Got only 24 hours in Tokyo and feeling overwhelmed? I get it. Tokyo is massive (a cool 2,191 square kilometres to be exact and over 37 million people), so planning a one day itinerary here can feel impossible.
But don’t stress because I’ve put together the ultimate 24 hours in Tokyo itinerary that hits all the highlights in an action packed itinerary, not for the faint of heart.
I’m a frequent traveller to Japan, and Tokyo is one of my favourite places in the world. I know the best way to experience it for first timers who want adventure and a well rounded visit.
We will be starting the day in Tokyo’s old town, followed by a visit to the most well-known food market, then we’ll hop across to the other side of Tokyo to experience the best of Shibuya and finally raise a glass (or 8) in Shinjuku’s beloved alley izakaya’s.
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Tokyo Essentials
Travel Insurance:Β I recommendΒ True TravellerΒ for EU/UK citizens andΒ World NomadsΒ for anyone outside of here.
AiraloΒ is a super convenient e-sim that you can just download to your phone for mobile data! Prices start from $4.50.
Some activities need to be booked a few weeks ahead, especially Mario Kart and Shibuya Sky, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Leaving Tokyo Airport During A Layover
You can leave both Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda during a layover. It’s your responsibility to ensure you have enough time to make it back for your flight. You will still need a visa but for many countries a visa on arrival is enough. You can check the requirements for your country here.
Minimum Layover Times:
- Narita: 8+ hours (Narita is 60km from central Tokyo)
- Haneda: 6+ hours (much closer to the city)
Getting Into Tokyo:
- From Narita: Skyliner train to Ueno in 40 minutes (2,500 yen)
- From Haneda: Monorail to Shinagawa in 13 minutes (500 yen), then transfer to city center
Luggage Storage Tokyo
Many of the subway stations have coin operated lockers, they cost between 300 – 800 yen per day depending on the size of the locker and duration. They are first come, first served so there is the potential of them being full, especially around busy holidays.
Alternatively, Bounce and Radical Storage allows you to prebook a storage locker in various locations around Tokyo. It costs 800 – 850 yen per bag per day, regardless if using for just 1 hour or 24 hours.
How To Get Around Tokyo
The best way to get around Tokyo is, without a doubt the subway, it’s affordable, fast, and super clean. Although you are in Tokyo for just 1 day, it will likely feel tempted to get a taxi, but they are very expensive and will just not be as fast as the subway.
Buying a ticket is easy, you can purchase a physical 24 hour card that you collect from any subway machine across Tokyo’s stations.
Alternatively, you can use a virtual Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card. Just go to your Apple wallet, tap β+β, select travel card and search for Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA . You are then able to top it up and use.
Where To Stay In Tokyo
I wrote a detailed post on the 8 best areas to stay in Tokyo, you can read that here. However I have summarised the best areas to stay in Tokyo below.
Shibuya: the heart of the city, it is the most touristy area but is very convenient for exploring. It is also a fantastic choice if you want to experience the nightlight. It is modern, exciting and very busy. The cost of accommodation is high, this may not suit budget travellers.
Shinjuku: comes a close second to Shibuya in terms of nightlife, however, it has Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho which promises to be a memorable night. It is also convenient for short metro journeys.
Asakusa: laidback neighbourhood known as βold Japanβ with shrines and old architecture. It is also a popular place for backpackers to stay, making it budget-friendly. Although it doesnβt have the liveliest nightlife in Tokyo, there are many chill local izakayas.
Akasaka: If you are on a budget but still want a lively area, Akasaka is perfect! With 3 metro stations, it is super quick and easy to travel around the city, along with a nice mix of izakayas, western-style bars and restaurants.
Recommended Hotels For 24 Hours In Tokyo
$$$
Sequence Miyashita Park
4-star luxury hotel in Shibuya, rooms have incredible views and feature a window nook. Rooms are cosy, modern and well designed, optimised for space. Guests highly rate the breakfast.
$$
Keio Presso
Inn
Located in Shinjuku, this 3-star hotel has cosy rooms, they also offer single rooms for solo travellers. Each room has a work desk and TV. A Western and Japanese breakfast is included.
Budget-friendly rooms that are simple yet comfortable. Located just 15-minutes from Shibuya station you’re in the heart of Tokyo. Many rooms are traditional tatami. Hotel also features an onsen.
