No trip to Japan is complete without visiting its most famous capital-Tokyo! Tokyo is a diverse and historical city that has something for everyone. Home to beautiful shrines, incredible technology, lively nightlife, endless restaurants, and old-school alleys, Tokyo is sure to keep you entertained. While there is plenty to see and do in the city, two nights is the perfect amount of time to explore its main attractions. This two-day Tokyo Itinerary will guide you through some of Tokyo’s most popular and unique neighborhoods!
Where to Stay
I highly recommend staying in the Shinjuku area if this is your first time visiting Tokyo. The area is central and conveniently located on the Yamanote line, which is useful for getting around the city.
Other Options:
- Shibuya: Convenient transport and has plenty of shops and restaurants (this is a decent option as well)
- Roppongi: Lively and great if you want to be near the party/club scene. One downside is it is a bit out of the way from the rest of the city and nearby transport
- Ginza: The luxury shopping district of Tokyo
Day 1
Day 1 is all about exploring two of Tokyo’s best districts, Shinjuku and Shibuya. By the end of this day, you will have walked (if you wish) in one giant loop and have experienced two of Tokyo’s most unique areas. Of course, if you are starting your trip in a different area, you can adjust the order of this day however you please.
Stop 1: Shinjuku Station to Exchange JR Ticket for the Pass
First things first- If you purchased a JR ticket prior to arriving in Japan (something I recommend looking into), you should exchange the ticket for your pass. Head over to the Shinjuku station to get your pass.
Stop 2: Breakfast
Now that you have logistics out of the way, start your morning at a local bakery or breakfast spot. Be sure to try Japan’s famous and delicious fluffy bread!
Stop 3: Shinjuku Garden
Hopefully, you are fueled up and ready for a great first day. The first stop of the day will be Shinjuku Garden. Here you can experience some of the peace and tranquility that rests inside Tokyo City. Unfortunately when we went, the park was closed (closed on Mondays).
Stop 4: Meiji Shrine/Park
Next up, your first shrine in the city! Meiji Shrine was built for Emperor Meiji and his wife in 1920. More than the shrine itself, this area is worth a visit, for the surrounding park. Be sure to also take some time to learn about how to wash your hands before entering the shrine area (someone will teach you what to do when you approach)
Stop 5: Takeshita Street
From the shrine, it is off to the crowded but popular Takeshita Street. This street is filled with animal cafes, street food, and small stores. Coming here from Meiji Shrine is a great way to see the contrast that Tokyo provides. This isn’t a must-stop, but it’s certainly along the way to your next destination, so worth a visit!
Stop 6: Ichiran Ramen
Hopefully, you didn’t eat too much street food in Takeshita because it’s time to eat again! This is one of my favorite stops of the day- Ichiran Ramen. The food and experience are so unique that I am urging you to eat here whether you are hungry or not. The concept of sitting in an isolated booth and enjoying a flavorful spicy ramen is as Japan as it gets!
Stop 7: Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Area
From Ichiran, it is a short walk to one of the most famous street crossings in the world-Shibuya Crossing! You might be wondering what is so great about a crosswalk, but when you see it in action, you will get the hype! I recommend heading to the Shibuya Starbucks nearby for a free aerial view of the epic crossing. Many other places will charge you for a view like this! Once you are done with the crossing, roam around the general Shibuya area and take some time to get lost!
Stop 8: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories
Complete the loop and head back to Shinjuku towards the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Ideally, you want to arrive here before sunset and head up to the observatory deck (check their website for last entry times). This is one of the only spot where you will get a free view of the entire city of Tokyo!
Stop 9: Dinner and Drinks near Golden Gai
It’s been a long day, and now it’s time to relax, eat and drink! Find some food near the Shinjuku area and then head to the famous Golden Gai. street. Unlike your typical nightlife scene, Golden Gai is a street full of old-school Japanese bars. Though you might not be able to get into all of them (some are picky about letting in outsiders), you will certainly find a spot to drink and chat with locals! Golden Gai was one of the highlights of Tokyo!
Stop 10 (Optional): Robot Restaurant or Show
We ended our crazy first day with Tokyo’s wildest and weirdest show at Robot Restaurant. Unfortunately, this show closed down during COVID. Nonetheless, check to see if they have opened again. If not, you could look for other nightly entertainment or just spend the night in Golden Gai!
Day 2
Day 1 had a lot of walking and exploring. Day 2 will cover some of the other neighborhoods of Tokyo. Unlike Day 1, which could be done in one big walking loop, Day 2 will most likely require a few subways/and or taxis.
Stop 1: Tsujiki Fish Market
Currently closed due to Covid, but worth a visit if does ever reopen. You will have to wake up very early to see this.
Stop 2: Ueno Park
You will have to subway here from Shinjuku, but this park is well worth a visit if you are visiting during cherry blossom season. Even if you are not, It is a nice peaceful way to start your morning!
Stop 3: Senso-ji Temple
Sensoji Temple is stop number three for the day. During peak season this temple can get crowded. While the crowds ruined this temple for me, it certainly is a masterpiece that is worth visiting if you have time. If you are coming here from Shinjuku or Ueno Park, you will probably have to taxi it to the temple
Stop 4: Rriver Walk or Boat Ride
Sensoji temple is not too far from a river walkway that leads you towards Akihabara (the next stop). Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river or opt for a boat ride instead. After building an appetite from some walking, stop to grab lunch!
Stop 5: Akihabara Exploration + Arcade
Akihabara is a one-of-a-kind region in Tokyo. If you are an anime fan plan to spend a few hours here (you will love it)! If you are not (like me) it is still worth visiting. It’s one of those places that exhibits some of the Tokyo madness. Take some time and get lost in this district. If you have some spare time, I also recommend checking out one of Akihabara’s crazy and wild arcades. You may not know how to play any of the games, but watching the locals play is just so much fun!
Stop 6: Optional Visit To GInza
Ginza is the luxury shopping district of Tokyo. I listed this as optional since this is not for everyone. If you love shopping however, or just want to experience Tokyo’s luxury district, head over to Ginza (Taxi or Subway)
Stop 7: Return to Hotel
Complete your day two loop by returning to your hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out for day two of dinner and drinks. If you are in Shinjuku, then I recommend checking out Piss Alley for food. As gross as it sounds, Piss Alley is an old-school Japanese street filled with small mom-and-pop restaurants.
Note: Piss Alley is not very vegetarian friendly, so I opted to eat somewhere nearby and then sit down for some basic grilled vegetables in the Alley (just to experience it).
Stop 8: Night out In Roppongi
At this point, you should have a great feel of Tokyo and what it has to offer. What’s missing? Tokyo nightlife! If you want to experience Tokyo’s dancing and club scene, head over to the famous Roppongi district and party the night away!
More or Less Time in Tokyo?
On a 2-week trip, I felt two days was enough to get a good feel of Tokyo. If you only have one day, I recommend focusing on day one of this itinerary. If you have an extra day, I recommend using it for a day trip to Hakone!
Overall Review of Tokyo
Tokyo was great and different from other major cities that I have visited. It was clean, ordinarily, and in certain locations, very peaceful. There is plenty of layers and vibes that you can experience in the city. From calm parks to historical shrines, to bustling nightlife, Tokyo has a bit of everything. While there are plenty of other amazing things to do and see in Japan, Tokyo is well worth a visit!
