We explored Tokyo in One Day. We’ve been to Japan many times, but somehow Tokyo has eluded us. The first time we visited was a month after covid restrictions were lifted, and so we had a very unique Tokyo visit that day. Now 2 years later we’re ready to experience everything you’re supposed to do when you’re in the largest city in the world. Come along with us and see what we find.
Meiji-Jingu Shrine
Just one stop north of Shibuya station is Meiji-Jingu. Meiji-Jingu is one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan. Shintoism is Japan’s official religion with a deep history. Shinto shrines are focused on simple pristine construction and tranquil atmospheres. This shrine was established in 1920 in honor of Emporer Meiji, responsible for the Meiji restoration that brought Japan into the industrial age.
This shrine is located in a massive 170-acre park in the middle of Tokyo. It’s just around the corner from Harajuku Station, but as soon as you enter the park you will forget you’re in the most populated city in the world. The beautiful wide paths wind through the forested park towards the main shrine. Tall, old trees drape over the walkway and you’d never know you were just minutes from some of the busiest streets on earth.
The shrine itself is not very large, but that is to be expected for Shinto shrines. They are usually very subtle and not too grand. We visited in the early morning while almost nobody was there, and it was the calmest I have felt in years.
It is an incredibly peaceful park, and the shrine is serene. In theory, most Japanese people consider themselves Shinto and should visit these shrines often, however, most people are agnostic and only participate for cultural reasons such as New Year’s and other major holidays.
Sensoji Temple
On the other end of the city is Sensoji, which is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan. This temple is famous for many reasons. Unlike Meiji-Jingu, Sensoji is located in a busy shopping area. Outside the gate is a long street full of vendors with trinkets and tourist merchandise.
There is a massive paper lantern in front of the vendors that is popular for pictures. We visited before the stalls were open, but if you’re looking for souvenirs this is a good spot. You can also see the Tokyo Skytree in the distance through the alleyways.
Buddhism has historically been very important in Japan, with Shintoism borrowing many elements. Like Shintoism, very few Japanese people are practicing Buddhism now, however, most are still given Buddhist burials. This shrine features a massive entrance with huge paper lanterns, a beautiful five-story pagoda, and a main hall for prayer. This temple was constructed in the year 645, making it nearly 1400 years old, and the oldest operating temple in Tokyo.
It’s easy to see the difference between a Shinto and a Buddhist shrine. Sensoji is lavishly adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf designs. The buildings are grand and imposing and the strong smell of incense floats through the shrine. It was very interesting seeing the two shrines back to back.
By the time we arrived at the main hall, many tourists were piling up. It’s safe to say that this is one of the main tourist spots in Tokyo, it has everything you’d expect a Japanese shrine to have. We definitely recommend visiting here, but as always if you want the best pictures you need to come early to beat the crowds.
Sumida Park
Sumida Park is a public park that is a popular place to watch everything from cherry blossoms in the spring and fireworks in July. We visited because of the clear view of Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo has two famous tall structures: Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. If you get them confused, Tokyo Tower is similar in shape to the Eiffel Tower and Skytree is a tall cylinder shape.
This is a great place if you want to take a photo with the whole building in the picture. We enjoyed our stroll through the park and walking by the Sumida River. Throughout our day this area had the least amount of people making it a peaceful area to wind down after the busy temple.
Cafe Capyba
When my friend told me there are capybara cafes in Tokyo I had to go. I decided on Cafe Capyba. It is in a calm neighborhood and has great reviews. You’ll need to reserve two weeks in advance online. They are usually sold out every day so you have to reserve as soon as you can. We reserved the first session in the day.
The base fee is for 30 minutes, you can pay for additional minutes if needed but 30 was perfect for us. Be aware that the staff takes good care of the capybaras, and your reservation may be canceled depending on how the capybara feels.
When we arrived, we were led upstairs to the waiting room which has lockers and guidelines for the cafe. You have to order one beverage per person and they have coffee, tea, and juice.
For an additional cost, we bought carrots to feed the capybaras and they placed blankets on our laps so we wouldn’t get scratched accidentally. Once we had the carrots the capybaras knew where to go. The capybaras named Pisuke and Kohaku were very friendly and sweet and loved getting fed and pets. Also, the staff can take your photos and videos and help adjust the capybaras if needed. We had a great time interacting with these amazing animals and are glad they are taken care of so well.
TeamLab Planets Tokyo
TeamLab is one of the major tourist attractions in Tokyo, with several exhibitions. However, we chose to visit the temporary TeamLab Planets because we were interested in those exhibits the most. If you decide to visit be aware you have to walk barefoot and there are knee-high water exhibits. Also, do not wear a skirt or dress unless you have shorts underneath because there are mirrors on the ground in some rooms. Thankfully there are accessibility walkways for those who can’t go into the water.
