Explore Vibrant Tokyo & Tranquil Mt. Fuji in This 8-Day Itinerary

Fly into Haneda Airport and make sure you don’t miss the views of the city a few minutes before landing. If this is your first time in Tokyo, the sheer size of Japan’s capital and the number of skyscrapers will likely wow you. Getting through the airport is typically easy and efficient, and once your bags are off the carousel, hop in an Uber and head to the hotel.

For the first few nights, I recommend staying at the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo in the Shinjuku area, which is close to the city’s gay district, Ni-Chome, and very well connected to all other neighborhoods via public transportation. Japanese artisanal traditions and a relaxed New York-influenced vibe combine to create an exquisitely curated canvas in every room of the hotel. For that element of zen in your travels, each room includes yoga mats so that you can find your flow through asanas and mindful meditation. As luxurious as the hotel is, it keeps its edge — there's always something unexpected to discover, from an art venue that doubles as a wedding chapel to a second-floor terrace bar where you can sink into the scene.

Once you've settled into your upgraded room and enjoyed your welcome amenity, fight jet lag and head out for an initial peek at the neighborhood. For a wonderful afternoon delight, stop by Footbath Cafe & Bar Donyoku for a lovely soak while enjoying a nice cup of coffee and a snack.

As evening is setting in, go to Izakaya Kanagari for some fire-grilled skewers or to Tempura Shinjuku Tsunahachi, an institution for this traditional Japanese cuisine of all things battered and fried.

For a nightcap in support of an extra amazing first night’s sleep, stop by the hotel bar at the Kimpton and indulge in one of their craft cocktails.

After a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, stroll over to Shinjuku Station and take the subway to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station in the Minato district. Hear me out — public transportation in Tokyo is clean, super-efficient and easy, and you can get pretty much everywhere in town. It’s even on Condé Nast’s recently released "10 Cities With the Best Public Transportation" list. I’d recommend incorporating it in your daily adventures but would try it at least once for the experience alone. You can always opt for an Uber or cab as well.

Once you arrive, walk over to the beloved Hie Shrine with its bright red lantern-framed stairs, and take some time to explore. Then hop in an Uber or enjoy a 30-minute walk through the area to Tokyo Tower. At almost 11,000 feet, it’s the world's tallest self-supported steel tower, surpassing its model, the Eiffel Tower, by about 10 feet. There are two decks, and especially on a clear day, I recommend going all the way up, as views reach as far as Mount Fuji.

Then, wander through the park east of the tower and explore the Zojoji Temple. The Buddhist temple’s grounds consist of fascinating structures as well as a mausoleum of the Tokugawa family and a museum.

After exploring the temple, walk over to my favorite ramen place. Fukuki/Fukki Ramen is a small, cozy spot with only a few bar seats, beloved and frequented by locals working in the area. The restaurant has some of the best ramen I’ve ever had, and the intimate, welcoming space makes it the ideal spot for a delicious late lunch.

After, I’d recommend heading back to the hotel for a little break. In the evening, take a car or public transportation to the Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena to watch a match of the country’s favorite sport. You will want to secure tickets well in advance. The atmosphere is truly powerful, and the crowd gets really excited about this traditional form of entertainment.

Today, you’ll explore the Shibuya district. Start the morning with a nice walk through Yoyogi Park, culminating in an exploration of Meiji Jingu Shrine. This Shinto shrine was established in 1920 to commemorate the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and a visit here is beautiful any time of the year.

Afterwards, indulge in a little bit of shopping time. There are several fabulous malls, but one of my favorites, especially for men’s clothing, is Shibuya 109. It features many Japanese labels, and some floors feel more like you’re at an underground rave than in a shopping mall. Unique and fun!

You also won’t want to miss the sight that is the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where you can see more than a thousand people (during “rush hour”) crossing the multi-cornered intersection at the same time. A great spot for viewing this spectacle is the Starbucks a few floors up inside the Tsutaya store, which also has been recently revamped (March 2024).

To round out the day, walk over to the Trunk Hotel for a great craft cocktail and people watching. This place is, as they say, a vibe, mixing hotel guests with local creatives and international explorers, often set to the sounds of a DJ.

After a nice breakfast, head east towards the Taito district. Here, you will find the Sensōji Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in Tokyo. The temple’s gate, tower and promenade — which is full of shopping opportunities — as well as the Asakusa Shrine are all spectacular, so have your camera app ready to rock! Entry is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Don’t miss the gorgeous adjacent Denbōin Garden — however, as the private garden of the abbot, it’s typically only accessible from March to May.

Then, head over to Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower, in the Sumida City area. Take in the views of the city from another angle by visiting the 360-degree observation deck. Have lunch at Sky Restaurant 634, a top-notch place for “Tokyo Cuisine” that is beautifully arranged as part of a course menu. Views are obviously spectacular, and you will want to make a reservation in advance.

In the afternoon, find your way to the Ginza district and explore the many shops and offerings. One of my favorite stores is Ginza Natsuno, where you can find over 2,500 sets of chopsticks and over 1,000 chopstick rests that make the perfect souvenir. They are locally made and beautiful.

For a special cocktail experience, visit Star Bar Ginza, a dimly lit, cozy spot where the bar team wears white jackets and ties and the ice is so clear, it’s called “ninja ice.” This is the perfect spot to get away from it all for an hour, to reset over a carefully crafted classic cocktail. We had a wonderful conversation with the head bartender and felt incredibly welcomed and cared for.

In the evening, check out Omoide Yokocho Alley (Golden Gai), a system of alleys that are packed with tiny, local restaurants and bars that offer excellent food and drink options. I recommend walking through the area once to get an idea, then picking one place to eat and another, like Albatross Bar, to imbibe.

