First published on TripZilla, in collaboration with ZUJI.

Tokyo, I daresay, is my favourite travel destination. There’s just something extraordinary about the place that makes it like no other place in the world! Tokyo itself has plenty to offer, but I’ve also found the city to be a great place from which to kickstart any exploration of Japan.

Whether for nature lovers, culture vultures, unconventional travellers or for those who are pure kids at heart – Tokyo has something for everyone. Arm yourself with these itineraries and get set to discover the wonders of Tokyo and its surrounds!

Warning: you might just fall hopelessly head over heels, just like I did.

1. For those who dare to be different

From Tokyo to: Zao Fox Village // Yokohama // Kawasaki

Day 1-4: Tokyo

Sushi and udon are high up on any foodies’ lists, but I was determined to take my Japan gastronomic experience up a notch and hunt down quirky food options to try during my stay in Tokyo.

The solo culture is extremely prevalent in Japan, exemplified by a nondescript ramen establishment that has taken Japan by storm. At Ichiran Ramen, diners have their meal in isolated cubicles so that they can wholly concentrate on the flavour. My piping bowl of ramen was served to me through a slot in the wall – everything remained very mysterious and very, very exciting!

I also stumbled across Sakuratei, a DIY Okonomiyaki place tucked away in the back alleys of Harajuku. In fact, it’s so hidden that it’s nestled within an art gallery.

Harajuku is Tokyo’s kawaii central – consider booking your accommodation in this district for a full immersive experience, where you might even be able to spot cosplayers strutting their stuff on Sundays.

Tip: Harajuku is also known for being a treasure trove for foodies, don’t miss out on hunting down the famous Marion Crepes or giant cotton candy. Harajuku is also just a couple of streets away from Omotesando, where Luke’s Lobster can be found.

On my quest for off-the-beaten-path things to do in Tokyo, I spent a delightful afternoon exploring the district of Shimokitazawa. Dubbed as Tokyo’s hipster central, the district is chock full of thrift stores and novel cafés, with graffiti adorning almost every surface available.

On top of that, seek out the unconventional by visiting a Maid Café in Akihabara, having dinner at the Robot Restaurant extravaganza in Shinjuku, wake up in the middle of the night for the famed tuna auction at Tsukiji Market, watch a sumo wrestling practice one of the Ryogoku district’s stables, or take a photo with a life-sized Gundam statue at Odaiba.

Day 5: Zao Fox Village

What does the fox say? Find out at Zao Fox Village, a curious village home to over 100 foxes. In case you think that this is some form of zoo, think again. Most of these foxes are wild, drawn to the fox village in search of safe sanctuary and free food. There is a free-roaming area within the compound where I walked (quite cautiously, I might add) among six different fox species, and even fed some of them from a raised platform.

How to get there: Take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station directly to Shiroishi Zao station (109 minutes), and transfer to a taxi that will bring you up into the mountains to the Zao Fox Village.

Tip: Transport in Japan, like it or not, will take up the bulk of your expenses. If you’re looking at this itinerary, the shinkansen from Tokyo to Shiroishi Zao station costs about 10,350 yen (~S$130), one-way. You might want to consider getting the JR Rail Pass (~SGD300-350), which will allow you unlimited travel on all shinkansens out of Tokyo, as well as around Tokyo on the JR Yamanote line that goes to all major hotspots. 

Day 6: Yokohama

I love digging into cup noodles. And what better way to spend the day than to immerse myself in everything related to my go-to comfort food at the Momofuku Cup Noodles Museum? I learnt all about the history behind the invention of cup noodles, took lots of photos in the Instant Noodles History Cube which had all sorts of packaging on display, and even had the chance to customise and decorate my own cup of instant noodles.

Tip: Besides customising my own cup of instant noodles, I also participated in a ramen-making workshop at the Chicken Ramen Factory. The workshop is conducted in Japanese but I was given a comprehensive English brochure that translated whatever was going on. These classes fill up really quickly, so do make your reservations in advance on their website.

How to get there: Take the JR Tokaido line from Tokyo station directly to Yokohama (25 minutes).

Day 7: Kawasaki

I’m not a gamer but when I chanced upon the Anata no Warehouse on the Internet, I just knew I had to check it out. Located not far from Tokyo, this warehouse (also known as Kawasaki Warehouse) is a multi-storey gaming arcade modelled after the back alleys of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City.

Stepping into Anata no Warehouse felt like I was transported to a dystopian wonderland; the entrance consisted of a dilapidated set of stairs over eerie glowing water, the walls were thick with grime and rooms were filled with faux seedy posters complete with mannequins parading as fake prostitutes.

Tip: Don’t be too intimidated by the first floor, venture further up and you’ll find a multitude of gaming machines, pachinko, as well as billiards and table tennis tables.

How to get there: Take the JR Tokaido line from Tokyo station directly to Kawasaki (16 minutes). Anata no Warehouse is a short five-minute walk from the station.

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Continue reading Parts 2, 3 and 4.