Welcome to Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a fascinating blend of ultramodern and traditional. This dynamic metropolis offers an incredible mix of cutting-edge technology, world-class food, historic temples, dazzling neon lights, and tranquil gardens. During our three-night stay, we'll explore both the spiritual heart and futuristic visions of this extraordinary city, experiencing the perfect balance of cultural immersion and family-friendly entertainment.
Accommodation
MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Nihombashi
2-10-2 Nihonbashi Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Spacious suite-style accommodation in historic Nihombashi district with easy access to Tokyo's main attractions
View on Google MapsHighlights
• Ancient temples & spiritual forests
• Cutting-edge technology & gaming
• World-class cuisine & digital art
Daily Schedule
• Day 5: Arrival & evening exploration
• Day 6: Classic Tokyo & gaming
• Day 7: Split activities & temples
• Day 8: Food markets & digital art
• Day 9: Check-Out & Bullet train to Kyoto
Essential Information
Weather in August
- • Average high: 31-33°C (88-91°F)
- • Average low: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
- • Humidity: Very high (75-85%)
- • Rainfall: Frequent, usually brief showers
- • Daylight: Sunrise ~5:00 AM, Sunset ~6:45 PM
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, rain gear, and portable fans or cooling towels for the summer heat.
Currency
- • Japanese Yen (¥/JPY)
- • €1 ≈ ¥165 (April 2025 rate)
- • Cash is still king in many places
- • Credit cards accepted at hotels, department stores
- • Seven Bank ATMs accept international cards
Tipping
Not expected or practiced in Japan. Service charge may be included at upscale restaurants and hotels.
Getting Around
- • Suica/PASMO Card: Essential for trains, buses, and convenience stores
- • JR Lines: Extensive rail network (consider 72-hour Subway Ticket)
- • Tokyo Metro: Efficient subway system with English signage
- • Taxis: Reliable but expensive, doors open automatically
- • Walking: Many attractions can be reached on foot within districts
Our hotel is a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station, offering excellent connections throughout the city. Hibiya and Ginza lines provide direct access to popular areas.
Must-Try Foods
- • Sushi: Fresh seafood over vinegared rice (try at Tsukiji)
- • Ramen: Hearty noodle soup with various broths
- • Tempura: Lightly battered and fried seafood or vegetables
- • Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers
- • Tonkatsu: Crispy breaded pork cutlets
- • Matcha: Green tea in various forms (ice cream, cakes)
Dining Etiquette
Say "itadakimasu" before eating, don't stick chopsticks upright in rice, slurping noodles is acceptable and even appreciated, and no tipping.
Language & Communication
Useful Japanese Phrases:
| Hello | こんにちは (Konnichiwa) |
| Thank you | ありがとう (Arigatou) |
| Yes/No | はい/いいえ (Hai/Iie) |
| Excuse me | すみません (Sumimasen) |
| Where is... | ...はどこですか? (...wa doko desuka?) |
| How much? | いくらですか? (Ikura desuka?) |
English signage is common in Tokyo, especially in tourist areas and train stations. Download Google Translate with Japanese language pack for offline use.
Cultural Tips
- • Bow when greeting people (depth varies by formality)
- • Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants, and some attractions
- • Avoid eating while walking (except in designated food areas)
- • Keep voices low in public transportation
- • Carry a small towel for drying hands (many public restrooms don't have paper towels)
- • Queue in orderly lines for trains, buses, and escalators
Important Note
Japan values politeness, cleanliness, and respect for personal space. Follow locals' lead on public behavior, and you'll fit right in.
Trip World Clock
Time differences from Barcelona: Maldives +3h, Singapore/KL +6h, East Asia +7h
Activities & Itinerary
Monday, August 4, 2025 – Arrival & Tokyo Night Spectacular
- 16:15: Arrival at Narita Airport
- 16:30-17:30: Immigration, baggage claim, and transport to hotel
- Airport Limousine Bus or N'EX (Narita Express) to Tokyo Station
- Short taxi or 10-minute walk to hotel
- 18:00: Check-in at MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Nihombashi
- 19:00-21:00: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building & Shibuya exploration
- FREE observation deck (vs. €150 for Shibuya Sky for 6 people)
- Spectacular nighttime views of Shibuya Crossing from 45th floor
- Walk through illuminated Shibuya streets below
- 21:30-23:30: Dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya - CONFIRMED
- Reservation #225467 - Tatami seating for 6 people
- Traditional Japanese izakaya (Kill Bill inspiration!)
- Authentic Japanese dining experience
Highlight: No pressure from reservations! Even if your flight is delayed, you can still experience Tokyo's most famous crossing from the best free viewpoint, followed by dinner at one of Tokyo's most atmospheric restaurants.
