Reader’s Question:

Tokyo Sightseeing with My Parent

Travel Details

We will arrive in Tokyo on the afternoon of the 12th and plan to return home around 4 PM. We have a plan from the 12th to the 14th, but we
are not very familiar with the area.

Request for Efficient Route

To avoid wasting time, I would appreciate any advice on an efficient route.

Places to Visit

We plan to visit the following locations: – Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree – Tsukiji Market – Shibuya Scramble Crossing Additionally, we would like to visit: – Yasukuni Shrine – Zojoji Temple – Meiji Shrine – Tokyo Daijingu – Hōkō-ji Temple – Kanda Myojin On the 13th, we will also be going to Tokyo Dome at 6 PM.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is in Ueno. If there are any Tokyo residents or anyone familiar with the routes, please help us!

Tokyo Adventures with My Parent: A Travel Itinerary

Ah, Tokyo! The neon lights, the bustling streets, and the delicious food! If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant city, you’re in for a treat. My parent and I recently took a whirlwind tour of Tokyo, and I have to say, it was an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, there’s something magical about this city. I’m here to share our itinerary, tips, and a few hidden gems we discovered along the way.

Day 1: Arrival and Senso-ji Temple

So, we landed in Tokyo on the afternoon of the 12th, excited and ready to explore. After a smooth ride from Narita Airport to Ueno, we settled into our accommodation. Ueno turned out to be a fantastic spot, with its parks, museums, and access to public transport. Plus, the bustling market scene was just a few steps away. Once we dropped off our bags, we headed straight to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. I’ve heard so much about it, but experiencing it in person felt surreal. The vibrant red gates of Kaminarimon greeted us with open arms, and as we strolled down Nakamise Street, the aroma of fresh melon bread and matcha treats made it hard to resist sampling everything. Honestly, I could have spent hours just munching my way through the stalls. The Senso-ji Temple itself is breathtaking. We took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, light some incense, and make a wish. It’s such a peaceful place amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Afterward, we made our way to Tokyo Skytree, which was just a short train ride away. I’m not usually one for heights, but the view from up there is something else! You can see the entire city sprawled out beneath you — it’s like a real-life game of SimCity. As evening set in, we wandered around the Skytree Town, where we stumbled upon a delightful little izakaya. We indulged in some yakitori and sake, sharing laughs and stories about our day. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Tokyo.

Day 2: Markets, Shrines, and Shibuya

On the morning of the 13th, we decided to start our day early at Tsukiji Market. I mean, who doesn’t dream of waking up to the smell of fresh sushi? Even though the wholesale fish market is now located in Toyosu, the outer market is still a treasure trove of seafood and street food. I can’t tell you how satisfying it was to bite into a fresh tuna nigiri while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Trust me, if you’re a foodie, this place is a must-visit! After the market, we decided to take a spiritual detour by visiting Yasukuni Shrine and Zojoji Temple. Yasukuni Shrine is a fascinating place, steeped in history and surrounded by cherry blossom trees. It was a little somber, but also a beautiful reminder of Japan’s past. Zojoji Temple, on the other hand, is just a stone’s throw away and has a stunning juxtaposition of traditional architecture against the backdrop of Tokyo Tower. We took a moment to appreciate the serene gardens before heading off again. Next on our list was Meiji Shrine. This place was like an oasis in the middle of the urban jungle! The approach to the shrine is lined with towering trees, and it felt like stepping into another world. We participated in a traditional Shinto ritual, which was a unique experience. It’s little moments like this that really make you feel connected to the culture. After a day of exploration, we were ready to hit Shibuya. Ah, Shibuya Scramble Crossing! It’s a chaotic symphony of people, and I loved every second of it. Standing in the middle of that crossing felt like being a part of something bigger. We took some silly pictures, and I can’t even count how many times we just stood there, watching the sea of people rush by. Such an iconic experience! Now, here’s where I made a slight error in planning. We had tickets to Tokyo Dome for a concert at 6 PM, and I didn’t account for how much time we would need to get there. So, after a quick dinner at a nearby ramen shop (which, by the way, was heavenly), we hopped on the train and made our way to the Dome. Note to future travelers: always leave a buffer for travel time, especially in a city as big as Tokyo!

Day 3: More Shrines and Hidden Gems

On our last day, we were determined to squeeze in a few more sights. We started our morning by visiting Kanda Myojin, a shrine that’s popular among students and professionals seeking good fortune. The atmosphere was lively, with people praying and writing their wishes on ema (wooden plaques). It’s a lovely spot to take a moment and reflect. Then, we headed to Hōkō-ji Temple. This temple is a bit off the beaten path, which was exactly what we were looking for. It feels intimate, and we were practically the only visitors there. The tranquility was refreshing, and it allowed us to take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings. Sometimes, it’s the lesser-known places that leave the biggest impact. Before we knew it, it was time to start wrapping up our trip. We headed back to Ueno, where we took a leisurely stroll through Ueno Park. There are museums, a zoo, and some lovely cherry blossoms—though we were a bit late for the peak season. Still, it was a nice way to end our trip, reflecting on our adventures over a couple of matcha ice creams. After packing up our bags, we made our way to the airport with our hearts full and our minds buzzing with memories. It’s amazing how much we crammed into just two full days!

Final Thoughts

Traveling with my parent in Tokyo was an experience I’ll cherish forever. We laughed, we ate, and we explored together in a city that never ceases to amaze. I hope this itinerary helps you maximize your time and experience the beauty of Tokyo, from the stunning temples to the bustling streets. Remember, it’s not just about the places you visit, but the memories you create along the way. So don’t rush it! Take your time, savor every moment, and don’t be afraid to get a little lost. Sometimes the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Safe travels, and may your journey through Tokyo be filled with love, laughter, and endless excitement!