15-Day Itinerary for Tokyo: Unlocking the Magic of Disney, Universal Studios, Food and Culture

  • Day 1: Disney Sea and Shopping at Ikspiari
    30 minutes (8.4 miles) from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station

    Disney Sea is a unique Disney park situated in Tokyo, where Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island come to life. Called the Disney enthusiast's paradise, Disney Sea has something for everyone. After immersing in Disney's charm and magic, spend the afternoon shopping at Ikspiari Mall located next to the park.

  • Day 2: Akihabara, Ueno Park and Ameya Yokocho
    40 minutes (8.8 miles) from Maihama Station to Akihabara Station

    Akihabara district, the hub for anime and electronics, is a must-visit for otaku (geek) culture enthusiasts. Afterward, visit the serene Ueno Park to see the cherry blossoms (in March-April). End your day by exploring the color-rich Ameya Yokocho or 'candy store alley' for delicious street food and souvenirs.

  • Day 3: Asakusa Shrine and Tokyo Skytree
    20 minutes (7.8 miles) from Akihabara Station to Asakusa Station

    Visit the famous Asakusa Shrine, an ancient Shinto shrine with a stunning five-story pagoda. Afterward, take a walk through the historic Nakamise-dori street that leads to the shrine. Finally, head to Tokyo Skytree, the iconic observation tower, for panoramic views of the city.

  • Day 4: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine
    20 minutes (4.4 miles) from Asakusa Station to Shibuya Station

    Head to the busiest crossing in the world at Shibuya's Hachiko Crossing, followed by a visit to Harajuku district, Hawaii meets Tokyo's unique fashion capital. Finally, visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, nestled within dense woods, and catch a glimpse of traditional weddings or Shinto ceremonies.

  • Day 5: Ghibli Museum and Yoyogi Park
    20 minutes (5.5 miles) from Shibuya Station to Kichijoji Station

    Visit the famous Ghibli Museum dedicated to Japan's iconic animation studio- Studio Ghibli. Admission needs to be booked in advance. End your day with a visit to Yoyogi Park and witness quirky performances like juggling, Samba dance, etc.

  • Day 6: Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza District
    20 minutes (4.8 miles) from Kichijoji Station to Tsukiji Station

    Tsukiji Fish Market is famous for its early morning tuna auctions and diverse seafood. Follow it up with a shopping excursion to Ginza, Tokyo's luxury shopping capital.

  • Day 7: Universal Studios Japan
    50 minutes (12.5 miles) from Tokyo Station to Universal-City Station via Shinkansen

    Explore the magical world of Universal Studios Japan, featuring Harry Potter's Wizarding World, Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream, and other exclusive attractions. Enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment and photo opportunities.

  • Day 8: Kamakura- The Ancient Capital
    50 minutes (28 miles) from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station

    Travel to the ancient capital of Kamakura that boasts of a 20-foot high statue of Buddha, historic temples, and hiking trails. Engage in stunning views of the coastal city and unparalleled experience of Japanese culture and history.

  • Day 9: Odaiba Beach and Teamlab Borderless
    30 minutes (10.5 miles) from Kamakura Station to Odaiba Beach Station

    Take a relaxing day exploring Odaiba beach, a man-made beach offering views of the Rainbow bridge, and engage in marine activities like snorkeling or strolling around in the sunset. Visit teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum that offers an immersive and interactive multi-mirror world experience.

  • Day 10: Chiyoda Imperial Palace and East Gardens
    20 minutes (6.4 miles) from Odaiba Beach Station to Tokyo Station

    Explore the Chiyoda Imperial Palace and East Gardens that served as the residence of the Emperor until 1868. Get a glimpse of Japanese royalty and their lifestyle.

  • Day 11: Nagano: The Snow Monkey Day Trip
    90 minutes (105 miles) from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station via Shinkansen

    Travel to the Japanese Alps and witness the playful 'snow monkeys' bathing in hot springs. Enjoy the serene mountains, waterfalls, and temples while learning about this unique Japanese experience.

  • Day 12: Tokyo's Art Museums and Galleries
    30 minutes (5 miles) from Nagano Station to Higashi-Koenji Station

    Explore Tokyo's Art museums and contemporary art galleries, like the MOMAT and the Mori Art Museums. Check out exceptional architecture, dynamic exhibitions, and the city's cutting-edge contemporary art scene.

  • Day 13: Ikebukuro and Cat Cafes
    20 minutes (9 miles) from Higashi-Koenji Station to Ikebukuro Station

    Hit the trendiest district in Tokyo, Ikebukuro, loaded with arcades and bustling shopping streets. Head to the phenomenon of Tokyo's 'Cat cafes' for an unforgettable petting session with the most adorable cats on the planet.

  • Day 14: Tokyo Tower and Roppongi
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from Ikebukuro Station to Akabanebashi Station

    Ascend Tokyo's famous Eiffel-inspired Tokyo Tower and enjoy the city's stunning skyline from its observation deck. Explore the trendy and chic Roppongi district and later, head to some of Tokyo's underground clubs and bars for a nightcap.

  • Day 15: Tsukishima Monjayaki and Tsukiji Honganji Temple
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Akabanebashi Station to Tsukishima Station

    End your trip by visiting Tokyo's culinary gem, Tsukishima Monjayaki. This rare treat eats like a pancake, tastes like an omelet, and has the attitude of a pizza. Afterward, head to the Tsukiji Honganji Temple and experience Japan's serene Buddhist ambiance.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Disney Sea (1 day, ¥8,000)
  • Universal Studios Japan (1 day, ¥8,000)
  • Ghibli Museum (1 day, ¥1,700)
  • Nagano: The Snow Monkey Day Trip (1 day, ¥12,000)
  • Tokyo Tower (1-2 hours, ¥1,200)
  • TeamLab Borderless (2-3 hours, ¥3,200)
  • Food and Shopping (5 days, ¥60,000 for food and ¥100,000 for shopping)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ¥193,100

Transportation

While exploring Tokyo, travelers may opt for the prepaid Suica card, which is a travel card for the city train, subway, and bus network. There are different cards available for use, like 24-hour, 48-hour, or airport transfer cards, each with their own price point. Alternatively, travelers may choose to use ride-hailing cabs like UBER and Japan taxi, but these options may be more expensive than prepaid travel cards. The prices for public transport on average can vary from ¥130-¥330, and taxis are ¥400-¥500 per kilometer. Trains offer the cheapest, fastest, and most convenient way to move around Tokyo.

Useful Tips

If travelers are planning an extended stay, they can include day trips or nearby attractions like Yokohama, Fuji-Q Highland, or Kyoto to enhance their experience. For a shorter trip, they can choose to skip some of the activities and instead focus more on the ones that interest them the most. Create a budget plan, wear comfortable shoes, and learn a few Japanese phrases, like 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (Thank you), 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me), and 'Eigo ga hanasemasu ka?'(Do you speak English?).

Airports

The Narita International Airport (NRT), located 58.1km east of Tokyo, is the main international airport for the city. It operates both domestic and international flights and has facilities like a convenience store, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange counters, etc. The Haneda International Airport (HND), located 20km south of Tokyo, is strictly for domestic flights, but it features a 24-hour shopping area, english-speaking stores, and free Wi-Fi.

0