Kawaii Adventure on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Harajuku
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Shinjuku Station

    Known for its unique fashion, Harajuku is an iconic district in Tokyo. Visit Takeshita Street which is a 400-meter street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and marvel at the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

  • Day 2: Tsukiji Fish Market and Asakusa
    30 minutes (6 miles) from Harajuku

    Start the day with a trip to Tsukiji Fish Market and try some delicious sushi at one of the many stalls. Visit the amazing shopping street, Nakamise Dori, and explore the beautiful Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa.

  • Day 3: Shibuya and Shimokitazawa
    25 minutes (3 miles) from Asakusa

    Visit Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world, and take a walk through Yoyogi Park. Head to Shimokitazawa and experience a more local and indie vibe by exploring the many vintage boutiques, cafes, and bars.

  • Day 4: Odaiba
    35 minutes (6 miles) from Shimokitazawa

    Take the train over the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, an artificial island that is home to some of the most futuristic buildings and attractions. Visit TeamLab Borderless, an amazing digital art museum, and explore the giant Gundam statue.

  • Day 5: Ueno Park and Akihabara
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Odaiba

    End the trip with a relaxing stroll through Ueno Park, home to many museums, temples, and a zoo. Head to Akihabara and experience the Otaku culture by visiting some of the many anime and gaming shops.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tsukiji Fish Market (1-2 hours, 500 yen)
  • Sensō-ji Temple (1 hour, free admission)
  • TeamLab Borderless (2-3 hours, 3200 yen)
  • Gundam Statue (20-30 minutes, free)
  • Takeshita Street (2 hours, free)
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-2 hours, free admission)
  • Shibuya Crossing (1 hour, free)
  • Akihabara (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs (10-15 hours, 4200 yen)

Transportation

To save money, consider purchasing a 7-day Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on most trains, including the Shinkansen. The pass costs around 30,000 yen and can be used on the JR Yamanote Line that circles Tokyo. The cheapest way to travel around Tokyo is by using the Suica or Pasmo prepaid cards, which can be used on trains and buses.

The Narita Express train from Narita International Airport to Shinjuku Station takes approximately 80 minutes and costs 3,000 yen. Alternatively, the Keisei Skyliner from Narita International Airport to Ueno Station takes 40-50 minutes and costs 2,470 yen.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Kamakura, famous for its giant Buddha statue and beautiful beaches. If you have less time, prioritize the must-see attractions and skip some of the shopping areas. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as Tokyo can be very hot and humid in the summer and chilly in the winter.

Airports

Tokyo has two main airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), located 60km east of Tokyo, and Haneda International Airport (HND), located 20km south of Tokyo. Narita International Airport is the main hub for international flights. Haneda International Airport is primarily used for domestic flights but also has a growing number of international flights.

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