Are you wondering what do to on an 8-hour layover in Tokyo? I had the same dilemma on my way home from Vietnam. I had an 8-hour layover and was trying to find ways to keep me busy. The good news is that Tokyo is one of the best cities for a long layover - any time of day or night.

 

I decided to head to the district of Ueno. I knew nothing about this district but I was worried I wouldn’t have enough time to go further into the city. Although I had an 8-hour layover, I only spent about 3-4 hours visiting Ueno (more on this later).

 

Ueno turned out to be a great choice! However, I arrived early in the morning when everything was still closed. Thankfully, as the sun rose, so did Ueno.

 

What unfolded next was a scene quintessentially Japanese. Businessmen dressed in matching black suits, black tie and white shirt headed to work. Students in blue and white uniforms walked to school. And, all the shops started to open one by one like a well-rehearsed choreography. It was amazing to experience the awakening of Ueno!

 

Read on to see what you can do during a long layover in Tokyo, more specifically in regards to Ueno. I’ll also be sharing some practical information for a layover in Tokyo.

 

 

 

HOW TO SPEND A LAYOVER IN TOKYO & FREE THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO

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1. WALK AROUND AMEYAYOKOCHO STREET (Free activity to do in Tokyo on a layover)

 

Ameyayokocho is the pedestrian street of Ueno. It’s rife with all sorts of shops, markets and restaurants. You can find anything from very expensive fresh produce (depending on the season) to bargain clothing on Ameyayokocho street.

 

Once everything started to open, the atmosphere suddenly became very lively! You’ll definitely get a feel of Tokyo just by walking around the neighbourhood of Ueno.

 

 

 

2. EAT AT AN IZAKAYA DURING A LAYOVER IN TOKYO

 

No visit to Tokyo is complete unless you eat at an izakaya. What is an izakaya? It’s a typical Japanese eatery. Ueno has plenty of izakayas to choose from. You’re bound to find one by simply walking around; just follow your nose, haha! That’s basically what I did and it turned out to be delicious.

 

The menu at the izakaya I chose was all in Japanese but it was easy to pick something to eat by looking at the photos. I chose a fixed menu which included fried chicken, fish, miso soup, rice and complimentary green tea.

 

The total bill for all that food came out to only ¥2000 (US$15 / C$20) for two people. Japan is notorious for being expensive but it was much cheaper than I expected to pay in Tokyo!

 

 Join this Ramen Tasting Tour during a long layover in Tokyo. The tour will take you to 3 different neighbourhoods to enjoy delectable award-winning ramens!

 

 

 

3. GO TO A JAPANESE GROCERY STORE (Free activity to do in Tokyo on a layover)

 

I always make sure to go to a local grocery store wherever I travel. That might sound strange but going to a grocery store is kind of like having a cultural experience. You can have fun checking out the products, interact with locals and even try some Japanese food for very little money.

 

Plus, grocery stores are the perfect place to buy some culinary souvenirs. The variety of products and the prices are guaranteed to be much better than at the airport.

 

 

4. GO TO A BOOKSTORE (Free activity to do in Tokyo on a layover)

 

Another place I like to go to when I’m traveling is a bookstore. I didn’t actually look for a bookstore to go to during my layover in Tokyo but I stumbled upon one and couldn’t resist going in. As expected, the books were all in Japanese but that only made it even more interesting.

 

You probably already know that Japan is known for its innovative designs, eccentric fashion sense and weird technological inventions. A bookstore is a great way to get a glimpse into Japanese pop culture as well as the latest design trends in Japan.

 

I ended up buying a book and two magazines on interior design at very reasonable prices.

 

 Fun fact:  Japanese literature is read from right to left and from back to front.

 

 

5. HANAMI IN UENO PARK (Free activity to do in Tokyo on a layover)

 

Hanami is described as the art of flower viewing. In Japan, Sakura flowers, commonly known as Cherry Blossoms, are all the rage during Spring. Hanami is a yearly festivity involving not only flower viewing but outdoor activities, as well. It’s a time of year cherished by millions of Japanese.

