18 day itinerary for Tokyo

Itinerary

An 18-day adventure in Tokyo sounds like a dream! With your JR Green Class Pass, you’ll be traveling in style, and I’ll make sure to suggest hotels that are conveniently located near train stations. Let’s dive into your itinerary!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

• Hotel Options:
  • Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: A modern hotel with a Godzilla theme, right in the heart of Shinjuku.
  • Shinjuku Granbell Hotel: Stylish and close to Shinjuku Station.
• Plan: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant streets of Shinjuku. Grab dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

## Day 2: Shinjuku & Harajuku

• Morning: Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views.
• Afternoon: Head to Harajuku. Explore Takeshita Street and grab a crepe.
• Evening: Stroll through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Shrine. Dinner in Harajuku.

## Day 3: Shibuya & Roppongi

• Morning: Explore Shibuya, see the famous Shibuya Crossing, and visit Hachiko Statue.
• Afternoon: Head to Roppongi Hills for shopping and art at the Mori Art Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Roppongi, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant.

## Day 4: Asakusa & Ueno

• Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Don’t forget to try some ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes).
• Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum.
• Evening: Dinner in Ueno, maybe some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

## Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko

• Plan: Take the JR train to Nikko (about 2 hours). Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites like Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the beautiful nature.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your hotel.

## Day 6: Akihabara & Ginza

• Morning: Explore Akihabara, the mecca for electronics and otaku culture. Visit a maid café if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Afternoon: Head to Ginza for upscale shopping and visit the Kabukiza Theatre.
• Evening: Dinner in Ginza, perhaps sushi at a conveyor belt restaurant.

## Day 7: Odaiba

• Plan: Take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba. Visit teamLab Borderless (digital art museum) and enjoy the seaside park.
• Evening: Dinner at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, and see the giant Gundam statue.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Kamakura

• Plan: Take the JR train to Kamakura (about 1 hour). Visit the Great Buddha and Hase-dera Temple.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and enjoy a quiet dinner.

## Day 9: Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

• Plan: Spend the day at either Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea. Both parks are fantastic!
• Evening: Enjoy the nighttime parades and fireworks.

## Day 10: Tsukiji & Marunouchi

• Morning: Visit the outer market of Tsukiji for fresh seafood breakfast.
• Afternoon: Explore the Marunouchi area, including Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.
• Evening: Dinner in Marunouchi, perhaps at a nice steakhouse.

## Day 11: Day Trip to Yokohama

• Plan: Take the JR train to Yokohama (about 30 minutes). Visit the Cup Noodles Museum and stroll through Chinatown.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax.

## Day 12: Nakameguro & Daikanyama

• Morning: Explore the trendy Nakameguro area, especially the canal.
• Afternoon: Head to Daikanyama for boutique shopping and coffee.
• Evening: Dinner in Daikanyama, perhaps at a cozy café.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Fuji Five Lakes

• Plan: Take the JR train to Kawaguchiko (about 2 hours). Enjoy views of Mount Fuji and visit the lakes.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo.

## Day 14: Shinjuku Gyoen & Ikebukuro

• Morning: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful stroll.
• Afternoon: Head to Ikebukuro, visit Sunshine City, and explore the Pokémon Center.
• Evening: Dinner in Ikebukuro.

## Day 15: Day Trip to Nagano

• Plan: Take the Shinkansen to Nagano (about 1.5 hours). Visit Zenko-ji Temple and enjoy the local cuisine.
• Evening: Return to Tokyo.

## Day 16: Explore Koenji & Shimokitazawa

• Morning: Visit Koenji for vintage shopping and quirky cafes.
• Afternoon: Head to Shimokitazawa, known for its bohemian vibe and indie shops.
• Evening: Dinner in Shimokitazawa.

## Day 17: Relaxation Day

• Plan: Spend the day at an onsen (hot spring) or a spa. Consider Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner and reflect on your trip.

## Day 18: Departure

• Plan: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Depending on your flight time, you might visit a nearby attraction or enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
• Evening: Head to the airport for your departure.

Final Thoughts

This itinerary balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation, all while making the most of your JR Green Class Pass. Each day is designed to be at a medium pace, allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌸✈️