⚡ Before You Go — Essentials
🌸 Cherry Blossom Timing
Mid-March marks the start of sakura season in Tokyo. Expect early blooms — scattered flowers with "first opening" announcements typical around March 14–18. Full bloom usually arrives late March. Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park have thousands of early-variety trees. It is still stunning even before peak.
🎟️ DisneySea Tickets
Book Tokyo DisneySea tickets online in advance at tokyodisneyresort.jp — they sell out weeks ahead, especially on weekends. For vegetarian dining, pre-book the Sailing Day Buffet (reservation system opens online). The park is massive; arrive at opening (8:30am) and prioritize Journey to the Center of the Earth and Indiana Jones early.
🚇 Getting Around
The Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Line connect everything. An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) loaded with cash works on all trains, buses, and even convenience stores. For the Kamakura day trip, the JR Pass covers the Yokosuka Line. Taxis are expensive but convenient for late nights.
🥗 Vegetarian Tokyo
Vegetarian options have exploded in Tokyo. Look for signs saying 'vegan', 'plant-based', or 'sai shoku'. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) always have onigiri with vegetarian fillings. T's Tan Tan in Tokyo Station is a must-visit for vegan ramen. Every restaurant in this itinerary has solid vegetarian mains — no compromise needed.
💴 Money & Payments
Japan is still largely cash-friendly. Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs (international cards accepted). Most mid-range restaurants and shops also accept cards now. Budget ¥15,000–25,000 per person per day (about $100–170 USD) for a comfortable experience.
Arrival Day — Neon Nights & First Impressions
Touch down in Tokyo and let the city's electric energy hit you. After settling in, head straight for Shinjuku — a sensory overload of skyscrapers, glowing signboards, and narrow alleys crammed with yakitori smoke. Tonight is about first impressions and getting your Tokyo legs.
Check In & Get Your Bearings
Most hotels in Shinjuku or Shibuya have check-in from 3pm. Drop your bags and take a first walk through the neighbourhood. Shinjuku station is the world's busiest — navigating it is its own adventure.
Kabukicho & Shinjuku Neon District Walk
Stroll through Kabukicho — Tokyo's glittering entertainment district. The robot-themed towers, illuminated signboards, and packed izakaya lanes are pure sensory overload. Cross into Golden Gai: 200 tiny bars crammed into six narrow alleys, each seating 8–10 people.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Take the free elevator to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a stunning panoramic view of the city at night. On clear days you can see Mt. Fuji at sunset.
Ancient Tokyo — Senso-ji, Ueno Park & Electric Town
Start with Tokyo at its most ancient — Senso-ji Temple glowing in morning light before the crowds arrive. Catch the first cherry blossoms at Ueno Park. Then swing into Akihabara's hyper-modern world of electronics, anime, and gaming culture.
Senso-ji Temple at Dawn
Arrive at Senso-ji by 7–8am to experience Tokyo's oldest temple before tour groups arrive. The Kaminarimon gate with its massive red lantern, the Nakamise shopping street, and the five-storey pagoda are extraordinary in early morning light. Look for street food vendors setting up.
Asakusa Neighbourhood Wander
After the temple, explore the backstreets of Asakusa — a neighbourhood that still feels old Tokyo. Rickshaw pullers, traditional craft shops, and the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree framed behind it.
Ueno Park — First Cherry Blossoms
A short subway ride to Ueno Park — home to over 1,000 cherry trees lining the main promenade. In mid-March you'll catch the first blooms — scattered but magical. The park also hosts Ueno Zoo (great for families!), several world-class museums, and Shinobazu Pond covered in lotus.
Akihabara Electric Town
Walk or take a train to Akihabara — Tokyo's electronics and anime district. Multi-storey shops stack manga, video games, figurines, retro electronics, and the latest tech. Even non-gamers are wide-eyed here.
Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck at Dusk
Head to the Tokyo Skytree — the world's second-tallest structure at 634 metres. The Tembo Deck at 350m and Tembo Galleria at 450m offer 360-degree views of the Tokyo metropolis glowing as dusk falls. On a clear evening, Mt. Fuji appears on the horizon.
Full Day at Tokyo DisneySea — The World's Best Theme Park
Today is all about DisneySea — widely considered the world's most beautifully designed theme park. Unlike any other Disney park, it's structured around seven "ports" with an adult sophistication that makes it magical for all ages. Plan your day strategically and pre-book the Sailing Day Buffet for a proper vegetarian-friendly meal.
Arrive at Park Opening (8:30am)
DisneySea opens at 8:30am and the first two hours are golden — short queues everywhere. Head immediately to Mediterranean Harbour, then straight to Mysterious Island for Journey to the Center of the Earth. This is the park's most thrilling ride and queues balloon to 90+ minutes by 10am.
Tower of Terror & Arabian Coast
After the main thrill rides, make your way to American Waterfront for the Tower of Terror — then loop through Arabian Coast, one of the park's most exotic and photogenic areas. The Sindbad's Storybook Voyage is gentle and fun for all ages.
Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon & Port Discovery
Spend the afternoon working through the remaining ports. Mermaid Lagoon has indoor attractions perfect if anyone needs a rest. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea in Mysterious Island is atmospheric and unique. Toy Story Mania in American Waterfront is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
DisneySea at Night — Spectacular Finale
DisneySea is even more magical after dark. The Mediterranean Harbour becomes enchanting as all the lights reflect on the water. Stay for the evening spectacular — a mix of projection mapping, fireworks (weather permitting), and live music around the harbour. Pure magic for the whole family.
Kamakura Day Trip — Giant Buddha, Seaside Temples & Sea Air
Take the 60-minute JR train south of Tokyo to Kamakura — a coastal city that served as Japan's medieval capital. The Great Buddha stands 13 metres tall against a forested hillside, surrounded by ancient zen temples. Finish with feet in the sand at Yuigahama Beach as the sun sinks into Sagami Bay.
JR Train to Kamakura
Catch the JR Yokosuka Line from Shinjuku or Tokyo Station — it runs directly to Kamakura Station. The ride takes about 55-65 minutes and passes through the outskirts of Yokohama. Arrive early before tour groups.
Kotoku-in — The Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu)
Walk 20 minutes (or take a local bus) from Kamakura Station to the Kotoku-in temple and come face-to-face with the Great Buddha. This 13.35m bronze Amida Buddha has stood here since 1252. You can enter the hollow statue for ¥50 extra. The setting — green hills, ancient stone lanterns — is sublime.
Hase-dera Temple
One of the most beautiful temple complexes in all of Japan. The 9.18m gilded wooden Kannon statue is breathtaking. The hillside garden overlooks the ocean, and in mid-March there are early plum blossoms and spring flowers throughout. A peaceful, moving experience.
Komachi-dori Shopping Street
Walk back through Kamakura's charming main shopping street for local snacks, crafts, and gifts. The street is lined with boutiques selling locally-made pottery, traditional sweets, and Kamakura-branded goods.
Yuigahama Beach Sunset
End the day at Yuigahama Beach — a wide sandy beach facing Sagami Bay. In the late afternoon the light turns golden and surfers paddle in the calm March swell. A rare moment of ocean calm before heading back to the city.
Cherry Blossoms, Harajuku Fashion & Shibuya Crossing
The ultimate Tokyo day: morning cherry blossoms in one of Japan's finest gardens, an afternoon of shopping from Harajuku's wild street fashion to Shibuya's international brands, and an evening at the world's most famous intersection. Cap it with city lights from Tokyo Tower.
Meiji Shrine at Dawn
Start at Meiji Shrine — a Shinto shrine set in 70 hectares of forested parkland, a surprising green sanctuary in the middle of the city. The long gravel path through towering cedar trees is serene even when busy. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A 10-minute walk brings you to Shinjuku Gyoen — the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. This vast 58-hectare garden contains both Japanese and French-style gardens, greenhouses, and over 1,000 cherry trees of multiple varieties. The earliest varieties (kanhi-zakura, kawazu-zakura) are often in full bloom by mid-March.
Harajuku — Takeshita Street & Omotesando
A 10-minute walk from Meiji Shrine gets you to Harajuku. Takeshita Street is Tokyo's famous youth fashion corridor — wild, colourful, and packed with crepe stands, vintage shops, and fast fashion. For more refined shopping, Omotesando Avenue is Tokyo's Champs-Élysées lined with flagship stores from Chanel to Issey Miyake.
