TWO DAYS IN TOKYO TRAVEL IDEASWith two days you can take a much more leisurely approach to seeing Tokyo, so the below itinerary is similar to the one day itinerary, with some additions. The train and subway system makes it easy to get about, and some of the most popular areas are within walking distance of each other. Click the left side area tabs for maps of each area!
DAY ONE
Go out Hachiko Exit for ‘Shibuya Crossing', Tokyo’s most famous intersection. The peak time is late afternoon, but you’ll get the idea. The Starbucks overlooking the crossing, provides a good place to grab both coffee and photos.
CLICK FOR SHIBUYA SIGHTSEEING MAP
Head North through Shibuya shopping streets to Yoyogi Park, the largest public park in Tokyo - about a 30 minute walk. Upon reaching the park, turning right brings one to Harajuku Station and Meiji-Shrine.
CLICK FOR YOYOGI PARK MAP
#3 - MEIJI JINGU SHRINE Two Day Map A-2
The main square of this beautiful shrine is a 15 minute walk through tranquil forest. On weekends shinto wedding processions march slowly through. A must if in the area.
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Harajuku is one of the top shopping and hang out areas in Tokyo. Takeshita-dori street is a narrow, crowded half kilometer long lane of fashion stores, crepe stands, and frilly stuff. The side streets of Harajuku also have many places.
CLICK FOR HARAJUKU SIGHTSEEING MAP
You can walk from Harajuku to Omotesando in less than 10 minutes. There are many restaurants and cafes so have lunch, then take the Ginza line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Stn, change to the Marunouchi line and go to Shinjuku.
CLICK FOR OMOTESANDO MAP
The Government building is 10 min walk from the west exit of Shinjuku JR station. There is a free lift to the top floor observation, has great vies. Mt. Fuji can be seen when the weather is clear.
CLICK FOR SHINJUKU SIGHTSEEING MAP
The West side of Shinjuku has skyscrapers and spacious pavilions, but the East side is the main shopping district. 'Kabukicho', was formerly Tokyo's red light district, and includes the 'Golden Gai' drinking area.
CLICK FOR SHINJUKU SIGHTSEEING MAPDAY TWO
Ginza is the top end luxury shopping area of Tokyo, with Chuo-dori avenue being the main boulevard of chic and fashion stores. It is a great place to get a coffee or lunch between bouts of shopping.
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From Ginza station, its only a 15 minute walk to the Imperial grounds. It's not possible to enter, but you can walk up to the moat and, before 4pm, go up the incline for a view of the front entry gates.
CLICK FOR GINZA SIGHTSEEING MAP
DAY TWO
From Ginza take the Hibiya line to Akihabara, the center for computer geeks and video game nuts. There are electronic shops of every type, as well big show rooms. The area also has anime places, and a slew of maid cafes.
CLICK FOR AKIHABARA SIGHTSEEING MAP
Next take the subway to Asakusa, one of the top Tourist areas in Tokyo. There several temples and shrines so you can spend the rest of the afternoon poking about. There are nice cafes and small eateries for a coffee break or snack.
CLICK FOR ASAKUSA SIGHTSEEING MAP
DAY TWO
Grab a ferry going to Odaiba pier and float your way through the city while watching the cityscape drift by. It takes about 30 minutes, and on a nice day is much nicer than taking the trains.
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Odaiba has big shopping malls, interactive showrooms, giant game centers, and a man made beach. There is also a giant ferris wheels, museums and historical parks. Restaurants on the upper floors can be a great place to have a meal with a cityscape view.
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From Odaiba, take the Monorail across the bay, and decide if you want your last night in Tokyo to continue. A regular weeknight can be quiet, but Fridays and Saturdays all areas will be hopping. Keep in mind trains stop around midnight.
CLICK FOR SHIBUYA RESTAURANT MAP
Shinjuku, Shibuya or Roppongi are the top areas for nightlife. Roppongi has many bars, as well as clubs, and is where most foreigners go out. Shibuya has a good number of late night spots, but is less international. Shinjuku has bars, but is not a club area.
CLICK FOR ROPPONGI NIGHTLIFE MAP
Most clubs don't really get going until well after midnight, so best to plan a late night. Shibuya clubs tend to have a more Japanese vibe, but are usually 'gaijin' friendly. The clubs in Roppongi tend to be more international and include hip-hop places and salsa dance clubs.
CLICK FOR ROPPONGI NIGHTLIFE MAP
