Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodBean & Folio
wants to eat breakfast at fmd_goodHole in One
wants to go to fmd_goodNature Park
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
Hi, really need to find out if nakamise shopping street at sensi ji temple and takeshita Street at harajuku open for biz on 1 jan 2024? Many thanks
honestly most of nakamise dori will be open on new year's day, sensoji gets absolutely packed for hatsumode so the stalls know they'll make bank. the main shops directly on the street should be open from like 10am but some of the smaller side ones might not open until later or take the day off entirely
takeshita street is a different story though, a lot of those stores are independent and many close for new years. you'll prob find some crepe stands and bigger chain places open but don't count on everything being there. if you're set on harajuku maybe check omotesando instead, more of the bigger stores stay open on jan 1st
also heads up the trains run on a holiday schedule so check the times, last trains come earlier than usual
nakamise will be open on new year's day, it's one of their busiest days actually. sensoji gets insane crowds for hatsumode so the whole street is packed by mid-morning. takeshita street is a bit more complicated, most of the big shops like daiso and wego will be open but some smaller boutiques might close for the holiday. i'd aim to get to both before 10am if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, especially around sensoji where the queue for the main hall can stretch way down the street.
tbh both spots are a mixed bag on jan 1st but for different reasons. nakamise tends to have more stalls open because sensoji is swamped with people doing hatsumode, the temple grounds themselves will be open all day but some of the smaller souvenir shops might not bother. takeshita street is really a gamble, i've seen years where half the street is shuttered and other years where it's business as usual by noon
if you're flexible with timing, late afternoon is usually better for harajuku since the shops that do open tend to start later. for sensoji, go early if you want to see the crowds and get food, but expect it to be shoulder to shoulder by 11am. also worth noting that a lot of the food stalls near nakamise run out of stuff by early afternoon so grab something when you see it
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.