Tokyo Itinerary for 2 Days
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Facts & Figures
If you have the chance to spend two days in Tokyo, you should definitely book a night in a traditional Japanese ryokan. It is a perfect way to experience Japan’s culture and traditions. Two days are not nearly enough to see all the fascinating Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, modern districts like Shinjuku, and beautiful parks like Ueno. But don’t worry, my handpicked list of the city’s best places is an ideal starting point for first-time visitors with just 48 hours to explore. Each day is packed with popular and unique sights, giving you time to truly absorb the atmosphere of Japan’s capital.
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- Overview of the Tokyo Itinerary for 2 Days:
- Day 1
- 1. Sensoji Temple - morning
- 2. TOKYO SKYTREE - morning
- 3. Hamarikyu Garden - visit + lunch nearby
- 4. Shinjuku - afternoon
- 5. Shinjuku Gyoen - afternoon
- 6. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) - afternoon
- 7. Omotesando - evening/dinner
- Day 2
- 1. Ueno Park (Ueno Koen) - morning
- 2. Tokyo Station - morning
- 3. Imperial Palace - visit + lunch nearby
- 4. Zojo-ji Temple - afternoon
- 5. Tokyo Tower - afternoon
- 6. Roppongi Hills - evening/dinner
Day 1 - 1. Sensoji Temple
Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa, is famous for its impressive Kaminarimon Gate and the lively Nakamise shopping street. The huge red main hall and giant lanterns make it one of the capital’s most photographed sights.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-00321
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2. TOKYO SKYTREE
Rising 634 meters above the city, TOKYO SKYTREE is Tokyo’s tallest landmark and one of its most popular attractions. Two observation decks at 350 and 450 meters offer breathtaking panoramic views, and on clear days even Mt. Fuji can be seen. At night the tower glows with colorful LED lights, while endless shopping and dining options await at its base. Easily reached from Asakusa, it is a must-visit for first-time travelers to Tokyo.
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, 131-0045 Tokyo
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3. Hamarikyu Garden
Hama-rikyu Garden in Chūō, central Tokyo, is a beautiful landscape garden dating back to the Edo Period. The park features a tidal pond connected to Tokyo Bay, several bridges, and a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha with sweets. Seasonal flower gardens, plum and pine groves, and moon-viewing pavilions make this place a peaceful retreat and a must-see during your visit to the capital.
Address: 1-1, Hama Rikyu-teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0046
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4. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards and a vibrant hub of business, shopping, and entertainment. It is home to the city’s tallest skyscrapers and Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway hub with more than 3.6 million passengers each day. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or relax in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
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5. Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, covering 58 hectares with a circumference of 3.5 km. With around 1500 cherry trees, it is a must-see during the sakura season from late March to mid-April. The park combines three distinct styles: a traditional Japanese garden, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden, making it a unique and relaxing escape in the heart of the city.
Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0014
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5. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of Tokyo’s top attractions. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is set within a vast forest of 120000 trees donated from across the country. Visitors enter through giant torii gates and walk along peaceful paths before reaching the shrine buildings, often witnessing traditional wedding processions. Located near Harajuku Station, the shrine is a must-see for anyone exploring central Tokyo.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi, Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557
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7. Omotesando
Omotesando, often called the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo, is a one-kilometer tree-lined avenue famous for luxury shopping and striking architecture. Flagship stores of brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior make the street a showcase of modern design. A highlight is Omotesandō Hills, a shopping complex with more than 130 stores designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This stylish boulevard is a must-visit for fashion and architecture lovers alike.
Address: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
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Day 2 - 1. Ueno Park (Ueno Koen)
Ueno Park (Ueno Koen) is one of Japan’s oldest and most popular public parks, welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year. The vast grounds are home to historic temples and shrines, six museums, art galleries, and Japan’s oldest zoo. A must-see highlight is cherry blossom season, when over 1,200 trees transform the park into a fairytale landscape and hanami celebrations attract millions of people.
Address: 5-20 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
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2. Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station, located in the Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace, is one of Japan’s most iconic railway hubs. The striking red-brick building is not only a gateway for Shinkansen bullet trains but also a destination in itself with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Surrounded by the headquarters of leading companies, the area is both historic and cosmopolitan. Fun fact: Tokyo Station is also one of the safest places to be during an earthquake thanks to its advanced seismic isolation structure.
Address: 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, 100-0005
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3. Imperial Palace
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan’s Emperor and a historic landmark in the heart of the city. Surrounded by moats, stone walls, and iconic bridges, the grounds feature gardens, parks, and watchtowers. While the inner palace is normally closed to the public, the East Gardens and Kokyo-gaien National Garden are open year-round, and guided tours of selected areas are available.
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 100-8111
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4. Zojo-ji Temple
Zojo-ji Temple is the Great Main Temple of the Jodo Buddhist sect and one of Tokyo’s most important historic sites. Located near Tokyo Tower and Roppongi, it is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Its massive wooden main gate, Sangedatsumon, stands 21 meters high and is an impressive symbol of the temple’s long history.
Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011
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5. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of modern Tokyo. Standing 333 meters tall, this Eiffel Tower–inspired structure has welcomed more than 180 million visitors since its opening. Two observation decks offer stunning views, especially after sunset, while the base houses museums, shops, and restaurants. Painted every five years with 28,000 liters of fresh color, Tokyo Tower remains a must-see attraction in the capital.
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-koen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011
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6. Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills is a massive redevelopment project in the Roppongi district, covering 109,000 square meters at a cost of 4 billion dollars. Its centerpiece is the 54-story Mori Tower, rising 238 meters, which anchors a complex often described as a - city within the city. The area combines apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, a museum, a hotel, and parks, creating one of Tokyo’s most attractive places to work, live, and visit.
Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6108
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