Aussie travellers are still deciding whether to choose Japan as their holiday destination, whether it's with family and friends or for a solo trip, either this year or next. It's worth noting that Tokyo has become one of the favourite destinations for tourists worldwide. But why?

Tokyo, like New York and Beijing, is a bustling city with a strong economy. Many large companies have chosen Tokyo as their headquarters, attracting people from all over Japan in search of work opportunities. Tokyo Metropolitan City comprises 23 special districts and is home to over 37 million people. It's no surprise that Tokyo is known for its dense population.

Tokyo is the largest prefecture in Japan and serves as the capital of the Land of the Sun. It offers unique and extraordinary experiences, ranging from wearing a kimono all day to indulging in delicious culinary specialities like ramen, sashimi, gyoza, and sushi. These delicacies can be found in a variety of establishments, from roadside bars to high-end restaurants.

Don't forget to try other local specialities as well, such as soba (buckwheat noodles), tempura, unagi, and yakitori. Additionally, there are yoshoku (Japanese Western dishes), tonkatsu (breaded pork fillet), and wagyu (Japanese premium beef) to satisfy your taste buds.

In Tokyo, you can also enjoy breathtaking natural views of Mount Fuji, spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea, immerse yourself in Japanese culture through Kabuki theatre, and explore the spiritual side of Japan by visiting sacred and majestic temples like Meiji Shrine and Asakusa Kannon Shrine (Senso-ji).

On the first day, Australians will have the opportunity to explore the lively city of Tokyo after a long journey from various cities in Australia such as Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and Cairns. It's important to note that Tokyo is served by two international airports, Haneda and Narita.

If you are coming from Cairns, it is recommended to choose Narita airport due to its shorter flight duration compared to Haneda. This will help reduce fatigue and save time. However, to reach downtown Tokyo from Narita, you will need to take a train as Narita is located in Chiba prefecture. Don't worry, the train ride only takes 36 minutes, so you'll arrive in no time.

Recommendations for exploring the city:

Shimokitazawa is known as the Japanese Curry District. Every October, the annual Curry Festival takes place here. When you first arrive, treat your taste buds by dining at one of the curry shops during lunchtime. For a challenge, try eating curry served with gelato and spices.

Harajuku is the centre of the youth area, just 15 minutes away by train from Shimokitazawa. Explore fashion boutiques, cute (kawaii) souvenir shops, unique cafes, and restaurants. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss out on desserts and street snacks like crepes, special ice cream, and enormous cotton balls. After indulging in culinary delights, visit Yoyogi Park, the largest park in Tokyo located in the Harajuku area.

For dinner, head to Shinjuku where you can try various types of food. Sushi, ramen, tonkatsu, shabu-shabu, Japanese BBQ, and more are available. The prices are affordable and the taste is delicious. If you're a ramen lover, stop by Ichiran Ramen or Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho. For sushi, try Himawari Sushi. If you're in the mood for something fried, check out Tempura Tsunahachi or Tonkatsu Hamakatsu. For a Michelin experience, visit Kyourakutei (a Michelin-starred soba restaurant) or Nakajima (the cheapest Michelin restaurant in Tokyo).

Finally, enjoy a 360-degree panoramic night view from the height of the Shibuya Sky Observatory. From the edge of the observatory, you can see Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Roppongi Hills. Make sure to visit the Sky Gallery to enjoy dazzling digital artwork.

Hotels Recommendation Nearby

Location: 1-2-9, Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kanto, Japan, 160-0021

Nearby: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Seibu-Shinjuku Station, Hanazono Shrine, Tokyo National Olympic Stadium, Meiji Jingu-mae Station, NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building

Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, WiFi, Elevator, and many more

Price/room/night: Starts from JPY 17,252.67

Location: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kanto, Japan, 160-8330

Sightseeing: Mt Fuji

Nearby: Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Shinjuku Station, NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building, Meiji Jingu-mae Station, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo National Olympic Stadium

Facilities: Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, WiFi, Elevator, complimentary breakfast (depending on your room booked)

Price/room/night: Starts from JPY 38,176.90

Budget Estimation:

Your total on Day 1 in Tokyo is approximately JPY 124,820 to JPY 140,746. These budgets are only for a flight ticket and a hotel room.

