Please help with Tokyo details
 

First, thanks to all of you FT folks who’ve responded to my many questions over the last few months with really great and detailed info. I am really looking forward to my 2 week trip starting April 10 to Tokyo-Takayama-Kyoto-Tokyo.

I’m down to fine tuning of the itinerary but I’m a bit unsure if my plan makes sense, logistically and otherwise, for Tokyo.

Arrving late on Friday, April 11. We are staying in Shinjuku at the Southern Century Tower Hotel.

Sat, April 12
Tsukiji Market- not for tuna auction but sushi breakfast and outer market shopping.
Ginza
Shinjuku

Sunday, April 13
Meiji Jingu
Harajuku
Shibuya

Travel to Takayama for festival. Takayama to Kyoto for 5 nights then return to Tokyo.

Tuesday, April 22
Arrive late afternoon to Tokyo
Roppongi

Wednesday, April 23
Asakusa and Sensoji
Imperial Palace
Marunouchi

Does this sound like a good plan or should I move/eliminate/add anything?
Thanks!

Why Roppongi?

Good question. I guess I was thinking it might be good for something different to do one night. Maybe dinner and some nightlife, although I understand it may be a younger crowd. Any suggestions in that area or should I give it a pass?

For the night life. Do keep up!

I thought that was Rappungi. I do see the OP is going to Ginza. For the shopping, I assume.

Yes, you are missing tons. But it all depends on your interests and what you want to prioritize. Ueno park and museums, Akihabara, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Kabuki Theater in Ginza (if that wasn't included in "Ginza"). Do yourself a favor and search through the endless, once-a-week threads with the same question or any guidebook or any web resource. "Things to do in Tokyo?" is just about the most common question asked by a first-time tourist. That and "Are there really used underwear vending machines?"

Ignore the jokesters for a moment.

Ginza might be worthwhile for a first-timer if you can attend part of a performance at the new Kabuki-za. You can buy tickets for individual acts (a good thing, since these plays go on for hours) and rent an audio device that provides English-language narration. Even if you don't go to a play, you may enjoy seeing what the vendors in the basement near the subway entrance have to sell.

I don't patronize fancy restaurants in Tokyo unless a client is paying, but I've always thought of Roppongi as the place to go if you're into clubbing. There are a couple of museums and office-entertainment complexes in the area, but the rest of it is nondescript during the day and on the sleazy side at night.

There are good restaurants and nightlife venues all over the city. The English-language newspapers will have listings of entertainment, ranging from movies to international touring acts in every genre to small jazz or folk clubs called "live houses." Since there is no zoning in Tokyo (at least not any obvious zoning), anything can spring up anywhere.

I recommend buying a city atlas. The most up-to-date one is "Bilingual Atlas of Tokyo," published by Tokyo Chizu Publishing Co. In a city where very few streets have names, it can be handy to have a series of maps that show you where all the streets are and label all the landmarks.

I guess I opened the sarcasm door :D

My intent with the post was more about the logistics. In other words, are things grouped together well for convenient transportation. But now I'm questioning some of my choices.

Yes, I am a first timer to Japan (although I've been to several other Asian counties). As far as my likes and dislikes I would note the following:

1) Not a big museum goer, unless it's raining.
2) Might be interested in Kabuki Theater, but not for 2 hours.
3) I am a foodie but my wallet won't support high end restaurants.
4) Not into clubbing. We are all over 50, but very youthful ;)
5) I like markets and shopping but NOT malls or department stores (other than to try the food in the basement)
6) I like to walk and experience local culture and take in the sights.

I realize this is a bit vague. Hope you all can help me fill in and organize so I'm not jumping around.
Thanks

April 23:
Asakusa and Sensoji
Imperial Palace
Marunouchi

Why not add "Kappabashi" in Asakusa plan? It is in the Asakusa neighborhood.
http://www.kappabashi.or.jp/en/index.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3020.html

A very hungry Mr.msiamsia saw a huge "restaurant" logo/mark in Kappabashi and though he could eat lunch there. Turned out it was a shop that sells "logo/mark" only, and he was sooo upset. :-P

:D Sounds like something I would do. Thanks for that advise. As a matter of fact I did have that on my list as part of the day in Asakusa. I do so love all things kitchen and food related!

The Imperial Palace grounds are a nice walk, and you can see the Edo period fortifications and moat, but you can't go inside any actual buildings except the tiny art museum that shows a rotating collection of items from the emperor's collection and perhaps the small theater if there's something going on.

The Sensoji area is the closest you will find to "old Japan" in Tokyo, I think.

If you go to Tsukiji, make a side detour to the Hama Rikyu Gardens and from there, catch a boat up the Sumida River to Asakusa. It's not scenic by any stretch of the imagination, but you see a new view of the city, with its jumble of old and ultramodern, and if you look to the east bank of the river, you will see the remnants of the old canal system that laced the entire city in the old days.

http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue...bukiza-Theatre
No problem, since you are going to Ginza anyway, drop by and see if they have any tickets for just one Act.

Best rid yourself of that assumption immediately. If you're happy to eat lunch rather than dinner, aren't too picky about your options and are willing to forsake wine or beer with your meal in favour of the complimentary water and tea, you'll be amazed at what your wallet will support.
Off the top of my head, first that comes to mind is the Michelin starred Nakajima in Shinjuku. When I was there it was 800yen for lunch. The boiled sardines with umeboshi were sensational (the fried sardines were good, but not nearly as memorable). I barely got to try them, my then two and a half year old wolfed them down.

Now this is exactly the stuff I love to find out about! Thanks so much. I very much appreciate this.

Still hoping for advice on logistics and transportation. Does my itinerary make sense in terms of its organization?

If I were you, I would group together
1. Tsukiji, Ginza and Marunouchi
2. Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjyuku
3. Asakusa/Sensoji & Imperial Palace

You have Group (1): locations on East side of Tokyo, Group (2) locations on West side of Tokyo, and Group (3) locations on East side of Tokyo.

You will minimize traveling time in the above grouping.
Like, Harajyuku/Shibuya/Shinjyku are all 1 to 2 train stops from each other, whereas if you are moving from Ginza to Shinjyku (doable, but), you have to cross town.
Depending on the timing, it may take longer than you think to cross town, I think.