#105 Two major sub-capital itinerary
How to cover major sub-capital attractions in four hours
This week, I am suggesting an itinerary for the first time after a while. I have been guiding in Tokyo and have found several patterns to guide depending on my guests’ arrival and departure flights. Those who arrive in the morning and go straight to the city for about 4 hours of sightseeing in the afternoon on the same day. Others come the day before and plan 4 to 6 hours of sightseeing from around 10:00 a.m., while others fly home in the evening and plan 4 hours of sightseeing before that. Everyone's starting time, and destination varies greatly depending on their circumstances. In terms of areas, many people consider Asakusa and Ueno to be one area and Shinjuku and Shibuya to be another, and they plan to sightsee in two days.
Today, I would like to quickly and efficiently visit the latter, Shinjuku and Shibuya. I have set a time limit of 4 hours and will try to combine places that do not require reservations, assuming users decide the itinerary at the last minute. This itinerary will be helpful for a business trip to Tokyo, where you have free time on the last day before your evening flight. The last stop on the itinerary is a dinner in Shinjuku, but if you can adapt the time limit to your schedule, it will have a broader range of applications.
Shinjuku and Shibuya are only a few kilometers apart. Shinjuku is the seat of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Shinjuku Station is the busiest station in Japan in terms of passenger numbers. With Kabukicho, the town that never sleeps, there are plenty of places to eat and drink. As I mentioned two weeks ago, it is also an essential hub for travelers heading to Mt. Fuji.
Shibuya is a town of youth culture, and the area around Shibuya Station has been undergoing much redevelopment since it started recently. The construction has complicated traffic lines and forced people to take long detours. I will take in the best parts of these two contrasting subcenters in this four-hour tour.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
In 1868, the 265-year-long samurai era ended, and Japan entered an era of capitalism that opened the door to international trade, which had been closed to the public. Emperor Meiji played a vital role in this period, and Meiji Jingu Shrine enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Dowager.
The shrine is in the city’s heart, yet a vast forest surrounds it. If you stroll from the Harajuku exit, reaching the main shrine takes at least 20 minutes. This 20-minute walk is an irreplaceable time to mentally and physically refresh yourself. What will you ask God for at the main shrine?
The absolute must-do at Meiji Jingu Shrine is Omikuji. Unlike ordinary omikuji, the results come from waka poems composed by Emperor Meiji or Empress Dowager. Waka poems always contain golden words that give you hints about your life. Remember to try it; the description includes both Japanese and English. Remember to donate 100 yen.
There are more stories, including the hidden facts about this shrine. Please go to my previous post.
Takeshita Street
Although only 350 meters long, it is a condensed version of Harajuku's teenage district. It is a sacred place for young people in their 10s, with stores selling accessories and sweets, 100 stores, and so on.
If you walk from the Harajuku exit, you will have difficulty getting back to the JR station, so it is better to turn around and walk to Shibuya from the Takeshita exit of the JR Harajuku station. Please be prepared for a great crowd at any time.
When you enter the street from JR Harajuku Station, an extended, narrow monitor in the archway shows you as you build in front of it, so try it out.
Shibuya Crossing
The entire Shibuya area is currently undergoing major construction, and it is unfortunate that no matter where you take a picture, you will see the construction site. You can look down on the scramble crossing in several places, but there is no need to pay to go to the top floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest building in Shibuya.
I recommend the free space on the 12th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, the Keio Inokashira Line walkway, and the intersection itself. Please see my last article on Shibuya Crossing for more details.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
As I have written in past articles on Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi Hills, there are many places in Tokyo where you can see spectacular views if you are willing to pay for them. However, the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is free, and from there, depending on the conditions, you can look west and see Mt. Fuji.
In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has two observation decks, each offering a slightly different view. However, the days they are open to the public differ, so check before you visit. Also, you can check the elevator waiting time on the website, so you should check it frequently.
The problem is that it is a 15-minute walk from Shinjuku. Taking the Toei Oedo subway line is easy, but Shinjuku Station is deep underground, so walking from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station may be more accessible.
There are almost no tall buildings west of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, so going to the observatory in the evening to watch the sunset is a good option. However, the evening is crowded, so visiting the observatory a little early and waiting a while is better. The sunset time varies depending on the season, so be careful.
Toast around Shinjuku Station
After watching the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck, it is time for dinner in the Shinjuku area. Sushi, shabu-shabu, tempura, you name it! Depending on your budget, there are many choices. After dinner, visit Golden Gai, which is full of retro atmosphere, and see small bars.
It would be best to see the 3D advertisement on the east side of the Shinjuku station.
Finally
It takes about 4 hours to travel from Meiji Shrine to Shinjuku. If you include dinner, it will take longer, so I will leave it for another time. I would be grateful if it were helpful to you, and I would like to hear your comments.
I will save this and refer to it! We are not planning a long stay in Tokyo so this kind of itinerary is perfect for us.
I remember not being able to enter Takeshita street because it was so crowded, people were shoulder to shoulder😄