Tokyo has it all: ancient temples next to neon skyscrapers, fish markets alongside streets packed with technology. This 7-day itinerary takes you through the most iconic neighbourhoods and worthwhile day trips. Perfect for a first visit to Japan's incredible capital.
7Days
30+Places
5Districts
1Day trip
📅 Day by day itinerary
📍 Key stops on the itinerary
1
Arrival and first impressions: Shinjuku
Base neighbourhood · Night in Shinjuku
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Narita / Haneda AirportTake the Narita Express (N'EX) or the Keikyu from Haneda. Both reach Shinjuku in 30-80 minutes. Buy your Suica card at the airport — it works for trains, buses and convenience stores.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory360° views of Tokyo, completely free. Open until 23:00. The perfect way to get your bearings on your first evening in the city.
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Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)Dozens of tiny yakitori and ramen bars under the train tracks. A retro post-war atmosphere — ideal for your first Tokyo dinner.
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Golden GaiSix tiny alleyways with over 200 bars, each with its own unique concept. One of Tokyo's most authentic spots for a nightcap.
Buy the Suica card at the airport: it works on all trains, buses, and also for paying at konbinis (convenience stores).
2
History and culture: Asakusa and Ueno
Traditional Tokyo · 6-8 km on foot
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Senso-ji TempleTokyo's oldest temple (645 AD). Arrive before 8:00 to avoid crowds. The Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) is the must-have photo. Explore the inner gardens after the main hall.
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Nakamise Shopping Street200 metres of traditional souvenir shops in front of the temple. Try ningyo-yaki (bean paste pastries) and azuki gelato while you browse.
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Ueno ParkTokyo's largest urban park. Home to several national museums and a zoo. In spring it's the city's top hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot.
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Tokyo National MuseumThe world's largest collection of Japanese and Asian art. Don't miss the Edo-period katana swords or the Noh theatre masks.
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Ameyoko MarketStreet market beneath the JR tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations. Fresh seafood, clothes, spices and street food. Noisy and authentic.
Tokyo Skytree is a 10-minute walk from Senso-ji. Buy tickets online in advance to skip the 1-2 hour queue at the door.
3
Fashion and nature: Shibuya and Harajuku
Pop culture · The world's busiest crossing
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Meiji Jingu ShrineA forest of 700,000 trees in the heart of Tokyo. Built to honour Emperor Meiji. Enter through the great cypress torii gate and walk in silence along the forest path.
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Takeshita Street (Harajuku)Ground zero for kawaii fashion and cosplay culture. Try the rainbow cotton candy or Japanese crepes while strolling this famous 350-metre street.
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OmotesandoTokyo's answer to the Champs-Élysées: a tree-lined boulevard with flagship stores by Louis Vuitton, Prada and signature architecture. Great for a leisurely stroll.
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Shibuya CrossingThe world's busiest pedestrian crossing: up to 3,000 people cross simultaneously. Experience it at street level, then head upstairs to the Starbucks or Scramble Square for the bird's-eye view.
The best time for Shibuya Crossing is after dark when all the neon signs are lit. Climb Shibuya Scramble Square (250m) for the iconic aerial photo.
4
Tech and anime: Akihabara and Ikebukuro
Geek culture · Electronics · Anime
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Akihabara Electric TownThe otaku and electronics district. Skyscrapers full of gadgets, collectible figures, retro video games and manga stores. Don't miss Yodobashi Camera — eight floors of electronics.
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Super PotatoRetro gaming store in Akihabara. Five floors of consoles and games from the 80s and 90s. A paradise for retro gaming fans.
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Maid Café (Maidreamin or @home café)One of Tokyo's most uniquely Japanese experiences. Maids in costume serve decorated omurice dishes. A cultural experience — no pressure, just curiosity.
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Ikebukuro and Sunshine CityLarge shopping complex with an aquarium, rooftop urban zoo and a planetarium. Ikebukuro has a different, more local vibe than Shibuya.
Mandarake Complex in Akihabara has 8 floors of second-hand manga, cosplay and collectibles at reasonable prices.
5
Day trip to Kamakura: the Giant Buddha
50 min from Tokyo · Full day out
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Kotoku-in: Great Buddha of KamakuraThe 13.35-metre Daibutsu is the most iconic image outside of Tokyo. Cast in bronze in 1252, you can enter the hollow interior of the statue for ¥20.
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Hase-dera TempleTemple with a 9-metre wooden Kannon statue, zen gardens and views of the Pacific Ocean. Especially beautiful during hydrangea season in June.
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Zeniarai Benzaiten Ugafuku ShrineA hidden shrine inside a cave where, according to tradition, washing your money in the sacred spring will multiply it. Uniquely atmospheric.
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Yuigahama BeachWalk 20 minutes to the beach for sea views to end the day. In summer it's the closest surf spot to Tokyo.
Alternate between the Enoden tram (coastal tramway) and walking between stops to discover craft streets and hidden cafés tucked between temples.
6
Modern waterfront: Odaiba and Toyosu
Artificial island · Immersive art · Fish market
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teamLab Borderless / PlanetsUnprecedented immersive digital art. Book weeks ahead on their official website. Two separate spaces: Borderless (at Azabudai Hills) and Planets (in Toyosu).
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Toyosu MarketTokyo's new wholesale fish market (successor to Tsukiji). Tuna auctions at 5:30 AM with limited spots; the outer market opens at 9:00 for sushi breakfast.
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Odaiba: Rainbow BridgeTokyo's artificial island has a waterfront promenade with views of the Rainbow Bridge and a replica Statue of Liberty. Perfect at sunset.
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Yurikamome (driverless train)The automated monorail between Shinbashi and Toyosu crosses Rainbow Bridge with spectacular views. Sit at the front for the full driver's-eye experience.
The night ride on the Yurikamome over Rainbow Bridge with Tokyo lit up below is one of the most cinematic moments you'll have in the city.
7
Elegance and farewell: Ginza and Sumida
Last day · Quality shopping · Departure
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Tsukiji Outer MarketWhile the wholesale market moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji's outer market remains Tokyo's best spot for a fresh sushi breakfast and tamagoyaki (rolled omelette).
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GinzaTokyo's luxury district. Stroll Chuo-dori (car-free on weekends) past fashion boutiques, art galleries and elegant cafés. Great for high-quality souvenirs.
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Imperial Palace GardensThe outer gardens are free to enter. The Nijubashi bridge and Edo-period walls make a perfect contrast against the Marunouchi skyscrapers behind.
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Return to the airportAllow 90 minutes from central Tokyo to Narita (N'EX) or 30-45 minutes to Haneda. Check in your bags and enjoy the duty-free.
Itoya stationery store in Ginza (9 floors of Japanese paper and design) is the perfect spot for quality, unique souvenirs you won't find elsewhere.
💡 Practical tips
🚇 Transport
The Suica (or Pasmo) card works on all metro lines, JR trains and buses — and can be used to pay at convenience stores. Top it up at any ticket machine.
💴 Budget
Allow around ¥6,000-8,000 per day for food (3 meals). Ramen costs ¥800-1,200; conveyor-belt sushi is ¥100-300 per piece.
📶 Connectivity
A Japanese eSIM (e.g. Holafly) activated before you land gives you unlimited data from the moment you step off the plane. Alternative: pocket WiFi from the airport.
🏨 Accommodation
Shinjuku or Shibuya for maximum connectivity. Asakusa for a more traditional and affordable feel. Book at least 2-3 months ahead for 2025-2026 travel.
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