One Day in Tokyo: Must-See Sights, Food & Hidden Gems (2025)

30 April 2025

Only have one day in Tokyo? This fast-paced, step-by-step itinerary shows you the best sights, eats, and neighborhoods to make your 24 hours unforgettable.

Early Morning in Tokyo

Start early to make the most of it. Head to the Toyosu Market to witness a real tuna auction, which kicks off around 5 a.m. You’ll want to arrive a bit ahead of time to grab a good spot—bring a book or podcast for the wait. These auctions used to take place at the iconic but less tourist-friendly Tsukiji Market, where lines sometimes began at 1 a.m. during peak season.

Just a heads-up: trains to Toyosu don’t run before 5 a.m., so you’ll either need to walk or book a taxi.

Stick around after the auction for a seafood breakfast—the stalls open early. Even if fish in the morning isn’t usually your thing, after being awake for that long, your stomach will think it’s lunchtime.

Not into auctions? Head to the old outer market at Tsukiji instead. It opens later (around 8–9 a.m.), has a laid-back vibe, and serves up excellent sushi breakfasts—ideal if you’d prefer a slower start.

Breakfast Pick:
Daiwa Sushi at Toyosu Market is unforgettable. Even if you’re not a hardcore sushi lover, this might be the best bite of Japanese cuisine you ever try. No dietary restrictions? Sit down, trust the chef, and just enjoy—it might even convert you to fish-for-breakfast back home.

Mid-Morning Adventures in the Capital

Hop a train to Ryogoku to catch a sumo training session. Wrestlers train from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., and you can watch through the stable windows. Check ahead to make sure there’s training that day, as schedules vary by season.

Next, head to Akihabara. Grab a coffee at a themed café, play vintage arcade games, and pick up a few Japanese souvenirs. But don’t go overboard—you’ve got a long day ahead. Now’s also a great time for a second breakfast, so dive into the world of Japanese street food.

Second Breakfast Idea:
Craving something more Western? Try a Honey Toast café. It’s sweet, thick, customizable, and weirdly wonderful. Toppings range from chocolate and tuna to miso and tofu—Japan-style breakfast meets dessert. You might not come back here, but you will remember it.

Early Afternoon in Tokyo

Make your way to Asakusa for a quick rickshaw ride and a visit to the historic Senso-ji Temple. This area, known as Shitamachi, offers a glimpse into old Tokyo and makes a strong contrast to the neon chaos of Akihabara.

After that, head to the Tokyo Skytree for jaw-dropping city views and a quick breather before things pick up again. Take the train to Shibuya and cross the world-famous Shibuya Crossing—yes, that one. If you’re up for it, do a little window shopping at the iconic Shibuya 109 fashion mall.

Need a snack?
Tokyo summers are sticky, and you’ll need a refresher. Stop at Shiroichi in Shibuya for raw milk soft serve. Towering, creamy, and totally Instagrammable, it’s served with classic Japanese toppings like matcha and red bean paste. Trust us—it’s worth the hype.

Late Afternoon in Tokyo

By now you’ll be hungry again. Head to Shinjuku for a meal. If it’s after 3 p.m. on a weekend, you might even squeeze in a futuristic dinner-and-show experience at the Samurai Restaurant Time (book ahead!).

Then step into the Samurai Museum for a surprisingly interactive dive into Japan’s warrior past. Snap a photo in full samurai armor—it’ll earn you major bragging rights. Balance things out with a peaceful walk through Shinjuku Gyoen, a stunning garden that offers a break from the hustle.

Lunch Suggestion:
Try okonomiyaki, Japan’s savory pancake. At Teppan Baby, you’ll see your food made with flair right in front of you. Pick your favorite toppings—veggies, cheese, meats—and get ready for a delicious show.

Evening in Tokyo

Now it’s time to really have some fun. Head to Harajuku for a fashion-forward experience like no other. The street art and people-watching are as eye-catching as the fashion. Pop into quirky boutiques and bring home some Harajuku flair. If you were ever into goth (and who wasn’t in the 90s?), Takeshita Street is your new playground.

Harajuku is about playful nostalgia, and nothing says “fun” like cotton candy in every color or character-shaped ice cream cones. Find your favorite anime on a snack, grab your camera, and get posting—this is Instagram gold.

Top Snack Stop:
If you haven’t tried the rainbow cheese toastie yet, this is your chance. It’s not exactly a culinary masterpiece, but it’s pure Harajuku—stretchy, colorful, cheesy, and ridiculous.

Late Night in Tokyo

getty images E8ETn2pRBTQ unsplash — *Roppongi*

Now it’s time to slow things down (a little). Head over to upscale Roppongi for Tokyo’s most romantic skyline views. Get to Roppongi Hills in time for sunset and take in the glittering skyline. Solo travelers, don’t skip this—it’s beautiful, peaceful, and totally worth it.

If your budget allows, Roppongi has plenty of high-end dining options where you can experience top-tier Japanese cuisine before exploring the nightlife.

Dinner Pick:
Sukiyabashi Jiro is a luxury sushi spot with Michelin-starred service. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Make a reservation, savor every bite, and sip some sake to calm your nerves before the bill arrives.

Tokyo Nightlife — One Last Adventure

Circle back to Kabukicho, Tokyo’s neon-soaked red-light district. It’s a bit like Amsterdam—wild, chaotic, and totally worth seeing at least once. It looks completely different at night. Have fun, but be careful: don’t follow nightclub promoters (common scam), and always watch your drink.

Want something more chill? Wander into Shinjuku Golden Gai, a web of tiny alley bars—each one with its own theme. Bar-hop, but pace yourself. Public drunkenness isn’t a good look here, and the police will notice. Thinking of visiting a hostess club (kyabakura)? Just know it’ll cost you—steep entry fees and charges for music, seating, even chatting. Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Pub Pick:
Bar Darling is perfect for solo female travelers. Safe, cozy, with a great drink selection (including alcohol-free options) and super friendly staff. You’ll love winding down here after a packed day.