What to Do in Tokyo and Osaka: A 2-Week Japan Itinerary!

Japan’s finally open and we’ve got you covered with must-dos and must-visits!

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• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Start your first day in Tokyo with a visit to one of the city’s largest and most famous parks! Walk through spacious lawns and enjoy the peaceful scenery, a short escape from the busy streets of Tokyo. You can bring your own mat, snacks, and some friends so you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by trees and flowers of different colors.
• Meiji Shrine: Did you even go to Japan if you don’t have a photo at the Meiji Shrine? Dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan, Emperor Meiji, this shrine is a hot tourist attraction because of its large and tranquil forest where you can take a stroll and capture some photos with about 200 sake barrels on display! Apart from the massive display of sake barrels, make sure to drop by the Meiji Jingu Museum to know more about the history of the Meiji Shrine.
• Tokyo Tower: If you love seeing sights from up above, then don’t miss a visit to the Tokyo Tower. Marvel at the amazing city view and take lots of photos! If you’re down for a bit of a thrill, try standing on their glass floor, “Lookdown Window”! You can also grab a bite inside Tokyo Tower’s restaurant, Tower’s Diner. They have burgers, steaks, and a long list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Tokyo After 5 Tour: Once you’re done dropping by the other attractions, wrap up your day with some local food in this Tokyo After 5 tour! Your first stop will be at Yakitori Alley where you can have a drink of sake or any local beer and taste some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Then, you’ll head on to Tsukishima to try some monjayaki (a savory pancake, similar to okonomiyaki). Your last stop will be at Ginza where you can indulge yourself in different traditional Japanese sweets like mochi (rice cake), Tokyo banana (sponge cake with cream filling), and Shiroi Koibito (cookies).

• Owl House Cafe HOOT HOOT: Meet some cute and fluffy owls to start your third day in Tokyo! Cafe HOOT HOOT houses different species of owls like snowy owls (Hedwig from Harry Potter), barn owls, and eagle owls for you to make friends with. While sipping your choice of coffee, juice, or tea, feel free to play with the owls and even take photos of and with them. They also sell owl-themed merch inside if you want to take home owl-themed items as souvenirs.

• Harry Harajuku Terrace: Next on your animal cafe hopping is a visit to Harry Harajuku Terrace where you’ll get a chance to meet cute fur friends like chinchillas, otters, and hedgehogs! Feel free to pick them up (gently!) and have them sit on your lap to play or take photos during your stay in the cafe. Choose the Feeding Plan package if you want to experience feeding these furry animals too!
• Harajuku Kawaii Zoo Land: More furry friends await you at your third stop, Harajuku Kawaii Zoo Land! Here, you’ll get to know ferrets, meerkats, and fennec foxes up close and personal. You can feed them too, so just make sure you’re gentle with them during your encounter.
• A bonus stop for those who are feeling brave! The Tokyo Snake Center is a cafe that you would want to visit if you want to try and overcome your fear of snakes. Inside this cafe are 35 snakes waiting to meet you. Before petting the snakes, make sure you read the instructions first to ensure your safety.

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• For an easy and smooth bike experience in Tokyo, rent a bike from Klook!
• Ueno Park: After renting a bike for your fourth day, your first stop will be at Ueno Park! This large city park is good for biking, walking, sightseeing, and even picnicking. Inside the park are different museums that you can visit like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, National Museum of Western Art, and National Museum of Nature and Science. There’s also a zoo inside, the Ueno Zoo, which has different animals like tigers, gorillas, elephants, and seals. How cute!
• Yoyogi Park: Next stop, Yoyogi Park! You can also bike around in this park but it’s best to just sit or lie somewhere and rest for a while. Once you’ve parked your bike, you can sit on the grass and marvel at some of the park’s beautiful and colorful trees, like cherry blossom and ginkgo trees. Feel free to take a nap or set up a little picnic as you take a break from biking. Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks so you can walk around or even go for a quick jog if you’re up for it!
• Inokashira Park: Your last nature park for the day is Inokashira Park! This massive park has around 20,000 trees like Chinese fringe, cypress, and maple trees. Biking around in this park is worth it because there’s so much to see and try during your visit here — a swan boat ride, Inokashira Park Zoo, and Inokashira Benzaiten. The swan boat ride has three boat options that you can choose from: swan paddle boat, regular paddle boat, or rowboat. There’s also the Inokashira Park Zoo which houses animals like squirrels, guinea pigs, and leopard cats. Another attraction that you can’t miss is the Inokashira Benzaiten, a serene temple where you can offer a prayer or just enjoy some quiet time.

