Stay in the city or spend a day on Mt. Takao?
Choose the city itinerary to group gardens, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya on one day, and Asakusa and Skytree on another. For a day walking in mountain scenery, visit Mt. Takao’s lower slopes, then see Sensoji and Ueno Park on the city day. Both itineraries stay three nights in Shinjuku and return to the same accommodation.
Choose an itinerary for 4 days / 3 nights
Shinjuku and Shibuya, with a separate day in Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku. Group the garden, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya on one day, and Asakusa and Skytree on another. Visit the metropolitan government observation room on arrival day. Choose a final-day park walk only for an afternoon departure.
Shinjuku and Shibuya, with a separate day in Asakusa →4 days / 3 nights BMt. Takao’s lower slopes and an Asakusa walk
Stay in Shinjuku. Spend a day around Mt. Takao’s cable car station, with Asakusa and Ueno Park on another day. Choose the final-day government observation room only for a late afternoon flight with enough airport travel time.
Mt. Takao’s lower slopes and an Asakusa walk →Shinjuku and Shibuya, with a separate day in Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku. Group the garden, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya on one day, and Asakusa and Skytree on another. Visit the metropolitan government observation room on arrival day. Choose a final-day park walk only for an afternoon departure.
Day 1 · City views from the metropolitan government building
From Narita Airport, check and reserve a Narita Express (N’EX) service that stops at Shinjuku. Get off at JR Shinjuku and use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Airport arrival station → Around Shinjuku station
From Haneda, compare taking Keikyu to Shinagawa, then changing to the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinjuku. At Shinjuku, use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → South Observation Room and the same accommodation
Walk about ten minutes from JR Shinjuku’s West Exit to Level 1 of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. Take the dedicated lift to the free South Observation Room. Crowded days may involve entry queues. It opens 09:30–22:00, with last entry at 21:30. Check closures, including the first and third Tuesdays. Return towards the West Exit for dinner, then your accommodation. Leave out this visit if you arrive late or it is closed. Reservations are not accepted.
If the observation room is closed, eat and rest in Shinjuku.
Day 2 · Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya
Walk in Shinjuku Gyoen in the morning, visit Meiji Jingu in the afternoon and have dinner in Shibuya. From your accommodation, head towards JR Shinjuku’s South Exit and walk about ten minutes to Shinjuku Gate.
- Shinjuku Gyoen → Same gate and lunch in Shinjuku
Explore the garden in the morning, leave through the same gate and have lunch in Shinjuku.
- JR Shinjuku station → Harajuku station, shrine southern entrance and main sanctuary
Take the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinagawa to Harajuku, then go to the shrine’s southern entrance. The entrance is about one minute from the station, followed by at least another ten minutes to the main sanctuary.
- Meiji Jingu and Harajuku station → Dinner in Shibuya and Shinjuku accommodation
After worship, take a train from Harajuku in the same direction to Shibuya for dinner. Return on the Yamanote line towards Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. The shrine closes at 16:40 in October, so visit before shopping. If the garden is closed, choose a Shinjuku Central Park walk or a meal near your accommodation. Decide whether to walk in the park based on the weather and on-site restrictions. In busy seasons, check whether your date requires a reservation and make any required booking before visiting.
JR Greater Tokyo route mapShrine accessGate-opening informationMinistry of the Environment guideOfficial operationsOfficial access
Day 3 · A day for Sensoji and Skytree
Take the JR Yamanote line from Shinjuku towards Ikebukuro and Ueno, getting off at Ueno.
- Ueno station and Ginza line → Asakusa station, Sensoji and lunch
Change to the Ginza line towards Asakusa from G16 to G19. Walk about five minutes to the temple, visit and have lunch.
Asakusa station timetableSensoji rail and walking accessTemple guide
- Tobu Asakusa station → Tokyo Skytree station and main entrance on Level 4
Take a regular Tobu train stopping at Tokyo Skytree. Get off after about three minutes, then walk about six minutes from the West Exit to the main entrance on Level 4.
Official Skytree rail accessRoute to the entrance on Level 4
- Observation deck → Transfers at Asakusa and Ueno, then Shinjuku accommodation
After the observation deck, return via Tobu to Asakusa → Ginza line towards Shibuya to Ueno → JR towards Ikebukuro and Shinjuku → accommodation. Allow for meals and waiting for Tobu trains so you reach the entrance by your observation deck booking time. If you cannot secure a ticket, or official notices suspend entry or operations, finish the temple visit and meal and return to your accommodation via the same Asakusa route. Reduce street walking in heavy rain or outdoor crowds.
TicketsOpening hoursOfficial Skytree rail accessAsakusa station timetableJR Greater Tokyo route map
Day 4 · A short walk in Shinjuku Central Park
Walk through Shinjuku Central Park before travelling to the airport. This is an optional light morning walk if airport travel time allows.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → Central Park and the same accommodation
Walk about ten minutes from the West Exit to the park and return along the same route. This is a different park from day 2’s Shinjuku Gyoen. After the morning walk, collect luggage from your accommodation and go to your reserved airport train platform or bus stop. Have lunch only if time allows. Leave out the walk in rain, during works or under access restrictions.
