Tokyo, Japan 11-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival & Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Tokyo and check into the Forest Hongo Hotel.

Take some time to settle in and refresh.

Information on getting from the airport to your hotel via Narita Express (N'EX) or Keisei Skyliner and then local subway/train.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Discover a tranquil oasis in the heart of Tokyo.

This sprawling park features beautiful French, English, and traditional Japanese gardens.

Admission fee applies. A perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Head up to the observation deck for panoramic views of Tokyo, especially beautiful at sunset or after dark.

Entry is free.

Free entry. Look out for Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Dinner in Shinjuku & Nightlife

Enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner at one of Shinjuku's many casual eateries.

Afterwards, take a walk through the lively streets, perhaps exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Omoide Yokocho.

Explore Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for small, budget-friendly yakitori stalls and izakayas, offering an authentic, nostalgic atmosphere. Many places have English menus.

Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan's rich history and art at the Tokyo National Museum, housing the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world.

The museum rotates exhibits constantly. Located within Ueno Park.

Stroll through Ueno Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Ueno Park, home to several museums, a zoo, and beautiful natural spaces.

Consider visiting the Ueno Zoo or enjoying the scenic pathways.

teamLab Planets TOKYO

Immerse yourselves in a unique digital art museum where you walk through water and become one with the flowers.

Book tickets online well in advance as this is a very popular attraction. Wear clothes that can be easily rolled up, as some areas involve walking through water. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134359-d14951238-Reviews-TeamLab_Planets_TOKYO-Toyosu_Koto_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html?m=66827

Budget Dinner in Ginza

Enjoy a delicious yet budget-friendly dinner in Ginza.

Explore the basement food halls of department stores for high-quality, affordable options, or find a local ramen or udon shop.

While Ginza is known for upscale dining, seek out its department store food halls (depachika) for gourmet bento boxes and ready-to-eat meals, or smaller ramen and tempura shops slightly off the main thoroughfares for good value.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll through Nakamise-dori market for traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Kaminarimon Gate is the iconic entrance. Be respectful of worshippers.

Budget Lunch in Asakusa

Enjoy a delicious and affordable traditional Japanese lunch in the charming Asakusa district.

Look for local specialties like Tempura or Unagi (eel) at wallet-friendly eateries.

Many small, authentic restaurants around the temple area offer set lunches (teishoku) which are excellent value. Look for ramen, tempura, or soba shops.

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Ascend to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

A truly modern marvel.

Book tickets online to avoid long queues. Consider visiting just before sunset for both day and night views. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134337-d1872416-Reviews-Tokyo_Skytree-Oshiage_Sumida_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html?m=66827

Sumida River Cruise (Optional)

Take a scenic cruise along the Sumida River, offering unique perspectives of Tokyo's skyline and landmarks between Asakusa and Odaiba.

Various operators offer cruises. A pleasant way to see the city from a different angle.

Budget Dinner at Tokyo Skytree Town

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at one of the many restaurants located in Tokyo Skytree Town, offering diverse cuisines and casual dining options suitable for friends.

Tokyo Skytree Town (Solamachi) has a wide range of affordable restaurants, including food courts, ramen shops, and casual Japanese eateries.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Visit this serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a peaceful forest.

Located next to Harajuku.

Enter through the massive torii gate. You might witness a traditional wedding ceremony on weekends.

Harajuku Exploration & Lunch

Dive into Harajuku's unique youth culture.

Explore Takeshita Street for quirky fashion, street food, and themed cafes. Enjoy a fun and affordable lunch from one of the many street food vendors or casual cafes.

Don't miss the colorful street art and crepe stalls. Takeshita Street offers many quirky and budget-friendly food options, from crepes to savory snacks.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection.

See the loyal Hachiko dog statue nearby.

For the best view of the crossing, head to the second floor of the Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks.

Shibuya Shopping & Budget Dinner

Enjoy shopping at Shibuya's many department stores and trendy boutiques.

Then, have a delicious and budget-friendly dinner at one of the countless restaurants, from casual izakayas to themed dining experiences.

Shibuya has countless budget-friendly eateries, including ramen shops, curry houses, and izakayas. Explore the smaller side streets for great finds.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Visit the beautiful East Garden of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle.

