What to do if one day in Tokyo

What to do if one day in Tokyo -

Tokyo, capital of Japan, is one of the largest and most exciting cities in the world.

From perhaps the best food in the world - to neighborhoods as diverse as Shibuya, Yanaka, Daikanyama and Kagurazaka -. Simply could spend your entire trip to Japan just to explore Tokyo

in a city with so much to offer, there is no way, you will take some time to see, to do, eat and everything on drink wishlist.

But do not lose hope! Because with only one day in Tokyo you can get below the surface and experience Tokyo as few travelers ever will.

panoramic view of Tokyo

to help you so to get the most out of your visit, we have designed what we think the perfect day in this fascinating megalopolis is.

Be a Field Tester

tag us #boutiquejapan with shots from the route

tips, changes and feedback: Find everything think we should include? Catch an unintentional mistake? , Contact us here or let us know @BtqJpn

Boutique Japan Perfect Day in Tokyo

Our goal is to help you - the curious traveler - immerse yourself in the city and experience a unique collection of Tokyo neighborhoods.

Your "Virtual Guide"

As co-founder of the boutique Japan, I went've run and drove everywhere in Tokyo.

Except that has lived in the city for several years, one of my main "responsibility" is to explore Tokyo is to expand continually to my knowledge and understanding of him.

Hole-in-the-wall izakaya in Shibuya, Tokyo

I can assure you that everything that is not to see is a

But the chance to the eclectic neighborhoods Tokyo go we chose option

. - Which include Tsukiji, Ginza, Omotesando, Harajuku, Naka-Meguro and Daikanyama -. will give you what we think is an ideal mix of known to jurisdictions supplemented by non-tourist experience

and all without rushing to change.

None of the areas that we are "hidden" with per se, but we hope that our unique and carefully designed route through Tokyo a taste of the true fabric gives this wonderfully vibrant city.

This route is only a suggestion, of course, and unfortunately we could not fit all our favorites in 1 day.

we can almost guarantee that you will want to come back and see more, because Tokyo offers far more than you will ever be able in a day, a week, a month or even a year to see.

Who is our perfect day for travelers who want to get below the city surface for (and not for the)

Tokyo

But before you far along get, we have to do one thing clear. our perfect day in Tokyo is definitely not for everyone.

What we call a perfect day in our favorite city may be completely different from what you have in mind.

this is not for you if ...

For example, if your top priority to the city's famous landmarks review from a list, our perfect day to run, is probably not the best way to spend your day.

Tokyo skyline with Tokyo Tower

on the other hand, if you love big cities, interesting neighborhoods, urban exploration - and food -. then we have a fantastic day in store for you

Is Tokyo a walking city?

Despite its massive, Tokyo is a big city on foot, and the proposed route includes some great hikes through charming streets and along the famous boulevards.

not hikers can of many parts, and for non-hikers Tokyo is also quite easy to navigate experience, with arguably the best public transport system in the world and clean, reliable taxis.

About Recommended Times

we proposed, including periods during, but for the most part they are very inaccurate.

Apart from the few places where we recommend specifically the exact times, the deadlines we have indicated, just general guidelines.

This route is designed for deep exploration and as such is not to be rushed through meant.

do not rush

Everyone is different, so you may be wondering through the track go faster - or slowly -. as proposed

In many cases, there are more direct ways from any point A to point B to get, but our route takes you through some of our favorite and most pleasant side streets.

tag us #boutiquejapan with shots out of the way!

We hope as you wander that you are inspired "off route" venture in stores, we do not mention, stroll down side streets and discover your own hidden treasures.

About Distances

in many places we have nearly contain distances. You are approximations only and not always accurate.

We have used meter, instead of feet or meters, if you use Google Maps because Google Maps in Japan automatically shows distances the metric system (1 meter to about 3 meters equivalent).

Around Tokyo First

we have many details are included, you can use the route as easy as possible to navigate to help, but we can not guarantee their complete accuracy.

Find all think we should include? Catch an unintentional mistake? Contact us here or let us know @BtqJpn.

At some point, just about everyone lost in labyrinthine Tokyo. Use your best judgment as you explore.

Also, although Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, it can happen here, as elsewhere. Be smart, careful and responsible.

Tokyo Metro in Ochanomizu, Tokyo

IC transport card

For ease of transportation, if you go for a few days in Tokyo to be, you should consider to get a Suica or Pasmo map.

Suica and Pasmo are two types of IC cards (pre-paid transportation cards), you can swipe in and out of stations with extreme ease.

Apart from transport, you can also use them on many machines and convenience stores! You can pick up a maximum of up train and metro stations.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Japan is almost shocking wifi un friendly, and get to Tokyo can be much simpler if you have an Internet connection.

So we recommend a pocket wifi device for your time in Japan.

