When thinking of a family-friendly place to travel to, Tokyo isn’t a place that typically comes to mind. Although Tokyo is known for being a vibrant, bustling city i.e., not quite suitable for travelling with children, you’d be surprised to know that there are a number of activities/places that you can visit with your children and form precious memories as a family.

Instead of avoiding travelling to Tokyo until the kids are older, we’ve done the work for you. This way, you can slot these activities into your Tokyo itinerary and still enjoy Tokyo and its beauty as an adult. So here are 9 Child-Friendly Places To Visit In Tokyo. Have fun planning! 

#1 ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM

If your children are big fans of marine life, the Art Aquarium Museum will definitely be a delight. Located on the 8th and 9th floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building, the Art Aquarium Museum is designed by Hidetomo Kimura who has created 9 different exhibition spaces with moving projections, lights, and thousands of goldfish.

Admission tickets will set you back by 2,300 yen (online pricing) or 2,500 yen (same-day ticket) and tickets can be easily purchased outside the museum. The Art Aquarium Museum also offers free admission for up to 2 children under elementary school age with every adult ticket purchased.

Art Aquarium Museum
4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City
Tokyo 104-8212, Japan

#2 FIRE MUSEUM

The Fire Museum is located within the Yotsuya Fire Station in Shinjuku, and is dedicated to sharing the city’s history with fire-fighting. The Fire Museum has a decent number of interactive exhibits which your children will enjoy, and most of their displays are accompanied by English write-ups. One tip is to start your visit at the basement of the Fire Museum and then make your way up through the different floors of the museum. Once at the rooftop, you’d be rewarded with a beautiful view of Shinjuku and also have the chance to enter a helicopter. 

The Fire Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:30am to 5pm and admission is free for all. However, do note that the museum’s opening hours may be adjusted during national holidays or festive periods, so do double check their opening hours when planning your visit.

Fire Museum
3-10 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 101-8301, Japan

#3 MAXELL AQUA PARK SHINAGAWA

You can never go wrong with a trip to the aquarium. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is one of the most popular public aquariums in Tokyo and is home to approximately 450 species and 18,000 marine animals. Apart from enjoying the sights of the  marine animals, you’d also be treated to a brilliant dolphin performances, penguin performances, otter performances and more.

Admission is free for children below 4 years old. Tickets for children between 4 years old and elementary school age cost 800 yen, and cost 1,300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is open daily from 10am to 8pm (last entry at 7pm).

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa 4-10-30 Takanawa,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611, Japan

#4 MIPIG CAFE

One interesting animal cafe experience that will interest both children and adults alike is the mipig cafe. The mipig cafe is Japan’s very first animal cafe which offers visitors the opportunity to encounter and learn more about micro pigs. Here, the micro pigs will walk freely around the cafe, and some of them may even fall asleep on your lap.

mipig cafe has 4 outlets in Tokyo and entry fees are fixed at 1,100 yen. Visitors who are above 4 years of age will also be charged a usage fee of 1,100 yen per half an hour block. And if your children are interested in a more intimate experience, a top up of 550 yen per pax per half an hour is required for the Private Room plan. For those visiting, please note that the cafe only accepts reservations and slots are available from 10am to 8pm daily.

mipig cafe
Jingumae 1-15-4,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

#5 SENSO-JI TEMPLE

Senso-Ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in Tokyo. The temple grounds are absolutely stunning and you’d be treated to views of the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the Asakusa Shrine, the main hall and the 5-storey pagoda.

After taking in sights of the temple, you and your family can explore the Namakise (a shopping street of over 200 metres) whilst walking from the outer gate to the temple’s second gate. The Namakise is filled with many traditional shops, dining spots, shops selling souvenirs and o-mikuji (fortune) stalls, all of which will definitely keep your children occupied. Also, as Senso-Ji Temple is quite close to a number of kimono/yukata rental shops, head on down to snap some pictures at this beautiful temple after the family dons on their selected kimono/yukata. 

Senso-ji Temple
2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City,
Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

#6 SMALL WORLDS MINIATURE MUSEUM

The Small Worlds Miniature Museum is one of the largest miniature museums in Asia which spans across a total area of 7,000 square metres. Here, your children will explore 8 themed areas with different landscapes (including some familiar landscapes like Hong Kong, an airport), and will be entertained by the various moving features of the exhibits.

