Planning a week in Tokyo? Whether it’s your first time or you’re making a return visit, