Tokyo Parks Walk Plan
This plan involved a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen and around to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi, with side trips for lunch and dinner in Harajuku and nearby popular restaurants.
AShinjuku Gyouen – a famous, managed park in the center of Shinjuku. Start your walk in the less busy Okido Gate rather than the busy Shinjuku gate, when tends to have long queues during Cherry Blossom season.
BWalk through the park and exit via the Sendagaya Gate. The park is quite large and there is plenty to see. On warm days it is great for a picnic and there are a few sections of soft grass to lay on. However, most Japanese go to Yoyogi Park as alcohol is allowed there and it is free to enter.
CBy this time it should be heading towards lunch time. You have two options. Base Burger, which is a great little burger place next to a level crossing, which a cosey upstairs and tasty burgers. Sit outside or upstairs and relax. If you want something more Japanese, then try Kushi Katsu Tanaka, although you will need to read up on this type of dish first.
DAfter lunch head a short walk to the entrance of the Meiji Shrine and walk along the peaceful tree corridor to the Shrine itself. Everything is free.
EThe Shrine itself is probably the best example if Tokyo so if you are not that into Shrine and Temples, then pick this one as your one to visit.
FHead towards Harajuku station. Further east is Harajuku proper however the park is due west. There is an event space that has regular countries of the world festivals at the weekends, so check that out.
GThe entrance to Yoyogi Park. Walk into the park here and perhaps grab an ice cream from the place at the entrance. You can walk round the park anyway you want.
HThe dog run is a great place to check out the cute, pedigree dogs that local well-off couples like to show off to the masses (anyone living close enough to walk their dog in Yoyogi Park has a fair enough of money).
IAfter walking around Yoyogi Park, head to the famous Takeshita Street to photograph the crowds like everyone else does. On busy day’s it is quite a mental effort to walk down; a challenge “When Japan” thinks is the only reason people go there (the shops are nothing special).
JFinish the day with Okonomiyaki at Sakura-tei, which is a very foreigner friendly restaurant with a great atmosphere. If you are planning to go to Tsukishima, then perhaps find another local restaurant such as this Ramen place. You can also head into Omotesando, walking past all the high-brand shops.
