Solo Things to Do in Tokyo in the Morning
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Perhaps you’re a morning person, up at sunrise and ready to start the day. Maybe you’ve woken up early in the morning and can’t fall back asleep due to jet lag. Now what? While you’re already awake and traveling alone, you might decide to get out and start exploring Tokyo.
However, you might notice that many things such as shops, attractions and cafes don’t open until later in the morning. But there’s still a multitude of activities to do for early risers. If you’re up early and looking to get the most out of your day, there’s a variety of things to explore by yourself.
Japan is an incredibly safe country, especially for solo female travelers. The early morning is a quiet time to wander through the streets, especially in areas that will later be crowded with tourists.
1. Meiji Jingu – Visit the shrine and take a peaceful stroll through the tree-lined paths.
Meiji Jingu is Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine. It’s a wonderful spot showcasing Japanese culture and history. The shrine is surrounded by a large man-made forest. To reach the shrine, enter the complex via one of the three torii gates and walk through the main pathway lined with soaring trees.
Meiji Jingu opens at sunrise, making it an excellent spot to start your day. This is a fantastic place for solo travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a tranquil stroll in the early hours of the morning.
It is located right by the Shibuya and Harajuku district, making it a great spot to visit before you head over to those neighborhoods.
2. Tsukiji Outer Market – Browse the fish market and get a bite to eat.
The Tsukiji Outer Market is a lively open-air market that’s a major attraction for tourists, with dozens of stalls showcasing fresh sushi, sashimi, and grilled seafood.
This is a wonderful morning stop for solo women to sightsee and take-in the bustling atmosphere as it is a popular destination. The market has a multitude of vendors selling prepared meals and street food with a focus on local fish.
The Tsukiji Outer Market is previously home to the city’s fish wholesale market, where local shops source their fish, and where a tuna auction is held. If you’re interested in seeing the tuna auction, it has moved to the Toyosu Market.
3. Grab a coffee at one of Japan’s popular coffee chains.
Whether you’re on vacation or at work, for most people, a common way to start the morning is with a cup of coffee. While there might be a specific coffee chain or shop that you’re used to back home, why not give one of the popular Japanese coffee chains a try?
With coffee chains offering an abundance of locations, it’s likely you’ll be able to find one near your hotel. Many of these cafes also serve a light breakfast set with your beverage, such as Japanese milk bread (thick toast) with jam.
Coffee chains are also more likely to open early compared to small independent shops. Japanese coffee chains that are open earlier include: Komeda’s Coffee, Doutor, Ueshima Coffee, Saint Marc Cafe, Tully’s Coffee, and Sarutahiko coffee.
4. Catch the view from high above at a skyscraper observation deck.
A wonderful way to start the morning is through a panoramic view of the city. Take the opportunity to see Tokyo’s vast skyline from up above.
In Tokyo, there are a few different observation decks to choose from. They typically will feature tall glass windows, and a panoramic view of the bustling metropolis.
Tokyo Skytree is currently the tallest tower in Japan, at just over 2000 feet tall. Shibuya Sky is a newer attraction and features an open-air platform at the top. Another option is the Tokyo Tower, which is the orange steel tower that is a major landmark of the Tokyo skyline.
5. Senso-Ji – Explore the temple complex before the crowds arrive.
Senso-Ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple. Visiting the temple by yourself during the early hours provides an excellent opportunity to get some photos without the large crowds that typically show up later in the day. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the complex and take-in the serene atmosphere of the ancient Buddhist temple.
This is a wonderful spot to travel alone to if you are up super early. The main hall opens at 6AM from April to September, and opens at 6:30AM from October to March. The grounds are essentially open 24 hours.
Note that the surrounding shops (Nakamise Shopping Street) open later in the morning by 10AM. If you’d like to see the shops, then it’s best to coordinate your visit to with when the vendors open.
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