This Tokyo Travel Guide helps you make the most of your two days in the city. It features a well-crafted travel itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
I spent a few years working for a Japanese company in Manila, where I learned a great deal about Japan. The ideal lifestyle and standard of living of the Japanese are highly admired, as are their work ethics.
Japanese capital, Tokyo, is among the most advanced cities in the world. The city has the most sophisticated transportation system and is concealed with concrete buildings. It is also home to almost 40 million people, making it the largest populous metropolitan area in the world.
Tokyo is at the vanguard of many technological innovations, as seen by its lightning-fast trains and cutting-edge infrastructures. Nevertheless, the Asian city continues to adhere to its deeply ingrained traditions despite of the influences and technological advancements. Indeed, Tokyo is a metropolis that successfully combines the ancient and modern worlds.
Tokyo Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Tokyo
- Visa in Japan
- Standard Time in Tokyo
- Climate in Tokyo
- Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- Language in Tokyo
- Currency in Tokyo
- Modes of Payment in Tokyo
- Ways of Getting to Tokyo
- Getting Around Tokyo
- Areas to Stay in Tokyo
- Internet in Tokyo
- Power Adaptor in Tokyo
- Tokyo Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Tokyo Trip
- Tokyo Guidebook Resources
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Quick Fact About Tokyo
Edo, or present-day Tokyo became the capital of Japan after the imperial capital in Kyoto was transferred in 1868. Today, Tokyo is the leading business center in Japan and one of the largest economies in the world.
Visa in Japan
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan with regards to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa when traveling to Japan for tourism purposes. The Embassy of Japan does not accept in-person Japan visa applications. Thus, an accredited agency collects all the needed visa requirements.
On the other hand, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Tokyo
The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in Tokyo is UTC +09:00.
Thus, Tokyo is an hour ahead of Manila, five hours ahead of Dubai, and seven hours ahead of Paris. Moreover, Tokyo is eight hours ahead of New York. Conversely, Tokyo is two hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Tokyo
Situated in the Kanto region on the central main island of Honshu, Tokyo experiences a warm temperate climate. The climate condition in the city is characterized by warm, humid, and wet summers, and slightly cold winters.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo is an all-year-round tourist destination, but visiting this bustling city during the spring and autumn provides a remarkable experience. Besides comfortable weather, cherry trees and the golden-shade leafage highlights the city landscapes during these seasons.
March to May
The cherry trees bloom in late March until May, which marks the springtime in Tokyo and the rest of Japan. See up-close the blooming trees once you step into Japan’s well-liked parks, like Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and Ueno Park.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: The Golden Week in Japan happens late April to early May. Thus, the crowd become more visible and accommodation rates soar during Japan’s long holiday break.
June to August
Experience a sweltering summer heat in June, July, and August. While August is the hottest month, persistent rains occur in June and July.
September to November
The months from September until November marks the fall foliage season in Tokyo and other portions of Japan. Like springtime, it is also frequented by visitors for pleasant weather and seasonal warm-toned leafage of Yoyogi Park.
December to February
Experience snow flurries in Tokyo, beginning December to February. The weather during the wintry season is colder but bearable for outdoor activities.
Language in Tokyo
The Japanese is the official and widely spoken language in Tokyo. Tokyoites are welcoming but most are not conversant in English.
However, the public signs in the city are also displayed in English, while tourist maps are in train stations and tourist attractions. Here are essential Japanese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Tokyo, Japan.
- Konnichiwa – Hi
- Sumimasen, chikatetsu eki wa doko desu ka? – Where is the subway station?
- Gomennasai – I am sorry
- Nante iimashita ka – What did you say?
- Mo ichido itte kudasai – Please say that one more time
- Wakarimasu – I understand you
- Otsukaresama desu – Thank you for your efforts
- Yoroshiku onegai shimasu – Nice to meet you
- Sayounara – Goodbye
Currency in Tokyo
The Japanese yen, abbreviated as JPY, is the official currency in Japan. As of August 12, 2023, exchange rate is JPY 1, PHP 0.39, or USD 0.0069.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency to yen in downtown Tokyo, which offers better exchange rates. Otherwise, convert sufficient cash at the destination’s airport to cover the fare to the city center.