 

If you're in Japan during Springtime then do as the locals do and head to Ueno Park. With nearly 1200 cherry blossom trees, Ueno Park is the most popular place in Tokyo to take in the Hanami festivities. There’s no better way to soak in a truly Japanese tradition that only happens once a year.

 

Unfortunately, the Sakura flowers had long fallen and the trees were barren when I was in Ueno. Otherwise, participating in Hanami is an excellent way to spend a layover in Japan.

 

The Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) takes place from late March to early April in Ueno Park.

 

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR A LAYOVER IN TOKYO

 

HOW TO GET FROM NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO TOKYO

 

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Narita International Airport to anywhere in Tokyo is by train. All trains depart from Terminal 2 Station. The two operators servicing the airport are Keisei Skyliner Express and Narita Express (N’EX). Each train has its own route and services different stations.

 

The Skyliner has a direct express line to Ueno and it took about 40 minutes. It was the quickest route to get to the city which is why I had chosen to go to Ueno. A one-way ticket costs ¥2570 (US$19.80 / C$26.50).

 

N’EX is the best and quickest option if you want to get to the Tokyo Station and any stations along that line (including Shinjuku and Shibuya). A standard-class ticket costs ¥3020 (US$23 / C$31). I suggest asking if a round-trip ticket is cheaper.

 

Trains in Japan are known to be precise and on-time. In fact, employees risk getting fired if a train is even a millisecond late! To better plan your layover in Tokyo, check all fares, routes and precise duration of each ride on the Narita International Airport website.

 

Remember to factor in the time it will take to go through Immigration and Security both when leaving the airport and when coming back from Tokyo. [If you’re traveling on 2 flight tickets purchased separately, you’ll also need to register at the counter for your next flight.]

 

WHERE TO BUY TRAIN TICKETS AT THE NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 

Train tickets are sold at counters located in Terminal 1, 2 and 3 at the Narita International Aiport. You can pay by cash or credit card.

 

Buying a ticket beforehand is less stressful and can help save time. Click here to purchase a one-way ticket on the Keisei Skyliner high-speed train to get from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo in less than 40 minutes! [Note: This is only a voucher. You’ll need to go to one of the Skyliner counters at Narita Airport to exchange the voucher for a train ticket.]

 

STAYING CONNECTED DURING A LAYOVER IN TOKYO

 

There’s free Wi-Fi at the Narita International Airport but this isn’t the most convenient option if you’re planning on leaving the airport. The good news is that public Wi-Fi is available in many places in Tokyo. This will help you stay connected during your layover in Tokyo.

 

Free Wi-Fi is available at train stations and on most trains including the express lines from Narita International Airport. Also, an increasing number of coffee shops, restaurants and convenience stores offer free hotspots. Register on the Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect app to easily connect to various hotspots around Tokyo.

 

 

USING MONEY DURING A LAYOVER IN TOKYO

 

The currency in Japan is called Yen (¥). You’re probably going to need some money during your layover in Tokyo. Most ATM machines in Japanese banks don’t accept foreign debit or credit cards. The only ATM’s that accept foreign debit cards are 7 Bank found in 7-11 convenience stores and at the airport.

 

The most hassle-free option is to withdraw some money at an ATM using your debit card once you arrive at the airport. This way you won’t be left searching for an ATM in the city. [Pro tip: Always withdraw money in the local currency to get the best rate].

 

Although Japan is largely a ‘cash society’, credit cards (VISA or Mastercard) are generally accepted in most large shops and restaurants. This might not be the case in more ‘local’ places (such as an izakaya). That’s why it’s always best to have some cash.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS DURING A LAYOVER IN TOKYO, JAPAN

 

Japan offers visa-free entrance to 68 nationalities including Canadians. Check your visa status on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.

 

If your nationality requires a visa to travel to Japan then you will also require one for a layover but ONLY if you plan on leaving the airport.

 

 Do you need accommodation for an overnight layover in Tokyo? Compare best prices and availability on Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com and Hostelworld.