Japan
Tokyo
The biggest city in the world, with one simple secret: one area a day.
Why go
Tokyo has it all: old Tokyo in Asakusa, the lights of Shinjuku and Shibuya, the brands of Ginza, and quiet coffee neighbourhoods like Nakameguro.
Don't worry about food: halal is everywhere and varied. And the coffee is some of the best in the world.
The city is huge, so don't cross it twice a day. Eat and have your coffee in the same area.
Areas
- 1Tokyo Station Tokyo Station · Marunouchi
The station is a market in itself: Character Street, KITTE, and sweets you won't find outside.
Best time: Day one, light and close
- 2Ginza and Tsukiji Ginza · Tsukiji
Brands and smart malls: Ginza Six, Wako, Itoya and the biggest Uniqlo. Tsukiji market is a walk away.
Best time: Tsukiji in the morning, Ginza in the afternoon
- 3Asakusa Asakusa · Skytree
Old Tokyo: Sensō-ji, the kitchenware street, and the tower.
Best time: Early morning or after sunset
- 4Ueno and Akihabara Ueno · Akihabara
Ueno Park and museums, Ameyoko market, and Akihabara for anime and electronics.
Best time: Ueno in the morning, Akihabara in the afternoon
- 5Shibuya and Harajuku Shibuya · Harajuku
The world's most famous crossing, Hachiko, Miyashita Park, and Omotesando for brands.
Best time: Afternoon to sunset
- 6Shinjuku Shinjuku
Night lights, a free view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the world's biggest station.
Best time: At night
- 7Roppongi and Azabudai Roppongi · Azabudai
Azabudai Hills and teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, and the best pizza.
Best time: Afternoon and dinner
- 8Odaiba and Toyosu Odaiba · Toyosu
By the sea: teamLab Planets, the Gundam statue, DiverCity, Joypolis, and Rainbow Bridge at night.
Best time: Afternoon to night, good for families
- 9Nakameguro and Ebisu Nakameguro · Daikanyama · Ebisu
Quiet streets, specialty coffee, bakeries and small shops.
Best time: Morning, at an easy walk
An extra day? The Ghibli Museum (book a month ahead), the Harry Potter Studio Tour for families, Nakano Broadway for anime, and Shimokitazawa for vintage shops.
Don't miss
Cross it, then go up at sunset. Tickets sell out, so book a month ahead. If the weather turns, they may cancel.
The digital art museum. Online booking only.
Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 9.
Skytree is by Asakusa, Tokyo Tower in Roppongi. Best at sunset.
A forest in the middle of the city, by Harajuku.
The Tokyo mosque.
DisneySea is the only one in the world; Disneyland is better for young children. Each is a full day.
Where to stay
Ginza or Marunouchi first: central and next to the bullet-train station. Shinjuku and Shibuya if you want the nightlife.
I stayed at a hotel in Shibuya: great location, rooms and staff, but the street noise reaches the room. I gave it 7 to 8 out of 10.
Suggested days
- 1Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku
- 2Asakusa, Oshiage (Skytree)
- 3Ginza, Akihabara
- 4Roppongi, Shiba Koen, Toranomon
- 5Odaiba
Food
Halal restaurants: certified wagyu, ramen and sushi. The best known are PANGA wagyu yakiniku, Honolu ramen and Gyumon wagyu ramen. Most need a booking.
And restaurants that suit us: pizza, pasta, seafood and tempura. Tokyo pizza is something else, with some of the world's top 10 Neapolitan pizzerias.
Always ask about pork in toppings and alcohol in sauces (mirin and sake).
Coffee
- Koffee Mameya
- Ginza Bongen
- Fuglen (Asakusa)
- The Roastery by Nozy
- Onibus (Nakameguro)
- Verve (Shinjuku)
Day trips from here
My videos from here
AllFree
First time? Start with the guide
Kyoto
Osaka