Official operationsOfficial accessTourism association admission guide
- Shinjuku accommodation → Your reserved airport train’s departure station and terminal
For Narita, board your reserved airport-bound Narita Express at JR Shinjuku. Get off at Narita Airport station for Terminal 1, or Airport Terminal 2 station for Terminals 2 and 3. For Haneda, take the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinagawa, change at Shinagawa to an airport-bound Keikyu service and confirm that it stops at your terminal. Allow for walking from your accommodation to each platform and for Terminal 3 access. Sightsee only if you can still reach the airport by the time your airline specifies.
N’EX stopsNarita Airport railway guideJR Greater Tokyo route mapKeikyu airport accessJR works and service suspension notices
This is an optional light morning walk if airport travel time allows.
Included: Shinjuku Gyoen JPY 500 + Tembo Deck web admission from JPY 1,800 + return Ginza line travel. Admission alone starts from JPY 2,300.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport transport, station-to-hotel travel, meals and accommodation are excluded from this subtotal.
Ministry of the Environment guideTicketsGinza line journey fares
Mt. Takao’s lower slopes and an Asakusa walk
Stay in Shinjuku. Spend a day around Mt. Takao’s cable car station, with Asakusa and Ueno Park on another day. Choose the final-day government observation room only for a late afternoon flight with enough airport travel time.
Day 1 · A short Shinjuku Central Park walk
From Narita Airport, check and reserve a Narita Express (N’EX) service that stops at Shinjuku. Get off at JR Shinjuku and use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Airport arrival station → Around Shinjuku station
From Haneda, compare taking Keikyu to Shinagawa, then changing to the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinjuku. At Shinjuku, use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → Central Park and the same accommodation
Walk about ten minutes from JR’s West Exit to the free Central Park. See shaded paths and the waterside in daylight, then return along the same route. The listed 09:00–17:00 hours are for the management office. Plan a daytime walk and check works and restrictions for your date. Leave out the walk in rain, during works or restrictions, or after a late arrival. Have dinner in Shinjuku and rest at the same accommodation.
Official operationsOfficial accessTourism association admission guide
Recheck the weather and cable car operations the day before your Mt. Takao visit.
Day 2 · Cable car and a short Mt. Takao walk
Ride the cable car to the mountainside, see views near the station and return. Today, take a short walk rather than climb to the summit. Take a regular Takaosanguchi-bound train from Keio Shinjuku.
- Keio Shinjuku and Kitano → Takaosanguchi station
If your train is not direct, change at Kitano to the Takao line.
- Takaosanguchi station → Kiyotaki station, cable car and Takaosan station
Walk about five minutes from Takaosanguchi to Kiyotaki, then ride the cable car for about six minutes. It reaches Takaosan station on the mountainside, not the summit.
- Cable car Takaosan station → Viewpoint near the station
Follow the signs from the cable car to the nearby viewpoint and look at the scenery. This is separate from the summit viewpoint. Cloud or rain may obscure distant views.
- Viewpoint near the station → The same cable car Takaosan station
Return along the same path to the cable car station. This short walk excludes the mountain paths to Yakuoin or the summit. Descend by cable car if the viewpoint path is restricted or rain and strong winds make walking difficult. Before eating on the mountainside, check descending services and queue times.
Takao Tozan Railway viewpoint near the stationCable car fares and hours
- Optional meal near mountainside Takaosan station → Return to the cable car station after eating
Check the restaurant’s location, hours and queues. If eating would leave too little time to return for your descending cable car, go down first and eat at the foot of the mountain.
Confirm your chosen restaurant’s location, hours and queues, and the descending cable car service.
- Cable car Takaosan station → Descend to Kiyotaki station
Check descending services for your date and take the cable car. The official one-way ride time is about six minutes, excluding queues and waiting. Finish your meal and walk in time to descend before the last service.
- Kiyotaki station → Keio Takaosanguchi station
Follow the same path back from Kiyotaki to Takaosanguchi. The walk takes about five minutes. Allow extra time for meals, cable car queues and reaching the Keio platform.
- Takaosanguchi station → Shinjuku-bound train and accommodation
Take a regular train towards Shinjuku, changing at Kitano if it is not direct. Adult return Keio and cable car fares total JPY 1,840. Before setting out, check Keio and cable car operations and choose your descending service first. In busy periods, shorten your mountainside walk to allow for cable car queues. In rain, strong wind or a suspension, do not replace it with a summit hike: eat and rest in Shinjuku, or swap with a city visit after checking opening dates.
Keio fare tableCable car fares and hoursOfficial cable railway access
Day 3 · Sensoji and Ueno Park
Take the JR Yamanote line from Shinjuku towards Ikebukuro and Ueno, getting off at Ueno.
