48 hours in Tokyo, Japan

From mouth-watering food to groundbreaking fashion and ancient temples that contrast with the buzzing, neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, 48 hours in Tokyo promises a sensory extravaganza for every type of traveller. To make the most of your time and get a real taste of the city, check out our itinerary for the best of the Japanese capital to cover in two days.

Day 1

Shunsai

Lip-smackingly good, seasonal Japanese cuisine and an incredible view of Tokyo – that’s what you get with a visit to Shunsai, a gourmet restaurant located on the 25th floor of the Shibuya Excel Hotel. Go in the morning for a traditional breakfast that includes miso-marinated fish, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi and grilled Nori seaweed. And eat while looking out of the vast windows to the famous Shibuya crossing below.

Unicorn Gundam Statue

Standing at almost 18 metres tall, this massive robot statue of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam from the much-loved Gundam military fiction series lights up and switches between ‘unicorn’ and ‘destroyer’ mode. You can stop by to watch it in action but check online beforehand for the performance times.

Mikado Game Center

This two-storey arcade specialises in iconic fighting games and retro classics including Street Fighter, Daytona USA and Captain Commando. It hosts regular tournaments as well, so sign up if you think you can beat the city’s best gamers.

Echigo Tsuruya

The place to go if you’re craving made-to-order mochi (sticky rice cakes). It’s worth waiting in line for one of their famous strawberry daifuku, and you can even watch the mochi artisans crafting the sought-after snacks.

Otaguro Park

This park’s blend of beautiful colours hits its peak in autumn, when maple and ginkgo trees turn to shades of gleaming gold and red. Other sights include a pond and a waterfall, which you can explore via stone bridges and viewing pavilions.

Yakitori Ebisu Nishi-Ogikubo

A popular yakitori restaurant with casual vibes. The standard menu of chicken skewers is bolstered by sashimi, baked salmon and Iberian ham. Regulars wash the sardine croquettes down with local sake, Samurai.

Odaiba Seaside Park

This seaside park has a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty and a full-size Gundam robot. It also offers outstanding views of the city. Come when the sun goes down to see the Rainbow Bridge and futuristic skyline light up.

Hacienda Del Cielo

Hacienda del Cielo is a modern Mexican restaurant that showcases the Tokyo cityscape in all its glory. Take in the shimmering lights from inside or the comfy sofas on the rooftop terrace, while dining on tacos, quesadillas and plates piled high with cheesy nachos.

Day 2

Little Nap Coffee Stand

The pistachio ice cream and single-origin drip coffee here will make your day. Enjoy them separately or together in an indulgent affogato. This café is petite, so it doesn’t have much seating but there’s a nice park with benches just a little while away.

Zōjō-ji Temple

In the grounds of this Buddhist temple stands the mausoleum of the Tokugawa clan (the rulers of Japan during the Edo period), with six of the Tokugawa shōguns buried here. Learn about the Tokugawa in a museum under the main hall, then visit Japan’s oldest surviving wooden structure, the Sangedatsumon (main gate) built in 1622.

TOUKYO Japanese Pottery shop

Find everything from tableware to delicate vases and sake bottles at this pottery shop specialising in handmade Arita porcelain. An ideal spot to pick up an ornately crafted gift.

teamLab Borderless

This mesmerising digital art museum has an array of immersive exhibits. Plus light projections that move, play and interact with each other across the 10,000-square-metre space.

8-bit Cafe

‘80s and ‘90s kids will revel in the nostalgia of this retro-tech-themed café. Hidden away on the fifth floor of an unassuming office building, it’s the place to play old-school arcade games and Nintendo classics like Mario Kart. There are also themed thirst-quenchers including Hadouken beer and Princess Peach cocktails.

Karaoke Kan Roppongi Honten

This was where Bill Murray serenaded Scarlett Johansson with a karaoke song in the movie Lost in Translation – and fans can request the very same room. You can also choose between VIP spaces filled with disco lights and budget rooms with a little less glitz – either way, you can sing and drink here until dawn.

Omoide Yokochō Shinjuku

Locals, businessmen and tourists all mingle in the winding maze of alleys that make up Omoide Yokochō Shinjuku. Studded with stalls serving up delicious yakitori, soba and other street food, the unpolished nature of this area sits in contrast with the modern, brightly lit shops around the station and makes for a fun dining experience.

Where to stay

Spend your first night at TRUNK (HOTEL), a stylish oasis right in the heart of Shibuya and just a short walk from Hacienda del Cielo.

Check into Tokyu Stay Shinjuku to be moments away from Omoide Yokochō Shinjuku.

Book a tranquil stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, located next to Tokyo’s stunning Sensō-ji temple.

Listen

Get yourself ready for your city break with this playlist of Japanese hits.