How to spend the perfect 2 days in Tokyo - everything you need to know | Wanderlust & Life (2024)

Tokyo is one of those places that I have wanted to visit forever. I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer chaos that is modern life in the city. So when deciding on a stopover destination between Australia and the UK I successfully managed to convince Dave that we should spend 2 days in Tokyo.

In this guide we go through absolutely everything you need to know to plan your own 2 day Tokyo itinerary, from where to stay, what to see, and everything in between. And now that Japan is back open for tourists post Covid, we share our travel tips so that you too can see Tokyo in 2 days (or more!).

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Contents

  • Tokyo Itinerary Factsheet
  • Tokyo in 2 days – Getting here
    • Narita Airport
    • Haneda Airport
  • Where to stay during your 2 days in Tokyo
    • Shinjuku
    • Shibuya
    • Tokyo Station
  • Where we stayed during our 2 days in Tokyo
  • Some tips for choosing your accommodation for your 2 days in Tokyo
  • Things to do as part of your 2 day Tokyo itinerary
    • Shibuya Crossing
    • Shibuya Sky
    • Tokyo Tower
    • Tokyo Skytree
    • teamLab Planets TOKYO
    • Nezu Shrine
    • Sensoji Temple
    • Explore Asakusa
    • Harajuku
    • Tokyu Plaza
    • Imperial Palace
    • Cruise Tokyo Bay
    • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    • Go Kart around the streets of Tokyo
    • Explore Shinjuku
  • Sample 2 day Tokyo itinerary
    • 2 day Tokyo itinerary – Day 1
    • 2 day Tokyo itinerary – Day 2
  • Romantic things to add to your 2 day Tokyo itinerary
    • Inokashira Park
    • Do a dinner cruise
  • Eating and drinking during your 2 days in Tokyo
    • Omoide Yokochō/ Memory Lane
    • Golden Gai
    • KamiyaBar
    • Bar Ben Fiddich
  • Must try food and drink for your 2 days in Tokyo
    • Sake
    • Ramen
    • Yakitori
    • Japanese Curry
    • Japanese Breakfast
    • Japanese parfaits
    • Japanese pancakes
    • Tea
    • Sweet Treats
  • How to get around during your 2 days in Tokyo
  • Budgeting for 2 days in Tokyo
  • Best time of the year to plan your Tokyo itinerary
  • Is 2 days in Tokyo enough?
  • What to pack for 2 days in Tokyo
  • Tips for planning your 2 day Tokyo itinerary
  • Covid restrictions in Tokyo
    • Arriving in Tokyo
    • Spending time in Tokyo
  • Wifi and data for your 2 days in Tokyo
  • Should I spend 2 days in Tokyo?

Tokyo Itinerary Factsheet

Country: Japan

Languages Spoken: Japanese

Some people do speak English and some signs are in English also.

Currency: Japanese Yen

Visit if you like: Exploring big cities and great food

Tokyo was founded in 1603, and was once a small fishing village called Edo, which is a far cry from the city that you see today. It was only in 1868 when the Emperor, and the Seat of the Government of Japan moved here from Kyoto, that it became known as Tokyo and the nations new capital.

If you spend more than 5 minutes in Tokyo you might be unsurprised to learn that it is actually the largest city in the world, with more than 38 million people living in the Greater Tokyo area. Usually with high populations comes higher crime rates, but that isn’t the case here. Tokyo is one of the safest larger cities in the world – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still have your wits about you.

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Tokyo in 2 days – Getting here

Before we start looking at your itinerary for Tokyo in 2 days, here is some information on getting here.

Chances are your Tokyo itinerary will start at one of the 2 international airports in the city, Narita and Haneda. Narita is a little further out of Tokyo, but still has excellent transport links. We actually flew into Narita Airport from Melbourne, and flew out of Haneda, to London so experienced both airports. What we would say though is, your best bet getting from either airport into Tokyo is via public transport. Taxi’s are pretty expensive, especially from Narita, so this may not be ideal. Here is the best way to get from the airports to Tokyo.

