Public travel plan
A Cherry-Blossom Day Around Tokyo
This is a one-day Tokyo route from a three-night stay, not a schedule for the entire stay. On arrival, the creators were met at Narita International Airport and took a minibus to their hotel; the ride took about two hou…
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Useful context before you go
This is a one-day Tokyo route from a three-night stay, not a schedule for the entire stay. On arrival, the creators were met at Narita International Airport and took a minibus to their hotel; the ride took about two hours. They used a 24-hour pass for trains, buses, and the metro. Google Maps helped with routes, platforms, and train-car positions, and needs mobile data; check your phone’s compatibility before choosing an eSIM. The creators mention that a Japan-specific eSIM option can be arranged in advance, with activation set for an arrival date. Tokyo transport signs are often duplicated in English and platform markings help with queues, but some stations have few elevators or escalators, so be prepared for stairs. Check current transport arrangements, garden admission, tour availability, and restaurant details before setting out.
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Itinerary highlights
What is in this plan
Day 1: Asakusa, Tokyo gardens, and Shibuya
Start early for Sensō-ji, before the larger tourist crowds arrive. The creators walked about 10 minutes to a bus stop and rode to Asakusa. After the morning temple visit, continue to the palace gardens and Meiji Jingu; they returned to the hotel for lunch and a short nap before heading to Shinjuku Gyoen at about 5 p.m. They finished in Shibuya, where dinner queues and the time spent there meant they did not fit in every planned evening stop.
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Sunshine City Prince HotelSunshine City Prince Hotel, Tokyo, Japan
The creators stayed in Sunshine City, close to Ikebukuro Station and convenient for city transport. They described their room as sparse, with little wardrobe space, but appreciated the Japanese toilet.
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Sensō-jiSensō-ji, Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
Start early to get ahead of the crowds. At Sensō-ji, the omikuji fortune draw involves shaking a drum, drawing a numbered stick, and finding the matching fortune slip; the creators describe a 100-yen donation and say an unfavorable fortune can be tied at the temple. They also point out Yodo Hall, which contains eight Buddhas, and Awashimado Hall, beside a stream and koi ponds.
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Kaminarimon GateKaminarimon Gate, Sensō-ji, Tokyo, Japan
Kaminarimon is the main gate and the starting point for the temple visit. It leads onto Nakamise Street, where traditional toys, cakes, and souvenirs are sold. Continue through Hōzōmon Gate toward the main hall; the current gate was rebuilt in 1964. Inside Kannondō Hall, photography is not allowed. The five-story pagoda was rebuilt after its destruction in the 1945 air raids. South of the main temple area, Bentendo Hall houses a statue of Saraswati; the nearby bell was recast in 1692 and is known as the time bell.
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Imperial Palace East GardensImperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo, Japan
The palace grounds are extensive and peaceful despite the surrounding city. Explore the Edo Castle ruins, a castle model, and the cherry trees. Free palace tours can be booked online; tours were unavailable during the creators’ visit because of a palace function, so check availability ahead of time.
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Meiji JinguMeiji Jingu, Tokyo, Japan
Follow the forested approach past the sake and wine barrel displays and the large wooden torii to the main sanctuary. The creators also visited the Inner Garden and Kiyomasa’s Well. At the purification pavilion, follow the shrine custom before continuing. The iris garden was not in bloom during their visit. They also describe a vehicle-purification ritual performed by a shrine priest for cars brought there, commonly when a new car is purchased.
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Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenShinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, Japan
The creators visited in the evening during cherry-blossom season, when the blossoms were just beginning to open. The garden had an entry fee and an elderly-visitor concession during their visit. Look for manicured gardens, lakes and koi ponds, sculpted trees, and traditional pagodas.
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Shibuya Scramble CrossingShibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
The famous multi-directional crossing is a lively city scene, with crowds moving across from several directions at once. The creators spent about an hour in the area before continuing by bus.
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Shibuya Scramble SquareShibuya Scramble Square, Tokyo, Japan
Directly connected to Shibuya Station, this 47-story complex has restaurants on floors 12 and 13 and a viewing area overlooking the crossing. The creators saw the crossing at sunset. They found that diners could queue on seating outside restaurants rather than make a reservation.
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MohejiMoheji, Shibuya Scramble Square, Tokyo, Japan
At Moheji, try monjayaki: a thin, gooey Tokyo batter with vegetables, meat, and seafood cooked on an iron plate at the table. The creators paid about £20 per person including drinks. They felt one dish between two people would have been enough, although the ordering rule required each person to order a separate dish. Treat that amount as their reported meal cost, not a current price.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingTokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo, Japan
This was a planned extra rather than a completed stop on the day’s route. The creators hoped to see the tower view and lighting display but ran out of time after dinner; consider it only if the schedule allows.