Spring in Japan is a magical time – cherry blossoms dance in the air, the temperatures are mild and Tokyo is at its most beautiful. I travelled to Tokyo in 6 days at the end of April and take you with me on my stylish adventure in the metropolis of contrasts: Tradition meets design, street food meets Michelin, temple meets Tokyo Tower.
Journey to Tokyo
Tokyo itself has two international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT) to the east and Haneda Airport (HND) to the south of the city. For international arrivals from Europe, Narita is often used. onward travel to the city center is well organized – you can reach Tokyo comfortably within 40 to 70 minutes via the Keisei Skyliner, the Narita Express (N’EX), or more budget-friendly options like the Keisei Access Express or the subway.
I flew from Zurich to Tokyo (Narita) via Hong Kong – one of the most popular long-haul routes between Europe and Japan. Many airlines offer comfortable connections with just one layover or even direct flights, for example via major hubs like Hong Kong, Doha, or Dubai. From the airport, we continued by subway to our hotel.
✈️ Tip: You can find direct flights or one-stop connections from Zurich to Tokyo with Swiss, ANA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, or via travel platforms like Skyscanner or Google Flights.
Iconic sights & must-sees – Tokyo between tradition and skylineTravelling to Tokyo
Tokyo is a kaleidoscope of eras: sacred silence next to neon lights, centuries-old rituals next to hypermodern technology. Those who embrace these contrasts will discover places that not only look spectacular, but are also deeply moving.
Tokyo Tower – A classic with charm
The TV tower built in 1958 in Minato is an iconic relic of Japan’s post-war modernism. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it rises 333 meters into the sky – a symbol of progress and elegance. Especially atmospheric: the view at night from one of the nearby parks or through your hotel room window (for example, from the Park Hotel Tokyo with a direct view).
🚇 Access: Take the Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station or the Toei Mita Line to Onarimon Station – both are just a few minutes’ walk away.
📍 Tokyo Tower – Official Website
Senso-ji & Nakamise-dori – Tokyo’s spiritual heart and the silent Asakusa Shrine
Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, the Senso-ji, founded in the year 645. The iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its large red lantern is a popular photo spot. Just beyond it, Nakamise-dori invites visitors to stroll past traditional stalls – offering everything from Japanese snacks to handcrafted souvenirs.
Just a few steps away lies the peaceful Asakusa Shrine (Asakusa-jinja) dating back to the 17th century. Surrounded by old trees and guardian statues, it offers a calm retreat from the bustling crowds.
Evening tip: After the temple closes, the area transforms into an almost magical scene with soft lighting – perfect for a relaxing evening walk.
🚇 Access: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station, Exit 1 or 3.
📍 Senso-ji Temple | Asakusa Shrine
Tokyo Skytree – The city from a height of 450 metres
At 634 meters, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan and one of the tallest in the world. Its two observation decks offer spectacular views – especially at sunset, when Tokyo is bathed in warm light. I visited in the evening to see the city lights.
The visit begins with a high-speed elevator ride that takes you to the first observation deck at 350 meters in just seconds. From here, breathtaking panoramic views unfold, revealing the vast metropolis like a never-ending sea of lights and skyscrapers.
For many visitors, the second, even higher deck at 450 meters is the true highlight – a lofty glass balcony offering nearly 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, and distant mountain ranges.
🚇 Access: Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Oshiage Station – with direct access to Skytree Town.
🎟️ Official Ticket Website
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky – The pulse of the metropolis
The Shibuya Crossing is choreographed chaos: hundreds of people walking in every direction at once – then suddenly: stillness, order, and movement again. Just above it, inside the glass skyscraper Scramble Square, rises the spectacular observation deck Shibuya Sky.
From here, you get a breathtaking 360-degree view over a sea of rooftops, streets, and city lights. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji, while the crowds below look like ants. Especially at sunset, when the city glows in golden light, urban energy and serene vastness merge into an unforgettable panorama.
You should definitely book your ticket well in advance – ideally 4 weeks ahead, especially for sunset slots, which were already sold out when we visited. Overall, we actually enjoyed Shibuya Sky more than Skytree – it was less crowded and felt more relaxed.
🚇 Access: Directly at Shibuya Station, Exit B6 leads into the Scramble Square building. From there, take the elevator to the 14th floor.
📍 Shibuya Sky – Official Website
Meiji Shrine – A green refuge in the heart of Tokyo
The Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) is one of Japan’s most important Shintō shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Nestled within a vast, centuries-old forest, the shrine offers a peaceful oasis of calm in the heart of the bustling metropolis.
Visitors pass through the massive torii gate, stroll along wide gravel paths, and witness traditional rituals – from sake offerings to wedding ceremonies. It’s a spiritual experience that leaves a lasting impression.
🚇 Access: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (East Exit), or the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Meiji-jingumae Station.
📍 Meiji Shrine – Official Website
Imperial Palace Gardens – green lung and historical treasure trove
The Imperial Palace, residence of the Japanese Emperor (Tennō), is surrounded by expansive and magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo. A highlight is the East Garden (Higashi Gyoen), which is open to the public.
Here, nature, history, and architecture blend seamlessly: from ancient castle walls and cherry blossom trees to koi-filled ponds. It’s the perfect place to combine a leisurely walk with cultural discovery.
🚇 Access: Take the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line to Takebashi Station, or the JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Station – just a few minutes’ walk from there.
📍 Imperial Palace – Official Website
Mount Fuji & surroundings – The perfect panorama
A day trip to Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), the sacred mountain of Japan, is one of the most memorable experiences around Tokyo. Many travelers opt for organized tours departing from Tokyo Station – available via platforms like GetYourGuide – offering comfortable bus or minivan rides with multilingual guides.
But it’s also possible to go independently: I made the journey myself using trains and subways – with a transfer to the Fujikyuko Line at Otsuki Station (after taking the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku). This allows for more flexibility and a personalized experience. The ride through rural Japan is part of the adventure – with scenic views of rice fields, forests, and the first distant silhouettes of Mount Fuji.
A classic destination in the Fuji region is Lake Kawaguchi – peaceful and picturesque, with the volcano’s reflection shimmering on the water. Walking paths, small cafés, and scenic terraces line the shore, inviting you to relax and take it all in.
An absolute highlight: the steep climb to the Chureito Pagoda, one of Japan’s most iconic Fuji photo spots. 397 steps lead to the top, but the view is spectacular: the red pagoda framed by cherry blossoms or autumn foliage, with the majestic Fuji rising in the background – a scene straight out of a postcard.
📍 Start point for organized tours: Tokyo Station
🚉 Independent access: JR Chuo Line to Otsuki → Fujikyuko Line to Kawaguchiko
🕒 Total duration: approx. 11–12 hours (round trip included)
🚌 Provider: GetYourGuide
Culinary stopovers – Where Tokyo tastes good
Tokyo is a paradise for gourmets – not only because of its more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, but above all because of the incredible variety of culinary concepts. The spectrum ranges from traditional izakaya (Japanese pub) and minimalist kaiseki fine dining to themed cafés and innovative fast food formats. Many restaurants specialise in a single dish – such as ramen, sushi or donburi – and serve it with masterful precision. The quality is often exceptional, even in small restaurants, and the gastronomic experience goes far beyond mere flavour: it is cultural, creative – and sometimes curious.
Omakase bei Shutoku Megumi
A true gem for sushi lovers is Shutoku Megumi in Chuo City – a small, refined omakase restaurant where each piece of sushi feels like a work of art. At the minimalist wooden counter, with a direct view of the itamae (sushi chef), guests experience a calm, focused atmosphere where quality, craftsmanship, and seasonality take center stage.
