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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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!!