How to Spend 24 Hours in Tokyo

Here is our guide how to spend 24 hours in Tokyo. It’s impossible to experience all of Tokyo in one day, but this itinerary will save you the most time – from food and cultural experiences to popular attractions and activities. Think of the guide below as a highlight reel of sorts; both urban and green spaces are included, and depending on the time of year you visit, you might even see some of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Tokyo

Tuna auction experience (and breakfast) at Tsukiji Fish Market

You’ll need to drag your laggy ass out of bed in the early morning hours if you want to see one of Tokyo’s coolest spots: Tsukiji Fish Market.

Experiencing the famous daily tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market is a serious commitment to any Tokyo travel itinerary. You need to set the alarm as early as 3am!

Public transport isn’t available yet, so a short walk at a hotel like Tokyu Stay Ginza adds a few minutes.

Plan to visit Tsukiji Fish Market before 4 a.m. to make sure one of the 120 sites is available to the public.

Enjoy coffee and snacks at Yoyogi Park

Start your day early and in the morning – head to Fuglen around opening time for legendary coffee and freshly prepared dishes. Also, Little Nap is a local cafe right across the street. Both are located on the edge of Yoyogi Park in Shibuya ward, so after refueling, head through the park to Meiji Shrine.

Visit Meiji Shrine and wear traditional Japanese clothes

Although they share the same grounds, you can’t reach Meiji Shrine from within Yoyogi Park, so exit at the southeast corner and head north; The entrance to the temple is located behind Harajuku Station. If you’ve ever wanted to wear a yukata or kimono, this is a good opportunity to do it. You can pre-book a rental at the Sakaeya ​​Kimono Shop and get a guided tour through the temple (though be sure to leave more time for this activity).

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Harajuku

Head to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for shopping and people-watching. Takeshita Street is full of quirky shops and people selling jewelry. So whether you’re looking for unusual 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 to Omotesando.

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, both second-hand and second-hand, are located in winding alleys, so don’t be afraid to explore.

Explore Naka Meguro, the cherry blossom area

If you’re feeling energetic, take the train from Omotesando Station to Naka Meguro to enjoy Tokyo’s more laid-back atmosphere. Browse the shops that line both sides of the river and visit some of the great independent cafes in the area, such as Onibus Coffee.

Drop by Shibyua Crossing and enjoy a ramen dinner

Head to Shibuya to explore the attractions, including Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and the iconic Shibuya 109 shopping mall. It also has loads of options when it comes to food. Try ramen at a restaurant where vending machines take your order instead of people, find a revolving sushi shop where you order from a tablet, or head to Tengu Sakaba for an izakaya and friendly atmosphere benevolent, benevolent.

Drop by Tokyo’s entertainment district, Kabukicho

If you want to sleep early, head to Shinjuku to wander the alleys of Kabukicho and enjoy a drink at the district’s famous 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.

Discover Traditional Tokyo at Asakusa

From Tsukiji Fish Market, walk to nearby Higashi-ginza Station and prepare for your Tokyo subway ride by taking the Toei Subway Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station.

While Tokyo neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku evoke ultra-modern images, Asakusa gives us the opposite: a glimpse of Tokyo in its most traditional fashion.

Not far from Asakusa Station, you’ll find Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate), the gateway to Asakusa’s most famous attractions, including Sensō-ji, an ancient Buddhist temple that has become a symbol of the past far Old Tokyo.