Tokyo: Temples & Pop Culture

Experience the world of pop-culture: We start our adventure in the city of Tokyo, home to one of the best metro systems in the world! Travel tip: Always stand on the left side of the subway escalators and never eat or talk loudly on the trains.

Head to Harajuku, the home of all things pop-culture. Take a walk down Takeshita Street for some clothing shopping or maybe stop into a cat cafe.

Just outside Takeshita Street is the Samsung Galaxy building. Whether you are on team Android or iPhone, it’s a fun free experience you can have in the city.

For lunch, I highly recommend Bills for a delicious sandwich or pancakes in a modern library atmosphere.

Serenity in a modern city: Not far from Harajuku is Meiju Jingu Temple, situated in a quiet forest polar opposite from the city around it. Travel tip: It is appropriate to walk on the narrower paths to either side of the walkway up to the temple. The larger gravel path is not meant to be walked on as it is meant to symbolize the gods walking next to you.

Shibuya, home to the world’s biggest crosswalk: Hop on the metro to the neighborhood of Shibuya. I recommend grabbing the iconic “jiggly pancakes” from Micasadeco Cafe and then heading to the Shibuya Crossing (the world’s biggest crosswalk!) If you want a cool view of the city from high up, head into Shibuya Sky. If you want to do some shopping, head to Parco for all things anime and Nintendo or visit Bershka for hip clothing.

Antisocial dining experience: If you want a ramen dining experience where you don’t even need to speak to a waiter, visit Ichiran Ramen. The ramen is next-level delicious. You will want seconds!

Asakusa, icons of Tokyo: Visit Sensō-Ji Temple in Asakusa and get a fortune. If you get a bad one, tie it to the bad fortune string so you don’t take it home with you! Just outside the temple, walk along Nakamise street and try some street food.

I also recommend the nearby Gyoza Tiger Hall if you are looking for some Chinese.

If you are a fan of Hello Kitty, the Hello Kitty-shaped shop in Asakusa is a must! You can also visit a small Studio Ghibli shop just outside the Tokyo Skytree, which gives great views of the city from high.

Ueno, Parks & Zoos: Next, head over to Ueno and explore the iconic fish markets. Visit Onshi Park, where you can ride a swan boat, feed some fish or visit the zoo.

Akihabara, Arcade Overload: Spend the day visiting the iconic Akihabara Street. There is so much to see and do just on this street! Try your luck at the Plinko Casino or one of the many claw machines at the four multi-story arcades.

Travel tip: you can use your metro card to pay for the arcade games. But be careful not to strand yourself in Akihabara!

Stop at the Magikarp Taiyaki street cart for a delicious treat.

For shopping, I recommend visiting the Maach Ecute shopping mall. It was made from the bones of an old train station!

Samurais and Godzilla: Today, hop on the train to Shinjuku for a visit to the Samurai Museum. If you want a nice boba treat, try Yifang Fruit Tea.

Grab a pastry and visit the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Park for a picnic. In spring, you can see Cherry Blossoms here!

At night, visit the high-energy Godzilla Street.

For dinner, try to find the well-hidden Omoide Yokocho alley. Here you will find a plethora of delicious and exotic street foods!

Tour like none other: If you’re up for a thrilling adventure and tour like none other, I highly recommend going on a go-karting tour around Tokyo with Streetkart.

Travel tip: Don’t forget to get your international driver’s license for this experience.

If you are a big fan of Starbucks, take a train to Aobadai and visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery for a Starbucks unlike any other!