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.
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.
MANAGING 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.
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I’m the founder and creator of Life Untraveled. I quit my corporate job, sold everything I owned and have been traveling full-time since 2018. I hope to inspire you to travel differently on a budget.
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91 Responses
Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe
We’re in Tokyo for 8hrs in June so this is perfect timing to stumble across this post. Shared and saved for reference. Thank you
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Hi Lyn! So glad you found my post useful. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Pete
Very brave! I always take forever to work out Japanese trains. The subway system in Tokyo is overwhelming, and that’s just the map.
Tokyo is a bit like walking around in a science fiction movie. Always something new and interesting. Lots to look at and photograph. And hard to go past a meal in a genuine restaurant.
Yes, I’ve had the ATM problem as well. Get some money out at the airport and check the exchange rate so you have a good idea of how much the numbers mean.
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We asked at the counter for the trains and the clerk clearly told us which route to take so it was quite simple. But I can see how someone could easily get lost!
It really does feel like being part of a science fiction movie but I really didn’t get enough of Tokyo in such a short time – gotta go back!
I was really surprised that the ATM’s didn’t accept foreign cards. I guess I just assumed everything in Tokyo was way ahead of us (Westerners) but not in this case.
Nina Bosken
I had a short layover in Istanbul once and did the same thing. I just took a metro into the city center and walked around. It was cool but definitely felt like it was not enough time. I’m sure I’d feel the same way in Tokyo.
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That’s great! Istanbul is on my wish list!!
Frank Thomae
We spent a week in that area and it’s actually our favorite part of Tokyo. A 15 minute walk away is the Sensoji Temple and it’s a shame you missed that as its the most interesting temple in Tokyo. But yeah, Ueno/Asakusa a great area.
You still managed to do a lot considering you only had 8 hours between flights.
Frank (bbqboy)
Nicholas Danis Bertrand
So convenient to have a skyliner train taking you directly from the airport to Ueno.This part of Tokyo looks gorgeous.It seems like the best way to spend a long layover and get a taste of the city.Japan has been on my bucket list for a while now and this year I will finally get the chance to see it.I’ll make sure to visit Ueno!
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I think it was the fastest train I’ve ever been on! Hope you make it to Japan soon!
Nastja
Nice article! Just few days i was reading about Hanami. i didn’t even know what this is before. I would probably do the same thing with layover as you did.
Carola Bieniek
Just what I would have done – get my fill of Japanese food! 🙂
I was lucky enough to spend a week in Tokyo on a business trip a few years back. Good to hear that they have since added a train into town (or maybe I didn’t find it back then ;-)), sound much more convenient.
Happy continued travels!
C
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The train was definitely very convenient! I was so happy to try some local Japanese food. We tried to find a sushi place but strangely there weren’t any in that area. :
Mango Lady Diaries
That’s great! I am sure you had a great time out there. That’s very helpful information on what to see and where to check out during the few hours of a layover. Thanks 🙂
Judson L Moore
Super cool! I would have been terrified to leave the airport for just an 8 hour layover, but it looks like you really can make a full day of it! So beautiful and tasty.. I would love to check out Ameyayokocho Street. Japan has been on my bucket list for a long time, so hopefully when I finally get there I can make it a longer stay.. but even if not, you have inspired me to try to see as much as I can!
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Hi Judson! I guess we put all our trust in the superfast SkyTrain…..lol! I’m glad I inspired you to venture out of the airport on a long(ish) layover. Hope you make it to Japan soon!
Sandy & Vyjay
I can’t wait to have a layover in Tokyo now. You made the best use of your layover. I just loved the izakaya. Moreover, wondering in a new city can be quite amazing as well.
Pack Your Baguios
I so want to go to Japan!!! I love these layover ideas. The tip about stopping in a local grocery store is one we try to do. It’s a combo of cheap food and a cultural experience.
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Grocery stores are underrated! 😉
Travelerette
I’m glad you had a good time on your layover. Indeed, Tokyo is gorgeous during cherry blossom season, so you should definitely go then if you have the chance. But I am surprised you found anyone to take your credit card! Plastic is not widely accepted in Japan, outside of hotels.
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Hoping to see Cherry Blossom season one day! It actually took a lot of convincing for the guy a the restaurant to accept our credit card!
