🇯🇵 Your Authentic 3-Day Japan Itinerary

To truly bring Asakusa to life, consider a guided tour with a local expert. They can explain the rituals at Senso-ji Temple, from washing your hands at the chozuya to wafting incense smoke over yourself for good health. A guide can also help you navigate the best food stalls on Nakamise-dori and in the surrounding streets. For a fun and unique experience, you can also join a rickshaw tour. A friendly and knowledgeable guide will pull you in a traditional rickshaw, taking you on a scenic tour of the district’s highlights and hidden gems, providing a comfortable and entertaining way to see the area.

In the afternoon, enhance your cultural immersion with a traditional Japanese craft workshop in Asakusa. You could try a “Edo Kiriko” glass-cutting class, where you learn to carve intricate patterns into colored glass, creating your own beautiful souvenir. Another popular option is a “wagashi” (traditional Japanese sweets) making class. This is a delightful and artistic experience where you learn to craft delicate, edible works of art that are often served during tea ceremonies. These hands-on activities provide a deeper connection to Japanese culture and a unique memory to take home.

For Young Travelers: After exploring Senso-ji, dive into the surrounding streets to find Hoppy Dori (“Hoppy Street”), a lane famous for its old-school izakayas (Japanese pubs) offering cheap drinks and delicious food. It’s a great spot for an authentic, lively, and budget-friendly dinner. For a different view, head to the observation deck of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, which offers a great free view of the temple and the Tokyo Skytree. The nearby Kappabashi “Kitchen Town” is also fascinating for its endless shops of hyper-realistic plastic food models.

For Seniors: The grounds of Senso-ji Temple are flat and accessible. The Sumida River cruise is a very relaxing and comfortable way to see the city skyline without extensive walking. Consider taking the cruise from Asakusa to the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditional landscape garden that offers a peaceful oasis with a teahouse where you can rest and enjoy matcha. A rickshaw tour is also an excellent, low-impact way to enjoy the atmosphere of Asakusa.

For Families: The Nakamise-dori is full of treats that kids will love, from freshly made senbei (rice crackers) to ningyo-yaki (small cakes with sweet fillings). The nearby Hanayashiki Amusement Park is Japan’s oldest amusement park, offering a charming, retro experience with gentle rides suitable for younger children. A ride on the Sumida River “water bus,” especially the futuristic “Hotaluna” boat, will be a big hit with kids of all ages.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise-dori are largely accessible for wheelchair users. The main temple hall has a ramp. The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is fully accessible and has an excellent accessible restroom. The Sumida River cruise boats are also wheelchair accessible, providing a great scenic tour option. Japan’s public transport system, including the Tokyo Metro, is known for its excellent accessibility, with elevators and staff assistance readily available at most stations.

For Luxury Travel: Arrange for a private guide for your Asakusa tour. You could follow this with a private Sumida River cruise on a traditional “yakatabune” boat, complete with a gourmet dinner of tempura and sake. For a truly exclusive cultural experience, book a private meeting with a geisha or a traditional tea ceremony in a historic Asakusa teahouse. Dinner could be at one of the area’s high-end, classic tempura or unagi (eel) restaurants.

For Adventure Travel: Rent a kimono or yukata in Asakusa and spend the day exploring in traditional attire. It makes for fantastic photos and a more immersive experience. Instead of the river cruise, rent a bicycle and explore the quieter backstreets of Asakusa and the neighboring Sumida district, discovering local life, small shrines, and maybe even a sumo stable in the Ryogoku area. This offers a more active and independent way to see the city.

For Nature Lovers: After visiting Senso-ji, take the Sumida River cruise to the Hamarikyu Gardens. This stunning traditional Japanese garden is an oasis of nature surrounded by the skyscrapers of the Shiodome district. The garden features a tidal pond, a 300-year-old pine tree, and a lovely teahouse on an island where you can relax. Sumida Park, which runs along the river in Asakusa, is also a beautiful spot, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring.

For a short trip to Tokyo, staying in a major transport hub with easy access to both airports and the city’s main train lines is the most efficient choice. The neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and the area around Tokyo Station are all excellent options. Shinjuku is a massive hub with endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Shibuya is the heart of youth culture and is incredibly vibrant. Tokyo Station provides superb connectivity, including the Narita Express train and the Shinkansen (bullet train) lines.