The museum is open from 9am to 7pm daily, and entry to the museum will end at 6pm. Tickets are free for children under 3 years of age, and for families visiting with young children, the museum is equipped with diaper changing facilities and a nursing room. 

Small Worlds Miniature Museum
Ariake Butsuryu Centre, 1-3-33 Ariake,
Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0063, Japan

#7 TEAMLAB PLANETS 

TeamLab Planets is arguably one of Tokyo’s most famous interactive museums which comprises 4 artwork spaces and 2 gardens. Here, visitors will walk through the museum barefoot, and be taken on a journey through the water, the garden and the flowers. However, as one of the artwork spaces requires visitors to walk through water, do ensure that your children are dressed appropriately. If not, you will likely need to carry them through the space for safety reasons.

As TeamLab Planets is rather popular with both locals and tourists, on top of reserving your tickets in advance, we would recommend visiting early in the day to beat the queue. Admission is free for children under 3 years of age and 1,500 yen for children between 4 to 12 years of age.

TeamLab Planets
6 Chome 1-16 Toyosu,
Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan

#8 TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

You can’t say you’ve been to Tokyo if you’ve never visited Tsukiji Fish Market. Although the wholesale business has moved to Toyosu Market, there are still plenty of retail shops at the Tsukiji Outer Market which offers fresh seafood, produce and dried goods for sale.

If you’re accustomed to the usual seafood display in our grocery marts at home, Tsukiji Fish Market will be an eye-opening experience for not just you, but the children. And for those travelling with strollers, do not fret. The walkways of Tsukiji Fish Market are sufficiently big, so navigating the market with a stroller won’t be difficult.

Tsukiji Fish Market
4-14-2, Tsukiji, Chuo City,
104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

#9 YOYOGI PONY PARK

For free pony rides in Tokyo, head on down to Yoyogi Pony Park. At Yoyogi Pony Park, your children will get the chance to enjoy pony rides and brush ponies for free. Children above 85cm in height will be able to participate in the pony riding experience solo whereas children below the aforesaid height requirement can enjoy the pony ride with an adult, subject to a total weight of 75kg.

Yoyogi Pony Park offers 2 pony ride sessions a day from Tuesday to Friday and an additional session on the weekends. Pony rides must also be redeemed with a card to be collected from one of their staff members prior to each pony ride session. As for pony brushing sessions, 2 such sessions are scheduled from Tuesday to Friday and an additional 2 sessions are available on the weekends.

Yoyogi Pony Park
4-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City,
Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tel: +81333739996

When you think of Japan, you think of fresh seafood. And when you think of a fresh seafood market in Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market would definitely come to mind.

Prior to 2018, Tsukiji Fish Market was recognised as the largest wholesale seafood market in the world. Come 2018, the wholesale businesses in Tsukiji Fish Market (aka the Tsukiji Inner Market) moved to Toyosu Market but the retail shops continued operating at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Here, you’d still be able to find all sorts of fresh seafood, produce and even dried goods.

So if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo soon and have yet to experience what Tsukiji Fish Market has to offer, read on to find out why a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market would be worth your time.

If you’ve never been to Tsukiji Fish Market, this is what you can expect. You’ll walk down a walkway lined with numerous shops selling all sorts of fresh seafood and live seafood. As there is a certain degree of overlap in the spread of seafood that each store offers, it would be prudent to walk through the entire market before settling on your purchase to make sure that you get a bang for your buck.

We visited Tsukiji Fish Market in the late morning on a weekday, and were pleasantly surprised to still find quite a number of locals and tourists buzzing around the different stalls. Even so, given the size of the walkway, we were able to navigate Tsukiji Fish Market quite easily even with a stroller.

For those unsure of whether it would be worthwhile bringing young children to Tsukiji Fish Market, we assure you that it is. Apart from our toddler’s fascination with the array of seafood offerings, most of the store owners were friendly and even took the initiative to interact with our toddler whilst we were perusing their seafood options.

One of our favourite parts of Tsukiji Fish Market was this humble tuna store which not only sold fresh tuna, but also performed a live tuna carving for customers to enjoy. Once cut, the store separated the cuts of tuna sashimi according to their grades, and packaged them accordingly for sale.

