The following is a suggested, fast-paced full day itinerary of Western Tokyo's busy shopping districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku. This itinerary can be extended with a few additions.

Meiji Shrine (1 hour)

Start the day by exploring Meiji Shrine.

Takeshita Dori (1 hour)

Leave the shrine through its main gate next to Harajuku Station. Cross the street in front of the station and explore the trendy shops and boutiques of Takeshita Dori Street. Note that most shops do not open before 11am.

Omotesando (1 hour)

At the end of Takeshita Dori head south to the fashion and luxury stores of Omotesando. Walk down toward Omotesando Hills and then head back toward Harajuku Station.

Walk to Shibuya (30 minutes)

Head west past the Yoyogi National Stadium and turn south at the first light toward Shibuya.

Explore Shibuya (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.

Train to Shinjuku (10 minutes)

Take the train to Shinjuku.

Explore Shinjuku (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.

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.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a spacious public park in Western Tokyo.

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.