Hey guys, I will visit Tokyo for the third time this June (as the end segment of a South Korea trip). I will be travelling solo there.
I have already done most popular and touristy things in the area and I want to immerse myself more in the culture and uniqueness of Japan – as someone who is deeply interested in its history and currently studying the language as a hobby.
I would really appreciate a quick sanity check – am I making any obvious mistakes, am I missing out on something, have I overdone the itinerary for such a short trip?
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Day 1: Narita arrival (around noon) –> Hotel 1899 (Shimbashi) check-in –> Kanda –> Shimbashi izakaya
I have never been in Kanda but look forward to exploring the Jinbocho Old Book Centre, eating soba at Kanda Matsuya or curry at Café & Dining Jinbocho and checking out the Milonga Nueva cafe for the Argentinian tango vibes.
Last time I was in Tokyo, the izakayas in Shimbashi caught my attention but I did not end up going in any of them. The plan is not to stay late, though.
Day 2: Sumo stable practice –> Fukagawa Edo Museum –> Meguro & Shibuya –> Light nightlife
Morning: sumo stable early in the morning, followed by the museum since they are in the same general area.
Afternoon: Daikanyama, Nakameguro and Ebisu, as I love those neighbourhoods for the cafes, the food (particularly Ebisu) and the shopping.
Shibuya – I have been meaning to visit some of the rooftop parks but never did.
Night: Akasaka for dinner and cocktails – I have never been to that neighbourhood and Codename Mixology looks like a very good option for that. Alternatively – Bar BenFiddich if I manage to miraculously book a seat.
Afterward – Rokusan Angel as it is becoming a bit of a tradition and I love the energy there, followed by an event or an underground venue (still working on this).
Day 3: Kamakura –> Enoshima –> Late-night stuff
Kamakura: Romancecar, Daibutsu, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, lunch.
Enoshima: Touch the water and perhaps enter it (I am aware it will probably be too cold), explore the island and the caves.
Evening/night: Pass by Karen Ginza to get a suitcase (depending on how the shopping is going) and some nightlife again – interesting bars*; clubs that are good for dancing, not just getting drunk; potentially underground venues; still working on it too.
By interesting bars I mean:
- Vinyl listening bars
- Rooftop bars and terraces – very weather-dependent
- Kiha bar
- Muscle girls bar (?)
- Deathmatch in Hell or another small Shinjuku spot (although I am a bit sceptical)
- Kujira – very sceptical about that one
- Bar Tram, Trench, Trinity in Ebisu – love all of them
- Bar Centifolia
I would consider doing early-morning tuna auction, sushi/ramen and such if I decide do an all-nighter. I have always been curious how salarymen do it!
Day 4: Kabuki/Noh and Odaiba
Morning: Theatre – either kabuki or Noh, not decided yet, but very likely just a single set.
Noon/afternoon: Tech shopping (headphones, mac mini, other small electronics) at BicCamera, Yodobashi, Apple.
I would also like to experience eating standing sushi (probably somewhere in Ginza since I will be in the area).
Evening: Odaiba – Gundam light show and some random exploration; Tokyo Bay dinner cruise and some nightlife, as described in Day 3.
Day 5: Yanaka Ginza –> Souvenir shopping and last-minute items –> free time before departure at 10pm
I ate my first meal in Japan at Tonkatsu Mizuma in Yanaka Ginza and would love to visit it again (some of the best tonkatsu I have ever eaten by the way). The rest of the day is without a plan.
Thank you very much for the assistance!
by JetLagSurvivor