Modes of Payment in Tokyo
Tokyo remains a cash-oriented society, however some other methods of payment are also used in select establishments and transports.
Cash
Hard cash is widely used payment method in Tokyo. Most commercial facilities in the metro, like shops and restaurants accept and prefer cash payments.
Bank Cards
Besides cash, foreign-issued cards in the forms of debit and credit cards are honored in some business establishments in Tokyo.
Transit Pass
The Integrated Circuit card, or IC card is a cash-substitute for fare payments. This rechargeable smartcard is used for various transport services and facilities, like retail shops, and attractions.
SUICA (Welcome Suica) and PASMO (Pasmo Passport) are prepaid cards offered to foreign visitors for use in the Greater Tokyo Area. It is a convenient and economical smartcards, which provide ease of access to public transports and sold in trains stations. Moreover, the ICOCA prepaid card is honored in various transports in Tokyo.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: Aside from the SUICA, PASMO, and ICOCA cards, passes are also offered in Tokyo.
- Reserve a Narita Express (N’EX) Pass or Narita Airport Limousine Voucher for a convenient transfer between airport and Tokyo Metropolitan.
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass provides unlimited rides for three days, using Japan Rail – East trains. However, specified areas in Greater Tokyo, including the Narita and Haneda airports, are only covered.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket offers unlimited access on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Otherwise, use the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass or the Toei One-Day Subway Pass, which grant you all-day metro rides.
- Moreover, use a Toei Bus One-Day Pass for an all-day access on the Toei buses, which run across Tokyo’s 23 wards. The pass is sold at JPY 500, PHP 195.10, or USD 3.45.
- Are you planning to visit other distant cities in Japan, like Osaka? Reserve a JR Nationwide Pass instead.
Ways of Getting to Tokyo
Japan is an archipelago of more than fourteen thousand islands. Hence, traveling through air and water are the only methods of getting to this East Asian country.
By Air
Air travel is obviously more convenient and the faster way to reach Tokyo, Japan. Through the country’s various gateways, the Japan’s capital is accessible from cities of Chiba, Nagoya, and Osaka.
The Haneda Airport, or the Tokyo International Airport is one of the major air hubs in Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Haneda is the closest airport in central Tokyo, serving domestic and overseas passengers.
Tokyo Travel Guide Reminder: The length of travel between Manila and Tokyo is 4 hours and 22 minutes.
Chiba to Tokyo
Aside from the Haneda Airport, Chiba’s Narita International Airport is the major aviation hub in the Greater Tokyo Area. The airport is around 70 kilometers, or around an hour journey to central Tokyo.
Airport shuttles, buses, and taxis serve arriving passengers, from the Narita Airport. However, boarding the Narita Express is a convenient and faster way of reaching downtown Tokyo.
Nagoya to Tokyo
Central Japan International Airport, or Chubu Centrair Airport in Nagoya is around a couple hours train journey to Tokyo. From the airport, board Meitetsu rail to Meitetsu Nagoya, and get in the Tokyo-bound bullet trains, like Nozomi, Kodama, or Hikari.
Osaka to Tokyo
Several public transportations, like regular trains and night buses, travel to Tokyo from Osaka for more than six hours. However, to avoid long-haul trip, planes and high-speed bullet trains ply between the two cities in less than three hours.
By Water
Japan shares maritime borders with Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea to the east. Moreover, it shares sea boundaries with Taiwan and the Philippines to the south.
The neighboring and closest countries such as China and South Korea have direct trips via ferries to Japan. Thus, Fukuoka in Japan is accessible from Shanghai in China. On the other hand, Osaka is reachable from Busan in South Korea. Tokyo is several hours journey, from Osaka and Fukuoka via plane, train, and bus.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo has one of the world’s most efficient transportation system. And getting around the corners of Tokyo is made possible through its various rail lines and other modes of transports.
