Morning at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
We started our day bright and early at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, arriving right at 9:00 a.m. when the gates opened. Admission is ¥500 for adults, and you can simply tap your Suica card to pay, which makes getting in quick and easy.
The gardens are much larger than I expected, so definitely wear comfortable shoes. We spent the morning wandering through the beautifully landscaped gardens, although the tropical greenhouse was still closed when we arrived since it opens a little later than the main entrance.
Before leaving, we stopped at Rakuutei, a traditional tea house inside the park, for some dango. It was the perfect way to slow down before heading back into the city’s energy.
Shopping in Shinjuku
Our next stop was Shinjuku-dori Avenue for a bit of shopping. We specifically wanted to visit the UNIQLO flagship store, which offers custom T-shirt or tote bag printing, a fun souvenir if you’re looking for something a little different.
From there, we made our way to Don Quijote. I’ll be honest, I think it’s a bit of a tourist trap. You can usually find many of the same products elsewhere for better prices. That said, if it’s your first time in Japan, I’d still recommend stopping by at least once. The music, the endless aisles, and the chaos make it an experience in itself.
One thing we hadn’t planned for was needing to return to the hotel to drop off our shopping bags. It turned out to be a good reminder that staying in a central area can be a huge advantage. We weren’t planning a full shopping day, but whenever we found something we loved, we bought it rather than hoping we’d have time to come back later.
Afternoon in Ueno and Asakusa
In the afternoon, we headed to Ueno Park. It’s a pleasant place for a walk, but if I’m being honest, I probably wouldn’t make a special trip just for the park itself unless it’s already on your route.
Our final stop was Nakamise Shopping Street, leading up to Senso-ji Temple, and this ended up being one of my favorite areas in Tokyo.
The street is packed with food stalls, traditional sweets, souvenir shops, and small local stores. We visited on a Saturday, so it was incredibly busy. I only wish we had allowed more time to explore because there’s so much to see (and eat!).
At the end of the street, you’ll arrive at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Even with the crowds, it’s absolutely worth visiting and the perfect way to wrap up a day exploring Shinjuku, Ueno, and Asakusa.
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