Tokyo offers a vast range of accommodation. Luxury travelers can choose from world-renowned 5-star hotels with impeccable service and stunning city views. The mid-range is dominated by excellent “business hotels,” which are known for being compact but spotlessly clean, efficient, and well-equipped. For budget travelers, modern “capsule” hotels offer a unique and surprisingly comfortable experience, while guesthouses and hostels provide a more social atmosphere. Booking well in advance is highly recommended as good places fill up quickly.

• Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Mid-Range: Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
• Budget: The Millennials Shibuya

Upon arriving at the airport (Narita or Haneda), your first priority should be to sort out your transport and connectivity. The most convenient way to pay for public transport in Tokyo is with a rechargeable smart card, either a Suica or a Pasmo card. You can purchase one from a ticket machine at the airport station. These cards can be used on all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, and even at many vending machines and convenience stores. Simply tap the card on the reader at the ticket gates.

Staying connected is crucial for navigating Tokyo. Instead of relying on public Wi-Fi, it is highly recommended to rent a pocket Wi-Fi device from one of the counters at the airport. This gives you unlimited, high-speed internet access for multiple devices wherever you go, which is invaluable for using maps, translation apps, and researching on the fly. You can book one online in advance for easy pick-up on arrival. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference to the smoothness of your trip.

Japanese style is often neat, tidy, and practical. For a day of exploring, comfort is key, so wear your most comfortable walking shoes. Tokyo is a huge city, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Smart-casual attire will help you blend in. A clean pair of sneakers, trousers or a nice pair of jeans, and a neat top is a perfect combination. In summer, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. In spring and autumn, layering is essential—a t-shirt, a sweater, and a light jacket will prepare you for changing temperatures.

Modesty is generally appreciated, especially when visiting temples and shrines. Avoid overly revealing clothing. It’s also a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will need to remove them when entering temples and some traditional restaurants or homes. Make sure you are wearing nice socks, as they will be on display! Always carry a small bag for your daily essentials and for any small bits of trash, as public bins can be surprisingly hard to find.

Asakusa is a fantastic place to try traditional Japanese food. The area is famous for its tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables) and unagi (grilled eel). There are several historic restaurants in the streets around Senso-ji that specialize in these dishes. The Nakamise-dori leading to the temple is lined with stalls selling classic snacks. Be sure to try “age-manju” (deep-fried cakes with sweet bean paste filling) or a freshly grilled “senbei” (rice cracker). It’s a great area for a delicious and atmospheric lunch.

For dinner, you have endless options. You could stay in Asakusa and find a cozy “izakaya” (a Japanese pub serving small dishes) for a relaxed meal. Or, you could take the Ginza subway line to the Ueno area and explore the bustling Ameya Yokocho market street, which is full of lively, casual eateries under the train tracks. This provides a completely different atmosphere to Asakusa and is a great place to try a variety of street food and simple, delicious meals like ramen or donburi (rice bowls).

From Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport, the most efficient way to get into central Tokyo is by train. From Narita, the Narita Express (N’EX) is the fastest and most comfortable option to major hubs like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. From Haneda, the Keikyu Line train or the Tokyo Monorail are both quick and easy. Once in Tokyo, the city’s public transport system is one of the best in the world. It is a dense network of subway lines (run by Tokyo Metro and Toei) and Japan Railways (JR) train lines.

The JR Yamanote Line is a convenient loop line that connects many of Tokyo’s major urban centers, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ueno, and Tokyo Station. Using a Suica or Pasmo card is the easiest way to pay for all your journeys. Google Maps or the Japan Transit Planner app are invaluable tools for navigating the system. They will tell you the exact lines to take, the platform numbers, the journey time, and the cost. The system is color-coded, and station signs are in both Japanese and English, making it very user-friendly.

To get a deeper understanding of the subcultures of Harajuku, consider a guided tour that focuses on Japanese pop culture. A local expert can explain the different fashion tribes, take you to unique themed cafes (like cat cafes or owl cafes), and point out the best vintage shops and purikura (photo booth) spots. In Shibuya, a great activity is to book a spot at a cafe with a second-floor window overlooking the crossing, like the Starbucks at the Tsutaya building. This allows you to watch the mesmerizing scramble from a perfect vantage point.

