Finally... I've booked :)

[ParisienDreams]

So finally I have a trip planned for Tokyo! 3 weeks, 20 nights in my 2nd favorite city in the world. Paris is my first

Now I plan to spend a good majority of those 3 weeks at the most Happiest Place on Earth, and then a few other days exploring Tokyo. I don't really know where to start. Last time I went Tokyo it was for like 4 days and everything was planned and I just had to turn up and follow the schedule.

If anyone could point me in the direction of some Tokyo blogs listing things me and my Daughter can do that isn't Disney that would be fab and any TDR planning blogs. This is going to a once in a lifetime big trip for us as I do not know when we will get the chance to come back so want to make sure we have the BEST time possibly.

I may even do a PTR and then a TR when I get back

 

[BelleBway]

If you're going for 3 weeks, I'd strongly recommend spending some time in Kyoto where you can see more of the traditional Japan. If you're stuck on the idea of staying in Tokyo for all 3 weeks, then definitely take some day trips to places like Kamakura and Nikko.

There are a ton of resources online and books. japan-guide.com is a good place to start; they have a link to sample itineraries which you could use as a starting point and adjust based on your own interests. I also enjoy browsing the Japan forums on tripadvisor.com (where you can also ask questions and there will probably be more people who can help than on this board)

For anything more specific, it might help to know when you are traveling and how old your daughter is.

I'm sure you'll have a great time!

 

[Agent 86]

I agree with BelleBway - three weeks in Tokyo is a lot of time. I would consider spending at least a week in Kyoto or Osaka. On our first trip, we couldn't find anywhere affordable to stay in Kyoto, so we stayed in Osaka and did multiple day-trips to Kyoto from Osaka. Osaka was also a good location for a day-trips to Hiroshima and Nara.

Here are some Tokyo Disney links:

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/tokyo-disney-trip-planning-guide/

http://tdrexplorer.com/

http://www.honorablerat.com/

As for other things to do in Tokyo, I always start with Trip Advisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g298184-Activities-Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Travel_Guide-g298184-Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but you could try googling for information about activities in Tokyo which are particularly appealing to children. Or if she is older, then you should ask her if she has any particular interests.

As BelleBway also mentioned, Japan Guide is also a great Japan-specific resource:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

 

[OldSchoolReasons]

So excited you've booked! I'm still on saving up stages at the moment.
I second the Disney Tourist Blog, the photos are beautiful! How old is your daughter? That'll help narrow it down.

 

[shelemm]

You don't say how old your daughter is....

I highly recommend going to Sunshine City Ikebukuro. There is an indoor zoo/aquarium, a 60th floor observation deck, a planetarium, and an indoor theme park, Namjatown. The major attractions of Namjatown are in Japanese, so ita best to pay just for a simple admission. Inside Namjatown are two terrific places to eat. One is Gyoza Stadium, about a dozen famous gyoza (dumpling) shops from all over Japan in a Showa Period themed land. Also, Dessert Republic, which includes some very interesting Japanese Ice Cream flavors. There are many games to play inside Namjatown. It is quite the experience.

 

[tinibee]

I also agree with others who mention Kyoto if you are able. I went in December and despite being freezing cold - my family had a great time. If you consider Kyoto look at www.insidekyoto.com - great touring plans also suggestions of stuff to do with kids. Closer to Tokyo - Kamakura is great for some awesome shrines/temples and a great shopping street where they make senbei (rice crackers) in traditional fashion. Enoshima Island (just a little past Kamakura) is a great place to spend a day walking around/hiking and exploring the Iwaya Caves.

In Tokyo I would suggest Odaiba. Very touristy, very fun. My kids love the lucky box store in Decks mall where you gently shake gift wrapped boxes trying to figure out which one has the lucky ticket for a prize. All boxes come with some little trinket in it (prices vary - the cheaper the box - the cheaper the trinket). The Yurikamome line to Odaiba is also kind of cool - it goes on the underside of the rainbow bridge - its a great view. There is also a wax museum, Legoland and Joypolis (huge Sega video game/amusement park), and a bevy of other malls including Diver City with the giant Gundam robot.

Also - Tokyo Sky Tree and the Sky Tree Town is great with a to die for chocolate shop. You can walk to Asakusa and see Sensoji temple which is very popular. If you feel like you need to see Tokyo Tower too - go there first before Sky Tree. There isn't nearly as much cool stuff as Sky Tree Town. Also - its a pretty hefty walk from the subway.

Yokohama isn't too far from Tokyo - the Minato Mirai area is fantastic with stuff for all ages including the Cup Noodle museum - that was very interesting and surprisingly cheap.

Even if you don't make it to Kyoto/Kansai region, I don't think you will be bored at all in Tokyo

Have a great trip!!