How to Spend 2 Days In Tokyo: TWO Day Tokyo Itinerary

Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Audrey

Wondering how to spend 2 days in Tokyo?

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world—it's dynamic, exciting, and packed with amazing sights and experiences.

Having visited Tokyo multiple times, I’ve explored the top attractions and hidden gems, learning how to make the most of a short stay.

This itinerary is designed to highlight the best of Tokyo in just 2 days, so you can fully enjoy every moment of your adventure without feeling overwhelmed.

SHORT ON TIME? Here's what to use to plan your trip to Tokyo

Tokyo Pre-trip planning

Which airport to fly into?

When flying to Tokyo, you have two airport options: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is generally more convenient, offering a 30-minute train ride to Tokyo Station compared to Narita, which takes around an hour.

I recommend choosing the airport with flight times that best match your schedule and preferences.

TRAIN PASSES

You only need a JR Rail Pass if you're planning to travel outside Tokyo to cities like Kyoto or Osaka. The JR Pass is primarily for long-distance Shinkansen trains, so it won't be useful for typical city commutes.

For getting around Tokyo, I recommend an IC card like Suica or Pasmo. If you’re visiting other cities, consider whether the JR Pass cost is worth it for your itinerary.

If you skip the JR Pass, you can still book Shinkansen and subway tickets individually on Klook, where you'll receive a QR code to reserve your seats ahead of time.

🚄 Book Shinkansen and Train tickets ahead of time! 🚄

Activity Passes

Klook offers a Tokyo pass that can save you a lot on top attractions like Shibuya Sky, TeamLab, Roppongi Hills Observation Deck, JR Rail Passes, and many more!

Starting at $45 for two activities, you can select 2-8 places, with discounts of up to 48% compared to individual tickets. It’s a great deal for exploring Tokyo affordably!

👉 Book your Klook Activity Tokyo Pass Here! 👈

Day 0:

4:00 PM: Check into hotel

6:00 PM: Grab a quick dinner and grab convenience store breakfast for tomorrow

8:00 PM: Wander around your neighborhood for a bit and explore before turning in early

Day 1: Northeast Tokyo

8:00 AM: Asakusa

Start off in Asakusa, a district in northeast Tokyo most famous for Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple. Beyond the temple, you'll find plenty of food, arcades, and shops to explore!

We'll start by visiting the temple, then head to the nearby Nakamise-dori Street for more discoveries.

visit Sensoji Temple

After you get off at Asakusa Station, start making your way toward Sensoji Temple.

On the way, you’ll encounter Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), a famous landmark with its large, bright lantern. This spot is popular for photos and marks the entrance to Sensoji Temple.

After passing Kaminarimon, you'll enter Nakamise-dori Street, lined with tons of street stalls, restaurants, and shops.

In the temple's main hall, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the surrounding garden and snap a photo of the five-story pagoda.

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Want to wear a Kimono?

If you're considering renting a kimono for photos at Sensoji Temple, I recommend choosing a rental shop nearby.

I also encourage booking a photography session—wearing a traditional kimono is a special experience and makes for stunning memories!

Kimono rental costs will vary based on the type of kimono and add-ons like makeup, hair accessories, and photography. Rentals can start as low as $40, but a full experience with photos can range from $100 to $250 per person.

Keep in mind though that selecting and dressing in a kimono takes about an hour, so account for two hours at Sensoji.

9:00 AM: shop at Nakamise-Dori

After exploring Sensoji, take some time to stroll down Nakamise-Dori Street! It’s the perfect spot to snack on local street foods and do a bit of souvenir shopping.

You don't have time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, but you can grab a quick snack at one of the street food stalls.

Here are some of my favorite places in Asakusa:

• Kukurihime Coffee: sit-down cafe with dessert sets
• Torasuzu: delicious izakaya, skewers, and seafood.
• Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa: A steakhouse that sells wagyu-don for an affordable price.
• Yoroiya Ramen: Tasty ramen shop with vegan options.
• Hikeshi Spirit: Cool anime clothing and unique souvenirs!
• Ginkado: A dessert stall that sells delicious daifuku mochi desserts!

11 AM: Watch the Flowers bloom at Ueno Park

Head back to Asakusa Station and take the subway to Ueno Station.

Ueno Park is breathtaking during lotus bloom in mid-July and cherry blossom season in late March. Visitors rent boats at Shinobazu Pond and grab food at local food stalls.

Nearby, you’ll find many museums and Ueno Zoo. We’ll be heading into Tokyo National Museum, just a minute's walk away.