Train
Most Japanese and even overseas tourists rely on the city’s most convenient transport mode – trains. The JR trains, subways, and monorails are reliable means for intracity transfers. While the other rail transits and bullet trains links the city to other parts of Japan.
Japan Rails - East Train
The Yamanote Line is a major line, which runs across the city due to its broader coverage area. Like the Osaka Loop Line in Osaka, the rail line circles key areas within the city; Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa.
Moreover, JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line traverse between Tokyo and other cities, like Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Subway
Tokyo has a couple underground railways; the Tokyo Metro with nine lines, and Toei Subway with four lines. Both subways serve the Greater Tokyo Area.
A regular subway ticket in Tokyo starts at JPY 180, PHP 70.24, or USD 1.24. It is sold at the subway station’s vending machines. Otherwise, avail the unlimited subway ride using the Tokyo Subway Ticket, or use PASMO, SUICA, or ICOCA prepaid cards.
Monorail
Tokyo Monorails run parallel between Haneda International Airport and downtown Tokyo via Hamamatsucho Station of the Yamanote Line.
Other Rail Transit
Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi are the surrounding prefectures of Tokyo. These neighboring areas are reachable from the capital via several lines, like the Odakyu Rails, serving Odawara and Hakone in Kanagawa.
Tokyo Travel Guide Reminder: The trains in Tokyo are often crammed during rush hours. Thus, the busiest hours of the day is between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Moreover, trains normally start operations between 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m., and extend until 1:00 a.m.
Bus
Besides the widely used trains, buses are also a substitute transportation in Tokyo. City buses frequently travel to little-known areas and an alternative for leisurely trips around the city.
Transit Bus
The Toei Bus is among the city buses that run across the major areas in Tokyo, especially within the Yamanote Loop Line. Moreover, the bus service covers around 200 routes with bus stops, linking to various stations.
A single-journey ticket costs JPY 210, PHP 81.94, or USD 1.45 for adults while JPY 110. 00, PHP 42.92, or USD 0.76 for children. Or, pay using the Toei Bus One-Day Economy Pass, or prepaid cards, like SUICA, PASMO, or ICOCA.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: How to get on and get off the bus in Tokyo? Enter at the front door and pay using cash or prepaid card in the machine, or present your pass to the driver. Then push the stop button when destination is called, then exit at the back door.
Tourist Bus
Tourist, or sightseeing buses such as SKYBUS Tokyo and SKYHOP Bus, are unroofed double-decker buses intended for city tours. These tourist buses follow specific routes, heading to the city’s sightseeing spots and landmarks.
Airport Bus
Aside from trains and taxis, airport buses are convenient transport modes between ports, and downtown Tokyo. There are bus services from Narita and Haneda airports, and seaports that lead towards the city center, like Limousine bus.
Ferry
Tokyo has over a hundred rivers that include Sumida and Meguro rivers, which run into the expansive Tokyo Bay. Hence, several forms of water transports such as water buses and small cruise ships ply along the waterways.
Whether riding an old-fashioned riverboat, or a modernistic watercraft, both offers a leisurely excursion on the east side of the city.
Taxi
Cabs are a convenient yet pricier alternative to trains and buses. The taxis in Tokyo and other major cities in Japan charge around JPY 1,000, PHP 390.20, or USD 6.90 for the first kilometer.
As the trains and buses cease operations at midnight, a taxi could be an alternative option. However, a 20% surcharge is collected when traveling between 12:00 a.m. until 5:00 a.m. in the city.
Hailing a taxi is not a problem in the city as taxi stands are in ports and most train stations. In addition, taxis park near establishments such as hotels and attractions.
Areas to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is composed of twenty three special wards that includes Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shibuya, and Shinjuku – all are in the central area. The central area of Tokyo has a wide-range accommodation options in addition to its collection of attractions and the well-connected public transports.
Chiyoda
Located in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo Station is the transportation hub in Tokyo. The main station is well-connected through various points in Tokyo Metropolitan. Also, it is the terminus of the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, routing to Osaka via bullet trains.
