How to See Tokyo in 2 Days

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Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by sydabroad

Planning how to see Tokyo in 2 days? Then keep reading! 

2 days in Tokyo may not seem like enough time to explore all the wonders of this dynamic city, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can experience many of its highlights. Tokyo is a unique city, where traditional temples sit alongside modern skyscrapers, and vibrant neighborhoods each offer their own unique vibe. Whether you’re spending a quick weekend in Tokyo or have a longer trip planned, this Tokyo travel guide will help you discover some of the best that the city has to offer. 

In this itinerary, I’ll take you through the must-see sights, from the famous Shibuya Crossing and historic Senso-ji Temple to the lush gardens and hidden gems that capture Tokyo’s charm. You’ll also find great recs on where to eat, from street food hotspots to traditional Japanese dining, as well as tips on how to get around the city and where to stay for the most convenient access to Tokyo’s highlights. 

With this 2 day Tokyo itinerary, you’ll be equipped to maximize your time and immerse yourself in the unique blend of culture, food, and energy that makes Tokyo one of the best cities in the world. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to make your trip to Tokyo as memorable as possible! 

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This post is about how to see Tokyo in 2 days.

Tokyo in 2 Days | The Basics 

Currency = Japanese Yen 

The currency in Japan is the Yen (JPY)

1 USD = 143 Japanese Yen

Many major restaurants, hotels, and stores will accept card payments. However, some local places still prefer cash over cards. For instance, If you plan on visiting Tsukiji Market, you’ll need cash. There are plenty of ATMs throughout the city. 

Language = Japanese 

The most widely spoken language in Japan is Japanese. Not many people speak English, so I suggest having Google Translate downloaded on your phone. 

I love the photo feature on Google Translate. It’s super helpful for translating an entire menu by simply taking a photo of it. 

Phone & Internet

I have never had an issue with my phone or the internet in Tokyo. You’ll find that many cafes and hotels have fast, reliable wifi. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget

Tokyo is not the cheapest destination to visit. Especially compared to other Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.  If you are a budget traveler, expect to spend about 100 to 180 USD daily. A mid-range budget is about 200 to 400 USD per day. 

Tipping in Tokyo 

Tipping is not customary in Japan. It can at times be considered confusing or even frowned upon. You will likely be turned down.  

Can You Drink the Tap Water?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Tokyo. It’s very clean in Japan. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Tokyo 

You really can’t go wrong with visiting Tokyo during any time of the year but I’d say the best is probably during cherry blossom season from late March to April. During the spring, the city is blooming with cherry blossoms all around. 

September to November is also a good time to visit because the weather will be cooler and there will be fewer crowds after summer’s high tourist season.

I visited in June which is known to be a more crowded time of year for Tokyo but I still enjoyed it! I got to do the activities I wanted to and I didn’t find it overly crowded. It was pretty hot but nothing unbearable. 

2 Days in Tokyo Itinerary 

DAY 1 | Tokyo in 2 Days 

8:00 AM | Convenient Store Breakfast

Start day one in Tokyo by picking up breakfast at a 7-Eleven. Convenient stores are superior in Asia and you can find the most delicious things! 

I picked up a fresh latte and the famous egg sandwich. This sandwich was incredible. The bread was so fluffy and the eggs were so flavorful. You have to try one if you are in Tokyo. 

9:00 AM | Senso-ji Temple 

Next, take the train to Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. This is a bit further outside of the city so that’s why I suggest going first thing in the morning. The temple will get crowded in the afternoon. 

This is Tokyo’s oldest temple dating back to 628 AD and it’s free to enter. You’ll see the iconic Kaminarimon Gate as you approach the temple. This is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks. The gate has a massive red lantern and statues of the Shinto gods Fujin and Raijin. 

Pro-tip: Purchase a Suica card to use the metro to get around the city. Public transportation in Tokyo is very clean and incredibly efficient.  

12:00 PM | Team Lab Borderless

After exploring Senso-ji Temple, head to the Team Lab Borderless Museum. This is a digital art museum located in Tokyo. This is one of the best things to see in Tokyo, located in Toyosu. 

I suggest planning to spend about 3 hours here and make sure you wear pants that can be easily rolled up for water exhibits. You will also be barefoot. I recommend booking for ticket at least a week in advance. You can purchase tickets through the official website. 

3:00 PM | Shinjuku 

Next on this Tokyo in 2 days itinerary is to spend the evening in Shinjuku. There is so much to do here – you can spend the rest of your afternoon and evening in Shinjuku. 

