Tokyo Five Days, Four Nights | A Solo City Wanderer's Diary

It's been a long time since I traveled alone, and this time I chose Tokyo. Firstly, there are plenty of flights and convenient transportation, and secondly, it's a city perfect for leisurely strolling and exploring on your own. No rushing to tourist spots or chasing photo ops—just a chance to soak in the city's atmosphere and enjoy the freedom of buying desserts at convenience stores for late-night snacks. Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo | Strolling in Yoyogi Park + Exploring Shimokitazawa After landing, I took the N'EX train to the city and checked into my small hotel (near Shibuya, just a 5-minute walk to the subway, about HKD 850/night, clean and quiet). After dropping off my luggage, the first thing I did was take a walk in Yoyogi Park. The whole afternoon was filled with sunshine, dogs, and a group of college students practicing dance routines—so chill. Later, I took the Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa, which is packed with vintage clothing stores and quirky shops. I wanted to browse every single one. I ended up buying an adorable vintage knit sweater for just over HKD 200—what a steal! Dinner was at a small izakaya where I had skewers and yuzu sour. The staff were super friendly, and sitting alone at the bar didn't feel awkward at all. The meal cost around HKD 150 and left me completely satisfied. Day 2: Strolling in Kagurazaka + Jimbocho Book Town + Tokyo University Outer Grounds Today's theme was quietly soaking in Tokyo's literary vibe. I love Kagurazaka—a street with a French alleyway feel, filled with dessert shops and bookstores. I spent an hour in a small bookstore, with a cat napping by my legs the whole time, warming my heart. Next, I took the subway to Jimbocho, a paradise for book lovers, with countless second-hand bookstores, manga shops, and small stores selling vinyl records. I had a bowl of curry rice from an old establishment (around HKD 60), so rich I couldn't resist licking the plate. In the afternoon, I strolled around Tokyo University, not entering the campus but walking along the outer grounds, admiring the ginkgo trees and taking photos. The atmosphere was so serene. Day 3: Kiyosumi Shirakawa + Daikanyama | Coffee Day This morning, I made a special trip to Kiyosumi Shirakawa to visit the Blue Bottle Coffee flagship store. The minimalist decor and beautiful lighting were perfect, and I spent two hours there journaling. Nearby, there were several galleries and quirky shops, ideal for those who enjoy quiet exploration. In the afternoon, I headed to Daikanyama, which felt like a snapshot of my ideal lifestyle. I bought a few travel magazines at Tsutaya Books and found a charming plant-themed café in a small alley. I ordered a rose latte and lemon cake (around HKD 70)—pricey but worth it. Day 4: Omotesando + Jiyugaoka | A Day of Everyday Life Omotesando is truly beautiful, with wide, clean streets and flagship stores of various design brands. After walking along the main road, I ventured into the alleys and discovered a pure white café where I had brunch. Later, I went to Jiyugaoka, which I consider Tokyo's most romantic neighborhood. It's perfect for couples, but I had a great time exploring alone, buying some home goods and treating myself to a box of handmade cookies. Day 5: Breakfast at Tsukiji + Strolling in Ueno Park | A Gentle Farewell Before Heading Home On my last day, I woke up early to have breakfast at Tsukiji Market—super fresh sea urchin rice and tamagoyaki (around HKD 160). It was so satisfying that I skipped lunch. Afterward, I took a leisurely walk in Ueno Park, sitting by the fountain for a long time, watching couples pass by hand in hand. It felt so peaceful—not envy, but simply being moved by the tranquility. In the afternoon, I returned to the hotel to pick up my luggage and headed to the airport, wrapping up a perfect Tokyo reset. Sometimes, traveling alone isn't about seeing all the sights but about giving yourself a chance to breathe anew, as if life has been reset. For me, Tokyo is just that kind of place—quiet and gentle.