Take 5 in Tokyo

Make the most of a quick trip to Japan's bustling capital city.

By Clair Morton
Published: Tuesday, December 5, 2017

There's so much to see and experience in Japan's capital city it's almost impossible to fit it all into one visit. So what should you do if you only have 24 hours in Japan’s capital city?

EAT: Set your sights on sushi

What better place to sample sashimi than the world’s largest fish market?

The full experience of the Tsukiji Fish Market is reserved only for the early risers, with the wholesale tuna auction starting at 5am.

Viewing spaces for tourists are limited to 120 people, so unless you’re willing to get up at 2am or pull an all-nighter, it might be a better idea to stay in bed until the inner fish market opens to the general public from 10am.

If you arrive earlier you can still explore the outer markets, or head to a sushi restaurant for breakfast. Daiwa Sushi and Sushi Dai are often touted as two of the best and attract long lines before they even open.

Tsukiji is not open every day so check the calendar online before you go.

Visit while you can: The Tsukiji market is slated for a relocation between September and October 2018 to make way for a logistics base for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Tsukiji Fish market
Buyers and sellers at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo.

EXPERIENCE: Get ‘Kawaii’ in Harajuku

Japan’s famous Harajuku shopping district is worth a visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s kawaii (cute) sub-culture or bag a unique bargain.

Singer/songwriter/voice of a generation Gwen Stefani summed the district up pretty well in the lyrics of her song Harajuku Girls, describing it as a “ping-pong match between eastern and western”.

Close to Tokyo’s Harajuku district is one of several entrances to the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, an oasis of calm in the heart of Tokyo despite being one of the most heavily-visited in Japan.

SEE: Take in Tokyo’s best views

For a bird’s eye view of the city most people head straight for the world’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, but if you’re on a budget or keen to skip the entry fee a better option might be the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Located just a short distance from Shinjuku station, the second tallest building in the city has observatories in both its north and south towers, both on the 45th floor. On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji looming over the city and best of all, it’s free.

Tokyo city view
Take in views of the Tokyo Skytree and Mt Fuji.

DRINK: Down Memory Lane

After a long day of sightseeing, head to Omoide Yokochou, or Memory Lane – also near Shinjuku station – to drink sake with the locals and sample yakitori. You may also hear this spot called ‘Piss Alley’, but don’t let it scare you off. A lot has changed since it earned its nickname, taken from the lane’s early years as a shady haunt.

SLEEP: Snooze in a capsule hotel 

They may look like a bit like coffins, but trust me when I say modern capsules are pretty comfortable to sleep in.

Originally made popular by business people and night-shift workers who miss the last trains out of the city, capsule hotels have come into a world of their own since other travellers began to take advantage of them too.

Expect gender-separated sleeping and bathing areas, clean bedding, charging sockets, temperature controls and night-lights. Most check-ins come with a pyjama set, complete with slippers and a toothbrush.

Capsule Hotel
Capsule hotels are perfect for a one-night stay.

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