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We just got back from our trip to Tokyo, Japan and I loved every second of it! After that trip, Japan is one of my favorite destinations and I am already planning to go back. I love everything about Japan: the cleanliness, the thoughtfulness, the shopping, the food, the attractions… just everything! We went there for my daughter’s birthday but I made an itinerary that had something for everyone going.
WHERE WE STAYED:
We stayed at the Westin Tokyo. It’s located one stop from Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts, which was great because we went there often. We booked a king bed 1 bedroom suite and my mom booked a standard king room. The hotel gave us two rooms next to each other that were adjoining, so it was as if we had a two bedroom suite and it was perfect. Our room had a bedroom, living room, two bathrooms and entry way. My mom’s room had her bed and bathroom, so we had tons of space.
WHAT WE DID:
DAY 1:
Kimono experience at Yae Kimono Rental
Custom Pillow making at Nihonbashi Nishikawa
Vintage Shopping in Ginza
Ramen at Ichiran Ramen
DAY 2:
Shibuya Crossing early in the morning
Make custom rings at Ringram in Harajuku
Fancy Pods to make custom phone cases and charms
Vintage shopping at Nuir Vintage Harajuku
Exploring Harajuku
Dinner at Zauo Shibuya where you catch your fish then they cook it booked via Tablecheck
DAY 3:
Sumo Wrestling experience for lunch in Asakusa
Impromptu fun at a local amusement park
Date night at a cute speak easy
DAY 4:
Sanrio Puroland
Vintage Shopping
Dinner at Zest Cantina Daikanyama
DAY 5:
Day trip to Osaka via the Train
Try lots of food at the Kuromon Market
Stock up on skincare
Vintage Shopping
DAY 6:
Disneyland Tokyo
MY FAVORITE VINTAGE SHOPS:
Tokyo:
Mixthinks
Vintage Brand Tokyo
Kindal Ginza Second Hand Store
Nuir Vintage
Paradise Tokyo
Osaka:
Brand Off
Daikokuya
Ginzo Watchman Group
WHAT I WORE:
You will be doing a lot of walking, so it’s best to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. I wore sneakers and flat closed toe shoes throughout the trip.
These were the comfy shoes and everyday necklace I wore on the trip:
THINGS TO KNOW:
-Japan is very clean, so if you are a litterbug – Do NOT do it there. We saw someone throw a cigarette down and then the authorities swooped over, made her pick it up and gave her a citation.
-Garbage cans are like unicorns throughout the city. The locals carry a bag and keep their trash it in and then dump it when they get to a trash can. This was very foreign for me, especially being from NYC where there is a trash can on every corner.
-You can use Uber there as well as taxis.
-Fly into Haneda Airport because it’s much closer to the city.
-Add a digital Suica or Pasmo cards directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for seamless tapping on trains, buses, and at vending machines.
-Tokyo famously holds more Michelin stars than Paris, but you can get incredible, affordable ramen and street food for 800–1200 yen ($5 – $8).
-Tipping is not customary.
Hope this itinerary helps and if you use it let me know! Here are some more photos from our trip:
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