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48 Hours in Tokyo: Our Favorite Spots
Tokyo is overwhelming. There’s no other way to put it. With 37 million people, 13 subway lines, and more restaurants than you could visit in a lifetime, it’s easy to get lost – both literally and figuratively.
But here’s the thing: Tokyo is also magical. It’s a city where ancient temples sit next to neon-lit skyscrapers, where you can eat the best sushi of your life at 3 AM, and where every corner holds a new surprise.
After spending 48 hours there (and wishing we had 48 more), here’s our carefully curated guide to the spots that made our trip unforgettable.
Day 1: The Classic Tokyo Experience
6:00 AM – Tsukiji Outer Market
Why we started here: The early bird gets the freshest fish.
We arrived at 6 AM, and the market was already buzzing. This isn’t the famous inner market (that moved to Toyosu), but the outer market is where the real magic happens. Vendors selling everything from fresh wasabi to handmade knives, and the energy is electric.
What to eat:
- Tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelet) from any vendor
- Fresh sashimi from the small stalls
- Miso soup with clams (the best we’ve ever had)
Pro tip: Bring cash. Most vendors don’t accept cards, and ATMs can be hard to find.
8:00 AM – Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Why we went: You can’t visit Tokyo without seeing a temple.
Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and it’s absolutely stunning. The massive red lantern at the entrance is iconic, and the temple complex is surprisingly peaceful despite being in the middle of the city.
What to do:
- Light incense and make a wish
- Get your fortune (omikuji) – it’s fun even if you can’t read Japanese
- Shop for souvenirs in Nakamise-dori (the street leading to the temple)
Photography tip: The temple looks best in the early morning light, and there are fewer crowds.
10:00 AM – Tokyo Skytree
Why we went: For the views, obviously.
At 634 meters tall, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan. The views are incredible, but honestly, the experience is a bit touristy. Still worth it for the perspective.
What to know:
- Book tickets online to avoid long lines
- Go on a clear day – the views are much better
- Skip the restaurant – it’s overpriced and not great
12:00 PM – Lunch in Shibuya
Where we ate: Ichiran Ramen
This is the famous ramen chain where you sit in individual booths and focus entirely on your bowl. It’s an experience, not just a meal.
What to order:
- Tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth)
- Extra chashu (pork belly)
- Soft-boiled egg (ajitama)
The process:
- Order from the vending machine
- Fill out your preferences (spice level, noodle firmness, etc.)
- Wait for your booth
- Enjoy in complete silence
2:00 PM – Shibuya Crossing
Why it’s famous: It’s the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Watching the scramble crossing is mesmerizing. Thousands of people crossing in every direction, all perfectly choreographed. It’s chaos and order at the same time.
Best viewing spots:
- Shibuya Sky (rooftop observation deck)
- Starbucks on the second floor of the Tsutaya building
- The crossing itself (just walk with the crowd)
Photography tip: Use a slow shutter speed to capture the movement of the crowds.
4:00 PM – Harajuku and Takeshita Street
Why we went: For the culture and the crepes.
Harajuku is where Tokyo’s youth culture comes alive. Takeshita Street is narrow, crowded, and full of shops selling everything from rainbow cotton candy to gothic Lolita fashion.
What to do:
- Try a crepe (they’re everywhere and surprisingly good)
- People watch (the fashion is incredible)
- Shop for quirky souvenirs
Reality check: It’s very touristy now, but still fun to experience.
6:00 PM – Meiji Shrine
Why we went: For some peace and quiet.
After the chaos of Harajuku, Meiji Shrine is a welcome escape. It’s a massive shrine complex surrounded by a forest in the middle of the city. You can’t hear the traffic, and it feels like you’re in a different world.
What to do:
- Walk through the forest (it’s surprisingly peaceful)
- Visit the main shrine (it’s beautiful and serene)
- Write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque)
8:00 PM – Dinner in Roppongi
Where we ate: Gonpachi (the “Kill Bill” restaurant)
This is the restaurant that inspired the fight scene in Kill Bill. The atmosphere is incredible – traditional Japanese architecture with modern touches.
What to order:
- Sashimi platter (the fish is incredibly fresh)
- Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
- Sake (when in Japan…)
The experience: It’s expensive, but the atmosphere and food are worth it.
Day 2: The Hidden Gems
7:00 AM – TeamLab Borderless
Why we went: It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.