It's a peaceful spot with historical significance.

Free entry. The garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Ginza Stroll & Budget Lunch

Take a leisurely stroll through Ginza, Tokyo's premier upscale shopping district.

Admire the architecture and indulge in a delicious, yet affordable, lunch from a department store food hall or a local noodle shop.

For a budget-friendly lunch in Ginza, explore the basement food halls (depachika) of department stores like Ginza Mitsukoshi or Matsuya Ginza, offering a wide selection of gourmet bento boxes and prepared foods at reasonable prices. Also look for smaller eateries on side streets.

Calmo Cooking Class in Tokyo Japan

Learn to cook authentic Japanese home cooking with an experienced instructor.

A hands-on cultural and culinary experience, often including the meal you cook!

This is a highly-rated cooking class perfect for anyone interested in Japanese food. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066452-d26223006-Reviews-Calmo_Cooking_Class_in_Tokyo_Japan-Nakano_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html?m=66827

Farewell Dinner near Hongo

Enjoy a final memorable dinner near your current hotel, exploring budget-friendly options for a delicious last meal in the area.

Consider trying a Conveyor Belt Sushi restaurant for a fun, casual, and affordable experience, or a traditional Izakaya for small, shareable plates and drinks. There are many good options near Hongo or Ueno.

Breakfast & Check-out from Forest Hongo

Have a relaxed breakfast before checking out of the Forest Hongo Hotel and preparing for your move to Ryogoku.

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe. Confirm check-out time with the hotel.

Travel to Dai Ichi Hotel Ryogoku & Check-in

Transfer to your new accommodation, the Dai Ichi Hotel Ryogoku.

Check in and settle into your new base near the Sumida River.

Travel by subway (e.g., Oedo Line) from Hongo-sanchome Station to Ryogoku Station. The hotel is very close to Ryogoku Station.

Budget Lunch in Ryogoku

Enjoy a casual and budget-friendly lunch in the Ryogoku area, sampling local flavors near your new hotel.

Look for local ramen shops, udon eateries, or casual Japanese diners around Ryogoku Station for affordable and delicious options.

Sumo Museum & Kokugikan Tour

Immerse yourselves in the world of sumo wrestling.

Visit the free Sumo Museum and explore the exterior of the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national sumo arena.

The Sumo Museum is located within the Ryogoku Kokugikan (sumo arena) and is free to enter. Check opening hours.

Chanko Nabe Dinner (Sumo Stew)

Experience a traditional 'Chanko Nabe' (sumo wrestler's hot pot stew) dinner in Ryogoku, the heart of sumo culture.

Many establishments offer delicious and hearty meals at good value.

Many chanko nabe restaurants in Ryogoku offer affordable lunch/early dinner sets. Some have English menus. It's a great way to try this unique dish without breaking the bank.

Akihabara: Electric Town & Anime

Dive into the vibrant world of Akihabara, known as Tokyo's Electric Town.

Explore countless stores selling electronics, anime, manga, and video games. Experience the unique pop culture.

Explore multi-story electronics stores, anime shops, and maid cafes. Don't be afraid to wander into the smaller side streets for unique finds.

Budget Lunch & Themed Cafe Experience

Enjoy a fun, budget-friendly lunch at a local eatery in Akihabara.

Afterwards, perhaps visit a unique themed cafe for a memorable experience, such as a maid cafe or an animal cafe.

Many themed cafes (like cat cafes, owl cafes, or maid cafes) offer budget-friendly lunch sets and drinks. Some might have a cover charge, so check beforehand.

Udon Noodle Making Experience (Optional)

For a hands-on culinary experience, consider a workshop where you learn to make traditional Japanese Udon noodles from scratch, then enjoy your creation.

(Booking required, if chosen).

Many workshops offer hands-on experiences. A quick search for 'Tokyo Udon making class' can yield results. Costs are usually moderate.

Budget Izakaya Dinner in Kanda

Head to the Kanda area for a lively and budget-friendly dinner experience at a traditional Izakaya, enjoying a variety of small plates and local drinks with your friends.

