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.

Recommended even for non-museum lovers, this museum is a whole experience. Nature blends with an astounding collection of art pieces, that you can even explore while taking a foot bath.

We're heading up to higher ground, and I hope you have clear views today !

Check out the black eggs while you're taking in the sights and smells of the remains of an explosion crater formed by a steam explosion that occurred at the Hakone volcano about 3,000 years ago.

The moment some of you have been waiting for, we're embarking on a pirate ship cruise ! Even if you're not into the whole pirate theme, the sights on this lake are something to be witnessed first hand...

Finally, time for some much needed lunch after today's exploring. If you would rather spend more time at the museum, we recommend making your lunch stop before moving on to the ropeway.

Travel back in history and explore this security checkpoint, established by the Tokugawa Shogunate on the Tōkaidō highway connecting the capital of Edo with Kyoto.

Get your camera and pose ready !

The mornings are calmer, so we recommend you start your day in Hasadera temple. You also get to take a great morning trek up into the hillside for amazing views of the town and ocean.

Where you will find the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura that you simply have to see with your own eyes.

A bit of a trip, but this place is famous for its tasty dishes (especially breakfast if you are able to make it in early) right by the train tracks.

If you're here in the more warmer months, we recommend a trip to the beach, even better if you have a watermelon to crack !

If you do want those Kyoto vibes, here's your chance to explore the beautiful bamboo forest of Houkokuji temple.

This is your chance to snack and souvenir shop your way through this charming shopping street - don't forget to fully explore the hidden gems in the side alleys.

Don't forget to take a break from time to time and sip on some lovely coffee beans / tea leaves.

We're starting off in the harbor district, complete with its own amusement park.

Throwing this in there for those interested, it's more entertaining than it might sound !

Time for some shopping and lunch ! If you're here during the holiday season, make sure to stop by at the Christmas market after dark for a taste of the festivities and some holiday themed souvenirs.

Welcome to the largest Chinatown in Japan, which we also highly recommend as a lunch stop for this day. The colorful gates, temple incense, and the aroma of street food reflect Yokohama’s history as a global port, and offer a taste of the Chinese culture that has been woven into the city for generations.

A short bus ride away you can find this beautiful garden with a rich history and expansive grounds.

Head back up into the center for a coffee/tea break and spend the rest of your day taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Start your last day in style, browsing this huge shopping complex, designed by Tadao Ando. Stroll along and stop at cafés at your own pace.

We're keeping a relaxed vibe for our last day, and what better than lunch surrounded by lush greenery and fresh teas. You can also stop by later in the day for some sweets.

Not only is the museum a popular stop in the area, but the garden is exquisite !