Read more about rental Wi-Fi in Japan

Our Perfect Day in Tokyo: The directions

ready to explore to begin? Here is a quick look at the highlights of our perfect day in Tokyo:

Tokyo, Japan

Part 1: East Tokyo: Tsukiji, Ginza & Sushi

Tsukiji fish market
Depachika Food Hall
Sushi lunch in Ginza Kyubey

part 2: West Tokyo: Omotesando & Harajuku

Omotesando Backstreets
Harajuku & Takeshita Dori
Meiji Jingu & Yoyogi Park

part 3: Trendy Tokyo: Naka-Meguro & Daikanyama

stroll along Naka-Meguro Canal
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Fashionable Daikanyama & Daikanyama T-Site

part 1: East Tokyo: Tsukiji, Ginza & Sushi

in Tokyo Our day at Tsukiji fish market

8:30 to a good start rising from: Tokyo Tsukiji- fish market

Tokyo Tsukiji fish market

Google Map of Tsukiji fish market

We recommend getting a start pretty early today, so you can visit the lively and colorful fish market Tsukiji.

have for adventurers and early riser, you can awaken path earlier to try and it to the early morning make tuna auctions

But, for all other (in high season you can as early as 2:00 pm must start)! -. including the majority of our customers, family and friends -. we usually aiming recommend from about 8:30 to get to Tsukiji, or earlier if you have a bit of shopping in the outdoor market (more on that below)

plan to do See to visit our complete guide Tsukiji fish market to other important information, including how to ensure that the market is open on the day that you want to visit.

Turret Coffee

If you sell early in Turret Coffee, a coffee shop Pop get the best quality coffee in the Tsukiji area.

at 8:30 am at Tsukiji arrival gives you a chance to migrate to the outer part of the market, where you can find everything from knife tea and seaweed business. Be sure to bring cash, since many of these businesses accept credit cards.

For more about money in Japan see our article cash, credit cards and ATMs in Japan

inner wholesale market of Tsukiji open to tourists at 9:00 am, and we recommend the aim of arriving at 9:00 on the dot, if you can. At this hour the market is still a lot of activity, but it starts as the morning passes to wind down.

you will see are tuna fillets, creatures you've probably never met, and the dark and charismatic workers the Tsukiji make such a one-of-a-kind place.

food stalls at Tsukiji market

further information on the people of Tsukiji we the Asahi Shimbun series, strolling Tsukiji Market

While in the market you recommend might be tempted for a sushi (or ramen) breakfast to go. The sushi shops and stalls at Tsukiji are a fun experience, but most of them you may find yourself waiting for a while, when you arrive very early.

our friend and Tsukiji Kenner Yukari Sakamoto recommended patches check. Out for a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji is a great place for a sushi breakfast but we usually recommend your sushi for an early lunch at a restaurant near (more on that further below) to store, unless you are on go for two sushi meals in a day, in this case for him

10:30: Depachika Food Hall in Ginza Mitsukoshi

Muskmelons in a depachika

Google Map of Ginza Mitsukoshi

After the dark and frenetic Tsukiji fish market to explore, we expect the transition to a refined culinary and aesthetic experience: legendary visit one of Japan depachika

Please not here before 10:30 because the Ginza Mitsukoshi department. Laden and his depachika food hall will not open up to this point!

Depachika literally translated as "department store basement", but unlike department stores in , the in the world, Japan department store basement are a gourmet's paradise.

contains a short walk from Tsukiji, the county is one of the Tokyo Ginza is most elegant neighborhoods many department stores, restaurants, boutiques, galleries and cocktail bars. At 10:30 the neighborhood will awaken only at the beginning.

Tsukiji Ginza Mitsukoshi first

We recommend Tsukiji Ginza on foot, but you can also take a taxi (or even the subway, though a bit less comfortable). It is about a 10-15 minute walk or 5 minutes by taxi, or about the same from the subway on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

leaving Tsukiji, the way to the largest crossing the area where Harumi Dori and Shin -Ohashi Dori meet. They are all the way to go along Harumi Dori our goal Ginza Mitsukoshi. should

After about 4 minutes you pass the Kyobashi Post Office on your left, and then as you continue to walk you will cross a bridge (bridge mannenbashi) via a main thoroughfare.

on the right side up ahead you will see the beautiful and recently reconstructed Kabukiza Theater.

Just behind Kabukiza see Showa Dori come, a great avenue. Cross Showa Dori and you should see Mitsukoshi earlier on the right side.

