A Tokyo Food, Shopping & Hot Spring Trip During Chinese New Year – Shop, Stroll & Soak to Your Heart’s Content

Where to travel during the holiday season? This year, the holiday break is unusually long, so you might consider a trip farther afield to Europe or America. But if you’re looking to eat, drink, play, shop till you drop, and unwind in an onsen, Tokyo is a great choice. The diverse and vibrant Tokyo metropolis has something to see, eat, and do for all age groups. Beyond the stylish shopping in the city center, consider adding a suburban trip to Hakone. Soak in the historic, elegant hot springs and take a relaxing stroll to shake off the fatigue of the past year.

Ever-changing Tokyo always has something new every year! Shibuya and Harajuku are perfect for bold, fashion-forward girls and energetic students. Shibuya is known as the birthplace of gyaru (Japanese street fashion), offering the trendiest and most eye-catching clothes along with a dazzling array of accessories. Harajuku, on the other hand, is a hub for all things quirky and unique, where food, drinks, and fun goods are full of surprises. For those who want to stay on the cutting edge of fashion, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Odaiba are top choices. This area boasts large malls, countless department stores, and Odaiba, which is also a famous filming location for Japanese dramas. The colorful Rainbow Bridge and the breathtakingly scenic giant Ferris wheel offer absolute romance at 100%.

For more mature female travelers, Ginza, Omotesando, and Daikanyama are must-visits. Ginza blends tradition with modernity and is a paradise for gourmet food and luxury brands. Omotesando is lined with high-end brands like LV, GUCCI, and PRADA, and some Japan-exclusive items are only available here. Daikanyama is known for its celebrity-chef restaurants and boutique shops. Its proximity to embassies and upscale residential areas gives the products here a particularly refined vibe.

To experience traditional Japanese culture, Asakusa is a must. Senso-ji Temple is the heart of Asakusa and was the liveliest district during the Edo period. It remains bustling to this day. The 250-meter-long Nakamise shopping street leading from Senso-ji Temple to the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is lined with various traditional Japanese goods and classic snacks such as senbei (rice crackers) and ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes), where you can feel the authentic Edo atmosphere everywhere. To understand the daily life of ordinary Tokyoites, take a stroll through Ueno. The nearby Ameyoko market is a traditional bazaar selling all kinds of food and daily goods. The sounds of street vendors and haggling create a lively buzz — it’s the perfect place to shop for affordable and abundant local souvenirs.

Just a two-hour drive from Tokyo, Hakone’s hot spring town is very accessible, and you might consider staying here for a day to enjoy a leisurely Japanese-style holiday. Hakone features mountains and lakes, with over a hundred hot spring ryokans gathered in the onsen area. Coupled with the Odakyu Romancecar train that connects Hakone and Shinjuku in a straight line, the exceptional quality of the springs, the beautiful scenery, and the convenient transportation have solidified Hakone’s reputation as a top hot spring destination. The highlight of visiting here is choosing a quality ryokan to fully enjoy the excellent baths and delicious meals prepared by the inn. For relaxation, take a stroll through the woods or by the lake, or visit an interesting small museum to add a peaceful and enjoyable chapter to your Tokyo trip.

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