Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend Your Arrival Day in Tokyo (from Haneda or Narita Airport)
Arriving in Tokyo can be overwhelming, but with the right plan, your first day can be smooth and stress-free. Whether you're landing at Haneda or Narita Airport, this guide will help you get into the city, settle in, and even explore a bit before your adventure truly begins. From transportation tips to must-see spots, we’ve got you covered.
Follow this plan to settle in comfortably and make the most of your first day in Japan.
Getting to Your Hotel in Tokyo
From Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, so you have several quick options:
Tokyo Monorail → JR Yamanote Line (Good for areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station)
Keikyu Line → Asakusa Line (Useful for staying in Asakusa, Ginza, or Ueno)
Airport Limousine Bus (Direct access to major hotels)
Taxi (Expensive but convenient, around ¥6,000–¥10,000)
From Narita Airport (NRT)
Narita is farther away, but there are easy ways to reach Tokyo:
Narita Express (N'EX) (Best for Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station)
Keisei Skyliner (Best for Ueno and Nippori)
Airport Limousine Bus (Direct to many hotels)
Taxi (Very expensive, ¥20,000+)
Traveler’s Tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo IC Card at the airport for easy and convenient travel on trains and buses. Consider getting a SIM card or a pocket WiFi to stay connected throughout your trip.
Check-In & Freshen Up
After arriving at your hotel, check-in, drop off your luggage, and freshen up. If your room isn’t ready yet, most hotels offer free luggage storage, so you can start exploring right away.
Morning Coffee Break
A short break before exploring will help you adjust to Tokyo’s pace.
Recommended Cafés
Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku, Aoyama, Shinagawa) – Specialty drip coffee
% Arabica (Ginza, Shibuya, Asakusa) – Smooth lattes in a stylish setting
Tudore Tranquility (Shibuya) – Vegan-friendly café with a peaceful setting
Late Morning to Afternoon Exploration
Your first day should be easy-going but exciting. Choose an area near your hotel.
Option 1: Shinjuku & Shibuya
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shinjuku Gyoen Park
Option 2: Asakusa & Ueno
Sensoji Temple
Nakamise Street
Ueno Park
Option 3: Ginza & Tokyo Station
Imperial Palace Gardens
Lunch Break
Your first meal in Tokyo should be something special. Here are different options:
Traditional Japanese Food
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – Michelin-star sushi experience.
Ichiran Ramen (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, etc.) – Famous tonkotsu ramen.
Katsuzen – High-quality tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet).
Casual and Affordable
Matsuya / Yoshinoya / Sukiya – Affordable beef bowls.
Rokurinsha (Tokyo Station) – One of Tokyo’s best tsukemen (dipping noodles).
Afuri Ramen – Lighter, yuzu-flavored ramen.
Vegan and Vegetarian
T’s Tantan (Tokyo Station) – Vegan ramen with rich flavors.
Ain Soph (Shinjuku, Ginza, Ikebukuro) – A stylish vegan restaurant.
Komeda Is (Ginza Shochiku Square) – Offers plant-based meals and desserts.
Afternoon Activities
Explore at a relaxed pace to avoid getting too tired on your first day.
Culture and Art
Shopping
Harajuku and Omotesando – Trendy and unique fashion stores
Akihabara – Best place for anime, gaming, and electronics
Daiso and Don Quijote – Affordable souvenirs and fun finds
Traveler’s Tip: Many department stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Bring your passport to get a tax refund.
Evening Activities
If you still have energy, try one of these activities:
Relaxing Options:
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho – A nostalgic alleyway with small izakayas (Japanese pubs).
Shibuya Sky – A rooftop observatory with amazing night views.
Fun & Entertainment:
Maxell Aqua Park (Shinagawa) – A digital aquarium with glowing jellyfish displays.
teamLab Planets (Toyosu) – An interactive digital art museum.
Tokyo Tower or Skytree – Enjoy a panoramic night view of Tokyo.
Bars & Nightlife:
Golden Gai (Shinjuku) – A small area with unique, tiny bars.
New York Bar (Park Hyatt Tokyo) – A classy bar with live jazz music.
Dinner Options
After exploring, enjoy dinner at a restaurant based on your preference:
Japanese Cuisine:
Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza) – A world-famous sushi restaurant (reservations required).
Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku) – A lively alley with small yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls.
Vegetarian / Vegan:
Ain Soph (Shinjuku, Ginza) – A top-rated vegan restaurant with burgers and pancakes.
T's Tantan (Tokyo Station) – Serves delicious vegan ramen.
Return to Your Hotel
After a long day, take a train, taxi, or walk back to your hotel.
