How To Spend 24 Hours In Tokyo

It’s impossible to experience the entirety of Tokyo in one day, but this itinerary will help you maximise your time – from culinary and cultural experiences to famous sights and activities.

Think of the below guide as a highlight reel of sorts; both urban and green spaces are included and, depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you may even see some of Japan’s famed cherry blossoms.

Grab a coffee and a bite at Yoyogi Park

Start your day bright and early – get to Fuglen around opening time for its legendary coffee and freshly baked treats. Alternatively, Little Nap is a local coffee stand just up the street. They’re both located at the edge of Yoyogi Park in the Shibuya ward, so after you’ve fueled up, make your way through the park towards Meiji Shrine.

Fuglen, 1-16-11 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Stop by Meiji Shrine and try on traditional Japanese attire

Although they share the same grounds, you can’t access Meiji Shrine from inside Yoyogi Park, so exit at the southeast corner and head north; the shrine entrance is behind Harajuku Station. If you’ve ever wanted to try on a yukata or kimono, this is a good opportunity to do so. You can book a rental in advance at Sakaeya Kimono Shop and be guided through the shrine (though be sure to budget more time for this activity).

Meiji Shrine 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Immerse in the hustle and bustle of Harajuku

Make your way to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for shopping and people-watching. Takeshita Street contains tonnes of quirky shops and trinket sellers. So whether you’re looking for offbeat souvenirs or unique pieces to add to your wardrobe, you’ll find them here. Harajuku’s unofficial specialty is crepes, so grab one before heading toward Omotesando.

Takeshita Street 1-13-17 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Dine and shop along Omotesando

First, you might want to head straight to 76Cafe for a late lunch of taco rice, an Okinawan dish that combines classic taco ingredients with rice instead of tortillas. Then, along Omotesando, you’ll find luxury goods and some of the most impressive architecture in the world. Many of the best shops, including second-hand and vintage stores, can be found in the winding back alleys, so don’t be afraid to explore.

76Cafe 4-9-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Explore Naka Meguro, the cherry blossom-lined district

If you’re feeling energetic, take the train from Omotesando Station to Naka Meguro to see a more laid-back side of Tokyo. Browse the shops along either side of the river and check out some of the area’s great independent coffeehouses, like Onibus Coffee.

Onibus Coffee 2-14-1 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Check out the Shibyua Crossing and enjoy a ramen dinner

Head to Shibuya to check out the sights, including Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and the iconic Shibuya 109 mall. It also has endless options when it comes to food. Try ramen at a restaurant where vending machines take your order instead of people, find a sushi go round joint where you order from a tablet, or check out Tengu Sakaba for izakaya fare and a friendly atmosphere.

Shibuya Station 2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Drop by Tokyo’s entertainment district, Kabukicho

If you’d like to make it an early night, head to Shinjuku to wander the alleys of Kabukicho, and grab a drink in the district’s famed Golden Gai. Otherwise, stay in Shibuya and spend the night at one of the many live music venues, clubs, or DJ bars in the area.

Golden Gai, 1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.