24 Hour Layover in Tokyo: Exploring Ikebukuro
If you have the option to take a 24-hour layover in Tokyo, DO IT. Especially if you’ve been before because you can take the opportunity to explore one or two neighborhoods instead of rushing to every tourist attraction.
I decided to spend my layover in the Ikebukuro neighborhood. I had passed through it on my first two trips to Tokyo, but thought it would be cool to spend more time there. Plus, my favorite ramen shop is in Ikebukuro… so that MIGHT have been a factor (it was the sole reason, let’s be real). Here’s what I got up to in Tokyo for my layover:
Tuesday, 5pm: land in Tokyo
It’s always a pleasure to walk the world’s longest hallway one I’ve land in Haneda. For once, immigration was a breeze. I was leaving the airport within less than 30 mins (& that included a stop at the ATM)
5:30pm: take the train to Ikebukuro station
It takes about an hour to get from Haneda to Ikebukuro. There’s one transfer. Adding a Suica card to you digital wallet is the way to go- it’s so easy to add money to it as needed!
6:40pm: check in to hotel
I stayed at Tokyo Inn for a great price! It had everything I needed for one night. I took a bit of time to settle in & freshen up after a long flight.
7:10pm: go get ramen
My favorite ramen in Tokyo is Mutekiya. ALL of their ramen is exceptional, but I’m especially obsessed with the spicy ramen. It’s a long-ish line (30-40 minutes.. not that bad for Tokyo, honestly), but SO worth it. After a long travel day, this bowl of ramen felt like a warm hug.
9:15pm: stop at Lawson
Since I had an early work meeting, I grabbed a coffee & an egg sandwich from Lawson so I could have some fuel on hand for the next day
10:30pm: finally get some sleep
Wednesday, 5:45am: wake up for a meeting
I had a 45-minute meeting, then I took some time to get ready for the day & pack up
8am: Check out of hotel & store luggage
8:30am: Don Quijote
Don Quijote is my favorite store to explore when I have a lot of time on my hands & feel like being overstimulated. Unfamiliar with Don Quijote? In summary, it’s an 8+ story department store that sells ABSOLUTELY everything.
9:15am: coffee break
Mermaid Coffee Roasters is a vibey coffee shop with a friendly staff & cool ambiance.
10am: Sunshine City
Sunshine City is a large mall that has a big Pokemon Center. I always pay a visit since Pokemon played a huge part in my childhood. It always makes me happy coming here since I always dreamed of coming to Tokyo for as long as I could remember.
11:30am: Kura Sushi
Kura is my favorite sushi chain in Japan. Is it the best sushi in Tokyo? No, but it is really good! Plus, it’s affordable! I got 13 plates for $15.
12:30pm: visit arcades, Uniqlo, and capsule machines
I have to make sure my trip to Japan officially counts… so I went to the places you can find all over Tokyo. I love walking through arcades & grabbing a couple capsule toys. It’s a classic thing here!
2pm: pick up luggage & head to the airport
3:15pm: chill at the AMEX lounge
The Centurion lounge at Haneda airport is better than any of the lounges I’ve been to in America. There’s a sushi chef, a noodle bar, and amazing cocktails.
5:15pm Board flight
24 hours in Tokyo isn’t nearly enough, but if you happen to have a layover, I recommend sticking to one neighborhood and making the most of it!
If you’re looking for an itinerary for a longer trip, I have one here!