11:00 AM: Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo National Museum displays awesome artworks and Asian antiquities found in Japan and Asia. With 120,000 pieces of artifacts and art, you will learn so much about Japan's history and culture during your visit here.

They also feature special exhibitions like Tomb sculptures, changes in Asian fashion through the years, and a Hello Kitty exhibit!

You can grab lunch here or somewhere in Ueno or Tokyo Station afterwards.

2:00 PM Imperial Palace

If you'd like, either spend more time at the museum or head over to the Imperial Palace. You'll have to commute to Tokyo Station, but the Palace is only a 10-minute walk from the station.

While the palace itself is closed to the public, the beautifully kept palace gardens are open to visitors. You can also join a 70-minute guided tour that grants access to part of the inner palace gardens, offered twice daily at 10:00 and 13:30.

Keep in mind you'll need to book the tour in advance, so plan accordingly and either skip the Tokyo National Museum or leave early.

During the tour, you’ll cross the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, see the lotus moat, and on a clear day, possibly catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji.

Imperial Palace Visiting Tips:

• If you book a tour, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes early.
• To see everything, plan your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday. The East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays, and tours aren’t available on Mondays or Sundays.

3:00 PM Shop around Ginza

After you leave the Imperial Palace, you'll be right next to Ginza, Tokyo's luxurious shopping district. I stayed here on my most recent trip to Tokyo and loved it!

Ginza is the perfect place to buy preloved and new luxury brands, but even if you don't care for luxury, they have tons of other shops too! The flagship Uniqlo store and Muji stores are here as well!

My favorite places in Ginza:

• Muji: Flagship store selling stationary, home decor, and apparel.
• Allu: Preloved luxury goods—I purchased a Van Cleef necklace for a friend here!
• Brand Off: Preloved luxury items.
• Dover Street Market Ginza: Variety of high-end designers in one convenient place.
• Chrome Hearts: A popular upscale streetwear brand.
• Uniqlo: Massive 12-level flagship store

5:30 pm: Rest

Take this brief interlude to come back to your hotel, drop off purchased items, and wash up before heading out again for dinner.

7:00 PM Dinner in Roppongi

You'll start making your way to Roppongi Hills for nighttime plans. Roppongi is known for its buzzing night scene, beautiful views, and opulent boutiques. Here are a couple of dinner suggestions:

• Saito: High end omakase sushi
• Jomon Roppongi: Skewers smoked and izakaya with a fun, casual atmosphere
• TsuruTonDan Udon Noodle: Delicious udon that has broadened to America. My favorite is the mentaiko caviar cream udon!

9:00 PM Go out in Roppongi

Roppongi is very famous for being a lively entertainment district, so after dinner, you can go bar hopping or check out one of their music clubs if you have the energy.

You can also head up to the Roppongi Hills observation deck to get a stunning view of the Tokyo city at night. Mori Art Museum is also located in the same tower.

Day 2: West Tokyo

9:00 AM Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a popular Shinto shrine known for its daily ceremonies, beautiful architecture, and peaceful, scenic surroundings—all within Tokyo's bustling center!

The shrine often hosts wedding processions and Shinto rituals. Check out the sake and wine barrels that have been offered at the side of the shrine.

Close by, you’ll find the Meiji Jingu Museum, displaying personal items of the emperor and empress, and the inner garden, which is particularly popular in June when the irises bloom (500 yen entry).

You can also take a stroll through Yoyogi Park nearby.

10:00 AM: Grab breakfast around Omotesando and Harajuku

After Meiji Jingu, you can either take a quick train or simply walk over to Omotesando and Harajuku.

Harajuku and Omotesando are neighboring shopping districts, each offering a unique vibe. Omotesando is a major luxury shopping area, while Harajuku is famous for its streetwear and “kawaii” culture!

There are numerous breakfast spots here. I've included a few suggestions below.

• A Happy Pancake Omotesando: Light and fluffy Japanese-style pancakes
• PEANUTS Cafe: Snoopy-themed cafe with Peanuts characters. Eat a pancake decorated with Snoopy's face!
• bills Omotesando: Popular breakfast restaurant on the 7th floor of SHEL'TTER with great views.

11:00 AM Shop on Takeshita Street

Harajuku is packed with exciting stores and unique vintage shops. It’s also a great place to people watch, as people have incredible fashion sense here.

After exploring Tokyo, you’ll go home with plenty of new style inspiration!

