The Japan itinerary I wish I'd had before our first trip

Start your day with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine and walk through Harajuku.

Grab a ramen or sushi dish to enjoy.

In the afternoon head to Shibuya Crossing and see the Hachiko statue. take some time to explore Shibuya.

You can head to Shibuya Sky for the panoramic city view ideally around sunset, although getting a ticket may be tricky as it is the most popular time, so book ahead of time. Have dinner in Shibuya and explore the neon streets around Shibuya.

You can start with an orgainised tour, the local tour guides are knowledgeable and can give you a real feeling of Japan.

Ueno is known for its beautiful park, temples, museums and lively Ameyoko shopping street,

Akihabara, the colourful heart of Tokyo’s anime, manga, gaming and electronics scene. It’s a fun combination of culture, food and quirky Tokyo experiences, particularly with older kids and teenagers.

Combo tickets can be a great way to save money.

I would do an organised day tour here and then come back to Tokyo. If you have more time on your itinerary you could stay a couple of nights.