3 Tokyo-tastic Days

As the capital of Japan, Tokyo has plenty of things to see and do, read this guide so you don't miss out!

Tokyo is the bustling capital city of Japan with a rich history dating back centuries. Originally known as Edo, the city's transformation into Tokyo began in the late 19th century when Emperor Meiji shifted the capital from Kyoto to Edo. When he did this he renamed the city Tokyo, which means Eastern Capital. This was a significant turning point, propelling Tokyo into its modern identity. Tokyo is famous for its dynamic blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation. It's global influence extends to its cuisine, fashion, technology, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a captivating destination that seamlessly bridges the past and the future. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing hustle & bustle of Tokyo, a city where tradition harmonizes with innovation to create a unique urban tapestry.

When to visit Tokyo?

Japan is quite famous and popular to visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. However, I recommend you experience the enchantment of Japan in the fall. The planning that has gone into the gardens in Japan is so detailed that you will experience the kaleidoscope of fall colours in a way you never have before. Growing up in Canada, I am used to fall colours and I really wasn't expecting to be blown away by the beauty of it. Fall in Tokyo is not merely a sight to behold; it's an immersive sensory experience that captures the essence of beauty and transience, leaving an indelible mark on your heart and memory.

If you do choose to travel in the fall, make sure to pack some warm layers!

How to get to Tokyo?

If you are flying, like us, from Canada to Asia then chances are you will have two cities to choose from as your point of entry. The majority of flights we were looking at to start off our trip with either routed through Seoul, South Korea or Tokyo, Japan. We decided to make Japan our first country of the trip since we'd have to fly through it to visit other countries.

How to get around Tokyo?

Taking public transit in Japan is probably the easiest transit system I have encountered. You will have absolutely no issues using Google maps to navigate your way around any city on any method of transportation. The instructions google maps will give you are so specific they will tell you which car to enter at the station so that you exit the metro at the best place for your transfer or exit. Every single car is labelled within the metro station, making this very easy to do. The buses and metro all have signs and announcements in English, making it hassle free. Tokyo has an abundance of unique neighborhoods, each with their distinct character. Our favourites were Shinjuku and Shibuya, both are easy to get to by transit and easy to walk around once there.

What to do in Tokyo?

Day 1: Cultural Highlights

Since we were jet lagged from our flight from Canada, we were up early and ready to sightsee before a lot of places opened. We made a quick visit to 7-11 to grab snacks, and then jumped on the metro to visit Yoyogi Park. As we entered through the iconic gate, we were transported to a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Strolling along the pathways, we couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant display of chrysanthemum flowers, a testament to Japan's deep reverence for this beautiful bloom, often associated with the Imperial family.

Next up for us was our real breakfast, on the famous Takeshita street. Located in the heart of Harajuku district this street is famous for it's vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. Lined with quirky boutiques, trendy shops, and colorful cafes, this narrow pedestrian street is a fashion and pop culture hub. Takeshita Street is famous for its avant-garde street fashion, attracting fashion-forward youth and tourists alike. From Gothic Lolita to cosplay and kawaii (cute) style, you can find a kaleidoscope of fashion subcultures here. In addition to fashion, Takeshita Street offers a variety of delectable street food, including crepes, cotton candy, and savory snacks.

After an unforgettable culinary journey, we embarked on a unique experience at an Owl Café, where we had the chance to interact with these enigmatic creatures while enjoying a cup of tea. Japan has become quite well known for it's uniquely themed cafes, ranging from different animals to maids. It was a great way to learn about the owls on a smaller setting than your typical animal places. And if you're worried about the welfare of the animals, they are very well taken care of. There are different areas that owls can go to where you are not allowed, and the owls make use of these no-touch zones whenever they'd like a break.

To finish off our day we visited Shibuya district. We paid our respects to the legendary Hachiko dog statue, symbolizing unwavering loyalty - read about his legend here. And of course, we couldn't leave without experiencing the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a mesmerizing sea of pedestrians. This is the busiest crossing in Tokyo and can have up to 2500 people using it at a time, heading in all directions.

When visiting Shibuya district, you must head to Genki Sushi for a meal. This conveyor belt sushi restaurant is a fun and delicious way to savor Japan's culinary treasures. When you first enter, every person is assigned a number for their seating. If you're travelling in a large group, please note you won't be sitting at traditional tables. Instead the whole restaurant is lined seating along the conveyor belt. You can order up to 6 dishes at a time and order as many times as you'd like. This is a fantastic way to samples new types of sushi as the portions are much smaller than typical sushi restaurants. Here in Canada, we often order by the roll which contains 6-8 pieces depending on the size. At this restaurant, the plates are usually only 1-2 pieces, don't worry they average 1-2CAD a plate too.