Besides a transport-convenient area, it is also a shopping, and dining destination. Around the central station are huge shopping malls and restaurants that are stone’s throw to many accommodation types in the area.
Akihabara, on the other hand, is a bustling district in Chiyoda Ward, and it is well-known for Japanese animation and manga. If you are a fanatic of anime, or a technopile, stay in Japan’s electric town.
Chuo
Ginza is Japan’s foremost shopping, dining and entertainment district. This neighborhood in Chuo Ward is notable for its upmarket shopping centers, upscale restaurants, hip cafés, and lavish nightspots. It also caters to the affluent guests with its numerous high-end hotels and facilities.
Minato
Roppongi and Odaiba are among districts in the Minato and a premier shopping and leisure destination. The exclusive District of Roppongi is familiar venue for late night scenes, teeming with nightclubs, bars, diners, and cabarets. Hence, Roppongi is a perfect spot for night owls and those who loves all-night parties.
Odaiba, on the other hand, is a reclaimed land and a well-liked shopping zone. This artificial island in Tokyo Bay has shopping complexes and host several grand hotels.
Shibuya
Without a doubt, Shibuya is Tokyo’s most vibrant and trendy district. Staying a night in this neighborhood puts you right in the middle of contemporary Japanese culture.
The sizable and cutting-edge 3D billboards and glaring neon signs enfold nearly all corners of this hectic-paced locale. Moreover, fashion aficionados mobbed along the chaotic walking streets filled with stylish boutiques, hip cafés, and trendy art galleries.
Shinjuku
Surrounding the world’s busiest train station, Shinjuku Station, are massive shopping malls, countless retail shops, restaurants, and diverse accommodations option. Shinjuku is ideal base not only for its energetic atmosphere but also well-connected to various points in Japan.
Moreover, at night, streets and alleyways turn into lively nightspots for dining, bar hopping, and clubbing. Hence, Kabukicho is a favorite spot to end the well-spent day in Shinjuku.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo are among Asia’s most expensive cities. Thus, expect pricier rates on accommodations and other essentials.
However, to score reasonable room rates, it is a must to reserve a hotel in advance. Otherwise, stay in hostel, or distance from the more expensive accommodations in the central area.
Taito
Away from the more bustling central area of Tokyo is a calmer neighborhood, Taito. Taito is on the peripheries of Chiyoda and Chuo wards on the east and north, respectively.
While the central areas are more animating and technologizing, Taito is more of an ancient and traditional. Amidst the modernize aura of Tokyo hides old streets and alleys, while the oldest temple in Tokyo blends with recent structures. Thus, stay in Ueno, or Asakusa to experience a piece of old Kyoto in Tokyo.
Internet in Tokyo
Beijing, Bangkok, and Tokyo are among the cities of the world with the fastest internet. While most hotels in the city provides free WIFI, reliable internet is also in major train stations, like Tokyo, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
Power Adaptor in Tokyo
Tokyo operates on a 100 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and it has two types of power adaptor:
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
Explore the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in 9 days! But first, read the Osaka Travel Guide for a complete and comprehensive Japan itinerary.
Tokyo Travel Guide Itinerary
Departure for Tokyo
09:03 pm Arrival in Tokyo from Yokohama
Tokyo Travel Guide Reminder: Aside from the consumption tax, Tokyo also imposed accommodation tax on lodging facilities. An overnight stay, exceeding JPY 10,000, PHP 3.837.93 or USD 67.67, are subject for the city tax.
09:03 pm – 10:00 pm Head to accommodation
- From Shibuya Station
- Walk toward accommodation
10:00 pm – 10:30 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Book Tea Bed Shibuya
10:30 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 1 - Shibuya and Shinjuku
06:15 am – 08:10 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, early hotel check out, and drop off the luggage at the hotel
Tokyo Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about a kilometer to walk from point A to point B.
Reserve your Skyliner Narita Airport Express with 48-Hour Tokyo Subway Ticket for fast and convenient journey around Tokyo and through Narita Airport.
