24 Hours in Tokyo, for The Tightfisted Tourist

It’s true! Tourists can now purchase 24-, 48-, and 72-hour passes for the Tokyo Metro and Metropolitan Subway lines, which connect you to all the best destinations in the city. The 24-hour ticket costs only Y800—the average price of a bowl of ramen in the city. Skeptical about what you can see in a mere 24 hours? Let us show you the way.

Tsukiji Market

Got what it takes to make it to Tsukiji Market by 5 a.m.? By all means, grab a sushi breakfast while you’re at it. The lines to these sushi places may be long, but it’s definitely worth the wait! Vendors are also very generous about giving samples so you can be full just coursing through the aisles without paying a single yen. 

Asakusa

Take the Tokyo Metro to Asakusa after Tsukiji and begin in Sumida Park, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms when they’re in season (late March through April) before boarding a riverboat that takes you down to Kannon temple.

After strolling around Kannon temple hop on the subway and browse the elegant stores of Ginza. Feeling peckish? Visit the food halls in the basement of the department stores—here, more samples abound, replenishing your need for a lunch break.

Ginza

Omote-sando

Once you’re refueled, get on the Ginza line once more and hit the shops in Omote-sando for some serious shopping.

Catch the Hibiya line later in the afternoon and watch the sun set atop Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower

Shibuya

Grab a great tempura dinner in Shinjuku before ending your night over at Shibuya to explore the bright lights in the big city.

The Tokyo Subway ticket allows for unlimited travel on all 13 lines of the Tokyo Metro and Metropolitan Subway for all tourists with a non-Japanese passport. Tickets can be purchased at select location including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Metro ticketing offices and select Bic Camera stores.