24 hours in Tokyo - a guide to the best eats and must-sees
Our ultimate 1-day itinerary covering the best of Tokyo, from the freshest sushi to a late-night highball with the locals.
Tokyo holds a special place in our hearts and is one of our favourite cities in Asia for a quality, quick or long trip. The capital of Japan is famous for its buzzing lights and has a lot to offer, from ancient shrines and world-class shopping to seriously delicious Japanese food and bars with true Tokyo vibes. But what if you only have one day in Tokyo?
Join us in our 'Tokyo in One Day' video, featuring our itinerary for the best things to do in Tokyo in 24 hours. This guide is packed with must-see sites, authentic Japanese cuisine and iconic bars, so you can make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're in Tokyo on a quick stopover or want a checklist of things to spread out over a longer weekend, this is your perfect Tokyo day and night out.
Start the Day Fresh:
Breakfast at Toyosu Fish Market
Start your Tokyo adventure bright and early, and head straight for the world-renowned Toyosu Fish Market, the modern successor to the historic Tsukiji.
This is the spot for the best and freshest sushi in the world - we're talking melt-in-your-mouth toro, creamy uni, and sweet, soft tamago (omelette), all served soon after the famous tuna auctions finish at 5:30 AM. Just remember to check the official Toyosu Fish Market calendar before you go, and make sure you visit on an open day.
Location: Toyosu Fish Market
Address: 6 Chome-6-2 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo
Coffee at a Local Japanese Cafe:
Experiencing a Kissaten
To truly capture the city's energy, you'll need a proper caffeine hit. The best place to experience coffee in Tokyo is at a traditional Japanese coffee house, known as a kissaten. These established spots offer a wonderful contrast to the city's hustle, serving first-class brews and perfectly crafted cakes in a calm atmosphere. There are kissaten all over Tokyo, but if you find yourself in busy Shibuya, we recommend dropping by Satei Hato and Satella, known for their quality pour-overs and delightful old-school ambience.
Location: Satei Hato
Address: 1 Chome-15-19 Shibuya City, Tokyo
Boutique Shopping in Omotesando:
Tokyo's Best Designer Store Street
Fuelled up, it’s time to shop till you drop. Head over to Omotesando, the best spot for boutique shopping in Tokyo. Take your time strolling through the quirky concept stores and vintage boutiques. Find a unique souvenir and get a real taste of Tokyo’s dynamic style culture. Our favourite shops include QOO for affordable vintage fashion, Musubi for traditional souvenirs, and MixTHINKS for a bargain on unique luxury picks.
Location: Omotesando
Address: 4 Chome-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Location: QOO
Address: 5 Chome-2-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Location: Musubi
Address: 2 Chome-31-8, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Location: MixTHINKS
Address: 6 Chome-28-6, Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Unwind at Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park:
Tranquillity in Tokyo's Green Heart
Need a breather from the urban energy? Retreat into the peaceful woods of the Meiji Jingu, just a short walk from Omotesando. Soak in the quiet, almost magical ambience, surrounded by ancient trees and majestic torii gates (a traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine). Continue your stroll into Yoyogi Park, where you’ll spot artists, musicians, and couples gathering for picnics and performances. This is a great place to recharge before you dive back into the city excitement for a big evening out on the town.
Location: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Slurp Up Some Noodles:
Tokyo's Essential Ramen Restaurants
As dusk falls, it’s officially slurp time in Tokyo. Follow your nose to Afuri Ramen, famous for its light, fragrant yuzu-flavoured broth and springy noodles, often topped with tender chashu pork. For a classic experience, head on to Ichiran Ramen for a rich tonkotsu broth, served in their iconic solo booths. If you're in for a Michelin-starred treat, seek out Nakiryu, celebrated for its silky, spicy tantanmen, a sesame-chilli Chinese-style rendition.
Location: Afuri Ramen Harajuku
Address: 3 Chome-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Location: Ichiran Shibuya
Address: 1 Chome-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Location: Nakiryu
Address: 2 Chome-34-4 Minamiotsuka, Toshima City, Tokyo
Experience Omakase:
Japanese Fine-Dining
If you are looking for an elevated culinary treat that won't break the bank, book a spot for an omakase dinner at ‘Eat’ in Azabujuban. The downstairs sushi bar is a fantastic pick for a more budget-friendly yet incredibly hip omakase experience. It's perfectly suited for a romantic date night or even for solo diners pulling up a stool at the counter.
The surrounding Azabujuban is also a unique area for a post-dinner stroll. The charming neighbourhood is known for its cobblestone streets and refined, low-key international vibe.
Location: Eat Azabujuban
Address: 5 Chome-3-2 Azabu-Juban, Minato City, Tokyo
Dessert Time in Harajuku: Sweet Treats on Takeshita Street
After dinner, head to Harajuku and Takeshita Street for some signature Tokyo sweets. This road is the centre of the city's playful street culture, and it is packed with crazy desserts like giant rainbow cotton candy, crepes, and the must-try crispy cream puffs at ZAKUZAKU.
Location: Takeshita Street
Address: 1 Chome Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Bar Hopping at Golden Gai:
Shinjuku's Legendary Nightlife
Cap off your day in the famous alleyways of Golden Gai and experience authentic Tokyo nightlife. This legendary district is packed with dozens of tiny bars, many seating only five or six people, each with its own distinct character. We recommend bar hopping between a few venues to absorb the unique atmosphere fully and to learn more about the interesting characters who own the bars.
⚠️ Important Tip: Be prepared for the bar culture at Golden Gai. Most establishments have a small cover charge (known as otoshi or seki-ryō), which typically includes a small, complimentary snack. This is a standard tradition that helps support these small, unique venues. It’s the perfect way to soak up the local vibe after dark!
Location: Golden Gai
Address: 1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Join us and experience authentic Tokyo in 24 hours in our ANYDOKO Original.
Still feeling peckish? Don't worry! Come and check out our complete guide to the best street food in Tokyo, where we explore some truly local eats, guaranteed to make your taste buds come alive.
CREDITS
Director & Writer: Vikash Autar
Editor: Michael Thompson & Tara Juan
Voice Over: Dean Vowles
Production Company: ANYDOKO Studios
Story Writer: Catherine Ou Yang
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