An underlying theme of “oku/ura” which literally means “back” permeates through the trip, allowing us to explore through the back streets/lesser known areas of Tokyo and the above mentioned prefectures while enjoying the tried and true sightseeing destinations in which the multiple areas and regions included in this FAM are famous for.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Tokyo is a dynamic, world-leading city that attracts people from around the world.
In addition, by using public transportation such as the Shinkansen bullet train, express trains, and highway buses, visitors can enjoy a more enjoyable one-day tour of tourist attractions throughout Japan, starting in Tokyo.
8:30am:SHINJUKU STATION
Romancecar Hakone:Shinjuku → Hakone Yumoto
10:00am:UETA GLASS
MAKING EXPERIENCE
Nearby Hakone-Yumoto Station, The Ueta Glass Making Studio can be found by the Haya River. Ueta Glass Making Studio is originally from nearby Shizuoka Prefecture, where it has gained popularity and has expanded to have 4 studios. The area around the Hakone-Yumoto Station is a place where you can also enjoy various goods such as Hakone’s traditional woodcrafts, and local food and snacks.
0:00pm:GODAI FUKUAN: SOBA NOODLE RESTAURANT
Hakone Tozan Railway: Hakone Yumoto → Gora
At this restaurant, enjoy Hakone soba noodles made with only carefully selected buckwheat flour from Hokkaido (cold soba only) and “kaeshi,” or buckwheat noodles that have been slowly laid down for five months, each with its own special flavor.
1:30pm:POLA MUSEUM
OF ART
Shuttle Bus: Gora → POLA Museum of Art
Located within Hakone’s Sengokuhara area, an area hidden away from the more touristy areas of Hakone, is the POLA Museum of Art. The museum boasts one of the largest collections of Impressionist paintings in Japan. The decision to build the museum in Sengokuhara allowed for an architectural design that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. The POLA Museum of Art, designed by Nikken Sekkei, is largely built underground to minimize its impact on the landscape, creating a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
3:30pm:GOTEMBA PREMIUM OUTLETS
Hakone Tozan Bus: POLA Museum of Art → Sengokuhara Syogakkoumae → Gotemba Premium Outlet
This outlet mall has the most shops in Japan and has a great view of Mount Fuji. Here you can buy brand-name clothing popular worldwide at more than 200 shops at bargain prices. Upon arrival, visit the welcome center. Pick a sunny day to visit, and you’ll see a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji from the bridge between the eastern and western zones. This outlet mall is a great opportunity to indulge in some shopping right by the impressive Mount Fuji.
5:20pm:ODAKYU HIGHWAY BUS
Odakyu Highway Bus: Gotemba Premium Outlet → Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal)
10:00am:SHIBUYA SKY
SHIBUYA SKY is Shibuya’s iconic observatory deck that overlooks the whole of Shibuya. After taking in the cityscape, we head down to the lesser known streets of Shibuya, browsing through “Oku-shibu”, meaning a local way of saying “Oku-Shibuya” for short, which translates to “Inner Shibuya”.
There you can discover many hole-in-the-wall coffee shops and cafes reside, as well as fun shops for trinkets and book shops.
0:30pm:
STEAK&HAMBURGER
THE LINKING
Various dishes from spiced Mexican essence tapas to boldly grilled steaks and more.
2:30pm:TAKESHITA STREET
Yamanote Line: Shibuya → Harajuku
Arguably the birthplace of the Harajuku Fashion scene, Takeshita Street is one of Harajuku’s most well known places to visit. People gather to this street, getting the sense of Tokyo’s city life. After browsing though Takeshita Street, we will find ourselves roaming through “Ura-Hara (=Ura-Harajuku)”, where indie shops and stylish cafes wait for the casual urban explorer. Thrift shops as well as indie brands thrive within these back streets of Harajuku
6:00pm:SHIBUYA YAKINIKU
KAMIYAMA
Taxi: Takeshita Street → Shibuya Yakiniku Kamiyama
All seats are private and reservations are required. Enjoy luxurious Japanese black beef Yakiniku (Grilled meat) in a sophisticated space located in Oku-Shibu (=Oku-Shibuya).
9:30am:SHIBUYA STATION
Shonan-Shinjuku Line / Toyoko Line: Shibuya → Yokohama
10:30am:YAMAHA MUSIC
YOKOHAMA MINATOMIRAI
MUSIC CANVAS
Yokohama Symphostage’s YAMAHA Music Yokohama Minatomirai holds the Music Canvas, which is a dynamic event that combines diverse musical performances with interactive art installations.
0:00pm:BISTRO CHINA ENCORE
Casual restaurant featuring Yokohama-Style Chinese and Western Cuisine
1:45pm:OTABISHO YOKOHAMA NOH THEATER
OTABISHO where exhibition of Japanese Noh and Kyogen are being held. Both Noh and Kyogen are integral parts of Japan’s cultural heritage, offering contrasting yet complementary experiences of traditional Japanese theater, with Noh being serious and meditative, while Kyogen being light-hearted and humorous.
2:45pm:YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
Yokohama Air Cabin: Unga Park → Sakuragicho
The Yokohama Air Cabin is Japan’s first urban circular ropeway, offering a unique way to traverse the city while enjoying elevated views from above, taking in the whole of Yokohama’s beauty.
