Two and a half days in Tokyo: recommended itinerary

Two days and a half in Tokyo: visit to Koishikawa Koraku-En Garden
Koishikawa Koraku-En, a small traditional garden in the heart of Tokyo

 

 
 
 

If you travel to Japan for the first time and you have little time available (less than 2 weeks), you may opt for radical choices such as skipping very important destinations or devoting very little time to their visit.

Spending in Tokyo only two days is very common for first timers who have a particular interest for the traditional culture and as a consequence prefer allocating more time to Kyoto, Nara and Kanazawa. For short journeys this is perfectly reasonable.

Dedicating to Tokyo two full days can be rewarding, providing that you carefully organise your itinerary. Depending on when you reach the city and leave for Kyoto, you may find yourself to have a spare half-day to spend in the city.

 

Tokyo 2,5-day itinerary

A two-day itinerary in Tokyo usually revolves around Asakusa, Ueno and the city centre. If you wish to see the modern and contemporary visit you may add a visit to Shibuya and Shinjuku. If you are into the traditional culture you may add visits in Sumida and Bunkyo.

We assume that you choose to stay in either Ueno (and nearby Asakusa) or near Tokyo Station. If you are interested in the night life you may opt for Shinjuku.

 

Itinerary: Asakusa, Ueno, centre, Shibuya, Shinjuku

If you reach Tokyo in the evening, you can get to your hotel, check in and spend some hours taking a walk in the neighbourhood you chose to be based at.

 

Tokyo 2,5-day itinerary

Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Chiyoda, Chuo

Evening arrival

Where to stay

Ueno (Asakusa) or Tokyo Station

Day 1

Destinations:

  • Asakusa (Senso-Ji Temple and nearby market)

  • Ueno (Ueno Park, National Museum of Tokyo)

  • Akihabara (Sotokanda, "electric town")

 

How to get around:

  • Between Ueno, Asakusa, Shibuya: by subway, Ginza Line

Day 2

Destinations:

  • Chiyoda (Yasukuni Shrine)

  • Shibuya (Shibuya Crossing and nearby department stores, Meiji Shrine)

  • Shinjuku (Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, department stores, Shinjuku-Gyoen National Park, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Towers)

 

How to get around:

  • From Ueno (Akihabara) to Yasukuni-Jinja: by subway, Shinjuku Line

  • Between Yasukuni-Jinja and Shibuya: by subway, Hanzomon Line

  • Between Shibuya and Shinjuku: by subway, Fukutoshin Line

Day 3 (morning)

Destinations:

  • Chuo (Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Ginza)

    Or

  • Bunkyo (Koishikawa Koraku-En Garden or Rikugi-En Garden)

 

How to get around:

  • Between Asakusa and Ginza: by subway, Ginza Line

 

Morning arrival

If you reach Tokyo by noon, we suggest you leave your baggage at the station and begin your journey right away.

With the obvious modifications you can follow the programme described above. The easiest option is to switch the schedules of the first and third day.

Take into account of the opening hours of museums, gardens and other sites.

 

Related articles:

Main article: Tokyo 3 day itinerary

Tokyo 3,5-day itinerary  |  Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

Japan 10-day itinerary (first journey; visits to Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto and Nara)

 

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