I’m a domestic dog with limited international and no Asian non rev experience. My college age daughter and I are looking at a possible trip in March. Maybe 4-5 days. Any good intel would be appreciated!

 

Are you military connected? If so, I'd start with the New Sanno downtown Tokyo if you can get a reservation.

Otherwise, just find a spot you budget can afford near the subway in Tokyo. If your timing is right I'd:
1. Go to a sumo match if one is in session and you can get tickets.
2. Go to a Tokyo Giants baseball game in the Tokyo dome (much different than any ballgame you've ever been to).
3. Don't let a good jet lag go to waste and visit the Toyosu Fish market (replaced Tuskiji) (must go bright and early as it's over by 9am) and see tuna auction and every form of life in the sea that is apparently edible.
4. Go to Hakone for a great time and beauty Japan style, hot springs, big lake.
5. Climb Mt Fuji, a challenge, but doable and fun with family/friends. They have stops along the way to enjoy the trip!

Easy to take bus service (called limo) from NRT to downtown hotels.
Have Fun!

 

All good except Mt Fuji. Climbing season is late June till the first snow in late September early October. That is unless you are an experienced winter mountaineer. If you spend any time in Narita city make sure you visit the temple .

 

Tip 1: Fly to Haneda. (out of MSP)
2) Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, all the electronics in Akihabara if you have a geeky bone in your body!
3) Ueno Park, see the Ginza at night once, climb Tokyo tower, have a drink in Roppongi and Akasaka, cross the road in Shibuya.
Kamakura is a lovely day trip; ride the Shinkasen (bullet train) to Kyoto.
I lived there for a couple of years. amazing place. You're completely safe & horribly lost all the time. Enjoy!
Oh, and buy Sake & hot corn soup from a vending machine!
//PL

 

Thanks for all the good info!!

 

If you do a day trip to Osaka, I have an amazing robatayaki place for you to experience

 

Yes, good points!

 

Tokyo like all Japanese cities is an impossible maze of streets that ALL LOOK THE SAME. If your phone map works be sure and put down a marker for anyplace you want to return to. especially your hotel.

the subways are efficient, fast, crowded and go everywhere, if you can figure it out. I managed, so its doable. But its gonna take awhile to get your bearings and you may as well plan on getting lost down there. huge maze of everything.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/japa...tles-in-japan/


a must see if u can.