Stay in the city or take a Mount Takao day trip?
Choose the city itinerary to group the garden, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya on one day, with Asakusa and Skytree on another. For a mountain walking day, visit Mount Takao's mid-slope area, then see Senso-ji and Ueno Park on a city day. Both use three nights at the same Shinjuku hotel.
Choose an itinerary for 4 days, 3 nights
Separate days for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku, group the garden, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya on one day, and Asakusa and Skytree on another. Visit the government building on arrival day. Choose the final-day park walk only for an afternoon flight.
Separate days for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa →4 days, 3 nights BMount Takao's mid-slope views and Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku, give Mount Takao's mid-slope area a full day, and visit Asakusa and Ueno Park on another day. Choose the government-building visit on the last day only for a late-afternoon departure with enough time for airport travel.
Mount Takao's mid-slope views and Asakusa →Separate days for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku, group the garden, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya on one day, and Asakusa and Skytree on another. Visit the government building on arrival day. Choose the final-day park walk only for an afternoon flight.
Day 1: city views from the government building
From Narita Airport, check a Narita Express (N’EX) service stopping at Shinjuku and reserve your seat. Get off at JR Shinjuku Station and use the exit recommended by your hotel.
- Airport arrival station → Around Shinjuku Station
From Haneda, compare Keikyu to Shinagawa followed by the JR Yamanote Line toward Shibuya and Shinjuku. At Shinjuku, use the exit recommended by your hotel.
N’EX stopsJR Tokyo-area route mapKeikyu airport access guide
- Shinjuku Station west exit → Government building South Observatory and the same hotel
Walk about 10 minutes from JR Shinjuku's west exit to the first floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. Take the dedicated elevator to the free South Observatory. Crowded days can bring entry waits. Hours are 9:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m., with admission until 9:30 p.m.; check closures such as the first and third Tuesdays. Afterward, return toward the west exit for dinner and your hotel. Omit the visit for a late arrival or closure. Advance reservations are not accepted.
Official operating informationAdditional official information
If the observatory is closed, eat and rest in Shinjuku.
Day 2: Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya
Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen in the morning, worship at Meiji Jingu in the afternoon, and have dinner in Shibuya. From your hotel, head toward JR Shinjuku's south exit and walk about 10 minutes to the garden's Shinjuku Gate.
- Shinjuku Gyoen → Same gate → lunch in Shinjuku
Visit the garden in the morning, leave through the same gate, then have lunch in Shinjuku.
Ministry of the Environment informationGarden access by gate
- JR Shinjuku Station → Harajuku Station → shrine south entrance and main shrine
Take the JR Yamanote Line toward Shibuya and Shinagawa to Harajuku, then head to the shrine's south entrance. The entrance approach takes about one minute, followed by at least another 10 minutes to the main shrine.
- Meiji Jingu and Harajuku Station → Dinner in Shibuya → Shinjuku hotel
After worship, continue from Harajuku in the same train direction to Shibuya for dinner, then return to Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line toward Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. The shrine closes at 4:40 p.m. in October, so worship before shopping. If Gyoen is closed, substitute a Shinjuku Central Park walk or a meal near your hotel. Check weather and on-site restrictions before choosing the park. During busy seasons, check whether your date requires a reservation and complete it before visiting.
JR Tokyo-area route mapShrine accessGate opening informationMinistry of the Environment informationOfficial operating informationOfficial access
Day 3: a full day for Senso-ji and Skytree
From JR Shinjuku, take the Yamanote Line toward Ikebukuro and Ueno to Ueno.
- Ueno Station and Ginza Line → Asakusa Station → Senso-ji and lunch
Transfer to the Ginza Line toward Asakusa from G16 to G19, walk about five minutes to the temple, then worship and have lunch.
Asakusa Station timetableSenso-ji rail and walking accessTemple visitor guide
- Tobu Asakusa Station → Tokyo Skytree Station → fourth-floor main entrance
Take a regular Tobu train stopping at Tokyo Skytree. The ride takes about three minutes, followed by about six minutes from the west exit to the fourth-floor main entrance.
Official Skytree rail accessRoute to the fourth-floor entrance
- Observation deck → Transfers at Asakusa and Ueno → Shinjuku hotel
After the deck visit, take Tobu toward Asakusa → Ginza Line toward Shibuya to Ueno → JR toward Ikebukuro and Shinjuku → your hotel. Allow time for meals and Tobu waits so you reach the entrance by your reserved deck time. If you cannot get tickets, or official service suspensions or admission stops apply, visit the temple and have a meal, then return via Asakusa. Shorten street walks during heavy rain or outdoor crowds.
TicketsHoursOfficial Skytree rail accessAsakusa Station timetableJR Tokyo-area route map
Day 4: an easy walk in Shinjuku Central Park
Walk in Shinjuku Central Park before heading to the airport.
