All facility details (hours, prices, access rules, subway passes, etc.) are based on information as of September 10, 2025. For the latest operations and closures, always check each official website right before you go.
Trip Concept
“Walk, taste, and take in the views of Tokyo’s greenery and old-town charm.”
This 1-night/2-day Tokyo itinerary focuses on neighborhoods where you can feel both nature and nostalgia—great cost performance without skimping on views.
Day 1 covers Ueno → Yanaka (Yanesen) → Shinjuku for “animals × retro lanes × nightscape.”
Day 2 slows down around Todoroki Fudoson & a Japanese garden, then enjoys the open air of the Tama River.
Perfect if you want to keep costs low, visit stylish but not-too-pricey cafés, and balance nature, old-town streets, and night views.
Recommended Model Course
Day 1: Ueno → Yanaka (Yanesen) → Shinjuku. Overview: Ueno Zoo, Kayaba Coffee & Yanaka views, Yuyake Dandan, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building night view.
- 09:00–09:30 Arrive in Ueno & get set
- 09:30–10:00 Stroll Ueno Park (Ueno Onshi Park) toward the zoo entrance (zoo opens 9:30)
- 10:00–10:30 Buy tickets & review the map (¥600 for adults / final entry 16:00 / closed Mondays)
- 10:30–13:00 Explore Ueno Zoo
- 13:00–13:30 Head toward Yanaka (Yanesen) — about 15 minutes on foot to Kayaba Coffee
- 13:30–14:30 Kayaba Coffee (café) — a retro kissaten in a renovated Taisho-era wooden house. Famous egg sandwiches & coffee.
- 14:30–15:30 Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street → Yuyake Dandan steps. Enjoy classic shitamachi scenery.
- 15:30–16:00 Transfer toward Shinjuku (from Nippori Station, take JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku)
- 16:00–17:30 Wander Shinjuku (Kabukicho, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, etc.)
- 17:30–18:00 Walk/ride to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Toei Oedo Line to Tochomae, or ~15 minutes on foot from Shinjuku)
- 18:00–19:00 Observation Decks
South Deck: 9:30–22:00 (last entry 21:30) / North Deck: 9:30–17:30 (last entry 17:00) as the standard schedule.
Closed days: South = 1st & 3rd Tue, North = 2nd & 4th Mon. Operations can vary by month—check the monthly calendar. - 19:00–20:00 Transfer to hotel & check-in
- 20:00–21:00 Free time (light dinner in Shinjuku, etc.)
Day 2: Todoroki (Japanese Garden & Fudoson) → Futako-Tamagawa → Sangen-Jaya
Focus: Todoroki Fudoson & Japanese garden strolls / Cafés = Setsugetsuka, Blue Bottle / Scenery = the open skies of the Tama River.
- 09:00–10:00 Check out & head for Tokyu Oimachi Line “Todoroki Station”
- 10:00–10:30 Walk toward Todoroki Fudoson (Mangan-ji)
- 10:30–12:00 Stroll the Todoroki Japanese Garden & Todoroki Fudoson
(Note: the Todoroki Valley riverside trail remains closed long-term. The Japanese garden is open.) - 12:00–13:00 Setsugetsuka (traditional sweets near Todoroki Fudoson). Matcha & anmitsu are popular. Rough budget: 〜¥999. (Hours vary; confirm same-day.)
- 13:00–13:30 From Todoroki Station, ride the Oimachi Line to Futako-Tamagawa Station
- 13:30–14:30 Walk the Tama River embankment
- 14:30–15:00 Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line to Sangen-Jaya Station
- 15:00–16:00 Blue Bottle Coffee Sangen-Jaya
- 16:00– Free stroll around Sangen-Jaya and make your way home
Café Picks Mentioned (Stylish × Affordable)
- Kayaba Coffee (Yanaka):
Renovated Taisho-era house with retro charm—great for “vintage-aesthetic” photos. Egg sandwiches & coffee are crowd-favorites. ¥1,000–¥1,999 (lunch).
Reference - HAGI CAFE (Sendagi):
Café inside a revived vintage apartment complex; exhibits meet good food for highly photogenic vibes. ¥1,000–¥1,999 (lunch).
Reference - Setsugetsuka (Todoroki):
Traditional sweets near Todoroki Fudoson. Matcha, anmitsu, etc. 〜¥999.
Reference - Blue Bottle Coffee:
Sangen-Jaya location with a minimalist interior and hand-drip focus.
Reference
Money-Saving Passes
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (Tokyo Metro + Toei):
24h: ¥800 / 48h: ¥1,200 / 72h: ¥1,500 from time of purchase. Best value if you’ll ride subways multiple times over 1–2 days. - Common One-Day Pass (Metro + Toei):
¥900/day. Unlimited subway rides for that calendar day. - JR Tokunai Pass (JR East 23-ward area):
¥760/day. Unlimited rides within JR East Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Important Notes
- Ueno Zoo:
9:30–17:00 / last entry 16:00 / closed Mondays (or the following Tue if Mon is a holiday). On busy days, expect entry queues and start early. - Todoroki Valley:
The valley’s riverside walking trail is closed long-term. Plan to enjoy the Japanese garden and Todoroki Fudoson instead. Always follow current on-site notices and Setagaya Ward updates. - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks:
Free admission. Hours differ: South (to 22:00) / North (to 17:30), with special monthly operations. Check the day’s calendar before visiting.
Enjoy a slower pace in Tokyo—often called a megacity—while soaking up greenery and old-town vibes. This itinerary keeps your Japan travel budget in check without sacrificing views. Why not try it next weekend ?