One day in Tokyo

• Meiji Shrine (9:00 AM) - A famous Shinto shrine in Shibuya district dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. A peaceful oasis in the city, surrounded by trees and greenery.
• Shibuya Crossing (11:30 AM) - One of the busiest crossings in the world, this area is a shopping and entertainment hub. See the iconic Hachiko statue before crossing the streets with hundreds of people.
• Tsukiji Fish Market (1:00 PM) - Visit the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Watch suppliers and fishmongers shouting, bargaining, and confirming deals. Sample fresh sushi and sashimi from the market’s restaurants.
• Sensoji Temple (3:00 PM) - Located in the traditional area of Asakusa, this is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Walk through Nakamise market street before reaching the temple’s gate. Explore the bright and lavish halls and grab some omikuji fortune papers or omamori lucky charms.
• Akihabara (6:00 PM) - The electric town or anime and manga district. Check out the latest anime figurines, gadgets, and video games or visit a maid café. There are also plenty of food options from traditional Japanese to trendy street food.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Meiji Shrine (1 hour, free)
• Shibuya Crossing (30 minutes, free)
• Tsukiji Fish Market (1.5 hours, $15-30 for sushi or sashimi)
• Sensoji Temple (1 hour, free)
• Akihabara (2-3 hours, price depends on the activities and food choices)
Total Estimated Costs: $15-30 for Tsukiji Fish Market plus extra expenses in Akihabara and transportation

Transportation

Consider buying a one-day metro pass for 600 yen ($5.50), which allows unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Note that the pass cannot be used on JR trains or buses. Tokyo’s train system is complex, but signs are in English and staff are helpful. Taxi or Uber rides are more expensive but can be convenient for short distances if traveling in a group.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider exploring areas like Shinjuku, Harajuku, or Roppongi. If you have less time, remove one activity or shorten the time spent in each location. Make reservations for popular restaurants or attractions in advance to avoid lines and waiting times. Keep cash with you as some smaller shops or restaurants may not accept credit cards. Bring a reusable water bottle as tap water is drinkable and widely available.