Ready for your exciting first day in Tokyo? I certainly was! If you’re following my itinerary, I hope you will find my guide helpful in your planning. Take note that it was almost 2:00pm when I finally arrived at Shibuya station from the airport. After check-in at my Airbnb, I was all set to kick start my first half-day in Tokyo! As the day was rather short, I’ve spent it entirely within Harajuku.

Harajuku
Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Take the subway via the JR Yamanote line to reach Harajuku station.

Follow the sign board and Meiji Shrine is a few steps away from the station. Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan, and is a scenic place for a relaxing stroll. Explore around the area, then proceed to Yoyogi Park next to the shrine.

Yoyogi Park is one of the largest city parks in Tokyo. If you are there during the cherry blossom season, have a picnic at Yoyogi Park (it is closed at 8:00pm) where the cherry blossom view is absolutely stunning!

P.S. Remember to take the highly Instagram-able barrels of sake along the road leading to the Meiji Shrine!

Takeshita Dori

After about 1 hour spent at Yoyogi Park, walk towards Takeshita Dori, a narrow street lined with numerous cafes, boutiques, and shops mostly dedicated to teenagers.

Harajuku is known to house Japanese teenagers’ most accentric cultures. Here at Takeshita Dori you can spot many youngsters with very distinctive fashion styles, as well as streets lined with boutiques and many crepe stores with extremely cute-looking cashiers.

Omotesando

Also remember to check out the nearby Omotesando. It is commonly referred to as the ‘Champs-Élysées’ of Tokyo, which is a broad tree-lined avenue housing similar shops, boutiques, and cafes as Takeshita Dori. Have your dinner here at one of the restaurants, but be prepared as the area is often very crowded.

Finally, take your time to walk around more before heading back to rest. After all, it is only the beginning of an exciting trip! Rest well so that you’ll have enough energy for the coming days!


Details of the places for today:
Meiji Shrine 明治神宮

Hours: Sunrise – Sunset, Everyday
Fees: Free (¥500 entrance fee for the Treasure House & Inner Garden)

Yoyogi Park 代々木公園

Hours: Always open
Fees: Free

Takeshita Dori

Hours: Shops are usually opened from 11:00am to 8:00pm
Fees: Free

Omotesando 

Hours: Shops are usually opened from 11:00am to 8:00pm
Fees: Free