For the evening in Shinjuku, a bar-hopping tour through the tiny, atmospheric pubs of the Golden Gai district is a fantastic experience. These small, post-war bars can be intimidating for foreigners to enter alone, but a tour makes it accessible and fun, offering a chance to chat with locals and other travelers in a unique setting. Alternatively, a food tour through Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”), a narrow alley of rustic yakitori (grilled skewer) stalls, provides a delicious and atmospheric dinner experience, taking you back to the Showa era.

For Young Travelers: This entire day is a paradise for you. Spend extra time in Harajuku exploring the vintage clothing stores in the Ura-Harajuku area. In Shibuya, check out the iconic Shibuya 109 building for the latest trends, and visit a multi-story video game arcade. In the evening, after the views from the Metropolitan Building, explore the neon-drenched streets of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district (with caution) or have a memorable dinner and drinks in the tiny, atmospheric bars of Golden Gai.

For Seniors: Meiji Jingu is a beautiful and peaceful start to the day. The main path is a wide, gravel walkway, but it is a long walk (about 10 minutes) to the main shrine building. Takeshita Street in Harajuku can be overwhelmingly crowded, so a brief walk-through may be sufficient. A more relaxed alternative is to explore the elegant Omotesando avenue nearby, known as Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées.” The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is fully accessible and offers a comfortable, free way to see the city from above. The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a beautiful and tranquil alternative to the bustling streets.

For Families: Kids will love the crazy colors and snacks of Takeshita Street. The nearby Kiddy Land is a multi-story toy store that is a must-visit. In Shibuya, finding the Hachiko statue, the loyal dog, is a fun mission. The scramble crossing is an exciting sight for all ages. The observation deck at the Metropolitan building is a great way for kids to appreciate the scale of the city. A visit to a Pokémon Center in Shibuya or Shinjuku would also be a huge highlight.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Meiji Jingu has a paved path for wheelchairs running alongside the main gravel path. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street can be challenging due to extreme crowds, but the wider Omotesando avenue is much more accessible. Shibuya Crossing is accessible, and the best viewing points are from ground level or the accessible Shibuya Sky observation deck (paid). The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is fully accessible with elevators directly to the observation decks. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is also highly accessible with paved paths.

For Luxury Travel: After visiting Meiji Jingu, enjoy a sophisticated lunch on Omotesando. Spend the afternoon with a personal shopper to explore the high-end designer boutiques in Omotesando and Aoyama. For your city view, opt for the chic New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku (the “Lost in Translation” bar) for cocktails with a stunning, paid view. For dinner, secure a reservation at one of Shinjuku’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.

For Adventure Travel: After Meiji Jingu, explore the adjacent Yoyogi Park, where you might see rockabilly dancers or other subcultures on a Sunday. Instead of the main shopping streets, explore the quieter, more alternative neighborhood of Shimokitazawa (a short train ride from Shibuya), famous for its independent vintage shops, record stores, and live music venues. This offers a more off-the-beaten-path urban adventure.

For Nature Lovers: Today’s itinerary includes two of Tokyo’s best green spaces. Spend extra time in the dense forest of Meiji Jingu, which was created with trees donated from all over Japan and is a fantastic example of ecological design. In the afternoon, instead of the neon of Shinjuku, spend your time in the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens, featuring three distinct styles: a traditional Japanese garden, a formal French garden, and an English landscape garden. It’s a stunning oasis of tranquility.

Staying in either Shibuya or Shinjuku is the perfect choice for this itinerary, as it places you right in the heart of the action. These neighborhoods are not just tourist hubs; they are major centers of Tokyo life, offering an endless supply of dining, shopping, and entertainment options right at your doorstep. They are also two of the city’s biggest transport hubs, with multiple JR and subway lines that can connect you to anywhere you need to go in the city with ease. The convenience of being able to walk to many of today’s sights is a huge advantage.

Both areas offer a full spectrum of accommodation. Shinjuku is home to many of the city’s luxury skyscraper hotels with breathtaking views, as well as a huge concentration of mid-range and business hotels. Shibuya also has excellent hotels, often with a trendier, more modern feel. For budget travelers, both neighborhoods have a good selection of hostels and capsule hotels. Choosing a hotel within a 5-10 minute walk of Shinjuku Station or Shibuya Station will make your travels around the city incredibly convenient.

• Luxury: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
• Mid-Range: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
• Budget: Shinjuku Urban Hotel

To best experience Shibuya Crossing, don’t just stand on the corner. Participate in the “scramble” yourself a few times, walking in different directions. It feels chaotic, but it’s remarkably orderly. After you’ve experienced it from ground level, find an elevated viewing spot. The classic free view is from the large window of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the main corner. For a paid but spectacular experience, the Shibuya Sky observation deck offers an open-air, 360-degree view that is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset or at night.

When visiting Meiji Jingu, remember that it is a sacred Shinto shrine, not just a tourist attraction. Be respectful. Bow briefly at the entrance and exit of the large wooden “torii” gates. Before approaching the main shrine hall, you will see a water pavilion called a “temizuya” for ritual purification. Observe others and follow their lead: use the ladle to scoop water, pour it over your left hand, then your right hand, and then pour a little water into your cupped left hand to rinse your mouth (do not drink from the ladle). It is a gesture of respect to perform this ritual before you approach to pray or make an offering.

Today is a major walking day, so comfortable shoes are more important than ever. You’ll be transitioning from the serene, wide paths of a shrine to the incredibly crowded streets of Harajuku and Shibuya. As these areas are fashion centers, you will see a huge range of styles. Smart-casual is a great choice to feel comfortable and not out of place. A nice pair of sneakers is perfectly acceptable and very common.

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street can get extremely crowded, so it’s a good idea to travel light with a small, secure bag. The weather in Tokyo can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers is always a wise strategy. A light jacket or cardigan that you can easily take off and carry will be useful. Even in summer, indoor spaces can be heavily air-conditioned. For the evening in Shinjuku, the same smart-casual attire is perfectly fine for most restaurants and bars.

Harajuku is famous for its fun, trendy, and highly “Instagrammable” street food. While walking down Takeshita Street, you must try one of the giant, colorful candy floss creations or a delicious, cream-filled crepe from one of the many competing crepe stands. For lunch, Shibuya offers a massive variety of options. You can find some of the best sushi in the world at restaurants like Sushi Zanmai, or dive into a steaming bowl of ramen at Ichiran, famous for its solo dining booths. The food floors (“depachika”) in the basement of the big department stores like Tokyu are also a food paradise, offering everything from high-end bento boxes to exquisite pastries.

For dinner, Shinjuku is a food lover’s dream. For an atmospheric and authentic experience, head to Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”), a cramped alleyway filled with tiny, smoke-filled stalls grilling delicious “yakitori” (chicken skewers). It’s a step back in time. For ramen lovers, Shinjuku is a battleground for the best noodle shops. For a wider variety, the top floors of department stores like Isetan or Takashimaya have excellent restaurant floors with a huge range of high-quality Japanese and international cuisine in one place.

The three areas on today’s itinerary—Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku—are all conveniently located on the JR Yamanote Line, making transport between them incredibly easy. You can start at Harajuku Station, and from there it’s just one stop south to Shibuya Station, or one stop north to Shinjuku Station. It is also possible to walk between Harajuku and Shibuya. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes and takes you along some interesting shopping streets.

Within each neighborhood, walking is the only way to explore. Meiji Jingu is right next to Harajuku Station. Takeshita Street is directly opposite the station entrance. Shibuya Crossing is right outside Shibuya Station’s Hachiko exit. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is about a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station. Your Suica or Pasmo card will make hopping between the stations on the JR line quick and seamless.

The best way to experience Tsukiji Outer Market is with a guided food tour. A local expert can help you navigate the crowded lanes, identify the best and most famous stalls, and encourage you to try things you might not otherwise choose, from fresh sea urchin and grilled scallops to the famous “tamagoyaki” (rolled omelet). These tours often provide insights into the history of the market and the types of seafood that are central to Japanese cuisine, making for a delicious and educational morning.