Kanda is known for its concentration of izakayas and casual restaurants, popular with office workers. It's a great spot for affordable and authentic Japanese food and drinks.

Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Step back in time at Yanaka Ginza, a nostalgic shopping street filled with small, independent shops, food stalls, and a warm, local atmosphere.

Great for unique souvenirs.

A charming, old-fashioned shopping street perfect for a leisurely stroll. Try some local snacks from the vendors.

Yanaka Temples & Budget Lunch

Wander through the quiet backstreets of Yanaka, discovering historic temples and serene cemeteries. Enjoy a delicious and affordable lunch at a local eatery.

Explore some of the many temples and shrines in the area, offering a peaceful escape. Find a small, family-run restaurant for an authentic and budget-friendly lunch.

Nippori Textile Town (Optional)

For those with an interest in textiles and crafts, visit Nippori Fabric Town, a street lined with stores selling all kinds of fabrics and sewing accessories.

If you or your friends have an interest in crafts, textiles, or fashion, this street is a treasure trove of fabrics and sewing supplies.

Budget Dinner in Ryogoku

Enjoy a casual and budget-friendly dinner in your Ryogoku neighborhood.

Discover local favorites and enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Explore the side streets around Ryogoku for hidden gems – small ramen shops, tonkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurants, or cozy izakayas that offer excellent value.

Tsukiji Outer Market Food Tour

Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, a haven for food lovers.

Sample fresh seafood, local snacks, and find unique culinary souvenirs. It's a fantastic spot for a budget-friendly breakfast/early lunch.

Go early for the freshest experience! Many stalls offer small, affordable bites like fresh sushi, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and grilled seafood.

Travel to Odaiba

Travel to the futuristic island of Odaiba, an entertainment and shopping hub with stunning waterfront views.

Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi to Odaiba, enjoying scenic views as you cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Odaiba Waterfront Exploration

Discover Odaiba's modern attractions, including shopping malls, the iconic giant Gundam statue, and beautiful waterfront views.

Perfect for some unique photos.

Explore DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, the Gundam Base, the Statue of Liberty replica, and the Rainbow Bridge. Odaiba also has several indoor amusement parks and museums.

Budget Dinner in Odaiba

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at one of Odaiba's many restaurants or food courts, offering a wide range of options with fantastic views of the Tokyo skyline.

Odaiba's shopping malls like Aqua City and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza have extensive food courts and casual restaurants offering diverse cuisines at reasonable prices.

The Sumida Hokusai Museum

Explore the life and work of the iconic ukiyo-e artist Hokusai in this contemporary museum located in his birthplace, Sumida.

A modern museum dedicated to the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, known for 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. It's located right in Ryogoku.

Local Budget Lunch in Ryogoku

Enjoy a final budget-friendly lunch in Ryogoku, savoring the local flavors from a cozy, authentic eatery.

Many small eateries around Ryogoku station and the museum offer excellent and cheap set menus, especially for ramen, soba, or tempura.

Relaxing Stroll in Sumida Park

Take a leisurely walk along the Sumida River through Sumida Park, enjoying the cityscape and a moment of tranquility before your departure.

Enjoy views of the Tokyo Skytree and the Sumida River. A peaceful spot for a relaxing walk.

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Spend some time picking up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts to remember your Tokyo adventure.

Look for unique Japanese sweets, crafts, or local goods. Ryogoku has some specialized sumo-related souvenir shops too.

Farewell Budget Dinner

Enjoy a final memorable and budget-friendly dinner in Tokyo, celebrating your trip with your friends.

Choose a favorite type of cuisine you haven't had enough of, or try a local Ryogoku spot for a final delicious and affordable Japanese meal.

Final Breakfast in Tokyo

Savor your last breakfast in Tokyo before preparing for your departure.

Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe.

Hotel Check-out

Complete your check-out process from the Dai Ichi Hotel Ryogoku.

Confirm check-out time with the hotel.

Transfer to Airport

Head to the airport for your departure, reflecting on the wonderful memories made in Tokyo.

Plan your transfer to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport based on your flight schedule. Options include Narita Express (N'EX), Keisei Skyliner, Airport Limousine Bus, or local trains.