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My favorite stores in Harajuku and Omotesando

• X-Girl: A women’s clothing store known for its high-quality trendy pieces.
• Kindal: A pre-loved luxury and thrift store. I bought my preloved Celine bag here for under $700!
• 2nd Street: Another excellent pre-loved luxury store.
• Charles & Keith: Stylish shoes and bags. I picked up some black wedges here.
• Laforet: A large shopping mall with unique stores featuring alternative fashion and quirky boutiques.
• The Shel'tter Tokyu Plaza: A popular department store offering trendy Japanese brands like Moussy and Sly.
• Tokyu Plaza Harajuku: Newly opened in 2024, this building stands out with its silver architecture and a beautiful rooftop garden.

1:00 Eat a quick lunch

I would grab lunch around Omotesando, or just eat at the station for convenience before heading over to Shibuya. The restaurants in the train stations are also excellent. The food in Japan is just too good!

After you finish eating, head over to Shibuya station and store your bags in a train station locker. Before you leave the station area, be sure to visit the beloved Hachiko statue nearby!

2:00 PM See the famous Shibuya crossing

One of Tokyo's busiest districts, Shibuya is famous for the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. You'll understand the meaning of "busy" when you try to cross—there are just so many people!

For the best view, head to a higher point to watch the scramble from above.

Shibuya sky

Head to Shibuya Scramble Square and get a ticket for Shibuya Sky, an open-air observatory on the 47th floor standing 229 meters high.

At Shibuya Sky, you'll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, making it an ideal spot to overlook the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Don't miss the two Instagram-famous spots: the glass escalator to the rooftop and the Sky Edge, a glass corner with stunning views.

Once inside, there's no time limit, so plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here.

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3:00 PM Explore around Shibuya

Now that you have the afternoon free, why not get lost and wander around Shibuya?

Personally, I would take this opportunity to check out the Mega Don Quijote in Shibuya. It's a massive discount store that has everything you could think of.

You can grab snacks, souvenirs, hygiene items, and even pre-owned luxury goods here.

My favorite places in Shibuya:

• Nintendo Tokyo: A must-visit for fans of Pokémon, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, and all things Nintendo.
• Pokemon Center Shibuya: Conveniently located next to the Nintendo store, making it easy to visit both.
• Mega Don Quijote: Japan’s largest discount store, where you’ll find almost anything imaginable.
• Komehyo: A vintage thrift store with great preloved finds.
• Porter Exchange Shibuya: Known for its high-quality bags, this brand has a rich history. Porter bags have even been worn by Empress Michiko.

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5:00 PM PM Rest and refresh

Take the time here to stop by your accommodations and drop off anything you need to. You can take a nap or rest a bit before heading out for your second and final dinner in Tokyo!

7:30 PM Izakaya Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho (nicknamed "Piss Alley" by tourists) is a well-known alley that captures the charm of old-world Japan.

This smoky, narrow passage is lined with tiny bars and restaurants serving up yakitori and classic izakaya dishes. Each spot is super cozy, seating just 4-6 people, which adds to the atmosphere.

While it's worth a visit if you haven’t experienced these kinds of alleyways before, it is a bit of a tourist hotspot. For a similar vibe with fewer crowds, check out Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya.

Tourist trap or not, there’s something special about squeezing into a small stall with friends, meeting locals, and enjoying authentic izakaya fare under the warm glow of lanterns.

9:00 PM Golden Gai for drinks

After enjoying dinner, head to Golden Gai to have a drink or two (or three, or...).

This narrow alleyway is filled with tiny bars that retain the nostalgic charm of the Showa Era. Bar hopping is a must here, so explore and see what suits your mood. I have two recommendations that I really enjoyed here.

Deathmatch in Hell is a unique horror-themed bay that plays horror movies all night. The vibes are spot on, and the owner Wayne is just a really cool guy.

Art Bar Shuten Doji is a really fun karaoke bar with a good mix of locals and tourists. They have a really good drink selection, and karaoke is always a good time!

Have more days to spend in Tokyo?

If you have an extra day in Tokyo, I recommend spending your third day at Tsukiji Outer Market and TeamLab (either Borderless or Planets), then using the rest of the day to explore Shinjuku.

Unless you have four or more days, I wouldn’t suggest taking a day trip outside Tokyo, as there’s already so much to experience within the city.

If you have 4 days to spare in Tokyo, you can check out my 4 Days in Tokyo Itinerary here!

Two Days in Tokyo: Free Map

Feel free to download my Two Day Tokyo Itinerary on Google Maps. It includes the activities for each day, as well as my favorite shops and restaurants! I love saving places on my Google Maps to reference later.

