One Day in Tokyo

Most flights into Asia will have a layover in one of the major cities. If you are lucky you will get the chance to have a layover in Tokyo. From trying fresh sushi to driving around Mario Kart style, the city offers a lot of things to see and do. Check out our guide below for your visit!

If you have limited time in Tokyo, make sure to give yourself at least 4 hours from leaving the airport to enjoy at least one or two of the attractions before heading back. Anything less than four hours is going to be rushed and not quite enjoyable.

From the Airport(s) to the City

From the airport, the most efficient way of getting to downtown is via the metro rail. Tokyo has one of the best urban rail systems we have ever used. The trains are always very clean and always on time (to the minute). You can also take a taxi or bus from the airport, but we highly recommend using the metro rails.

Be aware there are two airports in Tokyo. Narita International and Haneda International. From each airport, there is a different train.

• Narita International Airport – Take the Keisei Skyliner from the airport to the Nippori Station. The cost is 2470 Yen and takes around 40 minutes. You can purchase tickets online in advance, or there at the airport. The train runs every 30 minutes. For more information about the Narita International Airport, click on the link here.
• Haneda International Airport – Take the Tokyo Monorail from the airport to the Hamamatsucho Station. The cost is 490 Yen and you can purchase a ticket at the airport. The train takes about 20 minutes. The train runs often. For more information about Haneda Airport, click on the link here.

Getting around the City

Once you are in the main part of the city, it is easy to get around. There are numerous trains and buses that travel throughout the city. You can also walk almost anywhere, and safely. Just be aware that ALL trains stop running at 1 am. The trains are always on time, never late, so make sure to give yourself time to get back to the airport or your hotel in time.

The subway map and train lines may seem like a crazy map of nonsense, but don’t worry, the main train you want to use (if you use the train) is the Yamanote Line (Green Line). The Yamanote Line circles inner Tokyo and hits all of the sightseeing destinations. You can also take a taxi anywhere in the city easily.

Buying a ticket for the train can be very confusing, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. The tickets for the Yamanote line (Green line) can be purchased on the ticket machines that are green. Tickets are relatively cheap, usually just a few dollars per ride.

Things to See in Tokyo

There are a number of sights in Tokyo, so each sight is broken out below with some details…

• Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest crossing is a must see and experience. The crossing is located in the Shibuya district within Tokyo and off of the Shibuya stop on the Yamanote Line. There is a lot of shopping around Shibuya as well.
• Meiji Jingu Shrine – The shrine is located in a park in central Tokyo. The park is pretty big and allows for some peace and quiet within the bustling city. The shrine is dedicated to deified spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine and park are free, but be respectful of others.
• Tokyo Tower – The Tokyo Tower looks similar to the Eiffel Tower, however it is much smaller. There is an observation deck that offers some great views of Tokyo, especially at night.
• Super Mario Driving – You and your friends can rent and drive go karts through the city of Tokyo as characters from Mario Kart. You do need an international driver’s license, which you can get at home before your trip.
• Tsukiji Fish Market – For a unique experience, check out the fish market. It is a huge wholesale market with a number of fresh fish options. The market also has a tuna auction that can be fun to watch.
• Tokyo Skytree – The building is actually a broadcasting tower, but it boasts one of the best observation decks in Tokyo. It is also located next to an aquarium, so this is a great place for families with kids.
• Imperial Palace – The palace is main residence of the emperor of Japan. The site includes some beautiful gardens and is hardly ever busy.

Sushi in Tokyo

Everyone has their must try foods. In Tokyo, sushi is one of them. You can get sushi in a number of ways, from a sushi that goes by on a conveyer belt, to sushi that you stand and eat. Most restaurants have a chef that makes the sushi right in front of you, so it can be fun experience just watching them make it.

Our sushi recommendation is Sushi No Midori located near the Shibuya crossing. You can sit at the bar and watch the sushi chefs make the sushi fresh right in front of you. The food is amazing and the price is very reasonable.

Customs and General Knowledge

There are a handful of customs in Japan that you should be aware of.

1. You do not tip in Japan. For anything or anyone.
2. Slurping is considered ok, so enjoy!
3. At restaurants they will give you a small wet cloth, this is to wipe your hands. Wipe your hands and put the cloth aside, do not use this as a napkin.
4. Masks are worn by those that are sick, not to prevent sickness. The Japanese people wear the mask in order to prevent spreading their own sickness.
5. Bowing is a sign of respect. You do not need to be a professional to bow, just bend at the hip and do your best.
6. On busy or crowded sidewalks, do not walk side by side, as this is inconsiderate of others, walk one behind the other, and stay to your left.

Our One Day in Tokyo

We had roughly 20 hours in Tokyo, from landing to take off, which gave us a lot of time. We arrived at 11 am on a Sunday and had to spend that first night in Tokyo. After arriving, we took the metro to the city center and checked into our hotel. We spent about an hour getting changed and showering after our long flight.

After heading out of the hotel, we went straight for Shibuya and had some late lunch at Sushi No Midori. Lunch took about an hour, then we headed out and walked across the Shibuya crossing a few times.

After getting our fill of enjoying the crossing with the crowds, we wandered the streets until we made it to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. We spent another few hours in the area checking out the shrine and park. Walking through Tokyo we saw a number of groups driving around like Mario Kart, unfortunately we didn’t plan ahead to get to try.

After our time at Meiji Jingu we headed back to the hotel for relaxing and a good nights sleep. We got up early the next morning and stopped by the Tokyo Tower in the early morning light to see it with all the lights on. We took the train back to the airport, and away we went.

Hopefully our guide helps to prepare you for your layover or trip to Tokyo. Please feel free to comment below or send us a message if you have any questions!