The exhibits on display are Soft Black Hole, Infinity, Ephemeral Solidified Light, Expanding Three-dimensional Existence in Transforming Space, Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers, Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms, and Floating Flower Garden. If that sounds like a lot, it is! This art exhibition is meant to stimulate all of your senses and experience the art through touch, smell, sight, and sound.
My favorite exhibition was Ephemeral Solidified Light. Being surrounded by lights and mirrors made me feel like I was in my own world. With the music and the changing colors of the lights, I felt drawn in and overwhelmed. I feel that exposure to light can change the way we experience our surroundings. I was very touched by this interactive piece.
Michael: My favorite piece was Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers. When you lay on the floor, it’s so easy to get lost in the trippy visuals of the projection. It really felt like massive flowers were whirring all around us. After a while I felt like I was floating in space, and completely lost my sense of direction, I could have laid there for hours. When I stood up I found it hard to walk in a straight line for a while, it was such a unique experience.
We have visited a few of these installation museums in the past, but this one easily was the best. All of the exhibits were high quality and all sold the illusion very well. I would recommend anyone who has the time and is physically able to visit, even if it is very tourist-focused.
Zojoji Temple
We visited this temple for one reason, to see Tokyo Tower. While this is a nice Buddhist temple in the center of Tokyo, we didn’t have much of a reason to visit. However, as you can see there is an incredible view of Tokyo Tower right behind this beautiful temple. The temple grounds are very old and It’s a great mix of ancient and modern.
Originally founded in the late 800s, this is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country housing 6 former Shoguns. Unfortunately, the rest of the temple burned down in World War II, but the gate survived making it the oldest wooden structure in Tokyo. Because of its significance, several interesting events have happened here, such as a pine tree planted by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1879 which still stands behind the main gate today.
Onibus Coffee Nakameguro
Japan is not known for coffee. Compared to other Asian countries we’ve been to, Japan has basically no specialty coffee, and what coffee they drink is usually low quality. We always try to get specialty coffee on every trip, so we had to search a lot to find Onibus.
They have several locations with different aesthetics, but we chose the shop located near Naka-Meguro Station. Obinus Coffee strongly encourages guests to take minimal pictures. So if you visit grab your two shots then enjoy the coffee and atmosphere. Their menu is only coffee with other beverages like apple juice and milk.
Seating is limited with a few benches outside and an upper floor overlooking the trains passing by. If you love speciality coffee you are guaranteed to get a great cup here.
Soba House Konjiki-Hotogisu
This is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Shinjuku. Because of the high demand and limited seating, queue numbers are handed out an hour before opening. We arrived an hour early to get our number and a line was already forming. When the restaurant opened and it was our turn we got an email and went inside. Be aware you are only allowed to take pictures of the menu and food and the restaurant is cash only. Since they want to serve many customers in this small shop they encourage you to enjoy eating with limited conversation and no phone.
We ordered their number one menu (Special Shio Soba) and their number two menu item (Soba Shouyu). And let me tell you, this was the best ramen we’ve ever had! Everything was perfect from the tender noodles to the flavorful broth. It’s no wonder this place is so highly recommended.
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is often called the “Times Square of Japan”. The bright signs, bustling crowds, and sounds of the city make this one of the busiest pedestrian crosswalks in the world. Last time we were in Tokyo we came here, but we wanted to see it post-covid. Lo and behold, it was even busier than I expected.
Luckily, Japanese pedestrian signals have a countdown to show when the light will turn. Therefore you can easily run to the center and take your perfect Shibuya Crossing photos.
Omoide Yokocho
Just outside of Shinjuku Station is Omoide Yokocho, a famous and tiny street lined with the smallest restaurants known to man. Even if you don’t want anything to eat, it’s a great place to take pictures because of the tight streets and iconic decorations. It only takes a few minutes to walk through and is right on the way to the main park of Shinjuku, so it’s a nice little stop if you’re looking for interesting night photos.
Kabukicho
Shinjuku station is the busiest train station in the world, with 3 million daily visitors and over 200 exits. It’s fitting that the most popular food and shopping district Kabukicho is just outside the station. This area is full of popular restaurants, shopping areas, and all sorts of entertainment.
As you can see, it’s also an amazing place to visit at night. When you think of Tokyo as a city of bright neon signs, this is the area you’re thinking of. It’s dazzling to walk through these streets with thousands of people around you in the blinding light of the city.
Final Thoughts
Well, I think we explored a ton! Tokyo is always a blast, and we spent every hour we could trying everything from food to museums, skylines, and nightlife. We hope this helps you plan your trip to Tokyo. If you had one day in Tokyo, what would you do? Let us know!