Narita Airport

From Narita Airport you can get the JR operated, Narita Express to busy stops such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, and Shinjuku. Tickets can be purchased from ticket operators and they do speak English. Seat reservations are required on this service, so make sure you check your ticket, it should tell you which gate to board, and have your seat information as well.

If you need to change onto another service to get to your final destination, you will need to purchase a separate ticket for your onward journey, as this will more than likely be operated by a different train provider.

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Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport is much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, so you do have a few more transport options here. A taxi, will probably set you back around the €50 mark or 7000 Yen. The ride itself is around half an hour, so if you are absolutely pooped after your long flight then this is a viable option.

You also get the option to take the monorail, which will get you into the city centre in under 15 minutes. The service terminates at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station, and from here you will need to transfer onto the train or other public transport to get to your onward destination.

Your other option is to get the train. The Keikyu Railway train is your best bet and it takes under 15 minutes to get to Shinagawa Station. Again you will have to transfer to a different line for your onward journey.

Where to stay during your 2 days in Tokyo

It cab be quite overwhelming when trying to decide where to stay during your 2 days in Tokyo, especially because the city is HUGE! When deciding where to stay though, the most important thing to factor in is transport links. Here is a breakdown of some of the best areas to stay if you are trying to see Tokyo in 2 days.

Shinjuku

When we were researching the best places to stay for our 2 days in Tokyo, Shinjuku was the area that kept coming up. It’s incredibly busy with excellent transport links, and many tourist attractions in the area too. We found that there were a lot of restaurants and bars here too, so it is a great place to stay especially when you only have a short time in the city.

Shibuya

Our accommodation choices for Tokyo came down to either Shinjuku as mentioned above or Shibuya. Shibuya, is another great place for first time visitors to Tokyo. It’s in the middle of the action, and close to attractions like Shibuya Sky and Shibuya Crossing.

Tokyo Station

The area around Tokyo Station is another good choice, as it is close to transportation links. It is particularly handy if you are planning a trip further afield to Kyoto or Mt Fuji. It’s also close to the shopping area of Ginza.

Where we stayed during our 2 days in Tokyo

We decided to stay in Shinjuku, mostly because we found a really good deal on a hotel, and because we wanted to be smack bang in the centre of the action and the nightlife. Golden Gai was high up on our to do list for Tokyo, and our hotel was about a 20 minute walk from here.

Originally we booked the HotelGracery, Shinjuku. It’s the large hotel with a Godzilla sculpture hanging off the side. Unfortunately we had to cancel our stay here as the hotel wasn’t open to the public on our travel dates. Instead we opted for Hundred Stay Hotel.

The hotel itself was great, with modern amenities, and 24 hour reception. It was also pretty easy to get there. The best thing for us though was the view from our room.

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Some tips for choosing your accommodation for your 2 days in Tokyo

  • Make sure you are close to public transport
  • Hotels in Tokyo all tend to be quite modern and clean – even the lower star hotels
  • Book your accommodation well in advance for the cheapest rates
  • If your hotel is advertised as ‘adults only’ it is probably a love hotel and not all of these are chargeable on a nightly basis.

Things to do as part of your 2 day Tokyo itinerary

If you are looking for things to do as part of your 2 day Tokyo itinerary, well you will not struggle. There is so much to see here, the problem will be trying to fit it into 2 days. Here are some of our highlights to help your plan your own Tokyo itinerary.

Shibuya Crossing

I know ordinarily a pedestrian crossing doesn’t usually make the list of best things to do in a city, but the Shibuya Crossing is an exception. It’s actually the world’s busiest crossing with 3000 people often crossing at a time, which is unsurprising because there are 5 crosswalks located here.

Crossing with the swarms of people, is a must do activity for your 2 days in Tokyo. You can also grab a seat at the nearby Starbucks and watch as the flood of pedestrians make their way across the road when the traffic stops.

