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Western Tokyo Full Day

The following is a suggested, fast-paced full day itinerary of Western Tokyo's busy shopping districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku.

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Start
Start at Harajuku Station
Walk a few steps to the entrance of Meiji Shrine.
A few steps
Meiji Shrine
Spacious, forested shrine in the middle of the city 1 hour
One of Tokyo's most revered religious sites, Meiji Shrine is located in a lush and spacious forest area in the middle of the dense cityscape. The grounds' walking paths are great for a relaxing stroll and provide solace from the bustle of the nearby streets of Harajuku.
Leave the shrine through the same gate you entered next to Harajuku Station, cross the street in front of the station and head north to Takeshita Dori Street.
5 minutes
Takeshita Street
Shopping street 1 hour
Explore the trendy shops and boutiques of this bustling hotbed of fashion and youth culture. Be prepared for huge crowds at weekends and other peak periods, and note that most shops here do not open until 11am.
At the end of Takeshita Dori head south to Omotesando
5 minutes
Omotesando
Fashion and luxury shop avenue 1 hour
Around one kilometer in length and lined with trees, Omotesando is home to numerous mid and high end stores, fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants; including those within the stylish Omotesando Hills mall.
Back at JR Harajuku Station, head west past the Yoyogi National Stadium and turn south towards Shibuya.
30 minutes
Explore Shibuya
An iconic mecca for fashion and young culture 2 hours
Continue south and turn right after the Parco Department Store down toward the Spain Slope, Tokyu Hands and Center Gai. Check out the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue next to Shibuya Station.
Take a train to Shinjuku Station
10 minutes
Explore Shinjuku
Bustling shopping and entertainment area around the world's busiest train station 3 hours
Walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and head up to the observation deck. Afterwards spend the rest of your time explore the shops and restaurants around Shinjuku.
Finish

Recommended Additions

NHK Studio Park
NHK Studio Park is the headquarters and broadcasting center of Japan's public television and radio broadcaster. The park is open to the public.

Kabukicho
Japan's largest red light district features countless restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors, love hotels and a wide variety of red light establishments for both sexes and sexual orientations. Explore with caution and beware of exorbitant cover fees.

Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho, also known under the more colorful moniker Piss Alley, is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station. The narrow lanes are filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi and yakitori.

Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a small, atmospheric nightlife district in Kabukicho packed with over 200 small bars and eateries. Most places are very small, seating only a few at a time, and typically cater to a few regular customers. A few of the bars openly welcome foreign guests with signs and menus set outside listing prices in English.

Shopping

Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku are popular shopping areas with a large variety of department stores and electronics shops.

Hotels around Tokyo

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Bed & Breakfast RENGA in Ginza
Dormitories available from 3000 yen. Groups of 8 can reserve the whole floor.
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Bed & Breakfast RENGA Daikanyama
A stylish hotel offering single and dormitory-style rooms starting at 3,000 JPY. Seven minutes from Daikanyama station and ten minutes from Shibuya station on foot.
Recommended Hotels
Backpackers Hostel K's House Tokyo
One of the most popular hostels in Tokyo.
Book:
Hostelworld
Hotel Century Southern Tower
The most conveniently located hotel in Shinjuku, just a few steps from the station entrance.
Book:
Japanican
Hotel Metropolitan Marunouchi
Adjacent to Tokyo Station, this is one of the city's most convenient and comfortable hotels.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Just a few steps from Shinjuku Station, this hotel ranks among Tokyo's best values.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Keio Plaza Hotel
One of Tokyo's most popular hotels and best values, a 5-10 minute walk from the station.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Ritz Carlton Tokyo Hotel
Leading 5-star hotel on the top floors of Tokyo Midtown.
Book:
Agoda Booking
Shangri-La Hotel
Adjacent to Tokyo Station, this is the city's most conveniently located 5-star hotel.
Book:
Agoda Booking

Tours and Travel Services

Breathing New Life into Traditional Arts: Drum Tao Drum Tao is an avant-garde performance group revolutionizing traditional Japanese arts. This year they have teamed up with Team Lab to provide an electrifying taiko-drum performance – a truly spectacular show.
Tokyo Food Tours ]top rated food tours in TripAdvisor Walk around town, enjoy a variety of foods, and experience the lives of locals through their culture and history.
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