Shibuya — Crossing, 109 & Cat Street
Shibuya Scramble Crossing — the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Up to 3,000 people cross at once. Watch from the Starbucks or Mag's Park terrace above for the overhead view. Then explore: Shibuya 109 for Japan-local fashion, and Cat Street for boutique vintage and designer streetwear.
Tokyo Tower Night View
End the evening at Tokyo Tower — the city's beloved 333m red-and-white tower, built in 1958 and modelled after the Eiffel Tower. The Main Deck (150m) and Top Deck (250m) offer stunning views of the illuminated city grid. The tower itself is beautifully lit in orange-white every night.
Final Morning — Tsukiji Market, Ginza & Goodbye Tokyo
Your last morning in Tokyo starts at the legendary Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and street food (vegetarian options plentiful), a final stroll through elegant Ginza, and a peaceful send-off from Odaiba with views of the Rainbow Bridge before heading to the airport.
Tsukiji Outer Market
The Tsukiji Outer Market is one of Tokyo's greatest food experiences — a dense grid of stalls selling fresh seafood, produce, street food, and kitchen goods. For vegetarians there are tamago-yaki (sweet omelette on a stick), fresh fruit, taiyaki (fish-shaped bean paste cakes), and excellent coffee.
Ginza Window Shopping
Walk north to Ginza — Tokyo's most exclusive shopping district. Even if you're not buying at Hermès, the architecture and window displays are worth seeing. Itoya (stationery store, 12 floors!) is a must for anyone who loves beautiful paper goods.
Odaiba — Rainbow Bridge & Teamlab (Optional)
If your flight is late afternoon or evening, Odaiba on Tokyo Bay is a perfect final stop. This futuristic artificial island has views of the Rainbow Bridge, a replica Statue of Liberty, and TeamLab Borderless (now in Azabudai Hills — digital art museum). It's a gentle, family-friendly afternoon.
💰 Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3-4 pax) | ¥20,000–35,000/night | ¥35,000–60,000/night | ¥70,000–150,000/night |
| Meals (per person/day) | ¥2,000–3,000 | ¥4,000–8,000 | ¥10,000–30,000 |
| DisneySea (per person) | ¥9,900 | ¥9,900 + ¥3,000 dining | ¥9,900 + Premier Access |
| Transport (daily) | ¥800–1,500/person | ¥1,500–3,000/person | ¥5,000+ (taxis) |
| Activities & Entry | ¥1,000–2,000/day | ¥3,000–6,000/day | ¥8,000+/day |
| 6-Day Total (group of 4) | ¥300,000–400,000 | ¥500,000–700,000 | ¥900,000+ |
✈️ Getting There
- Tokyo has two airports: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND)
- Haneda is closer (30-40 min to city by monorail or train)
- Narita Express (N'EX) to Shinjuku/Shibuya: ~60-75 min, ¥3,070
- Book transport to hotel before you land — especially with luggage
🏨 Where to Stay
- Shinjuku: most central for transport, restaurants, nightlife
- Shibuya: trendy, excellent for shopping and youth culture
- Asakusa: traditional atmosphere, walking distance to Senso-ji
- Budget option: Khaosan Tokyo hostel chain (private rooms available)
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo (Lost in Translation hotel), Andaz Shinjuku, The Tokyo Edition Toranomon
🌡️ March Weather
- Average temperatures: 8–14°C (46–57°F) — cool but pleasant
- Light jacket/sweater essential for evenings
- Cherry blossom season means busier parks and higher hotel rates
- Rain is possible — pack a compact umbrella (or buy a ¥300 konbini one)
🗣️ Language Tips
- Google Translate with camera mode reads Japanese menus instantly
- Most major tourist areas have English signage
- Download the Google Maps Tokyo offline map before you go
- "Sumimasen" (excuse me) goes a long way
- Convenience store staff will understand "vegetarian" + show ingredient lists
📱 Connectivity
- Pocket WiFi rental from the airport is seamless (return at airport on departure)
- Data-only SIM from airports (IIJmio, Sakura Mobile)
- Japan Maps (offline capable) is better than Google Maps for train routing
- Hyperdia app for train times and fares