DW and I will have a 12 hour layover at the Tokyo Haneda Airport. We’ll be arriving at 9:45 a.m. on a Friday and departing at 9:45 p.m. that night. Neither of us has been to Japan before and look forward to the opportunity to make the most of the day. Fortunately, we’ll be arriving on a short flight from within the same time zone so we won’t be suffering from jet lag. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
I would suggest looking for advice in the Japan travel forum on Tripadvisor. Even though I was just in Tokyo for four days this summer, I’m not sure what to suggest that you do in the short amount of time you’re there. Tripadvisor has some great information!
Was just in Tokyo this summer. At least Haneda is closer to the city than Narita. If you were flying to/from Narita you wouldn’t have much time to do anything since the airport is well outside the city. Unfortunately your timing will not allow you to see the fish market (we missed it too as it as closed when we were there). See if there are any shrines/temples you can get to easily by train from Haneda. And get some good fresh sushi!!
Probably just time to visit one place in Tokyo. Perhaps take the subway to Ueno Park – there are museums there, including the Tokyo National Museum, and it is a beautiful well known large park. Or if you want lots of little shops, go to Asakusa for a few hours – there is a temple there, and long rows of outdoor booths selling all sorts of things. Last time we were there, it was VERY crowded, so be prepared for that. Or, again, if you like shopping, take a subway or cab to the Ginza district and go into one of the famous department stores. I find the big department stores in Japan to be fascinating. They have whole floors full of Japanese food. And There is usually a floor that has some traditional Japanese things for sale – pottery, paintings, chopsticks, chopstick holders, tea sets, etc. Or maybe just arrange for a short personal tour (several hours) of Tokyo – this would be expensive, but you could get someone to pick you up at the airport and drive you around to a few highlights and a good place to eat – looks like you could book something like that on the internet. Or the company Viator seems to have a few half day tours that are inexpensive.
The Meiji shrine is a peaceful site in a park, and a pleasant place to wander. Adjacent is the Harajuku area, if you are there on a weekend to observe the crazy dressed up antics of Tokyo teens. Agree with the advice to look go to a department store. The basement food areas can be great fun, as well as the traditional areas. Go into a paper store if you find one. Most importantly, just wander and observe. The care taken with design is rather incredible.