From Kyoto to Tokyo
The highlight of the journey was seeing Mount Fuji appear in the distance. If you sit on the right side of the train when traveling from Kyoto to Tokyo, you have a great chance of catching this iconic view (usually around 40–50 minutes before arriving in Tokyo). Seeing Japan’s most famous mountain covered in snow, surrounded by the countryside, was a magical moment and one of the most memorable parts of our train journey. The Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes, depending on the train type, and costs approximately ¥13,000–¥14,000 (€75–€85) one way.
We started our Tokyo journey by visiting Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest and one of its most famous temples. Walking through the traditional streets of Nakamise-dori, surrounded by small shops and local snacks, was the perfect first introduction to Tokyo.
We ended our first day by heading to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan. Watching Tokyo from above as the city lights started to appear was the perfect way to finish our first day.
Day 2 — The Energy of Modern Tokyo
We started the day at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. The peaceful gardens and wide open spaces felt completely different from the busy streets of Tokyo. From there, we continued to Ueno Park and Zoo, one of Tokyo’s most famous green spaces. The park is home to several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, where you can discover Japan’s rich history, art, and culture. Ginza From there, we explored Ginza, Tokyo’s elegant shopping district, known for luxury stores, beautiful architecture, and its sophisticated atmosphere.
Harajuku & Tokyo Plaza Next, we headed to Harajuku, one of Tokyo’s most colorful neighborhoods. We walked through Takeshita Street and visited Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, famous for its unique mirror entrance and modern design.
We ended the day in the heart of Tokyo’s energy: Shibuya. After exploring the famous crossing and surrounding streets, we went up to Shibuya Sky for one of the best sunset and night views of Tokyo. We also stopped by the famous statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog whose story became a symbol of devotion and one of the most beloved meeting points in Tokyo.
Day 3 — Markets, Technology, and Tokyo Nights
We started our final day with Tsukiji Outer Market, where we enjoyed fresh seafood, traditional Japanese snacks, and the lively atmosphere of one of Tokyo’s most famous food areas.
From there, we headed to Kappabashi Street, also known as Tokyo’s kitchen town. This was the perfect place to look for unique souvenirs, traditional Japanese kitchenware, and the famous realistic food replicas displayed in restaurant windows. From there, we continued to the Sumida–Oshiage area, where we visited the aquarium and enjoyed a more relaxed side of Tokyo.
We finished our Tokyo journey at TeamLab Planets, an immersive digital art experience where lights, water, and technology come together to create something completely unique. Visiting at night made it the perfect final memory of Tokyo.
