Tokyo, Japan – A New Favorite Destination

As international travel finally opened up in late 2023, my husband and I began dreaming about where we should wander for our first big post-pandemic trip. Europe was calling my name (I’ve missed it ever since 2016!), but a half-joke with my brother about buying a vintage watch in Japan suddenly turned into a very real plan. And honestly? Japan has been on my husband’s bucket list forever… so the universe clearly had a plan for us.

For the first time, I was reluctant about this travel planning. It felt overwhelming because the web is saturated with information about traveling to Japan. Aside from my ❤️ of Japanese food and wanting to see Mount Fuji in person, I didn’t really know what else to do or see there. Luckily, my partner dove headfirst into planning our adventure along Japan’s famous Golden Route, with an added day trip to Hiroshima.

Hey there! Just a heads up – this post includes some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I actually use and love! Thanks for supporting this blog. ❤️ Full disclosure here.

The Golden Route is a popular route for first-time tourists. It connects:

• Tokyo
• Fuji-Hakone-Izu region (including Mount Fuji and Hakone)
• Kyoto
• Osaka

This route encompasses Japan’s ancient traditions, cultural landmarks, and vibrant city vibes. Japan’s travel website offers a map and a sample itinerary if you want to follow a similar path.

Short answer? Not exactly.

There are thousands of guides about where to go and what to do in Japan—trust me, I combed through a lot of them. But after coming home, I kept getting questions from friends and ended up sharing our itinerary more times than I expected. In fact, as I write this blog, a friend is on her way to Tokyo! Since many of us travel the same way (a nice mix of culture, food, adventure, and a dash of chaos), I wanted to share the standout favorites from each city.

We were fortunate enough to take about three weeks to explore some of the most amazing sites of Japan. Since I don’t want to overwhelm you with details of the entire trip, I plan to break it down into more digestible sections.

As the title suggests, this post focuses on Tokyo, including specific Shinjuku and Shibuya faves.

TOKYO TOWER – As their website states, Tokyo is a city with towers, so you know it’s a must-visit. We were worried the day before visiting the Tokyo Tower since it had rained quite a bit. We were fortunate since it was a clear day, and got an unobstructed view of Mount Fuji. We got a glimpse and photo ops of it lit up during our go-kart experience. Speaking of go-kart…

STREET KART TOKYO BAY – Yes, yes, yes, I know…so typical. However, where do you often get to drive a go-kart at night and get to dress like your favorite character at the same time? You’ll need to have an international driver’s license and follow their safety protocols. For approximately 2 hours, you get to drive on the streets of Tokyo, including the famous Rainbow Bridge.

IMPERIAL PALACE – In the center of Tokyo, surrounded by towering buildings, is the Imperial Palace, just a short distance from the Tokyo Station. Upon entering, we were transported to the 1600s when Tokugawa ruled the country. It’s currently the residence of the Imperial Family.

GINZA – If you’re a shopaholic, this is the spot for you. Ginza is a dreamy blend of luxury brands, everyday stores, and an endless lineup of restaurants. I’m a fan of Uniqlo, so visiting their flagship store and buying a couple of items to add to my wardrobe was a must.

GOLDEN GAI – We met a friend of mine who basically became our impromptu tour guide while maneuvering the narrow pathways as we scoured the different bars to get some munchies and drinks. If you don’t know any locals in the area, I recommend doing a food tour or bar hop with a local guide. We saw signs that some restaurants are not open to tourists. Plus, having someone knowledgeable makes the experience so much smoother.

GINZA STEAK – All you can eat A5 wagyu beef goodness. 🤤 😋 That’s all.

MEGA DON QUIOTE – Another stop for shopaholics! It’s an entire building full of anything you can possibly think of. It’s chaos in the best way possible. Souvenirs? ✅ Different flavors of KitKat? ✅ A nailcutter specifically for hangnails? Yes, and I bought it. ✅ Another luggage because you bought too much stuff at Don Quiote? ✅

SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE CROSSING – One of the busiest and most recognizable areas of Japan, this spot is a must. You get to see so many people from all over the world cross this famous intersection with you. Plus, if you’re an anime fan, you get to see the statue of Hachiko.

MEIJI JINGU SHRINE – In the middle of a forest is a majestic shrine that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city. Walking through the giant torii gates felt peaceful and grounding. It’s a great spot if you need a break from the modern side of Tokyo and pay respect to the Japanese tradition.

• Download Suica or Pasmo on your phone to make train travel and vending machines a breeze.
• Carry cash—Japan is modern, but cash is king. It’s still widely preferred in many small shops and shrines.
• Book restaurants early, especially in Tokyo’s popular districts.
• Be mindful of etiquette—from quiet train rides to how you queue, small gestures really matter here.
• Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk… a lot. We averaged approximately 18k-22k steps, plus 15-20 flights of stairs…daily. I used my Adidas Ultraboost sneakers, and when it rained, I used my snow/rain boots.
• Don’t over-plan—leave room to wander, get lost, explore convenience stores, and discover random gems.
• Prepare to fall in love—Tokyo has a way of becoming a favorite destination before you even realize it.

Tokyo quickly became one of my favorite destinations—an unforgettable mix of rich history, modern energy, incredible food, and unexpected moments of calm tucked between skyscrapers. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a deeper dive, this city has a way of surprising you every single day.

I hope these highlights inspire your own adventure and help you fall in love with Tokyo just as much as I did. If you’re planning a Japan trip or thinking about the Golden Route, feel free to connect—I love sharing travel tips! And stay tuned for my next posts covering Kyoto, Osaka, and our day trip to Hiroshima.

Keep wandering, friends!

Hey there! Just a heads up – this post includes some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I actually use and love! Thanks for supporting this blog. ❤️ Full disclosure here.