Places to stay, sights to see in Tokyo during 24 hours in Tokyo stopover.

If your schedule is tight, and only 1 day in Tokyo can be designated, here is a selection of the best of the best in sightseeing, culture experiences and attractions to enjoy. Even if you cannot get to all of Tokyo tourist attractions, you can still have a wonderful mini-stay.

Best Tours for One Day in Tokyo – What to Book now!

Day Tours in Tokyo: Best of Tokyo
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Day Tours in Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms, Shrines and Geisha
Mt. Fuji
Private VIP Tours
Our Cultural Tours
Nara Day tour
Nikko Day tour
Hakone Day tour

Tsukiji Fish Market

Start your adventure of Tokyo in a day with a one of a kind breakfast – a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market in the early morning – this may well be one of the biggest seafood markets anywhere, and the largest Fish Market in Japan, a country who eats fish 3 meals a day. Surrounding this market area are tiny shops selling a tempting variety of Japanese food and traditional Japanese kitchenware – perfect place to load up with gifts before you travel back home. The best treat? Here you will find the freshest sashimi you have ever tasted. Don’t miss it!

If you want to take it easy I recommend you take a Tokyo Market Tour which makes visiting Tsukiji Market as simple as can be. An organized tour will take you through the wholesale area which has 1000′s of seafood containers, and into the hidden spots you want to visit.

Asakusa, Sensoji Temple

best-things-to-do-in-tokyo-october
Asakusa, Sensoji Temple – now you are satiated and ready to move on. You can easily take a subway to Asakusa and visit Sensoji Shrine, and buy a few souvenirs at the shops lining the street. The area has a very Traditional feel to it: Traditional shops, and traditional Japanese houses, Ancient shrines and Geisha joints. For real early birds: most shops, including those on Nakamise Street, are open from 9 in the morning.
See More: Asakusa, Sensoji Temple

Shibuya

Shibuya – your attempt to see Tokyo in one day will never be complete unless you visit Shibuya, “Tokyo’s Times Square”. Take a minute to watch the crowds crossing one of the world’s renowned and busiest intersections. It is located right at Hachiko exit, Shibuya subway station. Note the neon signs, extreme fashion, and futuristic atmosphere here which make it a look like a scene from a science fiction movie. Here is where many trends first appear – a marvelous photo opportunity.
See More: Shibuya

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower – this beautiful building is the lookalike of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, which for some reason never gained international recognition as it’s French twin. Try to schedule time to go inside, but if you simply cannot, at least view it from the outside and take a few more pix with the building backdrop.
See More: Tokyo Tower

Roppongi

Roppongi Hills – here is another One Day in Tokyo must see. There is a superb observatory on the 52nd floor of this modern building, and it will give you the best view of the city. Relax for a few minutes and take in the beautiful skyline. If you managed to get here in the morning, you may be able to see Mt Fuji in all its glory. Mori Art Museum – in the same building, always features excellent artwork from around the world. Roppongi Hills also offers many up-scale boutiques, and international renowned chef restaurants.

See More: Roppongi

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Shrine – one of the most popular, and beautiful shrines in Japan, situated right in the middle of Tokyo, framed by beautiful trees and greenery. It is not just a showpiece; traditional Japanese weddings take place here almost everyday, and Do check if you happen to arrive on any of the Japanese Festivals, because this place turns magical.
See More: Meiji Shrine

Omotesando

Omotesando street compares favorably to Fifth Avenue in NYC or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. elegant shops, designer shops and small cafe’s along a boulevard lined with elm trees. It’s a great place to stroll, do some window-Shopping, and enjoy a chic ambiance while avoiding the heavy crowds of Midtown.

See More: Omotesando Guide

If your feet are still carrying you at this point of the day, plan to indulge in the unsurpassed Tokyo after-hours action. It will be an evening you will never forget. Karaoke – Japanese style – is the ultimate Tokyo nightlife experience. An unforgettable fun evening. It’s mad and it’s hilarious. You can find Karaoke Bars on this page: Tokyo Nightlife
See More: Karaoke Bars in Shibuya
See More: Karaoke Bars in Ginza
You will surely want to schedule more time for Tokyo in a future visit!

One Day in Tokyo – Summary

Seeing Tokyo in one day day requires a very early start, discipline, and a solid plan. This “greatest hits” Tokyo one day tour begins with an early morning in the Fish Market, and takes you through all the Coolest Things To Do in Tokyo. This 24 hours in Tokyo field-tested itinerary is for anyone who wants to see some of the best of Tokyo’s cultural sights on very limited time.

Related Articles:
Tokyo Day Tours
One Day in Tokyo – where to stay
More Things to do in Tokyo
Return from One Day in Tokyo to Tokyo Attractions

Tokyo Trip Checklist

  • To make sure you have all the important things covered see my first-time-in-Tokyo guide
  • Get your 1,2 or 3-day Tokyo Unlimited Subway Pass to easily get around Tokyo
  • If you want to travel on bullet trains you can save big with a Japan Rail Pass. Here’s why is worth it.
  • You’ll need a prepaid sim or Portable WIFI to stay connected in Tokyo.
  • Check out my detailed Tokyo packing list to make sure you’re prepared.
  • The best site to book hotels in Tokyo is almost always Booking.com. And remember to book early, especially during busy times.
  • For travel insurance (which you need) Word Nomads offer great coverage in Japan and are highly recommended.

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