Laura Nalin
Super awesome that you got to do a bit of exploration during your layover. I haven’t been to Tokyo yet, but I do love Japan! I’ll stop there when I return 😀
Veronica
My first thought was … visa. And then you wrote that most nationalities don’t need a transit visa. This is so inspiring because usually it is so hard to get it (for us).
For that reason, I never considered taking a transit flight through Tokyo. Now I will!
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I’m sure there are restrictions (it doesn’t apply to all nationals) so best to look it up first.
christopher mitchell
I feel like you must have been exhausted after an 8 hour sprint in Tokyo. I’ve been to Tokyo, and I really adored it, I must say. Though, as someone who lived in Seoul, I must admit that I might be partial to the latter!
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We were exhausted even before going to Tokyo but we just couldn’t pass up a chance to visit! 🙂
I haven’t been to Seoul – now I’m curious to compare the two!
Alina Popescu
Great tips! I’ve been dreaming to go to Japan for ages! An izakaya, a trip to a book store to browse the manga (yup, total geek), and definitely some time spent in Akihabara are definitely at the top of my list. So is a convenience store and possibly, if the stars align, I can time it so that I can experience the cherry blossoms 😀
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Hi Bruce! You definitely need to get on that! 😉
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Sometimes just wondering around taking in the surroundings is better than any tourist attraction. 🙂
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Hi Ashlyn! Actually, we weren’t there during Cherry Blossom season…lol! That’s one reason I’d like to go back. Enjoy Tokyo – I’m sure you’re going to have a great time!
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You’re right……we probably would not have ventured so far if the train wasn’t so fast. Yay – another bookshop aficionado! I could spend hours in a bookshop. 🙂
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How cool that you know Ueno so well! I had never heard of it before going. Very surprising about the cash only policy. We were so grateful that guy at the izakaya accepted our credit card.
Paige Brown
So cool! I’ve not actually been to Japan. I had a 7-hour layover in Tokyo, but I was so wiped that, unlike you, I didn’t jump on the opportunity, but seeing your post makes me inspired to really get out during layovers! I could’ve seen and tasted so much!
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Oh no…..you definitely would’ve had enough time for a small taste of Tokyo! Next time! 😉
Jennifer Morrow
The food stalls and markets are amazing! You have the right idea, stay close and enjoy some great local food. I always try to visit a local grocery store to better experience the culture, away from tourists.
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Grocery stores when traveling abroad are so much fun which is strange to say because the faster I get my groceries done at home the better….lol!
Blair Villanueva
Soon I’ll be in Tokyo and I can’t wait to enjoy my vacation 🙂 They say that being in Narita alone is like being in a different city. I would love to discover more.
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Yay – enjoy Tokyo! I was mesmerized the whole time (all of 8 hours) I was there!
Adventurous Travels
It’s amazing how much you can see during a stopover – I always do that, it’s way better that staying at the airport and count down the minutes which feels like eternity… Great photos, I love those Asian markets and now I’m planning the trip to Japan so thank you 🙂
Flavio
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Getting out of the airport on a long(ish) layover is like having a mini-vacation! Asian markets are just so interesting and lively – love them also! Have fun in Japan!
Katharine O'Malley
Love the narration of your 8 hours stay. Greater news that all the places you’ve visited and shared are free, other than what you’ve paid for your meals. Extra thanks for the info of bringing cash instead of plastic money, as well. That is definitely helpful for me so I can bring enough cash to cover things such as food. The sakura trees are the main draw for me if ever I happen to go to Japan.
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Thank you! I would also love to go back to see the sakura trees – they’re just so pretty! We were very surprised that no one accepted credit cards – I didn’t expect that in such a huge metropolis!
Erica Coffman
It has been TOO long since I’ve been to Tokyo! Thanks for taking me back. Now I’m hungry and want to eat everything haha.
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haha….grab some sushi! 😉
Bhushavali
That’s cool! I’ve never had that long a layover anywhere! Its good to know that you don’t transit visa as well. The price of that ticket is high though!!! But at that time its indeed necessary when you can’t risk missing a flight!
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After having been in Vietnam where everything was inexpensive, the price of the train tickets did take us aback but it was well worth it!
