Wander the stalls and try fresh sushi or grilled seafood for a lively first taste of Tokyo; great way to get local flavours and people-watch. Many vendors open early, but individual shop hours vary — check before you go.
A peaceful stroll around the moats and gardens offers a contrast to busy city streets and gives context to Japan's imperial history; typically open 9:00am–4:30pm but closed some Mondays, so confirm ahead.
Experience the famous scramble crossing and visit the Hachiko statue; an iconic photo spot and good introduction to Tokyo’s bustle. Open 24/7 (outdoor public space).
Enjoy charcoal-grilled yakitori and small plates in a nostalgic alley of tiny bars and stalls; lively atmosphere and classic local cuisine. Many stalls open evenings from around 5:00pm.
Explore neon-lit nightlife streets and the tiny themed bars of Golden Gai for a short drink; bars open later into the night but check closing times for individual venues.
Spend a full day enjoying attractions, parades and character experiences; park hours vary by date (often around 8:00/9:00am to 9:00/10:00pm) — check the official site for exact opening hours and ticket availability.
A fun themed dining experience inside the park offering family-friendly meals; busiest around midday so expect queues unless you use reservations where available.
If you leave at park close, Ikspiari mall next to Maihama station has many restaurants and bars for a relaxed dinner after a long day. Ikspiari shops typically open until late, but individual restaurant times vary.
Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, browse traditional stalls on Nakamise shopping street and enjoy classic street snacks; Senso-ji complex typically open from early morning until dusk.
Stroll through Ueno Park and choose a museum — the Tokyo National Museum explains Japanese art and history; museums usually open 9:30am–5:00pm (check for closures on Mondays).
Sample casual local eats (takoyaki, tempura, donburi) along this bustling market street near Ueno; stalls and small restaurants operate through lunchtime.
Explore multi-storey electronics shops, retro game stores and anime/manga boutiques; open mainly during daytime and early evening, perfect for collectors and tech fans.
Choose between a themed maid café for a unique experience or a local izakaya for grilled and small-plate dishes; maid cafés usually require reservations and have set menus and time-limited visits.
Direct bus takes around 1h45m–2h depending on traffic and is the simplest way to reach the Kawaguchiko area; buses depart regularly from Shinjuku expressway bus terminal — book seats in advance for busy periods.
Try hot 'houtou' noodles, a regional, hearty stew-like udon dish ideal for mountain weather; popular restaurants open from late morning and are a local staple.
Lovely lakeside park with views across Lake Kawaguchi towards Mt Fuji (weather permitting); great for photos and relaxing after travel. Open daytime (public park).
Check into a traditional ryokan, enjoy an onsen soak and a multi-course kaiseki dinner — many ryokan include dinner in the room rate and serve locally sourced ingredients.
A traditional Japanese breakfast with fish, rice and miso soup gives energy for a morning of sightseeing; ryokan breakfasts are usually served from around 7:30–9:00am.
Short boat cruise offers different perspectives of the lake and, on clear days, impressive views of Mt Fuji. Check seasonal schedules; tours often run mid-morning to late afternoon.
Choose a cultural stop: the visitor centre explains Mt Fuji’s heritage, while the Kubota museum showcases intricate kimonos and gardens — both usually open around 9:00am–5:00pm, but check specific hours.
Return to Shinjuku for an izakaya experience: shared small plates, grilled items and drinks in a lively atmosphere; many izakayas open evenings from 5:00pm.
Interactive museum where you can design your own Cup Noodles and learn about instant noodle history; usually open around 10:00am–6:00pm — check last entry times.
Explore one of the largest Chinatowns in Asia and dine at a well-known restaurant for dim sum or Cantonese cuisine; many restaurants open into the late evening.
A spacious traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings relocated from across Japan — peaceful and lovely in autumn; typically open 9:00am–5:00pm but confirm seasonal times.
Visit the waterfront Minato Mirai district, shop in modern malls and ascend the Landmark Tower Sky Garden for city and harbour views; Sky Garden hours often start late morning (around 11:00am).
Choose from an array of waterfront restaurants in Landmark Plaza or, if you prefer ramen history, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a short train ride away and open midday.
Use the afternoon for last-minute shopping in Motomachi or transferring to Tokyo/Haneda/Narita as needed; travel times depend on your chosen departure airport — Haneda is closest to Yokohama (about 30–40 mins by train/taxi).