Tokyo is a city where ancient temples sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, and quiet gardens lie minutes from the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. It is endlessly fascinating and an essential stop during your first visit to Japan.
Whilst seeing everything in two days is impossible, my tried-and-tested 2-day Tokyo itinerary covers the must-see highlights without leaving you exhausted.
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My Suggested 2-Day Tokyo Itinerary
DAY 1: WESTERN TOKYO
- Shibuya Crossing
- Mieji-jingu shrine
- Harajuku and Takeshita Street
- Shinjuku
DAY 2: EASTERN TOKYO
- Toyosu Market
- Imperial Palace
- Tokyo Station
- Ueno
- Asakusa and Senso-ji
Day 1: Western Tokyo – Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Shibuya Crossing (9:30 – 10:00)
Start at one of Japan’s most famous sights. Up to 2,500 people cross simultaneously from five directions every few minutes, moving with that characteristic Japanese precision.
Try to bag a window seat at the Starbucks overlooking the intersection for a bird’s eye view – it’s not easy, but worth the attempt. If not, head down and watch one of the best free shows in town.
Meiji Jingu Shrine (10:30 – 12:00
Walk through Yoyogi Park to reach Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s largest shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Shōken. Pass through the towering torii gates and follow the tree-lined path to the main complex.
The sake barrels forming a huge wall near the southern entrance are donated by brewers from across Japan.
Harajuku (12:30 – 15:00)
Exit through the shrine’s Harajuku gate into Japan’s youth fashion capital.
Takeshita-Dori Street is a sensory overload of fashion boutiques, crepe stands and unique specialty shops. This is a good place to stop for lunch but it’s a narrow street and can get crowded.
Sophisticated boutiques line Cat Street, offering a more tranquil shopping experience than Takeshita’s cutesy chaos.
Shinjuku (16:00 – 20:00)
As daylight fades, Shinjuku transforms into a neon wonderland. Time permitting, start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s free observation deck for sunset views and then explore these areas (or explore Shinjuku at night with a local guide on this 2.5-hour walking tour)
Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) – narrow alleys crammed with tiny yakitori and ramen shops. The grilled chicken skewers and a cold Sapporo are a winning combination.
Golden Gai – a network of tiny bars, most seating only five to eight people. Check for cover charges before sitting down.
Kabukicho – Japan’s largest entertainment district. Perfectly safe for a wander and great for photography.
Day 2: Tokyo’s Traditional Heart – Markets, Temples and Ueno
Toyosu Market (6:30 – 8:00)
Start early at Tokyo’s famous fish market on the manmade island of Toyosu. It’s more clinical than the old Tsukiji Market – I have fond memories of the original – but it’s still worth it.
Head to the upper deck observation windows to watch the action below, and aim to arrive by 7:00 to beat the queues for the restaurants serving the freshest sushi breakfast in Tokyo.
Imperial Palace (9:00 – 11:00)
Take the Yurikamome and Yurakucho line (change at Toyosu Station) to Sakuradamon to visit the Imperial Palace. The palace buildings are closed to the public, but the East Gardens are free and beautiful, with the Nijubashi double bridge providing the classic photo stop.
Tokyo Station (11:30 – 13:30)
A ten-minute walk from the palace brings you to this beautifully restored Meiji-era red-brick building, one of my favourite structures in Tokyo.
This is a great place to stop for lunch. Ramen Street in the station’s basement houses eight restaurants serving steaming bowls of cheap and tasty ramen.
Ueno Park (14:00 – 16:00)
Ten minutes on the Yamanote Line brings you to Ueno, home to world-class museums (open late on Fridays if you want to fit one in). Even without the museums, the park is worth a stroll for its temple, fountains and zoo, and it’s unmissable during cherry blossom season.
Asakusa and Senso-ji (16:30 – 21:00)
Asakusa, Tokyo’s most traditional district, is two stops from Ueno on the Ginza Line.
Start at Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, then explore Nakamise-dori‘s traditional shops. Many stores offer free samples of rice crackers and Japanese sweets.
Senso-ji Temple itself is best visited at dusk or after dark when it is illuminated.
Visitors shake metal containers to receive fortune-telling sticks. Those who draw bad fortunes tie them to nearby pine trees to leave the bad luck behind. Enormous waraji (straw sandals) hang at the temple entrance, and the incense cauldron draws crowds who direct its smoke towards themselves in a symbolic gesture of healing.
To get the most out of Asakusa and Sebso-Ji, consider this highly-rated 2-hour walking tour.
If you have time and energy left, the nearby Tokyo Skytree has spectacular night views across the city. Book tickets in advance to skip the queues.
Otherwise, end the day with dinner in one of Asakusa’s narrow side streets. Look out for restaurants serving grilled unagi (freshwater eel) over rice, a local speciality worth trying.
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transport looks daunting but is extremely efficient once you get the hang of it. A few things to know:
- Pick up a prepaid IC card (Pasmo or Suica) on arrival – I didn’t use one until my third visit to Japan, and I’m still kicking myself about it. If physical cards are unavailable, the app version works just as well.
- If you’re making multiple journeys, a 48-hour subway pass may work out cheaper. You can buy one in advance here.
- Download the Japan Travel by NAVITIME app for English-language route planning.
- Allow more time between stops than you think you need. Tokyo is enormous.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
On balance, Shinjuku, Asakusa and Ueno are the best base options for this itinerary.
Shinjuku
Central location, excellent nightlife and one of Tokyo’s major transport hubs. I stayed at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku on my first Japan trip. Its location next to Shinjuku Station was unbeatable, and the higher-floor rooms have extraordinary views.
Asakusa
A more traditional feel, great dining options and close to the Day 2 highlights. On my most recent visit, I stayed at B:CONTE Asakusa. My Sky Premium Room had a wonderful view of Senso-ji, a kitchenette and a washing machine.
Ueno
Direct airport access, lower prices and easy reach of the city’s green spaces. NOHGA HOTEL UENO TOKYO comes highly rated. I had a room booked in 2020 until COVID intervened, so it remains on my list.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.