Good Morning!
After settling into our house yesterday, today it’s time to start exploring.
One of the things you’ll love most about Aoto is how quickly you can reach some of Tokyo’s biggest attractions while still returning to a quiet neighborhood at the end of the day.
Breakfast at Home
Thanks to yesterday’s supermarket visit, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out.
No rushing around looking for a café, just an easy start to your day.
Morning: Tokyo Skytree Town
Take the train to Oshiage and spend the morning exploring Tokyo Skytree Town.
Although Tokyo Skytree is famous for its observation deck, many visitors end up spending half a day here without ever going to the top.
Tokyo Solamachi is home to over 300 shops, seasonal events, cafés, and character stores, making it an enjoyable place to explore even if you never buy a ticket to the observatory
One of My Favorite Hidden Spots
One place I often recommend to guests is the Konica Minolta Planetarium inside Tokyo Skytree Town.
Whether you’re escaping a summer afternoon, avoiding a rainy day, or simply looking for a quieter experience, it’s a wonderful way to slow down between sightseeing.
Even if you don’t speak Japanese, many of the seasonal programs are easy to enjoy thanks to the immersive visuals and music..
Lunch Like a Local
Rather than heading straight to one of the restaurants, one of our favorite options is to visit Central Square Life supermarket just across the street from Tokyo Skytree Town.
Pick up a freshly made bento, fresh out the oven pizza, sandwiches, seasonal fruit, or Japanese desserts. Then head back to the wooden decks around Solamachi for a relaxed picnic.
It’s affordable, delicious, and a wonderful way to enjoy the atmosphere on a nice day.
Afternoon: Asakusa
By arriving in the afternoon, you’ll often find Asakusa noticeably calmer than it is first thing in the morning.
After passing through Kaminarimon Gate, take your time exploring Nakamise Shopping Street before wandering the smaller lanes behind Senso-ji.
Some of our favorite cafés, sweet shops, and quiet corners are found just a block or two away from the main tourist route.
A Sweet Afternoon Treat
If you’re curious about trying one of Asakusa’s famous snacks but aren’t a fan of sweet red bean paste, look for one of the shops selling freshly made baby castella instead.
These warm, bite-sized sponge cakes are lightly sweet, easy to share, and one of my favorite treats while wandering the shopping streets.
It’s worth stopping by earlier in the afternoon, as many shops begin closing in the early evening.
Dinner in Asakusa
After a full day of sightseeing, Asakusa is one of our favorite neighborhoods to slow down and enjoy dinner before returning to Aoto.
If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, I highly recommend Asakusa Tonkatsu Matsuyoshi.
Hidden just a few minutes from Senso-ji, the restaurant has a warm, traditional atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy shopping streets outside. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, enjoy attentive service, and savor a meal at a slower pace.
The owner has over 16 years of experience working with premium Japanese pork, and every cutlet is prepared to order. It usually takes around 15–20 minutes, but the extra care is reflected in every bite.
If it’s your first time trying Japanese tonkatsu, I recommend the Three Cut Premium Assortment, which lets you compare tender fillet, flavorful loin, and their excellent minced cutlet in one meal.
For many of our guests, experiences like this become just as memorable as the temples and shopping streets.
Evening Along the Sumida River
Before heading back to Aoto, enjoy one last stroll along the Sumida River.
Watching the Skytree light up at night is a wonderful way to end your first full day in Tokyo.
Akira’s Tips
- Visit Skytree first thing. It’s much quieter before lunch.
- Don’t skip the side streets. Some of Asakusa’s best cafés and restaurants are tucked behind Nakamise.
- Take a break indoors. The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is one of Tokyo’s best places to escape the summer heat or rain.
- Stay until sunset if you can. Seeing Skytree illuminated from the Sumida River is worth the extra hour.
Where Next?
Tokyo is a city best explored one neighborhood at a time.
We’re gradually building a collection of local recommendations, walking routes, and practical itineraries to help you discover a quieter, more local side of the city.
Continue exploring:
The Complete Guide to Shibamata Tokyo
A relaxed itinerary featuring our favorite neighborhood.
More neighborhood guides are coming soon.
