Trying to plan what to see and do in Tokyo seemed nearly impossible when I first started attempting it from home. But like with most travel experiences, once I actually got to Tokyo, it was not only a piece of cake, but a piece of freaking awesome cake as well. There’s literally so much to see and do, and if you don’t have a ton of time, it can be hard to fit everything in. That’s why I’m recommending these token Tokyo sites, and recommending using the local train system to get to them, even if it sounds terrifying and confusing.
Think of Tokyo as one big loop, with one fast train that goes around and around in circles, stopping at every major site and district, and then some. Need I say more? Let me clarify. You can hit all of the major districts and sites in Tokyo by using one train, that gets you there really fast, and for really cheap.
All you need to remember is that you’re taking the JR Yamanote Line and that it’s lime green.
If you have a JR Pass, good for you, I didn’t use one because they were expensive, but it’ll obviously work for this route since it’s a JR line. If not, no worries, you’ll probably end up saving money not getting one, but you’ll have to figure out how to use the ticket machines, which I’ll be making an intricate post about momentarily. Either way, here’s how to easily use the same train loop to see the token sites in Tokyo, for under about $20!
I’m specifically starting this route at Shibuya because it makes the most sense as one consecutive loop because you’ll need to end in Shinjuku at night to see the lights. Feel free to skip, or reverse the direction, or start from wherever is closest to you!
Here’s the “circle” of Tokyo with the main stops…I tried to make it less confusing than the normal map but…yeah.
Jump To:
1. Shibuya
JR Yamanote stop: Harajuku Sta.
Cost: Depends on where you come from
Shibuya is an area of Tokyo that isn’t as super well-known as others, but it still has some things worth seeing. There’s a couple big shopping areas…if you’re into that…I’m not, but I am into cool shrines and gardens, which is also what Shibuya has.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine: the Shinto shrine in the middle of Meiji Jingu Gyoen Park (technically in Shibuya-ku). It’s good to start here so that you get there early before it gets crowded.
- Takeshita Dori: A shopping area close to Meji Jingu Park that’s popular for teens and character fanatics.
2. Shiodome
JR Yamanote stop: Shimbashi Station
Cost: ~140yen ($1.40USD)
Here is where you’ll see a ton of awesome things, from the true futuristic architecture of Tokyo to the infamous fish market. The hotel I stayed at (Park City Tokyo) was right in the middle of all of the massive shiny glass and metal skyscrapers, and they were all interconnected by concrete and glass pedestrian walkways, like something you’d see in a movie (I think it was actually a Batman movie, to be exact). There’s also some major token sightseeing spots, gardens, luxury shopping, and the infamous Tsukiji Fish Market.
- Shiodome SIO-SITE: Technically it’s an entertainment complex, but I’d suggest just wandering along the super cool, futuristic pedestrian bridges to the various gardens, and art installations. It’s literally across from Shimbashi Station, just follow the signs up towards Shiodome.
- Tsukiji Fish Market: It’s one of the most famous things to see in Tokyo, and respectably so. You won’t be getting there at 4am for the tuna bidding chaos (unless you plan to), but you can still shuffle along the alleys packed with food stalls that are mostly sold sashimi style. Warning: for a fish market, it’s a bit expensive. You can also sign-up for a sushi making class like I did with Tsukiji Cooking!
- Hama-rikyu Gardens: If you need to digest after stuffing yourself with delicious sushi, there’s a lovely park just Northwest of Tsukiji that’s a lovely place to rest. It has a seasonal flower garden, and a lake with both an original teahouse on exhibit, and a teahouse you can actually go in. Or you can just sit and relax in the park. (Cost: 300yen (~$3USD))
- Zojoji Temple: This is just a really cool ancient temple in the middle of a really big city. It’s on the way to the Tokyo Tower and makes for a great photo with the tower behind it!
- Tokyo Tower: It’s red and white, looks like the Eiffel Tower, and has its own emoji on your iPhone. You really can’t miss it even if you tried, and if you want, you can pay extra to go up to its observatory decks.
3. Ueno
JR Yamanote stop: Ueno Station
Cost: ~170yen, $1.70USD
I specifically wanted to go to Ueno to see a five story pagoda that I had seen on my map. It wasn’t actually listed in the guide book, nor did it have a name, but I went anyway in search of it. The result: me getting epically lost in a zoo, but finding some other cool things along the way.
- Ameyoko: A shopping area for food, clothes, and random stuff that gives you a true feel of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
- Ueno Park: This is the big park that the pagoda is in, AKA also that the zoo is in, along with a few other things. There’s Shinobazu pond which you can rent giant white or pink swans to row in, and a temple that has people selling street food in front of.
- Ueno Zoo: It’s a city zoo, and a very popular one at that. Unfortunately it is built AROUND the Toshogu Shrine AND the five story pagoda, so if you want to go to any of the three, you have to start at the zoo.
- Five Story Pagoda: It has an actual name, but there’s not much mention of it. Probably because it’s now used as background scenery for the eating area of the zoo, but it was once a great shrine and jewel temple.
4. Shinjuku
JR Yamanote stop: Shinjuku Station
Cost: ~180yen, $1.80
Shinjuku is freaking insane. I don’t know how else to put it. I had to basically amp myself up to go there solo instead of going back to my comfy hotel bed, but once I got there I had a massive smile plastered on my face. All I can say is…TOKYO! As stereotypical as I may sound, the massive skyscrapers lit up with LED lights and screens, and the infamous street crossing that’s complete chaos seriously makes for the ultimate token Tokyo experience. As I mentioned, you’ll want to get here at night, but the scene obviously varies depending on how early or late you go.
- Piss Alley: Sounds gross but it isn’t, it’s also hyped up to be one of the most epic places for street food, but that’s questionable after seeing Tsukiji Fish Market. Anyway, if you’re on a budget or feeling adventurous, get a quick bite here before heading to the lights.
- Kabukicho: AKA where all of the cool lights are. There’s literally street after street of LED-lit signs for everything from sushi bars to weird Japanese love lounges. Stop and have a bite, or pop into one of the many shops, my personal favorite was the 100yen store…after a few glasses of wine of course.
- Robot Restaurant: I didn’t go, but most people talk about it. So yeah. There’s a restaurant with a robot show in it.
Thanks for this guide, Alyssa! I’m planning to go to Japan soon and this was incredibly informative and helpful! Keep inspiring!
Glad you found it helpful Dia!
Awesome guide! I’m obsessed with your blog, photos and snapchat. Looks like you’re having a wonderful time in Asia. I’m really interested in each place you went to and when! You should do a timeline or something of everywhere you’ve been!!