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Shibuya Sky

One of my favourite attractions in Tokyo has to be Shibuya Sky. Located just across from Shibuya Crossing, it is a 360 degree open air observation deck, that gives you some pretty impressive views of Tokyo and beyond.

It’s located at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square Skyscraper, and entry costs ¥2,000 for adults. It is well worth it because you get to explore 3 floors, including an indoor exhibition. If you didn’t realise just how big Tokyo was, this certainly will help you envision it.

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Tokyo Tower

If you love seeing cities from a height then another option for your 2 day Tokyo itinerary, is visiting the Tokyo Tower. It is essentially a communications tower, with an observation deck, in Minato. The tower was built in 1958, and is the second tallest structure in Japan. You might also be unsurprised to learn that the Tower was actually modelled off the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

You can purchase a ticket online here, which is valid for 3 months.

Tokyo Skytree

If you aren’t content with visiting the second tallest structure in Japan (Tokyo Tower), why not head to the Tokyo Skytree instead. Again you get some pretty impressive views of Tokyo, as well as getting the chance to stand on the glass floor, and look straight down below!

The structure was completed in 2011 and at the time was the tallest building in the world, which has obviously changed significantly now. But it is still the tallest structure in Japan.

You can purchase your tickets online in advance here.

Or you can combine your Skytree visit with a tour around the neighbourhood.

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teamLab Planets TOKYO

One of the more modern things to do in Tokyo, is to do the teamLab Planets TOKYO. It’s a sort of museum with immersive art installations that will stimulate all 5 of your senses. There is even a bit where water comes up to your knees so make sure you wear appropriate attire. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Nezu Shrine

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, then we recommend visiting one of the many shrines in the city. The Nezu Shrine though it one of our favourites. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful shrines in the city. There is a lot of lush greenery, ponds full of carp, and red arches that line the pathways, making it the perfect photo spot.

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Sensoji Temple

Another spiritual and incredibly beautiful place to visit during your 2 day Tokyo itinerary has to be the Sensoji Temple. It is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, and is the oldest of its kind in Tokyo. Built in 628 AD, the temple has actually been rebuilt about 20 times throughout its history.

As you walk towards the temple you will encounter a number of people dressed in traditional Japanese costume. The atmosphere here is amazing and one of the must see sights is the large red lantern located in the centre of the Kaminarimon gate.

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Explore Asakusa

A big part of your 2 days in Tokyo, will be about just getting out and exploring certain neighbourhoods. One of our favourites was Asakusa. This is where you will find the Sensoji Temple, as listed above, but it’s also an excellent area for shopping, food, and getting to grips with an older more historical Tokyo.

Make sure you check out Nakamise shopping street which is a street, that is around 250 metres long, and leads to Sensoji Temple. There are over 50 shops here and it is a great place to go for souvenirs, and local delicacies.

You can explore the area on foot, or if you are feeling fancy you can even do a sightseeing rickshaw tour.

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There are a lot of different tours you can take part in to explore the area. A lot of them involve food and drink, which is never a bad thing!

Harajuku

Harajuku is a must for any visit to Tokyo. It’s known for it’s youth culture, street art, and quirky fashion. Takesh*ta Street is the place to go if you want to experience this firsthand. There are a number of vintage and alternative clothing stores, quirky food places, and you will also get to see the locals dressed in cosplay.

It is a very expressive, youth centred part of Tokyo, and is well worth a visit to see a different side to the city. Food is also a pretty big deal here, with whacky and wonderful treats on sale. And if you aren’t sure where to go, then book yourself on a food tour of the area.

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Tokyu Plaza

Tokyu Plaza is located in the Omotesando/Harajuku area. It’s a great place to go if you love shopping, especially for designer brands. A cool feature though is the mirrored entrance referred to as the Kaleidoscope. There is also a rooftop garden for a break from the hustle and bustle.

