What to Do in Tokyo on Your First Day: The Perfect Starter Itinerary

Welcome to Tokyo — Start Your Journey Right

Tokyo can feel like ten cities in one — dazzling, loud, serene, and deeply human all at once. If you’re visiting for the first time, the key is balance: see the icons, feel the atmosphere, and leave space for discovery.

Hey, I’m Ola — a travel enthusiast and itinerary creator obsessed with planning trips that feel rich in experience and emotion. In this blog, I’ll walk you through exactly how to spend your first day in Tokyo, following a route that blends architecture, street life, tradition, and neon nights.  Each stop is personally curated to help you see more, feel more, and fall in love with the city from the very first morning. 

Where to Stay in Tokyo

For your launch into Tokyo, choose a hotel that’s centrally located, ideally on or near the JR Yamanote loop or a major subway hub. There are plenty of options across the city, but if you’re looking for the perfect combo of views and convenience, you might like these:

- Park Hotel Tokyo — positioned near Shiodome Station, with rooms that open to skyline views — and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier — stylish and elegant, offering sweeping views over central Tokyo and within easy walking distance to Ginza Station.
- Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu — overlooking the famous Shibuya Crossing, perfect if you want to feel Tokyo’s buzz right from your room.

Morning — Tokyo Hums to Life

Start early, when Tokyo is just waking up and the streets are still quiet enough to notice every detail.

Omotesando: Where Architecture Meets Elegance

Begin your day in Omotesando, Tokyo’s tree-lined avenue that feels both calm and cosmopolitan. Often called Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, this street is home to flagship stores designed by world-class architects — where every facade feels like a modern art piece.

Look out for striking designs such as the Prada Building, Tod’s Building, Tokyu Plaza, Gyre, and the Nezu Museum — each a masterpiece that showcases Tokyo’s blend of innovation and style.

Tip: Arrive around 9:00 a.m., before the stores open, to enjoy the street almost to yourself and capture photos without the usual crowds.

Where to Eat: Stop by A Happy Pancake (Omotesando branch) for their signature souffle pancakes — soft, jiggly clouds that define Japanese brunch culture. Pair them with matcha or a light espresso before continuing toward Harajuku.

Omotesandō avenue with luxury storefronts in Tokyo.

Takeshita Street: The Playful Heart of Harajuku

Walk about ten minutes to Takeshita Street, the vibrant core of Harajuku’s youth culture. Here, the pace quickens and every corner feels like a live fashion show. You can explore pastel boutiques, try creative street snacks, and grab one of the famous Harajuku crepes if you feel like it.

The place can get quite packed, and if crowds become overwhelming, just steps away Meiji Jingu Shrine feels like stepping into another world.

Colourful shop-fronts of Takeshita Street in Harajuku.

Meiji Jingu Shrine: Serenity in the City

From Harajuku Station, step onto the forested path leading to Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most tranquil spaces. Walk through towering torii gates and under the cool shade of ancient trees. The vividly decorated sake barrels make for a perfect photo stop — but don’t rush. This is where you pause, breathe, and feel Tokyo’s spiritual rhythm.

Shrine path and torii of Meiji Jingu Shrine for the calm moment.

Afternoon — From Shibuya’s Chaos to Daikanyama’s Calm

I love exploring cities on foot — it’s the best way to stumble upon unexpected places and truly feel their rhythm. That’s why I always design my itineraries to be walkable whenever possible.

The route from Meiji Jingu Shrine to Shibuya Crossing takes about 30 minutes on foot, and it’s a lovely walk through changing cityscapes. Along the way, stop for a coffee break at Blue Bottle Coffee — a perfect spot to recharge before diving into the buzz of Shibuya.

If you’d rather skip the walk, it’s just a 3-minute ride on the JR Yamanote Line from Harajuku Station to Shibuya Station.

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko: Tokyo in Motion

No first trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing Shibuya Scramble Crossing — the city’s most iconic intersection. Watch hundreds of people flow in every direction and notice how this busy moment somehow feels beautifully synchronized.

Just steps away stands the Hachiko Statue, a small but moving symbol of loyalty that has become one of Tokyo’s most beloved meeting spots.

The loyal Hachiko statue outside Shibuya Station.

