36 Hours in Tokyo: Asakusa Itinerary (Eat, Stay & Shop)

Thirty-six hours in Tokyo sounds almost impossible to do well. Our approach was to stop trying to cover the whole city and pick one neighborhood: Asakusa. One base, one temple within walking distance, and all the time we had packed into that small area. It worked.

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First Stop: Luggage Storage at the Airport

Before heading into the city, we went to the JAL ABC counter in Terminal 1 to store both of our large check-in bags. The cost was 2,400 yen total (about $17 USD) to hold both bags for two days.

This is worth doing every time. Dragging full-size luggage through the Tokyo subway system is genuinely miserable and the storage fee is almost nothing. Drop your bags and move free.

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The Hotel: Steps from Senso-ji

We booked a compact room in Asakusa with one defining feature: the lobby looks directly out at the entrance to Senso-ji Temple. For a one-night stay, location does not get better than this.

The room was the right size for what we needed: a Nespresso machine, a large TV, and a bathroom that was more spacious than expected for a Tokyo hotel. No complaints.

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Day 1

Sushi and Matcha

Our first proper meal had to be sushi. We found a local spot and ordered tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Simple and exactly right after a long travel day.

Right after, we grabbed a matcha latte. The difference from what we are used to at home (we use Kirkland matcha) is significant. The matcha in Japan is subtle, fresh, and milky without being sweet. They also served it over perfectly clear ice cubes, which is a small detail that somehow makes everything taste better.

Tea Ceremony at MAIKOYA Tokyo

We spent the afternoon at MAIKOYA Tokyo doing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and sweet-making experience. We filmed a dedicated video for this experience, so check that out on the channel separately for the full breakdown.

Dinner: Top 100 Tokyo Ramen

For dinner, we found a ramen shop that is officially listed among the Best 100 Tokyo Ramen spots. There was no line when we arrived, which made us briefly skeptical. It turned out to be one of the best bowls of ramen we have had anywhere.

We ordered the soy sauce flavor, which is their recommendation. It comes loaded with meat and eggs.

One ordering note: Get the thin noodles, not the thick ones. The thick noodles will leave you completely stuffed and you still have a late-night shopping trip ahead of you.

Late-Night Shopping

Around 10:15 PM we went out to do a proper drugstore and Don Quijote haul. We spent about $110. The prices compared to the US are genuinely different: a three-pack of socks cost about $8, which barely covers one pair back home.

We picked up Japanese Kit Kats, Kopiko coffee candy, and some makeup products. Budget accordingly because it is very easy to spend more than you plan to.

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Day 2

Senso-ji Temple at 9 AM

We walked over to Senso-ji at 9:00 AM. There were already people there but the crowd was still manageable. By midday it gets significantly busier, so morning is the right call.

We checked out the massive 2,500 kg lantern statue at the entrance and grabbed a strawberry mochi from a vendor nearby. The mochi is a good morning snack if you want something light before the main event of the day.

Lunch: Gyukatsu (Beef Cutlet)

This was the best thing we ate during the entire trip.

The famous gyukatsu restaurant right in front of our hotel always has a long line. We lined up 45 minutes before they opened at 11:30 AM. By the time the doors opened, the line behind us was significant.

The beef cutlet literally melts in your mouth. They serve it with a mix of white rice and barley rice, and free rice refills are available. It is the kind of dish that you keep talking about after you leave.

The practical tip: Line up at least 30 minutes before opening. Going any later means a very long wait and potentially losing the rest of your afternoon standing outside.

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What to Know for a 36-Hour Asakusa Trip

• Store your luggage at the airport JAL ABC counter before heading in. 2,400 yen for two days.
• Stay in Asakusa if you want Senso-ji within walking distance and easy subway access to other parts of the city.
• Eat ramen for dinner and order the soy sauce flavor with thin noodles.
• Do your shopping late at night. Stores are open late and it is less crowded than daytime.
• Line up early for gyukatsu. 30 to 45 minutes before opening is not an exaggeration.
• Leave time for the airport. The domestic snack selection before international departures is excellent. Budget extra time at the gate to shop.

Thirty-six hours is short, but one focused neighborhood with good food and a clear plan makes it completely worthwhile.