- Shinjuku Station west exit → Central Park and the same hotel
Walk about 10 minutes from the west exit to the park and return the same way. This is different from day two's Gyoen. After a morning walk, collect stored bags at your hotel and go to the boarding point for your reserved airport train or bus. Have lunch only if time allows; skip the walk during rain, construction, or access restrictions.
Official operating informationOfficial accessTourism Association admission information
- Shinjuku hotel → Booked airport train station and flight terminal
For Narita, take your reserved airport-bound Narita Express from 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 toward Shibuya and Shinagawa, then transfer at Shinagawa to an airport-bound Keikyu service. Confirm it stops at your terminal. Add travel from the hotel to each platform and access to Terminal 3; sightsee only if you can meet your airline's advised airport-arrival time.
N’EX stopsNarita Airport rail guideJR Tokyo-area route mapKeikyu airport access guideJR construction and service-suspension notices
This is an optional easy morning walk when there is enough time before airport travel.
Included: Shinjuku Gyoen admission of JPY 500, the Tembo Deck's lowest web price of JPY 1,800, and a Ginza Line round trip. Admission alone starts at JPY 2,300.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport travel, transportation from the station to your hotel, meals, and accommodation are excluded.
Ministry of the Environment informationTicketsGinza Line fare table
Mount Takao's mid-slope views and Asakusa
Stay in Shinjuku, give Mount Takao's mid-slope area a full day, and visit Asakusa and Ueno Park on another day. Choose the government-building visit on the last day only for a late-afternoon departure with enough time for airport travel.
Day 1: a short walk in Shinjuku Central Park
From Narita Airport, check a Narita Express (N’EX) service stopping at Shinjuku and reserve your seat. Get off at JR Shinjuku Station and use the exit recommended by your hotel.
- Airport arrival station → Around Shinjuku Station
From Haneda, compare Keikyu to Shinagawa followed by the JR Yamanote Line toward Shibuya and Shinjuku. At Shinjuku, use the exit recommended by your hotel.
N’EX stopsJR Tokyo-area route mapKeikyu airport access guide
- Shinjuku Station west exit → Central Park and the same hotel
Walk about 10 minutes from the JR west exit to free Central Park. Enjoy shaded and waterside paths during daylight, then return the same way. The listed 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. hours belong to the management office. Schedule the walk during daylight and check construction and access notices for your date. Skip the walk for rain, construction, restrictions, or a late arrival, and have dinner in Shinjuku instead. Return to the same hotel to rest.
Official operating informationOfficial accessTourism Association admission information
Recheck Mount Takao weather and cable-car service the day before your visit.
Day 2: cable car and a mid-slope Mount Takao walk
Take the cable car to Mount Takao's mid-slope area, see views near the station, and return. This is a short walk rather than a summit hike. From Keio Shinjuku Station, board a regular train toward Takaosanguchi.
- Keio Shinjuku and Kitano → Takaosanguchi Station
If your train is not direct, transfer to the Takao Line at Kitano.
- Takaosanguchi Station → Kiyotaki Station → cable car to Takaosan Station
Walk about five minutes from Takaosanguchi to Kiyotaki, then ride the cable car for about six minutes. It ends at Takaosan Station, not the summit.
- Cable-car Takaosan Station → Viewpoint near the station
Follow signs on foot to the viewpoint near the station and look out over the surrounding scenery. This is different from the summit viewpoint. Clouds or rain may obscure distant views.
- Viewpoint near the station → The same cable-car Takaosan Station
Retrace your route to the cable-car station after enjoying the view. This short walk does not continue along mountain paths to Yakuoin or the summit. If the viewpoint path is restricted or rain or strong winds make walking difficult, ride the cable car down. Before eating at mid-slope, check downhill service and waiting times.
Takao mountain railway guide to the station-area viewpointCable-car fares and hours
- Optional meal around mid-slope Takaosan Station → Return to the cable-car station after eating
For a mid-slope restaurant, check its location, hours, and waiting time. If you will not have enough time afterward to reach the cable-car station and board a downhill ride, descend first and eat at the foot of the mountain.
Confirm the chosen restaurant's location, hours, waits, and your downhill cable-car service
- Cable-car Takaosan Station → Descend to Kiyotaki Station
Check downhill service for your date, then board the cable car. The official one-way ride takes about six minutes, excluding lines and waits. Finish your meal and walk in time to descend before the last ride.
- Kiyotaki Station → Keio Takaosanguchi Station
Retrace the approximately five-minute walk to Takaosanguchi Station. Allow extra time for meals, cable-car waits, and reaching the Keio platform.
- Takaosanguchi Station → Train toward Shinjuku → hotel
Take a regular train toward Shinjuku; if it is not direct, transfer toward Shinjuku at Kitano, then return to your hotel. An adult Shinjuku round trip plus cable-car round trip totals JPY 1,840. Check Keio and cable-car service before departing and choose your downhill ride first. During busy periods, shorten your mid-slope walk around cable-car waits. For rain, strong winds, or service suspensions, do not substitute a walk to the summit. Eat and rest in Shinjuku or swap with a city sightseeing day after checking opening arrangements.