Paulina On the road
If I have a layover in Tokyo I will definitely apply these. All of them really useful. I d love to travel soon to Japan!
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Would also love to go back to Japan to explore more!
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We basically just asked where the closest city center was and it turned out to be Ueno so we just took the train in that direction not knowing what to expect (if anything). So glad to meet a fellow bookshop aficionado! As a designer, I could spend hours in book shops browsing through interior design books (and picking up a few to read). I also have a university degree in translation/languages but never really worked in the field.
Natalie Tanner
I love this post! We always travel with the kids and they would find this all fascinating. I have never thought to stop in a book store, but showing the kids how a book is read differently in Japanese would be such a cool experience! Layovers are tricky and you certainly made the best use of your time! Thanks for sharing!!
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Thanks Natalie – glad you enjoyed the post and found it useful for your kids! I’m sure they would find Japanese books quite interesting. 🙂
Swati
I love ticking off few places while layover. We visited Srilanka like that. Nice to see a quieter side of the city and would love to visit book shop and Hanami for sure.
Nice to get a sneak peek of the country before planning a vacation and not wasting time at airport and money buying duty free stuff 🙂
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Love Sri Lanka!! Luckily we spent 10 days there but would’ve gladly stayed longer.
Gareth Thompson
Some really great suggestions here and even more so because they’re free! Certainly, lengthy layovers can be a pain and I’ve always found, visas permitting, that it’s much better to leave the airport and try and take in a little of the local area. I’m surprised by how you said Tokyo is quiet in the morning, I, like you, had imagined a forever buzzing metropolis but the pictures look quite pleasant. And now, with the cherry blossoms beginning to appear, it would be all the more idyllic
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Free is always a good thing! I was excited just to walk around and witness Tokyo waking up. It was quite early but we were surprised that shops opened so late especially after coming from Vietnam where everything is always ‘lit’!
James Smith
That’s good to know that they have baggage counters in the airport. I’m never sure if the airline transfers the bags through to the next flight anyway on an 8 hour layover. I guess they can be used for any hand luggage if you brought a lot of it and as a backup in case they don’t check your baggage through. You got to see a few interesting sites in the city for free on this layover, I understand why you definitely will go back!
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Our backpacks were automatically transferred to our next flight so we only had a small duffle bag but the baggage storage area is definitely handy!
travelwithtarah
I never know what to do with 8 hour layovers!! They always seem to be just long enough to want to leave the airport but just shor enough that you’re not sure what exactly to do…this seems like a great itinerary though and if I have a layover in Tokyo I will definitely be coming back to this! Also, very interesting that they read from right to left and back to front!
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I often have the same dilemma but we chose Ueno because it was close enough to the airport but still gave us a glimpse of Tokyo. Eight hours can be tricky but I think if you can get somewhere interesting quickly then it leaves plenty of time to explore. 🙂
megan_claire
Sounds like you managed to fit a lot into your layover – nice! We’re going to try and start visiting cities during layovers too – we often have more than 8 hours, though because we generally have lounge access it’s tempting to set up and bunker down, catch up on emails etc! But you’ve proved you really can experience a little bit of a city in that time. Thankyou!
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I can see how access to the lounge can be tempting….lol! Layovers are always tricky especially if they’re overnight but if you have a long(ish) layover during the day and there’s something to see close by then it’s definitely worth it. We also visited London and Amsterdam on 8-hour (or so) layovers without spending much money (we didn’t visit any tourist attractions).
Jean Bean
Tokyo is one of my favourite cities in the world. I’m glad you got to get out of the airport, which is rather bland, and explore the city. Such great low cost options for the budget conscious traveller. I love the idea of visiting the bookshops. They can be so much fun. The city can be expensive if you stay in hotels and eat out a lot.