The selection is fresh daily, minimalist, and extraordinary. Whether it’s delicate aji, melt-in-your-mouth otoro, or a surprising creation with yuzu – every bite leaves a lasting impression.
📍 Location & info: Shutoku Honten Megumi – Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 19 seats (15 counter, 4 table), price range ¥10,000–15,000 for dinner, lunch set around ¥5,000. Open 11:00–15:00 & 17:00–22:30 daily. Accessible: 7 min walk from Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line) or 8 min from Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo Line) (s.tabelog.com).
Here’s the direct link with full details & reservations: Shutoku Honten Megumi on Tabelog (s.tabelog.com).
Kumachan Onsen (Shibuya)
A culinary curiosity with a photo guarantee: amidst wood, steam, and Japanese design, a soup is served whose central feature is a cute bear’s head made from broth. Solid in flavour, visually spectacular – a visit to Kumachan Onsen is both an experience and a meal.
Waiting with little bear ears for the hotpot with an adorable guarantee, the portions are generous, there’s even a starter and numerous sauces to choose from. The soup is also available in different flavour varieties. For me, it was truly a highlight.
The restaurant is somewhat hidden on the 2nd floor of a building. I booked in advance, but there were plenty of free tables, so a reservation is probably not essential—although online it looked fully booked.
Uobei Sushi (Shibuya)
High-speed sushi, Japanese style: orders are placed digitally and delivered on rails straight to your seat. At Uobei Shibuya, a concept by the Genki Sushi group, it’s less about haute sushi art and more about fun, speed, and freshness. Perfect for a quick dinner after a busy day of travel.
A visit is definitely worth it—the prices are unbeatable and the speed is impressive too. Just be prepared for a short wait, as the restaurant is really popular. All the dishes were absolutely delicious.
Sanrio Cafe (Ikebukuro)
A pastel-coloured breakfast: The Sanrio Café in the basement of Sunshine City is a treat for all fans of Hello Kitty & Co. Lovingly presented dishes, playful details – a sweet start to the day, especially when combined with shopping in the adjoining complex. From the Hello Kitty burger to waffles, Japanese pancakes, and ice cream, everything a Hello Kitty fan’s heart desires is here.
I recommend arriving right at 10:00 AM for breakfast; we waited a good 45 minutes for a table, and those after us sometimes waited up to 1.5 hours. The food is good, but people mainly go there for the experience.
Igel-Café Chiku Chiku (Shibuya)
Between shopping and the view, an animal delight: At the Chiku Chiku Café, you can enjoy tea alongside spiky mini housemates. The encounter with the little hedgehogs is calming and surprisingly meditative – an unusual, lovingly designed spot right in the heart of Shibuya.
However, it’s not really a café in the strictest sense, as snacks are only available for the little hedgehogs, which you can purchase separately as part of the experience.
My hotel recommendations for Tokyo
If you are looking for stylish, well-located accommodation in Tokyo, I have two special recommendations for you. Both hotels not only offer comfort and quality, but also an authentic Japanese experience – ideal for your stay in this fascinating metropolis.
Shiba Park Hotel – tradition meets sophistication
For my stay in Tokyo, I was invited by the Shiba Park Hotel – and I couldn’t have wished for a more fitting place to begin exploring this fascinating city. Tucked away in the stylish Minato district, just a few steps from the iconic Tokyo Tower, this charming hotel quietly combines understatement, history, and genuine Japanese hospitality.
The hotel is not a place to “see and be seen” – it’s a place to truly arrive. I was especially touched by the hotel’s own library, which houses over 1,500 books – a quiet heart where guests are invited to pause, browse, and reflect. Surrounded by carefully selected art books, classics, and travel essays, the day almost begins on its own with a deep breath.
My room was wonderfully spacious and bright, featuring a clean design that blends typical Japanese restraint with Western comfort. The style: minimal, calm, respectful. This atmosphere becomes a true experience, especially in the morning – breakfast is a loving tribute to Japanese food culture: seasonal, mindful, delicately seasoned, yet international. For me, a real highlight.
