2 Days in Tokyo: The Ultimate First Timer’s Itinerary

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I spent a total of 4 days in Tokyo (and 10 days in Japan), but I know not everyone has that much time, so here’s a guide to make the most out of 2 days in Tokyo! It’s a big, dynamic city with endless things to see and do, and trust me, two days will leave you craving more. With just 48 hours, it’s best to focus on a few key neighborhoods. I’ll be packing your days full, but take what you can and leave what you’re too tired for—then plan that future trip!

This 2-day Tokyo itinerary is perfect for foodies and culture lovers. Expect to explore local markets, sample unique and interesting bites (so many quirky treats on Takeshita Street!), and dive into the city’s immersive art scene. From iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower to hidden gems that showcase Tokyo’s modern and traditional sides, this itinerary has you covered.

2 Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1

Morning: teamLab Borderless + Coffee

teamLab Borderless

Your first stop in Tokyo is the mind-bending teamLab Borderless digital art museum, one of the city’s most popular attractions—and for good reason! Picture stepping into a world where art, technology, and imagination blend seamlessly. With interactive light displays, floating lamps, and captivating visuals, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered an entirely different realm.

💡 Insider Tip: This museum is insanely popular, so you’ll want to book your tickets well in advance—especially if you’re aiming for those early morning slots before the crowds hit. We snagged the 10 AM slot about a month ahead, which gave us a little breathing room to explore before it got too packed (9 am is the earliest slot).

Also, you may notice that there is teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets. Since you only have 2 days in Tokyo, Borderless is the better option as it’s closer to the next activities.

Coffee at % Arabica

After soaking in the digital wonders at teamLab, you might be craving a coffee break—especially if you rushed to make your morning slot like we did. Fortunately, you won’t have to go far. % Arabica, a trendy coffee spot known for its minimalist vibe and top-notch brews, is right in Azabudai Hills, the same building as teamLab Borderless.

Afternoon: Tsukiji Fish Market + Tokyo Tower

Tsukiji Fish Market

Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, it’s time to make your way to Tsukiji Fish Market, an absolute must-visit during your 2 days in Tokyo! Although the wholesale section of Tsukiji Market, also known as the “inner market” and renowned for its famous tuna auctions, closed in 2018 and relocated to Toyosu, where it reopened as Toyosu Market, it is still a lively spot packed with fresh seafood, street food, and tasty local delicacies.

Since the market closes at 2 pm, time is of the essence. Plan for around two hours to explore and, of course, eat your way through it. We spent about an hour and a half at teamLab with our 10 AM slot and made it to Tsukiji just in time for an unforgettable food adventure!

💡 Insider Tip: As the market gets closer to closing time, you can often score great deals on seafood, with many items going on sale about an hour before they shut down!

Here’s a little taste of what we tried:

• Wagyu and Kobe Beef: The melt-in-your-mouth perfection of these beef skewers is unmatched.
• Tuna: Whether it’s sushi or sashimi, the tuna here is incredibly fresh and flavorful.
• Tanghulu: A sweet treat that won me over—candied fruit on a stick, crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
• Ichigo daifuku or strawberry mochi: A popular choice, though I found it wasn’t really my thing, but you might love it!

💡 Insider Tip: Tsukiji is not just about the fish. The market is full of other goodies like tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), grilled scallops, and even some surprising international treats. If you’re visiting with a group, it’s the perfect spot to share and sample a variety of foods.

Zojo-ji Temple

Zojo-ji Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple situated right next to Tokyo Tower, offering a striking blend of traditional and modern Tokyo. Established in the 14th century, it serves as the main temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. It’s a peaceful and historically significant stop before visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower

After enjoying all that amazing market food, it’s time to make your way to the iconic Tokyo Tower! This red and white beauty might remind you of the Eiffel Tower, but with a distinctly Tokyo twist. Standing tall at nearly 1100 feet (333 meters), it’s your ticket to some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

When we visited, the rain had other plans for us, so we missed out on the observation decks. Fingers crossed you’ll get clear skies!