08:10 am – 08:32 am Head toward Shibuya Station and redeem the Tokyo Subway Ticket at station’s counters, or vending machines.
08:32 am – 08:34 am Head toward Yoyogi and Harajuku
- From hotel accommodation
- Walk to Shibuya Station – Platforms 5 or 6
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Fukutoshin Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Station
- Alight at the Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station
- Walk toward Meiji Shrine
08:34 am – 11:00 am Explore Yoyogi
Meiji Shrine
Completed in 1920, the Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine erected to honor Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. During his rule, Emperor Meiji led the social transformation in Japan, from an agrarian society to becoming a highly industrialize nation.
The shrine complex lies in the middle of a heavily-forested area and peppered with over hundred thousand trees. An enormous torii gate welcomes visitors as they enter the compound that houses the main building, museum, and a garden.
Meiji Shrine is open, from Mondays through Sundays, while the opening hours may vary for each spots. The main building is open any time of the day, while admission is free. However, the other facilities in the park require a separate fee.
Museum
Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and last admission is until 4:00 p.m.
Fee: JPY 1,000, PHP 390.20, or USD 6.90
Inner Garden
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and last entry is until 4:00 p.m.
Fee: JPY 500, PHP 195.10, or USD 3.45
Yoyogi Park
Adjacent to the Meiji Shrine is a 54.1 hectares densely-wooded urban park, Yoyogi. The vast area is a former marching ground and housing facility of American troops. It also served as the athletes village of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The Yoyogi Park has expanse open spaces for outdoor activities, and a venue for events and performing arts. Moreover, it is among the best spots across Tokyo to witness striking autumn views. The park is open 24 hours and admission is free.
11:00 am – 01:32 pm Head to and explore Harajuku, and have lunch
- From Yoyogi Park
- Walk toward Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is the epicenter of youth and kawaii, or cute culture. Beside the narrow yet colorful lane are arrays of boutiques, retail shops, food stands, and quick-service restaurants. Hence, Takeshita Street is well-suited and the go-to place for fashion-forward teens in Tokyo.
01:32 pm – 01:50 pm Head to Shinjuku
- From Takeshita Street
- Walk toward Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station – Platform 4
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Fukutoshin Line to Kotesahi Station etc.
- Alight at Shinjuku-sanchome Station
- Walk toward Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
01:50 pm – 03:23 pm – Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Opened in 1949, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is an imperial garden, or gyoen. It is the residential quarter of a high-raking nobleman during the Edo Period.
The Shinjuku Gyoen has immense grass yards, ponds, and pathways, leading through the perfectly-manicured inner gardens. It also has French and American-inspired landscapes as well as Japanese gardens positioned in the 58-hectare land.
Like other paid attractions in Japan, the imperial garden opens daily, except Mondays or the following day if Monday is a holiday. While the opening hours is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and extends until 7:00 p.m. during the spring. The admission fee is JPY 500, PHP 195.10, or USD 3.45.
03:23 pm – 03:40 pm Head toward the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- From Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Walk toward Shinjuku-sanchome Station – Platform 1
- Take the Toei Subway – Shinjuku Line toward Hashimoto Station etc.
- Alight at Shinjuku Station
- Walk toward Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
03:40 pm – 05:18 pm Sightseeing at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bldg.
Towering at a height of 242.9 meters, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the world’s tallest seat of government. This 48-floored skyscraper features a couple observation decks on the main building’s 45th floor that offers commanding views of city landscapes.
Besides the sweeping urban jungle, Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest volcano, is also visible on a clear day. These free access viewing platforms, the north and south observatories, are open to visitors, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
05:18 pm – 05:40 pm Head to Kabukicho
- From Tokyo Metropolitan Gov’t Building
- Walk to Nishi-shinjuku Station – Platform 2
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Marunouchi Line toward Ikebukuro Station
- Alight at Shinjuku Station – East Gate
- Walk toward Kabukicho
05:40 pm – 07:30 pm Explore Kabukicho, and have dinner
Kabukicho
Sited east of Shinjuku Station, Kabukicho is an adult-oriented entertainment district in Tokyo. The area was once an immense wetland turned into an infamous red-light district, filled with nightclubs, bars, shops, and love hotels.
