Top Tips for an Unforgettable Long Weekend in Tokyo

Introduction

Upon relocating from the UK to Tokyo, my initial intention was to reside here for merely one year. Yet, seven years have elapsed, largely due to the city’s irresistible allure. As the largest metropolis globally, Tokyo comprises 23 wards, each characterized by unique charm, and it would require a lifetime to fully explore them all.

From the welcoming neighborhood of Shimo-Kitazawa to the vibrant energy of Shinjuku, there is genuinely something for everyone. This comprehensive list encompasses some of the most popular attractions in Tokyo, unique activities, and a few local hidden gems.

Friday

• Morning: On your first day in Tokyo, rise early to enjoy breakfast at a nearby kissaten (traditional Japanese café). Kissaten offer a delightful morning experience known as a “Morning Set,” serving a Western-style breakfast with a Japanese twist.

• Typically featuring fluffy, white Japanese toast, an egg, and a beverage of your choice, famous spots such as Cafe Tomorrow in Asakusa, which opens at 6:30 AM, serve an impressive array of morning options including classic toast sets and Japanese rice balls.

• How to spend the day: Explore the surrounding area, ensuring a visit to Sensō-ji, one of Tokyo’s most renowned shrines. The impressive scale and the grand Kaminari-mon will captivate even the most seasoned visitors. Don’t forget to purify your hands at the Omizuya (water station) prior to entering.

• After exploring Asakusa, make your way to Kappabashi along the scenic Sumida River for breathtaking views of Tokyo Skytree. Kappabashi is well-known for its kitchenware shops where you can find specialized Japanese knives or plastic food replicas. Interestingly, this area derives its name from the mythical creature, the Kappa; see if you can find the small Kappa figures scattered about.

• Dinner: When hunger strikes, head to Shinjuku for affordable gyoza at Kakekomi Gyoza, a two-story izakaya offering a variety of Japanese pub cuisine, including sashimi and oden (stewed vegetables, tofu, and fish). This vibrant locale operates around the clock and contributes to local non-profit Kakekomi Dera, supporting individuals overcoming challenges such as domestic violence.

• Examine the plaques on the wall, which represent donations collected for the charity. Engage in a bit of luck with the drink game, where the staff present you with a dice; depending on your roll, you might either receive a complimentary beverage or incur a doubled cost!

• Kakekomi Gyoza tends to be busy; however, should you be unable to enter, consider a delightful kushikatsu spot named Dengana (a few doors down) or Ningen Restaurant (around the corner).

After dark: Kabukicho in Shinjuku is teeming with life at night, enshrouded in a cacophony of sights, sounds, and aromas that create one of the most electrifying experiences in Japan. Spend your evening meandering through a Shinjuku yokocho (drinking alley) such as Golden Gai, Omoide-yokochō, or a lesser-known route called Omoide Nuke Road, which is nestled among skyscrapers and brimming with charming bars.

Saturday

• Morning: Since you may have enjoyed a late night, consider visiting a nearby convenience store for a rejuvenating beverage or a hangover remedy. Notably, Ukon no Chikara, a gingery drink in a shiny orange bottle, is a standout choice. For a meal, grab a rice ball or warm food from the hot counter.



• How to spend the day: In the afternoon, visit teamLab to experience the striking expanse of this interactive digital art exhibition. Depending on the location, you may find yourself traversing water surrounded by digital fish, or immersed in stunning chains or interactive lights reflecting throughout mirrored spaces.

• It is essential to reserve tickets ahead of time, as walk-ins on the same day are rarely feasible. Plan for these reservations a few weeks or even months prior to your trip. There are currently two teamLab sites: teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills (Roppongi) and teamLab Planets in Odaiba. Each location presents unique experiences, with Borderless being notably more photogenic, while Planets offers a more tactile approach.

• As a bonus, ensure you enjoy a meal at teamLab afterward, whether it be the acclaimed vegan ramen at Planets or the matcha ice cream at Borderless.

• Dinner: For an exceptional dining experience, visit Gonpachi. The Roppongi branch served as the backdrop for the famous Kill Bill fight scene, and its culinary offerings are delectable, featuring superb sushi and tempura, with plenty of vegan selections available.

• After dark: If you wish to explore the local music scene, Shimo-kitazawa is a vibrant starting point, with venues like Three and Spread hosting live performances from 7 PM featuring various local bands and acts. Those preferring nightlife can head to clubs like ZEROTOKYO in Shinjuku or Womb in Shibuya for an introduction to Tokyo’s club scene.

• For a true Hollywood experience, channel your best impressions from Lost in Translation at the cocktail bar located in the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku (currently undergoing significant renovations, set to reopen in spectacular fashion in October 2025). Enjoy a cocktail or two while gazing at the illuminated Tokyo skyline, and then dive into the late-night karaoke scene or savor a late-night parfait at the 24-hour kissaten, Coffee Aristocrat Edinburgh.

Sunday

• Morning: On your last day, take a moment to unwind and indulge in shopping. Start your morning in Tomigaya, at a specialty coffee shop like Beasty or Rostro, enjoying either a matcha latte or an espresso tonic.

• How to spend the day: Emulate the locals and relax in Yoyogi Park, bringing along delectable Japanese sweets from Kantan na Yume for a delightful picnic. With an abundance of sights and activities, you can easily enjoy the entire morning here. On Sundays, don’t miss the chance to witness the Strangers, a seasoned troupe of Elvis-like rock-a-billys performing near the Meiji-jingū shrine entrance. Venture to the outdoor stage area to discover free festivals or performances.

• By mid-afternoon, take a leisurely stroll over to Omote-sandō, often regarded as the most prominent open-air architectural exhibition, showcasing a tree-lined boulevard adorned with designer shops each vying for attention with their extraordinary architecture.

• If you seek some tranquility and culture amidst the bustling atmosphere, consider visiting the former studio of artist Taro Okamoto located further along the road. Now established as a museum, this space features a surrounding sculpture garden and even a cake shop.

• Dinner: Conclude your culinary expedition at PARCO, a cultural epicenter in Shibuya. This complex boasts a spectrum of offerings, from Pokemon and Nintendo Stores to avant-garde brands such as John Lawrence Sullivan and loungewear label, Pamm. Spanning two levels of the 11-story building, you will discover an array of dining venues, from Rice and Circus, which serves intriguing delicacies, to vegan ramen at Jikasei Mensho, and fun conveyor belt sushi situated on the seventh floor.

• After dark: Whether you are alone or with a small group, enjoy a nightcap at a nearby music bar. These intimate establishments are a Japanese specialty, ideal for listening to music or engaging in quiet conversations while reflecting on your memorable journey through Tokyo. In Shibuya, explore venues like JBS (Jazz, Blues, and Soul) for a nostalgic ambiance or Bloody Angle for a trendy neon experience.