⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🏮 Golden Week Advisory
Your trip overlaps with the start of Golden Week (April 29). Expect larger crowds at popular sites and on public transport. Book any must-do restaurant reservations in advance and start your days early to beat the rush.
✅ Vegetarian Dining
Tokyo has a fantastic vegetarian scene! Look for restaurants with the term "shojin ryori" (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Apps like HappyCow are very useful. We’ve included top-rated vegetarian spots for you.
🚇 Getting Around
Purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport for seamless travel on all trains and buses. The metro system is extensive and efficient. Google Maps provides excellent transit directions.
💵 Money
While credit cards are widely accepted, Japan is still a cash-based society. Many smaller restaurants and shops require yen. Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs, which accept international cards.
🛍️ Shopping for Australia
For your onward journey, we’ve included time in Shimokitazawa for unique vintage finds and UNIQLO for high-quality, lightweight basics that are perfect for travel.
Ancient Roots & Culinary Finds
Begin your journey in Asakusa, the heart of old Tokyo. Explore the city’s most famous temple, wander through traditional market streets, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian welcome dinner.
Senso-ji Temple
Arrive early to experience the grandeur of Tokyo’s oldest temple before the crowds. Walk through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and explore the temple grounds.
Nakamise-dori
Browse the traditional shops and snack stalls lining the path to Senso-ji. A great place for souvenirs and trying local treats.
Kappabashi Kitchen Street
Discover a street dedicated to everything related to cooking, from knives to the famous plastic food models (sampuru).
Ueno Park & Ameyoko Market
Take a relaxing stroll through Ueno Park, then dive into the bustling atmosphere of Ameyoko Market, a lively street market with a variety of goods and food stalls.
Gardens, Shrines & City Views
Experience the contrast of serene gardens and bustling city life. From the tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen to the vibrant youth culture of Harajuku, today is a feast for the senses.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Explore one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks. The garden features three distinct styles: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese Traditional.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Visit the peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The shrine is surrounded by a dense forest, offering a tranquil escape.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Walk through the epicenter of Tokyo’s youth culture. Explore Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and snacks, and the backstreets for more curated shops.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
End your day with a panoramic view of Tokyo from the free observation decks on the 45th floor. On a clear day, you might even see Mt. Fuji.
Classic Landscapes & Local Charm
Today, enjoy two of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens, followed by a stroll through the nostalgic streets of Yanaka, a district that retains its old-world charm.
Rikugien Garden
A magnificent example of an Edo-period strolling garden. It features a central pond, teahouses, and man-made hills, offering picturesque views at every turn.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
One of Tokyo’s oldest gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen incorporates elements of Chinese and Japanese landscapes.
Yanaka Ginza
Explore this charming shopping street with a retro atmosphere. It’s a great place to see a slice of local life and try traditional snacks.
Architectural Past & Digital Future
A day of contrasts, from beautifully preserved historical buildings to a futuristic world of digital art. This is a journey through time, showcasing Japan’s architectural and technological evolution.
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Explore a vast park filled with relocated historical buildings from the Edo period to the Showa era. It’s a fascinating look at the city’s architectural history.
teamLab Planets TOKYO
Immerse yourself in a world of digital art. Walk barefoot through water and light installations in this unique, body-immersive museum.
Tech Hubs & Vintage Finds
Dive into the heart of Tokyo’s tech and otaku culture in Akihabara, then shift gears to the bohemian neighborhood of Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping and a relaxed atmosphere.
Akihabara Electric Town
Explore the main street and back alleys of Akihabara, filled with electronics stores, anime and manga shops, and arcades. A must-see for tech enthusiasts.
Shimokitazawa Shopping
Wander through the streets of Shimokitazawa, known for its numerous vintage and second-hand clothing stores, independent boutiques, and record shops.
UNIQLO
Visit a large UNIQLO store for practical, stylish, and high-quality basics to supplement your travel wardrobe for Australia.
Waterfront Gardens & Farewell
For your final day, enjoy a beautiful traditional garden with a unique tidal pond and teahouse, followed by some last-minute exploring before your departure.
Hamarikyu Gardens
A picturesque landscape garden featuring a tidal pond that draws water from Tokyo Bay. Enjoy a cup of matcha at the teahouse on the pond’s island.
Ginza Exploration
Take a final stroll through the upscale shopping district of Ginza, known for its department stores, art galleries, and modern architecture.