1 Day In Tokyo: The Best 24 Hour Itinerary

Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Audrey

Have 24 hours to visit Tokyo? This must-see itinerary will make the most of your 1 day in Tokyo!

So, you only have one day to visit Tokyo? It might be crazy and hectic, but let's do it!

Tokyo is one of my favorite cities, and after visiting multiple times, I’ve discovered the top attractions and hidden gems to make the most of even a short visit.

This itinerary highlights the best of Tokyo in a single day. I'll be taking you to Asakusa, Tsukiji, Shibuya, Harajuku, and finally Shinjuku to end the night. You'll get to visit the best parts of Tokyo and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

You can also check out my 2 Day Tokyo Itinerary 4 Day, and 6 day Tokyo Itinerary.

SHORT ON TIME? Use these shortcuts to plan your Tokyo Trip

Tokyo Pre-trip planning

Which airport to fly into?

When flying to Tokyo, you can choose between Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Haneda is typically more convenient, with a 30-minute train ride to Tokyo Station, while Narita is about an hour away.

I suggest selecting the airport with flight times that align best with your schedule and preferences.

1 Day In Tokyo Itinerary

7:00 AM: Asakusa

You'll get off the train at Asakusa Station. Asakusa is a district in northeast Tokyo most famous for Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's largest Buddhist temple. In this neighborhood, you'll also find plenty of dining options, arcades, and shops to explore!

visit Sensoji Temple

As you start heading to Sensoji Temple, you'll first notice Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), a famous landmark with its large, bright lantern. This spot is a popular photo spot and is the entrance gate of Sensoji Temple.

After passing Kaminarimon, you'll enter Nakamise-dori Street, where you'll find lots of street food vendors and souvenir stalls. It's very easy to get distracted here, but we'll come back to visit Nakamise Street after Sensoji Temple.

Past Nakamise-dori, you'll finally find yourself in the temple's main hall. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush garden and admire the five-story pagoda.

Want to wear a Kimono?

If you're thinking about renting a kimono for photos at Sensoji Temple, I recommend choosing a rental shop nearby. I've listed some great deals below.

Consider booking a photography session as well—wearing a traditional kimono is a unique experience that creates beautiful, lasting memories!

Kimono rental prices vary depending on the type of kimono and any extras like makeup, hair accessories, or photography. Basic rentals can start around $40, while a full experience with photos may range from $100 to $250 per person.

Just keep in mind that choosing and dressing in a kimono takes about an hour, so it might hinder your schedule.

8:00 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 browse for souvenirs to take home.

You can grab a street snack or have a cup of coffee here, but I recommend saving your appetite for our next stop at Tsukiji Outer Market.

My favorite places in Asakusa

• Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa: Tasty wagyu-don at an affordable price tag.
• Yoroiya Ramen: Tasty ramen shop with vegan options.
• Kukurihime Coffee: Sit-down cafe with adorable dessert sets
• Torasuzu: Izakaya, skewers, and seafood. You can people-watch on the second floor.
• Hikeshi Spirit: Cool anime clothing and unique souvenirs
• Ginkado: Delicious daifuku mochi desserts!

To get to Tsukiji Market from Asakusa, you'll go back to Asakusa Station, then you can either take the Asakusa, Ginza, or Oedo lines to get to Tsukiji. The closest station to Tsukiji Fish Market is Tsukijishijo Station.

9:00 AM: Tsukiji Fish Market

It's time to enjoy an amazing breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market! This bustling marketplace is packed with fresh seafood, mouthwatering Japanese dishes, and delicious snacks. I absolutely love it here. It's energetic and lively, and the food is incredibly fresh and flavorful!

If you're pressed for time, then feel free to grab breakfast somewhere more convenient. But if you can, I highly recommend visiting Tsukiji for the vibrant atmosphere and unforgettable food.

My favorite thing about Tsukiji is the freedom to sample from different stalls (though there are sit-down restaurants here). You can buy bite-sized portions, and visit all the stalls to try out whatever you like. There's wagyu, ice cream, daifuku (mochi), and of course, fresh seafood!

Most stalls open as early as 05:00 and don't close until 14:00, but it will most likely already start getting crowded by 09:00.

I'll include my favorite shops here, but everything here is going to taste amazing. I encourage you to wander the stalls and try whatever looks good.

• Motodane: Sushi
• Ichifuji: Ceramics store where I bought a teapot and dishware. (I had to haul all that stuff back to America, and it was a nightmare).
• Solatsuki: Popular dessert stand known for mochi and fruit with hardened sugar.
• Tsukiji Wine Stand 88: Wagyu Burgers
• Marutama: Delicious peach ice cream

After you've eaten, head back to Tsukijishijo Station and take the Oedo Line to Aoyama-Itchome Station. You'll make a transfer to the Hanzomon Line and ride a few more stops before getting off at Shibuya Station. Including walking, it'll take around 30 minutes to get there.

