Tokyo, Japan: 1-Month Itinerary

Here’s a one-month travel itinerary for a young couple in Japan. This itinerary will focus on exploring Tokyo and its nearby attractions during weekdays, and then venturing outside of Tokyo within a 3-hour radius on weekends.

Week 1: Tokyo Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive in Tokyo and check into your accommodation.
• Rest and recover from your journey.

Day 2: Tokyo – East Side

• Start your exploration of Tokyo’s east side.
• Visit Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
• Explore the Tokyo Skytree area.
• Enjoy dinner in Asakusa or Sumida Ward.

Day 3: Tokyo – Central

• Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
• Explore the Marunouchi and Ginza shopping districts.
• Evening walk in Tokyo Station and Yurakucho.

Day 4: Tokyo – Harajuku & Shibuya

• Explore Harajuku, including Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine.
• Afternoon visit to Shibuya for the famous Shibuya Crossing.
• Explore Shibuya Center Street for shopping and dining.

Day 5: Tokyo – Shinjuku

• Spend the day in Shinjuku visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
• Explore Kabukicho and Golden Gai for nightlife options.

Weekend 1: Kyoto

• Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Gion district.
• Stay overnight in Kyoto.

Week 2: Tokyo and Day Trip to Nikko

Day 8: Tokyo – Omiya Bonsai Village & Saitama

• Take a day trip to Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama (within 1 hour from Tokyo by train).
• Explore the bonsai gardens and visit the Bonsai Art Museum.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Day 9: Tokyo – Akihabara

• Gaming Arcades: Akihabara has some of the best gaming arcades in Tokyo. You can play a wide range of video games, from retro classics to modern titles.
• Anime and Manga Shopping: Explore numerous stores selling anime, manga, and related merchandise. You can find everything from figurines and collectibles to posters and rare items.
• Electronics Shopping: If you’re into electronics, you can explore the many electronics shops in the area. From cameras to gadgets and computer parts, Akihabara is a tech lover’s paradise.
• Mandarake Complex: Mandarake is a multi-story shop that specializes in rare and vintage manga, anime, and collectibles. It’s a must-visit for collectors.
• Super Potato: This retro gaming shop is a haven for gamers interested in classic video games and consoles.
• Akihabara Radio Kaikan: This iconic building houses multiple shops and anime-related stores. It’s a great place to explore the latest anime trends and purchase memorabilia.
• Attend Events: Check if there are any anime or gaming events happening during your visit. Akihabara often hosts conventions, pop-up shops, and promotional events related to anime and electronics.
• Visit Tokyo Anime Center: This is an information and exhibition center dedicated to anime and manga. They often have special exhibitions and events.
• Akihabara UDX Building: This building often hosts events, exhibitions, and even concerts. Check their schedule for any interesting happenings during your visit.

Day 10: Tokyo – Roppongi & Art Museums

• Explore Roppongi Hills and the Mori Art Museum.
• Visit the Suntory Museum of Art.
• Evening visit to Tokyo Tower.

Day 11: Tokyo – Shopping Day

• Spend the day shopping in Shibuya, Harajuku, or Ginza.
• Collect souvenirs and explore local boutiques.

Day 12: Tokyo – Day Trip to Kamakura

• Take a day trip to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha, Hase-dera Temple, and Kamakura’s beaches.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Weekend 2: Nikko and Hakone

• Take a day trip to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Visit Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls.
• Then, head to Hakone and stay overnight
• Visit Hakhone hot springs (onsen) and scenic views.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Week 3: Food Trip

These recommendations should offer a wide range of food experiences in Tokyo, from traditional to quirky, and cover various cuisines and atmospheres. Be sure to check the opening hours and make reservations where necessary to ensure a smooth dining experience. Enjoy your culinary journey in Tokyo!

Day 15: Tokyo – Food Market Day

• Tsukiji Outer Market: Try fresh seafood like sushi, sashimi, and street food.
• Ameya-Yokocho Market: Enjoy snacks like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings) and local street food.

Day 16: Tokyo – Ramen and Sushi Day

• Ramen: For ramen, consider Ichiran in Shibuya or Ippudo in Roppongi.
• Sushi: Experience omakase sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro (made famous by the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”) or Sushi Dai in Tsukiji.

Day 17: Tokyo – Izakaya Night

• Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Explore this area near Shinjuku for yakitori (grilled skewers) and small izakayas.
• Golden Gai: Discover tiny bars and izakayas with unique atmospheres.

Day 18: Tokyo – Gourmet Neighborhoods

• Kagurazaka: Try French-inspired Japanese cuisine at restaurants like Les Copains or explore traditional Japanese eateries.
• Koenji: Experience the vibrant local food scene with various dining options.

Day 19: Tokyo – Street Food and Food Museums

• Harajuku: Enjoy street food like crepes and takoyaki (octopus balls).
• Cup Noodle Museum: Learn about the history of instant ramen and even create your own cup noodles.
• Ramen Museum: Explore the world of ramen with a variety of regional ramen shops.

Weekend 3: Yokohama and Enoshima

• Spend a day in Yokohama exploring Minato Mirai and Chinatown.
• Then, take a train to Enoshima Island for its beaches and shrines.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Week 4: Tokyo and Departure

Day 22: Tokyo – Odaiba

• Visit the futuristic Odaiba Island, including TeamLab Borderless and Palette Town.
• Relax at Odaiba Seaside Park.

Day 23: Tokyo – Sumo Tournament

• Schedule a time to watch a Sumo Tournament during your stay and swap out the days activities for this event

Day 24: Tokyo – Food and Culture

• Explore Tsukiji Outer Market for a seafood breakfast.
• Learn about Japanese history at Edo-Tokyo Museum.
• Experience traditional tea ceremony in Hama-rikyu Gardens.

Day 25 Tokyo – Yanaka and Ueno

• Start your day in Yanaka, a historic district known for its traditional Japanese atmosphere.
• Visit Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street for local snacks and souvenirs.
• Explore Yanaka Cemetery, which is peaceful and lined with cherry trees.
• Head to Ueno Park, where you can visit several museums like the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and Ueno Zoo.
• In the evening, explore Ameya-Yokocho Market for street food and shopping.

Day 26 Tokyo – Day Trip to Chiba

• Take a day trip to Chiba Prefecture (about 1 hour from Tokyo).
• Explore Chiba Park, Makuhari Seaside Park, and the Chiba Zoological Park.

Day 27: Tokyo – Sake Tasting and Yokocho Dining

• Take a sake tasting tour in the sake breweries of Ome City (about 1.5 hours from Tokyo).
• Return to Tokyo for an evening of dining at one of the Yokocho alleys.

• Day 28: Tokyo – Themed Cafes and Bars
• Explore themed cafes, such as a cat cafe, owl cafe, or maid cafe.
• In the evening, visit unique themed bars like the Robot Restaurant or Vampire Cafe.

Day 29-30: Tokyo – Free Day/ Last minute shopping

• Enjoy these last 2 days revisiting your favourite spots and doing some last minute shopping on items you may have missed

Day 31: Departure from Tokyo

• Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your departure.

This one-month itinerary should provide a mix of Tokyo exploration and opportunities to experience the rich culture and history of Japan through day trips to nearby cities and attractions. Adjust it based on your interests and any specific events or festivals happening during your visit. Enjoy your trip!