Tokyo Old Town, Museums and Neighborhoods

Stay in Ueno and Asakusa, take a leisurely stroll through Yanaka's old streets and the National Museum, visit Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa, and add a day trip to Kamakura

Use Ueno and Asakusa as your base, which is convenient from Narita Airport. The focus is on the everyday feel of old Tokyo: Yanaka Ginza, Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum. One day in western Tokyo covers the Ghibli Museum, Inokashira Park and the vintage shops of Shimokitazawa. Another day is spent in Kamakura, seeing the Great Buddha and its Zen temples. This trip suits repeat visitors and those who enjoy a slow pace, museums and neighborhood walks. Busy commercial districts such as Shibuya and Shinjuku are not highlights.

Kamakura's hydrangea season in June brings heavy crowds on weekends, so visit on a weekday if possible.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive and explore Ameyoko in Ueno

Central Tokyo（Ameya-Yokochō (Ameyoko)、Senso-ji Temple）

Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita International Airport to Ueno, about 45 minutes. After checking in, stroll through Ameyoko, then take the subway to Asakusa in the evening.

Senso-ji Temple is quieter after its evening illumination, making it a good time to photograph Kaminarimon and the five-story pagoda.

Stay: Ueno & Asakusa

Day 2 · Ueno museums and Yanaka's old streets

Central Tokyo（Ueno Park、Tokyo National Museum、Yanaka Ginza）

Walk all day. It takes about 20 minutes from Ueno Park to Yanaka Ginza. Return via Nippori Station.

The Tokyo National Museum is usually closed on Mondays, so avoid visiting that day.

Stay: Ueno & Asakusa

Day 3 · Ghibli Museum, Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa

Central Tokyo（Ghibli Museum, Mitaka、Inokashira Park & Kichijoji、Shimokitazawa）

Take the JR Chuo Line to Mitaka, about 40 minutes. Walk through Inokashira Park to Kichijoji, then take the Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa, about 15 minutes.

The Ghibli Museum requires advance booking. Tickets are released monthly, so book early. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Stay: Ueno & Asakusa

Day 4 · Temples and the Great Buddha in Kamakura

Kamakura（Engaku-ji Temple、Tsurugaoka Hachimangu、Komachi-dori、Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in)、Hase-dera）

From Ueno, take the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line and transfer to the Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura, about 75 minutes. Walk to Kamakura Station, then take the Enoden line to Hase.

Weekends are crowded, so leave on an early train on a weekday if you can.

Stay: Ueno & Asakusa

Day 5 · Marunouchi and Imperial Palace before departure

Central Tokyo（Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building、Tokyo Imperial Palace & East Gardens）

Take the JR line to Tokyo Station, about 8 minutes. Walk through the Imperial Palace East Gardens. In the afternoon, take the Narita Express from Tokyo Station to the airport, about 1 hour.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays. You can leave your luggage at the station before exploring.

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