Where to Eat in Shibuya

By now, it’s time for lunch. Here are two great nearby spots I recommend — both offering good food and a quick recharge before you continue exploring:

• KINKA Sushi Bar Izakaya Shibuya — a stylish, modern spot perfect for a mid-day sushi break. Known for its creative take on Japanese dining, KINKA offers Aburi-style sushi, izakaya-style small plates, and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere with great drinks to match.
• Moheji Shibuya Scramble Square — located inside the striking Shibuya Scramble Square complex, Moheji serves comforting Japanese classics with a modern touch. Its standout dish is a regional savory pancake — soft, rich, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. Its location offers convenient access to the Shibuya Sky observatory in the same building. 

Shibuya Sky: Tokyo From Above

If you want to see the city from above, head up to Shibuya Sky after lunch — an open-air rooftop observatory offering a 360° view of Tokyo. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

Shibuya Sky isn’t free — tickets cost around ¥2,200 online or ¥2,500 at the gate.

Tip: Because it’s popular, especially around sunset, it’s highly recommended to book ahead online to secure your entrance time slot. 

View over Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky observation deck.

Kyu Asakura House: Old Tokyo’s Whisper

Another half-hour walk or a short ride on the Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station to Daikanyama Station will bring you to Daikanyama, a stylish, design-driven neighborhood known for its slow pace, boutique cafes, and quiet charm.

Tucked here is the Kyu Asakura House, a beautifully preserved wooden home built in 1919. Step through its sliding doors to wander traditional tatami rooms, admire the intricate woodwork, and look out onto a peaceful Japanese garden. It’s quiet, intimate, and the perfect reset before the neon glow of the evening.

Evening — Shinjuku Lights and Striking Night Views

As the sun sets, Tokyo transforms once again — brighter, louder, and endlessly alive. The calm of the afternoon fades into neon reflections and the pulse of city lights.

The best way to reach your next stop, Shinjuku, is by taking a quick 20-minute ride from Daikanyama. Hop on the Toyoko Line at Daikanyama Station and get off at Shinjuku-sanchome Station.

Godzilla Head, 3D Cat, and Neon Streets

Head into Shinjuku City and start with a few of its playful icons. Look up to spot the 3D Cat Billboard loops its viral animations above the station, stopping passersby in their tracks. Just around the corner, the Godzilla Head roaring above Hotel Gracery — a fun landmark you’ll hear before you see. 

Both are perfect reminders that Tokyo never takes itself too seriously. Take a moment to simply watch — the lights, signs, and people all blending into one unforgettable evening scene that feels alive in every direction.

Shinjuku icons — Godzilla Head and 3D Cat Billboard at night.

Dinner in Shinjuku

End your day with a memorable dinner at one of these spots (you can’t go wrong):

• Spicy Curry Roka — combines Indian and Taiwanese flavors, offering unique curry dishes like duck keema and mapo tofu curry in a cozy, unassuming space. It’s a must-try for spice lovers, but note that it’s closed on weekends and closes early most days. The best chance to catch it for dinner is on Tuesday or Thursday, when it stays open a bit later — just make sure to check the hours before you go.
• Menya Sho Hon Ten — a beloved local ramen spot that many visitors miss. It specializes in chicken-based shio (salt) ramen with a clear, flavorful broth, house-made noodles, and premium toppings. Simple, authentic, and deeply satisfying.
• Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakujo — a small, counter-style ramen shop known for its shrimp-based tsukemen (dipping ramen). The broth is rich and umami-packed, made using shrimp parts that would normally go to waste, and the creative toppings — like basil and mozzarella — give it a surprising twist.

Hanazono Shrine and Golden Gai: The Soul of Shinjuku

Tucked among Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, Hanazono Shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and flowers. It’s a quiet reminder of Tokyo’s layers — ancient and modern, side by side.

From here, wander a few blocks to Golden Gai, a maze of narrow alleys lined with tiny bars — most with only a handful of seats. Each one has its own charm and personality: some play jazz, others pour whiskey, and a few are so small that stepping inside feels like joining a secret club. Peek in, smile, and pick whichever feels right.

Lantern-lit alleys of Golden Gai, where Tokyo’s nightlife glows.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: View Over the Night City

If you skipped Shibuya Sky earlier, or simply want to enjoy another night view, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building — one of the best free observatories in the city.

The observation decks stay open until 10:00 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.) and offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo at night. From up here, you’ll see an endless sea of lights stretching across the city — and maybe understand why so many people fall in love with Tokyo.

This itinerary is taken straight from my digital guidebook Japan for First-Timers: The Golden Route — designed for travelers who want to experience more emotion and less confusion. Check it out below to start planning your own unforgettable journey.