Perfect Itinerary for 24 Hours in Tokyo, Japan
Got only 24 hours in Tokyo and want to make every moment count? Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve had a few Tokyo travel experiences, Japan’s capital offers so much to do, see, and taste. With just a short layover or a full day to explore, you’ll be amazed at what you can pack in.
Let’s take a look at how you can spend a whole day exploring, with a focus on the neighborhood of Asakusa—one of my absolute favorite spots for a truly Tokyo experience!
How to Spend a Full Day in Japan
What You’ll Need
Crossbody Bag - So helpful to go handsfree while traveling, I highly recommend a crossbody bag, especially if you have kids. Great for hotel keys, wallet, phone, and camera so you can do more exploring without being weighed down.
A good walking shoe - Tokyo is a walking city, you will absolutely need a good sneaker. I wore my New Balance sneakers throughout Hokkaido and into Tokyo as well.
Compression socks - For any long flight, men and women should wear compression socks to keep circulation flowing. I flew while pregnant and I swear, if I didn't have these, it would not be good.
Ride Along Luggage for Kids - Navigating the airport with children can be a long journey in of itself. Haneda and Narita are no exception so what we did was bring a Ride Along Luggage from LAX to Haneda and we effortlessly pulled Connor along when he didn't want to walk anymore. Easy!
Neck Pillow - For any very long plane ride, get a reliable neck pillow. I personally like this one and it’s washable.
Sony Alpha Mirrorless Camera - This is the camera that I travel and shoot with. It’s of course an investment, but it takes stunning photos and wifi enabled. I will be framing all of our Japan photos so a camera to document your travels is an absolute must.
Airtag - If you are leaving your luggage in a locker at one of the subway stations, and you’d like to explore a bit without lugging them around, I recommend an apple AirTag. That way you’ll always know where it is and how to easily get back to your designated locker (because it can potentially be confusing to navigate as a first timer).
Vlog Camera - If you are vlogging, I recommend this Sony ZV-1F for all your trips. It’s great value for the price and easy to travel with.
Morning: Exploring Asakusa
Start your 24 hours in Tokyo with an early start in Asakusa, a neighborhood that offers a great mix of traditional Japanese culture and modern experiences.
For first-timers, this area is a perfect place to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s history while enjoying some of the city’s best street food. Staying here is a breeze if you choose a spot like the Richmond Premier Hotel Asakusa, which offers stunning views of Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most-visited spots.
After a quick breakfast at Fuglen Asakusa—a cozy coffee spot serving excellent Norwegian coffee and waffles—you’ll be ready to explore. Just a short walk away is Nakamise Dori, a bustling shopping street that leads you straight to the iconic Senso-ji Temple.
Asakusa is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, making it a must-visit. Visiting Senso-ji during the day is beautiful, but coming back at night when it’s quiet and lit up is pure magic.
Pro tip: If you want a unique experience, take a traditional rickshaw ride around the neighborhood! It’s a little pricey at around $50 per person, but it’s such a fun way to explore and get a guided tour of the area.
Street Food Stop: While in Asakusa, don’t miss out on these street food favorites:
Asakusa Menchi: Famous for their crispy pork and wagyu croquette bites.
Kibidango Azuma: Sweet, nutty mochi balls that are warm and chewy.
Warabimochi Motoko: A refreshing iced hojicha milk tea with warabi mochi—perfect for a warm day!
Asakusa Kagetsudō: Try their classic melon pan, a sweet, soft bun that’s a quintessential treat.
Asakusa Unana: Known for their delicious eel onigiri, a savory grilled rice ball.
Late Morning: Tokyo Skytree and the Asakusa-Tokyo Connection
Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of Asakusa, take a short distance walk or quick subway ride to Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower and a must-see for those looking for a stunning bird’s eye view of the city.
On a clear day, the observation deck offers views that stretch all the way to Mt. Fuji! It’s a great way to get a sense of Tokyo’s sprawling layout and to capture some amazing photos of the cityscape.
From here, you’re just a short distance away from Tokyo Station if you want to see the beautifully restored station building and grab some lunch at one of the many eateries inside.
The area around Tokyo Station is also home to the Tokyo Imperial Palace, a peaceful spot to wander around the gardens.
Afternoon: A Taste of Tokyo’s Culinary Scene
For lunch, consider heading back towards Asakusa and diving into more of its culinary delights. Yoroiya Ramen serves up a delicious bowl of yuzu ramen, a citrusy twist that’s perfect if you’re looking for something lighter.
If sushi is on your mind, don’t miss Kura Sushi, where you can enjoy a fun conveyor belt sushi experience—great for solo travelers or families.
Want something even more traditional? Take a quick detour to the Tsukiji Outer Market. While the famous Tsukiji Fish Market moved most of its operations to Toyosu Market, the outer market remains vibrant with fresh fish, seafood snacks, and more. It’s a fantastic place to grab some street food and explore.
Afternoon Activity: If you’re up for a little adventure, the Meiji Jingu Shrine near Harajuku is another great place to experience traditional Japanese culture. Located just a short train ride from Asakusa, it’s a serene retreat surrounded by lush forest right in the heart of the city.
Evening: Experience the Bright Lights of Tokyo
As the sun sets, head over to Shibuya Crossing, one of the most famous intersections in the world.
This popular spot is especially magical at night when the neon lights come alive. The Shibuya area is packed with great places to grab dinner, from ramen shops to yakiniku specialty restaurants like Yakiniku Gen-chan.
If you have time, stroll around Golden Gai in Shinjuku—a maze of tiny bars and eateries offering a unique slice of Tokyo nightlife. It’s a great way to end the evening, with lots of cozy spots for a drink.
Late-Night Tokyo: Need a bite before calling it a night? Tokyo has plenty of 24-hour restaurants and vending machines on almost every corner if you’re craving a late-night snack.
For a unique sleep experience, consider staying in a capsule hotel, which is not only affordable but also a quintessential Tokyo experience.
Next Morning: Early Bird Adventures
If you’re still up for more before catching the last train or your flight, make one last stop at Toyosu Market for the early-morning tuna auction. It’s a bucket list experience where you can watch the action and sample some of the freshest seafood around.
Bonus Tip for Travelers: Traveling around Tokyo is easy with a Tokyo Metro pass or IC card ticket. These make hopping between districts a breeze, especially if you’re on a long layover or just visiting for a short time. Make sure you have a credit card handy for quick payments at many restaurants and shops.
Final Thoughts on How to Spend a Full Day in Japan
In just 24 hours, you can cover so many great spots in Tokyo, from the historic charm of Asakusa to the vibrant neon signs of Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Whether you’re catching the bullet trains at Tokyo Station or grabbing the last train back after a night out, this itinerary packs in the best of what Tokyo has to offer, even with just a short amount of time.
No matter your interests, Tokyo’s capital is filled with great opportunities to explore, taste, and experience everything that makes this city special.
From Senso-ji Temple to Tokyo Skytree and the bustling markets, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a new appreciation for this incredible city. Happy exploring!
