So the Tokyo trip that you've been waiting for since forever is finally nearing and you want to enjoy every single moment of your vacation!
Our advice? Plan, plan, plan in advance so you don't waste time figuring out what to do when you're there. Go on your own Muslim-friendly tour with our itinerary!
[Check out: 7 things you must do on your first trip to Tokyo ]
Our suggested itinerary would be perfect for travellers who will be in Tokyo for 5 days. If you'll be there for a shorter period of time before you travel to another city, just pick and choose the activities that you prefer! 行きましょう (ikimashou) - let's go!
Credit: giphy
Travelling From Narita/Haneda Airport To Your Hotel
If you're taking public transport to your accommodation, we highly recommend using Hyperdia to figure out the best route to travel around Japan. We also recommend getting the Tokyo Subway Ticket from Klook for unlimited rides all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines to enjoy more savings!
However, if you prefer not to drag your luggage on the train, or if you're travelling with kids, the Airport Limousine would be perfect for you as it goes directly to many hotels.
#HHWT Tip: We usually stay at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjukuas Shinjuku station is served by numerous railway and subway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line (which travels to Harajuku and Shibuya). If you're travelling with kids, Keio Plaza Hotelis a pricier but an awesome option for families. Plus, the hotel provides free shuttle buses to Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea!
Day 1
A relaxing morning at Omotesando (1.5 hours)
- Surround yourself with lovely flowers and get your tea fix at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
- Shop/ window-shop at Omotesando Hills, one of the poshest shopping malls in the area
- Visit the flagship Kiddy Land store if you are a fan of Sanrio, San-X, Disney and other Japanese characters
Explore Harajuku (2 - 3 hours)
- Explore the iconic Takeshita Street and try a French-style Japanese crepe*
- Go crazy at one of the largest Daiso stores in Tokyo, almost everything is at 108yen
- Have lunch at Hanada Rosso (vegetarian eatery)
- Take a leisurely stroll to Meiji Shrine, for a temporary escape from the busy city
*Do note that some crepes contain gelatin, do check out our Muslim-friendly guide to Harajuku for more information!
Shopping Time At Shibuya (2 - 3 hours)
- Shop at the best lifestyle stores in Japan - Loft, Tokyu Hands, Muji
- Alternatively, check out our ultimate guide to shopping in Tokyo!
- Join in the scramble at Shibuya Crossing
- Have a hearty dinner and rest your weary feet at Gyumon/ Hanasaka-jisan
http://instagram.com/p/-Lk2jpG-2o/
Day 2
Tokyo Disney Parks (Entire Day)
- Visit the happiest place on Earth in Tokyo - Disneyland/Disneysea
- Check out our guides on how you can maximize your day at Disneyland and Disneysea
- Eat lots of popcorn ?
http://instagram.com/p/6w3ymCm-xh/
Get your 1-day pass to Disneyland/Disneysea here ahead of your visit so you don't have to join the insanely long queues at the entrance!
*Note: Since the popcorns are not halal certified, we advise our readers to dine at your own discretion.
#HHWT Tip: For the Disney fanatics (like us), please extend your vacation by a day to conquer both Disney parks or just replace another day's activities with a Disney park. We're serious ?
Day 3
The Early Bird Catches The Worm At Tsukiji Fish Market (3 - 4 hours)
- Catch the tuna auction, especially since Tsukiji Fish Market will be relocating on October 11, 2018 (last day of operation is on October 6, 2018)
Do note that you have to arrive by around 3-4am as the number of visitors to the auction is limited to only 120 each day. Registration starts from 5am on a first-come, first-serve basis at Osakana Fukyu Center (Fish Information Center) at the Kachidoki Gate.
Credit: Steward Butterfield
- Explore the inner market - Each stall in Tsukiji Market has its own specialty, such as tuna, live seafood, etc. Be prepared to feast your eyes on the huge array of fresh seafood!
- Have your breakfast at Luna Hala
Explore the outer market too - You'll find many stalls selling various items, ranging from fresh produce, tamago (egg), unagi (eel), Japanese knives, ceramic cutlery to Japanese tea.
Visit Traditional Asakusa (2 - 3 hours)
- Don a traditional kimono to fully immerse in the cultural experience (This is not just for the ladies!)
- Shop at the stalls along Nakimiseand try a ningyo-yaki (tiny baked doll cakes stuffed with red bean)
- Bring home some yummy halal Japanese snacks
- Visit Sensoji Temple
- Have lunch at Naritaya (ramen)/ Sushi Ken/ Sekai Cafe/ Ippin (ramen)
#HHWT Tip: For first-time Klook users, key in TRAVELHHWT (for Singaporean users), TRAVELHHWTMY (for Malaysian users) or TRAVELHHWTID (for Indonesian users) at the checkout page to get an SGD 5, MYR 15 or IDR 50,000 discount! Remember to key in the right promo code! :)
[For more information, check out our Muslim-friendly guide to Asakusa]
http://instagram.com/p/-OqnwIm-4g/
Experience Akihabara (1 - 2 hours)
- Check out the endless number of electronics stores, you'll find everything from the latest cameras to retro
- If you're a fan of anime and manga, don't miss the numerous stores specializing in anime, manga, figurines, retro video games, collectables and more
- Fancy revving down the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart? You can do that- and in a superhero costume too!
Credit: @nickmccarthy.ie on Instagram
Day 4
Ginza (1 - 2 hours)
- Take a stroll down Ginza as you shop/window-shop at the massive department stores, smaller boutiques and upscale stores such as Hermes and Chanel
- Shop (affordably!) at the gigantic flagship Uniqlo store. There are 11 floors, we repeat, 11.
- If you're a stationery addict, you have to visit the Ito-ya flagship store,a huge stationery shop established about a century ago
#HHWT Tip: If you're there on a weekend afternoon, lucky you! The central Chuo Dori will be closed to traffic then and becomes a large pedestrian paradise.
Shinjuku (4 - 5 hours)
Credit: Antonio Tajuelo
- Have lunch at Menya Kaijin(seafood-based Ramen)
- Visit the departmental stores (Takashimaya, Lumine, Isetan, Odakyu, Keio, Mylord) at Shinjuku/ Find everything you need at Don Quijote/ Enjoy tax-free shopping at the electronic stores (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Yamada Denki)
- Chill with the cats at Calico Cat Cafe
http://instagram.com/p/-Tob9im-9V/
- Take a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen
- This is one of the best spots for hanami if you're in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season. Check out the 7 cherry blossom spots you should visit in Tokyo!
- Watch the sunset and enjoy the beautiful view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation decks for FREE
- Have another bowl of ramen for dinner at Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
Day 5
Shopping Time At Shibuya/Shinjuku (2 - 3 hours)
From our experience, it's impossible to cover everything in Shinjuku and Shibuya in just a few hours so we highly recommend for you to head there again on your last day!
- Check out our ultimate guide to shopping in Tokyo
- Have a yummy meal before you head to the airport - our halal food guides are all you need
Mount Fuji Day Trip
5 days in Tokyo may be a little tight to add in a day trip to Mount Fuji but if you can swap activities around, we highly recommend the 1-Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour organized by Japanican!
#HHWT Tip: Japan may not be as expensive as you think it is. Check out how you can travel to Japan for under USD800 and 5 travel hacks to travel around Tokyo on a budget!
Now you're all set for your Tokyo adventure! If you have any recommended places that we should add to the itinerary, please share with us in a comment below ?