Tokyo immediately captivated us. This metropolis, both futuristic and deeply rooted in tradition, fascinated us at every turn. From Shibuya to Asakusa, from Shinjuku’s neon lights to the peaceful corners of Japanese gardens, we recount our five intense days in a city as overwhelming as it is inspiring. And as a bonus, a side trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region in search of a perfect glimpse of Mount Fuji.

To explore this sprawling city, we organized our days by district to minimize transportation… Ready? Let’s go!

It’s not the hustle and bustle you might find in New York or London; here, everything is orderly. Yet, the flow of Japanese commuters in trains and stations is dizzying… If you pause for a moment, rush hour resembles a contemporary dance performance… It moves in all directions, but it works!

Day 1 • Western Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Our morning began with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The proximity of our accommodation, located just opposite, allowed us to go early in the morning before the tourist rush. This first view offers an impressive panorama of Tokyo, a city that seems to stretch endlessly. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji.

Harajuku

Next, we headed to the Harajuku district. Harajuku, a Tokyo neighborhood popular among youth and fashionistas, is a true melting pot of trends and styles. Takeshita Street, Harajuku’s main artery, is lined with colorful shops offering a variety of eccentric clothing, bold accessories, and sweet treats. Young locals, dressed in styles ranging from kawaii to punk, parade through this lively street.

Not far from Harajuku is Omotesando, often referred to as the “Champs-Élysées of Tokyo,” known for its elegance and luxury boutiques. However, we particularly enjoyed the area developing south of this avenue, Minami-Aoyama. The tiny streets of Minami-Aoyama are lined with trees, international designer boutiques, and Japanese brands, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere for a stroll. The neighborhood also houses contemporary art galleries and cafés.

Shibuya

A bit further… we found ourselves in a completely different ambiance! Welcome to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, renowned for its electric atmosphere, dazzling neon signs, and the bustling “Shibuya Crossing.” We spent some time observing this hustle and trying to capture the ambiance at sunset. It’s challenging to get a complete aerial view… to get a glimpse, we went up to Mag’s Rooftop.

Shinjuku

We ended our evening in the Shinjuku district… another dynamic area of Tokyo… we were less charmed… fatigue caught up with us, preventing us from fully appreciating the district’s energy. We decided to return another evening.

Day 2 • Esthern Tokyo

Our second day in Tokyo took us into two distinct worlds. The morning began in Akihabara, the iconic district of electronics, manga, anime, and video games. The streets are lined with stores offering a vast array of gadgets, figurines, and collectibles. It’s a paradise for enthusiasts and a fascinating place to explore, even for the uninitiated.

Akihabara

Tokyo’s go-to electronics district, is a must-see. As you step into one of the big stores, you’re immediately struck by the overwhelming number of products, nonstop jingles, and the dense layout. Still, it’s a real treat—especially for Marc—to handle and compare models all in one place. Heads up to fellow tech lovers: you could easily lose track of time here!

Asakusa

As you exit the metro, you’re greeted by a striking view of the Sumida River, with the Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Super Dry Hall—designed by Philippe Starck and shaped like a giant beer mug—on the horizon. You then continue wandering through Asakusa, a district that offers a more traditional side of Tokyo.

To get a great view of the neighborhood and Senso-ji Temple, you head to the free rooftop of the tourist office. Back on the ground, you’re welcomed by the impressive Kaminarimon Gate before diving into the lively atmosphere around the temple—filled with tourists, locals, pilgrims, and curious passersby, all bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon light.

Day 3 • southern Tokyo

Tsukiji Market

On your third day in Tokyo, you started with a morning visit to Tsukiji Market, tasting a variety of seafood specialties like sushi, oysters, and grilled eel. While exploring the stalls, you also browsed through a Japanese knife shop—making a choice wasn’t easy!

Later, you reunited with your friends Fanny and Mathieu for lunch in Tsukishima, a man-made island. At a local restaurant, you tried monjayaki, a Tokyo specialty similar to okonomiyaki, cooked right in front of you—delicious and a lovely moment shared.