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Hi Jean! The layover gave us an idea of Japan and we’d love to explore more but I know it can be very expensive traveling there so I’m hesitant to go. :
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You’re very welcome – glad you found it useful! I regularly go to bookshops just to browse so when I travel I enjoy doing the same thing. 🙂
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We were getting a little desperate and we actually begged the host to accept our credit card….lol! I’m grateful each time I travel that my passport allows me to travel worry-free. 🙂
Sophie
It is just like a mini vacation! Haha! I have been to Tokyo, and I must say that it is place worth staying for more than a week! the food is amazing! but visiting all these places in 8 hours remarkable! I would also like to tell you that . I have not traveled to 35 countries across 5 continents but I know how to whistle. Hahah! 😀 Love.Laugh :*
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I’m sure I could stay in Tokyo for weeks on end just wandering around gawky-eyed at everything! Hahaha…..funny girl! 😉
Ashley @ My Wanderlusty Life
I love when people can make the most of even short layovers! So much better than spending 8 hours in the airport! And I love that you got to explore a lesser-known area of Tokyo that many people never see. I had no idea they read backwards (from us) in Japan either!
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Eight hours was plenty of time to explore a bit of Tokyo and it was well worth it! I was also fascinated by the fact that Japanese literature is read completely different from us. 🙂
Eulanda & Omo
What fantastic tips! We’ve been saving articles for when we begin our Japan plans, so this is definitely being saved/pinned away for later! Thanks!
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So happy I could help with your Japan travel plans! Have a wonderful time in this fascinating country!
Mags
I had a 9 hour layover in Tokyo recently, but yours looks more successful. I didn’t take your train advice and ended up with $250 cab ride back to the airport. Where was this post a few months ago?! lol
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Oh no!!! And I thought the train was expensive….lol!!
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Our backpacks were checked and automatically transferred to our next flight so we didn’t need to use the luggage storage area but it really is a practical option.
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I hope we make it to Japan one day to explore the whole country not just a small piece of Tokyo. We had just spent 3 weeks in Vietnam and the differences were astonishing including the cleanliness!
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Exactly – it’s like a mini-vacation!
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Our layover was just a teaser but I would love to visit Japan! I’ve heard really good things about Kyoto – enjoy!
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We were really surprised also that they didn’t accept credit cards anywhere (not even at the grocery store). We thought the technological capital of the world would be more user-friendly….lol! Thanks for the ‘free comment’ – much appreciated! 🙂
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We really just wanted to walk around and see the city instead of visiting tourist attractions and it turned out great!
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Thanks! Hope you make it to Tokyo one day! We only really saw a snippet of the city but it was enough to make us want to go back.
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I wish I would’ve seen more but from what I saw I would love to go back!
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We really enjoyed it! I don’t mind layovers that give me just enough time to get a feel of a city, I just wish it was during sakura season. :
Joseph Humphreys
Nice! You really packed in a lot here, and made the most of a layover time that is sort of an awkward in-between sort of time, namely not very long, but not very short too. And all for free too! Impressive work 🙂
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Thanks! I actually had a hard time choosing a title for my blog post – is 8 hours a short or long layover?? lol
Nonetheless, it was plenty of time to just wander around taking in the city.
Indrani
Layovers in middle east is commonly talked about but in Tokyo is new to me. I think it is good thing too. Wonderful opportunity to explore around. I mean simply wandering around for free in that expensive city!!! Loved your experience.
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I was really excited to get a chance to visit Tokyo even if for only a few hours!
Coleman Concierge
We were just in Narita on our way to Thailand last December and were wondering exactly this. How would we spend a layover in Tokyo. They had to bump our flights to a different airline and we were going to spend 12 hours in Japan. I was excited. My daughter is a big Nippofile so she would have loved the pictures. At the last minute, they “fixed” our connection and we were able to book through with only a brief layover. Our bullet train tour through Tokyo will have to wait till next time. Thanks for putting this list together. It will come in handy then.
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I hope you get to experience just a small taste of Tokyo on another layover – it’s such a fascinating city! 🙂
The Adventure Ahead
I love the way you made the most of your layover, and really got a chance to experience a bit of the area. We are terrible for staying in the airport during layovers – this has given us the inspiration to venture out. Thanks for sharing your story!
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Any time I have an extended amount of time on a layover I like to step out of the airport and the few hours we had in Tokyo were perfect!
Noel Morata
Awesome post, I love Ueno and the park there, I also love the outdoor farmers/flea market which is a perfect way to enjoy the local foods grown and prepared for sale in those little food booths
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Ueno was quite a pleasant surprise! I was happy to have randomly chosen this area. 🙂