Stays from
Tokyo
A convenient base for exploring Tokyo, just a 1-minute walk from Kyobashi Station and around 7 minutes from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu South Exit—ideal for continuing to Nagoya by Shinkansen. Allow extra time to reach the Shinkansen platforms inside Tokyo Station.
A convenient base for exploring Tokyo, just a 1-minute walk from Kyobashi Station and around 7 minutes from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu South Exit—ideal for continuing to Nagoya by Shinkansen. Allow extra time to reach the Shinkansen platforms inside Tokyo Station.
Tokyo
Old Tokyo to Anime Culture
Experience Tokyo’s contrasts, from historic Asakusa and lunch at Pelican Café to Ueno Zoo and lively Ameyoko. Finish the day in Akihabara, the centre of Japanese anime, games, and electronics.

Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Explore one of Tokyo’s most historic neighbourhoods, filled with traditional streets, local shops, and the atmosphere of old Tokyo.

2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, walk through the famous Kaminarimon Gate, and explore Nakamise shopping street. An early-morning visit is recommended for fewer crowds and better photos.

1-chōme-18-1 Asakusa, 台東区 Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Don’t leave Asakusa without trying the freshly made kibidango here! These soft, bite-sized rice dumplings coated in fragrant kinako soybean powder are a delicious traditional Japanese treat.

Japan, 〒111-0042 Tokyo, Taito City, Kotobuki, 3-chōme−9−11 1階
Enjoy lunch at Pelican Café, run by a long-established bakery that has been loved by generations of Japanese locals. The café serves toast, sandwiches, and other dishes made with Pelican’s famous bread, offering an authentic taste of a true Tokyo favourite.

9-83 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
Japan’s oldest zoo and a peaceful green escape in the centre of Tokyo. Allow around two to three hours to explore its wide variety of animals and the surrounding Ueno Park area. Please note that the zoo is generally closed on Mondays.

6-chōme-10-7 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Explore one of Tokyo’s liveliest open-air shopping streets, filled with food stalls, seafood shops, clothing stores, and local vendors. It is a great place to experience the energetic atmosphere of everyday Tokyo.

Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan
Finish the day in Tokyo’s famous centre of anime, manga, video games, and electronics. Explore colourful shops, arcades, character stores, and the area’s bright neon streets after sunset.
Tokyo
Digital Art, Sushi & Tokyo Night Views
Immerse yourself in teamLab Planets, explore Tsukiji, and experience making sushi. Afterwards, stroll through Ginza and GINZA SIX before enjoying the illuminated city from Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo
Step barefoot into an immersive world where digital art, water, light, and nature surround your entire body. Reserve a timed ticket in advance and wear comfortable clothing that can be rolled above the knees, as some artworks include water that may reach knee height.

Tokyo
Discover Japan’s food culture through a guided exploration of the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, followed by a hands-on sushi-making experience. Learn more about Japanese ingredients and sushi before enjoying what you have prepared yourself.

Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Stroll through one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated districts, known for its elegant department stores, flagship boutiques, cafés, galleries, and distinctive architecture. Even without shopping, Ginza is an enjoyable place to experience the refined side of Tokyo.

6-chōme-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Explore a modern complex that combines Japanese and international brands with contemporary art and striking architecture. After browsing the shops, head to the spacious rooftop garden for a relaxing break above the streets of Ginza.

4-chōme-2-8 Shibakōen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
End the day at one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. Visit around sunset or after dark to enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated city from the Main Deck or Top Deck. Advance booking is recommended for the Top Deck Tour.
The Best of Japan, Handpicked by a Japanese Local.
If this is your first trip to Japan, you can’t go wrong with this route.
Carefully designed from a Japanese local’s perspective, this 8-day itinerary brings together the destinations and experiences that first-time visitors should not miss.
Travel from Tokyo to Osaka while experiencing Japan’s modern cities, historic neighbourhoods, traditional culture, famous landmarks, hands-on activities, and memorable scenery. The route also gives you time to properly explore Nagoya—a fascinating city that many international travellers pass by on the standard Golden Route.
Highlights of the journey.
● Tokyo: Asakusa, Akihabara, teamLab, Tsukiji, and Ginza
● Nagoya: historic landmarks, traditional pottery culture, and atmospheric streets
● Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion
● Osaka: Kuromon Market, Solaniwa Onsen, and Dotonbori
● Nara: Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, and the historic Naramachi district
Follow this itinerary and you’ll experience many different sides of Japan in one realistic, well-balanced, and easy-to-follow journey.
For your first trip to Japan, this is the route I confidently recommend.