Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day at TeamLab Planets, Tsukiji Fish Market, and Shinjuku
Get ready for an unforgettable day in Tokyo. Feed your mind at the futuristic digital art of TeamLab Planets, feed your stomach at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, and feed your senses with the vibrant atmosphere of Shinjuku. This guide will take you through unique experiences, delicious food spots, and must-see attractions to make the most of your day in the city.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Take a Train to Shin-Toyosu Station
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line → Travel to Toyosu Station, then transfer to the Yurikamome Line.
Yurikamome Line → Travel directly to Shin-Toyosu Station.
JR Line (for JR Pass holders) → Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station, then transfer to the Yurikamome Line to Shin-Toyosu Station.
Recommended Stop: Shin-Toyosu Station (Exit 2)
After breakfast at your hotel, take the most convenient train from your nearest station to Shin-Toyosu Station. From there, it’s a short 2-minute walk to TeamLab Planets.
Morning at teamLab Planets
What to Do at TeamLab Planets:
✔ Walk through water-filled rooms with digital projections.
✔ Explore the infinity mirror rooms filled with lights and colors.
✔ Experience the floating flower garden, where flowers rise as you walk.
✔ Enjoy the soft, cushion-filled spaces that feel like walking on clouds.
✔ Interact with the immersive activities in the newly opened section.
Traveler’s Tip: Wear comfortable clothes and avoid long skirts, as some rooms require sitting or walking through water. Towels are provided for drying your feet.
Take a Train from Shin-Toyosu Station to Tsukiji Station
Walk 5 minutes to Toyosu Station and take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Shintomicho Station (1 stop).
Transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line and go 1 stop to Tsukiji Station.
Recommended Stop: Tsukiji Station (Exit 1 or 2)
From the station, walk 5 minutes to Tsukiji Outer Market, where you’ll find fresh seafood, snacks, and traditional food stalls.
Explore Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is one of Tokyo’s top food destinations, offering fresh sushi, seafood bowls, and a variety of traditional Japanese dishes.
What to Do at Tsukiji Market:
✔ Try fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and tamagoyaki (sweet omelet).
✔ Visit a matcha shop for green tea and traditional sweets.
✔ Explore kitchenware stores selling high-quality Japanese knives.
✔ Sample street food like tuna skewers, sea urchin, and mochi.
Lunch in Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is one of Tokyo's best locations for fresh, authentic cuisine and there is no shortage of amazing restaurants and food stalls. Your main problem is going to be not having a big enough stomach!
Recommended Lunch Spots:
Tsukiji Sushicho – Cozy, standing sushi bar with amazingly fresh fish at extraordinary value.
Tempura Kurokawa – Highly popular tempura restaurant that sources its fresh fish from the market and its vegetables from Chiba prefecture (expect long waits during peak meal times).
Tsukiji Outer Market Food Stalls – Great for grabbing quick bites like grilled scallops, tuna skewers, and fresh oysters.
KOMEDA is □ (Vegan Friendly) – Close to Tsukiji station, this restaurant serves vegan pancakes, burgers, and pasta dishes.
Take a Train from Tsukiji Station to Shinjuku Station
After lunch, head to Shinjuku, Tokyo's liveliest district filled with restaurants, shopping, parks, entertainment, and nightlife.
Train Line:
Take the Toei Oedo Line from Tsukiji-Shijo Station to Shinjuku Station (direct, about 20 minutes).
Recommended Stop: Shinjuku Station (East Exit)
Travel Tips: Shinjuku Station is the busiest station in the world, it can be extremely difficult to navigate. Head for the Kabukicho Exit and don't be afraid to ask staff for help.
What to Do in Shinjuku:
✔ Visit Shinjuku Gyoen, a peaceful park with traditional Japanese gardens.
✔ Shop at Don Quijote, a discount store selling souvenirs, snacks, and cosmetics.
✔ Explore Isetan Department Store, a luxury shopping destination.
✔ Walk through Omoide Yokocho, a small alley with nostalgic izakayas (Japanese pubs).
✔ Head up the Tokyo Metropolitan Building for a panoramic view and, if you are there past 7:30 PM you can witness the Guiness World Record breaking mapping projection.
Traveler’s Tip: If you love all things electronic, visit BIC Camera or Yodobashi Camera for electronics and collectibles.
Afternoon Coffee Break in Shinjuku
Exploring Shinjuku can take a lot of energy, why not add some pep to your step with a quick coffee break?
Recommended Cafés:
Blue Bottle Coffee – A popular coffee chain with a minimalist vibe.
Coffee Aristocrat Edinbugh – A classic old school coffee shop that is open 24 hours a day, perfect if you've arrived late in Tokyo and you have a bit of jetlag.
Marbre Vegan (Vegan Friendly) – Scrumptious vegan bakery selling delicous desserts, hey a sugar rush may help power you through!
Evening at Shinjuku Golden Gai and Kabukicho
As the sun sets, Shinjuku comes alive with neon lights, bars, and entertainment spots.
What to Do in Shinjuku at Night:
✔ Visit Golden Gai, a famous alley filled with tiny bars.
✔ Explore Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife district.
✔ Take a photo at Godzilla Road, where a giant Godzilla head overlooks the street.
✔ Experience Omoide Yokocho, an alley with small traditional eateries.
Traveler’s Tip: Kabukicho is one of the most tourist-filled locations in Tokyo, and although the city is relatively safe, keep your valuables close and be wary of aggressive touts and vendors.
Dinner in Shinjuku
End your day with dinner at one of Shinjuku’s many restaurants.
Recommended Dinner Spots:
Kan Agari – Casual izakaya with an old school vibe. Food can be flame grilled right in front of you and there is also an all you can drink option.
Tsukemen Gonokami Seisakusho Shinjuku – One of Shinjuku's best tsukemen (dipping noodles) joints. Be aware there can be long queues.
Wagyu Yakiniku Tetsu – Shinjuku's highest rated restaurant by locals. Grill your own premium wagyu beef with courses starting at ¥6,500
Obanzai (Vegan Friendly) – Okinawan restaurant in the middle of Shinjuku. It offers an entire vegan menu alongside its regular menu.
Return to Your Hotel
Take the train back from Shinjuku Station to your nearest station:
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, JR Yamanote Line, or Toei Oedo Line for central Tokyo.
Keio Line or Odakyu Line for western Tokyo.
Seibu Shinjuku Line for northern areas.
