Tokyo Day Guides
Arriving in Tokyo can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, your first day can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you're landing at Haneda or Narita Airport, this guide will help you get into the city, settle in, and even explore a bit before your adventure truly begins. From transportation tips to must-see spots, we’ve got you covered.
Follow this plan to settle in comfortably and make the most of your first day in Japan.
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, so you have several quick options:
Tokyo Monorail → JR Yamanote Line (Good for areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station)
Keikyu Line → Asakusa Line (Useful for staying in Asakusa, Ginza, or Ueno)
Airport Limousine Bus (Direct access to major hotels)
Taxi (Expensive but convenient, around ¥6,000–¥10,000)
Narita is farther away, but there are easy ways to reach Tokyo:
Narita Express (N'EX) (Best for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station)
Keisei Skyliner (Best for Ueno and Nippori)
Airport Limousine Bus (Direct to many hotels)
Taxi (Very expensive, ¥20,000+)
Traveler’s Tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo IC Card at the airport for easy and convenient travel on trains and buses. Consider getting a SIM card or pocket WiFi to stay connected throughout your trip.
After arriving at your hotel, check-in, drop off your luggage, and freshen up. If your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels offer free luggage storage, so you can start exploring right away.
A short break before exploring will help you adjust to Tokyo’s pace.
Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku, Aoyama, Shinagawa) – Specialty drip coffee
% Arabica (Ginza, Shibuya, Asakusa) – Smooth lattes in a stylish setting
Tsumugi (Asakusa) – Matcha drinks and traditional sweets
Tudore Tranquility (Shinjuku) – Vegan-friendly café with a peaceful setting
Your first day should be easy-going but exciting. Choose an area near your hotel.
Your first meal in Tokyo should be something special. Here are different options:
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – Michelin-star sushi experience.
Ichiran Ramen (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, etc.) – Famous tonkotsu ramen.
Katsuzen (Ginza) – High-quality tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet).
Matsuya / Yoshinoya / Sukiya – Affordable beef bowls.
Rokurinsha (Tokyo Station) – One of Tokyo’s best tsukemen (dipping noodles).
Afuri Ramen – Lighter, yuzu-flavored ramen.
T’s Tantan (Tokyo Station) – Vegan ramen with rich flavors.
Ain Soph (Shinjuku, Ginza, Ikebukuro) – A stylish vegan restaurant.
Komeda Is (Shibuya, Akihabara) – Offers plant-based meals and desserts.
Explore at a relaxed pace to avoid getting too tired on your first day.
TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) – Interactive digital art museum
Edo-Tokyo Museum (Ryogoku) – Learn about Tokyo’s history
Samurai Museum (Shinjuku) – See real samurai armor and weapons
Harajuku and Omotesando – Trendy and unique fashion stores
Akihabara – Best place for anime, gaming, and electronics
Daiso and Don Quijote – Affordable souvenirs and fun finds
Traveler’s Tip: Many department stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Bring your passport to get a tax refund.
If you still have energy, try one of these activities:
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho – A nostalgic alleyway with small izakayas (Japanese pubs).
Shibuya Sky – A rooftop observatory with amazing night views.
Maxell Aqua Park (Shinagawa) – A digital aquarium with glowing jellyfish displays.
teamLab Planets (Toyosu) – An interactive digital art museum.
Tokyo Tower or Skytree – Enjoy a panoramic night view of Tokyo.
Golden Gai (Shinjuku) – A small area with unique, tiny bars.
New York Bar (Park Hyatt Tokyo) – A classy bar with live jazz music.
After exploring, enjoy dinner at a restaurant based on your preference:
Ichiran Ramen (Various locations) – Famous for customizable tonkotsu ramen.
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – A world-famous sushi restaurant (reservations required).
Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku) – A lively alley with small yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls.
Peter Luger Tokyo (Roppongi) – A well-known steakhouse.
Bills (Ginza, Harajuku) – Australian-style brunch and dinner.
Ain Soph (Shinjuku, Ginza) – A top-rated vegan restaurant with burgers and pancakes.
T's Tantan (Tokyo Station) – Serves delicious vegan ramen.
After a long day, take a train, taxi, or walk back to your hotel.
