Two days in Tokyo is not enough, and everyone who's done it is glad they did.
Day one: old Tokyo, then Shinjuku#
7am Senso-ji in Asakusa before the crowds, Nakamise Street as the shutters open, a coffee in a kissaten. 10am Ueno Park, one museum (the Tokyo National Museum if you must choose), Ameyoko market for lunch. 3pm Train to Shinjuku, the free view from the Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen until it closes. Evening Omoide Yokocho's yakitori alleys, then Golden Gai's two-hundred tiny bars. Last train or walk home.
Day two: Tsukiji to Shibuya#
8am Tsukiji outer market: breakfast from four stalls. 10:30 Meiji Jingu's forest, then out through Harajuku and Takeshita Street, down Omotesando. 2pm Lunch in a Shibuya backstreet. 4pm Shibuya: the crossing from above, the record shops, Center Gai. Dusk The crossing lit. Evening An izakaya in Shibuya or Ebisu, a nightcap bar, and the realisation you'll be back.
Cut without guilt#
Day trips, Disney, Odaiba, Akihabara unless it's yours, teamLab unless booked, the Palace tour. They're in the 5-day and 7-day versions; 3 days adds one of them.
One day#
Asakusa at dawn, Tsukiji breakfast, Meiji Jingu and Harajuku, Shibuya at dusk, ramen, airport. Realistic from Haneda; from Narita, leave four hours for the return. Narita or Haneda.
Practical#
Sleep in Shinjuku or Shibuya (where to stay). A Suica on your phone before you land. Cash or card. Getting around.
The night that makes it#
Two days of sights and one evening with someone who lives here is a better trip than three days of sights. Post your dates on Roavi Community before you fly and a Local Friend can meet you for Golden Gai or their own neighbourhood on night one.
Two days in Tokyo? Spend one evening with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Tokyo?
Enough for a first taste of the old city (Asakusa, Ueno) and the new (Shibuya, Shinjuku), with one good night out. Not enough for day trips, the neighbourhoods or a relaxed pace. Most two-day visitors come back.What should I skip in Tokyo with 2 days?
Day trips, teamLab unless you've already booked, Tokyo Disney, Odaiba, Akihabara unless it's your passion, and the Imperial Palace tour. Keep Asakusa, Tsukiji, Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku.Where should I stay for 2 nights in Tokyo?
Shinjuku or Shibuya: central, on every line, alive at night. Asakusa is charming and quiet but adds travel time to everything else. Avoid anywhere that needs a transfer to reach the Yamanote line.What can I do in Tokyo in one day on a layover?
From Haneda it's realistic, from Narita tight: Asakusa and Senso-ji at dawn, Tsukiji outer market breakfast, Meiji Jingu and Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing at dusk, and a bowl of ramen before the train back. Leave four hours for the airport.
