7 days in Tokyo Japan

• Spend a few hours in TeamLab Planets interactive museum: TeamLab Planets is an immersive and interactive art museum which allows people to go barefoot as you experience the art by being part of it. It’s a very popular place to visit (visually striking as well, so take many photos and videos!) so it’s best to purchase tickets in advance! Online purchasing opens in at least three months in advance.

• Visit Zozoji Temple and Tokyo Tower: Learn about the Zozoji Temple and its history serving as the temple of the Tokugawa Family and how it now houses seminaries for clergy while taking in awe the structures of the temples. Afterwards, take a six min walk to see Tokyo Tower, the “Eiffel Tower” of Tokyo and go up to see 360 views of central Tokyo.

• Experience Shibuya Crossing: There’s nothing quite like crossing the famous Shibuya Crossing with hundreds of other people! I recommend doing this at night as the nightlife comes alive, and you can admire all the billboards and signs as they light up. Plus, it’s free!

• Visit Shibuya Sky and see Tokyo’s skyline: The Shibuya Sky rooftop is a must-do specially for first-time visitors to Tokyo. There’s so many photo opportunities here and you get a great view of the city around you. I recommend coming close to sunset to see city views from sunset to nighttime. Tickets are available to purchase at least four weeks in advance.

• Go to Shibuya district for some vintage shopping: Tokyo has many vintage shops where you can get great pieces such as handbags, shoes, clothing and accessories for a fraction of the cost if you live elsewhere. Try looking into Amore Vintage, QOO, Grace and OTTO Vintage.

• Spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland: Even if you are not a big Disney person, it is so fun to experience Tokyo Disneyland as they feature rides, souvenirs and food items/restaurants that are unique to Tokyo only. Enjoy rides like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast and Monster’s Inc Ride and Go Seek, take-home souvenirs such as mini Mickey ears and cute keychains, and best of all: try all the unique park snacks they have! (crème brulee, churros or soy sauce popcorn, perhaps?).

• Play arcade games and enjoy anime in Akihabara district: While this district is made for arcade games and anime lovers, it is a cool sight to see and experience. People get really into arcade games, which range from operating a train ride, to playing like a DJ, playing piano and guitar to drums. Akiharaba has tons of arcades that feature games which are not available in the US.

• The Making of Harry Potter Studio: The biggest studio ever opened about a year ago and it is worth it to visit! I recommend starting the day early in the morning as the studio is massive and there are tons of things to see and experience (photo ops, souvenir shops, food and interactive activities like riding a broomstick!). I recommend purchasing tickets a few weeks in advance.

Day Trips:

A day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko is a great way to see Mount Fuji. First, check the weather forecast to see which day the clearest day is to see Mount Fuji. Next, buy train or bus tickets for your day trip. From Tokyo, take a train or bus ride (about two hours or so) from Shinjuku Station all the way to Kawaguchiko Station. From there, take a 13-minute train ride to Shimoyoshida station, then a 10-minute walk to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine.

From here, walk up the steps through the shrine, and you'll have different viewpoints to see Mount Fuji in the distance. Keep walking up to Chureito Pagoda, then all the way to the Arakura Sengen Park Observatory. There is a platform here where you can see views of Mount Fuji, specially on a clear, sunny day.

I recommend going there in the morning as it can get crowded later in the day and you want to make sure you have time in between taking train rides and walking. Going back to Kawaguchiko Station, take the red line bus that can take you to different stops around Lake Kawaguchiko and stop at Oishi Park, where you'll see Mount Fuji with views of Lake Kawaguchiko. There is also a cafe here, which serves different flavors of soft-serve ice cream that you can have outside while admiring the beautiful views of the Lake and Fuji.

• Tsukiji Outer Market- famous outdoor market where you can enjoy a variety of meals such as sushi, sashimi rice bowls, wagyu and other kinds of seafood. It is advisable to get there in the morning to avoid crowds later in the day.

• Asakusa Unana- If you are a fan of Unagi (eel), this is the place for you! This is a little food stand that offers Unagi at an affordable price. Here you can get Unagi Onigiri (eel rice balls) for about $3.75.

• Asakusa Gyukatsu- Looking for the best Tonkatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet)? Then Asakusa Gyukatsu is the place to be. This shop has nine seats inside and serves deliciously fried marbled tonkatsu. The tonkatsu is served “bento box” style with rice, different sauces and soup. It is perfect for a chilly day out.

• Manten Sushi Marunouchi — Located inside the Marunouchi Brick Square Shopping mall, this restaurant serves sushi Omakase style (about 19 courses) for an affordable price (about $47 for lunch omakase). The quality of food at the price is unbeatable! Do reserve in advance (about a few weeks, even months) because spots fill up quickly. You will be lucky if you get a spot the same day!

• Tsukiji Ihachi- The best and authentic A5 Wagyu! This spot prides itself on serving authentic A5 Wagyu for the best price. A half-pound wagyu plate costs about $60. Make a stop here for some Wagyu skewers with a side of Uni (sea urchin).

• Aoyama Flower Market Green House — This flower market houses a café, which serves light and savory dishes and tea. The café is surrounded by beautiful greenery! Perfect for brunch or teatime with a friend. Food is beautifully served like art!

• The Bellwood- For a chill night out with a speakeasy vibe, try some cocktails at The Bellwood. They serve unique drinks such as G&T for Hipsters, Fig & Coke (fig leaf and cold brew coffee) and Plants Gang (lemongrass, dill, tomato, kiwi). They also serve food and sometimes have live music. Since space gets tight, it is best to get there as early as you can to get seats.

• Umi- Two-Michelin star sushi omakase experience unlike any other. Chef Taira prepares about 23+ courses that are delicious and well-prepared. Price ranges from about $280 - $300 per person, so it is on the higher side. Recommend making reservations a few months in advance to secure a spot!