Thinking of cooking your fresh seafood upstairs? Think again. Whilst there is an outdoor dining area and a food court at the top floor of Tsukiji Fish Market, there are no facilities or restaurants where you can pay to have your fresh seafood purchases cooked. But if you intend to enjoy your seafood sashimi-style, you can definitely head upstairs to enjoy your food.

Tsukiji Fish Market
4-14-2, Tsukiji, Chuo City,
104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture

Want to try the world’s richest black sesame ice cream?

Then you’d have to head to Tokyo. Located in Omotesando, Gomaya Kuki is a takeout-only ice cream store and is home to the best sesame ice cream we’ve ever tasted. It was simply unforgettable and if you haven’t tried, you are really missing out big time.

Gomaya Kuki is truly a hidden gem of Tokyo and here’s everything you need to know about their sesame ice cream.

Just shy of one year into their opening, Gomaya Kuki has gained a steady following; imagine the number of people who have tasted the best, and you are not one of them yet.

There is a saying that if you want to indulge in ice cream but still be healthy, eat sesame ice cream. Well, much is to be debated about this, but at least we know that the sesame ice cream sold in Gomaya Kuki uses only high-quality sesame seed from one of the most reputable and famous sesame seed supplier: Kuki Sangyo.

You will find both white and black sesame ice cream types on its menu. For the black, there is Super Rich, Rich and Salt Sesame; for the white, there is also Super Rich, Rich and Grain Mixed White Sesame.

Well, don’t let yourself be too confused. Just go for the Kuro Super Rich (black) and you are in for the best. It is said that 9,000 sesame seeds are used for one single scoop of this super rich black sesame ice cream, hence giving the nutty-flavoured ice cream its distinct intensity that leaves a subtly sweet aftertaste.

Though the white sesame ice cream looks mild, 9,000 white sesame seeds are also used for the Super Rich version and it also boasts a deep flavour.

Each cup of ice cream is ¥500 and it will be the best ¥500 you’d ever spend.

Sushi Iwa is arguably one of the most talked about sushi restaurants in Tokyo. The One Michelin Star restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo, has an elusive shop front and an even more “exclusive” reservation list.

It took us numerous attempts over a period of two years before we finally succeeded in scoring two seats on one of those weekday afternoons for lunch.

So, are they really worth all the hype? You will find out in a while.

One Michelin Star Sushi Iwa in Ginza is a small sushi restaurant that is famed for its fine omakase. Our first walk-in attempt two years ago was a complete failure. We were rejected right away and the staff was unapologetic about the restaurant being completely booked.

A few months later when we found ourselves in Tokyo again, we went down personally on the first day of our trip to make a reservation for about six days later; alas, we were rejected. This time round, the host told us to get our hotel concierge to make a reservation.

We thought the third time would be a charm. A fortnight before our trip to Tokyo, we got the concierge of the hotel we were going to put up at to make a reservation for us. Guess who was rejected again?

We will skip the subsequent failed attempts. Eventually, we managed to get a table for two this year but that was probably only because they made lives easier—all you have to do now is to simply call them up, then they’d send you an SMS containing a booking link where you can make a reservation via TableCheck.com, and voila!

Came the day when we were finally headed to Sushi Iwa for our sushi omakase lunch; we were ecstatic, to say the least. We were welcomed by the very hospitable chef and his team of servers. And we told ourselves it was going to be a good meal (well, this was to be argued), except that we weren’t too pleased to be sitting in the basement—which we later learned that it was meant for foreigners.

The main dining area is on the second level and is solely for Japanese. Discrimination, much? Is it fair to say this alters the entire ambience and experience? We’d like to think so.

After our appetiser of vinegared seaweed, our 13-course lunch began. Course by course, nigiri sushi were prepared fresh before our eyes. The chef sliced the fish with finesse and upon serving, he took the effort to introduce the sushi in English so that everyone could understand what was about to go into our mouths.

While the fish was fresh, what disappointed us was the lack of build up. You would think that a sushi omakase experience meant the flavours and intensity would build up. But at Sushi Iwa, little thoughts were put into the order of the courses and it was very apparent.

That said, some of the courses we had stood out.

Our favourite was the Shima-aji (striped horse mackerel). It was so very fresh, lightly flavoured with quality shoyu and a little bit of grated ginger; neither of the elements overpowered each other.

The Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) was definitely memorable for its fats really melted into a lovely, creamy taste on the tongue.

The Tai (sea bream) was aged for 2 days, hence retaining the flavours and boasted a slight saltiness of the ocean.

