🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan (Things to do in Tokyo 3-5 day Itinerary) 🗼💮

Tokyo, Japan (Things to do in Tokyo 3-5 day Itinerary)

Date of travel: August 2023

I went with my boyfriend, at the time, who was stationed in Okinawa. So we both decided to meet up in Tokyo! We were in Tokyo for 4-5 days so here is an extensive list of what we did and where we went.

Stay: We stayed in two different locations.

Hotel Tavinos (to explore Tokyo).

Glamping Resort Varie (to explore/hike Mt. Fuji- we did not end up hiking Mt. Fuji. More on that later).

Tips:

In Tokyo, you have to pay to enter a train and to EXIT the train station.

•If you plan to use public transportation I recommend purchasing a SUICA card - if they are available. 

A SUICA card is a reloadable metro card that will save you A LOT OF TIME in the train stations in Japan.

Note: As of June 8 SUICA cards have been discontinued but keep checking the official site to see when they’ll be available for purchase again.https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html

TAVINOS HOTEL OVERVIEW

Tavinos Hotel is located in the Asakusa district. I liked the aesthetic, but the beds were not very comfortable. We stayed in a room that had two twin beds that were put together to form a queen-sized bed. We kept falling in the middle of the beds 😂! It may have just been our room but if bed comfortability matters to you or you plan to have a “romantic night” etc. keep the bed situation in mind. 

The perks of Tavinos Hotel:

• Proximity to public transportation.

• Walkable area

• Near Senso-Ji Temple, the oldest amusement park in Japan! (ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI), local shops, restaurants, Lawsons, etc.

GLAMPING RESORT VARIE OVERVIEW

Glamping Resort Varie is located in the Fujikawaguchiko district. It is approximately a 3-hour train ride (on public transportation - which is safe to take) from the Asakusa district in Tokyo, Japan. Once we arrived at our final stop we began walking to the glamping resort. The more we walked the more things seemed farther apart (stores, convenience stores, etc.). Compared to Tokyo, where everything was just a corner away.

Note: If you are planning to visit the Fujikawaguchiko district solo, I recommend walking during the daytime or hailing a taxi (you can find several taxis parked outside the final train stop). Not that it's not safe, but it just seems very rural and it's better to be safe (just a personal perspective)!

Note: Fujikawaguchiko has a population of roughly 26,182 (Source: Japanguide.live) and Tokyo, Japan has a population of 13.491 million (Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government).

Varie glamping was my favorite place to stay while visiting Tokyo. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I enjoyed the tranquility of being in nature in the Fujikawaguchiko district. If getting away from an overly populated area and surrounding yourself in a calm, green, countryside scenery sounds better, you may prefer staying in the Fujikawaguchiko district. 

We stayed in an igloo-shaped room with a good amount of amenities that were included (a mini refrigerator, cups and plates, a cute small coffee table with two chairs looking out to the outdoors - there are curtains in the igloo that can be pulled up to see the view, etc.) We were able to face a side of the forest/trees and the trail. Hopefully, you get a good view! The beds were still similar to the previous hotel where we stayed. However, for some reason, they were more comfortable.

Each igloo has its own small private outdoor area that includes an outdoor dinner table, outdoor sink, and soap.

The restrooms and showers were located outside of the Igloos in a separate area. The shower and the toilet were separated into two different rooms within the common area and there was a public sink area. Each bathroom and shower room are assigned to one igloo and are numbered. During check-in, we received a laminated paper with the number in front of our door for the restroom, specific to our igloo. 

My favorite part of that was that while it did look like a communal restroom you still had a restroom specific only to your igloo. So you don’t have to shower in the same place you do your “business” - which was great! Just make sure to not go into anyone else’s restroom/shower area. I loved the shower area. It was a very traditional/current Japanese layout (two different shower heads, a place to put your dirty towels - probably not Japanese but very nice, blow dryer, etc.). 

Varie Glamping during the time of check provided us with a list of certain equipment available for rent for an additional cost (i.e.: fire pit, etc.). 

There were also a couple of community amenities around the area where Varie Glamping is located. We were only there for a day so I didn’t get to check it out but there seemed to be a community pool, a theater, a soccer field, etc. So if you plan on visiting and want to spend some time in nature and use the recreational amenities, keep that in mind and check the admission requirements. 

It felt like I was in camp but a nicer, elevated version, and during the time of our stay most people came with friends/family. It was very relaxing. 

It’s a nice getaway from the city while still being able to experience Japan and Mt. Fuji.  

Note: You can also hike Mt. Fuji. If you do want to hike make sure to give yourself enough time to arrive and maybe visit the area for more than a day. We arrived in the afternoon and weren't able to hike since we arrived late and were leaving the next day, so maybe add a buffer day if it's something you want to do! (I'll link a helpful article below).

Places to Visit

Day 1

TeamLab Planets

Immersive art museum.

Tip: Purchase your tickets ahead of time! There was a certain cut-off time for purchasing tickets the same day and for walk-ins. So we had to purchase our tickets for the following day and we just walked around the Odaiba district since we were already there (where TeamLab Planets is located). 

Fun fact: Beso by Rauw y Rosalia was filmed there!

• If you choose to wear pants make sure they CAN roll up (above your knee) or if you are going to wear a skirt/dress make sure to bring undershorts as you will walk through water areas where you will need to roll up your pants and rooms with floor mirrors that will show what is underneath. Team Lab requests for individuals to have shorts underneath so underwear won’t be visible during the exhibition of those specific rooms. Shorts are not required but highly recommended.

You can learn more or purchase your tickets through their direct website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/

Shibuya District

Places to visit in Shibuya 

•The famous Shibuya Crossing street

•Selca Studio: a cute place where you can put on props and choose a small “studio/room” to take Photo Booth pictures. You have to pay about $5-6 for the Photo Booth pictures. The props are free to use.

•Shibuya Parco - Shopping! - just Google to check the reviews and store directory. I just liked walking around but some things seemed overpriced.

•Starbucks - cool book section that is in Japanese. 

•Bars/Nightclubs: There are so many things to do in Shibuya and the nightlife looked very fun. Unfortunately, we did not go inside any bars or clubs but I highly recommend checking out the nightlife and doing some research if you are considering going "out". The streets were filled with young people and it seemed very fun! So if you’re considering going out or want to experience going out in Japan make sure to do some research on where you may want to go out in the Shibuya district.

Odaiba District

Yumeno Ohashi Bridge

Toyosu Roku-Chome park

This is more for an off day to relax. It’s a big circle of greenery. Some ideas of what to do: Bring athletic shoes and run around the greenery, picnic, bring a ball or frisbee or play a sport, etc. (some ideas: soccer, volleyball, badminton, but there’s no nets). 

Note: There aren’t many shady areas so bring sunscreen and/or a fan if applicable.

Ariake Garden Mall 

A high-end shopping mall in the Odiaba district. 

Symbol Promenade park

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Another shopping center, but! They have the Gundam Statue and right across from the Gundam statue is the famous rainbow LED staircase.

Day 2

Fujikawaguchiko

While visiting Tokyo, we decided to visit the Mt. Fuji area.

As previously mentioned, we stayed at Glamping Camp Varíe (It was very clean and modern). 

From the beginning of the trip, I knew I wanted something away from the main touristy area because I wanted to unwind.

If you want to get away from the city but still visit Tokyo, Mount Fuji is a great option. I kind of wish we stayed longer in the Fujikawaguchiko area instead of going back to Tokyo. 

There are several things to do in Mount Fuji: 

•Hike Mount Fuji.

We only planned to stay in the Fujikawaguchiko district for one night and return to Tokyo. We were supposed to get there early to hike Mount Fuji but unfortunately, we both woke up late (😳) and didn’t get to Fuji until 3 pm. so it was a bit late to hike since we didn’t want to hike at night.

•Activities at the local camping ground near Glamping Camp Varie - (swimming, sports, etc.). You may be able to get a day pass or pay a small fee. I recommend verifying this directly but it's a small walk from the camping grounds so if you have some time to spare it's not a bad idea if you want to use the recreational amenities. 

•Walk around the Fujikawaguchiko area.

•Bonfire

•Card games outside.

•Fuji-Q Highland

•Take a boat ride at Lake Yamanaka (Famous boat ride: The Swan Boat)

•Rent a bicycle and explore the 5 lakes.

Day 3 

Disneyland Tokyo 

We took the subway to get to Disneyland Tokyo. It stopped at the Disneyland resort hotel and from there we walked to the ticketing area for Disneyland Tokyo.

Tip: Make sure to arrive early. It’s best to dedicate a whole day and try to avoid peak seasons and weekends. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App to see the map and wait times. If you want to get more done you can use the map and go to rides based on the specific area you are in at Disney. I also recommend choosing rides with the lowest wait time in that area and then move on to the next area on the map. We did this and sometimes we went back to previous rides since we enjoyed it but keep in mind that wait times can change. 

I had more fun doing short wait time rides that I didn’t know anything about. If you don't care to get separated from the person you're going with, the single rider lane tends to take less time compared to the regular queue. 

CafeRest’CuznHomeground

A very COOL restaurant in Taito. It reminded me of certain places I visited in Istanbul, Turkey. It was very homey, hippie, and comfy. You can see pictures on Google. They also have really good drinks.

Day 4

Sky Grill Buffet Musashi - Hotel Restaurant (located in Tauro)

Located inside of the Asakusa View Hotel. A beautiful hotel restaurant with a view of Tokyo. The cuisine is buffet style. A bit pricey but worth it, just come with an EMPTY stomach and ready to eat! They had raw realy good juices and tasty authentic food. You can scrutinize the reviews on your preferred review site such as Google! :) 

Tip: We did walk in, but it is recommended to reserve ahead of time.

Harumi Seaside Park 

Great to bring some tennis shoes and take a quick run. Tokyo was very hot at the time of our visit (August) so ensure you do bring water and whatever else you need to stay hydrated. Money belts can help to hold your hotel room key, water, etc. while running. 

Templo Senso-Ji

Suke6 Diner - near Hanakawado - a modern cafe. If you're into latin food, they have certain options (i.e.: Cuban sandwich) and it was good.

Day 5

Home 🛩️💕

Other:

✰ Don Quijote - 24 hours. There are a ton of Don Quijotes in Tokyo, but my favorite location was in Asakusa. They have a variety of things including clothes, perfumes, luxury brands, food, snacks, drinks, etc. 

✰ Lawson’s 

✰ 7/11 

There’s a lot more to do in Tokyo, Japan, and its surroundings but this is what we ended up doing. I encourage you to do your own research and find out what kind of trip you want to have and go do it!

Things I wish I did but didn't get to:

Stay in Mt. Fuji longer. We only stayed a day so I highly recommend it if you want to experience the relaxing side of Japan and still hike Mt. Fuji to schedule two or more days to visit this area. The train ride from Tokyo was a little long but the scenery of Fuji is beautiful and once you get there it is such a relaxing environment.

Hope this extensive list helps you get an idea of what to do.

Other notes: The public transportation system in Tokyo, Japan is pretty reliable and safe. While it was a bit confusing at first there are people there to help and knowing your starting and ending point (specific location stop) and using a reliable map app can help alleviate some stress. If I were to travel solo I definitely would feel safe enough to do it alone. Just like anywhere, use safety precautions, try to avoid traveling or walking alone at night, and ensure you have your belongs with you at all time and in front of you. Usually I place my bag right in front of me held or I use a money belt.

Downloading Google Translate helped me when there was a language barrier.

For more safety tips I will link an article below. :)

RESOURCES/LINKS:

41 Ways to Stay Safe While Traveling Alone As A Woman (can I apply for men as well!)

Hotel Tavinos Official Site

Glamping Resort Varie

Tokyo City Guide

Asakusa District Guide 

Fujikawaguchiko Guide

Population of Tokyo - Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Mt. Fuji Climbing Guide | Mt. Fuji Hike | Travel Japan | JNTO

Ariake Garden Mall

Diver City Tokyo Plaza

Don Quijote - Japan's famous discount store (aka Donki) - Plan My Japan

26 Cool Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan (2024) - I recommend this read!

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✈ YouTube - Charline Oro

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Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace legal advice nor should it be considered as "advice". There may be a few, or a lot, of grammatical errors. Use/apply at will. Please make sure to do your own due diligence on the information provided. This post is not sponsored yet. :)