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Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Located in the Chiyoda district, the palace itself is very rarely seen by the public. But the gardens are quite beautiful, and worth exploring if you are looking for a little bit of quiet time in the city.

Cruise Tokyo Bay

For something very touristy, but a lot of fun anyway, you should consider doing a traditional Yakatabune houseboat cruise around Tokyo Bay and Sumida River. You get to see an incredible night view of the city, and also get to try a traditional Japanese dinner too.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

One of my favourite things to do in Tokyo, was visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s one of the largest parks in Tokyo, with tranquil surroundings including a traditional Japanese Landscape Garden. It’s also one of the best places to see the cherry blossoms in the city if you happen to be here in the spring. You do need to pay for entry (around 500 Yen), but it really is worth it.

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Go Kart around the streets of Tokyo

One of the more unusual things to do as part of you 2 day Tokyo itinerary is to drive a Go Kart through the streets of Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya Crossing dressed in a costume resembling your favourite video game character. This is a legit Go Kart that. you drive on the real streets of Tokyo so you do need an International Drivers license to do it.

Interested? You can book your spot here.

Explore Shinjuku

One of the best neighbourhoods to explore in Tokyo is Shinjuku. It’s bustling, and manic at times, but there is so much here to see and do. It’s full of skyscrapers and bright lights, but is also a great area for nightlife. Food is also a big deal here, and if you are feeling a little overwhelmed here is a food tour you can do that will not only take you around the cool sights in the area, but ensure your belly is full too.

Sample 2 day Tokyo itinerary

Tokyo is massive, so realistically you won’t be able to see absolutely everything in 2 days. Our recommendation is to pick a few things that you really want to see, and explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. Here is a sample 2 day Tokyo itinerary, to give you some ideas on how to plan your time here.

2 day Tokyo itinerary – Day 1

Start your day in Shibuya and checkout the Shibuya Crossing, and the Shibuya Sky. Also if you need a moment to just chill we recommend the Starbucks at the crossing. You get some great views from here of the swarms of people crossing the road.

Next make your way to Asakusa to explore the area. Make sure you visit the Sensoji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree. This is a great place to grab some lunch – particularly at one of Japan’s oldest bars the Kamiya Bar.

In the late afternoon head to Harajuku and visit Takesh*ta Street. We also recommend visiting Tokyu Plaza, for a different more upper class side of Harujuku.

2 day Tokyo itinerary – Day 2

Start your day with a visit to Nezu Shrine. You can explore the grounds and get some photos of the picturesque red pillars that line the paths.

Afterwards go to teamLab Planets for an amazing immersive art experience.

In the afternoon head to the Gyoen National Garden for a relaxing walk around the grounds.

Then explore Shinjuku in the evening. Make sure you visit Golden Gai for a drink, and Omoide Yokocho for dinner.

Romantic things to add to your 2 day Tokyo itinerary

If you are visiting Tokyo with your significant other here are some of the more romantic things to add to your 2 day Tokyo itinerary.

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is a great date spot in Tokyo, particularly in March or April when the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom. There are several cafes around the park, and you can even rent a boat and sail across the pond.

Do a dinner cruise

A traditional Yakatabune houseboat cruise around Tokyo Bay and Sumida River is a great idea for a romantic evening. The views are incredible, and you can sample some traditional food too.

Eating and drinking during your 2 days in Tokyo

Tokyo is HUGE so I’m not going to be able to do it justice at all by mentioning the best places to eat and drink. There are simply too many amazing places. Instead I will mention some places that really stood out for me that will hopefully act as a guide for your own 2 day Tokyo itinerary.

Omoide Yokochō/ Memory Lane

Omoide Yokocho or memory lane in English, is a condensed area in Shinjinku with over 60 small bars and restaurants. It’s reminiscent of a post war Tokyo, where it was filled with street vendors and black market traders. It was around this time that it also coined the nickname ‘Piss Alley’.

