One day on foot in Tokyo

Tokyo is so vast that one might hesitate before setting out to explore it on foot. Yet the city is surprisingly easy to navigate, thanks to its dense metro network and the lifesaving English signage. If you choose the right route, you can see a large part of the center — including some of the most famous sights — in about ten hours of walking. Endurance is essential, but the experience is guaranteed to be rewarding.

1. Start your walk early in the morning from the Asakusa district. Enjoy the morning freshness at Senso-ji Temple, with its countless traditional lanterns and the long souvenir street.

2. East of Asakusa, cross the Sumida River via the Azumabashi Bridge and you’ll find one of the city’s most unusual buildings — the headquarters of the Asahi Brewery and its mysterious golden annex, designed by Philippe Starck.

3. Ten minutes further east, in the Sumida district, rises the record-breaking Tokyo Sky Tree. The direction to the city center is the opposite, so after admiring the tower, return to the river and head south along the embankment.

4. The pedestrian walkway under the elevated highway offers a very pleasant stroll. The wide river and the lined-up houses on the opposite bank create a calm, secluded atmosphere. You’ll meet friendly joggers, retirees, and workers on break — all adding charm to the riverside walk.

5. The river continues all the way to Tokyo Bay, but it’s far away, so stop at Ryogoku, where you’ll see a canal on the right. Cross the nearby bridge and continue west along the small waterway. Here you’ll find city boats and ordinary Tokyo houses.

6. In about 15 minutes the canal leads you to Akihabara, the legendary electronics district. Browse through endless quirky shops or visit the eight-story electronics mall Yodobashi Camera. Expect a dizzying explosion of colors, gadgets, and neon signs.

7. Head south, and after about 20 minutes you’ll reach Tokyo Station, the city’s central hub. Welcome to the Marunouchi district, where architecture changes — sleek skyscrapers now rise to the west of the station.

8. Between the tall buildings, past the fountain, you’ll arrive at a vast open area that houses the Imperial Palace. You could call this the very heart of Japan’s capital. Spend some time soaking in the calm, historical atmosphere — but don’t linger too long, as there’s more walking ahead.

9. From the National Garden in front of the palace, cross the canal southward and you’ll find yourself among government buildings and Hibiya Park. It’s relatively small but beautifully designed and well worth a visit.

10. East of the Minato-ku district lies the famous luxury shopping area of Ginza. After exploring its elegant streets, look southwest toward the red Tokyo Tower — and head in that direction.

11. After about 30 minutes of walking, passing by the Mori Tower, you’ll arrive at the base of the magnificent Tokyo Tower — one of the city’s great symbols. By the time you reach the top observation deck, dusk will have fallen, offering an unforgettable view of Tokyo’s endless lights.

12. For your final leg, take a nighttime stroll through the Roppongi district westward toward the iconic curved skyscraper of Roppongi Hills. Here you’ll likely reach the limit of your endurance — and the end of a day full of exciting discoveries.

And tomorrow, are you ready to jump west to Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku?

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Next travel story in the series: A Day on Foot in Seoul.