# One day in Tokyo: an itinerary in the best order

> One day in Tokyo covers the modern city and the old. Morning at Shibuya Crossing, where thousands cross on a single green light, and the youth-fashion street of Takeshita in Harajuku. Then Meiji Jingu shrine in its forest, and lunch. After lunch, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on the site of Edo Castle and Senso-ji in Asakusa with the giant red lantern on its gate. Metro hops take 20–30 minutes.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/in-1-day

## Plan

1. [Shibuya Crossing](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/shibuya-crossing.md) — YesGo score 57/100 (Yes, go) · 30 min · free; Shibuya Sky ≈ ¥2,700–3,400
   ↓ 19 min by transport
2. [Takeshita Street](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/takeshita-street.md) — YesGo score 49/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · free
   ↓ 13 min on foot
3. [Meiji Jingu](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/meiji-jingu.md) — YesGo score 50/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h · free; Gyoen garden paid
   Lunch break, about 1 h
   ↓ 29 min by transport
4. [Tokyo Imperial Palace](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/tokyo-imperial-palace.md) — YesGo score 62/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · free
   ↓ 31 min by transport
5. [Senso-ji](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/senso-ji.md) — YesGo score 51/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h · free

Total with walks: 7 h 17 min

## What to do in Tokyo in one day

Shibuya and Harajuku are in the west, the palace is central by Tokyo Station and Asakusa is in the north-east. Shibuya is at its best lit up at night — drag it to the end of the day with ≡ and start in Asakusa if you prefer.

Remove any stop with the cross or drag it with ≡, and add another one nearby — the times recalculate.

## Getting around Tokyo

The metro and the JR Yamanote line link every stop. Get a Suica or PASMO card — it pays for trains and for shops by the station. Signs are in English and stations are numbered.

## Where to see Tokyo from above

For free, from the [Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/tokyo-government-building) decks at 202 m. Paid: [Tokyo Tower](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/tokyo-tower), the 634 m [Skytree](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/tokyo-skytree) and the Shibuya Sky rooftop above the crossing.

## Is one day in Tokyo enough?

For a first taste, yes. [Tsukiji Market](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/tsukiji-outer-market) and [Ginza](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/ginza) are day two, [Akihabara](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/akihabara) and [Ueno](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/ueno-park) day three, and [Mount Fuji](https://yesgo.io/japan/tokyo/mount-fuji) day four.

## Tips

- Get a Suica or PASMO card on day one: trains and shops.
- At shrines, rinse your hands and mouth at the water basin before entering.
- Keep quiet at temples and shrines and take your shoes off before entering halls; photos inside halls are often not allowed. There is no tipping in Japan.
- Japan uses the yen. Foreign cards work almost everywhere, but temples, markets and small cafés want cash. A Suica or PASMO card pays for trains, metro and shops by the station.
- Rush hour, 8:00–9:30, packs the metro — start a little later.

## Questions

### What can you do in Tokyo in one day?

Shibuya Crossing, Takeshita Street, Meiji Jingu, the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji.

### Can you see Tokyo without a tour?

Yes: the metro and JR are easy, with English signs.

### Is Meiji Jingu free?

Yes; it is open from sunrise to sunset.

### When are the palace East Gardens closed?

On Mondays and Fridays.

### How much does the day cost?

Every stop is free; you pay only for the metro and food.

### Where is the best view of Shibuya Crossing?

From the Shibuya Sky rooftop — about 2,700–3,400 yen.

### Is it good with kids?

Yes; there is also a separate Tokyo with kids itinerary.

### Do I need a Suica card?

It helps: it pays for the metro, trains and shops by the station.

### When is the best time?

Cherry blossom season and November.

### How do I pay in Japan?

Japan uses the yen. Foreign cards work almost everywhere, but temples, markets and small cafés want cash. A Suica or PASMO card pays for trains, metro and shops by the station.

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