When you reach Ginza Mitsukoshi (remember, not before 10:30!) Head straight for the depachika on the basement floor B2.

friendly candy makers in a depachika

here is a small selection of foods that can be found here, as in any good Japanese depachika : can

food, take
with colorful seasonal specialties filled bento boxes
Yakitori (grilled skewers chicken)
Gyoza (Japanese dumplings)
Fancy Japanese fruit
pastries and freshly baked bread
Countless varieties of wagashi (Japanese sweets) and cakes
Seafood Delicatessen
Tsukemono (Japanese pickles)
sake and Shochu , wine and beer from around the world

a depachika is the perfect place to bring food and drink for a picnic in the park, or a ride on the shinkansen (high speed train).

Do they feel free to pack some snacks for later, but save some room for lunch.

and while it remains to nibble a bit in order, it is considered somewhat rude to eat while walking around the depachika itself. If you really can not resist, be discreet

After a morning of looking at food you probably can not resist much longer, which means it's the perfect time for lunch

11 .: 30 am: Sushi lunch in Ginza Kyubey

Ginza Kyubey

Google Map of Ginza Kyubey [1945002Nebenweltbekannten Sushi-ya as Sukiyabashi] [1945001MitsovielenerstaunlichenSushi-LädeninTokyo], we do not claim that Ginza Kyubey offers the best sushi lunch in Tokyo.

Jiro, and other well-known lunch places like Sushi Iwa, there is to mention many good sushi shops in Tokyo.

But Ginza Kyubey offers a great combination of high-quality sushi, friendly service (and some English- speaking sushi chefs), a nice atmosphere, great lunch prices and a relatively simple reservation to get.

At noon several course options ranging from about 4,000 yen (about US $ 40) to find per person.

If you are in Ginza Kyubey on lunch planning, we recommend as far as possible in advance reservations. Lunch reservations are usually adopted only for the 11:30 time slot (after it is first come first served).

Directions from Ginza Mitsukoshi Ginza Kyubey

We recommend walking from the Ginza Mitsukoshi Ginza Kyubey. It's about an 8 to 10-minute walk, or just a few minutes by taxi.

leaving Ginza Mitsukoshi, exit went on Harumi Dori, along the avenue of you from Tsukiji market again.

Turn right back to Harumi Dori, and almost immediately you come to Ginza famous intersection (Ginza 4-chome) where Chuo Dori and Harumi Dori meet.

in front of you you'll see the Ginza Wako building - look for the Seiko clock tower. About the intersection, catty corner from where you are, you will see Le Cafe Dotour Ginza, another famous Ginza landmark (although it is an iconic local business, we do not recommend, especially the coffee).

We go to Le Cafe Dotour Ginza side of the intersection to cross, and then along Harumi Dori for less than a minute further. Turn left onto the narrow side street (called Suzuran Dori) only a very short block past Le Cafe Dotour Ginza.

Ginza Kyubey is only three and a half blocks Suzuran Dori. At this time of the day Ginza side streets are still pretty quiet, but at night it becomes a hub of activity. The buildings that are lining the street packed with tiny bars that remain almost completely hidden from the street.

Coming to the third small crossing over on foot for about 50 meters, and you will Ginza Kyubey on the right side. Since there is no English signage, look for this input (or you can try and Kanji make character 久兵衛 for Kyubey):

Ginza Kyubey input

you have a 11:30 reservation assuming lunch here lasts about an hour. and do not forget to look on sushi etiquette in our guide - If you have reservations, make sure to arrive on time. Without reservations, you still get in, but expect to wait

Part 2 :. West Tokyo: Omotesando Harajuku &

After a morning in Tsukiji and Ginza, it's time to an entirely different part of the head of Tokyo starting in Omotesando

01:00. Welcome to Omotesando

Omotesando streets near Harajuku

Google Map of our starting point in Omotesando

here, in the upscale Omotesando and trendy Harajuku, we will stroll the streets and the sushi lunch walk away.

Omotesando is often called Tokyo's Champs-Elysees. At its center is an elegant tree lined avenue, full of modern architecture (including Tadao Ando Omotesando Hills), fashion boutiques, brand shops, exclusive restaurants and cozy cafes.

Adjacent to Omotesando is Harajuku, Tokyo's world famous youth fashion district, an area full of alternative fashion, vintage shops, haute couture boutiques and labyrinthine alleyways.

as part of our postprandial walk we are in Omotesando and gradually make start our way through colorful Harajuku, along with an optional side walk to Yoyogi Park - one of the largest green areas of Tokyo -. and the adjacent Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by forest, in the heart of the metropolis

Directions Ginza Kyubey to Omotesando

are the easiest ways of Ginza Kyubey to Omotesando by taxi or subway to obtain its railway. It is about 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

of about 11 minutes by subway on the Ginza Line to Omotesando station it is about 5 minutes walk to Shimbashi station followed.

If you take a taxi

If traveling by taxi, the driver know that you want to go Omotesando eki (Omotesando Station in Japanese). If possible, let him or her know in advance that you want to be sold in the Apple Store, the ideal location for our afternoon walk.

