Plan Your 2025 Tokyo Dream Trip

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Japan, there’s no better time than now to turn those plans into reality.

I’ve been to Tokyo twice now! The first time was a solo trip back in 2019 for 7 days, and it was amazing. The second trip was in November 2023, and I explored Kyoto too—it was so much fun. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here’s my full 2023 itinerary:

Day 1: The Journey Begins

(room tour)
I started with a flight from Washington, DC, to LA to reposition myself. Flights are shorter and more frequent from LAX to Tokyo, and honestly, I wasn’t trying to be on a plane for that long, so I decided to fly Delta. Plus, I wanted to check out LA and try new things (like Erewhon). I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills because I prioritize Hilton hotels—I’m a Diamond member, so perks like room upgrades and free breakfast make it worth it.

Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo

After landing in Tokyo, I stayed at the Tokyo Prince Hotel for the stunning Tokyo Tower view from the balcony. Jetlag hit hard, but I rallied and headed to Ginza. It’s a shopper’s paradise with the world’s largest Uniqlo and all the luxury brands you can imagine.

Day 3: Tsukiji Market & Shibuya

Jetlag woke me up early, so I took advantage and went to the Tsukiji Outer Market by 6 AM—highly recommend getting there early to beat the crowds! I tried so many Japanese eats, from Wagyu to incredibly fresh sushi. Later, we visited Shibuya Crossing, which is just as mesmerizing as you’d expect. Shibuya Crossing is often called the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. During peak hours, over 3,000 people can cross at once in all directions!

Day 4: Chill Day & Hotel Switch

We switched hotels to the Conrad Tokyo—stunning, and the breakfast is next-level. (Hilton Diamond perks came in clutch here!) One day, they had lobster omelets; another day, it was truffle omelets. After a relaxed morning, we explored Harajuku for all the cute Kawaii vibes and checked out some luxury consignment stores in Omotesando. I’ve got a full list of must-visit stores if you’re interested.

Day 5: TeamLab Planets & Wagyu Feast

We spent the evening at TeamLab Planets (book tickets early!), which was such a cool experience. Afterward, we treated ourselves to all-you-can-eat Wagyu. Since it’s local, Wagyu is way cheaper here—we paid around $50 per person.

Day 6: Day Trip to Kyoto

This was a packed day! We woke up super early to take the bullet train to Kyoto. We had an all-day tour and visited incredible landmarks like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the bamboo forest, and several temples. We logged close to 30,000 steps before heading back to Tokyo in the evening—completely exhausted but so worth it.

Day 7: Asakusa & Souvenirs

We visited the iconic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, dressed up in traditional Japanese clothing, and took tons of photos. There are plenty of souvenir shops in this area, so it’s a great spot to pick up gifts and keepsakes.

Day 8: Heading Home

I wanted to check out Tokyo Disney but ran out of time! It’s on my list for next time—I’m planning to return this spring.

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Tokyo Tips:

• Suica Card: Add it to your Apple Wallet before your trip. If Visa doesn’t work to load money, try Amex or Mastercard. You can use Suica for trains, snacks, and more.

• Cash: Use 7/11 ATMs for the best exchange rates. Japan is still very cash-heavy.

• Hotels: Book a hotel on the train green line—it’s the most convenient.

• Shopping: Bring an extra suitcase or leave space in your luggage—you’ll probably shop a lot.

• Immigration/Customs: Visit Japan Web before landing to get your barcode for immigration and customs.

• Tax-Free Shopping: Sign up for a barcode to save 10% at stores offering tax-free deals.

• Offline Maps: Use Apple Maps, not Google Maps. Favorite all the places you want to visit.

• Bullet Train: Buy tickets in advance through the SmartEX app. You’ll get finalized seat assignments the next day.

Consignment Stores to Visit:

• Ragtag

• Brandoff

• Casanova Vintage

• Amore Vintage

• Kindal

That’s my 2023 Tokyo and Kyoto trip! If you’re planning a visit and need recommendations, let me know.