Concierge Recommended Route for Sightseeing
Route for Eastern Tokyo Sightseeing
Allow us to introduce you to our favorite route for eastern Tokyo sightseeing that starts with taking the water bus cruise along the Sumida River to Asakusa. After that you can visit the Senso-ji Temple, Ueno, Akihabara and finish your day at Tokyo Station.
9:45 Hotel Departure
Please walk briefly to the Hinode Pier located directly outside and next to our hotel. We recommend riding the water bus up the Sumida River from the pier. It will take you all the way to Asakusa in about 35 minutes.
5 minute walk to the Hinode Pier from our hotel
10:00 Water Bus
During the 35 minute cruise you can enjoy views of the Rainbow Bridge, 12 unique local bridges, and of course SkyTree, the world's tallest broadcasting tower.
There are snacks and drinks available on the water bus.
Please have a drink and enjoy the cruise.
The first water bus departs at 10:00am from Hinode Pier. Cruise duration: 35 minutes.
10:35 Asakusa
The historic Senso-ji Temple, built in 628AD, is located in Asakusa. You can find it on the far end of the Kaminari-mon Gate (there are giant lanterns as a landmark), and the main gate of the temple is one of the best places to take pictures.
As you go through the gate you can enjoy the traditional feeling of old town shopping at the Nakamise Shopping Street that heads towards Senso-ji Temple.
You can find a large variety of Japanese food and snacks, clothing and Kimonos, and many other traditional souvenir items for sale by local sellers.
Asakusa is one of the last surviving old towns of Tokyo. It is a great place to eat traditional food such as Sukiyaki and Tempura at the long-established restaurants.
10 minute taxi ride to Ueno
13:00 Ueno
There are many museums available in the Ueno Park area located directly outside the Ueno Station. Everything from the Tokyo National Museum to various science and art museums can be found in Ueno. Most notable is The National Museum of Western Art because the building itself has been certified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2016.
There is also a spacious cafe where you can enjoy a coffee/tea break. All in all, Ueno is a beautiful place to relax and continue with a day full of Japanese tradition and nature.
Another popular area around Ueno is the Ameya Yokocho Market. After World War II, this narrow street was used as a black market for various goods. Now-a-days it is a lively shopping street with people from all walks of life gathering for local purchases.
2 minute JR Line train ride either by the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Okachimachi Station (can be walked to in about 15 minutes)
14:30 Okachimachi
The unique "2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan" is a street under the railroad between Okachimachi and Akihabara. It's filled with specialty craft studios that sell their goods only that specific store. This can include leather goods, jewelry, glasses, shoes and more.
Another unique area in the same location is called "CHABARA". They provide and sell fine food products carefully selected from all across Japan.
15 minute walk to Akihabara
15:30 Akihabara
Akihabara is the largest and central district for all things electronic and anime. A seemingly unending amount of stores providing video games, anime, manga (comics), personal electronics and cafes are scattered throughout the area. Noteworthy is that the Yodobashi Camera store in Akihabara is the largest electronics store in Japan.
Other than electronics, there is a splendid craft beer and foods area located under the JR Chuo/Sobu Line across the river from Akihabara Station called “mAAch”.
5 JR Line train to Tokyo Station
17:00 Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station was originally opened in 1914 and reconstructed again in 2013 to restore its original looks greatness. There are all forms of shopping in and around Tokyo Station. This includes both the Marunochi and Shin-Marunochi Bldgs, the Kitte Bldg, Tokyo Station's very own B1 Character Street, and the Marunochi Naka-dori shopping street.
If you visit during an early time of the day, Japan's Imperial Palace and Garden is located just a short 3 minute walk from the station. It's a beautiful and historic place to spend a couple hours if you enjoy nature and gardens.
Returning to our hotel from Tokyo Station is as simple as taking the JR Line train to Hamamatsucho Station. From there you can catch a free shuttle bus to our hotel or walk if need be. Have a safe and exciting day!