Never fear though in modern Tokyo, it couldn’t be further from it’s crude nickname. If you visit after dark the atmosphere is lively and you can experience the true character of the area. There are several authentic restaurants here, so it is a great place to go for some great food. A lot of places here have English menus so don’t worry about that, the real stress will be deciding where to eat. Mind you it does get busy so if you find an empty table at a restaurant go for it.

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Golden Gai

Another must for an old world Tokyo kind of atmosphere is Golden Gai. Similar to Memory Lane, it’s an area filled with narrow lanes and tiny bars. The bars don’t open till later in the evening, but when they do it is well worth a visit. Basically you just need to keep walking around until you spot a bar with space inside.

Some bars will have signs saying ‘No Foreigners’ or ‘Regulars Only’ but the vast majority are welcoming to tourists. Our favourite place was a tiny bar called ‘Lonely’. If you can get it we highly recommend a visit. The owner is such a nice man, and will share stories with you on the history of the bar, and his famous guests.

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KamiyaBar

Kamiya Bar is worthy of a mention as it is one of the oldest bars in Japan. They do a signature kind of co*cktail called Denkiburan made from their specialty brandy. It is pretty potent but one of those things you should try if you are in the Asakusa area.

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Bar Ben Fiddich

This bar is amazing, and unsurprisingly it keeps finding itself on those top bars in the world lists. It’s a small bar with something like 17 seats- so if it is full you do have to wait. The concept here is there are no menus. You let the bar tender know your taste preferences and then you get a co*cktail made that you won’t get anywhere else in the world. It’s not just a gimmick though, there is so much thought that goes into these co*cktails, and the ingredients are all seasonal too.

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Must try food and drink for your 2 days in Tokyo

Here are some of the must try dishes and drinks that we recommend for your time in Tokyo. Again this isn’t an exhaustive list because Tokyo has so much amazing food, from the quirky to the traditional. This list is really just to give you a bit inspiration before you visit.

Sake

Possibly one of the most famous alcoholic beverages in Japan is Sake. The drink is made from fermented rice, and is slightly sweet. It can either be served hot or cold, depending on your preference, and is usually sipped out of tiny cups as seen below.

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If you want to try Sake but don’t know where to start here is a tour that provides you with a tasting experience and food pairing.

Ramen

Perhaps one of the most famous Japanese dishes worldwide is Ramen. It’s essentially a Japanese noodle dish served in a savoury broth, topped with meat and spring onions, and sometimes an egg. It’s cheap, hearty, and readily available in Tokyo.

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Yakitori

Another must try food for your 2 days in Tokyo is Yakitori. It’s essentially a chicken skewer grilled over a charcoal fire. One of the best places to go for Yakitori in Tokyo is Memory Lane. Again it is a cheap simple dish but it’s so delicious.

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Japanese Curry

Japanese Curry is definitely a staple that you have to try in Tokyo. It’s cheap and you can find it on the menu at most places. Usually served with fried chicken or pork, this was probably one of our favourite meals (and cheapest) in Tokyo.

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Japanese Breakfast

A typical Japanese breakfast can vary depending on where you go, but it usually contains things like miso soup, eggs, rice, and some sort of protein. I think the novelty of rice and miso soup at breakfast is the thing I liked most about breakfast in Tokyo, so make sure you give it a try.

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Japanese parfaits

Surprisingly we came across a lot of parfaits in Japan, so I wanted to add it to this list. It’s basically ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream, and is usually presented in all sorts of quirky ways. Highly recommended for anyone like me who has a sweet tooth.

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Japanese pancakes

Japanese pancakes, or souffle pancakes are another must try in Japan. You can get fancy ones topped with all sorts of sweet treats and fruit, or just go for your basic with butter on top. Not only are they cheap but they are delicious and go great with coffee.

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Tea

Tea in Tokyo is another must. We actually wanted to try a traditional Japanese Tea Experience, like this one at the Sakura Japanese Tea Experience but unfortunately we didn’t book in advance and couldn’t get in.