In the morning, we walked to Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, one of Tokyo's largest and most famous gardens. This tranquil place is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic under the trees, or simply escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. If you visit during spring or fall, don't forget to bring a mat and some snacks to enjoy a picnic under the cherry blossoms or surrounded by colourful autumn leaves.

Next, we immersed ourselves in the world of Kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese theatre that dates back to the Edo Period. Kabuki performances are known for their elaborate costumes, striking makeup, and captivating stage presence.

The stories often revolve around historical events, moral conflicts, love, tragedy, and other well-known tales. To enhance your understanding of this ancient art form, it's worth checking if headsets are available to provide narration and explanations in English.

We then ventured to teamLab Planets Tokyo, an extraordinary digital art installation where art and technology seamlessly merge to create a mesmerising experience. Prepare to be amazed by the immersive and interactive nature of this attraction.

A visit to the Meiji Shrine is a must. This popular tourist attraction offers expansive grounds, tranquil paths, and a forested area with over 100,000 trees. Explore the ancient temple buildings and don't miss the opportunity to visit the Meiji Jingu Museum.

We enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere of Old Tokyo in Asakusa. This vibrant district is famous for its iconic Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs.

Anime, manga, or Japanese game fans shouldn't miss a visit to Akihabara, also known as "Electric Town." This area is a paradise for enthusiasts, offering a wide range of electronic goods, video games, manga, and anime merchandise at discounted prices.

To relax and unwind, we indulged in an onsen bath at Oedo Onsen Monogatari. This hot spring facility is designed to resemble the Edo Period, providing a unique and nostalgic ambiance. Don't forget to try the "Doctor Fish" foot massage, where small fish gently nibble away dead skin from your feet.

Budget Estimation:

The budget estimation for destinations on Day 2 approximately cost around JPY 9,288.50.

A full-day tour will take you to Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, famous for its hot springs. The itinerary includes visiting Mount Fuji's 5th Station, located at 2,300 metres elevation. After that, you will cruise along the beautiful Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone's last eruption approximately 3,000 years ago. Finally, you will ride the Komagatake Ropeway, which offers breathtaking views of Hakone National Park.

Activities Recommendation:

Price: Starts from JPY 15,040.39

You can book Mount Fuji and Hakone Tour on Traveloka.

Address: Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland/Disneysea), 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan

Are you an Aussie fan of Disney or theme parks? Take advantage of the opportunity to spend a day at Tokyo Disney Resort, which is home to two Disney Parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Both parks offer unique attractions and rides suitable for people of all ages.

Disneyland is the better choice if you're looking for a classic Disney experience. However, if you're interested in attractions geared towards adults, DisneySea could be the right option for you. Just a suggestion, if you have the chance, try to visit both parks.

Activities Recommendation:

Price: Starts from JPY 8,434.04

Book your Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland OR DisneySea) Tickets only on Traveloka.

The final day is dedicated to shopping and sightseeing. In the morning, start by visiting the Toyosu Fish Market, where a daily tuna auction usually takes place from 5.30 am to 6.30 am. If you're a seafood lover, you can enjoy a meal at the market restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes from sushi to ramen.

There are several famous shopping districts with large department stores, charming boutiques, vintage shops, and high-end retail outlets for souvenirs. Consider exploring Ginza, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. Spend according to your needs while staying within your budget.

Activities Recommendation:

The budget estimation for Day 4 may vary depending on your shopping preferences.

Here is the itinerary for a 4D3N trip to Tokyo. Besides Tokyo, Japan has other multiple cities you won’t miss, including Sapporo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. If you can't wait to get away to Tokyo, Japan, in the last month of 2023, just book your hotel in Tokyo, accommodation, and activities in Tokyo only on the Traveloka website!