In Ginza, consider a unique cultural activity like a visit to the Kabuki-za Theatre. While a full Kabuki performance is several hours long, you can often buy affordable single-act tickets (“hitomaku-mi”) for a 45-60 minute segment. This is a fantastic way to experience this highly stylized and dramatic traditional Japanese art form without committing to a full-length show. The theatre also has a gallery and souvenir shops that are interesting to explore. It’s a perfect cultural punctuation mark for your sophisticated afternoon in Ginza.

For Young Travelers: Tsukiji is a food paradise. Be adventurous and try as many different street food items as you can. After exploring Ginza, head to the nearby Yurakucho district and find Gado Shita, a collection of rustic and atmospheric izakayas and restaurants built into the brick arches under the train tracks. It offers a cool, retro contrast to the polished feel of Ginza for a final, affordable meal.

For Seniors: Tsukiji Outer Market can be very crowded. A weekday visit is preferable to a weekend. The main paths are flat. Consider finding a small sushi restaurant in the market for a sit-down breakfast to avoid the crush at the food stalls. In Ginza, the elegant department stores like Mitsukoshi and Ginza Wako are a joy to explore. Their basement food halls (“depachika”) are spectacular, and their upper floors often have lovely cafes and restaurants for a relaxing break. On weekend afternoons, the main street (Chuo Dori) becomes a pedestrian-only paradise, which is lovely for a stroll.

For Families: Kids who are adventurous eaters will have a great time at Tsukiji, trying all the different foods on a stick. For others, the sweet tamagoyaki is always a winner. In Ginza, visit the Hakuhinkan Toy Park, a large toy store with a huge variety of Japanese and international toys. The Sony Building (if open/rebuilt) often has interactive exhibits, and the Nissan Crossing showroom has cool concept cars on display that can be fun for kids to see.

For Travelers with Disabilities: Tsukiji Outer Market’s main streets are accessible, but the lanes are very crowded, which can be difficult for wheelchair navigation. A weekday visit is strongly recommended. Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most accessible neighborhoods, with wide, flat sidewalks and modern, fully accessible department stores and buildings. The Kabuki-za Theatre has accessible seating that can be booked in advance. The pedestrianization of the main street on weekends also makes it a great, stress-free area to explore.

For Luxury Travel: At Tsukiji, book a spot at one of the high-end sushi counters for a premium “omakase” (chef’s choice) breakfast, featuring the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. In Ginza, indulge in some serious retail therapy at the flagship stores of global luxury brands and renowned Japanese designers. In the afternoon, experience a high-end, private tea ceremony, or visit a top art gallery. Enjoy a final gourmet lunch at one of Ginza’s many Michelin-starred restaurants before a private transfer to the airport.

For Adventure Travel: Get to Tsukiji very early to see the market come to life as the vendors set up. After breakfast, instead of the main Ginza streets, explore the more niche, specialist shops in the back alleys, such as those selling handmade paper, incense, or traditional kitchen knives. For a final urban exploration, walk from Ginza to the nearby Shimbashi district, an area known for its Showa-era atmosphere and salaryman bars, for a glimpse into a different side of Tokyo life.

For Nature Lovers: After the urban intensity of Tsukiji and Ginza, find a final moment of peace at the Hamarikyu Gardens, located within walking distance of Ginza. This beautiful traditional Japanese garden features a tidal pond that draws water from Tokyo Bay, several historic teahouses, and beautifully manicured landscapes set against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers. It’s a stunning oasis and the perfect place for a final, tranquil reflection on your trip before heading to the airport.

On your departure day, a hotel with easy and direct access to the airport is a huge advantage. The areas around Tokyo Station and Ginza are perfect for this. Tokyo Station is the main terminal for the Narita Express (N’EX), the fastest train to Narita Airport. The Ginza area is also very convenient, with direct access to the “Access Narita” and “The Access Narita” buses, which are very affordable and comfortable coach services to both Narita and Haneda airports. These hotels often have airport limousine bus services that stop directly at their door.

Staying in this area also puts you within walking distance of today’s activities. The neighborhood offers a range of high-end and excellent mid-range hotels, many of which cater to international travelers and business clients, so the service levels are very high. Most hotels will offer luggage storage after check-out, allowing you to enjoy your final day without your bags and then retrieve them just before you depart, ensuring a smooth and stress-free end to your trip.

• Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
• Mid-Range: Park Hotel Tokyo
• Budget: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza-Nanachome

Tsukiji Outer Market is primarily a morning destination. Most stalls open very early and start to wind down by the early afternoon (around 2 PM), so you should aim to visit between 8 AM and 1 PM for the best experience. It can be very crowded, so be mindful of your surroundings and the busy workers rushing around with carts. It’s polite to eat your food in the designated areas or at the stall where you purchased it, rather than walking and eating, which is generally frowned upon in Japan.

Plan your journey to the airport carefully. The Narita Express train is fast and comfortable but expensive. The Limousine Bus is a great option if you have a lot of luggage, as it takes you directly from a major hotel to the airport terminal. The cheapest options are the budget bus services from the Ginza/Tokyo Station area. Check the schedules in advance and book your ticket if necessary. Always allow plenty of extra time to get to the airport, especially for Narita, which is located a long way outside the city center.

For your visit to Tsukiji Market, wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting a little wet or dirty, as the floors can be wet. The lanes are crowded, so practical and comfortable clothing is best. For the afternoon in Ginza, the style is noticeably more upscale and sophisticated. While you don’t need to be in formal wear, you will feel more comfortable in a smart-casual outfit. A clean, neat pair of trousers or a skirt, a nice top or shirt, and your smart sneakers or flats will be perfectly appropriate.

If you have a long flight ahead, your travel comfort should be the main consideration. An outfit that is smart enough for Ginza but comfortable enough for the plane is ideal. A pair of stylish but comfortable stretch trousers, a soft top, and a cardigan or blazer is a great choice. This allows you to enjoy your final hours in the city in style, without needing to change before heading to the airport.

Today, breakfast or brunch is the main culinary event, and it has to be at Tsukiji Outer Market. The options are incredible. You can queue for one of the famous sushi restaurants for a world-class sushi breakfast, or you can wander the stalls and graze on various delicacies. Must-try items include fresh oysters, grilled eel skewers, uni (sea urchin), scallops grilled in their shells with butter, and the famous tamagoyaki (a sweet, rolled omelet on a stick). It’s a seafood lover’s paradise.

For your final meal before leaving, Ginza offers a huge range of options. You could have a final, delicious bowl of ramen at a classic spot like Kagari, known for its creamy chicken-based broth. Alternatively, the basement food halls (“depachika”) of the grand department stores like Mitsukoshi are a fantastic option. You can buy a high-quality bento box, beautiful sushi sets, or exquisite pastries to eat there or to take with you for your journey to the airport, providing one last, delicious taste of Japan’s incredible food culture.

The best way to get to Tsukiji Outer Market is by taking the Toei Oedo subway line to Tsukiji-shijo Station, which brings you right to the market’s entrance. Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station, which is a short walk away. From Tsukiji, the Ginza district is very close. It is a pleasant and easy walk of about 10-15 minutes, allowing you to see the transition between the two distinct neighborhoods.

Ginza is best explored on foot. For your departure, the Ginza and Tokyo Station areas are major hubs for airport transport. The Narita Express and airport limousine buses leave from Tokyo Station, while the budget airport buses leave from stops around both Ginza and Tokyo Station. If you are flying from Haneda Airport (HND), there are also direct train lines and buses from this area. Using a pre-loaded Suica or Pasmo card is the easiest way to pay for any final subway journeys.

While yoga is popular in Japan, the quintessential wellness experience is the onsen, or natural hot spring. Japan is a volcanically active country, resulting in thousands of onsen scattered throughout its islands. These mineral-rich hot springs are central to Japanese culture, serving as places for relaxation, health, and social connection. The onsen experience involves a strict ritual of washing thoroughly before entering the communal baths, which are gender-segregated. Soaking in the steaming, mineral-rich water, often in a beautiful outdoor setting (rotenburo), is a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Even within Tokyo, you can experience a version of this bathing culture at a sento (public bathhouse), which uses heated tap water instead of natural spring water. For a true onsen experience, a day trip or overnight stay in a nearby mountainous area like Hakone is highly recommended. Many traditional inns (ryokan) are built around their own onsen, and a stay often includes exquisite multi-course meals and the chance to soak multiple times, making for a perfect wellness retreat.

