A favourite destination for many, Japan has seen a surge in tourist arrivals after the pandemic with record breaking numbers. Tokyo, a microcosmos embodying all of Japan, presents itself as a top destination for a weekend getaway offering new facets with every visit.
Ahead, we’ve put together a three-day weekend guide covering Tokyo’s culinary scene, shopping and cultural experiences, seafood markets, and nightlife for a well-rounded immersion in this vibrant city.
Day 1
Arrival: Exploring the Culinary Scene
Sending the luggage straight from the arrival hall of the airport to the hotel with what is commonly known as “Ta-Q-Bin”, a service associated with Yamato but offered by several providers, frees hands and time for immediate immersion into the city.
Once the bags are on their way to the weekend accommodation, the culinary exploration of Japan can be underway: food courts and restaurants in and around the airport serve up a variety of flavours and cuisines. One may find this convenience a very relaxing experience as many would opt to leave the airport as soon as possible. However, the exceptionally good food here will recharge the weekend traveller ahead of the adventure.
Morning: Finding God(zilla)
Taking the NEX (Nippon Express) to Shinjuku, one will be in the heart of the city in no time. From the station, one of the busiest in the world with around five million passengers passaging through, will offer access to entertainment, shopping, and food.
Shinjuku is home of one of the world’s most beloved monsters: Godzilla. The Godzilla head, atop the Hotel Gracery, puts on a show every hour in the evening. There are even speakers on street level for city dwellers to experience Gojira’s roar. Within the hotel, a pop-up store sells Godzilla merchandise and features some awe-inspired dioramas. Tokyo’s first official Godzilla store is just a 15-minute walk away and worth a visit as the mall it is located in also invites for an exploration of unusual wares.
Afternoon: Shopping in Shinjuku
In and around the mighty Shinjuku station, one will find outlets of high-end brands from Gucci to IWC. Takashimaya beckons with 12 stories packed with your favourite international and local brands. The BREIZH Café Crêperie on the 13th floor offers a retreat to rest up while snacking on delicious crêpes, having a cuppa or a refreshing brew.
On the other end of the station, two culinary highlights could be found: Gyukatsu, the deep-fried beef cutlet traditionally made from Wagyu beef, and tonkotsu ramen. For the former, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu, offers an immersive experience whereby diners will be given stoves to cook their chosen meets to their liking.
Ichiran Ramen is unique in that each diner is placed in a cubicle-like space whereby blinders prevent others to intrude into one’s space. Blinds block the view into the kitchen, which means that guests will be alone with their food. Wooden tags with pre-defined items to order allow for ordering without having to talk to anyone – an almost spiritual experience. The easiest way to find both would be to use Exit D5 from the Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station and crossing the street.
Evening: Specialist Shops & Nightlife
The compactness of Shinjuku makes it easy to spend a whole day in the area. Gamers will rejoice as Yodobashi has a “Game kan” specialist shop in Shinjuku. Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku Nishiguchi Game and Hobby is a must-visit for those looking to stock up on their gadgets.
Shinjuku Kabukicho, the area’s entertainment centre beckons with craft beers, one of the busiest Don Donki stores (Don Quijote along the mainroad), and the famous Golden Gai. Easily accessible on foot, the Golden Gai is a unique experience where bar hopping takes on a different slant as each place can only seat a good half-dozen guests.
Many bars are on the second floor, reachable by really steep stairs. Most places allow smoking; some impose a seating fee, a cover charge. (Tip: It’s best to check beforehand to avoid surprises.) After a long day, the Chūō Line, with a direct connection will take travellers to Tokyo Station, where the Four Seasons hotel adjacent to the station makes for a base for the rest of the stay.
Day 2
Morning – Afternoon: Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone
With much of the shopping done on the first day, the second day can be devoted to touring the surrounding country site. Bus tours leave from different locations, providing varying itineraries. It is noteworthy that these tours will be very punctual, as is Japanese custom.
A tour of Hakone offers a great many insights into the culture of the country. Among the many options that there are, probably the most intriguing one offers to go to the fifth station of Mount Fuji, a visit to an outlet store, followed by a ride on a cable car to the Ōwakudani Station to see a volcanic landscape and rounded off by a short cruise on the Lake Ashi.
While this sounds like a rush, the early departure and comfortable ride on the coach make for a relaxing trip packed with information about the various places visited. Dramatic scenery, serene mountain sites, and relaxed shopping all make for lasting memories, each representing a unique facet of the country.
Evening: Strolling through Ginza
Arriving back in Tokyo in the early evening, the day will be crowned by a visit to Ginza, famous for being a trendy hotspot. The downtown area with shops founded over a hundred years ago is brimming with department stores and luxury boutiques lining the route from Nihonbashi to Ginza. Here, one can find less common high-end goods, such as Maybach-branded sunglasses.
It’s a long-established tradition to shop and stroll while the road is closed to traffic. Those wanting to get their hands on the fabled Onitsuka Tiger shoes will find a galore of boutiques here. One of which sells only limited-edition issues, while another sells only the Nippon Made-labelled sneakers. However, as Ginza is a shopping heaven, these shops tend to be overcrowded. Outlets of this shoe brand, as well as Uniqlo for example, can be found in other parts of town as well, offering the same ranges, sans the tour groups competing for the wares.
Day 3
Morning: Discovering Tsujiki market
Having sent the luggage ahead to be collected at the airport upon checkout, Tsukiji Market is the first stop on the third day. When Tsukiji’s Inner Market, the commercial operation selling to restaurants and wholesalers in auctions, moved, the owners of the food outlets in the Outer Market took the bold stance to remain put. Since then, the seafood market has not lost any of its attraction, but might have even gained some more due to the notoriety of the business owners refusing to break with tradition.
Although a few more shops now sell Wagyu and Kobe beef, chicken and fruits, the predominant pull is from the seafood section. The mix might be an advantage to make Tsukiji market more attractive to those that prefer a surf and turf experience. Produce won’t get any fresher and those looking for something more exotic from the sea will not be disappointed.
The market opens at 8a.m. and it is best to arrive there early as seating is limited. Some sushi bars have a mere four seats. One can easily spend the morning here tasting oysters, king crab, snow crab, uni, and others. Early risers could stroll over to Tsukiji, walking the distance. Otherwise, Tsukiji and Tsukijishijo stations are just a few minutes away from the edge of the market.
Afternoon: Parks and Museums in Ueno
Ueno might be one of those best-kept secrets in town. A half-hour ride on the Hibiya Line via Tsukiji station will see a change in vibe that is exhilarating. There is something about Ueno that sets the neighbourhood apart. It could be the light-flooded, spacious station. It could be the Hard Rock Café inside the station or the intriguingly varied selection of cookies and snacks that is seemingly unique to Ueno.
There seems to be a different tack to the food as well as the shops seem to have a different flavour profile compared to others in Tokyo. From the station, the Ueno Park is easily accessible. One of Japan’s five oldest parks, Ueno Park, is best known for Ueno Zoo, many museums, and spectacular cherry blossoms in the spring. Opened to the public in 1873, its official name is Ueno Onshi-Koen, meaning “the Ueno Imperial Gift Park.”
Traversing the station again, exiting from the Hirokoji Exit, one will find a local neighbourhood lined with a variety of shops. Apart from eateries, there are generations-old businesses focusing on vintage watches, clothing, and accessories. Those looking to score a luxury accessory may be lucky in Ueno.
Located a short walk eastwards from the station is the Tokyo Samurai Museum. As an immersive experience, it also offers Kimono Tea Ceremonies, which one should experience at least once in Japan.
Explore more Weekend Wanderer guides here.
All photos by Stefan Pertz unless otherwise credited
