Two-Day Tokyo Travel: Explore 7 Famous Areas In Japans Capital

A 2-Day Tokyo Travel Plan: Smart and Entertaining Sightseeing

Tokyo Station

Tokyo is known as one of worlds most excitement-packed cities. With prominent sightseeing places in almost every corner of Tokyo, it is smart to plan for a time-saving, efficient trip. Today, we suggest a two-day trip itinerary that will take you to the must-see spots of this wonderful metropolis.

A brief stay can include everything that makes Tokyo great, with sightseeing, entertainment, gourmet food, and shopping!

Morning, Day 1: Tsukiji Outer Market

Kaisendon Marukita No. 1 (Picture from 5 Sushi Restaurants With Multilingual Support In Tsukiji)

Although the famed sightseeing spot, Tsukiji Market, moved to Toyosu in October 2018, the shopping street in the outer area still boasts excellent restaurants. The streets here are lively with visitors heading to sushi and other seafood restaurants, delighting in street food like oden and tamagoyaki, or shopping for some tableware, and other kitchen utensils.

Some shops open as early as 5:00. If youre craving Japanese food for breakfast, or at any time of the day, you can go to the popular Sushi Zanmai Honten, which is open 24-hours.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Address: Tokyo, Chuo, Tsukiji 4-16-2 Google Map
Official Website: http://www.tsukiji.or.jp/english/index.html

Mid-Morning, Day 1: Ginza

Picture from Kabuki Theater - Enjoy This Japanese Performing Art To The Fullest

If youve had your fill at Tsukiji Outer Market, it's time to visit Ginza, one of the most prestigious shopping areas in Tokyo. About 10 minutes away from Tsukiji Outer Market on foot, you can watch a Kabuki play, a type of traditional performance art in Japan, at the Kabuki Theater (Kabukiza).

You can walk to Ginza Chuo Dori Street, with its major department stores lined up one after the other, in about 15 minutes from the outer market. It takes around 3 minutes by subway on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line from Tsukiji Station.

Picture from Sophisticated Ginza - Urban Walking Route Along Chuo Dori Street

Did you know that strolling around Ginza is called ginbura in Japanese? It has been a beloved pastime in Japan for many years now. You can try ginbura yourself to experience the area!

Ginza has a long history in Tokyo and boasts numerous well-established retail shops, such as Kyukyodo, a stationery store selling incense and washi (traditional paper), or Erizen, a traditional clothing store. Ginza Mitsukoshi, a prominent Japanese department store that was founded in the Edo period, opens at 10:00.

While on your way, we suggest you relax at Ginza Caf Paulista, a caf established in 1911, or at Shiseido Parlour Ginza Main Store.

Afternoon, Day 1: Shibuya

After Ginza, our next stop is Shibuya, which can be reached riding the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. It takes around 15 minutes to arrive. At Shibuya, you will find lots of shops carrying the latest fashion trends.

Start from the world-famous Shibuya trademark, the scramble crossing, and head out for some great, and fashionable clothes hunting! For example, you can check out SHIBUYA 109, where youll find many leading apparel shops or Marui.

Shop for high-quality Japanese souvenirs at Shibuya Hikarie or at LOFT. If youre searching for cutting-edge electronics, you can go to three Shibuya Bic Camera stores.

Also, if youre interested in shopping for anime, manga, and related goods, head to Mandarake.

After browsing and shopping, head to d47 Shokudo when you feel tired. It is a restaurant offering a spectacular view of Shibuya, serving excellent dishes from all over Japan. Of course, you can also choose from many of other restaurants serving ramen, yakiniku, and other irresistibly-smelling food.

Evening, Day 1: Harajuku

Harajuku is the birthplace of iconic subculture trends and styles, such as kawaii (cute) culture, and Gothic Lolita fashion. Harajuku is only one station away from Shinjuku by JR Line, and if you feel like some walking, it doesnt take more than 20 minutes either.

When in Harajuku, be sure to go to Takeshita Street, KIDDY LAND, and Laforet Harajuku.

If you are a fan of Sanrio, add Pompompurin Caf Harajuku Store to your must-visit list.

Picture from New School Cute: Inside The Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku

If you want to try a Harajuku-style, trendy dinner, head to KAWAII MONSTER CAF. The entrance leads to an out-of-this-world shop serving colorful and adorable food. Another suggestion is to try Sakura-tei, a stylish restaurant where you can challenge yourself in making okonomiyaki (savory pancake).

Morning, Day 2: Akihabara

On the second day, head to Akihabara, a neighborhood filled with anime, manga, and character-related merchandise. We suggest going for brunch at a maid caf, where the employees wear smiles and maid costumes, too. @Home Caf has English menus, as well, so visitors from all around the globe can enjoy the ambiance and the service to the fullest.

In the vicinity you can go on a shopping spree at some of the many anime goods stores, or shops selling home appliances. Many of these stores offer a wide variety of goods for a bargain price, so this area is a fantastic place for both sightseeing and souvenir-hunting.

Originally written by: Nico

*This is a rewritten version of an article published on August 15, 2016.