If traveling from Tokyo Metro

Tokyo Metro

If the subway travel, we have to first walk from Ginza Kyubey the nearby Shimbashi station go, just a short and easy walk. to go back to Suzuran Dori, the narrow road on which we had been walking, and keep in the same direction from the restaurant exit ( not back towards the depachika ).

After about 100 meters (about 1 minute), the road ends at a T-junction. Directly in front of you, you have to look at the Ginza 9 building (a shopping mall).

Here, turn right then about a hundred meters walk (about a minute) until you reach the first junction where you turn left.

pass left at this crossing points and under the flyover.

It is a relatively small crossover happen and then one of you simply see to see a main road called Sotobori Dori.

But not walk all the way to Sotobori Dori, because right before you reach it, if you look on the right side, you will see the small (almost hidden) entrance to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line see Shimbashi- Station.

We are the station and take the Ginza-sen (Ginza Line in Japanese) from Shimbashi directly Omotesando station, a journey of just six quick stops typing (about 11 minutes) ,

upon arrival at Omotesando station, the easiest way to reach the starting point of our trek, is to navigate by subway station exit A2. If you come from exit A2, the Apple Store on the right side will be directly

13:30. Special Omotesando Backstreets

Google Map of Omotesando Koffee

regard to the route change Omotesando the streets are still as charming, but Omotesando Koffee just now closed. Originally a pop-up store was to remain open only for a very short time, and we were lucky it stayed open as long as it did. We will this way be rerouting within the next few months, but now you feel free please to go the distance, as planned, as it continues to be a unique experience in the neighborhood available. Also make sure that they where to visit the beautiful Andaz Tokyo Toranomon at Koffee, in the same building.

Our walk through Omotesando and Harajuku outside Omotesando Station Exit A2, before the Apple Store starts

But first, a little detour to look at options for architecture and design enthusiasts

Optional Detour: .. Oak Omotesando

If you look directly across the boulevard, you will find them in the Oak Omotesando building, shopping complex designed by Obayashi and Tange Associates, the of well design features Photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto.

. For the art and architecture lovers, it is worth the small detour To take this little detour, cross the street and turn left. Go past the main entrance and instead enter on Kukkyocho input, which was designed by Sugimoto.

Hiroshi Sugimoto Kukkyocho input in Oak Omotesando

When you walk up the stairs you come to Cafe Sahsya Kanetanaka, a quiet cafe overlooking a garden where can enjoy Matcha green tea, coffee or one of the many offered flawless Japanese sweets sets.

This is a great place for a break, keeping, however, that our way is about to take us to another cafe (albeit with very limited seating). [1945002[

more coffees learning in Tokyo

Back to Route :. Omotesando Koffee

spend most of the tourists in this area most of the time on Omotesando Dori, rather than go on the elegant, zelkova lined boulevard, we go to the streets of Omotesando and Harajuku to venture.

from exit A2, with the Apple Store on the right, continue straight ahead on foot for a few seconds, and you will see a small side street on the right side. Turn right on this road.

to help lead, you should see little signs you show towards Maisen, a famous restaurant in Omotesando the streets.

you'll start small shops and cafes to pass and the road soon comes to a dead end. Then left, and almost immediately to the left you turn zigzag and make your first right.

Now we are deeper in Omotesando the streets. After about a minute (about 100 meters), you come to a very small crossroads where we want to turn left.

But before we turn to the left, you can want in Maisen for a look at Pop. Maisen is a Tokyo institution and famous of the city tonkatsu restaurants. tonkatsu is schnitzel typically with shredded cabbage, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), rice and miso soup served - and many believe it nobody does better than Maisen. The line is usually quite long, but if you have a chance, why not sit back at the bar, it is a first class dining experience Tokyo.

After prior Maisen rotated at the small crossroads to the left, we are going to go for a block on the way to our next destination, Omotesando Koffee.

As you go along this quiet street, you can ask for a moment, if you're going the right way. Do not worry: there is this to be quiet

We will make our first right, and then walk around in the middle of the living atmosphere block .. Look closely and on the left you will find the attenuated input see that is almost hidden in the eyes of all. known worldwide

Omotesando Koffee

Eiichi Kunitomo Omotesando Koffee

Omotesando Koffee won among coffee lovers, thanks to its great coffee and elegant design Has. is

What began as a temporary pop-up coffee shop started a neighborhood attachment and even spawned outposts become in Toranomon (Toranomon in Hills, also home to the beautiful Andaz Tokyo) and Kyoto.

It is located in a charming, old-fashioned wooden Japanese house is Omotesando Koffee a one-man show from a minimalist cube operated by Osakan Barista Eiichi Kunimoto.

there is not much space to sit outside in the small courtyard (and not inside), but Kunitomo-san does not mind if you linger over your cup if it is not too crowded.

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