1-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Make the Most of Your Time in Japan’s Bustling Capital

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, chances are Tokyo will be your first stop. It’s a city where old traditions meet modern life, where temples sit next to neon-lit shopping streets. After two days of travel, finally stepping into Tokyo feels like a reward in itself. During our 7-day Japan adventure, we spent our first full day exploring Tokyo, and it turned out to be the perfect start. Here’s how you can make the most of one full day in Tokyo, visiting must-see spots like Gotokuji Temple, Zojo-ji Temple, Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, all while keeping things relaxed and enjoyable.

We started our day early, around 7 a.m. and headed to Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya. This peaceful temple is said to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko, or the “beckoning cat” charm often seen in shops and restaurants.

The story behind it is pretty heartwarming. According to legend, a feudal lord once took shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm when he noticed a cat waving at him. He followed it into the temple, and just after, lightning struck the spot he had been standing. Grateful to the cat for saving him, he became a patron of the temple, and that’s how the lucky cat became a symbol of good fortune.

When you visit Gotokuji, you’ll see hundreds of little cat figurines placed around the grounds, in rows, on steps, and in corners. It’s charming, calm, and surprisingly photogenic. You can even buy your own Maneki-neko charm at the temple shop. Make sure to check directions and hours on Google Maps before heading there, as the temple is tucked in a quiet residential area.

From Gotokuji, we hopped on the Tokyo Metro and made our way to Zojo-ji Temple in Minato City. This Buddhist temple dates back to the 14th century and is known for its incredible backdrop, the Tokyo Tower rising right behind it.

It’s a great photo spot because you get a mix of traditional Japanese architecture and modern Tokyo in one frame. The temple grounds are spacious, peaceful, and surrounded by trees, making it a nice escape from the city’s buzz. If you visit during cherry blossom season (around late March to early April), the area turns into a stunning pink canopy.

If you want to go up Tokyo Tower afterwards, it’s only a short walk from Zojo-ji. The observation decks give you a panoramic view of the city, and on clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji in the distance.

After exploring the temples, it was time for lunch. We took the subway to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most upscale neighbourhoods known for luxury shopping and sleek architecture. Even if you’re not into shopping, Ginza is worth visiting for its atmosphere, clean streets, stylish storefronts, and great restaurants.

We had lunch at Tsujita Ginza, a well-known ramen restaurant famous for its rich broth and thick noodles. If you’re new to ramen, this is a good place to try it because it’s flavorful without being too heavy. We ordered the house special and loved it. It was hearty and perfect after a morning of walking.

If you plan to go during lunchtime, try to come early or after 1:30 p.m., as lines can get long. Many Tokyo ramen spots use vending machines for ordering, so have cash ready or ask staff for help if you’re unsure.

After lunch, we headed back to our hotel for a quick nap. Tokyo days can be long, and it’s worth resting before heading out again at night. Around sunset, we made our way to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most famous districts and home to the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Standing in the middle of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing is an experience you can’t miss. Every few minutes, hundreds of people walk in all directions as the lights turn green. To get the best view, go to the second floor of the Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks — it overlooks the crossing and makes for amazing photos.

We also checked out the Pokémon Center Shibuya and the Godzilla Store, both great for unique souvenirs. If you love Japanese pop culture, these shops are worth exploring. For affordable fashion, we dropped by Uniqlo Shibuya, where we found jackets and sweaters for the cool autumn evenings.

As night fell, we took the train to Shinjuku, another lively district known for its nightlife and food scene. Our first stop was Omoide Yokocho, which literally means “Memory Lane.” It’s a narrow alleyway filled with tiny food stalls and bars serving grilled skewers (yakitori), noodles, and sake. The atmosphere is lively, smoky, and full of character, like stepping back into post-war Japan.

We loved the energy, but the smoke got a bit heavy, so we decided to find another spot for dinner. A short walk away, we found Sushi Ōmi Shinjuku, a small sushi restaurant that offered an eight-course set meal. We didn’t know what to expect and ordered without checking the menu. Some dishes were incredible, especially the nigiri sushi, while others (like fermented sea bream) were more adventurous.

If you prefer to stick to sushi, make sure to tell the chef in advance. Most sushi restaurants in Japan are happy to customise if you ask politely. For a list of sushi spots in Shinjuku, check Tabelog, Japan’s top restaurant review site.

We got back to our hotel around 10 p.m., tired but happy. From our window, we could see the Tokyo Tower glowing in the distance — the perfect way to end our first day in Japan. The weather stayed pleasant throughout, hovering around the mid-60s Fahrenheit, which made all the walking bearable.

If you’re planning to follow this route, here are some quick tips:

• Start early to avoid crowds at temples. 
• Use a Suica or Pasmo card for smooth subway travel. You can even add it to your phone via Apple Wallet or Google Pay. 
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking a lot. 
• Download Google Maps or the Tokyo Metro app for easy navigation. 

Tokyo might seem big and busy at first, but with a simple plan like this, you can see a lot in just one day without feeling rushed. From the rows of lucky cats at Gōtokuji Temple to the bright lights and energy of Shibuya, every stop gives you a real taste of what makes Tokyo so special.

The best way to enjoy Tokyo is to take things at your own pace — walk around, try new food, get lost in side streets, and just soak in the atmosphere. Every corner of the city has something interesting waiting to be discovered.

If you’re planning your next trip or looking for more travel ideas and guides like this, check out our blogs here at The Lovely Escapist for more adventures and helpful travel stories that can inspire your next getaway.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo