24 Hours In Tokyo: Your Hour-by-hour Guide

From the traditional to the ultra-modern, take in sights, sounds and tastes of Japan’s capital city in just one day.

If New York is the city that never sleeps, then Tokyo is the city that never unplugs. Bright lights, 24-hour dining opportunities, crazy experiences and colourful characters are absolutely everywhere. It would be impossible to experience Tokyo in two weeks let alone 24 hours, but sometimes a day and night is all you have. From dawn until the small hours, here is your guide to making the most of your 24 hours in Tokyo.

7am: Tsukiji Fish Markets

Feeling peckish after a long haul? Even though the famed tuna auctions are no longer at Tsukiji, a visit to the outer market for a feed will not disappoint.

Jump on the Narita express train to Tsukiji station (change to a local train at Keisei-Ueno station) or Higashi Ginza station and it’s a short walk to fresh fish mecca.

With plenty of alleyways to explore, strange and unusual marine life to gawk at and hundreds of eateries offering huge varieties of fish in the way of sashimi, sushi and kaisendon, it can be a little overwhelming deciding where to eat.

The answer is: anywhere. You’re not going to find better fish. Just pick a place and stuff your face.

Address: 5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo

9am: Shibuya Crossing

Belly full, it’s time for some serious tourist action. You can’t tourist properly in Japan without taking on the Shibuya Crossing: rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world, where people cross from all directions at once.

Jump on a Ginza line train from Tsukiji (recommended to wait till after 9am to avoid some of the crush).

It’s arguably more impressively packed with people during the business peak, but by arriving just past you’ll still be sharing the experience with hundreds of tourists and business folk.

Exploring the colourful comic book and game stores, arcades and electrical departments near the crossing can be a great way to kill time and have a bunch of belly laughs.

Address: 1 Chome−22, Shibuya City, Tokyo

11 am: Harajuku, Takeshita Street

Probably still stuffed from breakfast, take a stroll (two kilometres) to Takeshita Street, Harajuku.

It would be easy to spend an entire day in Harajuku, the area is jam-packed with vintage clothing stores, museums, alleys full of street art and cat, dog, owl and even hedgehog cafes.

The people-watching here is next-level, especially if you’re there on a Sunday when a lot of the ‘Harajuku girls’ –made up of sartorially wild, colourful and eclectic teen tribes – are around in full regalia.

Address: 1 Chome-17 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Afuri Ramen — Queue up for a bowl of the famous Afuri ramen.

1pm: Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

It’s not a trip to Tokyo without smashing a bowl of ramen, ordered efficiently from a vending machine.

One of the most popular ramen places nearby is the famed Afuri, known for its zesty yuzu and shoyu (chicken-based) broth. Don’t be perturbed if the queue is out the door, it’s definitely worth lining up for a bowl.

Filling, vibrant and velvety, you won’t be disappointed – you’ll be refreshed for the next leg of your journey.

Note: There’s also vegan ramen available. Something difficult to come by in Japan.

Address: 3-63-1 Sendagaya 1F Grande Foresta, Shibuya

2pm: Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine

With a skip in your step, take a stroll to the nearby gorgeous greenery that is Yoyogi Park and the stunning Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine.

It’s not all bright lights and candy colours in Tokyo. Passing through the 12-metre torii gate is a humbling reminder of how culturally rich, spiritual and ancient Japan is.

Meiji Jingu Shrine — Stop in at the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine while you’re there.

Take a moment to catch your breath, take in the rich history of the area and even make an offering or wish for the future.

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo

Sake barrels at the Meiji Shrine — Get a photo of the sake barrels at the Meiji Shrine.

4pm: Catch the view at the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo is massive. It sprawls for what seems like an eternity.

A great way to experience its humongousness (not a word) is by strolling or taking a quick train to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Here, you’ll encounter a rather bizarre indoor souvenir market and an almost 360-degree view of the city. And as a bonus, getting to the top is free.

Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

6pm: Dinner in Shinjuku City

It’s so easy to get lost in the bright lights, big city vibe of Shinjuku. It’s bustling at any time of the day – the neon signs will blind you and the crowds can be quite confronting.

The hardest part of eating in Tokyo is deciding from the plethora of options available. Think wagyu, barbecue, yakitori, izakaya eats, shabu shabu, noodles, Western options and more.

Head from the train station and go with your gut. You’re going to want it lined for the following activities.

Note: make sure you look up. From Godzilla statues to crazy billboards, there’s so much to see.

Shinjuku Piss Alley — Get an affordable beer or sake at one of the many bars in Piss Alley.

8 pm: Pre-drinks in Piss Alley

Easily a place you could also have dinner, ‘Piss Alley’ is the colloquial term dating from the post-Second World War era for a popular bar area of Shinjuku called Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane.

A rabbit warren of little bars and yakitori joints, the lanes are decorated with colourful lanterns and overhead decorations. Cedar smoke and charcoal wafts through the area, which is known for cheap eats, drinks and an ‘old world’ Japan atmosphere.

Don’t look for fancy cocktails here, but you can bet the sake and beer are flowing and reasonably priced.

Address: 1-chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Robot Restaurant Tokyo — Settle in for some entertainment at Robot Restaurant. Photo: Chanie Hyde

9pm: Robot Restaurant

Words cannot adequately express the ridiculous spectacle that is the Robot Restaurant: a whirlwind of colourful lights, animatronics, dancing and the happiest cast you’ve ever laid eyes on.

It’s easier to book online from a third party like Expedia than the actual site; get tickets to the time slot you want before you go. Have no expectations, don’t research it beforehand, sit back and be ready to be astounded.

10/10. Would go back every time. No matter how touristy it is.

Address: 1 Chome−7−7, Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

Golden Gai Tokyo — Choose from the 280 bars in Golden Gai and order a stiff drink… or two.

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11pm: Golden Gai good times

You’re going to need a stiff drink to calm down after the bright lights and loud noises of the Robot Restaurant.

This tiny piece of old Tokyo is luckily within a five-minute stroll, not unlike the previous maze of narrow streets that is Piss Alley. Except that Golden Gai is literally all bars. More than 280 of them.

This is where you’ll need to make a decision… is two hours of drinking sake with a bunch of new friends in a tiny bar long enough? And I mean tiny. Some of them would be lucky to fit more than five people.

Address: 1 Chome-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

1am: Takoyaki snacking

At some point during the evening you’re going to want a snack.

Takoyaki Bars are open super late and offer some of the most delicious late-night snacks in the world. A pan-fried batter ball filled with octopus and onion, often topped with takoyaki sauce, bonito and kewpie mayo. They are easy to wolf down in the dozens.

3am: 24 Hour Karaoke in Shinjuku

Blowing off some steam in a 24-hour karaoke ‘K-Box’ is an excellent way to wind up what has been a BIG day and night.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Tokyo without some off-key singalong time.

Capsule Hotel Tokyo — Take a quick nap in a capsule hotel.

5am: Catch some z’s in a capsule hotel

It’s probably prudent to get a little shut-eye before boarding your flight, lest you appear far too bleary-eyed for embarking.

Luckily there is a quintessential Tokyo experience you can book by the hour that will allow you to get that beauty sleep.

If you’re not too freaked out about small areas do as the salaryman (Japanese businessman) does and freshen up in a capsule hotel.

Address: 1 Chome−4−15, Hyakunincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

7am: Time to go

That’s it! Probably more activity than is actually reasonable within the timeframe, but even if you achieve 50 per cent of this entire list it’s a guaranteed good time in Tokyo.

Or you could just sit and eat sushi for 24 hours in Tokyo instead. No judgement, it’s amazing.

Tempted to stay longer in Tokyo? Read our ultimate travel guide to Tokyo for where to stay, eat and what to see and do.

After youth-led protests in 2025, this year Nepal elected a 35-year-old former rapper as Prime Minister. In a country where tourism is its biggest industry, what’s next for travellers?

In 1986, Nepal changed its clock. It had used India Standard Time since 1920 so, to differentiate, it wound its clock 15 minutes ahead of, not behind, its big-brother neighbour. Boss move. “Nepal is strongly opposed to the idea that our identity is connected to India,” says Community Homestay Network (CHN) guide Bikal Khanal.

Tharu dance is traditionally set to hand drums. (Credit: Kate Lewis)

Today, Nepal is the only independent country with a 45-minute deviation to universal time; an oddity that’s become a symbol of national pride. The quirk is nearly as endearing as Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan airport where carved varnished wood and shiny red bricks rule. One sign points to a ‘Travelator’ and another to a ‘Grievance Handling Desk’ while visas are noisily stamped at customs for US dollars, cash only. When am I?

Spot the endemic Nepal gray langur. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

The 15 or 45 minute anomaly sees me tap out completely on timezone calculations. Why bend my brain calculating if it’s quarter to or quarter past elsewhere when I’m in the honking here and now of Kathmandu where the air is high-altitude crisp, the prayer flags flutter and the street dogs howl?

How tourism is changing in Nepal

Bardiya National Park is rich with wildlife. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

India is not the only association many Nepalis would like to shake. With eight of the world’s 10 tallest mountains, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, Nepal has long attracted mountaineers and trekkers, and expedition numbers are continuing to rise.

Tourism is one of the country’s biggest sources of foreign currency, so this growth is not negative, per se. But according to Ang Tshering Lama, who co-founded Phaplu Mountain Bike Club, being reduced to a mere trekking destination is limiting.

“Trekking is just one layer of our identity,” says Ang. “When it becomes the dominant narrative, it limits how we’re seen and how we see ourselves.” Nepal’s recent success, however, in diverting trekkers to less-trafficked areas such as Manaslu mofuntain, where visitor numbers rose by 117 per cent last year, offers hope that tourism can diversify even more radically.

Local men in Bhada village. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

The founder of CHN, Shiva Dhakal, wants that change. “The whole idea of the Community Homestay Network is to promote experiences outside of trekking,” he says. “Community tourism changes lives and helps kids stay home instead of coming to the city or migrating to the Middle East.”

Ang grew up seeing people leave, “not because they wanted to but because there weren’t enough opportunities to stay”, he states. Yet from remote villages to living traditions; food, art, music and emerging subcultures, “there’s so much that’s not being seen.”

CHN is opening some of those doors. It doesn’t own, or fund, any homes. Rather, it promotes homestays to travellers on a single, slick platform, while fostering entrepreneurship in places where women, marginalised castes, Indigenous people and the youth stand to benefit the most.

A new generation demanding more

Dalla Town Hall, where volunteers discuss anti-poaching tactics. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

The future prospects of next-gen Nepalis can no longer be ignored. On a Kathmandu tour with 33-year-old guide Monica K.C, we pass buildings torched in the September 2025 ‘Gen Z protests’, including the Supreme Court and Parliament House. Seventy-two people died. “They were anti-corruption protests,” says Monica. “Politicians’ children are living a lavish life but the airports are crowded with youngsters leaving to find work.”

We stop in ‘little Tibet’ at the wondrous sixth-century Boudha Stupa. “The wheel of life is Buddhism in a nutshell,” says Monica. “Things such as hate, ignorance and anger keep you rotating around the wheel, so you must follow the principles of Buddhism to detach. If you can’t, there’s no nirvana for you.”

Boudha Stupa's prayer wheels — Boudha Stupa’s prayer wheels are used to recite Buddhist prayers. (Credit: Kate Lewis)

In a sun-drenched twist to the usual temple visit, we ascend the stupa’s sloping plinth and roam its whitewashed dome. Tendrils of diaphanous prayer flags stream from a steeple-like structure where the Buddha’s unblinking eyes stare out. No nirvana for you…

bouda stupa prayer flags — Tibetan-style prayer flags embellish the whitewashed dome of Bouda Stupa, a Buddhist temple. (Credit: Kate Hennessy)

The dome is delightfully free of guard rails or chiding from security. There is, however, a stern ‘No TikTok’ sign, perhaps in response to the youth’s newly flexed power. The booted-out Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, was replaced in a resounding election victory in March by 35-year-old Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) – a former rapper and mayor of Kathmandu. The RSP’s manifesto indicates tourism is a priority, and that Nepal’s cultural identity in areas such as gastronomy will be strengthened.

Boudha Stupa vendors — Vibrant souvenir shops and cafes around Boudha Stupa. (Credit: Kate Hennessy)

A more confronting stop awaits at Pashupatinath Temple. Today is Bala Chaturdashi, a Hindu festival where thousands of devotees gather to honour their dead ancestors. Vendors hauling foam mattresses do a lucrative trade as people set up for a night of vigil. This includes burning the bodies of recently deceased relatives on bamboo pyres in the Bagmati River, which flows into the sacred Ganges.

A woman at annual Hindu festival Bala Chaturdashi, in Kathmandu. (Credit: Kate Hennessy)

Wrapped in a shroud, the bodies are positioned with their heads facing north to the Himalayas where Lord Shiva resides. They’re covered with flowers and straw and set alight by male family members.

Hours later, the ashes are swept into the river where devotees will take a holy dip the next day. As much as Monica assures us it’s not voyeuristic to watch, I struggle to do so. “Here you see the reality of life because everyone ends up there,” she says, gesturing to the river.

Life unfiltered in the Terai region

tharu woman — Tharu woman and master weaver Parbati Chaudhary in Bhada Village. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

The reality of life needs processing time, which the western Terai region delivers in spades. The Terai is largely separated from India by the Karnali River and Bardiya National Park, where elephants, rhinos and the elusive Bengal tiger roam.

Once a nomadic tribe, the Indigenous Tharu people are now the largest ethnic group here. “They didn’t know their daily life was interesting for international travellers but they’re starting to understand now,” says CHN founder Shiva.

Take a Jeep safari through Bardiya National Park. (Credit: Bheem Thapa)

We fly Buddha Air to Dhangadhi airport and drive five hours to stay in Tharu homes. The journey to Bhada village is a blur of roadside fruit stalls, traffic-stopping sacred cows and fields sown with wheat, rice, mustard, spinach, cauliflower and potatoes. Nepal’s agriculture feeds only Nepal.

Marigolds are an important part of Hindu rituals. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

“The only thing we export is young people,” says our guide Bikal. As the light dims and we plunge evermore rural, mysterious mounds of compacted hay – some house-sized – loom like the creatures from Where The Wild Things Are. Even our trusty driver gets flummoxed by a dirt road that abruptly ends and we find ourselves hurtling across a paddock.

On arrival, some are ferried to mud-walled cottages greened by gourd creepers, with thatched roofs and rustic-chic mosquito nets. Myself and two others are ushered to the home of corner store owner, mechanic and mushroom farmer Man Kumar Chilaruwa and his wife Rajkumari.

community homestay entrance — A warm welcome at a community homestay. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

They escort us to a bunker-esque back building with steel doors and a folding security gate, behind which is gleaming linoleum, dolphin-printed tiles and a shower cavity that must be gingerly stepped through to reach the toilet.

The ceiling lights emit a rainbow of colours (the bathroom light gets stuck in, frankly, a quite frightening red). We’re nevertheless touched that our hosts invested in all this bling when the average salary is around $275 a month.

In the coming days, we participate in Tharu traditions such as making moonshine, dancing, weaving straw handicrafts and gold-panning. We’re fed well with staples of rice, mustard greens, lentil pancakes, daal, curried chicken and tomato chutney served on antibacterial saal leaves.

food at community homestay — Dig in. (Credit: Kate Hennessy)

Sonara community homestay president Indradevi Tharu tells us river snails are often served, and the boiled and pickled flesh of rats hunted in the rice fields. “Perhaps next time?” we say and all have a laugh.

The power of community homestays

community homestay owners in Nepal — Barda community homestay owners Parbati Chaudhary and Ram Krishni Devi Chaudhary. (Credit: Simon Urwin)

Immersing Western visitors in foreign cultural practices is not new. But with the Tharu, I never get that uneasy sensation that I’m being performed for. Despite being the only tourists, there’s no ‘othering’; just warm, composed and ultra-dignified welcomes. Like we’ve always been here.

“I love to have travellers in my village so I can see the world,” says local woman Parbati Chaudhary. “Why would I travel the world when the world comes to me?”

The graceful acceptance the Tharu offer, as well as the slow pace, works miracles on my frazzled nervous system. One day I even take a nap on a vacant homestay bed.

Sonara community room — An authentic stay in the Sonara community. (Credit: Kate Hennessy)

Roosters strut and goats bray as we sit on the ground in al fresco kitchens, rolling rice flour into cylinders steamed to make dhikri (dumplings). When water is needed, we fetch it using a hand-operated pump as a family of ducks strolls by, side-eying us like curious neighbours.

Animal lovers will delight in Tharu villages. Kind and resourceful inventions are everywhere, such as snacking stations where two posts lean together, with leafy boughs dangling on rope for baby goats to forage from.

CHN’s CEO, Aayusha Prasain, nods knowingly when one in our group says she cried when she left her host, Shayam Chaudhary, in Bhada. Shayam’s 17-year-old son, Prashant, had translated, which deepened the connection.

“Community tourism turns travel into a relationship, not a transaction,” says Aayusha. “It places decision-making power in the hands of local communities, especially women and youth.” Since 2018, CHN has hosted more than 4000 travellers from 52 countries in 408 households, and estimates women’s participation has increased by 381 per cent.

In the Bardiya community, where vexing human-animal conflict has been a balancing act for decades due to elephants raiding crops, long-time homestay operator Salik Ram Chaudhary says young people keep the older ones on their toes.

“We can’t keep homestays stagnant,” he says. “We have to upgrade our service and redefine our product or young people won’t see it as an attractive business. If we can keep evolving with this travelling trend we’re confident the youths will stay and continue it.”

Back in Kathmandu, Monica explains that after the deaths of young protestors in September, a determination had spread to not let their sacrifice be in vain. “We want to keep holding the government accountable,” she says. “We don’t know what situation we’re facing, but we’re ready to face it.”

Interested in Nepal but prefer to experience it in total comfort? Read our guide to luxury travel in Nepal.

24 hours in Tokyo: your hour-by-hour guide