Instead we visited Aoyama Flower Market Tea House for a more modern tea experience. Located in a flower market (hence the name) there is a large tea selection, and some really good food too. You may have to wait to be seated but it really is worth it.

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Sweet Treats

When you explore places like Harijuku or Asakusa for example, you will stumble across so many stores selling novelty sweet treats. I’m talking things like matcha ice cream, or mochi balls, or even waffles. This is the really cool thing about Tokyo, there is so much to try, and our advice is to just go for it.

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There are also a ton of different food tours you can do in Tokyo, and below are just a few for inspiration to get you started.

How to get around during your 2 days in Tokyo

Admittedly Tokyo is probably one of the more complicated cities we have visited in terms of getting around. If you are only spending 2 days in Tokyo, you will probably only need to use the subway, which is a bonus. The subway network is well connected, and you can use this to get to most of your key attractions.

The bit that we found slightly difficult is that there are many different companies that operate the subway services in Tokyo. The main ones though are Tokyo Metro, the JR line, and the Toei line. Often you will need to change at a station and transfer onto a completely different line, and this may mean buying a separate ticket. This is where Google maps really comes in handy, so that you can see which lines you need to change to and where.

You buy tickets at one of the machines at the station and at the larger stations you can purchase a ticket from station staff. All ticket machines have English options, but you do need to pay for your tickets using cash.

Some subway lines have passes that you can purchase, however this may not be cost effective depending on how many days you are in Tokyo for. Once you get used to the subway and the different lines, it is easy to navigate.

Here is a handy article to give you a little more info on getting around Tokyo.

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Budgeting for 2 days in Tokyo

Tokyo tends to have this reputation of being super expensive but when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised. Admittedly though I will say, the Yen was quite weak when we visited. This was due to the fact that Japan had been closed to tourists for a long time over the pandemic. It opened in October 2022 and we visited in January 2023. So this might not be the most accurate reflection on budgeting for your 2 days in Tokyo. Here is a bit of a breakdown though, just to give you an idea of costs for your own trip.

On average we would say budget around the 20,000 – 24,000 Yen mark per person (minus accommodation). In fairness accommodation was the most expensive thing for us in comparison to similar hotels that we have stayed in around the world. For a 2 night stay in a 4 star hotel in the centre of Tokyo we paid £276 or around 45,000 Yen. We are used to paying around the £220 mark for 2 nights in Europe for example, so this was quite high.

On the plus side though food in Tokyo is relatively cheap, particularly if you go for the street food options. The quality is still really good, and you definitely do not have to pay big bucks to eat well in this city. 5000 Yen per person can easily get you through a day of meals.

Transport is also relatively cheap, but it does add up especially if you are making several journeys, so make sure you budget for this. You will also need to budget for attractions, which depending on what you want to see and do can either be cheap or a little bit more expensive.

Cash is still widely used in Japan, which surprised us because we sort of thought it would be super modern. You will need cash for things like the subway, so do carry some around with you.

Best time of the year to plan your Tokyo itinerary

The good news if you are planning your 2 day Tokyo itinerary, is that it is one of those places that you can visit year round. The weather is quite mild, particularly in the winter months of December – February. On average you are looking at temperatures between 2 – 12 degrees Celsius. You can get snow, although this doesn’t tend to stick, making it possible to travel around as normal.

Summer (June-August) is humid in Tokyo, with temperatures ranging from 19 – 31 degrees Celsius. June and July are considered the rainy season so make sure you have an umbrella with you.

Arguably the best time to plan your 2 day Tokyo itinerary has to be in the months of March and April. Mid-late March and the start of April are cherry blossom season. The city comes into bloom, and the atmosphere is incredible. This time of year is also peak tourist season, so book as much as you can well in advance.

Is 2 days in Tokyo enough?

