Advice

A little break in your tour to present a few more landmarks that didn’t make it into the main itinerary. Given its large size, the best way to explore Tokyo is to organise visits by neighbourhood. For manga lovers, Akihabara is an absolute must. This buzzing district is packed with manga bookstores, figurines, and anything related to pop culture. More of a history buff? Then head to the Imperial Palace, built on the site of the old Edo Castle. While you can only visit the palace through a guided tour, you can still stroll around its pleasant gardens. To all shopaholics out there, stop by Ginza, Tokyo’s chic shopping quarter. Then continue on to Shinjuku, the city’s business district. Here, you’ll find modern skyscrapers each taller than the previous one, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. One of the capital’s most important Shinto shrines, Meiji-jingū, is also a must-see. You can unwind afterwards in nearby Yoyogi Park, or explore Harajuku, Tokyo’s quirky, fashion-forward neighbourhood. Next up: Shibuya, a city square known for its boutiques, famous station, the Hachiko statue, and the Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection. If you’re chasing skyline views, check out Roppongi, where the Tokyo Tower awaits. If you still have a bit of time in Japan, you must check out the legendary Mount Fuji, symbol of the country. You can either climb to its top, with the right equipment, or simply come to admire it from afar. Trust me, it’s a sight you won’t forget! Otherwise, we have the perfect day trip for you: Kawagoe, about 40 km from Tokyo—a charming little town full of Japanese culture and history. On the opposite side of the city, discover Kamakura, by the Pacific ocean. A coastal city famous for its traditional buildings, pleasant beaches, ancient temples, and of course, the Great Buddha of Kōtoku-in, one of the most visited landmarks in the area. On the way there, spend a day or two in Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city. You’ll soon realise that it’s full of surprises when discovering its massive port, trendy boutiques, old warehouses, Chinatown, and the iconic Landmark Tower. Finally, if you want to get a good view of Tokyo, climb to the top of Mount Takao, just an hour away from the city. The hike is beautiful, and you’ll even spot Mount Fuji from the top! With all these spots, you've got plenty of reasons to stick around and make the most of the region.