Sightseeing in Tokyo can be overwhelming since the city’s tourist spots are scattered all over. However, organizing your itinerary around a particular theme for each day can make the experience more enjoyable. Tokyo offers a wide variety of activities, and in this blog, we have compiled a list of activities that will make you feel like you’re truly in Japan after a long day of travel. We recommend these activities on the first day of visiting Tokyo.

Step 1: Walking from Asakusa station to Senso-ji

Walking from Asakusa Station to Senso-ji via the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori Street is a great way to see many traditional Japanese sights and attractions, giving you a sense of being in a different country from where you arrived. I would advise visiting Asakusa in the morning since it is a popular tourist site and can become very crowded. Most shops open around 10 in the morning, so it is best to visit the Kaminarimon gate before then to avoid the crowds.

The Kaminarimon Gate is the outer gate of Senso-ji and one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, featuring a large red lantern and two imposing statues of gods. Nakamise-dori Street is a lively shopping street that leads to the main hall of Senso-ji. It is lined with traditional Japanese souvenir shops and food stands offering various Japanese snacks and souvenirs such as fans, chopsticks, kimonos, and other items.

The Hozomon Gate is the inner gate of Senso-ji, which features two large statues of Nio guardians at its entrance. Beyond this gate lies the main hall of Senso-ji. The five-story Pagoda, located on the left side of the main hall, is a beautiful tower and the second tallest pagoda in Japan after To-ji in Kyoto, standing at 53 meters high. The main hall of Senso-ji is a large Buddhist temple and the main attraction of the Senso-ji complex, housing a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

A short walk from Senso-ji, Asakusa Shrine is a small Shinto shrine featuring a beautiful torii gate and believed to be the home of the deity that watches over the Senso-ji temple. It is one of the few shrines (or temples) that share the same space with a temple (or a shrine).

Step 2: Walking from Sensō-ji temple to Hanayashiki Retro Amusement Park

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Senso-ji, Hanayashiki is Tokyo’s oldest amusement park. Despite its small size, visitors are often amazed by the number of rides and attractions packed into this retro-style park.

Step 3: Walking from Hanayashiki to Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street and Hoppy Street (at night)

Asakusa Nishi-Sando Shopping Street is a vibrant arcade that offers a diverse array of shops, including those selling Japanese swords and traditional clothing like kimonos. The arcade was created to connect Asakusa’s downtown area, centered around Don Quijote Asakusa, with the renowned Sensō-ji temple. The east entrance is designed to resemble a Kabukiza theater, and this theme is carried throughout the arcade, creating an immersive shopping experience. With its many events held throughout the year, Asakusa Nishi-Sando is a delightful destination for browsing, shopping, and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Lunch Ideas

• Grilled Eel at Yakko in Asakusa
• Tempura at Tempura Akimitsu in Asakusa
• Miso soup and Rice ball at Misojyu in Asakusa
• Family restaurant with cheap wine: Saizeriya: I know I know I know, it is not Japanese food but when I don’t feel like looking for a restaurant I just go to Saizeriya, it is a convenient family restaurant chain with English menu and cheap wine.
• Vegan ramen at T’s TanTan: This vegan ramen shop is inside of Ueno station. You would need to buy a train ticket (or entrance ticket) to go to the restaurant.
• Monjayaki at Tsukishima Monja Street
• Ekimise at Tobu Asakusa station: Supermaket, food court and restaurants are in the same shopping complex

Step 4: Taking a boat ride or train from Asakusa to Hamarikyu gardens

Looking for a unique way to explore Tokyo? Look no further than Tokyo Cruise, which offers daily boat trips between Asakusa and Hamarikyu Gardens. This popular tourist activity is a great way to see the city’s skyline from a different perspective. The cruise lasts around 40 minutes and offers breathtaking views of landmarks such as the Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and Odaiba district. You can also admire traditional Japanese architecture and take in the bustling cityscape of Tokyo.

Tokyo Cruise offers several different routes, but my top recommendation is the route to Odaiba Seaside Park. For the best experience, consider taking this route just after sunset to enjoy the stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline during dusk.

Step 5: Visiting the Hamarikyu gardens

The Hamarikyu Gardens, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, are a breathtakingly beautiful public park that offer a stunning contrast of lush green fields against a backdrop of traditional buildings and modern architecture. Personally, I find this contrast very appealing. A stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens is a must-have Tokyo experience.

The gardens have a long history and were once the hunting grounds of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled the area, formally known as Edo. Today, the gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city and a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.

To fully experience the authentic Japanese culture, I highly recommend indulging in a traditional tea ceremony at Hobai-tei House, nestled in the serene gardens. It’s important to note that the tea ceremony at Hobai-tei House requires prior reservation and is not available on Mondays, New Year’s holidays, or during maintenance periods. Visitors are also requested to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the reserved time and to dress appropriately, as the tea ceremony is a formal event. Reservations can be made by visiting the Hamarikyuonshiteien Service Center within the gardens or by calling +81-(0)3-3541-0200. You can choose a half-day experience between 9:00-12:00 or 13:00-16:00 for 3,600 yen or opt for a full-day experience for 7,200 yen. It’s advisable to book at least 6 months in advance, as availability is limited due to high demand.

If you can’t attend the tea ceremony, there are several teahouses located within the gardens where you can experience tasty green tea with wagashi, traditional Japanese confections.

As mentioned earlier, a Tokyo River Cruise boat can take you to the Hamarikyu Gardens directly. The gardens are not far from Suhinbashi or Shiodome station so you have many options getting there.

Step 5: Walk from the Hamarikyu gardens to Shinbashi station

Shinbashi is definitely a popular spot for after-work socializing and unwinding for Japanese salarymen. Izakayas, which are Japanese pubs that serve a variety of small dishes to accompany drinks, are particularly popular in Shinbashi. It’s not uncommon to see groups of salarymen enjoying drinks and food together while discussing work or other topics.

For those interested in experiencing the Shinbashi after-work culture, there are plenty of Izakayas to choose from. Some of the more popular ones include Yamaarashi, which serves a variety of grilled skewers and is known for its lively atmosphere, and Isehiro, which specializes in seafood dishes and is a great spot for sake lovers.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has given you some inspiration for your first day in Tokyo. From exploring the historic Sensoji Temple to indulging in delicious Japanese cuisine and experiencing the bustling nightlife in Shinbashi, Tokyo has something for everyone. Remember to plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and have a sense of adventure as you explore this amazing city.