Keio fare tableCable-car fares and hoursOfficial mountain railway access
Day 3: Senso-ji and Ueno Park
From Shinjuku, take the JR Yamanote Line toward Ikebukuro and Ueno to Ueno.
- Ginza Line Ueno Station → Asakusa Station → Senso-ji
Ride toward Asakusa to G19, then walk about five minutes to the temple.
Asakusa Station timetableSenso-ji rail and walking accessTemple visitor guide
- Asakusa Station → Ueno Station → lunch and park walk
After worship, return toward Shibuya to Ueno (G16) for lunch and a park walk.
- JR Ueno Station → Shinjuku Station → hotel
Finish with a JR train toward Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, then walk to your hotel. This route has no observation-deck admission charge.
Day 4: government-building views, then the airport
Walk from Shinjuku Station's west exit to the government building's South Observatory.
- Shinjuku Station west exit → Government building South Observatory
Walk about 10 minutes from the JR west exit to the first floor of Building No. 1, then take the dedicated elevator after the 9:30 a.m. opening. See the city from the free observatory. Shorten or omit the visit if the entry wait is long.
Official operating informationAdditional official information
- Government building South Observatory → The same Shinjuku hotel
Retrace your route to your Shinjuku hotel and collect stored bags. Have lunch only if time allows before airport travel. This plan does not add a separate paid observation deck.
Official operating informationAdditional official information
- Shinjuku hotel → Booked airport train station and flight terminal
For Narita, take your reserved airport-bound Narita Express from 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 toward Shibuya and Shinagawa, then transfer at Shinagawa to an airport-bound Keikyu service. Confirm it stops at your terminal. Add travel from the hotel to each platform and access to Terminal 3; sightsee only if you can meet your airline's advised airport-arrival time.
N’EX stopsNarita Airport rail guideJR Tokyo-area route mapKeikyu airport access guideJR construction and service-suspension notices
The observatory opens at 9:30 a.m. If it is closed or the entry wait is long, return directly to your hotel.
Included: A Ginza Line round trip plus JPY 1,840 in Mount Takao round-trip transportation: JPY 860 for regular Keio trains and JPY 980 for the cable car. Paid exhibition admission is excluded.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport travel, transportation from the station to your hotel, meals, and accommodation are excluded.
Cable-car fares and hoursKeio fare tableGinza Line fare table
Frequently asked questions
How does a Mount Takao day change the city itinerary?
The Mount Takao option visits the mid-slope area on day two, followed by Senso-ji and Ueno Park on day three. Choose the city option to group Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya, with Skytree on another day. Both use three nights in Shinjuku and avoid combining the mountain with multiple city sights in one day.
Cable-car fares and hoursKeio fare tableMinistry of the Environment informationShrine accessTickets
Does the 72-hour subway ticket cover the airport and Mount Takao?
No. It covers only Tokyo Metro and Toei subways. Airport railways, Keio, the Mount Takao cable car, and JR require separate payment.
Official Tokyo subway tourist ticket informationNotice of changes effective 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, while GALA Yuzawa operates only in winter and spring. Do not assume GALA-bound trains for a fall trip; check your return trains and local facility hours for the date.
Echigo-Yuzawa tourism guide to Shinkansen accessJR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price, and three consecutive days
Does the Tokyo Wide Pass cover the bus to Kusatsu on a day trip?
Distinguish covered JR rail travel to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi from the onward Kusatsu bus. JR buses are excluded from the Tokyo Wide Pass, so pay separately. A day trip can work if return buses and trains fit bathing-facility hours. Compare individual tickets for the routes you will actually use too.
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 fare table ·
- Senso-ji rail and walking access ·
- Ministry of the Environment information ·
- Garden access by gate ·
- Shrine access ·
- Official Skytree rail access ·
- Route to the fourth-floor entrance ·
- Official mountain railway access ·
- Temple visitor guide ·
- Tickets ·
- Hours ·
- Gate opening information ·
- Cable-car fares and hours ·
- Keio fare table ·
- Official visitor information ·
- Official operating information ·
- Additional official information ·
- Official operating information ·
- Official access ·
- Tourism Association admission information ·
- Official Tokyo subway tourist ticket information ·
- Notice of changes effective 2026-03-14 ·
- JR Tokyo-area route map ·
- Keikyu airport access guide ·
- Narita Airport rail guide ·
- N’EX stops ·
- JR construction and service-suspension notices ·
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price, and three consecutive days ·
- Karuizawa Tourism Association transportation and local buses ·
- Echigo-Yuzawa tourism guide to Shinkansen access ·
- Kusakaru Kotsu 2026 buses, crowds, delays, and service periods ·
- JR East Kusatsu Onsen access and Yubatake ·
- Takao mountain railway guide to the station-area viewpoint ·