We are in Tokyo for the first time for 6 days and would love your feedback on our itinerary. I feel like we are doing a lot of sightseeing, but it would be nice to include some Japan-unique experiences similar to a mochi making class, or something along those lines, that aren't too pricy.
Base: Kinshichō (Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kinshicho)
Goal: see the big hits but build in hotel rest blocks during midday because… August
Travel party: two adults. Like tech, food, cultural sights, shopping, thrifting, "adrenaline rush" activities (none on our list, would be nice to find some).
Day 0 – Sun, Aug 24 (Arrival / settle in); Land: 3:00 PM at Narita (NRT)
- Quick walk around Kinshicho, DAISO, Optional: Olinas Mall, Kinshi Park
Day 1 – Mon, Aug 25 (Asakusa → Skytree stroll → hotel rest → Akihabara)
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center (maps, brief views)
Asakusa core
Food near Senso-ji
Stroll through Sumida Park, then walk back to hotel though Skytree neighborhoods
Hotel rest, then out ~4–5 PM
Akihabara
- Akihabara Electric Town (wander) → Yodobashi Akiba
- Arcades: HEY or GiGO Akihabara 1
—
Day 2 – Tue, Aug 26 (Shibuya full day with Harajuku → evening Shibuya)
Early: Arashio-beya Sumo Stable – arrive before 7:30 AM for a spot; free viewing from street (practice only Aug 26–29)
Meiji Jingu
Takeshita Street
Cat Street
Kantan-na Yume – traditional Japanese sweets + tea (good price)
Hotel rest, then Shibuya evening
- Hachikō Statue → Shibuya Scramble
- Optional view: Starbucks Tsutaya
- Center-gai → MEGA Don Quijote
Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka (conveyor sushi) OR Ichiran
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Day 3 – Wed, Aug 27 (Shinjuku day → night alleys)
Morning/afternoon
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Yodobashi Camera
- Maybe CanDo (souvenirs)
Hotel rest, then out ~5 PM
The Giant 3D Cat billboard (quick stops), Godzilla Head
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – aim before sunset
Omoide Yokocho (nostalgic post-war alleyway)
Dinner at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Walk Kabukichō → Golden-Gai
Optional Hanazono Shrine
—
Day 4 – Thu, Aug 28 (Ueno park day + Highball Fest → evening Shimokitazawa)
Ueno park
- Statue of Saigo
- Kiyomizu Kannon-do
- Shinobazu Pond Benten
- Ueno Tōshōgū
- Tokyo National Museum – just stroll by OR go inside
- Kanei-ji
- Ameyoko Shopping Street – optional
Ueno Super Highball Festival happening here: whisky highballs + unique food (skewers/shaved ice etc.)
Hotel rest, leave 4:30–5 PM
Evening: Shimokitazawa (thrift & cafés)
- Flamingo (curated vintage – Americana + JP)
- Chicago (well-priced secondhand, lots of funky finds)
- New York Joe Exchange (inside a former bathhouse, super good deals)
- Wander the mural lanes / coffee stands
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Day 5 – Fri, Aug 29 (Tsukiji → teamLab → Roppongi area → optional Kichijōji)
Start early (before 6ish)
Tsukiji Outer Market
teamLab Borderless (MORI Building)
Nearby/Roppongi area options the rest of the morning
- Tokyo Tower area stroll
- Zojo-ji (maybe)
- Azabudai Hills
- Tokyo Midtown SUMMER (free) "festival"
Evening (optional, if we still want to go out)
- Kichijōji: Inokashira Park stroll, then Harmonica Yokocho for dinner/drinks. (Goal is a chill night before Shinkansen packing.)
by evolving_position