TeamLab Borderless is an interactive digital art museum where the art responds to your presence. It’s hard to describe, but it’s absolutely magical.
What to know:
- Book tickets in advance (it sells out quickly)
- Wear white clothes (the art reflects better)
- Allow 3-4 hours (there’s a lot to see)
- Download the app (it enhances the experience)
Pro tip: Go early. The crowds get intense later in the day.
12:00 PM – Lunch in Tsukishima
Where we ate: A local monjayaki restaurant
Monjayaki is Tokyo’s answer to okonomiyaki, but it’s more liquid and you cook it yourself on a hot plate. It’s messy, fun, and delicious.
What to order:
- Monjayaki (the house special)
- Okonomiyaki (for comparison)
- Beer (it’s the perfect pairing)
The experience: The staff will help you cook it, but try to do it yourself – it’s part of the fun.
2:00 PM – Yanaka Ginza
Why we went: For old Tokyo.
Yanaka Ginza is a traditional shopping street that feels like stepping back in time. It’s narrow, charming, and full of small shops selling traditional goods.
What to do:
- Shop for traditional crafts (pottery, textiles, etc.)
- Try traditional sweets (wagashi)
- Visit the local temple (it’s beautiful and quiet)
Photography tip: The narrow streets and traditional architecture make for great photos.
4:00 PM – Ueno Park
Why we went: For the cherry blossoms (in season) and the museums.
Ueno Park is massive and has something for everyone. Museums, temples, a zoo, and beautiful gardens.
What to do:
- Visit the Tokyo National Museum (if you’re into history)
- Walk through the park (it’s beautiful year-round)
- Visit the temples (there are several in the park)
Seasonal note: If you’re there during cherry blossom season, this is one of the best spots in the city.
6:00 PM – Dinner in Ginza
Where we ate: Sushi Dai (a tiny, traditional sushi bar)
This was our splurge meal, and it was worth every yen. The chef was a master, and the fish was the freshest we’ve ever had.
What to order:
- Omakase (let the chef choose)
- Sake pairing (the staff will recommend)
- Extra uni (sea urchin – it’s incredible)
The experience: It’s expensive, but it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
8:00 PM – Tokyo Station
Why we went: For the architecture and the shopping.
Tokyo Station is beautiful, especially at night when it’s lit up. The red brick building is iconic, and the shopping area underneath is massive.
What to do:
- Admire the architecture (it’s stunning)
- Shop for souvenirs (there are hundreds of stores)
- Try the local food (there’s a huge food court)
The Practical Stuff
Getting Around
JR Pass: If you’re planning to travel outside Tokyo, get a JR Pass. It’s expensive, but it pays for itself quickly.
Suica Card: For local travel, get a Suica card. It works on all trains, buses, and even some vending machines.
Google Maps: It works surprisingly well in Tokyo, even in English.
Language
English: Most people speak some English, especially in tourist areas.
Japanese phrases to know:
- Sumimasen (excuse me)
- Arigato gozaimasu (thank you)
- Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Do you speak English?)
Translation apps: Google Translate works well, especially the camera feature.
Money
Cash: Japan is still very much a cash society. Always have yen on you.
ATMs: 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards and have English menus.
Tipping: Don’t tip. It’s not expected and can be considered rude.
What We Wish We’d Known
The Crowds
Tokyo is crowded. Really crowded. If you’re not used to it, it can be overwhelming. Give yourself extra time for everything.
The Walking
We walked 15+ miles each day. Wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.
The Food
Don’t be afraid to try new things. Some of the best meals we had were at places where we couldn’t read the menu.
The Culture
Japanese culture is different from Western culture. Be respectful, patient, and open to new experiences.
The Bottom Line
Tokyo in 48 hours is ambitious, but it’s possible if you plan carefully and stay flexible. We saw incredible temples, ate amazing food, and experienced a culture unlike any other.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. But next time, we’d stay longer.
What would we do differently? We’d spend more time in neighborhoods instead of trying to see everything. Tokyo is a city that rewards slow exploration.
The one thing we’d tell everyone: Don’t try to see everything. Pick a few things that interest you and really experience them. Tokyo is too big and too complex to rush through.
Have you been to Tokyo? What were your favorite spots? Share your recommendations with us on Instagram or Twitter.
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