For my 25th birthday, I came up with probably the most ridiculous way to celebrate: go to Tokyo!

...for a day. I enlisted some of my flight attendant friends to tag along, and off we went!

Sure, it was a little ambitious given that I spent more time on the plane than on the ground. But would I do it again? Absolutely.

Tokyo is without a doubt the cleanest city I've ever been to (though Seoul gives it a run for its money). Throw in its insane fashion, intriguing mix of ultramodern and overtly traditional, and population of incredibly respectful people, and this urban museum is pretty much a dream come true.

And while I wasn't able to explore quite as in-depth as I normally would when visiting a new city, I was still able to hit up many of Tokyo's highlights during my 24-hour whirlwind.

Headed to Japan and only have a day in Tokyo? Here's how to spend it:

First, visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine.

(8:30AM-10:30AM)

This was arguably my favorite thing I did in Tokyo - it was certainly the most compelling.

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine that houses the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo (for good reason!) and it absolutely should be on your agenda.

Completed in 1920, the Shrine provides a stunning respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spanning over 170 acres of land, the Shrine complex consists of a main hall, an Inner Garden, and a Treasure House. You enter beneath a grand Torii gate, before venturing through a forest of more than 100,000 trees to explore all that lies within.

While at Meiji Jingu, you can make offerings, write out wishes, and purchase an omamori (talisman). I picked up an omamori dedicated to bringing me safe travels, which I keep on my suitcase!

The shrine is a very special place; our visit left me feeling so present and clear-minded. I can't recommend visiting enough! You could easily spend much of your day here, but at minimum you need at least an hour.

Then, go shopping in Harajuku.

(10:45AM-12:45PM)

Right down the street from Meiji Jingu lies another Tokyo icon: Harajuku! The district is known around the world as an epicenter of Japanese pop culture and street style.

Many major shopping brands have real estate in Harajuku alongside locally-owned boutiques. But the street to see is Takeshita, a narrow avenue that translates as a pastel-colored dream.

On Takeshita, you can purchase extravagant desserts like ice cream waffles and rainbow cotton candy; browse shops selling the latest trends in socks, sneakers, clothing, and accessories; or simply people-watch. It's crowded and quite (read: very) touristy, but a Tokyo must!

Break for lunch.

(1:00-2:00PM)

Grab some udon noodles with mochi, hit up a ramen shop to enjoy the yummy dish where it originated, or perhaps treat yourself to one of Tokyo's 200+ Michelin-starred restaurants. The culinary options are endless in this city!

In the afternoon, hit up an animal cafe.

(2:15-3:30PM)

They're huge in Tokyo, and a unique way to spend part of your afternoon. Whether it's owls, penguins, hedgehogs, snakes, or bunnies that interest you, there's a cafe in the city where you can grab a drink and get cozy with your favorite animal.

Stock up on Japanese treats at a 7-11.

(3:45-4:00PM)

You might be thinking, 'a 7-11? Really?' But trust me on this one, the 7-11s in Japan are unlike any 7-11 I've ever been in pretty much anywhere else on earth.

The aisles are packed with fresh food (sushi, soba noodles, meats, and more), toiletries, Japanese snacks (like Pocky, green tea Kit-Kats, and rice balls), and an insane selection of alcohol, coffee, sodas, and other beverages.

You basically don't even need to hit up any restaurants while you're in Tokyo, because the 7-11s have you covered for pretty much any craving (although don't actually skip out on the restaurants.)

Peruse the aisles for a little bit, stock up on some snacks to line your suitcase with, and then head back out into the city for more adventuring!

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing.

(4:15-4:45PM)

It's like Times Square on steroids. As the largest intersection in the world, it features seven crossroads coming together at once, and certainly makes for a spectacle. When the lights turn red, the road becomes a a literal sea of people surrounded by neon marquees (and it's beautiful chaos!)

Take a few minutes to observe and soak up the energy from all the lights, pedestrians, and storefronts. Then hit the pavement yourself and become immersed in it. Don't forget to snap a pic!

Wander around Shibuya as the sun starts to set.

(4:45-6:00PM)

As we explored the area of Shibuya surrounding its namesake crossing, the first thing I thought of was Myeongdong in Seoul. But multiplied.

The bright lights and narrow, crowded streets provide the ultimate visual experience. Browse the shops, wander into the Mega Don Quijote (another Tokyo icon), or simply get lost within the corridors of neon.

Get some conveyer belt sushi for dinner.

(6:15PM-7:30PM)

Another quirky thing practically synonymous with Tokyo culture? Conveyer belt sushi! Trust me, this is an experience you cannot miss.

The spot we chose was called Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, located a few minutes' walk from Shibuya Crossing. There, you can order up to 3 items at a time from a touchscreen at your seat. As the items are prepared, they arrive in front of you on a conveyer belt! The whole experience is eclectic, a little strange, definitely kitschy, yet SO MUCH FUN. Not to mention, the food is delicious.

The menu features items like hamburger sushi and cheesy fries in addition to classic sushi rolls and nigiri. Don't forget to add a grapefruit sour or Japanese beer to top it off!

End with drinks at New York Bar.

(8:00PM)

Located on the 52nd story of the Park Hyatt in Shinjuku, New York Bar is pretty much the definition of bougie. With floor-to-ceiling windows encircling the venue, you'll feel as if you're sitting atop a sky-high throne, with all of Tokyo as your kingdom.

The bar does have a dress code (no shorts, sandals, or tank tops), and there's a ¥2,500 (~USD$22) cover charge after 7PM on Sundays and 8PM Monday-Saturday. That being said, it's oh-so classy - and completely worth it!

The bar features live jazz music into the wee hours and an extensive cocktail list. Unwind with a French 75 and reflect on your day in Tokyo, as the sprawling city glitters beneath you in a manner to give Manhattan a run for its money.

Getting into the city

Central Tokyo is located about 45 minutes-1 hour by train from Narita International Airport, and 30 minutes from Haneda. Most long-haul international flights arrive into Narita.

From Narita, you can catch the Skyliner train to Ueno Station or the Narita Express to Tokyo Station. A roundtrip Skyliner ticket plus a 24-hour subway pass can be bought at the airport for ¥5800 (~USD$52.) The Narita Express can be booked for ¥4000 roundtrip.

Getting around the city

Tokyo has an amazing public transportation system - it's clean, efficient, and very easy to use. Within individual neighborhoods (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, etc.) the city is walkable.

Things to note

Currency: Japanese Yen

Tipping culture? No

Don’t forget to pack: Good walking shoes, extra room in your suitcase for tons of snacks and souvenirs!

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How to see Tokyo in a day