3:30pm:KOFUKUJI MATSUBARA
SHOPPING STREET
Negishi Line to Sotetsu Main Line: Sakuragicho → Yokohama → Tennocho
The street is known for its lively atmosphere, with energetic vendors calling out to customers. It originated in the post-war era and has maintained its reputation for offering affordable goods. The market’s charm lies in its “cheapness” and “humanity,” making it a beloved spot for locals.
6:00pm:ARAIYA
Sotetsu Main Line to Minatomirai Line: Tennocho → Yokohama → Bashamichi
Long-established beef hot pot restaurant in Yokohama City.
8:00am:COFFEE SHOP CARIB
Eat a sandwich, coffee and dessert at a coffee shop in Asakusa.
10:00am:SENSO-JI & KURAMAE
Asakusa Line: Asakusa → Kuramae
Skipping the crowds, we will head for a quaint walk through the famous Sensoji in the morning. Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, with a history dating back to its founding in 628 AD. According to legend, the temple was built to enshrine a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, found by fishermen in the nearby Sumida River. With a brief coffee break at a cafe called “Morning” we head to Kuramae, known as “Tokyo’s Brooklyn”. Known for its stylish artisanal shops, Kuramae blends historical heritage with contemporary creativity, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s artisanal culture and urban development.
0:30pm:INF SUMIDAGAWA ITALIAN
Eat Italian Cuisine on the riverside terrace overlooking the Sumida River and TOKYO SKYTREE ® or in a stylish restaurant.
2:30pm:JIYUCHO &
“OKU-ASAKUSA”
During the later half of the day we will go to a beautiful and poetic cafe called “Sealed Light”, where we will have the chance to write letters to send to ourselves 1 year into the future. After our cafe visit, we will head to Senzoku Street and the Asakusa Underground Shopping Mall. Senzoku street will give us a glimpse of local Tokyo-life, while the Asakusa Underground Shopping mall will take us back in time to an older Tokyo where retro shops are frozen in time.
9:00am:NEW SPACIA X PREMIUM SEATS
SPACIA X: Asakusa → Tobu Nikko
0:30pm:OKU-NIKKO,
CHUZENJI LAKE
Bus: Tobu Nikko → Chuzenji Onsen
The center of the Oku-Nikko area is Lake Chuzenji, a spot that has attracted many overseas visitors, including ambassadors from various countries who have built villas there over the years.Visitors can rent e-bikes and freely explore the area around Lake Chuzenji. Other picturesque sights include the famous Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and other temples and shrines.
2:00pm:RITZ CARLTON NIKKO LOBBY LOUNGE
Overlooking a picturesque garden through wide windows, comfortable sofas are an invitation to browse the collection of artwork and books, and a fireplace and music are the perfect pairing for a light meal or our Nikko Afternoon Tea experience.
6:00pm:MUSSHU OGAWA
PAIPU NO KEMURI
Bus: Chuzenji Onsen → Tobu Nikko
Nikko Line: Nikko → Utsunomiya
Taxi: Utsunomiya → Musshu Ogawa Paipu no Kemuri
Utsunomiya’s reputation as the “City of Cocktails” stems from its deep-rooted cocktail culture, skilled bartenders, use of local ingredients, and vibrant cocktail scene that continues to thrive and evolve. It has become a destination not only for locals but also for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a unique and memorable drinking experience in Japan. Tochigi Prefecture, where Utsunomiya is located, is known for its agricultural produce, including fruits like strawberries and melons, which are often incorporated into cocktails. The availability of fresh, local ingredients enhances the quality and variety of cocktails served in the city.
0:00pm:KAGURAZAKA AND
THE HIDDEN GEMS WITHIN
While known as Tokyo’s “Little Paris”, Kagurazaka hosts chic shops, and a small French community, with French language schools and restaurants dotted within. Historically, Kagurazaka was an entertainment district during the Edo period (1603-1868), known for its geisha houses, traditional Japanese restaurants (ryotei), and teahouses. Today, remnants of this heritage can still be seen in the preserved architecture and narrow alleyways. Kagurazaka’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it a fascinating destination within Tokyo.
2:00pm:MELON ROMAN CAFE
Enjoy a variety of menu items at Japan's first fruit cafe specializing in melons.
3:00pm:SOKUN
Participate in an Aroma Making Workshop where you can create your own unique scent in a completely private space.
6:00pm:DESIGNO
A French restaurant where you can enjoy traditional French cuisine with attention to each dish.
8:30pm:TOKYO NIGHT & LIGHT
Oedo Line: Ushigome Kagurazaka → Tocho Mae
TOKYO Night & Light not only showcases technological innovation but also serves as a cultural attraction that enhances the urban landscape of Shinjuku. It offers visitors a unique and memorable experience that combines artistry with modern technology against the backdrop of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis. In addition, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory is open at night, making it one of the spots where you can enjoy the night view of Shinjuku.
Digital Creator
RYAN CROUSE
A popular Instagrammer and ticktocker who continues to share information about his daily life in Tokyo and her travels, unique content she has discovered, and encounters with people.