11:00 AM: Shibuya

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's busiest districts, famous for the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. You'll truly understand the meaning of "busy" once you attempt to cross—it’s pretty wild! It really puts into perspective just how many people are packed into this city.

Before you leave the station, be sure to stop by the beloved Hachiko statue, honoring Tokyo’s most loyal dog!

For the best view of the crossing, head up to get a bird's eye perspective—it’s incredible to see the crowds from above.

See the famous Shibuya Crossing from above

There are a couple of places you can go to see the crossing, but keep in mind you have to pay to enter most of them. I recommend the Starbucks on the second floor of Shibuya Tsutaya for a "free view", or Shibuya Sky.

I say "free" because you'll still feel compelled to buy something at Starbucks to see the view, and while the drinks and pastries are super delicious, it is crowded and pricey.

Shibuya Sky is a 229-meter-high open-air deck observation deck on the 47th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, where you'll have a panoramic 360 view of the crossing down below.

There are two Instagram-famous photo spots, the glass escalator to the rooftop and the Sky Edge, which is a glass corner where you can see the view.

1:00 AM: Lunch in Shibuya

For lunch, there are a ton of restaurants in Shibuya Scramble Square. There's Tsurutontan Udon and Okonomiyaki (I like tama-chan) on the 13th floor and tons of other dining options on the 12th floor.

Afterward, you can spend some time shopping here too!

2:00 PM: Shop in Shibuya

I would spend an hour or two here shopping in Shibuya.

I'll be frank, if I were you with only 24 hours in Tokyo, I would hit up the Mega Don Quijote here and go a little crazy. I don't know if you're exploring other areas of Japan after this, but I'm going to assume this is the only time you have here!

Don Quijote is an enormous discount store with just about everything you can imagine.

You can get snacks here to bring home. Those Kit Kats in every flavor? Attainable here.

That amazing Japanese hair mask that you saw on TikTok? Yes, it's here.

Pre-owned Louis Vuitton at a great price? Yes!!! It's here!!! You heard me!

I love Don Quijote with all my heart. That darn penguin mascot even pops up in my dreams sometimes.

My favorite places in Shibuya

• Nintendo Tokyo: A must-visit for fans of Pokémon, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, and other Nintendo favorites.
• Pokemon Center Shibuya: Conveniently located next to the Nintendo store, so you can visit both with ease.
• Mega Don Quijote: Japan’s largest discount store, offering an incredible variety of items.
• Komehyo: A vintage thrift store with fantastic preloved finds.
• Porter Exchange Shibuya: Known for its top-quality bags and rich history—Porter bags have even been worn by Empress Michiko.

2:00 PM Alternative: Pray at Meiji Jingu

Hey, maybe you're not a big shopper, and you're more interested in the cultural sites of Japan. That's totally okay, and probably healthier for your wallet.

In that case, you can visit Meiji Jingu that's a short 10-minute train ride up north from Shibuya Station!

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine popular for its daily ceremonies, stunning architecture, and beautiful natural setting—a large forest right in the heart of Tokyo!

Dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first modern emperor of Japan, and Empress Shoken, this shrine offers a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage. If you're lucky, you may witness a wedding procession or a Shinto ritual during your visit. Be sure to check out the sake and wine barrels on the side, gifted as offerings to the shrine.

❕ Did you know? Meiji Forest is man-made, planted in 1920 with tree donations from all over Japan.

Nearby, you’ll find the Meiji Jingu Museum, which displays personal items of the emperor and empress, and the inner garden, which is especially beautiful in mid-June when the irises bloom (entrance fee 500 yen).

You can also visit Yoyogi Park next door, a relaxing spot with multiple walking paths—perfect for a little break from the city.

4:00 PM: Walk around Harajuku and Omotesando

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

I absolutely love Harajuku. There are so many cool vintage stores here, and even if you're just walking around, it's a fun and lively place to be. People have incredible fashion sense here, so I'm sure you'll get some inspiration just from hanging out in the area.

The main shopping street is Takeshita Street, and I recommend also walking down Cat Street to check out the fun vintage shops!

My favorite stores in Harajuku and Omotesando

• Tokyu Plaza Harajuku: Newly opened in 2024, this building stands out with its silver architecture and a beautiful rooftop garden.
• 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.

6:00 PM: Take a quick Rest

Take a brief break to return to your hotel and drop off your souvenirs and bags and recuperate a little bit before heading out for dinner in Shinjuku.

