7-Day Tokyo & Surrounds Food and Culture Itinerary - Mar 3 to Mar 9, 2025

Day 1: Harajuku & Shibuya Foodie Day

Tokyo, Japan on March 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Crepes in Harajuku

Enjoy world-famous sweet or savoury crepes from one of Harajuku's celebrated street stalls, perfect to start your exploration of this trendy district.
JPY500 (approx. AUD6.00), 1h

10:30am

Visit The Nihon Minkaen Open-Air Museum

Explore traditional Japanese folk houses collected from all over Japan; a fascinating cultural experience and photo opportunity. Admission is 550 yen.
JPY550 (approx. AUD5.44), 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kura Sushi

Enjoy affordable and delicious kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi in a lively setting in Harajuku, offering a fun lunchtime experience.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 1h

2:00pm

Shop at Uniqlo & visit Totti Candy Factory

Browse affordable fashion at Uniqlo followed by visiting Totti Candy Factory for colourful and unique sweet treats in Harajuku.
Variable, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax in Yoyogi Park (Yoyogi Koen)

Enjoy a stroll or rest time in one of Tokyo's largest parks, famous for its spaciousness and peaceful environment.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Maidreamin Shibuya

Experience a quirky themed maid cafe in Shibuya for a fun and uniquely Japanese dining encounter serving comfort food.
Approx. AUD30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Akihabara & Ginza Delights

Tokyo, Japan on March 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Dominique Ansel Tokyo

Start your day with innovative pastries and coffee at this famed bakery, well-loved for creative and delicious treats.
Variable, approx. AUD15-20, 1h

10:30am

Explore Akihabara Anime and Manga Universe

Dive into Akihabara’s world-famous otaku culture with shops selling anime, manga, and games alongside many gacha capsule toy machines.
Free to explore, shopping varies, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera

Enjoy exquisite conveyor-belt sushi in the upscale Ginza district, known for freshness and variety.
Approx. JPY2000-3000 (AUD24-36), 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tokyo Station Character Street

Shop for unique character goods and souvenirs from popular Japanese franchises at this bustling shopping street inside Tokyo Station.
Free to browse, 1h

4:00pm

Try Floresta Nature Donuts

Sample healthy and organic mini donuts made with natural ingredients in a charming café.
Approx. JPY300-600 (AUD4-7), 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yaro Ramen

Savour hearty and flavourful ramen bowls at this popular ramen spot, closing at 11pm so enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Approx. JPY800-1500 (AUD10-18), 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Parks & Character Cafes

Tokyo, Japan on March 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at I am Donut

Delight in handmade donuts with unique flavours to fuel your day around Tokyo.
Approx. JPY400-600 (AUD5-7), 45m

9:30am

Japanese Kimono Rental Experience

Rent traditional kimono garments and enjoy a cultural photo shoot around selected scenic Tokyo locations, starting around 9am.
AUD27.89, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tonkatsu restaurant

Enjoy crispy and juicy tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork cutlet) at a local favourite, typically open midday.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 1h

1:30pm

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Explore this vast and beautiful garden which combines traditional Japanese, English, and French styles; open from 9am to 4:30pm, entrance 500 yen.
JPY500 (AUD4.95), 2h

4:00pm

Shopping and browsing at Tokyu Hands (Shinjuku)

Discover a wide variety of Japanese gifts, craft supplies and lifestyle goods in this famous department store open till 9pm.
Free to browse, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Maidreamin Shibuya or Character Cafes

End your day with playful dining at another themed character cafe or try local delicacies, perfect for anime fans.
AUD20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sayama Hills Nature Day

Sayama Hills, Saitama Prefecture, Japan on March 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Sayama Hills

Start early with a train journey from Tokyo to the scenic Sayama Hills region, known for its nature trails and fresh air.
Train fare approx. JPY800-1200 (AUD9-15), 1h30m

10:00am

Hiking and exploring Sayama Hills

Enjoy outdoor nature walks and visit local spots such as the Morinotaoki and lakes. Ideal for a day-long nature escape.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Picnic lunch with Onigiri

Prepare or buy traditional Japanese rice balls (onigiri) from local shops for a convenient picnic lunch in nature.
Approx. JPY300 each (AUD4), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kumachan Onsen

Relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath at Kumachan Onsen after hiking, a perfect way to unwind.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 2h

6:00pm

Return to Tokyo & Dinner at Ramen spot

After returning, enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen at a local restaurant near your accommodation.
Approx. JPY800-1200 (AUD10-14), 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan on March 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel Tokyo to Nikko

Take an early train to Nikko to visit historic temples and UNESCO sites; journey takes approx. 2 hours.
JPY2500-3000 return (AUD30-36), 2h

9:30am

Visit Nikko's World Heritage Temples

Explore Toshogu Shrine and surrounding temples showcasing exquisite architecture and history, open from 8am.
Entrance fees approx. JPY1300 (AUD15), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch near Nikko - Try local ramen or tonkatsu

Enjoy traditional Tochigi cuisine such as ramen or tonkatsu in a local eatery.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 1h

2:30pm

Nikko Nature Walk & Japanese Zoo

Visit nearby parklands and a small zoo for family-friendly wildlife viewing before heading back.
Zoo approx. JPY600 (AUD7), 2h

5:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Train back to Tokyo City to rest for the next day’s adventure.
Included in train fare, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Chiba City Local Culture

Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan on March 8, 2025

9:00am

Travel Tokyo to Chiba City

Take a morning train from Tokyo to Chiba for a cultural day exploring castles and urban centre.
JPY1000 (AUD12), 1h

10:30am

Visit Nanoya Castle Ruins

Explore the historic site and scenic park area, a peaceful spot to learn about local history.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Ramen or Tonkatsu

Sample fresh and tasty local ramen or tonkatsu dishes close to the castle area.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 1h

2:00pm

Explore Local Markets and Daiso

Visit popular Daiso and local marketplaces for souvenirs and affordable goods.
Variable, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo in the late afternoon to prepare for next day's trip.
Included in train fare, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Character Café or Kaiten Sushi

Enjoy dining in themed cafés or conveyor belt sushi in Tokyo to end the day on a delicious note.
AUD20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hitachi Seaside Park Finale

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan on March 9, 2025

7:30am

Travel Tokyo to Hitachi Seaside Park

Early train journey to Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for beautiful flower gardens especially during spring.
JPT3500-4000 return (AUD40-45), 2h

10:00am

Explore Hitachi Seaside Park

Walk through vast fields of seasonal flowers such as nemophila and tulips, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
JPY450 (AUD5), 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Park Café or nearby local eateries

Enjoy light meals and refreshments in and around the park before returning to Tokyo.
Approx. JPY1000-1500 (AUD12-18), 1h

2:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo in the afternoon to conclude your week-long adventure.
Included in train fare, 2h

5:00pm

Farewell dinner at Tonkatsu or Ramen

Celebrate the end of your trip with a delicious dinner of Japanese comfort food at a well-reviewed local spot.
Approx. JPY1200-1800 (AUD14-22), 1h30m
View Hotel Availability