Best Food Spots and Restaurants in Tokyo

Here are my favorite food spots around Tokyo city!

Best cafes

Motodane, Chuka Soba Ginza Hachigo, Tully's Coffee, Haute Couture, Meikyoku Kissa Lion, Kojo

Best Lunch

Motodane, Chuka Soba Ginza HachigoTsukiji Fish Market, Oniyanma Udon, Torasuzu

Best Restaurants

Mizuguchi, Ten, Saito, Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa

Best Bars

Ginza Music Bar, New York Bar, Tir an nOg, Bar TRENCH, Deathmatch in Hell

2 Days in Tokyo Travel FAQs

Is Tokyo safe?

Tokyo is incredibly safe! Despite being a lively and bustling city, I've always felt secure during my visits.

Japan is one of the safest countries to travel to. However, as with any major city, it’s wise to follow basic safety practices—stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.

How do I get to Tokyo?

Getting to Tokyo from either Narita or Haneda is straightforward. Haneda is closer, taking about 30-40 minutes by train, while Narita takes around an hour.

While the subway is a convenient option, it can feel cramped with limited space for luggage. We traveled with full-sized bags and kind of felt like we were in the way of other passengers. I recommend shipping your luggage with Japan's delivery service to make things easier.

Alternatively, you can opt for a limousine bus or a private transfer, which might be more comfortable and could save you time.

Best airport transfers

🚐 Shared Transfer from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo 🚐

🚘 Narita International Airport Transfers 🚘

🚙 Tokyo Haneda International Airport Transfers 🚙

What's the weather in Tokyo like?

Is 2 days in Tokyo enough?

You can spend anywhere from 2 days to a week or more in Tokyo—there’s so much to see and do in this vibrant city!

In 2 days, you’ll be able to cover the main attractions and get a great feel for Tokyo’s highlights. However, if you can, I’d personally recommend 4-5 days to really explore the city at a comfortable pace. You can check out my 4 day and 6 day Tokyo Itineraries.

If you have an extra day, consider adding Tsukiji Outer Market, TeamLab, and Shinjuku to your itinerary for a deeper dive into Tokyo’s unique culture and to experience Japanese street food.

Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Since you don't have much time to spend in Tokyo, I recommend staying in Ginza, Shibuya, or Shinjuku, popular areas with easy train access, main attractions, and where many terrific restaurants and shops are located.

I have a detailed post on the best area to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors here.

Ginza

For first-time visitors following this itinerary, Ginza is ideal due to its central location.

Plus, Ginza is right next to Tsukiji Fish Market and offers endless shopping options, so you can enjoy amazing meals every day and shop to your heart’s content before or after exploring!

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Ginza

Shibuya

Shibuya is a bustling, energetic area that’s always alive with things to see and do.

It’s home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, Nonbei Yokocho Alley, and countless shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a fantastic choice if you want to stay right in the heart of Tokyo’s action.

You’ll be well-connected to multiple train lines, so exploring the rest of Tokyo is a breeze. Plus, Shibuya’s nightlife is fantastic, with lots of bars, clubs, and late-night spots to discover.

Here are my top picks, but for a detailed list on the best hotels in Shibuya, click here.

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Shibuya

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a popular area on the northwest side of Tokyo, known for its lively atmosphere and endless things to do. It’s home to must-see attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, Omoide Yokocho, and the iconic Golden Gai bar area.

Shinjuku offers a similar vibe to Shibuya with a vibrant nightlife, countless bars, restaurants, and shops. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s main transportation hubs, giving you easy access to the rest of the city, including direct connections to Narita and Haneda airports.

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Shinjuku

What do I pack?

👚 Clothing according to the season

🔋 Portable charger

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

👟 Passport

💴 Yen: You can convert it at the airport, so this one isn't technically necessary, but I like to be prepared, so I'd bring at least $200 in yen.

Conclusion: 2 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

There you have it, your perfect 2 day itinerary for Tokyo! I hope that you love Tokyo and Japan just as much as I did. Tokyo is busy, but is so fun and has so much character packed into one city. I love Tokyo with my whole heart and hope you will too.

Have a question, have any feedback, or need help planning your trip? I'm always available to help. Feel free to contact me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com!

Other Tokyo posts:

1 Day In Tokyo: The Best 24 Hour Itinerary

No Better Way To Spend 4 Days In Tokyo: Complete Itinerary

The Most Complete 6 Day Tokyo Itinerary For First-Timers