Ginza

After a delightful meal, you said goodbye to Fanny and Mathieu and headed to the Ginza district. There, you enjoyed shopping and wandering through a neighborhood where every building has its own unique character. The Hermès building stood out with its glass facade, made of 13,000 square glass blocks designed by architect Renzo Piano. You also recommend visiting the rooftop of Tokyo Plaza Ginza for a chic café, The Mint Ginza, which offers a perfect spot to capture the last rays of sunlight.

Baie de Tokyo

As night falls, you head to Odaiba via the Yurikamome Monorail, which offers stunning views of Tokyo Bay and crosses the Rainbow Bridge. After a quick stop at Odaiba’s Marine Park, you take in the cityscape, capture the iconic Rainbow Bridge, and admire the traditional yakatabune boats decorated with lanterns before continuing your journey.

You end your day with a visit to TeamLab Planet, an immersive museum that combines digital art with nature through light, water, and sound. However, after a long day, you’re a bit disappointed by the experience due to accumulated fatigue.

Day 4 • Fujisan

On your final full day in Japan, you had two options: explore the Ueno and Yanesen neighborhoods or head to the Five Lakes region near Mount Fuji. You chose nature and took the first bus to Fujigoko. After arriving in Kawaguchiko, you rented a car to explore. Your first stop was in Fuji-Yoshida, aiming to capture Mount Fuji in an urban setting, but the mountain was hiding that morning. The cozy FabCafe Fuji was a perfect spot to wait and grab a bite.

Your second viewpoint of Mount Fuji is from the Chureito Pagoda, which you reach by climbing numerous steps. The panoramic view reveals one of Japan’s most iconic and photographed landscapes.

Your day ends by the shores of Lake Kawaguchi-ko, where Mount Fuji gradually reveals itself. You reflect on how it would have been perfect to stay here overnight to enjoy the morning and evening light, instead of returning to Tokyo.

Day 5• The last day…

On our last half day in Tokyo, we head to Harajuku for a light stroll and some last-minute shopping. After two and a half weeks, we’re certain this won’t be our last trip to Japan, with so much more to discover. A big thank you to Virginie for organizing the trip.

Where to sleep | Where to eat in Tokyo:

Keio Plaza Hotel was our accommodation for our 5 nights in Tokyo. Located in the business district, opposite the metropolitan government building, it’s large and bustling with tourists. However, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this place due to its location. Despite being close to Shinjuku station, it’s quiet at night, and the area empties when the offices close. For future trips, we’d choose a place in Minami-Aoyama.

Shibuya District
For beer lovers, visit Mikkeler Tokyo, a brewery we discovered on the Faroe Islands.

Shinjuku District
Omoide Yokocho is a series of alleys with many small, typical Japanese izakayas near Shinjuku station. It’s the perfect place to try yakitori, grilled meat skewers, in a lively and affordable atmosphere.

Tsukishima District
Oshio Nagomi, a traditional restaurant in Tsukishima, where we tried monjayaki, a local specialty from Osaka. It’s like a savory pancake with seafood, vegetables, noodles, and meat, grilled in front of us on a hot plate. It was a real delight and a lovely moment shared with Fanny & Mathieu.

• また必ず来るよ •

→ Here are some tips to facilitate your trip

Download Google Maps offline maps on your phone before you leave. It's super convenient if you don't have access to network.
Purchase an e-SIM card from Holafly for unlimited mobile data connection in Japan.
If you plan on driving, make sure to have an international driving permit and a translation in Japanese.
Use the website Japan Transit Planer to check all possible transportation options with their connections. If you have a JR Pass, click on the tab at the top right under "Rail Pass search" to only show routes included in the JR Pass.
Create an account on the Visit Japan Web website to complete your administrative and customs procedures. You'll receive 2 QR codes that will greatly facilitate your entry into Japanese territory after a long, tiring flight.
Purchase the Suica card, a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transportation (subway, trains, buses, monorail). The card is debited for each trip or purchase by simply touching it to the Suica card reader. There's also the Pasmo card available.

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