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• Ghibli Museum: Tokyo also boasts many museums. For your sixth day, you’ll kickstart your museum hopping with a visit to the Ghibli Museum! If you’re a fan of animated films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away, then a visit to the Ghibli Museum will be a treat for you. They have special exhibits that you must see during your visit — Sketch, Flash, Spark!, Painting the Colors of Our Films, and Delicious! Animating Memorable Meals.

• teamLab Borderless: Your next stop is a digital art museum, teamLab Borderless! This is where art continuously moves and each piece is connected to another. If you’re a lover of immersive art or just curious about what immersive art is, then teamLab Borderless is the museum for you. Here is some must-see art inside the museum — Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II; Walk, Walk, Walk: Search, Deviate, Reunite; and Black Waves. After admiring the artwork, drop by the EN TEA HOUSE for a hot cup of tea!

• Tokyo National Museum: Your next museum is Tokyo’s pride and joy, the Tokyo National Museum! If you want to know as much as you can about Tokyo’s history and culture, then this museum is definitely a must-visit. They have the Japanese Gallery (Honkan) if you want to see highlights of Japanese art, Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) if you want to know more about Japan’s cultural sculptures, statues, pottery, and metal art, and Asian Gallery (Toyokan) if you’re interested to see arts and artifacts from regions like China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Egypt, and India.
• The Sumida Hokusai Museum: You’ve probably heard of the famous “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” art piece. Your last museum stop for the day is dedicated to the artist of The Great Wave, Katsushika Hokusai, also one of the world’s most respected artists. Make sure to drop by his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series where you’ll see The Great Wave off Kanagawa and Rainstorm Beneath the Summit, in person! Inside the four-story museum are more than just artworks, but also a shop where you can buy souvenirs and a library where you can read books about Japanese art.

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• Ichiran Ramen: Foodies will love what we got lined up for the seventh day. Why don’t we go on a Tokyo food trip? Starting off your list will be at a go-to ramen place in Tokyo, Ichiran Ramen! In this restaurant, you can either choose to have their classic Tonkotsu ramen, or customize your own bowl! Choose the hardness of your noodles, the richness of your soup, and the spiciness level that you can take. Once you’re done customizing your bowl of ramen, sit in your booth, and wait for your order!
• Mawashi-zushi: Next up on the list is Mawashi-zushi. You can’t leave Tokyo without trying authentic sushi. In this restaurant, the sushi comes on moving belts which means that you’ll never run out of sushi! Grab your desired plate of sushi once it’s in front of you and just get another plate if you want more. One of their must-try dishes is the sea urchin, so make sure to get a plate of that!
• Tsukiji Eel Eatery – Nisshin Tasuke: This next stop is all about eels! Tsukiji Eel Eatery – Nisshin Tasuke is famous for grilling the best eel in town. Eel is usually expensive when ordered in restaurants but in this one, you can get eel dishes for as low as USD1.48 (JPY202.86). If you want to try eel cooked in different ways, then don’t miss a visit to this eel eatery. We suggest getting their eel rice bowl or grilled eel skewers dipped in different sauces!
• Daily Chiko: We simply can’t complete a food trip without something sweet. That said, Daily Chiko is a sweet ice cream destination that you can’t miss. They have ice cream that goes up to 20cm tall, in a cone! The flavors change from time to time, but vanilla, chocolate, matcha, and ramune soda (lemon-flavored soft drink) are flavors that are always available.

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• Ryuguden Honkan Hot Spring: Let’s explore a little bit of Tokyo & Akihabara for your ninth day, shall we? First stop, Ryuguden Honkan Hot Spring. Reconnect with nature as you’re dipped in Ryuguden Honkan’s natural hot springs! Relax and take time to admire the beautiful scenery of forests and mountains from the top of the hot springs. You’ll see some landmarks too like Lake Ashikaga and Mt. Fuji. Nothing feels better than a good unwinding session after all the walking and shopping you’ve done the past few days!

• Hamarikyu Gardens: Another relaxing destination is the Hamarikyu Gardens in central Tokyo! The garden sits alongside Tokyo Bay and a teahouse where you can sit and stay for a while as you sip from your hot cup of fresh tea. No matter the season, the greenery surrounding Hamarikyu Gardens is always spectacular to look at. Two trees that stand out here are maple and ginkgo trees.
• Street Go-Kart: Something thrilling for your next stop is a Street Go-Kart experience in Akihabara! Explore the town on your go-kart and feel like a celebrity as you drive ‘round town because bystanders will definitely take photos of you. Before hitting the road, make sure to take lots of photos of yourself with your go-kart to keep as a remembrance of this unique and exciting moment!

• Shopping in Akihabara: You can’t just leave Akihabara without shopping! This hub is known for its shopping streets so make sure to look around because you might just find something you’d love to take home. Drop by Onoden Honkan for electronics like the famous Japanese rice cookers and digital cameras, Suruga-ya Anime for games, trading cards, and board games, and Hobby Pavilion for anything anime like figurines and magazines!

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• Sumo Practice: While spending in Japan is definitely worth it, there are also some must-visit destinations that you can go to for free! Starting off your 12th day is watching sumo practice, totally free of charge. If you go to an actual sumo competition, it will be quite costly, so watch a sumo practice instead! Just make sure to head onto Arashio-beya Sumo Stable early since sumo practices are usually scheduled around 07:30 to 10:00 in the morning.
• Sensoji Temple: Next up is Asakusa’s famous attraction, the Sensoji Temple. This Buddhist temple is the oldest in Tokyo. After offering prayer and taking photos, outside the temple is a marketplace (streets of Nakamise) where you can buy and try different local snacks like ningyo yaki (sweet cake with red bean paste filling), kaminari okoshi (sweet puff rice crackers), and imo yokan (sweet potato jelly).
• Shibuya Crossing: Another attraction that you can’t miss is the Shibuya Crossing! Shibuya Crossing is one of the most photographed attractions in Japan. It’s just a pedestrian crossing so make sure that when you cross here, you take photos and videos because crossing here is on most travelers’ bucket lists!
• Hachiko Statue: It’s like hitting two birds with one stone! The other most photographed attraction in Japan, located just beside Shibuya Crossing, is the Hachiko Statue! Hachiko was a Japanese Akita dog known for his loyalty to his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno. Hachiko waited for Ueno at Tokyo’s Shibuya train station for over nine years following his death, hoping for his owner to return. Hachiko is known as the most devoted dog and people love him for it, which is why the line for a photo with the Hachiko Statue is understandably very long, but it will be worth it!

• Osaka Castle: Visit one of Osaka’s most famous landmarks, the Osaka Castle. Learn more about the story of the castle when it was attacked and destroyed, up to when it was reconstructed and refurbished. Aside from the stunning view of the castle, you can also take a stroll or have a picnic in Osaka Castle Park. On most days, there are street performers and free concerts in the park so make sure to find a good spot to watch their performances!

• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Your next stop is at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, an aquarium that looks as if it’s made out of legos from afar but actually isn’t. This aquarium used to be the largest public aquarium in the world, but up to this day, it’s still pretty large compared to most existing aquariums. Inside the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are 27 tanks housing whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and jellyfishes. You can also visit some other friendly animals like penguins, sea lions, otters, and birds.
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center: Both kids and adults alike will enjoy this next stop, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center! Inside this play area are 11 family attractions that everyone can enjoy like the Kingdom Quest where you can take on a lego ride to save the princess at the end of the ride, a LEGO Factory where you’ll be tasked by Professor Brick-a-Brack to make specific items out of lego, and a 4D Cinema where you’ll watch The LEGO Movie in 4D! Once you’re done exploring the attractions, drop by the LEGO shop and choose over 400 products to take home as your souvenir!

• The National Museum of Art: Your last day in Japan will be a good mix of chill and thrill. Starting off is a trip to The National Museum of Art, a space where both Japanese and foreign contemporary art are on display! The museum’s currently holding an exhibition entitled, “Collection 1: Faraway Places / Nearby Places” which will run until 7 Aug 2022. The featured artists in this collection are from Japan, Eastern Europe, and Russia. Some art pieces that are currently on display are Futoshi Miyagi’s The Ocean View Resort, Christian Boltanski’s Monument, Chikako Yamashiro’s Your Voice Came Out Through My Throat, and Mark Manders’ Dry Clay Head.
• Osaka Tennōji Zoo & Park: Another destination that you can visit on your last day in Osaka Tennōji Zoo & Park. This zoo and park was the third zoo to ever be built in Japan and it has been standing for about 90 years! The zoo is divided into four zones — African Savanna, Asian Tropical Rainforest, Petting Zone, and Aviary Zone. In the African Savanna Zone is where you’ll see animals like a hippopotamus, giraffe, Egyptian goose, wolf, hyena, alligator, and red panda. In the Asian Tropical Rainforest Zone, you’ll see a raccoon, Aldabra tortoise, chimpanzee, Sika deer, Japanese raccoon dog, Grivet monkey, and mandrill. The petting zone is where you’ll get to know up close and personal some animals like sheep, Bactrian camels, guinea pigs, rabbits, hooded cranes, Chilean flamingos, and oriental storks. Finally, the Aviary Zone is where you’ll see a European white stork, polar bear, green pheasant (Japanese bird), black swan, California sea lion, Chinese spot-billed duck, and Malayan sun bear.
• Umeda Sky Building: Your last stop for the day is definitely the cherry on top of this 14-tier cake, the Umeda Sky Building! This building is the 19th tallest building in Osaka and travelers all over the world make sure to drop by whenever they get a chance to visit the town. The building consists of two 40-story towers connected by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. The open-air observatory deck is what most travelers come here for because of the breathtaking city view it offers. If you want to mark your visit here, avail of Klook’s exclusive package that pairs your admission ticket with a heart-shaped padlock that you can lock and leave on the deck along with many other padlocks!

Where to stay and eat in Tokyo

• The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: This 5-star hotel is good for a Japan trip with friends or family! Some inclusions that each room has are free WiFi, wired internet, a kettle, free bottled water, and central heating.

• Conrad Tokyo: Another hotel is Conrad Tokyo that’s good for solo travelers as well as big groups! Some inclusions available in each room are an iron and ironing board, free bottled water, a mini bar, a safety deposit box, and wired internet.

• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: This hotel is perfect for solo, duo, or group trips! In each room, some inclusions are in-room spa services, free bottled water, wired internet, a mini bar, and a kettle.

• Ginza Corridor Street: This is the place to go if you’re looking for world-class cuisine cooked by talented chefs and over-the-top clubs for a good night out.
• Azabu Juban: If you want to try a variety of local food all in just one area, then this is the place for you! Azabu Juban is packed with street food vendors, so it’ll be a street food buffet for you.
• Kagurazaka Street: Also known as Tokyo’s little Paris, this street is where you can go if you’re suddenly craving French food while in Japan! There are also Japanese restos and cafes, of course.

Where to stay and eat in Osaka

• The Ritz-Carlton: This hotel is perfect for families looking to have a luxurious stay in Osaka! Some inclusions in each room are a mini bar, free bottled water, TV, wired internet, and in-room spa services.

• Conrad Osaka: If you’re looking to stay in a luxurious hotel with a chill vibe, then this is where you can check-in! In each room, some inclusions are central heating, a mini bar, TV, wired internet, and kitchenware.

• Premier Hotel CABIN Osaka: This is where you should check-in if you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable stay! Some inclusions available in each room are a cable TV, central heating, free bottled water, slippers, and a safety deposit box.

• Dotonbori: The heart of Osaka, that’s what Dotonbori is! Dotonbori is known for bright neon lights, restaurants, bars, and street food vendors on every corner. There are many all-you-can-eat restaurants here as well!
• Kuromon Market: Your trip to Osaka would not be complete without a visit to the public market! This is where you can score good seafood like crab legs, oysters, and sea urchins. They also sell fresh produce here like strawberries, asparagus, tangerines, and Japanese pickles.
• Juso: Looking to have classic dishes while in Osaka? Then head onto Juso! This food district is packed with Japanese classics like udon (Japanese noodles), tempura, sushi, and yakiniku (Japanese barbecue)!

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