Only have a few hours to spare on a Tokyo transit? You can still do some serious sightseeing in this amazing city. Doc Holiday gives some tips.

My 20-year-old son and I are flying to Frankfurt through Tokyo. We arrive in Tokyo at 5.30am and will depart at 2.05pm. What can you recommend we do during this time? Is it enough time to see the city?

DOC: This transit will give you roughly 5-6 hours to explore the city depending on which airport you land at.

Haneda is closest to Tokyo — about 15km. If you land here, hop on the monorail and for about $6 you will arrive at the Hamamatsucho rail station. This is on the JR Yamanote line — the one you need to get around the city.

If you arrive into Narita airport, it’s about a 40-minute ride by high-speed train to Tokyo central station and will cost about $28.

You could then head to Harajuku to see the Meiji Shrine, which is about a 10-minute walk from the station. The grounds are lovely to explore.

media_cameraShibuya Crossing is one of the busiest crosswalks in the world. Picture: iStock

Next, either walk, take the train or a taxi to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and busiest areas. Stop at the big intersection called the Shibuya Crossing. It’s amazing to watch the throng of people cross the roads from all directions, all at the same time.

As a tip, have a look at a map of the subway system before you land so you have a rough idea of the city’s layout. It is a very fast-paced, somewhat confusing subway system and you will be glad you have a little prior understanding of its workings.

Alternatively, hop on the Keikyu/Asakusa Line train from Haneda airport and hop off at Asakusa station about 35 minutes down the track.

Here you will get a good sense of the Edo period of 1603-1868 still evident in many buildings and architecture. You will also find Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in the 7th century here, the Senso-ji Temple. There are many halls, pagodas and temples to visit, plus shopping for traditional items at some of Tokyo’s oldest stores.

media_cameraHave a look at a map of the subway system before you land.

Or, you could consider wandering around Narita city and its attractions instead. You will be there in about 15 minutes by train from the Narita airport.

The Naritasan Buddhist Temple was built in the year 940 and the grounds also feature other temples, a three-storey pagoda and a park with tranquil Koi ponds.

The Omotesando is a lively street you will walk along on the way to the temple from the station. It’s full of interesting old wooden stores selling traditional craft items, food and souvenirs.

The relaxed city of Narita has many quaint winding streets to explore and be sure while you are there to try the local delicacy of eel.