Have another delicious and hearty breakfast at the hotel before getting on your way to Mount Fuji. There are several daily buses that depart from Tokyo, but you can also take the famous Shinkansen (bullet train) and marvel at the speed at which you’ll travel through the beautiful scenery of the countryside. You’ll likely end up at Kawaguchi Station, from which you’ll need to take another local bus or car service to get to Hoshinoya Fuji, which is about a 15-minute drive.

The Hoshinoya Fuji resort is one of my top places ever. The minimalist but super luxe accommodations offer some of the best views of the mountain. Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows, and the outside balcony with daybeds and fireplaces is the perfect spot for lounging in your bathrobe with a glass of champs and watching the clouds give way to the gorgeous sight of the mountain top.

When you arrive in the afternoon, there’s a good chance you’ll be there for freshly baked welcome waffles and sparkling wine, which you can enjoy under the big trees that fill the majority of the space. Relax in a hammock or spend some time in your new home for the next few days.

In the evening, stroll down to the lake and explore the local shops. Take a nice walk along Lake Kawaguchi, then head back to the hotel for a lovely dinner. Hoshinoya offers several breakfast, lunch and dinner experiences. For the first night, why not try one of the hotpot options that can be prepared on your own terrace. Then settle in for your first night in this cozy mountain resort.

Start the morning with a beautiful breakfast on your balcony or join other guests for a full spread of morning delicacies. Definitely factor in some time to enjoy the views of the mountain from your room. The weather can be challenging, and clouds and overcast skies can obstruct the views, so you will want to watch the weather apps to identify the best time of the day for some Fuji-gazing.

I also recommend partaking in one of the daily activities. From morning canoeing to food-smoking workshops, the team at Hoshinoya will ensure you’re having the best time. They also have a program that specializes in refreshing the mind and body away from digital devices if you’re looking for a day of digital detox. I also loved just swinging in a hammock and reading that new book I had bought but not started.

In the evening, I highly recommend booking one of the dinners that is served outside in the woods. It’s so much fun! Tiny lights will guide your way to your table, where a nice heater hidden below the table will make you feel warm and cozy while one of the chefs prepares your coursed meal right behind you. It’s a truly special experience, breathing in the mountain and forest air while enjoying some of the best food made of fresh and hyper-local ingredients.

For your last evening, I recommend opening that nice bottle of champagne or sake, turning on the fire on your outdoor terrace and enjoying the moment as the sun is setting on your last day in Fujikawaguchiko.

After a relaxing night and a late morning, indulge in a last breakfast served with fabulous mountain views before heading back to Tokyo by your transportation mode of choice.

For your last two nights in the city, stay at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, which is super close to Shinagawa Station in the Minato district. Both the hotel and its grounds are gorgeous, and the staff is wonderfully welcoming. The garden all around the property is spectacular, and if you’re here during the cherry blossoms, there’s an entire row of them right in front of the building.

You can’t leave Japan without a traditional tea ceremony. I recommend the Chazen tea experience in Ginza. Tucked into the fifth floor of a modern building, you will find a full-fledged Japanese tearoom, a tranquil oasis of authenticity that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle downstairs. Owner Rie Takeda has been guiding tea ceremony experiences for over three decades, which is obvious from the care she puts into every detail.

For dinner, swing by BIRD LAND, a Michelin-recommended yakitori spot in Ginza. The vibe is really fun, and the skewers are mouthwateringly delicious. Then head to Mori Bar Gran, where iconic bartender Takao Mori stirs some of the cleanest and carefully crafted martinis. Take a seat on the rooftop terrace next to the big cherry tree and soak in the night sky views.

Start the morning with a relaxing, delicious breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Find a cozy spot by the window and let the green garden be the morning’s backdrop.

Once you’re ready for the day, make your way to teamLAB Planets in the Koto district. This immersive digital art exhibition offers visitors a unique sensory experience where they can interact with various digital artworks in a vast, colorful space. The exhibition features stunning projections, light displays and soundscapes, creating mesmerizing environments inspired by nature and technology. It’s stunning and pure Instagram gold. Take your time here and explore all the spaces.

Then stroll past Toyosu Pier and Shin Tsukishima Park over to Tsukishima Monja Street, lined with restaurants and spots that serve batter-based, savory pancakes called monjayaki, a popular treat with its roots in the Kanto region. Delicious!

In the afternoon, you must spend some time at the hotel spa. It’s such a calming, zen place, and the therapists know what they’re doing. They offer massages, facials and a few treatments tailored towards male guests.

For the evening, you’re in for a very special treat: Gen Yamamoto’s cocktail omakase experience. This tiny, cozy bar in the Minato district only has seats for eight, and you can decide if you want to try four, five, six or seven of his masterful creations. Gen Yamamoto presents a cocktail tasting menu crafted from meticulously chosen seasonal ingredients and premium spirits. His menu embodies the Japanese concept of shiki, reflecting the changing seasons. If you’re a cocktail lover like me, this place is an absolute must.

If you want to go out with a bang and treat yourself to one of the best places in the area, head over to Seisoka, meaning “a space of peace surrounded by lush vegetation.” It’s a gorgeous restaurant, and the food is top-notch, which is highlighted by its two Michelin stars. However, if you are in the mood for a different kind of cuisine, why not pop by Pizzeria da Peppe Napoli Sta' Ca" for some of the world’s best pizza (per “50 Top Pizza”).

Enjoy your last evening in your upgraded room and gaze at the city’s flashing skyline as you drift off into your final night in Japan.