Shinjuku is located in the western part of Tokyo known for its bustling atmosphere, skyscrapers, and entertainment. Here you’ll have to see the iconic 3D cat billboard, wander down Memory Lane, sing karaoke, and visit an izakaya. There are also plenty of shopping options here in Shinjuku. 

Memory Lane, officially known as Omoide Yokocho, is a narrow area lined with local eateries, and izakayas. I suggest grabbing a meal here. I stopped in a tiny Raman shop and it was delicious.  

An Izakaya is essentially a Japanese-style pub. They are a must-visit in Tokyo. 

8:00 PM | Karaoke Kan in Shinjuku 

It’s time for karaoke after dinner and maybe a couple of cocktails. There are zillions of karaoke bars around the city of Tokyo and some of the best are in Shinjuku. 

Some are typical karaoke bars and others have personal karaoke booths inside. Karaoke Kan in Shinjuku is a great spot but there are so many options. 

DAY 2 | Tokyo in 2 Days

8:00 AM | Japanese Bakery for Breakfast 

Start your second day in Tokyo off with breakfast at a local Japanese bakery. You’ll find the most delicious breads and pastries here. 

Le Pain Quotidien, Melange de Baumkuchen, and Hattendo are great options and there are multiple locations throughout the city. 

9:00 AM | Meiji Shrine 

After breakfast, take the train to Meji Shrine in Harajuku. Meiji Shrine is the most serene place to start your day and it’s free to enter. 

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It was established in 1920 and rebuilt after World War II. The shrine complex is the most peaceful area. Along the paths to the shrine, you’ll see sake barrels, ponds, flowers, and more. 

This is such a tranquil spot in the bustling city of Tokyo. If you’re planning to see Tokyo in 2 days, Meiji Shrine is a must. 

11:00 AM | Takeshita Street in Harajuku 

While you’re in Harajuku, you need to visit Takeshita Street. This is located steps away from Meji Shrine. Takeshita Street is a busy shopping street renowned for its vibrant and eclectic fashion scene. 

Here along Takeshita, you’ll find boutiques with a wide variety of trendy clothing and unique accessories, themed cafes, crepe stands, and street performers. It does get busy in the afternoon but in the mornings before everything opens it’s very quiet. 

Pro-tip: You will rarely see trash cans in the city. Keep a plastic bag with you just in case you end up having trash you need to put somewhere until you find a trash can. 

12:00 PM | Tsukiji Market  

Now it’s time for arguably the best thing to do in Tokyo – Tsukiji Market. This was a highlight of my 2 days in Tokyo and something you can’t miss in the city. Especially if you are a foodie. 

Tsukiji Market is a famous market in Tokyo offering street food, drinks, sweets, and more. Try to get here as early as you can because it gets crowded. And make sure to come hungry. 

You’ll see many food stalls offering all sorts of local cuisine. I tried matcha ice cream, fresh tuna, a bao bun, tamagoyaki, uni, and japanese wagyu. I could have spent the entire day eating my way through this market. There are so many amazing foods to try. 

Make sure to bring cash. Most vendors do accept cards but it’s nice to have cash on hand. 

3:00 PM | Ginza

If you enjoy shopping, you will love Ginza. Giza is an upscale district in Tokyo home to luxury shopping, prestigious department stores, art galleries, museums, fine dining, and upscale bars. 

If you are looking for something unique to do in Ginza go get your face put on a latte! It was silly and a bit overpriced but when in Tokyo. Lol. You can visit the cafe in the Nissan Building to get your face in latte art. You’ll also see some pretty cool cars in here too. 

If you are looking for a cocktail break, visit Mixology Salon. This is a tiny craft cocktail bar serving the most unique drinks. It’s located on the 13th floor of Ginza Six and when I say small, I mean small. There are like 8 ish chairs inside so go during the day or early afternoon to try to get a spot. 

If you are a fan of Uniqlo, you can’t miss their 12-story flagship store located in Ginza. 

5:00 PM | Shibuya 

End your second day in Tokyo in Shibuya. You have to experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world. You should also visit Shibuya Sky, an observation deck in Tokyo. 

Shibuya Sky is a 229-meter tall open-air observation deck with the most breathtaking views of Tokyo. It’s well worth it. From Shibuya Sky, you can see Tokyo Tower and other iconic landmarks in the city. 

I suggest purchasing your tickets ahead of time online and trying to snag a sunset time slot. Once you are up on the observation deck, you can stay as long as you want. Of course, this is one of the best photo spots but it’s also so nice to chill and enjoy the views. 

7:00 PM | Sushi for Dinner 

You can end your evening at another izakaya and with some local cuisine. I’ve listed restaurant recommendations later in this guide but if you are looking for a fun dinner I suggest going to Uobei for conveyor belt sushi. 