The location? Ideal. Central, yet peaceful. From here, I explored not only Minato but was also just a few subway stops away from Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa.
The Shiba Park Hotel is a place of quiet quality, perfect for anyone who wants to experience Tokyo not loudly, but mindfully and authentically.
Park Hotel Tokyo – Art gallery with a view
During my stay in Japan’s bustling capital, I stayed at the Park Hotel Tokyo – a place that is more than just accommodation, but a true work of art. High above the Shiodome business district, where glass façades gleam and the skyline breathes, this boutique hotel rises with soul and a view that takes your breath away: over Tokyo’s vast sea of lights and the Tokyo Tower, which at night looks as if it’s painted perfectly within the window frame.
What makes the Park Hotel so special? The rooms are not just rooms – they are works of art. Each so-called Artist Room has been individually designed by a Japanese artist. No prints, no decorative items, but real stories painted on the walls. My room was like an intimate gallery where I was allowed to sleep, dream and think. Guests are also offered a free tea ceremony several times a week – a wonderful experience that provides deep insights into Japanese culture.
The breakfast is international and very extensive – from fresh Eggs Benedict to Japanese delicacies such as grilled fish and pickled vegetables, everyone is sure to find the right refreshment for the day. The service is also warm and courteous – just what you would expect from Japanese hospitality.
The rest of the hotel is equally thoughtful: from the elegant, open lobby area to rotating art exhibitions and an aesthetically curated breakfast that blends international classics with local sophistication. The guests here are urban, alert, and art-minded – exactly the mix a city like Tokyo deserves.
The Park Hotel Tokyo is more than just a place to stay – it’s a place to recharge your inspiration, find calm 25 floors above the city, and immerse yourself in Japan’s creative present. I felt honoured to be a guest here and left not only with many photos but also with plenty of thoughts to take home.
Tokyo DisneySea und Fantasy Springs: Meine Highlights
A real highlight of my Japan trip was the day at Tokyo DisneySea – more precisely, in the newly opened Fantasy Springs. This new themed area, open to all since June 2024, transports visitors into the worlds of Frozen, Rapunzel, and Peter Pan – all presented on an impressive, almost cinematic level.
What’s important to know: a Standby Pass is no longer required to enter Fantasy Springs. You can access the area normally through the new entrance. If you want to avoid queues at main attractions like Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey or Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure, you can optionally book a Disney Premier Access ticket via the Tokyo Disney Resort App – highly recommended, especially on busy days.
I stayed at the charming Disney Ambassador Hotel, a stylish Art Deco building filled with Disney magic and wonderfully relaxed service. Guests here can start their day stress-free and enjoy the so-called Happy Entry, which grants earlier access to DisneySea.
A tip from experience: be there right at park opening, install the app beforehand, keep your favourite attractions in sight via the app—and then simply enjoy. Especially in the evening, when Fantasy Springs glimmers in the light, it feels almost unreal in its beauty.
Conclusion: My personal impression of Tokyo
Tokyo is more than just a megacity – it’s a space where contrasts fascinatingly complement each other. Between traditional spirituality, futuristic architecture, and excellent cuisine, my six-day trip offered a deep insight into Japan’s past, present, and future. Experiencing Tokyo in six days gave me a brief but lasting impression of Japan.
What stands out most in my memory?
- The silence at Meiji Shrine, just minutes from the colourful Harajuku.
- The breathtaking view from Shibuya Sky.
- The creative attention to detail—in restaurants as much as in the artfully designed hotel rooms.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing two exceptional hotels: the elegant Shiba Park Hotel, a quiet retreat near Tokyo Tower blending history and genuine hospitality, and the artistic Park Hotel Tokyo, where creativity meets comfort high above the city. Both added a special dimension to my journey.