Related read: If you end up having the opportunity to extend your trip, be sure to check out my 3-day Tokyo guide and 4-day Tokyo itinerary.

💡 Insider Tip: If you’re looking to save on admission fees while still getting stunning views of Tokyo, consider skipping the paid observation decks at Tokyo Tower. Instead, before leaving the Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower, the same building where you visited TeamLab Borderless, head to the 33rd floor. There’s a free observation area that offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including an unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower itself—perfect for those iconic photos! This way, you can enjoy the scenery without missing out on having Tokyo Tower in the background of your shots.

Evening: Shibuya

Shibuya Scramble

Next up, make your way to Shibuya to enjoy one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions: the Shibuya Scramble Crossing! It’s the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet, where hundreds of people crisscross from every direction in a stunning display of urban hustle and bustle. This is Tokyo in action!

💡 Insider Tip: For those iconic aerial shots of Shibuya Crossing, head to the nearby Starbucks—it’s one of the best free vantage points. However, be prepared for a crowd; you won’t be the only one trying to capture the perfect photo.

Shibuya Sky

After soaking up the electrifying vibe of Shibuya, it’s time to elevate your experience at Shibuya Sky, Tokyo’s ultimate observation deck with jaw-dropping views! We were super excited to hit up Shibuya Sky since the weather wasn’t on our side for the Tokyo Tower.

Grab your tickets ahead of time—sunset slots can vanish in seconds! Even if the clouds are dramatic, the panoramic scenes from Shibuya Sky are totally worth it. And if you’re lucky with clear skies, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

Dinner

Dining in Tokyo can be a bit daunting with so many amazing options, and you never know where you’ll be when hunger hits. But if you find yourself in the area, don’t miss out on Japanese Steak Bowl and Beef Curry!

The food here is out of this world—think perfectly cooked beef over garlic rice in a cozy spot with just under 15 seats. We were fortunate enough to grab four seats (not all together, but that was fine). For a group of four, including a few glasses of wine, the bill came to about $50. It’s an incredible deal for such a mouthwatering meal!

Day 2

Morning: Fluffy Pancakes + Yoyogi Park

Fluffy pancakes

On your final day in Tokyo, kick things off with a quintessential Japanese breakfast: fluffy pancakes! While the ones we had were decent, there are tons of amazing spots across the city where you can find the perfect stack.

Be sure to get there early, as these popular pancake joints can fill up fast and stay busy throughout the day.

Yoyogi Park

After you’ve fueled up, make your way to Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s most popular green spaces. This expansive, tranquil space is perfect for soaking in a more serene side of the city. Nestled within the park is the Meiji Jingu, a calming Shinto shrine surrounded by lush greenery.

Plan to spend about an hour here, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and exploring the beautiful grounds.

Afternoon: Harajuku + Takeshita Street

Harajuku

After Yoyogi Park, head over to Harajuku, a district known for its vibrant street fashion and quirky culture. Harajuku is the birthplace of many fashion trends, so explore its eclectic thrift shops and soak in the colorful streets!

While you’re in the area, consider stopping by Reissue Cafe for a unique coffee experience. They’re famous for their latte art that can recreate anything from your favorite characters to even your pets! We passed on this spot due to the fee and the requirement to order food with your coffee, but it’s a fun choice if you’re intrigued by creative coffee art.

Takeshita Street

Next, make your way to Takeshita Street, the epicenter of Harajuku’s youthful vibe. This lively street is renowned for its eclectic shops, vibrant energy, and jaw-dropping food options. Treat yourself to iconic bites like a potato tornado, rainbow cotton candy, and rainbow grilled cheese.

Takeshita Street is a feast for the senses, so come hungry and ready for an adventure!

Cat Cafe

If you have some extra time, consider visiting a cat cafe like Cat Cafe Mocha. I couldn’t resist stopping by since I was missing my own kitty! There’s a small fee and a coffee purchase requirement (the coffee wasn’t stellar, to be honest), but the chance to cuddle with adorable cats made it worthwhile. Not a fan of felines? No worries—there are also cafes featuring owls, hedgehogs, and even mipigs nearby!