It was such a fun style of eating and the food was great! I had tuna, udon, an avocado roll, and edamame.

Transportation in Tokyo 

How to Get to Tokyo

You’ll likely fly into either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Internal Airport (HND). Haneda is more convenient for travelers as it’s only 9 miles south of central Tokyo. 

Narita is about 37 miles away from central Tokyo. However, transportation is quick and efficient with their train system. You can take the Narita Express directly from the airport to the city center.   

How to Get Around Tokyo 

Tokyo’s public transportation system is quick, efficient, and clean. The Tokyo metro has many subway lines that cover the central and suburban areas of the city. They also have buses and trams.

 I suggest purchasing a Suica card; this is a card you can add money on for transportation and it makes for a convenient and cashless way to pay. You can purchase a Suica card at many stations and some convenience stores. 

Where to Stay in Tokyo 

Search for all of your hotel options in Tokyo here.

• Hotel Wing International: I stayed at Hotel Wing International and it was great. The location was super convenient, the rooms were clean, and it was affordable. The room was pretty tiny which is quite common in Tokyo. Check availability here.
• The Barn Tokyo: This is a cute family-run boutique property. It’s a 16-room hotel with luxurious features and in a central location. Check availability here.
• The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku: This is a nice property in the Shinjuku neighborhood with a cafe and restaurant onsite. Check availability here.

Find a place to stay in Tokyo 

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FAQs about Visiting Tokyo

Is 2 days enough in Tokyo?

Two days in Tokyo is not nearly enough to cover the entire city, but you can get a taste of it. With a well-planned itinerary and prioritizing the must-see attractions, you can visit all the highlights in just two days. 

How many days is ideal for Tokyo?

Ideally, you should spend 5 to 7 days in Tokyo to fully experience the city. This will allow you to visit the iconic landmarks, explore the diverse neighborhoods, and give you a chance to take a day trip outside of the city. You’ll have more flexibility with 5 to 7 days in Tokyo as opposed to 2 days. 

Where to stay in Tokyo for 2 days?

Because you are only in Tokyo for two days, I recommend staying in a central neighborhood to maximize your time. I suggest staying in either Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa. 

Where to Eat + Drink in Tokyo 

• Kura Sushi 
• The Teahouse in Akasaka: This is a flower shop-themed cafe.  
• Butagumi: The best tonkatsu. 
• Oreryu Shio: Visit for ramen. 
• Shirohiga: For Totoro cream puff. 
• Izakayas in Memory Lane Shinjuku. 
• Uobei: Conveyor belt sushi. 
• 7-Eleven: Yes, the convenience store, they are the best in Japan. 
• Mixology Salon: Great craft cocktails.

Foods to Try in Japan 

Sake: This is a traditional Japanese rice wine with a distinct flavor. It’s often served in small ceramic cups and can be enjoyed warm or cold. 

Sushi: A must to try in Tokyo! Try famous sushi spots in neighborhoods like Tsukiji, Ginza, and Shinjuku. 

Raman: Don’t leave Tokyo without trying Raman. The Raman shops in Tokyo offer a diverse range of flavors and styles. 

Yakitori: This is skewered grilled chicken that’s popular in Japanese izakayas. 

Tonkatsu: Tonkatsu is a deep-friend pork cutlet that is typically served with shredded cabbage and a savory-sweet tonkatsu sauce. 

Matcha: Matcha is more than just a drink in Japan. Try matcha ice cream, pastries, and matcha lattes. 

Japanese Crepes: Japanese crepes are typically served rolled up in a cone and come filled with something either sweet or savory. 

Mochi: This chewy, sticky rice cake is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. You’ll find all sorts of mochi in Tokyo, you have to try it! 

Taiyaki: This is a fish-shaped cake filled with something sweet such as custard, red bean paste, chocolate, or matcha cream. You can find these at street vendors and food markets all around the city. 

Uni (sea urchin): Uni is a delicacy in Japan. It certainly has a unique flavor and texture, which I did not like. But it’s something you should try while you are visiting Tokyo 

Map | Tokyo in 2 days 

Safety in Tokyo 

Tokyo is an extremely safe city and Japan as a whole is one of the best countries to visit if you are a solo female traveler. Tokyo has a low crime rate, people are polite and respect one another, and locals are also super helpful. 

I personally found Tokyo to be one of the safest cities I’ve visited. Obviously, keep an eye on your belongings. Theft is low but it can happen anywhere.

If you are traveling to Singapore too, check out my Singapore travel guide here!

And that wraps up this guide on how to see Tokyo in 2 days! If you have any questions about visiting Tokyo feel free to comment below or DM on Instagram.

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