Discover Tokyo: Your Perfect First Stop on a Japan Adventure
If Japan is on your list (or even if it’s not yet), let me share a taste of what makes it so special — and how I can plan a seamless, stress-free trip for you.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Groove, Shinjuku
We based ourselves at Hotel Groove, Shinjuku for five nights. Location is everything in Tokyo, and this hotel offered not only generous family-sized rooms (a rarity here!) but also easy access to Shinjuku Station, making sightseeing a breeze.
I also considered the Mimaru Apartments (popular for families), but chose Hotel Groove because breakfast was included — a time saver on busy sightseeing mornings.
Day-by-Day Highlights — Curated for Families & First-Time Visitors
Day 1: Takeshita Street & Pokémon Dreams
Our first day was about finding our bearings. We purchased our Suica cards (a quick tip — children’s cards must be bought in person and require passports) and set off for the iconic Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Rainbow cheese toasties, candy floss bigger than our heads, and Insta-worthy snacks were everywhere — Japan certainly knows how to make food fun!
That afternoon was a highlight for my youngest: the elusive Pokémon Café. Reservations are famously hard to get, but I used my travel contacts to secure a table. But it was worth every bit of effort. The look on my boys’ faces was priceless, and they declared the themed dishes the “best food they’d ever had!” (I beg to differ, but it was magical nonetheless.)
Day 2: Tsukiji Market & Sushi-Making Class
I had pre-booked a lot of activities for this holiday and our first one was a food tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market, and I was blown away by how adventurous the boys were with their tastes — trying things they would never touch at home. Our guide introduced us to shrimp crackers and Taiyaki (a fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean or custard — I opted for the latter, and it was heavenly).
That afternoon, we tried our hand at a sushi-making class. The boys (especially my picky eater) loved it, and the session was warm, interactive, and shared with other travellers from Australia and the US. If you’re going to make sushi, Tokyo is the place to do it! This was a highlight of the trip and something I can easily arrange in advance for you. It’s a fun, interactive way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Day 3: Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine & Robot Cafés
Despite heavy rain today, we met our private guide and explored Shibuya Crossing — though not as busy as expected due to the weather. Here, we also learned the touching story of Hachiko, the loyal dog whose statue stands outside the station.
We took refuge at Pepper Parlour, where robotic waiters sing and dance — a quirky and entertaining break! Next was the tranquil Meiji Shrine, which feels worlds away from the buzzing Takeshita Street just minutes away. The day ended at Tokyo Skytree — sadly cloud-covered, but still an architectural marvel.
Day 4: DisneySea Magic
Our final day in Tokyo was spent at Tokyo DisneySea — the only one of its kind in the world. Despite a rainy start, once inside, the atmosphere was fantastic. The Japanese hospitality was incredible — staff greeted us with smiles and waves at every turn.
Final Thoughts
Five days in Tokyo flew by, and we barely scratched the surface. There is so much to see and do, and I cannot recommend enough having tours and key experiences pre-booked — it really helps you maximise your time.
Be warned though — your step count will soar! My husband swore he had never walked so much in his life. Comfortable shoes are a must… and perhaps leave the heels at home (yes, one of our guides wore them!).
Next stop: the bullet train to Hakone… stay tuned for the next part of our Japan adventure!
Why Book Japan with Me?
Planning Japan isn’t like booking an average holiday. Many experiences — from theme restaurants to cultural classes — require reservations months in advance, and train passes and attraction tickets can be confusing to arrange.
When you book with me, I:
• Create a personalised itinerary tailored to your interests, travel style, and pace • Secure hard-to-get reservations (like the Pokémon Café, Michelin-starred restaurants, and private guides) • Arrange seamless transfers & JR Passes so you travel with ease • Recommend the best hotels for location, comfort, and value • Provide 24/7 support while you’re away, so you never have to worry about a thing
Ready to Experience Japan?
If you’re ready to experience Japan stress-free and in style, I’d love to create your dream itinerary.
Message me today to start planning your Japan adventure — and let my expertise turn your trip into the journey of a lifetime.
