Tokyo with Nikko & Hakone · 5 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo

• Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky · 2 h. Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.
• teamLab Planets / Borderless digital art · 2 h. Timed tickets sell out on weekends; at Planets you wade through water, so wear shorts or roll-up trousers.

Local tip: Sunset Shibuya Sky slots sell out — book online a few weeks ahead.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo

• Senso-ji & Asakusa old town · 2 h. Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.
• Meiji Jingu & Harajuku · 3 h. Shrine forest is calm early; Takeshita Street is packed on weekend afternoons.
• Tokyo Skytree observation decks · 1.5 h. Clear winter mornings show Mt Fuji; pair with Asakusa, one stop away.

Local tip: Arrive before 9am; Nakamise snack stalls open around 10am. Lit up at night with no crowds.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Nikko shrines day trip (Toshogu & Rinno-ji)

Tokyo

• Nikko shrines day trip (Toshogu & Rinno-ji) · 9 h. Take an early Tobu train from Asakusa; the shrine area closes around 4–5pm.

Local tip: Take an early Tobu train from Asakusa; the shrine area closes around 4–5pm.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo

• Akihabara electronics & anime district · 2.5 h. Carry your passport for tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000.
• Shinjuku evening: Omoide Yokocho & Golden Gai · 2.5 h. Tiny bars often add a seat charge; mostly yakitori, so vegetarians should eat elsewhere first.
• Tsukiji outer market food walk · 2 h. Go 8–10am; many stalls close by early afternoon and on Sundays/Wednesdays. Tamagoyaki and fruit work for vegetarians.

Local tip: Carry your passport for tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Tokyo → Hakone

Hakone · Tokyo to Hakone, Odakyu Romancecar Shinjuku–Hakone-Yumoto ~1.5h

• Hakone loop: ropeway, Owakudani & Lake Ashi cruise · 6 h. The Hakone Free Pass covers the loop and the Odakyu train from Shinjuku. Go clockwise early to beat tour groups; Owakudani can close on gas alerts.

Local tip: The Hakone Free Pass covers the loop and the Odakyu train from Shinjuku. Go clockwise early to beat tour groups; Owakudani can close on gas alerts.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Hakone

Hakone

• Hakone Open-Air Museum · 2.5 h. Includes a Picasso pavilion and a free foot bath; play sculptures for kids.

Local tip: Includes a Picasso pavilion and a free foot bath; play sculptures for kids.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps