Local Gems
Discover some of our Omotenashi concierges’ favourite things to do while you are in Tokyo.
Choose the places and activities that can’t be missed!
Concierge’s Top Picks for a Day
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Discover some of our Omotenashi concierges’ favourite things to do while you are in Tokyo.
Choose the places and activities that can’t be missed!
Concierge’s Top Picks for a Day
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|
Hey train lovers, I’m sharing my perfect day itinerary for anyone who shares my passion for trains and transportation. If you are staying at Shiba Park Hotel, you are in the perfect spot to start this adventure.
Being your day by heading to the second floor deck of the JOQR Media Plus building of Nippon Cultural Broadcasting Inc., near JR Hamamatsucho station. From here, you can gaze eastward and watch an array of Shinkansen (bullet train), express trains, and more crisscrossing the tracks. Tokyo’s rail system is one of the most complex yet punctual in the world, and observing this symphony of movement is mesmerizing. Capturing the Shinkansen, Yamanote line, Keihin-Tohoku line, and the elevated Yurikamome all within one frame will make any train enthusiast’s heart race.
After soaking in the sights, take a short train ride from JR Hamamatsucho station to JR Akihabara station. Just a 4-minute walk from the station, you’ll find mAAch ecute KANDA MANSEIBASHI, home to “the world’s closest café to trains.” Enjoy a delightful lunch here while watching trains by just a few feet away. The location also features train diorama displays and art exhibits, making it a perfect spot to relax and immerse yourself in train culture.
If you have time in the afternoon, hop on the Yurikamome line from JR Shimbashi station to Odaiba-Kaihinkoen station. Make sure to grab a front-row seat in the lead car for an exhilarating view – the Yurikamome is an automated transit system with no driver, so you’ll feel like you’re at the helm. Once you arrive at Odaiba-Kaihinkoen station, it’s just a 2-minute walk to Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park with around 20 attractions. From thrilling roller coasters to immersive shooting games and diverse escape room challenges, Joypolis offers fun for both kids and adults alike.
After an exciting day, make sure not to fall asleep on the train ride back to your hotel. Enjoy the ride and reflect on the fantastic experiences you’ve had, and prepare for another day of exploring Tokyo.
Happy travels and train spotting!
Since you’re here in Japan, why not immerse yourself in the fascinating and unique aspects of Japanese culture? One of my favorites is Japanese Manga and Anime, which offer a wide range of genres and themes and feature deep storytelling.
Let’s start our exploration from Akihabara, the heart of “otaku” (people with obsessive interests, particularly in Manga and Anime) culture, just about 20 minutes from our hotel! One unique experience you can have in Japan is visiting a maid cafe. As you nervously open the door, the staff, dressed as maids, enthusiastically greet you with, “Welcome home, Master!” From that moment, you transform from a mere customer into the “Master of the House.” You can order your favorite dishes from a menu created by the maids, and when they serve your food, they cast a “deliciousness spell” with special words and gestures, making your meal a one-of-a-kind, special dish!
After enjoying lunch and shopping in this lively area full of electronics stores, Anime shops, and game arcades, it’s time to satisfy your Anime cravings even further. Head over to Ikebukuro to visit the world’s largest Anime shop, animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store, recognized by Guinness World Records. With its vast space from basement level 2 to the 9th floor, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer size. Besides Manga and Anime character shops and game shops, there’s a dedicated exhibition space called “Space Galleria” and the “Animate Theater” with 208 seats. Even those who aren’t hardcore Anime fans will find something to enjoy at animate Ikebukuro.
Next, let me introduce you to the “Gashapon Department Store” in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. This shop also holds a Guinness World Record for the most capsule toy machines, with around 3,000! Choosing what to get can be a challenge, but finding your favorite is part of the fun.
To wrap up your day filled with Manga and Anime, how about a dinner of Japanese seasonal Kaiseki cuisine in a tatami room? Near Ikebukuro station, there are hidden gem restaurants where you can dine in a private and cozy setting.
Enjoy your delicious meal to the fullest, and don’t forget to take care of the treasures you’ve collected throughout the day! Make sure not to leave any of your newly acquired treasures behind at the restaurant!
If you want to dive into the latest trends and enjoy a mix of modern and traditional Japanese culture, follow this guide for the perfect day in Harajuku and beyond. Start your day at Harajuku station and head straight to Takeshita street. This lively pedestrian street is overflowing with pop culture and the latest fashion trends. As you wander through, make sure to visit KIDDY LAND, a paradise for all things cute and quirky. You’ll definitely find something that captures your heart and screams KAWAII! After indulging in some serious shopping, it’s time to try on a kimono. Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments still worn today during celebrations and festivals. Wearing a kimono is a beautiful way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and make this day truly special. Dressed in your elegant kimono, make your way to Meiji Shrine. This serene sanctuary offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Harajuku. Take a moment to visit the grand main hall and explore the tranquil shrine grounds. You can also check out the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden and the Meiji Jingu Museum for a deeper appreciation of Japanese history and tradition.
Next, head over to Yoyogi Park, right next to Meiji Shrine. This urban oasis is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the seasonal flowers are always a delight. Grab some traditional Japanese sweets and a drink from a nearby cafe, then enjoy a relaxing picnic in the park. Don’t forget to check out THE TOKYO TOILET, a collection of unique public restrooms designed by world-renowned architects. These restrooms are not just functional but also fascinating pieces of art!
As evening approaches, walk over to Shibuya. it is a hub of the latest trends and has a variety of quirky and fun places to eat. Check out Shibuya Center Street for unique concept izakayas (Japanese pubs) or head to Shibuya Yokocho to enjoy soul food from all over Japan. As the center of the latest trends, Shibuya has everything you wish. You are sure to find a restaurant that suits your mood of the day.
To cap off your incredible day, visit Shibuya SKY, an observation deck 229 meters above ground. Enjoy a drink while taking in the breathtaking night views of Tokyo. It’s the perfect way to end your day, savoring the city’s dazzling skyline and reflecting on all the amazing experiences you’ve had.
Let me guide you through a perfect day in Tokyo, starting in the historic Shiba area. Just a 5-minute walk from the Shiba Park Hotel, you’ll find Zojoji Temple, established in 1393 and deeply connected to the Tokugawa Shogunate. As you pass through the “Daimon Gate” and under the Sangedatsumon gate, you’ll be greeted by the majestic main hall with Tokyo Tower standing tall in the background. The contrast between Japan’s rich history and the modern skyline is absolutely breathtaking!
From there, head over to Tokyo Tower, the iconic 333-meter radio tower built in 1958. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city—see if you can spot Shiba Park Hotel from up there!
For lunch, I recommend Tofuya Ukai, where you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine in a beautiful Japanese garden setting. Indulge in seasonal dishes paired with sake or Japanese whisky in this luxurious, serene environment. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
After experiencing the best of Japanese hospitality, hop on the Sky Hop Bus and head to the Imperial Palace, a green oasis in the heart of Tokyo. The palace grounds cover about 20% of Chiyoda Ward, and it’s the perfect place for some stunning photos—especially with the iconic Nijubashi Bridge in the background.
Once you’ve soaked in the history and traditional architecture, get back on the Sky Hop Bus and head to Odaiba, where you can enjoy shopping or grab a snack to enjoy at Odaiba Marine Park. Afterward, take a 20-minute relaxing journey on the Water Bus across Tokyo Bay. This scenic cruise offers a unique perspective of the city’s skyline, free from the hustle and bustle of traffic, as you head toward WATERS takeshiba.
As you disembark, enjoy a meal or a drink by the waterfront and toast to a day well spent. The walk back to the hotel offers a special treat: a beautifully illuminated Tokyo Tower, a sight reserved for those staying at Shiba Park Hotel. As you approach the hotel entrance, you’ll be welcomed by the soothing sounds of a fountain and the warmth of the fireplace. Why not end your day with a good book and a glass of wine in the Library Lounge?