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – Traditional to Futuristic Tokyo
- 08:30-09:30: Breakfast at hotel or local café
- 09:30-11:00: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
- Spiritual forest experience in the heart of Tokyo
- Traditional Shinto ceremonies and peaceful woodland walks
- Early timing = fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
- 11:00-13:00: Harajuku exploration & lunch
- Takeshita Street (teen-friendly fashion hub)
- Colorful crepe stands and unique boutiques
- Experience youth culture and street fashion
- 13:00-14:45: Transport to teamLab Planets (Toyosu)
- 15:00-18:00: teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum - CONFIRMED 15:00
- 3 full hours to explore immersive digital installations
- Walk through water and interactive environments barefoot
- Perfect blend of Japanese technology and artistic innovation
- Instagram paradise for the teens!
- 18:30-20:00: Akihabara Electric Town & ANIMATE Store
- Visit flagship ANIMATE store - paradise for anime/manga fans
- Electronics shopping and gaming arcades
- Immerse in otaku culture and cutting-edge technology
- 20:00-21:30: Dinner in Akihabara area
Highlight: Perfect progression from ancient spiritual traditions to cutting-edge digital art, ending with anime culture immersion at the famous ANIMATE store - showcasing Japan's incredible cultural range in one day.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 – Cultural Immersion with Expert Guides
- 08:00-09:00: Early breakfast at hotel
- 09:30: Depart hotel for Asakusa (Ginza Line from Nihombashi Station)
- 10:00-12:30: CONFIRMED - Asakusa Free Walking Tour
- Meeting point: Asakusa Police Station
- Booking #A30736321 for 6 people
- Sensō-ji Temple (Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple - 645 CE)
- Nakamise Shopping Street with traditional crafts
- 12:30-14:00: Lunch near Asakusa
- Traditional tempura or monjayaki (Tokyo's local specialty)
- 14:00-16:00: Tokyo Skytree
- One of the world's tallest towers (634m)
- Spectacular 360° city views extending to Mt. Fuji on clear days
- 16:30: Transit to Shinjuku via metro
- 17:00-18:00: Early dinner in Shinjuku
- 18:30-21:00: CONFIRMED - Shinjuku Free Walking Tour
- Meeting point: Estación Tochomae
- Evening exploration of Tokyo's entertainment capital
- Famous neon lights and nightlife districts
- 21:00-22:00: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) exploration
- Traditional tiny alleys with yakitori stalls
- Authentic Japanese drinking culture experience
- 22:00: Return to hotel
Highlight: Two expert-guided tours provide deep insights into both historic Tokyo (Asakusa) and ultra-modern Tokyo (Shinjuku), capped with an authentic local experience in Memory Lane.
Thursday, August 7, 2025 – Culinary Culture & Departure to Kyoto
- 07:30-08:00: Go to Tsukiji Outer Market
- 8:00-11:00: Tsukiji Outer Market exploration
- "Tokyo's Kitchen" with fresh seafood and local delicacies
- Sample unique Japanese ingredients and morning street food
- Cultural immersion in Tokyo's culinary heart
- 11:00-12:00: Explore Tokyo Station area
- Character Street for Japanese pop culture
- Last-minute souvenir shopping
- 12:00: Check-out from MIMARU SUITES Tokyo Nihombashi and collect luggage
- 12:30: Transport to Tokyo Station (10-minute walk from hotel)
- 14:00: Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto
- Reserved seats for comfort
- Potential Mt. Fuji views (right side of train - seats D & E)
- Ekiben (station bento) lunch on board
- Experience Japan's engineering marvel (up to 320 km/h)
- 16:15: Arrive at Kyoto Station and begin your Kyoto adventure
Perfect Balance: This itinerary maximizes your 3.5 days in Tokyo with zero stress on arrival day, confirmed unique experiences, and an ideal progression from traditional to ultra-modern Japanese culture.
Culture & Fun Facts
Japan Country Profile
🏛️ Official Name
Japan (日本, Nippon or Nihon)
🏙️ Capital City
Tokyo (population: 14 million; metro: 37 million)
👥 Population
124 million (2025 est.)
🗺️ Area
377,975 km² (145,937 sq mi)
🗣️ Official Language
Japanese (日本語, Nihongo)
💵 Currency
Japanese Yen (¥/JPY)
🏛️ Government
Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
👑 Head of State
Emperor Fumihito (2025)
⛪ Religion
Shinto and Buddhism (practiced together by many)
💰 GDP per Capita
$48,900 (vs. Spain: $44,100)
🕒 Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
🚗 Driving Side
Left
🇯🇵 vs 🇪🇸 Comparison with Spain
- Area: 25% smaller than Spain (505,990 km²)
- Population: 2.6x larger than Spain (47.4 million)
- Population density: 3.5x higher than Spain
- GDP per capita: 11% higher than Spain
- Life expectancy: 5 years longer than Spain
Japan is an archipelago consisting of 6,852 islands, with the four largest (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku) making up 97% of the country's land area. Tokyo is the world's largest metropolitan economy.
History & Culture
- 🏯 Ancient Heritage: Japan has the world's oldest continuous monarchy (Emperor lineage dates back to 660 BCE).