Ramen

After exploring Harajuku, it’s time to dive into some of Tokyo’s best ramen and dumplings. Head over to Oreryu Shio-Ramen, where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and order from a vending machine before handing your ticket to the staff.

Since we weren’t too hungry from our earlier snacking, we decided to share one bowl of ramen and two orders of dumplings among the four of us. And let me tell you—those dumplings were absolutely incredible!

Evening: Mario Kart + Shinjuku

Mario Kart

To add a dash of excitement to your Tokyo trip, head back to Shibuya for a thrilling experience: Mario Kart racing through the streets of Tokyo! You’ll need an international driver’s license to join in, so be sure to get that sorted before you go. It’s an unforgettable way to explore the city and relive your childhood dreams, zooming through the neon-lit streets in costume.

I won’t lie—this might be a bit of a stretch if you’re pressed for time, and it’s a popular activity that requires advance booking, so it might not be feasible for everyone. But I wanted to include it because it’s one of Tokyo’s most exciting and unique experiences!

Shinjuku

Cap off your evening in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. Start by checking out the famous 3D cat billboard—a fun, eye-catching piece of digital art that’s become a local icon.

Next, make your way to Piss Alley, officially known as Omoide Yokocho. Despite its quirky name, this lantern-lit alley is a lovely glimpse into old Tokyo, brimming with tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs), yakitori stalls, and other cozy eateries. The narrow, intimate alleys create a perfect setting for enjoying a drink and some late-night snacks while immersing yourself in the vibrant, nostalgic charm of Tokyo’s nightlife.

With just 2 days in Tokyo, it’s impossible to fit in every tour and activity, so I recommend prioritizing based on your interests. But this Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour through Shinjuku’s hidden gems is one I’ll definitely be doing next time! Navigating Piss Alley with locals feels like such a experience.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

For your whirlwind 2 days in Tokyo, Shibuya is the perfect base. It’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo! It’s centrally located, putting you just 15 minutes from Takeshita Street and about 30 minutes from the Tsukiji Fish Market (your furthest adventure). Here are some great hotel options near Shibuya Station:

• Budget Option: Tokyu Stay Shibuya is a well-rated, affordable choice with spacious rooms. It’s a bit quieter yet still conveniently close to Shibuya Station and major attractions.
• Mid-Range Option: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu located directly above Shibuya Station, provides stunning views of the Shibuya Crossing. The rooms are spacious by Tokyo standards, and its central location makes it a fantastic choice for exploring the area on foot.
• Luxury Option: For a touch of luxury, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a 5-star gem with breathtaking city skyline views. Just a short walk from Shibuya Station, it offers top-notch dining, spacious rooms, and an impeccable spa.

Check out all the available options in Shibuya and pricing for your dates here.

Getting Around Tokyo

Getting around Tokyo is pretty easy (once you get the hang of it) and very efficient. Start by getting a Suica card, a rechargeable card that simplifies travel on trains and buses. The JR Yamanote Line is ideal for first-time visitors as it circles key neighborhoods, while the Tokyo Metro will help you navigate the city’s extensive subway network.

With just 2 days in Tokyo, focus on using trains and subways for efficient travel between attractions. Taxis are available but can be pricey and less practical for short distances. Just swipe your Suica card and get ready to explore Tokyo like a local!

Are you ready for an epic 2 days in Tokyo?!

And there you have it— an action-packed 2 days in Tokyo, filled with vibrant sights, delicious bites, and unforgettable experiences! From the immersive digital art of teamLab Borderless to the bustling energy of the Shibuya Scramble, Tokyo is a city that never fails to impress.

While two days is just a taste of what this dynamic city has to offer, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your whirlwind adventure. Take in as much as you can, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next trip before you even leave!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Japan blog posts:

Where to stay in Kyoto

Guide to planning a trip to Japan

2 days in Osaka