One Day in Tokyo: Best Things to Do
Tight travel schedule? You have only 24 hours in Tokyo? Fret not, follow this guide to plan out the ultimate 1 day Tokyo itinerary. If you are really interested to see the cultural and heritage part, then this itinerary will convince you one day is enough in Tokyo, but make you crave for more and also how one day is not enough in Tokyo Japan.
It is normal for travelers and tourists to have Tokyo Japan in their bucket list of must visit big cities of the world. A list by Geeks for Geeks – Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the World, ranks Tokyo among the Top 10 most visited cities in the world 2024. They are: Bangkok, France, London, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Istanbul, Tokyo, and Antalya. How many of these have you visited, let me know in the comment box. We were a part of this statistics made in 2023. We are glad we could spend cool three days in Tokyo out of our 18 days tour of Japan. Tokyo was on our list of 15 places to visit in Japan.
Visit to Ueno Park – one day in Tokyo itinerary
Is it worth visiting Tokyo for a Day
With so much hullabaloo around these major cities of the world, does Tokyo really deserve to be in the list? Well, each city has its own charm, Tokyo won me over because of its uniqueness on several factors. Tokyo is worth visiting for countless reasons! Here are just a few:
Cultural Richness of Tokyo city: Tokyo is a vibrant hub of Japanese culture, from traditional practices like tea ceremonies and kabuki theater to modern phenomena like anime and manga.
Cuisine of Tokyo: I have to admit it is hard to include the incredible culinary scene in a 1-day Tokyo itinerary, nevertheless do indulge in humble street food stalls serving up delicious ramen and sushi. Michelin-starred dining experiences are a must for luxury travellers.
Tokyo Cityscape: The city’s skyline is a mesmerizing blend of towering skyscrapers and historic temples, providing endless opportunities for exploration and photography. The façade of Tokyo station stole my heart. Try and add this as a late evening activity to your Tokyo 1-day itinerary when most of the museums and shrines would have closed for the day.
Shopping in Tokyo: From luxury boutiques in Ginza to quirky fashion in Harajuku and traditional crafts in Asakusa, Tokyo offers a shopping experience to suit every taste and budget. Adding one of these destinations to your Tokyo 1 day itinerary will enable you to not miss out on the shopping experience in the city.
Green Spaces of Tokyo: In the midst of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis, you’ll find an array of parks and gardens offering tranquil sanctuaries from the urban hustle and bustle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. So, while planning our Tokyo itinerary we included the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the palace and shrines, that boast exquisitely manicured gardens, adding an extra layer of beauty and tranquility. It’s a delightful double bonus to explore both the historical and natural splendors of Tokyo’s landmarks.
Nightlife: Tokyo comes alive after dark, with a plethora of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to every taste, ensuring that the fun never stops. A perfect way to wind up your activities for 24 hrs in Tokyo. (I have suggested Ginza for capping the 24 hours in Tokyo.)
These are just a few reasons why Tokyo is worth visiting, but there’s so much more to discover in this dynamic and diverse city and that is why I said in the beginning why one day isn’t enough in Tokyo! But again, if the Tokyo landmarks are chosen wisely, one day is enough in Tokyo. You can experience the city well. Following is my guide for the Tokyo one Day Itinerary.
Tokyo cityscape
Snapshot of my suggested Tokyo 1 Day Itinerary
Have a quick look at the Tokyo itinerary of the day. This plan assumes you have had a hearty breakfast and are ready to hit the Ueno Park streets for the day.
Stroll through streets (highly recommended during spring and autumn)
– Ueno Zoo
– Kaneiji Temple
– Toshogu Shrine
– Lunch
– Tokyo National Museum
– Street food and Souvenir Shopping
– Shinobazu Pond
– Ginza – for nightlife experience
What to do in Ueno Park Tokyo in one day
Ueno Park Tokyo is worth visiting for a day for two reasons:
- One, if you are travelling with kids to Tokyo Japan
- Two, if you are visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April)
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or simply enjoying a relaxing day outdoors, Ueno Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Ueno Park in Tokyo is a sprawling green space that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here is detailed itinerary with things to do in Ueno Park:
Enjoy Cherry Blossoms
During cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April), Ueno Park is one of the most popular spots in Tokyo for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Take a leisurely stroll under the blooming cherry trees and enjoy a picnic with friends or family.
Explore Ueno Zoo
Tokyo’s oldest zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world. Ueno Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours observing animals such as pandas, gorillas, elephants, and polar bears. Don’t miss the zoo’s famous panda exhibit, kids will simply love it!
Timings: Ueno Zoo opens 9.30 AM to 5 PM (tickets sold until 4 PM) and closes every Monday (closes Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday or Tokyo Citizen’s Day (1st Oct)) and December 29 through January 1.
Tickets: Though the entry to Ueno Park is free, the entry to the zoo requires tickets. Ueno Zoo admission cost is by age/grade: Seniors (65+) 300 Y, Adults (16-64) 600 Y, Student (13-15) 200 Y, Children (0-12) are free, Visitors with disabilities (proof required) and one attendant are also free.
Time required: It takes about 2 to 3 hours at a leisurely pace with kids. Take care to keep sufficient time to observe the giant pandas. In fact, come early to avoid the long queues that build up during the day later.
Shrines in Ueno Park Tokyo
It will take an hour or so to explore the historic temples and shrines located within Ueno Park, including Kaneiji Temple and Toshogu Shrine. These serene and beautiful sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Like I mentioned before, Japan heritage lovers will cherish their moments here.
Kaneiji Temple in Ueno Park: The temple is still revered today as a family temple of the Tokugawa family. Main attractions of the shrine are Konponchu-do Hall and the Great Buddha of Ueno. However, the Aoi no Ma, where the 15th Tokugawa Shogun, Yoshinobu, resided in his estate, is open to the public only on special occasions. So, if you intend to see it, plan ahead. You get info from English and Chinese pamphlets. No parking is available, however coin lockers are available
The interior of the mausoleum of successive Tokugawa shoguns is not open to the public. You will be able to visit up to the front of the Imperial inscription gate. Like many other shrines many types of seal stamps are available in Kaneiji Temple in Ueno Park too. Look out for the seven types of seal stamps: Konponchu-do Hall, Kaisando, Ryodaishi, Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple, The Ueno Great Buddha, Pagoda, and Shinobazu No Ike Bentendo Temple.
Address: 1-14-11 Uenosakuragi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Tickets and Timings: Free entry, Open every day
How to reach: Approximately 6 mins walk from South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station
Kaneiji Temple in Ueno Park
Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park: Though visiting the shrine itself is free, but your access is limited to just the lawns. There is a paid route which gives access within its wall – 500 yen. Sadly, I was disappointed that there is no access into the main hall of the shrine. We took our time to closely inspect and appreciate its traditional architecture and take pictures. The beautiful old camphor tree, stunning carvings of the gate, fence and shrine building made the visit totally worth the time and money. We spent close to an hour here; you can wind up quicker if you choose not to go within the walls of the shrine.
(We saw another shrine with the same name – Toshogu Shrine in Nikko.)
Explore the Museums and Galleries in Ueno Park Tokyo
These are the popular museums and galleries in Ueno Park Tokyo. If you target to visit two or three of them it can eat up the whole day. Choose wisely, depending on your interest and visit one of the museums to fit your 1 day Tokyo itinerary. That way it is worth the time and money spent.
- Tokyo National Museum – The Tokyo National Museum or TNM, an art museum in Ueno Park is one of the four museums operated by the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. It is considered the oldest national museum in Japan and is the largest art museum in Japan.
Suggested tour: Tokyo National Museum Private Tour by govt. with Licenced Guide – a good start to visit the Tokyo National Museum to understand Japanese history and culture before you travel around Japan. - National Museum of Nature and Science – The National Museum of Nature and Science, located in the northeast corner of Ueno Park in Tokyo has exhibitions on pre-Meiji science in Japan. It is the venue of the taxidermied bodies of the legendary dogs Hachikō and Taro and Jiro.
- National Museum of Western Art – The National Museum of Western Art is the premier public art gallery in Japan specializing in art from the Western tradition.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, a museum of art, is one of Japan’s many museums which are supported by a prefectural government. The museum showcases works by Japanese and foreign artists,
- Shitamachi Museum – The Shitamachi Museum is located on the shores of Shinobazu Pond within Ueno Park, it is dedicated to the traditional culture of Tokyo’s Shitamachi.
Tokyo University of the Arts – Tokyo University of the Arts or Tokyogeidai is a school of art and music in Japan, located in Ueno Park. The museum is unique arts university that offers programs not only in fine arts and music, but also in film and new media. - The Ueno Royal Museum – The Ueno Royal Museum opened in Ueno Park, Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, in 1972. Managed by the Japan Art Association and with a focus on contemporary art, exhibitions include the regular Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition and Japanese Nature Painting Exhibition, as well special exhibitions from overseas.
I visited the Tokyo National Museum and it took me close to three hours to walk through the different galleries in the museum (to be honest I did rush through some of the rooms). To have a varied experience it is possible to fit just one of the above to your itinerary of 24 hrs in Tokyo.
Here is another interesting museum tour: Tokyo: Samurai Ninja Museum Entry Ticket and Experience – Learn all about the fascinating history of the samurai and ninjas with this museum entry ticket and experience. Discover the past, throw ninja stars, and get the chance to dress up like a samurai.