24 Hours In Tokyo Map
1 Day Tokyo Itinerary
1. Senso-ji Temple (2 hours)
Kicking off our 24 hours in Tokyo is a visit to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple. Situated in Tokyo’s old town, Asakusa, it gives us a glimpse of the city before the neon skyscrapers. It is best to visit this part of Tokyo early as it gets very crowded as the day goes on, ideally, you will arrive here for sunrise, but if you are not an early riser it is still an incredible experience after 9 am, just a busier one.
Many people choose to rent a kimono for a deeper cultural experience, and of course for stunning photos.
Aside from the temple, there are two large picturesque gates called Hozomon Gate and Kaminarimon Gate. Between these gates are many food and souvenir stalls, it is worth noting the prices here are inflated due to the large number of tourists.
Finally, photographers will love floor 8 of Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, here you can take some incredible shots of Senso-ji temple, for free!
π This temple guide by Japan Guide explains what to do when visiting a temple in Japan.
2. Tsukiji Outer Market (1.5 hours)
Next up is a dive into Japan’s delicious food culture at Tsukiji Outer Market, a place famed for its fresh fish. Like Senso-ji, the earlier you get here the better. Many places sell out of their food by midday.
There is so much fish to choose from, and due to its freshness, it is a great place to be adventurous and try new kinds of fish like sea urchins. My absolute favourites here are the sushi, bluefin tuna, unagi, and steamed king crab!
If fish isn’t your cup of tea Tsukiji Market has plenty more than fish. Wagyu beef skewers although expensive will melt in your mouth due to their tenderness, crispy curry pans, Tamago, and horumon-don from Kitsuneya. More of a sweet tooth kind of person, you will find lots of treats here like strawberries, mochi, black sesame ice cream and matcha lattes.
Make sure you have cash on you as not every stall accepts card payment.
π I recommend Tsukiji Ihachi honten for wagu skewers, we had them in a few places and this by far the best. They also do incredible crab.
3. Harajuku (2 hours)
No 24 hours in Tokyo would be complete without a trip to the iconic Harajuku! Hailed as the birthplace of Kawaii culture, Harajuku is overflowing with all things cute, from clothes, shoes and souvenirs to cafes – it is all adorable. Takeshita-dori is the main street where most of the shops and food stalls are located.
The food is colourful, fun and unique, one of my favourite places was Long, Longer, Longest where you can get a 52 cm tornado chip skewer, churro or K-Dog. I recommend you wander and see what appeals to you.
If you would prefer to sit down and eat, rather than stand at a food stall here are some nice options:
- Bassa Nova Harajuku – ramen with Thai flavours
- Foodies – Korean fried chicken
- Oreryushio Ramen – affordable and flavourful ramen
- Yuimaru Shokudo – try flavours from the Japanese island of Okinawa
4. Shibuya (1.5 hours)
As the glitzy heart of the city, Shibuya is a must-visit on this one day Tokyo itinerary. The neon-lit sky-scraper lined streets are packed with shops, izakayas (Japanese pubs), nightclubs and restaurants. It is known as the number one entertainment district in Tokyo.
Things to do in Shibuya
- Shibuya Crossing – the busiest crossing in the world. 1,200 people walk across this every 80 seconds. You will likely walk this many times to take lots of cool photos.
- Hachiko Statue – dedicated to an Akita dog who waited for a decade at Shibuya Station for his owner to return.
- MAGS Rooftop Bar – in my opinion, this is the best place for viewing the Shibuya crossing. There is an outdoor platform along with an indoor room that allows you to view the crossing from all sides. The entrance costs 1,500 yen and includes a drink.
- Alternatively, Starbucks has a futuristic store overlooking the Shibuya crossing. It can get very busy but the views are great.
- Pokemon Centre – see a lifesize staue of MewTwo! I was a a Pokemon nerd as a kid so I could not miss out on seeing this!
5. Watch The Sunset Shibuya Sky (1 hour)
Often cited as the best view in Tokyo, what better way to wind down than to see the sunset across Tokyo? On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji!
Located on the 47th floor is a panoramic observation deck, at a height of 751 feet (229 metres) you can see the sprawling and seemingly neverending cityscape of Tokyo.
Tickets for the sunset and night timeslot sell out fast, I strongly advise booking this a few weeks in advance to guarantee a space. You can book the tickets here.
If it’s raining, swap Shibuya Sky for Tokyo Skytree (indoor)
6. Mario Kart (1.5 hour)
Now it is time for some excitement! Strap yourself into a real-life Mario Kart that can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. You will be driving down some ICONIC Tokyo locations such as Shibuya and Akihabara. It is encouraged to dress up in a onesie, which can be rented from the tour operator.
Mario Kart requires two things that catch most travellers off guard:
- International Driver’s Licence (IDP) – You must have this before arriving in Japan. You cannot get one in Tokyo. Apply for your IDP in your home country at least 2-3 weeks before your trip. The process is usually simple (just a form and fee), but you need to do it in person or by mail through your local automobile association. You can apply online here for some countries.
- Advance Booking – Popular time slots (especially evenings and weekends) sell out weeks in advance. Book your spot as soon as you know your Tokyo dates.
You’re driving real go-karts in actual Tokyo traffic. It’s thrilling but requires focus and confidence. If you’re nervous about driving in a foreign city, this might not be for you.
If you don’t have an IDP or it’s too late to get one, don’t worry. There are plenty of other fun activities in Tokyo. As an alternative recommend checking out TeamLab Borderless (digital art museum) or spending more time exploring the quirky shops in Harajuku instead.
π Need an international driverβs licence? You can easily apply online here.
7. Omiode Yokocho + Golden Gai (2+ hours)
What a day it has been! I bet you are feeling tired but I’ve got one more thing for you to see. Don’t worry though, you will be sitting down for most of it.
Finally, we are closing off this 1 day Tokyo itinerary in Shinjuku. This is my favourite place for nightlife due to two incredible alleys Omiode Yokocho and Golden Gai. Although I recommend it, you don’t have to visit both, today has been long after all. These alleys date back to World War II and are packed with izakayas. Your only worry will be choosing between sake or highball!
Omiode Yokocho
The smaller of the two alleys, Omiode Yokocho has approximately 60 small izakayas that mainly specialize in yakitori (grilled meat and vegetables, its delicious!).
Golden Gai
Golden Gai has about 200 bars all with different themes, spread across 6 alleyways. Popular with locals and tourists alike it is the perfect place to head if you want to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
Here are a few bars you can check out:
- Hair of the Dogs β Punk Theme
- Deathmatch in Hell β metal bar
- Open Book β book themed
- Kenzoβs Bar β only one long table, a great spot for meeting new people
Most bars have an entrance fee between 300 to 700 yen. These tiny bars seat 5-8 people max and the cover charge helps owners cover costs in such small spaces while also stopping bar hopping – which can ruin the vibe of these izakayas. Honestly, the extra charge is worth it for the unique atmosphere.
π This group tour takes you to both Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. This is an excellent choice for any solo travellers.
By now your feet must be aching, I did warn you this was an action-packed 24 hours in Tokyo! Thank you for reading π
24 Hours In Tokyo FAQ
Is 24 hours in Tokyo enough?
Honestly? No. Tokyo is the largest city in the world with 23 unique districts, each worth exploring. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything.
But if 24 hours is all you’ve got (layover, tight schedule, whatever), this itinerary will give you a solid taste of Tokyo’s highlights. You’ll see ancient temples, eat incredible food, experience the neon chaos of Shibuya, and drink in tiny izakaya alleys.
Just know you’ll leave wanting to come back for more. I recommend at least 3-5 days if you can swing it. Check out my 3 Day Tokyo Itinerary if you have more time.
How much does 24 hours in Tokyo cost?
Budget 15,000-20,000 yen ($100-135 USD) for the day, excluding accommodation. This can be broken down as follows:
- 24-hour metro pass: 800 yen
- Luggage storage: 500-800 yen
- Shibuya Sky: 2,000 yen
- Mario Kart: 8,000-10,000 yen
- Food & drinks: 4,000-6,000 yen
- Bar entrance fees/drinks: 1,000-2,000 yen
Budget Option: Skip Mario Kart and you’re looking at 7,000-10,000 yen for the day. Additionally, Tsukiji can get expensive fast (wagyu skewers run 2,000+ yen), but ramen is affordable at 800-1,200 yen. Carry cash for markets and Golden Gai.
Can I do this itinerary with kids?
Not recommended. This is a full 16-hour day with lots of walking and late-night activities. The pace is too intense for young children. Check out my 3 days in Tokyo itinerary instead.
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