Packing for Japan requires a blend of practicality and neatness. Comfortable walking shoes are the single most important item you can pack. You will walk extensively. Pack smart-casual clothing that can be layered. Japan has four distinct seasons: summers are hot and humid, winters can be cold and snowy (in some regions), and spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant. A reliable, lightweight waterproof jacket is always a good idea. An essential item is a pair of nice socks, as you will frequently be taking your shoes off to enter temples, traditional restaurants, and homes.

Bring a universal power adapter (Japan uses Type A and B, the same as North America, with a standard voltage of 100V). A portable power bank is invaluable for keeping your devices charged. It is also highly recommended to bring a small portable hand towel, as public restrooms often do not have paper towels or hand dryers. While Japan is a technologically advanced country, many small restaurants and shops still prefer cash, so it’s wise to always have a sufficient amount of Japanese Yen with you.

Shopping in Japan is an experience in itself, characterized by incredible variety, high quality, and impeccable customer service. In Tokyo, you can find everything from the latest electronics in Akihabara to high fashion in Ginza and quirky youth trends in Harajuku. Department stores (“depachika”) are a must-visit, especially their basement food halls, which are a paradise of gourmet foods and beautifully packaged sweets that make perfect gifts. For traditional crafts, look for high-quality ceramics, lacquerware, “Edo Kiriko” glassware, and beautiful textiles like silk kimonos or cotton “tenugui” cloths.

Unique souvenirs include high-quality kitchen knives, intricate stationery from stores like Itoya or Tokyu Hands, and of course, a huge variety of snacks and sweets, like KitKats in countless unique flavors. For those interested in pop culture, character goods from Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, or Sanrio are widely available. Many larger stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists on purchases over a certain amount; you will need to present your passport at the time of purchase to receive this discount.

The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a cost-effective pass for long-distance travel on JR trains, including most Shinkansen (bullet trains). However, for a short 3-day trip focused only on Tokyo, the JR Pass is NOT worth the cost. It is designed for travelers taking multiple long-distance trips between cities (e.g., Tokyo to Kyoto and back). For travel within Tokyo, using a Suica or Pasmo card is the best option.

Yes. While Japan is technologically advanced, it is still very much a cash-based society, especially at smaller restaurants, local markets, and temples. While credit cards are accepted in large hotels, department stores, and chain restaurants, you should always have a good amount of Japanese Yen on you. It’s best to withdraw cash from ATMs at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, which are widely available and reliable for foreign cards.

No, tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Excellent service is standard and is included in the price. If you try to leave a tip, it will likely be politely refused. A simple “Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you very much) and a bow are the best ways to show your appreciation.

The Tokyo train and subway system is complex but incredibly efficient. Use an app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner. They provide the best routes, train times, platform numbers, and costs. Stations have signs in English, and lines are color-coded. A Suica or Pasmo card is the easiest way to pay. The system is punctual to the second, so be on time!

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates. It is common to see people leaving their bags on cafe tables to reserve a seat. It is very safe for solo travelers, families, and everyone else. The biggest safety concerns are natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, so it’s good to be aware of safety procedures.

Renting a pocket Wi-Fi device is the most popular and convenient way to have unlimited high-speed internet wherever you go. You can book one online and pick it up at the airport upon arrival. Another option is to buy a data-only SIM card. Free public Wi-Fi is available but can be patchy and inconvenient to log into.

Key points of etiquette include: bowing as a form of greeting and respect; not talking loudly on public transport; eating while walking is generally frowned upon; slurping noodles is a sign of enjoyment; and never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this is associated with funerals.

Public trash cans can be surprisingly difficult to find in Japan. It is customary for people to carry their own small bag for their trash and dispose of it at home or back at their hotel. You will find bins next to vending machines (for bottles/cans) and in train stations and convenience stores.

Japan uses Type A and Type B power outlets (two flat parallel prongs), the same as in North America. The standard voltage is 100V, which is lower than North America (120V) and much lower than Europe (230V). Most modern electronics (like phones and laptops) are dual-voltage and will work fine, but high-power devices like hair dryers may not work as effectively or may require a converter.

You do not need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan, especially in major cities like Tokyo. Most important signs are in English, and people in the service industry will do their best to help you. However, learning a few basic phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me), “Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you), and “Konnichiwa” (Hello) will be greatly appreciated and will make your interactions much smoother.