- Ginza line Ueno station → Asakusa station and Sensoji
Take an Asakusa-bound Ginza line train to G19 and walk about five minutes to the temple.
Asakusa station timetableSensoji rail and walking accessTemple guide
- Asakusa station → Ueno station, lunch and a park walk
After worship, take a Shibuya-bound train back to G16 Ueno for lunch and a park walk.
- JR Ueno station → Shinjuku station and accommodation
Finish by taking JR towards Ikebukuro and Shinjuku back to your accommodation. This route has no observation deck admission charge.
Day 4 · Government observation room, then the airport
Walk from Shinjuku’s West Exit to the South Observation Room.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → South Observation Room
Walk about ten minutes from JR Shinjuku’s West Exit to Level 1 of Building No. 1. After the 09:30 opening, take the dedicated lift for free city views. Shorten or skip the visit if the entry queue is long.
- South Observation Room → The same Shinjuku accommodation
Return along the same route to your accommodation and collect luggage. Have lunch only if airport travel time allows. This itinerary does not add a separate paid observation deck.
- Shinjuku accommodation → Your reserved airport train’s departure station and terminal
For Narita, board your reserved airport-bound Narita Express at JR Shinjuku. Get off at Narita Airport station for Terminal 1, or Airport Terminal 2 station for Terminals 2 and 3. For Haneda, take the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinagawa, change at Shinagawa to an airport-bound Keikyu service and confirm that it stops at your terminal. Allow for walking from your accommodation to each platform and for Terminal 3 access. Sightsee only if you can still reach the airport by the time your airline specifies.
N’EX stopsNarita Airport railway guideJR Greater Tokyo route mapKeikyu airport accessJR works and service suspension notices
The observation room opens at 09:30. If it is closed or the entry queue is long, return straight to your accommodation.
Included: Return Ginza line travel + Mt. Takao return transport JPY 1,840. Mt. Takao transport comprises regular Keio trains JPY 860 + cable car JPY 980. Paid exhibition admission is excluded.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport transport, station-to-hotel travel, meals and accommodation are excluded from this subtotal.
Cable car fares and hoursKeio fare tableGinza line journey fares
Frequently asked questions
How does a day on Mt. Takao change the city itinerary?
The Mt. Takao itinerary spends day 2 walking on the mountainside, then visits Sensoji and Ueno Park on day 3. Choose the city itinerary to combine Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya, with Skytree on another day. Both keep three nights in Shinjuku and avoid combining the mountain with several city sights on the same day.
Cable car fares and hoursKeio fare tableMinistry of the Environment guideShrine accessTickets
Does a 72-hour subway ticket cover the airport and Mt. Takao?
No. It covers only Tokyo Metro and Toei subways. Airport railways, Keio trains, the Mt. Takao cable car and JR cost extra.
Official Tokyo subway visitor ticket guideChange notice for 2026-03-14
Should I use GALA Yuzawa station for an Echigo-Yuzawa day trip?
Distinguish Echigo-Yuzawa from GALA Yuzawa station. Echigo-Yuzawa is reached by Joetsu Shinkansen, but GALA Yuzawa station operates only in winter and spring. Do not assume a GALA-bound train for an autumn trip. Check return trains and local facility operations for your date separately.
Echigo-Yuzawa tourism authority Shinkansen accessJR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive days
Does the Tokyo Wide Pass cover the bus on a Kusatsu day trip?
Distinguish covered JR railway sections to Naganoharakusatsuguchi from the bus to Kusatsu. The Tokyo Wide Pass excludes JR buses, so bus fares cost extra. A day trip works if return buses and trains fit the bathing facility hours. Compare individual tickets for the sections you will actually use.
JR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive daysJR East Kusatsu Onsen access and Yubatake
Official sources and dates checked
- Asakusa station timetable ·
- Ginza line journey fares ·
- Sensoji rail and walking access ·
- Ministry of the Environment guide ·
- Access to each garden gate ·
- Shrine access ·
- Official Skytree rail access ·
- Route to the entrance on Level 4 ·
- Official cable railway access ·
- Temple guide ·
- Tickets ·
- Opening hours ·
- Gate-opening information ·
- Cable car fares and hours ·
- Keio fare table ·
- Official guide ·
- Official operations ·
- Additional official information ·
- Official operations ·
- Official access ·
- Tourism association admission guide ·
- Official Tokyo subway visitor ticket guide ·
- Change notice for 2026-03-14 ·
- JR Greater Tokyo route map ·
- Keikyu airport access ·
- Narita Airport railway guide ·
- N’EX stops ·
- JR works and service suspension notices ·
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive days ·
- Karuizawa Tourism Association access and local buses ·
- Echigo-Yuzawa tourism authority Shinkansen access ·
- Kusakaru Kotsu 2026 buses, crowds, delays and service periods ·
- JR East Kusatsu Onsen access and Yubatake ·
- Takao Tozan Railway viewpoint near the station ·