You might be wondering if 2 days in Tokyo is really enough to see the city. And honestly no, it isn’t, but as we were visiting as part of a stopover we didn’t have a lot of choice. That being said, 2 days in Tokyo allowed us to see some of the main sights, eat some incredible food, drink a LOT of sake, and marvel at the bright city lights.

Ideally you probably want to spend at least 5 days in Tokyo, this will give you a decent amount of time to explore the neighbourhoods, and delve a little deeper into life in Tokyo.

What to pack for 2 days in Tokyo

What you pack for your 2 day Tokyo itinerary will of course depend on what time of year you visit, but here are some staples.

  • Comfy walking shoes
  • Layered clothing
  • Portable umbrella
  • Sanitiser/ hand wipes
  • A face mask
  • Cash

Tips for planning your 2 day Tokyo itinerary

Here are a couple of tips to help you plan your own 2 day Tokyo itinerary.

  • Carry cash! You will need this especially for purchasing train tickets throughout Tokyo.
  • Try to avoid taxis as they can be pretty expensive.
  • Take advantage of the free wifi in the city.
  • Learn some basic words like please (kudasai) and thank you (arigatou).
  • A lot of people speak English in Tokyo but don’t expect it everywhere you go.
  • Food is relatively cheap, and even basic restaurants serve decent food.
  • Try to plan your travel time outside of rush hour as this does get intense.

Covid restrictions in Tokyo

We visited Tokyo in January 2023, right when Japan started re-opening to tourists after a long shutdown due to Covid. I’m not going to go through all the rules and restrictions as this is something you will need to research before you visit, and these are continuously changing. I will go through my experience though to hopefully put you at ease for your own trip.

Arriving in Tokyo

We filled in a lot of forms before arriving in Tokyo, and made sure all our Covid vaccination documents were saved in our phone. Screenshot everything that you think you might need for entry into Japan as you may not be able to connect to wifi or access your data.

The arrivals gate was really well organised. There were people directing us all throughout and explaining where to go and what documents we needed to get ready. We had to wear our masks in the airport (and on the plane) so make sure you following any instructions about this.

Spending time in Tokyo

During our visit we had to wear masks indoors, but not outdoors throughout the city. A lot of people still had masks on when walking around the streets, but I don’t know if this was due to covid or pollution concerns. Tokyo is pretty clean and access to sanitiser and the like was abundant.

Wifi and data for your 2 days in Tokyo

One thing that I have to stress is that having access to the internet on our phones in Tokyo was an absolute necessity. It helped us navigate our way through the city, as well as helping us translate certain words. Our UK phone provider did not have a package that allowed us to freely use our phones in Japan, therefore we had to purchase a Japanese data only sim card in order to have data available to us.

The easiest thing to do is to pop by the information kiosk at the airport and purchase a data plan. Staff will help you choose the right plan for you. You will need to provide your passport in order to purchase the sim card so have this ready.

Below are some links for some sim card data deals to get you started.

Alternatively you can rent a mobile wifi router to get you through your Tokyo itinerary. This is idea if you are travelling in a large group as everyone can log in to use data.

Finally just to note, Wifi hotspots are common in Tokyo, but we don’t recommend relying solely on these, so do consider either a mobile router or data sim card.

Should I spend 2 days in Tokyo?

If you are wondering whether you should spend 2 days in Tokyo, as part of a stopover or bigger Japan trip then let this be your sign. Tokyo is such an amazing city, and if you get the opportunity to explore it – take it. It’s the perfect stopover destination between Europe and Australia, particularly if you are looking for good food, friendly people, and a mix of old world charm and modern chaos.

Hopefully this article has helped you plan your own 2 day Tokyo itinerary. And if you did find it useful please do Pin it for later.

Or if you are looking for other stopover suggestions between Australia and Europe checkout our guide to spending 2 days in Singapore.

How to spend the perfect 2 days in Tokyo - everything you need to know | Wanderlust & Life (27)
How to spend the perfect 2 days in Tokyo - everything you need to know | Wanderlust & Life (2024)

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