One Day in Tokyo: Food, Culture & Adventure in Japan’s Capital
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan — a city where bustling streets meet cutting-edge technology, timeless traditions, and incredible food.
On our first day, we set out to see how much of Tokyo we could experience in just 24 hours. From street food at Tsukiji Market to immersive digital art and hidden alleyways in Shinjuku, here’s a look at how our adventure unfolded.
Getting to Tokyo
Our journey to Tokyo took 18.5 hours with two layovers — one in Raleigh and another in Los Angeles. We used airline miles to book business class, which made the long-haul flight much more comfortable thanks to lie-flat seats and our first taste of a Japanese breakfast in the air.
We chose Haneda Airport (HND) since it’s closer to central Tokyo, and thanks to filling out Japan’s immigration paperwork online, we breezed through customs.
Travel Tip:
Use the Visit Japan website to complete your forms ahead of time.
Haneda’s SUICA & PASMO kiosks open at 5 a.m. and are located just past the main reception area. A SUICA card is essential for navigating Tokyo’s trains, subways, vending machines, and even convenience stores.
First Stop: Tsukiji Outer Market (5:15 a.m.)
We started our Tokyo adventure at Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for its fresh seafood and early-morning food stalls. Since Tokyo is nearly twice the size of New York City, plan extra travel time between neighborhoods.
At Tsukiji, we tried:
Japanese Omelette (Tamagoyaki) – fluffy, slightly sweet, and buttery.
Kobe Beef Skewer with Sea Urchin – rich and indulgent.
Fresh Tuna Sushi – from lean to fatty cuts, it was the best sushi we’ve ever had.
Strawberry Cream Mochi – chewy, but not our favorite.
👉 Don’t forget: use the coin lockers near stations to store your bags while you explore worry-free.
Immersive Art at TeamLab Planets
Next, we visited TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an unforgettable interactive art museum where you walk barefoot through water and digital gardens. Tickets sell out, so book your timed entry at least a month in advance.
There are two TeamLab exhibits in Tokyo:
TeamLab Planets – more immersive, sensory-focused.
TeamLab Borderless – larger, with endless light-based rooms.
Lunch at Gonpachi – The “Kill Bill” Restaurant
For lunch, we headed to Gonpachi in Nishi-Azabu, famously known as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. While the movie wasn’t filmed here, the izakaya’s lively atmosphere is worth experiencing.
Travel Tip: Remove your shoes if seated in the upstairs booths, and don’t worry — menus are available in English.
Exploring Shinjuku
After lunch, we navigated Tokyo’s busiest hub, Shinjuku Station, where we saw:
The giant 3D Cat Billboard
The iconic Godzilla statue
Our hotel, JR Blossom Shinjuku, which offered a compact but comfortable stay with great ADA accessibility.
That evening, we joined a Shinjuku Food Tour with our guide, Max. Wandering through Omoide Yokocho, a maze of narrow alleyways filled with tiny eateries, we sampled fresh sushi, learned the proper way to drink sake, and even celebrated John’s birthday — Tokyo style. 🎉
Final Thoughts – One Day in Tokyo
After nearly 24 hours of nonstop exploring, eating, and adventuring, we were exhausted but thrilled by everything Tokyo had to offer in just one day. From markets to modern art, izakayas to hidden alleys, Tokyo truly blends tradition and innovation in every corner.
And this is just the beginning — next, we’ll head to Kanazawa to ride the Shinkansen, try our first bento box, and explore samurai history. Stay tuned!
Practical Tips for a One-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Arrive at Haneda for easier access to the city.
Get a SUICA card right away for trains, vending machines, and convenience stores.
Start early at Tsukiji Market to beat the crowds.
Book TeamLab tickets in advance (they sell out fast).
Use Google Maps for navigating Tokyo’s massive train system.
Join a food tour if you want a deep dive into local flavors.