- 🌸 Contrasts: The country seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology and pop culture.
- ⚖️ Harmony: "Wa" (harmony) is central to Japanese culture, emphasizing group needs over individual desires.
- 🙏 Religion: Most Japanese practice elements of both Shinto (indigenous) and Buddhism, focusing on rituals rather than doctrine.
- 🎭 Arts: Traditional arts like ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy, and the tea ceremony remain important cultural practices.
- 🎎 Concepts: "Omotenashi" (selfless hospitality) and "wabi-sabi" (finding beauty in imperfection) are key cultural values.
- 👵 Population: Japan has the world's oldest population and is facing demographic challenges with declining birth rates.
⏳ Quick Timeline
- • 660 BCE-710 CE: Early periods (mythological founding to Nara)
- • 710-1185: Classical Japan (Nara & Heian periods)
- • 1185-1600: Medieval Japan (Kamakura & Muromachi)
- • 1600-1868: Edo period (Tokugawa shogunate)
- • 1868-1912: Meiji Restoration (rapid modernization)
- • 1912-1945: Imperial expansion and World War II
- • 1945-present: Post-war economic growth, technological leadership
Did You Know?
- 🍫 Japan has more than 200 flavors of Kit Kat bars, including wasabi, sake, and sweet potato.
- 🍣 Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.
- 🥤 Japan has over 5 million vending machines—one for every 23 people.
- 🍉 Square watermelons are grown in boxes and sold as luxury items (often costing $100+).
- 🍜 Slurping noodles is considered polite and shows you're enjoying your meal.
- 🚅 Punctuality is extremely important—trains average less than 1 minute of delay annually.
- 🐱 There are more pets than children in Japan due to declining birth rates.
- 👮 Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
- 🏎️ Real-life Mario Kart tours exist in Tokyo (though Nintendo won the lawsuit requiring costume changes).
- 🏢 The oldest company in the world was in Japan—Kongō Gumi construction company operated for 1,428 years (578-2006).
- 🛌 Capsule hotels were invented in Japan to provide affordable overnight accommodation.
What to Buy
- 🥢 Traditional Crafts: Handmade ceramics, chopsticks, folding fans, ukiyo-e prints, and traditional textiles.
- 📱 Modern Goods: Electronics, cameras, watches, and Japanese kitchen knives.
- 💄 Beauty Products: Japanese skincare and makeup brands like Shiseido, SK-II, and DHC.
- 👕 Fashion: Uniqlo clothing, designer items from Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake, or Yohji Yamamoto.
- 🎌 Pop Culture: Anime/manga merchandise, character goods from Studio Ghibli, Pokemon, and other franchises.
- 🍵 Food Items: Green tea, sake, Japanese snacks and candies, premium instant ramen, and specialty Kit Kats.
- 📝 Stationery: High-quality notebooks, pens, washi tape, and cute/kawaii items.
Best shopping areas: Ginza (luxury), Shibuya/Harajuku (fashion), Akihabara (electronics/anime), Tokyo Station (souvenirs), and department stores like Tokyu Hands or Don Quijote.
💸 Tax Refund
Foreign visitors can receive tax-free shopping on purchases over ¥5,000 (approximately €30) at participating stores. Look for the "Tax-Free" sign and bring your passport when shopping.
Health & Safety
- 🚰 Tap Water: Safe to drink throughout Japan.
- 🏥 Healthcare: World-class medical facilities, though English services may be limited outside major cities.
- 🛡️ Safety: Tokyo is consistently rated one of the world's safest major cities.
- 🌋 Natural Disasters: Japan is prone to earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, but has excellent preparedness systems.
- ☎️ Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 119
- Japan Visitor Hotline: 050-3816-2787 (24/7, English support)
🏥 Travel Insurance
Our family policy (#TRV-2025-61792) covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Keep digital and physical copies of insurance details.
Recommended Hospitals with English Services:
- St. Luke's International Hospital (Tsukiji area)
- Tokyo Medical University Hospital (Shinjuku area)
- Japanese Red Cross Medical Center (Hiroo area)
Tech & Connectivity
- ⚡ Internet Speed: Japan has excellent internet infrastructure with fast speeds.
- 📶 Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi available in many cafes, convenience stores, and major attractions.
- 📱 Mobile Data: Consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchasing a travel SIM card.
- 5️⃣ 5G Coverage: Extensive 5G network in Tokyo and major cities.
- 📲 Essential Apps:
- Japan Travel by Navitime: Comprehensive transit information
- Tokyo Subway Navigation: Metro-specific guidance
- Google Maps: Works well in Japan for navigation
- Google Translate: Download Japanese language pack
- Japan Wi-Fi Auto-Connect: Connects to free networks
📡 Mobile Data Options
Pocket Wi-Fi rentals are available at Narita Airport (¥800-1,000/day). Travel SIM cards with unlimited data typically cost ¥3,000-5,000 (€18-30) for 7-8 days.
