Tokyo itineraries

Asakusa to Shibuya in a Day

Your first day in Tokyo in one straight line: incense at Senso-ji in the morning, the Shibuya crossing glowing at night. By bedtime you'll know why people keep coming back.

West Tokyo from Shinjuku

Base yourself in Shinjuku and work the west side only: the Metropolitan Government deck to the Ghibli Museum, walking, riding, walking again. Save the temples and markets for another trip.

East Tokyo from Asakusa

Two nights in front of Kaminarimon gate. Hokusai across the river, Ueno's museums, Yanaka's back lanes and teamLab in Toyosu: the east side at an easy pace, with a quiet night-time Senso-ji thrown in.

Festivals & seasons

• 1 — New Year visit at Meiji Jingu
• 2 — Plum blossoms at Yushima Tenmangu
• 3 — Tokyo Marathon
• 3 — Cherry blossoms
• 4 — Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival
• 5 — Sanja Matsuri
• 5 — Kanda Matsuri
• 6 — Rainy season
• 7 — Sumida River Fireworks
• 8 — Midsummer heat
• 11 — Tori-no-ichi
• 11 — Autumn leaves and the Rikugien light-up

Souvenirs

• Tokyo Banana
• Sugar Butter Sand Tree
• Kaminari okoshi rice crackers
• Funawa sweet-potato yokan
• Toraya yokan
• Kitchen knives and ceramics
• Anime figures and goods
• Medicines, snacks, cosmetics