Tokyo is the perfect destination for a couples city break. Whether you are adventurers, shoppers or relaxers, the eclectic nature of this capital city makes it an ideal fit for all types of people. Visiting new places with your partner is a great way to build memories, expand your knowledge, challenge your beliefs and grow closer to your loved one. The planning stages of these trips can be the most testing on a couple, as let’s face it, budgeting and researching are not particularly sexy. To save you time, energy and maybe even some arguments, we have created a fantastic 48-hour itinerary for couples in Tokyo.
Day 1 – Morning
First off, we recommend that you stay in a fantastic location. There are a plethora of wonderful hotels, but we recommend looking no further than the Sunshine Prince Hotel. This chic city accommodation promises to meet all your needs, and provide a cosy base for your city explorations. Now, a great way to start day one in the city is to head to Senso-Ji. Located in the heart of Asakura, this ancient temple is the epitome of traditional Japanese culture. Once you’ve explored, it’s worth staying in the area to have a mooch around. The streets of Asakura historically made up the “pleasure district” of Tokyo, being home to many a Geisha House. Today, the streets are filled with charming little shops and a welcoming yet authentic atmosphere. Browse the stalls and enjoy the laid-back vibes before heading into Shibuya.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Shibuya is what Times Square is to New York, but much older. This commercial district is the shopping centre of the city and has been for centuries. Neon lights and digital billboards light the streets and provide the iconic backdrop that many recognise as Tokyo. This is a great location to enjoy some lunch. The arcades offer fantastic views of the city with impressively broad selections of cuisine for you to enjoy.
Day 1 – Evening
Although you may be ready to return to the Sunshine Prince Hotel, we recommend that you spend the first evening in the city in the area of Ginza. Here you can enjoy some of the finest sushi-bars in the city, before enjoying a traditional dance performance in the landmark theater, Kabuki-Za.
Day 2 – Morning
After the hectic first day in the city, we imagine you may be wanting to enjoy a slower start. We recommend that you start by booking a session in the Sunshine Prince Hotel’s Stretching Room, to ensure that you are both limbered up and ready for the second day in the city. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting during the Hanami season, you will be able to view the iconic cherry blossoms scenes that cover the city. Relax in a sea of pink in the stunning and picturesque Shinjuku Gyoen Park, for the perfect morning in the city. We recommend that you pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in these gorgeous surroundings, before heading for your afternoon adventures.
Day 2 – Afternoon & Evening To experience the fashion for which Tokyo is known, head to the area of Harajuku. Here you will see spectacular wall art and the most trendy looking teens you will ever lay eyes on. Trawl the shops or grab a drink and people watch for a great afternoon in the city. Return to the Sunshine Prince Hotel to get dolled up, before heading for a final night on the town in Roppongi, home to the hippest bars and clubs that Tokyo has to offer.
New Year is a fantastic time of year. Spirits are high in anticipation for the opportunities that the coming year may bring, and may use this time to reflect on the last few months. Once resolutions are set, in western culture, it’s time to party on through until the morning. In Japan, however, the New Year is welcomed differently. In place of hard-partying, the 31st December sees people returning to their hometowns to enjoy the company of their families and engage in the traditions that their culture holds dear at this time of year. Read on to discover how you can celebrate the New Year in the wonderful city of Tokyo.
Hatsumode
If you are seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience to start your year, then do Hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first temple visit of the year, that should be done at midnight on the 31st December to start the New Year with good fortune. We recommend dining at the renowned restaurant in Shinagawa prince hotel before heading to one of the historical temples that Tokyo is home to by around 10 pm. Zozo-Ji is ancient, dating back to 1393 and is the perfect place to carry out Hatsumode. To celebrate the New Year, this traditional event will include a monk ringing the bell of the temple 108 times. This is representative of the Buddhist belief that humans hold 108 desires which need to be cleansed to live a prosperous and healthy life. Although this may sound formal, it is, in fact, a joyous event, that fills the temple and surrounding areas with a lively and warming atmosphere.
Yokohama
Fireworks and New Year go hand in hand. In Tokyo, this is no exception. If you want to enjoy magnificent displays in an unbeatable setting, head to the port of Yokohama. This New Year event is incredibly popular and for good reason. The gorgeous setting is not only super easy to reach for Shinagawa Prince Hotel but is also a beautiful backdrop to see in the New Year celebrations. Dine-in one of the fantastic sushi restaurants surrounding the port, before setting out to enjoy spectacular explosions of colour and light, that welcome in positivity and hope for the coming months. Don’t stop there though, for wonderful illuminations and a light show, look no further than Minato Mirai.
Roppongi Although partying is the Japanese way to celebrate the New Year, it doesn’t mean you can’t dance and drink the night away in Tokyo. If this is your preferred way to welcome in the New Year, look no further than Roppongi. This brilliant district of Tokyo offers a selection of fantastic clubs and events that promise a great night out. Don’t worry about missing the last train, as the services across the city recognise the needs of the partiers and offer extended services. So you can party right through until the early hours before returning to your gorgeous accommodation in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel.
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