Tokyo, Japan: Ginza, Shinjuku, Meguro, Harajuku, Shibuya, Narita

During our recent trip to Tokyo, we visited Ginza, Shinjuku, Meguro, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Narita. We also did a couple fun day trips to Kawagoe and Kamakura.

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GINZA

Ginza is Tokyo’s famous upscale shopping district with luxury boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Chuo Dori, the main street in Ginza, is closed to traffic on weekends and national holidays and turns into a pedestrian zone.

Department Stores & Flagship Stores:
1. Ginza Six
2. Mitsukoshi Ginza Store
3. Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store
4. MUJI Ginza Flagship Store
5. Tiffany & Co. Flagship Store
6. Itoya Flagship Store
7. Ginza Wako Building: Ginza’s iconic landmark

SHINJUKU

Shinjuku is known for its entertainment district and vibrant atmosphere.

Here are some things to do:

Kabukicho District (red-light district)
Shinjuku Golden-Gai (small bars and clubs)
See the Godzilla Head
Omoide Yokocho (narrow alleyway with hole-in-the-wall restaurants)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
Shinjuku Chuo Park
Yokohama Iekei Ramen Ichikakuya

Also, Shinjuku Station is considered to be the world’s busiest train station. We actually experienced it when we caught the train during rush hour. It was crazy and a little confusing, especially when we first got there and didn’t know where we were going. Here are some tips to help you navigate your way through the station:

1. Every subway line is color coded and labeled with a letter and number. Look for the color, letter, then number.

2. Use Google Maps. It’s very user friendly and will help you get to the correct platform.

3. Trains are ALWAYS ON TIME. The departure time is not the time to be there by, it is the time the train departs.

4. Try to avoid the train stations during rush hour.

The east exit of Shinjuku Station is known for its nightlife – the neon lights, crowds, restaurants, and bars. This is where you will find Kabukicho District.

The west side of Shinjuku Station is where you will find major department stores, electronics retailers, and government offices. You will also find Omoide Yokocho here.

MEGURO

Meguro is known for its chic boutiques and cafes.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo

The 4-story Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, located along the Meguro River, is one of six in the world. You will find coffee, tea, cocktails, food, and souvenirs.

Onibus Coffee

Onibus Coffee is a cute cafe in walking distance of Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo. It has indoor and outdoor seating but due to the limited amount of seats, only those who purchase an item can have a seat. They also have really good banana bread!

HARAJUKU

Harajuku is a district in Shibuya known for its youth trends and unique fashion.

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is a shopping street located directly across from Harajuku Station where you will find a lot of sweet shops and souvenir shops. It is open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM. We didn’t spend too much time here. We just took a quick walk down the street.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado is a shopping center with international brands and a rooftop terrace with city views.

Bills Omotesando

We enjoyed a delicious and relaxing lunch at Bills Omotesando, an Australian restaurant, located on the rooftop of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado.

SHIBUYA

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s busiest districts with a lot of shops, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Shibuya Sky

Here are some tips for your visit to Shibuya Sky.

1. Booking is available one month in advance. Make sure to book your ticket as they do sell out.
2. Shibuya Sky is located in Shibuya Scramble Square. Take the elevator on the 1st or 2nd floor of Shibuya Scramble Square to get to the Shibuya Sky entrance on the 14th floor.
3. Bags are not allowed on the rooftop observatory deck. Be sure to have a 100 yen coin so you can keep your things in the locker.
4. The rooftop may be closed due to bad weather or strong winds (as it happened to us) but you will have the option to reschedule for another day.

Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko Statue is dedicated to the faithful Akita dog who waited for his master every day at Shibuya Station, even after he passed away. There is also a movie based on this real life story – Hachi: A Dog’s Tale.

MEGA Don Quijote

Be prepared before you visit MEGA Don Quijote. They have so many items that it can get a little overwhelming, especially if you don’t really know what you’re looking for. It definitely helps to make of list of the items you want, with photos, before your visit but of course, you are probably going to find a lot more things than you expect.

Also, it’s tax-free so be sure to go to the 7th floor to check out to make sure you receive your purchase tax-free. Tax-free purchases apply to total purchase amounts of ¥5,000 or more. You are not allowed to open tax-free items until you leave Japan so if there are items you want to consume while in Japan, make sure you tell them at the checkout counter so they can do a separate non tax-free transaction.

NARITA

Naritasan Omotesando

Naritasan Omotesando is a charming street that has kept its atmosphere and traditions from the Edo Period. The street is lined with restaurants and stores that sell traditional crafts, foods, and souvenirs and stretches from the railway stations to Naritasan Temple.

If you have a short layover or some time to spare before or after your flight at Narita Airport, Naritasan Omotesando is a great place visit! It’s just a 15-minute train ride from the airport.

WHERE WE STAYED

Keio Plaza Hotel

Keio Plaza Hotel is located in Shinjuku. It’s about a 5-10 minute walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station to the hotel. The rooms are very spacious and some rooms even have three beds like the one we stayed in.

Glass Court

Glass Court is located in the main building on the second floor of the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. We ate breakfast here every morning and really enjoyed it. If you would like to do the same, make sure you check the “include breakfast” box when making your hotel reservation.

Kagari

Kagari is also located in the main building on the second floor. We had a late arrival so we decided to have dinner at the hotel. There are many dining options. We chose Kagari and really enjoyed the delicious Japanese cuisine and relaxing atmosphere.