Day 2: Natural beauty

Thanks to jetlag, we were up and ready to go even earlier than the day before. We were walking distance from Meiji Jingu Gaien which is a ginkgo tree-lined avenue famous for it's fall colours. This avenue, known as the Icho Namiki or Ginkgo Avenue, is particularly enchanting during the fall season when the leaves gently carpet the ground, with a golden canopy above.

Seeing as we were there so early, you would imagine we would have the place to ourselves and yet there were already many photographers there with their equipment. This breathtaking natural spectacle transports visitors into a world of golden splendor. As you walk along the avenue, you are under towering ginkgo trees bursting with vibrant shades of yellow, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of golden leaves. As you stroll beneath the ginkgo trees, the dappling sunlight filtering through the leaves casts a warm, ethereal glow, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. It's a serene and picturesque escape from the bustling city, where the beauty of nature meets the tranquility of Tokyo.

Next, we found ourselves in the tranquil embrace of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This oasis in the heart of the city featured various garden styles from around the world, offering a peaceful respite from the urban hustle and bustle. I particularly enjoyed the rose garden, seeing all the unique colours that have been created. It was also the Chrysanthemum season when we were visiting so there was an abundance of creations using this royal flower.

Hie-Jinja Shrine was our next destination, a shrine nestled amidst Tokyo's skyscrapers. It can be a little tricky to find as it's up a hill in the middle of the city. It stands out thanks to its striking red torii gates, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. You enter the shrine by climbing a long staircase under the gates -- it's also a fantastic photo spot. Once you're at the top you can explore the beautiful historical shrine and admire the local brides! This is a very popular place for wedding photos and we saw couples all around the shrine with their photographers.

As the day continued, we ventured to Roppongi Hills, a modern complex that seamlessly blended art, shopping, and dining. It provided a glimpse into Tokyo's ever-evolving urban landscape. This is a great spot to see the Tokyo Tower, it's also popular for watching the sun set over the tower.

As night descended, Roppongi transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub, there are lots of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Or take a simpler scenic route as we did and stroll the streets to enjoy the lights. Since this is a prime shopping district and we were there late November, it was fully decked out for the Holiday season.

Day 3: Culinary Delights

Our last day in Tokyo began with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market to eat our way through it. If you're a seafood lover, or a foodie in general, this historic market is a must. The market was an iconic Tokyo location, originally for wholesale it has crossed over into selling goods for everyone. The stall vendors have fresh local seafood ready to prepare in any way imaginable. Our favourite was the fresh bbq, where you could watch them grill it for you. You can also try traditional omelets, tuna cakes and fish skewers. If you're not usually a seafood lover, keep in mind how fresh it is here and give it a go!

From Tsukiji, we made our way to Asakusa Temple, a cultural gem in the heart of Tokyo. This buddhist temple is one of Tokyo's oldest and most popular temples. We marveled at the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of traditional geishas. It is common here to rent a geisha outfit so you will find the grounds full of the beautiful women.

From here we walked to Nakano Broadway for a sweet treat at Daily Chico. This little ice cream shop inside the food court has become famous for it's astonishing 8-scoop ice cream, featuring an array of delightful flavors from matcha and chocolate to grape and banana!

It can be a little tricky to find the food court, so don't be scared to show shop workers a photo and ask them how to find it.

Returning to the bustling Shibuya district at night, we couldn't resist another round of conveyor belt sushi. To cap off our journey, we wandered along Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane, a nostalgic street frozen in time, with tiny bars and eateries offering a glimpse into Tokyo's post-war era. Unfortunately, many of the restaurants are so tiny that it wasn't practical for us to visit any with Kymani.

Bonus: Daytrip to Hakone

Leaving the heart of Tokyo behind, we embarked on a jam-packed day trip to Hakone, a region renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It's easily accessible by the Japan railway system and trains run often. It's easy to experience the highlights in one day, however, if you have more time I would recommend staying the night to get to visit more in this charming area.

Our first stop was the Hakone Shrine, a sacred place surrounded by lush greenery and marked by the Peace Shrine Gate, a beautifully symbolic structure. If you want a photo here, you will have to queue up!

To explore the scenic wonders of Hakone, we boarded a pirate ship cruise from Hakone-machi to Togendai. The journey across Lake Ashinoko offered breathtaking views of the tranquil waters and, on clear days, you can get a peek at the majestic Mount Fuji like we got to.

The adventure continued with a ride on the Hakone Ropeway (cable car system), where we soared above the Hakone mountains, treated to panoramic vistas of volcanic landscapes and lush valleys. You can also stop to check out the sulfur mines, visit a spa or even try a black egg - eggs cooked in the hot springs.

Our final stop was the Hakone Open Air Museum, a true fusion of art and nature. It's a very unique take on art since everything is outside, it allows the art to be much larger and more interactive. Here, we wandered among sculptures and installations set against a backdrop of natural beauty, a perfect conclusion to our day in Hakone.