The Tokyo Radius

We're starting at this quiet and uncrowded temple, perfect for easing into the day.

Nourishing healthy meals for our day ahead. Arrive a little early if possible, this spot is well loved.

A very photogenic glimpse of Edo-era merchant life, but this shopping street goes far beyond the usual souvenirs. You will be able to to shop high quality goods to fill up your suitcase. Also, this place is famous for sweet potato, but if you haven't tried Japanese sweet potato yet you're in for a treat!

The bell has marked time in the town for over 400 years and still rings daily, just as it did in the Edo period.

More of a palace building than a traditional castle, it has beautiful tatami rooms and a great garden.

Exceptionally well-presented exhibits about local history with lots of artifacts and life size models of stalls and merchant houses.

Try your hand at fishing out omikuji fortunes, and don't miss the rows and rows of ema (wooden prayer plaques).

The matcha treats here are out of this world !

On our way back to the station, we're stopping at this gem of a temple with a statue of the Ascetic Shakyamuni.

The easiest way to access Nikko is via the Tobu railway, making Asakusa Station the perfect departure point. Tip: You can purchase a Tobu Nikko Pass at the station ticket counter before boarding for a discounted round-trip train fare from Tokyo and unlimited bus travel around Nikko for the day.

Are you seeing this dense cedar forest? Pure heaven. See if you can find the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys ! Get here early to avoid the crowds.

The three gilded Buddha statues within represent the deities of the three mountains of Nikko, Mt. Nantai, Mt. Nyoho and Mt. Taro.

This shrine was founded in 782...

Fantastic vegetarian restaurant, perfect for a lunch break.

Enjoy a peaceful walk through a scenic forest path, I hope you brought comfortable shoes !

Stunning villa where you can get lost for hours enjoying the architecture, views and craftsmanship.

Use the day to explore the nostalgia of Yanaka Ginza, bursting with retro charm. The entire area has a special kind of calm that invites you to explore the city away from the usual tourist spots.

This wonderful museum was formerly Asakura Fumio's studio and residence. Now you can explore not only his works but also the beautiful Japanese style residence complete with a koi pond with some of the biggest koi fish around...

We also recommend a quiet stroll through Yanaka Cemetery, keeping in mind that it is an active cemetery where locals come to pay respects.

Wonderful fresh ingredients and amazing green tea in this Australian style cafe that also doubles as a concept store.