Japan
Day 1: Tokyo
Start your Japan adventure in Tokyo! Today you'll explore Asakusa and its nearby areas.
Start your day with delicious fluffy pancakes at Benizuru
What better way to begin your Japan adventure than with a stack of world-famous fluffy pancakes at Benizuru? This cozy little spot offers different pancake flavors, from the classic honey and butter to savory bacon and egg. Customize your pancakes with toppings like whipped cream, custard, and rum raisins. The atmosphere is as delightful as the pancakes themselves, making it the perfect breakfast spot!
You’re only 7 minutes away from your next stop of the day!
Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple
Next, head over to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple. The vibrant red gates and bustling market atmosphere will transport you back in time. Make sure to look out for the iconic Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon) and have a stroll down Nakamise Street. This street is filled with traditional shops and local snacks, the whole atmosphere here is exactly why we (and you) came to Japan.
DIY street food tour around Asakusa
After soaking in the spiritual vibes of Senso-ji, it's time for a DIY street food tour around Asakusa. Begin with unagi on rice at Asakusa Unana, a delightful eel dish that is both savory and satisfying. Next up: grab some tempura chips at Asakusa Seisakusho Tempura Chips. For dessert, try the sweet potato creme brulee at Imo Pippi and the strawberry tanghulu at Can. Gold-plated, delicious strawberry skewers that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Most of these treats can be found in or around Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street, just minutes from Senso-ji.
Views over Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
While you're in Asakusa, be sure to visit the free observation deck at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Located on the 8th floor, it offers excellent views of Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree!
A 25-minute walk is all it takes to get to your next location. Chances are you’ll already see it in the distance!
More impressive city views at Tokyo Skytree
Next, head to the iconic Tokyo Skytree for another breathtaking view. As Japan's tallest structure, it offers stunning city skyline vistas. The Skytree has two observation levels: the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters. For the best experience, we recommend the Tembo Galleria ticket, which provides the highest view of Tokyo. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji!
Time to head back to Asakusa. Just a 20-minute walk takes you to the dinner spot of the day.
Delicious ramen at Tokichiro
If you want to have a very local, and very delicious dinner, definitely go to Tokichiro. This is a true hidden gem (for now) which means you probably won’t have to queue up. They only have 8 seats available, when we were there we got seated right in front of the kitchen! Talk about an intimate experience. The ramen we got here was definitely in our top 3 ramen in all of Japan!
A 20-minute walk will take you to your accommodation.
Check in at HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusa
Check in at HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusa, which offers great value for money. Rooms start at € 50 per night and include all the essentials. Just be aware that the rooms are quite small, which is common in Japan.
