Tokyo City Itinerary

Morning — Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Start around 8:30–9:00 at Meiji Jingu, entering through the broad forested approach beside Harajuku Station. The walk under the towering trees takes about 10 minutes before the shrine buildings appear; allow roughly 1–1½ hours for the approach, courtyard, and seasonal gardens. The shrine grounds are free, with the inner garden requiring a small fee, usually around ¥500. Go early for a quieter atmosphere, and keep voices low around the main shrine. From the shrine, walk a few minutes to Takeshita Street for an hour of browsing crepe shops, character goods, vintage-style clothing, and colorful snack stands. It becomes extremely crowded from late morning onward, so keep valuables secure and avoid stopping in the middle of the narrow street.

Lunch — Tsukiji Outer Market

Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Harajuku/Meiji-Jingumae via a convenient connection to Tsukiji; allow about 30–40 minutes door to door. Explore Tsukiji Outer Market around midday, where narrow lanes are lined with sushi counters, grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, fruit, and kitchenware. Budget approximately ¥1,500–¥4,000 per person, depending on whether you choose small bites or a full sushi meal. Most food stalls operate from the morning into early afternoon, but individual hours vary and many close once they sell out, so arrive by about 12:30. Eat considerately in designated areas and bring cash, as smaller vendors may not accept cards.

Afternoon and Evening — Digital Art and Tokyo Tower

From Tsukiji, ride the Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho or Roppongi, then walk into Azabudai Hills for teamLab Borderless. The journey takes roughly 20–30 minutes. Allow two hours, and reserve timed tickets in advance—admission is commonly around ¥3,800–¥5,000, with prices varying by date. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid long skirts if you prefer easier movement through the installations; the dark rooms, mirrors, water effects, and changing projections reward unhurried wandering. Afterward, walk approximately 15–20 minutes to Tokyo Tower, ideally arriving 30–45 minutes before sunset so you can see the city shift from daylight to a glittering evening panorama. The main deck generally costs around ¥1,200–¥1,500, with higher tickets for the top deck; check the official schedule before leaving, since hours and last entry change seasonally. For a relaxed finish, stroll through nearby Shiba Park after descending, where the illuminated tower is especially photogenic.