interests and preferences. Enjoy your trip to Tokyo!
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