24 Hours In Tokyo

So, for whatever reason, you’re in Tokyo and you have 24 hours to kill. What do you get up to in the bustling Japanese capital? Take guidance from our own 24 hours in Tokyo and catch a glimpse of this non-stop city.

10am
Pay a visit to Asakusa and Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and enjoy the addition of the lively market of Nakamise that leads you to the entrance, selling an array of local souvenirs and snacks.

11am
Hang around Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere of the backstreets, tea rooms and fabric shops. What was once Tokyo’s entertainment district, Asakusa has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the Tokyo Skytree, 634 metres above the Sumida River, which is also worth experiencing.

1pm
Time for lunch and to explore the food offerings in Asakusa’s Hoppy Street, nicknamed as such due to a popular drink of the area. This theme is emphasised with the abundance of izakaya, Japanese establishments that actually serve food to accompany the drinks. If you’re in the mood for sharing, the restaurants that line the street are specialised in dishes such as beef tendon stew – the street is also nicknamed Stew Street.

3pm
If Nakamise and the backstreets of Asakusa didn’t suppress your shopping habit, Tokyo has a multitude of shopping districts; from the art and vintage wares of Shimokitazawa, to the high-end boutiques in Ginza and the chaotic but revered malls and department stores of Shinjuku, all just a train ride away on Tokyo’s easy train system.

7pm
Eating out isn’t just about the food in Tokyo; the city is full to the brim with themed eateries. Think pet cafes where you can spend time with rabbits and cats, a restaurant dedicated to the Moomins, and the famous Robot Restaurant adorned with neon signs and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. When in Tokyo, don’t miss out on this quirky and intriguing dining culture.

10pm
If you’re intrigued to discover Tokyo after dark, Shibuya provides many bars and nightclubs that appeal to young locals and foreign tourists. It’s also where you’ll find the Love Hotel Hill, home to Tokyo’s famous love hotels.

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