Itinerary Summary
Land in Tokyo and open with Ginza and Shibuya Crossing, then spend day two in Shinjuku at Isetan and the big electronics stores, and day three at Skytree Solamachi and Ueno's Ameyoko market. The Shink…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Ginza Department Stores and Shibuya After Dark
14:00
2h
Airport train to central Tokyo
Clear immigration and take the airport rail link into central Tokyo, then check in near Ginza or Shibuya. Haneda is the faster option; from Narita the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner takes about an hour.
📍 Haneda or Narita to Tokyo
17:00
2h
Ginza department store browse
Browse Ginza's flagship department stores, from cosmetics floors to basement food halls. Tax-free counters need a passport and a minimum spend; keep sealed bags closed until departure, and note the 20:00 closing.
📍 Ginza, Tokyo
19:30
1h
Shibuya Crossing night view
Watch the scramble from the free walkway beside the station as the screens and neon come on. The crossing is busiest after 18:00; keep bags in front of you and use the side streets to escape the crowd.
📍 Shibuya, Tokyo
💡 Pro Tip: Tax-free shopping applies above a minimum spend and requires your passport at checkout; keep sealed duty-free bags closed until you leave Japan. Ginza's department stores cluster around Ginza Station, and basement food halls discount food before closing. Shibuya is busiest after 18:00, and crowded crossings attract pickpockets, so keep bags zipped. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Japan visa section.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$65035%
Central hotels near Shinjuku and Namba, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$37020%
Ramen, wagyu yakiniku, takoyaki and matcha sweets
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does tax-free shopping work for visitors to Japan?+
Show your passport at tax-free counters, where purchases above the current threshold can be exempt from consumption tax. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the latest at the shop or Japan's customs site, and keep receipts and packaging for inspection at departure.
When are the best sales in Tokyo and Osaka?+
New Year sales in January and mid-year bargains in June and July are the biggest discount windows, with fukubukuro lucky bags at New Year. Department stores and electronics chains also run seasonal promotions; check opening hours around holidays before planning a shopping day.
Can I ship shopping bags between Tokyo and Osaka hotels?+
Yes. Takuhaibin luggage forwarding moves boxes and bags between hotels and convenience stores, usually next-day, which saves hauling purchases on the Shinkansen. Ask your hotel front desk to arrange it and keep tracking numbers for each item.
What are Japan's customs limits when flying home with purchases?+
Duty-free allowances depend on your home country, so check your own customs rules for alcohol, tobacco and goods value before you shop. Keep receipts and tax-free documents together, and declare purchases where required; unused tax-free items may need to stay sealed.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Shopping · approx. $1,500–2,240 (≈ €1,300–1,950), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Shopping
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