Tokyo is the best known for its high end technology, culture, fashion, food and a very high level of public safety. So if you happen to have a short layover of 6 -8 hours in Tokyo you will still have time to visit different places to entertain yourself and admire the city. You can roam around the city, dine in beautiful restaurants even if you have 6-8 hours that you can spend on your short layovers. There are two major Airports in Tokyo one being (Haneda Airport) Tokyo International Airport and the other one is Narita Airport. Here in this post we will see 10 best things to do in Tokyo on a short layover.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Tokyo on a Short Layover
1. Asakusa
If you are coming from Narita Airport, take the Keisei Skyliner a high speed train to Ueno which take about 60-90 minute train ride and from there you need to switch to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. But if you are coming from (Haneda Airport) Tokyo International Airport it only takes 40-50 minute train ride taking Keisei Skyliner to reach Asakusa .Firstly begin your travel at Asakusa, a part of Tokyo with rich history and culture. It take about 50 to 60 minute to reach Senso-ji Temple. It is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Take a walk through the Nakamise-dori shopping street which is the main approach to Senso-Ji Temple. The street is packed with sweets, cookies, traditional souvenirs, snacks and enjoy man pulled cart.
2. Ueno Park
After visiting the temple you can visit Ueno Park which is just 3km away from Asakusa. Ueno Park is beautiful big park with pretty attractive views, museums and a zoo as well. If you happened to visit this park in spring season then you can witness Cheery Blossom that blooms all over the park. Visitors can go for a walk around the park to appreciate the beauty of nature and also have look around the history of the museum. You have to walk for about fifteen minutes from Senso-ji Temple to get to the park. This place also has religious Temple like Kaneiji Temple and Toshogu Shrine. It takes about an hour to finish the tour. You will only need about 40-50 minute to get to Haneda Airport and it takes 60-70 minutes to reach Narita Airport.
3. Shibuya Crossing
Followed by the Ueno Park you can visit the famous Shibuya Crossing. This is one of the most crowded crossing which is vibrant and fun in the day time but it comes to life at the night time as the streets lights up with neon signs. It is indeed an ideal destination to visit in Tokyo. From Ueno, take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line which takes you to the Shibuya station which is 23km away. It takes about thirty minute to get to the destination. The nearest airport to Shibuya Crossing is Haneda Airport which takes only 20 minutes ride back to the airport.
4. Shinjuku
The next destination after Shibuya Crossing is to visit Shinjuku which is just 4 km in distance. There are many shopping centers and eating places around this region. Walk through the busy roads and tall buildings of the town. If you have time, you can visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building where you can get a free view of the city from 43 floor. Shinjuku also includes huge numbers of leading hotels such as Hayatt Regency, Park Hayatt, Hilton and many more. The closest airport which is located close to Shinjuku is the Haneda Airport also known as Tokyo International Airport. It will take about 30 minutes to get there by using the Tokyo Monorail and the JR Yamanote Line.
5. Harajuku
Harajuku lies in the center of Japan. This area is specifically known for extreme teenage fashion styles and culture. Takeshita Street is one of the very popular areas in Harajuku where there are trendy pop shops and tasty sweets shop for you to try. Getting to Harajuku is easy. The most convenient means of transport is the JR train line Yamanote from Shinjuku Station and to Harajuku Station. Haneda Airport would be much more convenient as it takes 40-50 minute train ride back to the airport and 70-80 minute to get to Narita Airport.
6. Akihabara
Akihabara which is also called Akiba is well known for its huge electronic gadgets shops as well as Japan’s otaku culture. You can find various themed café’s, anime and manga stores. It is possible to go to Akihabara Station by the JR Yamanote Line which will take the shortest time as this line runs through all those stations. You can also take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line that has a station in Akihabara. If you have short layover than you can choose Haneda Airport as your departure as it takes about 30-40 minute to reach the airport.
7. Ginza
Followed by Akihabara you can get to Ginza in just 15 min subway ride taking the Hibiya line. Ginza is a luxurious business district of Tokyo where you will find designer clothes, jewelry and various accessories. You can find luxury stores such stores like Chanel or Louis Vuitton. This place also offers modern coffee shops and restaurants. It takes 2 hours to tour the city but one can take several hours if you wish to shop and dine as per you schedule. Ginza is just 20 minute train ride to Tokyo International Airport and It takes about 50-60 minute to get to Narita Airport.
8. Odiba
Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay with so many entertainment activities. It has big shopping complexes like Aqua City and Diver City. You can take a walk along the Odaiba Seaside Park and watch the beautiful view of the Rainbow Bridge. It is a very futuristic island where you can visit with your family or children to witness the LegoLand discovery center or Tokyo Joypolis Center. It is only 8 km away from Ginza. It takes about 10 minute by taking Yurikamome Line or Rinkai Line.The nearest airport from Odiba would be the Tokyo International Airpot.
9. Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills is a large modern complex in Tokyo which was opened in 2003. Moori tower is the largest building in the city. This building has offices, restaurant, art museum, and a Hotel as well as observation deck. The Tokyo City view is an open air deck on the rooftop offering the best view of the city. There are many branded outlets, fine dining restaurants. Roppongi Hills has also a pleasant street called ‘Keyakizaka Street. It is about 12km from Odiba and takes about 16 minutes to reach the destination. Tokyo International Airport is the nearest airport from the city. It takes about 30 minute train ride, but Narita Airport takes about 1.5 hours via train. You can visit the city without worrying about the short layover if you were to fly from Tokyo International Airport
10. Sunshine City
Sunshine City is one of the largest shopping centre in Ikebukuro which was opened in 1978. This shopping complex contains one of the first rooftop public aquarium known as Sunshine Aquarium along with it also include lookout tower known as Sky Circus that offers the best views of the city. The Sunshine city has a large numbers of shopping mall with fashionable stores, electronic gadgets and fine restaurants with different cuisines. You can also witness an indoor theme park known as Namco Namja Town which has many attractions offering arcade games, haunted house and themed restaurants. Sunshine city is beautiful city to visit for shopping, movie, meals and other fun activities. Tokyo International Airport is only about 30 minute ride from Sunshine City, where Narita Airport in Tokyo takes about 1.5 hours to get to the airport.
Conclusion
There are the top 10 places to visit in Tokyo where each destination provide different experience and have a closer look into Tokyo’s rich culture, history and technology while enjoying the great views and good foods. For most convenient travel you can opt for Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) as it is very close to the central Tokyo and you get to spend time to roam around rather taking several hours just to get back to the airport. It has a very easy access to the major cities of Tokyo comparatively to Narita Airport.