The Anago (conger eel) had a subtle smoky flavour to it but we wished there was a little more sweet sauce for it.

Our 13-course sushi omakase lunch at Sushi Iwa cost us ¥8,640 per pax. Would we go back again? Well, if our dining experience wasn’t confined to the “foreigners/ tourists” basement, we might overlook the part on the lack of flavours build up and give it another shot.

Sushi Iwa Ginza
8-4-4 Ginza, Miura Bldg. 1F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tel: 03 3572 0955
Tue to Sun: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm -10pm
Nearest Station: Shimbashi

Photo Credit: Japan Baths

Onsen is a quintessential part of the Japanese culture, and no trip to Japan is complete without visiting one and experiencing them for yourself. There is just something so calming about soaking yourself in steaming hot water and letting your muscles relax after a long day of exploring. In fact, many locals retire to the onsens to wind down after a tiring day.

There are many onsens all around Japan, no matter which city you look at. There are, in fact, over 3,000 onsens all around the country.

Tokyo, in particular, is home to several good onsen. Here are the 6 Best Onsens in Tokyo That You Need To Visit.

Photo Credit: Japan Highlights Travel

#1 TOKYO SOMEI ONSEN SAKURA

This particular onsen is especially popular during the cherry blossom season, when some of the somei-yoshino trees within the compound bloom. But that does not mean you cannot visit it any other time of the year.

The spaces within Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura is beautifully built and definitely makes you feel right at ease the moment you enter. There are also other facilities within the onsen such as a stone sauna.

The sodium chloride-rich waters you will find within this onsen has also been filtered to remove the colour and smell, so you will be stepping into waters clear as crystals.

Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura
5-2-24 Komagome, Tokyo
170-0003, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5907-5566
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Sugamo

Photo Credit: Japan Info

#2 MAENOHARA ONSEN SAYUNO YUDOKORO

Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro is ranked one of the best onsens in Tokyo, and that is saying a lot. It is definitely a location you should visit at least once in your lifetime. There are beautiful gardens within the onsen grounds and even individual rooms that you can rent for two hours at a time.

There is also Restaurant Shitensha within the compound which offers a selection of Japanese soba noodles and seasonal dishes. You will get to dine in a traditional Japanese folk house remake, surrounded by a tranquil Japanese garden.

Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro
3-41-1 Maenocho, Itabashi, Tokyo
174-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5916-3826
Daily: 10am – 1am
Nearest Station: Shimura-Sakaue

Photo Credit: Japan Baths

#3 OEDO ONSEN MONOGATARI

Oedo Onsen Monogatari is one of the most frequented onsens in Tokyo.

Besides the usual natural hot spring baths, open-air baths and saunas, the onsen theme park also features occasional festivals, places to drink and dine at, shops and even overnight accommodation.

Photo Credit: Miner8

There are six different types of baths, including a special bath for dogs, named the Tsunayoshi Bath Tub. One of the most popular attractions within Oedo Onsen Monogatari is the Japanese Garden. It stretches across 50 metres and is a great open-air communal area for visitors to mix and mingle.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari
2-57 Aomu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
135-0064, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5500-1126
Daily: 11am – 9am
Nearest Station: Telecom Center

Photo Credit: Travel + Leisure

#4 NIWA NO YU

Niwa no Yu is easily one of the most pleasant-looking mega-onsen bathing complexes in all of Tokyo. It is housed within a Japanese garden that was designed by leading landscape architect Kenzo Kosugi and features a central pool, outdoor Jacuzzis, and saunas besides the usual male and female bathing areas.

The onsen is segregated into male and female quarters, and have no common areas that both genders can enjoy at the same time.

Niwa no Yu
3-25-1 Koyama, Tokyo
176-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3990-4126
Daily: 10am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Toshimaen

Photo Credit: Sakura House

#5 SPA LAQUA

Spa LaQua is the modern take on the traditional onsen, with a huge array of facilities such as beauty treatments such as Thai and Hawaiian massages, Korean body scrubs, aromatherapy, and even high-tech saunas. There is also an open-air onsen and a foaming massage bath.

Spa LaQua is open all night long, so you can even pop by at 12am if you are up for a midnight soak.

