Land, get to your hotel, and do the unglamorous but important part first: hotel check-in / baggage drop. If your room isn’t ready, most Tokyo hotels will still hold bags without fuss, and it’s worth asking them to store anything you won’t need so you can travel light. Give yourself about 45 minutes here, especially after an international arrival—Tokyo is easiest when you’re not dragging a suitcase through side streets and station exits.
Once you’re free, head to Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo in Naka-Meguro for a gentle first stop. It’s usually open from morning into late evening, but on an arrival day it works best as a late-morning or early-afternoon reset; expect around ¥900–2,000 per person depending on whether you just grab coffee or add a pastry. From there, wander the Meguro River Promenade right nearby for a calm, no-pressure walk. Even outside cherry blossom season, this stretch feels very Tokyo: tidy, leafy, a little stylish, and perfect for shaking off jet lag without committing to a big sightseeing agenda.
After the walk, ride or taxi over to Daikanyama T-Site in Daikanyama—it’s only a short hop, and a taxi is often easiest if you’re still carrying bags or just want a smooth day. Set aside about 1.5 hours to browse the beautifully curated books, magazines, design goods, and small shops; it’s open most of the day and feels relaxed rather than touristy. For dinner, make your way to Ippudo Ebisu in Ebisu for a dependable bowl of ramen: quick, warm, and exactly right for day one, with a typical spend of about ¥1,200–2,000 per person. If you still have the energy after dinner, finish with a short illuminated stroll through Yebisu Garden Place—it’s polished and photogenic at night, and from there a taxi back to the hotel is usually the simplest end to the day, especially if you’ve already done a lot of walking.