Tokyo to Osaka

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Sensoji Temple — built in the 7th century, this is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Get your fortune reading (Omikuji おみくじ) for ¥100. Just drop your coin in and grab one of the metal containers containing wooden sticks with numbers on it. and shake the metal container containing until one wooden stick escapes. Your fortune can be found in the drawer that has the same number as the one on your stick. English versions are available although quite poorly translated. If you receive a bad reading, tie it up on the metal stands to “leave the bad luck behind”.

If there’s a queue at Nakaya, get a friend to save your spot in the queue (or vice versa) while you venture out to buy skewers around the outer market. Must-trys are the tamago on a stick (¥300) from Tsukiji Yamacho 築地山長 — served with a dash of radish on top — and the unagi skewers (¥200) from Nisshin Tasuke.

For us late risers, Tsukiji still has a lot to feast on! One of our favourite stores for a classic bowl of Kaisen Don is Nakaya 仲家. They’re especially known for having uni (sea urchin) on their menu at affordable prices.

Tuna auctioning aside, another great reason to get up early is for Sushi Dai — a really famous Omakase place with queues starting as early as 3am. We haven’t tried so if you do, let us know how if it’s worth the hype!

*2019 Update: The inner Tsukiji market where the Tuna Auctions were held have now shifted to Toyosu Market but the outer market where all the restaurants with the freshest seafood can still be found at the Tsukiji outer market.

5AM Tuna Auctioning — Extremely popular amongst travellers, get there as early 3AM to reserve a spot. But since you’ll be visiting Osaka too, save your early mornings for the Osaka Fish Market instead. No reservations required there!

*2019: Update: Tuna viewing at Toyosu Market’s lower observation deck require advance reservations.

From Narita Airport to Tokyo: The Tokyo Skyliner brings you to Ueno station in just 41minutes. Since we’ll be in Tokyo for a few days, it’s better to activate the JR Pass later and instead, use our pre-ordered Tokyo Skyliner tickets.
Getting Around in Tokyo: Tokyo Subway Ticket (24hr, 48hr, 72hr) — purchase online and collect from Narita Airport.

Tokyo is bustling with things to do from as early as 5am till midnight. If we had the chance, we could easily spend an entire week in Tokyo itself. If time isn’t on your side, here are our top picks for 24 hours in the city.