If you don't have the time to stop by your hotel, then put your bags in Shinjuku Station when you arrive there. It's very safe to store things in the station lockers!

7:00 PM: Izakaya at Omoide Yokocho

In the evening, make your way to Shinjuku for an izakaya dinner in Omoide Yokocho (known to tourists as "Piss Alley"), a famous narrow alleyway that captures the nostalgic charm of old Japan.

This smoky alley is lined with tiny restaurants and bars serving yakitori and various izakaya dishes, with each stall seating only 4-6 people, creating a cozy and intimate vibe.

Though it’s a bit touristy and often crowded, it’s a must-see if you haven’t experienced these types of alleyways in Japan before. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with friends, meeting new people, and enjoying authentic izakaya under the warm glow of lanterns is a memory you'll treasure forever. I remember my first time here five years ago—it felt absolutely magical!

For a quieter option, you can also check out Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya, a smaller, less crowded alley with a similar atmosphere.

9:00 PM: Have a drink at Golden Gai

After dinner, consider heading over to Golden Gai, another famous spot in Shinjuku. This narrow alleyway is packed with tiny bars that retain the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa Era.

Unlike Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai is focused more on drinks and nightlife. It's the perfect place to wrap up your Tokyo adventure, sharing a drink with locals in an intimate setting!

One memorable bar I visited here is called Deathmatch in Hell, a horror-themed spot where horror movies play all night. I'm not a horror fan, but I have to say, the atmosphere is unique, and the owner, Wayne, is an incredibly cool guy.

Another favorite is Art Bar Shuten Doji, a lively karaoke bar with a great mix of locals and tourists. They have an excellent drink selection, and you know karaoke is always a fun time if you're drunk enough! 😉

11:00 PM: Bar or Club hopping

Still up? There's an endless amount of nightlife activities you can do to finish off your amazing day in Tokyo.

You can continue bar hopping, or check out clubs in Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Roppongi. At nighttime, vendors sell yakitori skewers on the streets for some drunchies! Or, you could swing by an arcade and dance your heart out until 5 AM when the trains start running again.

Whatever you end up doing, make the most of your short time here!

Nightlife Recommendations

• Ginza: Tir an nOg, Ginza Music Bar
• Shibuya: Bar TRENCH, Atom Tokyo, Harlem
• Shinjuku: New York Bar, Deathmatch in Hell, Art Bar Shuten Doji
• Roppongi: RJ Roppongi

Free Map: 1 Day in Tokyo

Here's a free google map of your Tokyo one day itinerary, as well as my favorite shops and restaurants! I often save all the places I'm interested in on Google Maps and use it as a reference while I'm traveling.

Days in Tokyo Travel FAQs

Is Tokyo safe?

Tokyo is an incredibly safe city! Even with its lively and bustling atmosphere, I’ve always felt secure whenever I visit.

Japan is known as one of the safest countries to travel to. That said, it’s still smart to follow basic safety precautions—stay mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would in any major city.

How do I get to Tokyo?

Traveling to Tokyo from either Narita or Haneda is simple. Haneda is closer, with a train ride of about 30-40 minutes, while Narita takes roughly an hour.

Although the subway is convenient, it can feel a bit cramped, especially if you have large luggage. When we traveled with full-sized bags, we sometimes felt like we were in the way of other passengers.

For a more comfortable experience, you can consider taking a limousine bus or booking a private transfer, but it's not necessary.

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?

How many days should I spend in Tokyo?

Honestly, Tokyo is freaking awesome.

One day isn't really going to cut it, but what can you do? Better to make the most of 1 day in Tokyo than skipping it. In 1 day, you'll be able to see some of the best spots in Tokyo and make incredible memories to take home.

I left out other popular attractions like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, TeamLab Borderless, and Roppongi due to time constraints and these areas being out of the way, but definitely make your own adjustments based on your preferences.

If you end up having extra days to spend in Tokyo, check out my 2 day 4 day, or 6 day Tokyo Itineraries.

Where to Stay in Tokyo?

With only one day in Tokyo, you need to stay somewhere central. I have a detailed post on the best area to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors you can check out here.

I recommend staying in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza, which are all popular areas with easy train access, main attractions, and many terrific restaurants and shops.

What do I pack?

👚 Clothing according to the season

🔋 Portable charger

👟 Comfortable walking shoes

👟 Passport

💴 Optional: Yen

• You can convert it at the airport, and almost everywhere takes credit card, so this one isn't technically necessary.

Conclusion: 1 Day in Tokyo Itinerary

There you have it, your perfect 1 day Tokyo itinerary! 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'll be able to experience its charm with this itinerary.

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!