Tokyo in one day: a walking route with times and prices
Old Tokyo on foot and two short Ginza Line rides. Senso-ji before the crowds, the kitchenware street of Kappabashi, lunch in Ameyoko, Ueno Park and the National Museum, then across the Sumida River to watch the city light up from Tokyo Skytree. It is Day 1 of the full 3-day Tokyo guide, and it works on its own if you only have one day.
Open the 3D route map →Kaminarimon & Nakamise-dori
The giant red lantern of the Thunder Gate, then 250m of snack and souvenir stalls leading to the temple.
Price: Free · Hours: Gate open 24 hours · most stalls about 9:30am–7pm
Tip: Take the lantern photo before 9am, then walk up as the shutters open. Eat snacks at the stall, not while walking.
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple, with incense smoke at the main hall and a five-storey pagoda beside it.
Price: Free · Hours: Grounds open all day · main hall about 6:30am–5pm (Oct–Mar)
Tip: Draw an omikuji fortune for ¥100; if it's bad, tie it to the rack and leave it behind.
Kappabashi Dougu Street
Knives, ceramics and the plastic food samples you see in every restaurant window, under the giant chef's head.
Price: Free · Hours: Most shops about 10am–5pm · many close Sundays
Tip: Knife shops can engrave your name and pack blades for checked luggage.
Ameyoko · lunch
A loud market street under the train tracks: seafood bowls, skewers, fruit on sticks and cheap snacks.
Price: Free entry · pay per dish · Hours: Shops about 10am–8pm
Tip: Kaisendon (raw seafood rice bowl) stalls are near the south end; pay cash at the small ones.
Shinobazu Pond & Bentendo
A lotus pond with a red octagonal temple hall on its island, the calm side of Ueno Park.
Price: Free · Hours: Open all day
Tip: Rowing and swan boats run in the north part of the pond if you want a break.
Tokyo National Museum
Samurai armour, swords, kimono and ink paintings in Japan's oldest museum, at the top of Ueno Park.
Price: ¥1,000 adult (collection galleries) · Hours: 9:30am–5pm, Fri & Sat to 8pm · last entry 30 min before · closed Mondays
Tip: Stick to the Honkan (main building) ground floor to keep it to about an hour; special exhibitions cost extra.
Sumida River & Azuma Bridge
The red bridge, the golden flame on the Asahi building and Skytree behind it, all in one frame.
Price: Free · Hours: Open all day
Tip: Stand in Sumida Park on the Asakusa side for the classic photo, then cross on the river walk next to the railway bridge.
Tokyo Skytree at sunset
Watch the sun set (around 4:30–4:45pm in November) behind Mount Fuji on clear days and the whole plain of lights switch on.
Price: Tembo Deck from ¥1,800 adult (date-based; 450m Galleria +¥1,400) · Hours: About 10am–10pm, from 9am on weekends (check)
Tip: Buy a dated ticket online for a slot before 4:30pm; same-day tickets cost more. Dinner in Solamachi mall below.
Planning more days? Read the full 3-day Tokyo guide.
Open the 3D route map →Prices are for adults and can change; check the official site on the day. Some ticket, hotel and eSIM links on 3DAYS are affiliate links: your price is the same and we may earn a commission. Rankings are not paid placements.