07:30 pm – 07:45 pm Head to Shibuya
- From Kabukicho
- Walk toward Shinjuku-sanchome Station – Platform 3
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Fukutoshin Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station
- Alight at Shibuya Station – Hachiko Exit
- Walk to Shibuya Scramble Crossing
07:45 pm – 09:30 pm Explore Shibuya
Tokyo Travel Guide Fact: A bronze statue of Hachiko, a popular figure in Japan, was set outside Shibuya Station’s Exit 8. This is a commemoration of the dog’s loyalty to his master even after his death.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is among the most recognizable landmarks in Japan. This pedestrian intersection has appeared in several publications and films, including the action-packed movie, ‘The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.’
Electronic billboards and numerous neon signs suspended on surrounding buildings illuminate the chaotic crosswalk thronged with pedestrians, traversing from all directions. Join the mob, while crossing to either road sides, to experience Shibuya’s endless action.
Around Shibuya Scramble Crossing are shops, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and clubs, while myriad of them are in Central Gai. The shopping and dining precinct is just across Shibuya Station.
Tokyo Travel Guide Fact: The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the world’s busiest crosswalk with almost 3,000 pedestrians, crossing at once.
You want to witness how hectic the scenes in Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above? Reserve Shibuya Sky Ticket and experience an all-encompassing views of the metro and be mesmerized by rabble of pedestrians crossing all together.
09:30 pm – 09:45 pm Get luggage at the hotel, and head back to Shibuya Station
09:45 pm – 10:30 pm Head to Ueno
- From Shibuya Station
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Ginza Line toward Asakusa Station
- Alight at Ueno Station
- Walk toward hotel accommodation
10:30 pm – 11:30 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at APA Hotel Ueno Ekikita
11:30 pm Prepare and sleep
Unleashed your inner child in the happiest place – Disneyland. Meet Mickey and the rest of the gang, and experience fun-filled moments like there’s no tomorrow. Reserve your Tokyo Disney Resort Park Tickets bundled with Tokyo Disney Music and Fireworks Tickets.
Day 2 - Taito and Chiyoda
Tokyo Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about 900 meters to walk from point A to point B.
06:00 am – 08:00 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, early hotel check out, and drop off the luggage at the hotel
08:00 am – 08:10 am Head to Asakusa
- From hotel accommodation
- Walk toward Ueno Station – Platform 2
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Ginza Line toward Asakusa Station
- Alight at Asakusa Station
- Walk toward Sensoji Temple
08:10 am – 10:00 am explore Asakusa
Sensoji Temple
Also known Asakusa Kannon Temple, Sensoji is the oldest and most celebrated temple in Tokyo built in 645. The Buddhist temple is enshrined to devote the god of compassion – Kannon.
Between the temple’s two decorated gates is a shopping lane, leading to the main hall and several other religious sites. The Nakamise Shopping Street is about a couple hundred meters filled with shops that sell variety of Japanese merchandise and snacks.
Temple grounds are open 24 hours, while the admission is free.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: Stone’s throw from Sensoji Temple is a stylish-looking building – Asakusa Culture Information Center. The visitors center features modern interiors and airy entrance hall, and amenities such as elevators, WIFI-enabled desktops, and a café.
Also, the free-access observation deck, on the 8th floor, offers unobstructed view of Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree.
Breathe! Get Tokyo Skytree Tickets and enjoy the panoramic city views of Tokyo from the world’s tallest tower. Tokyo Skytree is around a 20-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, or one bus ride from Asakusa’s main landmark.
10:00 am – 10:15 am Head to Akihabara
- From Sensoji Temple
- Walk toward Asakusa Station
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Ginza Line toward Shibuya Station
- Alight at Suehirocho Station
- Walk toward Akihabara
10:15 am – 01:00 pm Explore Akihabara and have lunch
Akihabara
Located in Chiyoda Ward, Akihabara is an area encompassing Akihabara Station. In 1890s, it served as the shipment point of produce and eventually a trading hub of home appliances.
Today, Akihabara takes pride as among the world’s top shopping destination for electronic goods, like computers, mobile devices, and game consoles. Akihabara also takes center stage for ‘Otaku,’ or Japanese popular culture, revolving around anime, manga, and video games enthusiasts.
Tokyo Travel Guide Tip: Tax-free shops are in shopping malls, department stores, and other retail outlets, like those in Akihabara. Foreign visitors who stay in the city for less than six months may exempt from the consumption-tax. Present your passport to the establishment to avail tax-free goods
01:00 pm – 01:10 pm Head to Ueno
- From Akihabara
- Walk to Suehirocho Station – Platform 2
- Take the Tokyo Metro – Ginza Line toward Asakusa Station
- Alight at Ueno Station
- Walk toward Ueno Park
01:10 pm – 04:00 pm Explore Ueno
Ueno Park
Opened in 1873, the Ueno Imperial Gift Park is among the oldest public parks in Japan. This broad expanse park, adjacent to Ueno Station, was once occupied by an influential and affluent temple during Edo Period – Keneiji.
The Ueno Park has a few shrines and temples, museums, zoo, pond, and a path, teeming with Sakura trees. This western-inspired urban park boasts the oldest museum and zoo in Japan; Tokyo National Museum, and Ueno Zoological Garden.
The park’s gate is open daily, from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and admission is free. However, several facilities admit visitors between 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and require separate entry fees.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ueno’s Ameyoko Shopping Street, or simply Ameyoko, is an outdoor marketplace, which extends from the stations of Ueno through Okachimachi. In the earlier times, this lane is brimming with sweet stores, hence, the name ‘Ameyoko’, or ‘alley of candy shops.’
Currently, there are hundreds of shops and eateries stretched out in this busy lane. It has a wide array of retail establishments that sell apparels, cosmetics, farm products, and variety of dishes and snacks.
Opening time may vary from each shops. But the usual business hours starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 p.m.
Welcome aboard! Escorted tours is another way to explore and experience the city’s wealth of culture. Book a sightseeing bus tour now!
04:00 pm – 04:30 pm Head back to hotel and get the luggage
- From hotel accommodation
- Walk toward Keisei Ueno Station
04:30 pm – 04:40 pm Redeem the Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket at the Keisei Ueno Station counters or vending machines.
04:40 pm – 05:40 pm Head to Narita Airport
- From Keisei Ueno Station
- Take the Skyliner Narita Airport Express to Narita International Airport
- Alight at the airport
05:40 pm – 08:40 pm Check in, prepare for departure, and boarding
08:40 pm Departure from Tokyo
Budget for Tokyo Trip
In 2022, I spent P 12,390.04 for two days and two nights in Tokyo. However, costs may vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Below is the Tokyo travel guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- A one-way flight ticket with an inflight meal, Tokyo to Manila, PHP 5,231.63
- One day and one night accommodation in Shibuya, PHP 4,245.71/2, or PHP 2,122.86
- Extra one day and one night accommodation in Ueno, PHP 3,697.59/2, or PHP 1,848.80
- 48-Hour Tokyo Subway Ticket, PHP 472.00
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket, Ueno to Narita International Airport, PHP 906.00
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 295.00
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden entry fee, PHP 195.00
- Lunch, PHP 320.00
- Dinner, PHP 345.00
2nd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 243.75
- Lunch, PHP 410.00
Tokyo Travel Guide Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel documents? Consult iVisa!
SafetyWing is your safeguard for travel medical and health insurance while away from home.
The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.
Reserve a room on one of the largest online hotel booking platforms, Agoda. It offers unbeatable hotel deals!
Explore the world with HostelWorld! Make a reservation and share a space with newfound buddies.
Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Tokyo Travel Guide Question: What is the oldest temple in Kyoto?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Tokyo Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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