How to spend 24 hours in Tokyo

It’s impossible to experience the entirety of Tokyo in one day, but this itinerary will help you maximize your time – from culinary and cultural experiences to famous sights and activities.

Immerse in the hustle and bustle of Harajuku

 Make your way to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for shopping and people-watching. Takeshita Street contains tonnes of quirky shops and trinket sellers. So whether you’re looking for offbeat souvenirs or unique pieces to add to your wardrobe, you’ll find them here. Harajuku’s unofficial specialty is crepes, so grab one before heading toward Omotesando.

👉 Takeshita Street 1-13-17 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Stop by Meiji Shrine and try on traditional Japanese attire

Although they share the same grounds, you can’t access Meiji Shrine from inside Yoyogi Park, so exit at the southeast corner and head north; the shrine entrance is behind Harajuku Station. If you’ve ever wanted to try on a yukata or kimono, this is a good opportunity to do so. You can book a rental in advance at Sakaeya Kimono Shop and be guided through the shrine (though be sure to budget more time for this activity).

👉 Meiji Shrine 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Dine and shop along Omotesando

First, you might want to head straight to 76Cafe for a late lunch of taco rice, an Okinawan dish that combines classic taco ingredients with rice instead of tortillas. Then, along Omotesando, you’ll find luxury goods and some of the most impressive architecture in the world. Many of the best shops, including second-hand and vintage stores, can be found in the winding back alleys, so don’t be afraid to explore.

👉 76 Cafe 4-9-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Check out the Shibuya Crossing and enjoy a ramen dinner

Head to Shibuya to check out the sights, including Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and the iconic Shibuya 109 mall. It also has endless options when it comes to food. Try ramen at a restaurant where vending machines take your order instead of people, find sushi go round joint where you order from a tablet, or check out Tengu Sakaba for izakaya fare and a friendly atmosphere.

👉 Shibuya Station 2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Read more: Street food in Tokyo, dishes that you should try once

Drop by Tokyo’s entertainment district, Kabukicho

If you’d like to make it an early night, head to Shinjuku to wander the alleys of Kabukicho, and grab a drink in the district’s famed Golden Gai. Otherwise, stay in Shibuya and spend the night at one of the many live music venues, clubs, or DJ bars in the area.

👉 Golden Gai, 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

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Top 8 attractions in Tokyo, Japan

With so much to see and do in Tokyo, the list of must-sees is potentially endless. Narrow your search with these top 8 Tokyo attractions.

Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is enormous, spread across multiple galleries and structures in Ueno Park. If you’re tight on time, make your way to the Main Gallery (Honkan) for a chronological exploration of Japanese history and art.

Takeshita-dori

Colorful and lively Takeshita Street is located in Harajuku and is one of the district’s most iconic attractions. The shopping area is packed with small shops and vendors selling offbeat fashions, quirky souvenirs, and everything kawaii.

Senso-ji

Senso-ji is one of Tokyo’s most visited temples. Not only because of its sheer size and cultural significance but because it claims to be the oldest of the city’s temples. The surrounding historic district and shopping street, Nakamise-dori, also contribute to Senso-ji’s popularity.

Hamarikyu Onshi Teien

This traditional Japanese strolling garden was once the property of the Tokugawa Clan, the former shoguns of Edo. Don’t forget to visit the antique teahouse located within its walls, Nakajima no Ochaya, for the full experience.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is known as the busiest pedestrian scramble in the world in terms of foot traffic. It’s the perfect starting point to any exploration further into the district.

Tokyo Dome

The Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s oldest professional baseball team, call the Tokyo Dome home. But the multipurpose structure also hosts concerts and other sporting events as well. Catch a game rain or shine, or spend an hour browsing the nearby Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is a collection of narrow alleys and two-story bars, a rare sight in the metropolis of Shinjuku. Most are so small they can only accommodate a handful of customers, which is the reasoning behind the hefty seating charges. It has mostly been taken over by visitors in recent years, but you’ll still encounter the odd locals-only signage or chilly reception now and then.

Read more: Things to do in Asakusa, Tokyo

Tokyo Skytree

Located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in the entire prefecture and a popular attraction among locals and visitors alike. Shop and dine at the Skytree Village, or make your way to the observatories for a new perspective on Tokyo.

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7 best spots in Tokyo to visit at night

Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world for nightlife. Not only for drinking and partying, but also the streetscape and photography are one of the best things to enjoy in Tokyo at night. Actually, many landmarks in Tokyo have even better views at night than day time.

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower

Roppongi Hills Mori Tower owns one of the city’s best observatories, which is supposedly the best place to observe Tokyo Tower.

Hours: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (to 1 am on Friday and Saturday)
Access: Direct access is available from Tokyo Metro Roppongi station 1C Exit

Tokyo Sky Tree

The new symbol of the city, Tokyo Skytree is the highest building existing in Japan today. The 634 m tower was built in 2012 as a broadcasting tower and is located in Asakusa area, Tokyo.

Hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Access: a short walk from Tokyo Skytree Station or Oshiage Station

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji glows at night. It's one of the most popular tourist sites in Tokyo and extremely crowded during the day, however, you can also enjoy the silent temple after it gets dark.

Access: a short walk from Asakusa Station

Odaiba

The large artificial island on Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is connected with Rainbow Bridge to the center of Tokyo, and famous for its sophisticated night view.

Shibuya

The district of Tokyo that never sleeps, Shibuya is known as the center of the young culture of Japan. The district entertains and sometimes takes you by surprise even at deep night. The famous scramble crossing and Center Gai Street are the most vibrant area.

Tokyo Central Station

Located at the heart of Tokyo city, Tokyo Station is the city’s biggest transportation hub with numerous railway lines, and it’s actually an amazing object to photograph especially at night.

Shinjuku 

Another district of Tokyo which never sleeps. In fact, this one is even wide awake at night. Shinjuku is the biggest red-light district in Tokyo and famous for its glaring neon lights, especially around Kabukicho area.

Read more: Catch up with some Tokyo’s major districts

Source: jw-webmagazine