Enjoy Street Food and Souvenir Shopping
During our wanderings through the Ueno park’s many pathways and alleys, we found a variety of street food vendors selling snacks and drinks. The museums and shrines have their own souvenir kiosks where we could browse through the souvenir shops for unique gifts and keepsakes.
Relax by Shinobazu Pond
Take a peaceful stroll around Shinobazu Pond, a large pond located within Ueno Park. Shinobazu Pond is a large natural pond filled with lush greenery and rich cultural importance. The pond has three sections, a duck pond—populated by ducks and other local waterbirds—a lotus pond, and a boat pond.
This is a lovely break from the urban scene. In the middle of Shinobazu Pond, there is a small shrine which is dedicated to Benzaiten. Rent a paddleboat and enjoy a relaxing ride on the water, or simply sit on one of the benches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Best time to see the lotus pond blooming is from May to September. Shinobazu pond is covered by Lotus leaves and flowers, and looks beautiful!
Shinobazu Pond Ueno Park Tokyo
Ginza for nightlife in Tokyo
For a memorable night life experience in Tokyo, to end the day, Ginza is worth visiting. Ginza, with its rich historical background dating back to the Edo era, exudes an air of sophistication and elegance that sets it apart as a must-visit destination, especially at night. The area’s origins as a silver coin mint contribute to its storied past, and its main street is adorned with original department stores that have been in existence for over a century. The tradition of leisurely shopping and strolling along the streets, especially when traffic is closed off, adds to the charm of this iconic district. Ginza is worth visiting because you get to experience not only high-class products but also peerless service, making it a delightful experience for discerning shoppers and curious explorers alike.
Ginza’s allure is further enhanced by its array of hotel choices, catering to those seeking a higher-class experience. Weekend afternoons transform Chuo-dori into a pedestrian paradise, creating an ideal atmosphere for leisurely exploration. As night falls, Ginza adopts a quieter ambiance, allowing visitors to savor its elegance in a more subdued setting.
Ginza, Japan Clock tower
Ginza when compared with Shinjuku and Shibuya: For locals, Ginza holds a special place as a destination for celebrating special occasions and romantic outings. Its mature ambiance contrasts with the bustling energy of Shinjuku, offering visitors a choice between sophistication and dynamism based on personal preference. While Shibuya may steal the spotlight with its round-the-clock excitement, Ginza shines with its refined atmosphere and timeless appeal, making it a captivating destination for night-time adventures in Tokyo.
FAQ questions and answers for planning a one-day itinerary for Tokyo
Can I customize my one-day itinerary in Tokyo based on my interests?
Absolutely! Tokyo offers a wide range of attractions and activities, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to suit your interests, whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or cuisine.
Recommended tour: Tokyo: Full-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour – Discover Tokyo’s must-see places and activities on this full-day tour. Visit Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, and Tokyo Sky Tree, taste matcha, and enjoy a ferry cruise through the city.
How do I reach Ueno Park?
Located on the Yamanote Line, Ueno Park is easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo. Ueno Station is four stops from Tokyo Station. Look for the Park Exit at Ueno Station. The exit takes you directly to the side entrance of Ueno Park. Distance from Narita Airport in Tokyo to Ueno is 63 km.
Is Ueno safe at night?
Ueno Park is safe at night but isn’t that exciting as most shops are closed and there is not much to explore at Ueno after 8 PM. Travel a few stops along the JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, to experience the nightlife of Tokyo. You can add this as the last activity for your Tokyo 1-day itinerary.
When did Ueno Park open?
The Ueno Park opened to the public in 1873. The official name of Ueno Park is Ueno Onshi-Koen, meaning “the Ueno Imperial Gift Park.”
Are there any restaurants or cafes in Ueno Park?
Yes, there are several restaurants, cafes, and food stalls located within Ueno Park, offering a variety of dining options ranging from casual snacks to sit-down meals.
Ueno park, Shinobazu pond, Japan
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting a one-day itinerary for Tokyo, centered around the enchanting Ueno Park, proved to be an enriching and fulfilling experience. With interesting things to do in Ueno Park, from exploring the historic temples and shrines to immersing oneself in the cultural treasures of the Tokyo National Museum, every moment was a testament to the city’s rich heritage and vibrant history. The seamless blend of nature and urbanity within Ueno Park provided an ideal backdrop for family adventures, offering ample space for children to play and discover while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Whether marveling at cherry blossoms in bloom in Ueno gardens or embarking on a leisurely boat ride across Shinobazu Pond, every corner of Ueno Park offered a glimpse into Tokyo’s diverse cultural tapestry.
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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
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