One day in Tokyo: Asakusa, Ueno and Yanaka 東京ツアー：浅草、上野、谷中

For first-time visitors to Tôkyô, the dream of experiencing traditional Japan often begins right in the heart of the city. This one-day itinerary takes you through three iconic neighborhoods in eastern Tôkyô: Asakusa, Ueno, and Yanaka.

Peaceful, cultural, and easy to navigate, this route lets you wander at your own pace, far from the crowds. It offers a unique blend of local life and living history—a perfect introduction to the old soul of modern Tôkyô.

At a glance: your day in Tôkyô

Here is the summary of the program.

Asakusa: Tôkyô’s spiritual quarter

Want to dive deeper into this neighborhood? Don’t miss our full guide to Asakusa.

8:30 AM - Visit Sensō-ji temple

Start your day in the soft morning light to beat the crowds (which usually arrive around 10 AM). Just steps from Asakusa Station, the Tourist Information Center offers a free panoramic view from its top floor, an ideal way to get your bearings.

Next, walk through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), Asakusa’s iconic entrance, with its massive red lantern that immediately catches the eye.

Stroll along Nakamise-dôri, a historic shopping street lined with souvenir stalls. You'll find everything from folding fans (uchiwa) and kokeshi dolls to traditional snacks like sembei (crispy rice crackers) and ningyô-yaki (doll-shaped sponge cakes).

Take a detour into the side streets, they’re full of hidden gems, smaller shops, and more reasonable prices.

Follow the crowd to Sensō-ji, Tôkyô’s oldest Buddhist temple. Cleanse your hands at the incense burner, draw an omikuji (fortune), and make a wish at the main hall.

10:30 AM - A sweet Japanese-style break

Asakusa is a little paradise for food lovers. Take a break at one of the area's beloved traditional cafés:

• Asakusa Kagetsudô: Known for its melon pan—a sweet, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside bun.
• Suzukien: Famous for matcha ice cream with intensity levels ranging from 1 to 7.

If the weather’s nice, stroll along the Sumida River and enjoy views of the Tokyo Skytree and the Asahi Beer Hall with its unmistakable (and forever unmounted) golden flame.

Ueno: nature, culture and local vibes

From Asakusa, walk to Ueno in about 25 minutes along the peaceful streets by the Sumida River. Or hop on the Ginza subway line for a quick 5-minute ride.

11:30 AM - Pond walk in Ueno park

Start with a relaxing stroll around Shinobazu Pond, nestled in the heart of Ueno Kôen. With lotus blooms in summer and cherry blossoms in spring, it’s a prime spot for photos.

The pond has three parts: a central boating area, a small island with Bentendô Temple and a lotus-covered section.

Don’t miss the hidden gem Kiyomizu Kannon-dô. Built in 1631, this small temple is a mini version of Kyoto’s famous Kiyomizu-dera. Its raised wooden balcony gives you a stunning view of the pond and trees below.

12:00 PM - Lunch in or around the park

When lunchtime hits, you’ve got options:

• Innsyoutei: Elegant kaiseki dining in a wooden pavilion inside the park.
• Convenience store picnic: Grab a bentô from a konbini and find a shaded bench.
• Yoshinoya or Ichiran Ramen: Quick and classic Japanese comfort food.

Locals typically eat right at noon, so arriving early can help avoid lines, especially at popular spots.

1:00 PM - Museum visit or market stroll

Your afternoon can take two directions, culture or shopping:

• Tokyo National Museum: A vast collection of traditional Japanese art, from ancient kimonos to samurai armor.
• Ameyoko Market: Once a black market after WWII, now a lively shopping street full of vintage shops, spices, beauty products, and exotic fruits at bargain prices.

Yanaka: step back into old Tôkyô

From Ueno, Yanaka is a 20-minute walk or a short ride on the JR Yamanote line to Nippori Station. The vibe changes instantly—low-rise homes, sleepy cats, and narrow, nostalgic streets await.

Want to know more? Check out our full article on Yanaka.

3:00 PM - Wandering the retro streets

Start on Yanaka Ginza, a charming shopping street lined with traditional stores. You’ll spot everything from kitchenware to fresh fish—and friendly shopkeepers chatting with locals.

Keep walking to Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tôkyô’s largest. Shady and serene, it’s a favorite spot for spring strolls. You'll also find the grave of Tokugawa Yoshinobu, Japan’s last shôgun.

Art lovers will enjoy the many small galleries and studios in the area. Some local artists even open their doors to curious visitors.

4:30 PM – Snack break in old Tôkyô

No visit to Yanaka is complete without trying some of its sweet specialties:

• Taiyaki: Fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste.
• Dango: Skewered sticky rice dumplings, often glazed with sweet soy sauce.
• Retro cafés: Great spots to sip drip coffee surrounded by vintage furniture and vinyl records.

Evening: wrap up your day in Tôkyô

5:00 PM - Sunset views

If it’s clear out, climb the famous Yûyake-dandan stairs at the entrance to Yanaka Ginza. From the top, the warm golden light over the traditional rooftops is pure magic.

It’s a favorite among photographers and locals. In the past, before skyscrapers dominated the skyline, you could even see Mount Fuji from here.

6:00 PM - Free evening options

End your day however you like:

• Back to Asakusa: Wander through lantern-lit alleys, grab dinner at a traditional izakaya, and soak up the night vibes.
• Tokyo Skytree: Get a breathtaking nighttime view from the tallest tower in Japan. It’s just a short walk or subway ride from Asakusa along the Sumida River.

Can you really do it all in one day?

Absolutely. This itinerary is designed to be stress-free and flexible. It blends cultural discovery, foodie breaks, scenic walks, and quiet moments—all at a manageable pace.

Each neighborhood offers a different side of Tôkyô, and the distances are totally doable. Whether you like to take your time or keep things moving, this day will feel full but not rushed.

And if one spot steals your heart, feel free to linger. That’s part of the magic of a great trip.

What if it rains?

Tôkyô is a year-round destination, but the weather can be unpredictable. If the skies turn gray, no worries—here’s how to tweak your day while staying dry and inspired:

Asakusa

• Covered arcades: Explore shopping galleries like Shin-Nakamise, just behind Nakamise-dôri.
• Edo Shitamachi Museum: A short walk away, this museum showcases daily life in old Edo (now Tôkyô).

Ueno

Museums galore:

• Tokyo National Museum (Japanese art and artifacts)
• National Museum of Nature and Science (Japanese only)
• Western Art Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site)
• Atre Ueno Mall: Attached to Ueno Station—perfect for shopping, eating, or relaxing with dessert indoors.

Yanaka

• Cozy cafés and art galleries: Even in the rain, Yanaka’s charm shines. Warm up with coffee in a retro café or browse local artisan workshops.
• Scai The Bathhouse: This contemporary art gallery inside a former bathhouse is a quirky, sheltered detour.