Spa LaQua
1 Chome-1-1 Kasuga, Tokyo
112-0003, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5800-9999
Daily: 11am – 9am
Nearest Station: Korakuen

Photo Credit: Rakuten Travel

#6 YUKEMURI NO SATO SUSUKINO

This particular onsen is located in Yokohama but is easily accessible via train from Tokyo. Yukemuri no Sato Susukino boasts 15 different types of baths, massages where the masseuse uses his or her feet instead of hands, six rock saunas, and even a restaurant.

The best selling point about Yukemuri no Sato Susukino, however, would be its affordable price point. Entry to the bath area costs only ¥600 (S$7.70), while the rock saunas cost ¥500 (S$6.40).

There is also a free shuttle bus service to the onsen from Azamino Station on the Tokyu Denetoshi Line.

Yukemuri no Sato Susukino
3-2-7 Susukino, Aoba Ward, Yokohama
225-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 45-905-2641
Daily: 7am – 12am
Nearest Station: Azamino Station

For more recommendations, read our Tokyo’s food & travel guides that feature the best places to visit in Tokyo.

Have you heard of Mount Takao? It is outside of Tokyo but is easily accessible via train. Mount Takao boasts a quiet, serene surrounding—a far cry from the hectic city life.

Mount Takao is a day trip option if you want to get out of the city for a bit, and getting there from Shinjuku Station takes about an hour. But the mountain does not just offer the sights and sounds of nature, there are also shopping streets and restaurants located on the mountain itself!

Still not sure whether you should make the commute? Here are 7 Reasons Why You Should Make A Day Trip From Tokyo To Mount Takao.

#1 THERE ARE SEVERAL HIKING TRAILS TO TAKE

Nature lovers will love making the most out of the day trip by hiking up the mountain. Trail Number 1 offers concrete footpaths up the mountain, but the remaining trails are unpaved, although they are less crowded.

A hike up the mountain takes about 90 minutes.

#2 YOU CAN EVEN TAKE A CABLE CAR IF YOU ARE LAZY

There are cable cars going up and down the mountain for travellers who would rather do without the hike. It will only take about 20 minutes or less to get to the top! A single trip costs ¥480, while a round trip costs ¥930.

#3 YOU WILL GET A CLEAR VIEW OF THE MOUNTAINOUS SURROUNDINGS

The view from the mountain is breathtaking, to say the least. There is an outlook point that allows visitors to take in the beautiful surroundings. If you are tired after your hike, you can even sit on the benches while you sip on a drink.

Plus, the view is great for pictures!

#4 SHOP ON THE TRANQUIL STREETS

The road leading up to the cable car centre is lined with independent stores, selling everything from handmade rice crackers, ice cream, to little keychains and souvenirs.

#5 FILL YOUR TUMMY WITH SOME DELICIOUS SOBA

If you take a walk down the serene shopping streets within Mount Takao, you will find plenty of soba restaurants. Soba is evidently a popular dish in Mount Takao, and you can feast on hot, soupy soba noodles, or just some traditional ice-cold soba.

#6 WATCH MONKEYS PLAY AROUND

Near the top of the mountain sits a little Monkey Park, and you just need to pay a small entrance fee to be able to see the jumpy creatures in their enclosures.

Access to the Monkey Park costs ¥420 per head.

Photo Credit: WAttention

#7 THE AUTUMN FOLIAGE IS AMAZING

Mount Takao is very popular during Autumn, when the trees all around the mountain turn into various shades of orange, yellow and red. The autumn foliage is simple stunning; and very quintessential of Japan.

Just this alone is worth the trip to Mount Takao during Autumn!

HOW TO GET TO MOUNT TAKAO

Mount Takao is easily accessible via train from Shinjuku Station in Central Tokyo. It takes approximately one hour.

Simply hop onto the Keio Railway line from Shinjuku, and alight at Takaosanguchi Station—the nearest Station to Mount Takao.

Read: 6 Best Day Trips From Tokyo You Will Regret Not Visiting.

Japan is definitely a country you cannot visit just once.

The different prefectures each carry its own individual charm. You can choose to experience how the modern city life is like, or let the old-world architecture of other cities take you back in time.

It is quite impossible to cover every inch of Japan with just one trip, but you can get the most out of your stay by going for short, eye-opening day trips to other towns and cities located within reasonable distances from Tokyo.

Here are 6 Of The Best Daytrips From Tokyo.

Photo Credit: Boutique Japan

#1 HAKONE, KANAGAWA

Hakone in Kanagawa is reasonably near Tokyo, and is about an hour and a half away from Tokyo. You can easily catch a train down the Odakyu line to Hakone-Yumoto station. You will be greeted with a magnificent sight of Mount Fuji, coupled with a number of other attractions around the area.

Hakone is, in fact, one of the best places in Japan to catch the sakura blooms around spring time. Besides admiring cherry blossoms, you can also visit the numerous hot springs around Hakone, and try some unique black volcanic eggs that can only be found in the town.

There is also the iconic shrine that is everyone’s favourite photo spot.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#2 KAMAKURA, KANAGAWA

Kamakura, like Hakone, is located in the Kanagawa Prefecture. But what Kamakura is best known for is its Great Buddha of Kotokuin Temple, the second largest bronze Buddha statue in all of Japan.

Besides Kotoku-in, Kamakura is also dotted with many other temples such as Engakuji Temple and Hase-dera Temple.

You can also sunbathe and swim around the sandy beaches of Kamakura. It only takes an hour and 15 minutes to get from Tokyo to Kamakura by train!

Photo Credit: YouTube

#3 KAWAGOE, SAITAMA

You do not need a trip to Kyoto to step into “Edomae Nihon”.

Kawagoe in Saitama is only a 30-minute train ride from Tokyo. The serene streets are flanked with quiet little storehouses that were built decades ago, taking you back to the Edo period.

Life here feels almost uncommercialised. You can have a meal at one of the authentic Japanese restaurants along the road, or take some traditional Japanese candy home from one of the stores.

Photo Credit: Washingtonian Post

#4 MOUNT FUJI, SHIZUOKA

You have seen this iconic mountain on postcards and screen savers, but while you are in Japan, you should definitely pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site and see Mount Fuji in person.

You can get to Shizouka via the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line, and it would take slightly over an hour.

Shizouka prefecture is one of the best places to score an unobstructed view of the volcano. Try going to Fuji City and Shimizu! Just make sure you visit when the fog and mist are not thick so as to score a clearer view of the magnificent mountain.

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#5 NIKKO CITY, TOCHIGI

Be awed by the beautiful autumnal colours in Nikko City when fall comes. The trees will turn into beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow when the fall months approach and this attracts a good number of tourists every year.

Nikko City is also home to a number of shrines such as Taiyuinbyo, Rinnoji Temple and Tamazowa Imperial Villa. You can also visit the Sacrad Shinkyo Bridge! Originally built in 1936, the bridge looks out to the beautiful natural landscapes, waterfalls, and lakes.

Nikko City is a two-hour train ride from Tokyo.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

#6 CHIBA PREFECTURE

A couple of Japan’s most popular attractions and touristy sites are actually located in Chiba Prefecture, including Tokyo Disneyland. It is also where Narita Airport is located.

The Boso Peninsula takes up a large amount of the prefecture and holds many natural and architectural treasures for your discovery.

While you are in Chiba, be sure to visit the Tateyama Castle for an aerial view of the town and Mount Nokogiriyama. Nicknamed Sawtooth Mountain, Mount Nokogiriyama literally puts you at the edge of the world. From the vantage point, you will be able to see Tokyo Bay, and even Mount Fuji if weather permits.

It takes about an hour and a half to get to Chiba from Tokyo.

DAY ONE IN TOKYO

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT ICHIRAN RAMEN

8am: There is no other better way to kick start your 4D3N holiday in Tokyo than a piping hot bowl of delicious Ichiran Tonkotsu Ramen. Hands down the best ramen in the World.

Iwamoto Building B1F
1-22-7 Jinnan Sibuya-ku Tokyo-to
150-0041
Tel: +81 3-3463-3667
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#2 VISIT THE MEIJI SHRINE

9.30am: Meiji Shrine is a stone’s throw away from the bustling Harajuku. Before entering the sacred site’s main hall, you are expected to wash your hands and mouth as a form of purification at the troughs. At the shrine, you can write down your wishes on a wooden plate (¥500) and hanging them on the divine tree.

1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya
Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#3 TAKE A STROLL IN YOYOGI PARK

12pm: Yoyogi Park in Shibuya is the best place to go to for a stroll after your shrine visit. Locals like to gather here with their friends for a picnic and there are always street performers to keep you entertained.

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho
Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

#4 ARMS BURGER

1pm: You must be starving after a morning at Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Head to ARMS for one of the best burgers in Tokyo.

5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3466-5970
Closed on Mondays
Tue to Sun: 11am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Yoyogi-Hachiman

#5 LITTLE NAP COFFEE STAND

2pm: After lunch, walk over to Little Nap COFFEE STAND – which is just around the corner from ARMS – to enjoy a cup of coffee. Established in 2011, Little Nap is a small coffee shop that is frequented by Tokyo’s creative community and the occasional tourists visiting Yoyogi Park.

5-65-4 Yoyogi Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 151-0053
Tel: +81 3-3466-0074
Tue to Sun: 9am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Yoyogikoen

#6 VISIT TOKYO NATIONAL ART CENTER

3.30pm: Tokyo National Art Center is yet another beautifully designed building worth checking out. Spend your afternoon with your artistic self, and marvel at the splendid undulating glass façade and its three spectacular conical volumes inside.

Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan
The National Art Center, Tokyo
7-22-2 Roppongi Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-8558 Japan
Nearest Station: Roppongi

#7 ROPPONGI HILL MORI TOWER

5.30pm: Currently the fifth-tallest building in Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower is a 54-storey skyscraper. The observation decks at the Mori Art Museum on level 53 are perfect spots to see the city’s landscape from up above.

We strongly recommend you to linger till sunset so you get to witness the mesmerising transformation of Tokyo’s daytime cityscape into dazzling night lights.

6 Chome-11-1 Roppongi
Minato, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Nearest Station: Roppongi

#8 DINNER AT MAISEN TONKATSU

8pm: There are many tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, but ask anyone where the best tonkatsu place is and most will unanimously agree on Maisen Tonkatsu. The pork cutlets served here are extremely juicy and crispy – and are not greasy at all!

4-8-5 Jingumae
Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3470 0071
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Omotesando

DAY TWO IN TOKYO

#9 WATCH TSUKIJI MARKET’S TUNA AUCTION

3am: While watching the renowned tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market is for free, you have to be prepared to sacrifice your precious sleep. There are two auctions in the morning and only 120 visitors are allowed to watch this interesting activity. Guests are divided into two batches and it is recommended to arrive as early as 3am to secure a place.

Tsukiji Fish Market is set to relocate on 02 November 2016 so do pay a visit before they move! Do note that the auction is not open on a daily basis and it is best to plan in advance.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo
Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Nearest Station: Tsukiji Shijo

#10 FEAST ON THE FRESHEST SASHIMI AND SUSHIS

8am: Now that you are done with the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, it is time to feast on sushi and sashimi! Unfortunately, a minimum 3-hour wait is required to dine at the legendary Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa.

But Ryu Sushi is equally amazing and you could savour extremely fresh premium sashimi and sushis at very affordable prices. We really love Ryu Sushi.

5-2-1, Building 1. Chuo-ku Tsukiji Market
Tokyo Tel: +81 03 3541 9517
Nearest Station: Tsukiji/Tsukijishijo

#11 TRY THE YUZU RAMEN AT AFURI RAMEN

1pm: We hope you have sufficient rest after a morning trip to the Tsukiji Market! Everyone comes to Afuri Ramen for the famous yuzu ramen.

Every bowl comes with a half seasoned egg, a slice of grilled pork, bamboo shoots and seaweed. The ramen itself is firm and springy, just the way we like it to be. The egg has a runny yolk and is thoroughly flavoured throughout.

1F 117 Bld., 1-1-7 Ebisu
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 5795 0750
Daily: 11am – 5am
Nearest Station: Ebisu

#12 CROSS THE SHIBUYA CROSSING

3pm: Rain or shine, the famous Shibuya is packed with people from all over the world; it is perpetual. When the traffic light turns red, watch in amazement as pedestrians cross the junction from all directions in an organised chaos. Well, you should join in the moving crowd!

Photography and videography enthusiasts can camp at the nearby Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya’s second floor with other like-minded hobbyists to capture this spectacular moment.

#13 SHOPPING AT SHIBUYA

4pm: Of course you have to do some shopping when in Shibuya! The sheer number of shops and malls will leave you spoilt for choice.

Not sure where to start? Shibuya 109 is the most popular destination. Expect kawaii Japanese fashion, classic workwear and quality staples. And the basement is a shoes heaven!

Here’s a tip – for shopping overseas, you should pay with DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card. It is the card to use for travel and with its splendid miles system, it is our preferred way to accumulate miles for our next travel. Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent!

#14 DINNER AT UORIKI KAISEN SUSHI

7pm: Uoriki Kaisen Sushi is an under-the-radar destination that not many people know about. Tucked away in Tokyu Department Store at Shibuya, we love how this hidden gem serves sashimi and sushi at the most wallet-friendly prices.

B1 Tokyu Department Store 2-24-1
Shibuya
Tel: +81 03 5428 3813
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Shibuya

DAY THREE IN TOKYO

#15 START YOUR DAY WITH DESSERTS AT DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

10am: Dominique Ansel Bakery, the creator of the world-famous cronut, has an overseas outpost in Tokyo. Step inside the bakery and you will be enchanted by a wide variety of baked goods and desserts. Get your hands on the legendary cronuts and Frozen S’mores.

5-7-14, Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku
Tokyo 150-0001
Tel: +81 3 3486 1329
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#16 WANDER AROUND JAPANESE FOOD HALLS

12pm: Usually located at the basement of departmental stores, Japan’s food halls are like whimsical playgrounds filled with all sorts of Japanese products. We are suggesting you to fill your tummies up with the endless variety of snacks for lunch.

#17 EXPLORE TAKESHITA DORI

2pm: Takeshita Dori aka Takeshita Street is a pedestrianised street in Harajuku, and it is the quintessential Harajuku expeirence. The 400-meter street is lined with dessert kiosks, cute lifestyle shops and boutique fashion stores.

#18 TEMPURA AT TENDON TENYA

6pm: Tendon Tenya is a tendon chain that we really like. While it may not have the best tempura, it is cheap (¥500 for a very decent tendon) and satisfying whenever we want a quick meal.

4-4-31 Jingmae, Shibuya-ku
Tel: +81 3-5413-7983
Nearest Station: Meiji-Jingumae

#19 MARVEL AT THE TOKYO TOWER

8pm: Standing at 332.9 meters, the iconic Tokyo Tower is the second-tallest infrastructure in Japan. The communications and observation tower bears an uncanny resemblance to the world-famous Eiffel tower.

It is best to view the Tokyo Tower at night and watch it shine. Alternatively, head up to the observatory deck of Tokyo Tower if you have spare time earlier in the day and immerse yourselves in a 360-degree breathtaking view.

4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen,
Minato, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

DAY FOUR IN TOKYO

#20 EAT GYUDON FOR BREAKFAST

9am: Our favourite breakfast in Japan is gyudon (beef rice bowl). There are three places that we go to – Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya. While they may be chains, rest assured that their gyudons are superb.

#21 SHOPPING AT GINZA

11am: Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district, and where you can find most of the luxury labels at. It is still worth a visit even if you are not shopping; it is bustling and lively and filled with very fashionable, well-dressed people.

For shoppers, you are probably going to buy big-ticket items here that are in hundreds and thousands. Best way to accumulate your miles, yes? With DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, of course! 2 miles for every S$1 spent overseas. You are on your way to a business class ticket!

#22 SPLURGE ON A LUXURIOUS LUNCH AT SUSHI KANESAKA

1pm: Sushi Kanesaka is one of the finest sushi restaurants in Tokyo, if not Japan. There are three lunch Omakase options – ¥5,000, ¥10,000 and ¥15,000. A meal here is not cheap, but for the price you pay and quality you get, it is extremely great value.

5-64-7 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3211-5323
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Otemachi

#23 AOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE

4pm: The gorgeous cafe is said to be every girl’s dream high tea venue and we totally understand why. We were wonderstruck by the ethereal decors; think potted flowers, hanging weed and whatnot. Even beautiful plants could be found underneath the glass tables that we were dining at!

5-1-2, MinamiAoyama
Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3 3400 0887
Nearest Station: Omotesando

#24 DINNER AT RED ROCK

6pm: Red Rock’s Roast Beef Rice Bowl – a MOUNTAIN of meat for just ¥880 (or ¥1,150 for the large portion). The value-for-money roast beef rice bowl lived up to all the hype.

And then it’s time to head back to the hotel to get your luggage and return home! Until next time, Tokyo!

3 Chome-25-12 Jingumae, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6721-1729
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

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