Tokyo City Guide

Tokyo is a bustling city with many things to do and see. We were overwhelmed with the fast life of the city but overwhelmed in a good way. If you are going during winter time you need to dress extra warm, it is very cold. Tokyo is a mix of old Japan and modern-day cities and you can find so much to do. Japan is on the more expensive side so definitely beware of that before you head over.

How to Get Around

My biggest suggestion when traveling and sightseeing throughout Tokyo is to use the subway. This is your easiest and most affordable way to get around. I would highly suggest getting a prepaid Suica and Pasmo card. We got a Suica card from the airport but you can also purchase them online here. Depending on where you’re traveling to in Tokyo, I found it very easy to take the metro. You just have to use Google Maps and find the closest metro stop to the destination.

Where to Stay

Shinjuku Tokyo is a bustling part of Tokyo that is busy and full of activities. This part of Tokyo resembles Times Square but on a whole different level. Part of Shinjuku has major clubs and karaoke bars and another part has upscale hotels and restaurants. You definitely won’t be bored here. This is where we got our Airbnb and I loved how close we were to a lot of fun activities. I would come back and do a hotel, for us the Airbnb was way too small and it seems like hotels are high quality for a more discounted price. This was the Airbnb we stayed in, it was perfect if it was just a little bigger.

Things to do

Izakaya Alley

This is the cutest and most unique part of Shinjuku. It has more original Japan vibes and is one way to eat and drink like a local. We went after dinner for drinks and the bars are small. It was super cool though to see an original strip of bars/restaurants. To get to this alley you just have to take the west gate of Shinjuku Station.

Tokyo Skytree

I would suggest taking a few hours to do this tourist activity because usually there is a long line to get in. Although, the view makes the wait very worth it. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm and open every day of the year. The Tokyo Skytree sits at 634 meters high in the air and on a nice day, you can see Mt Fuji from it. The Tokyo Skytree is located in the Solamachi part of Tokyo. Right near it is the Tokyo Solamachi which is a retail complex with over 300+ stores and restaurants. I highly suggest checking this mall out after you do your Skytree tour. As far as the tour goes, you don’t need to make reservations in advance. We bought tickets when we got there and for adults, they were 3100 Yen for weekdays. The ticket we got was the combo ticket that includes the top floors to see the views as well as the Tembo Deck. When you get to the top you will also have the option to take a picture at the top. It is taken on a greenscreen and printed like you took the photo sitting on clouds, great for kids. This was a beautiful way to see Tokyo from a bird’s eye view.

Meiji Jingu Temple

This is our favorite temple and rightfully so because this is where Duston, my husband, proposed to me so it holds a special place in our hearts. After doing some research, I have found out that the Meiji Shrine is a Shinto Shrine that contains spirits from Emperor Meiji. This is also located in Shinjuku and many subway stations are close by. I would say the closest Kito-Sando Station. From walking into the Temple to where the Temple is and everything in between, it is so beautiful.

Another temple that I have been recommended to see is the Sensoji Temple. While you are walking around Japan, keep your eyes peeled, because a lot of temples that we saw we just stumbled upon. I call these hidden gems!

Other Hidden Gem Temples

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is located in the Minto District. The closest station would be either Onarimon or Akabanebashi. The Tokyo Tower is a communications tower and it looks like a red version of the Eiffel Tower. What I love most about the Tokyo Tower is the surrounding area. We stumbled on temples, beautiful shrines, and amazing scenic views of the surrounding areas. I would suggest taking a few hours to walk around the Tokyo Tower Metropolitan Shiba Park, there is a lot to see.

Hie Shrine

Honestly, I think this was my favorite thing that we saw. I thought it was so interesting, so cool, and so unique. This shrine is located in Nagatachō, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan, and the closest subway station is the Tameiki-Sanno Station. Then, it is only a three-minute walk. This shrine is a major shrine in Japan and sits on the hilltop of the Nagatachō area. My pro tip is to wait until you are alone at the shrine and have someone take a video of you walking down the stairs, it will be an incredible shot, AND SUPER INSTAGRAMMABLE.

Shibuya

Ok this area, to me, seemed so wild. If you looking for nonstop fun and shopping, this is the location for you. There is so much to do, see, eat, drink, everything. Honestly, it was very similar to Shinjuku but had much more shopping. It also seems to have a lot more fun vibe. Although, people enjoy Shinjuku for a night out. Either way, it is only a 5-minute metro ride from Shinjuku so it is worth the visit. You also can go to experience the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing.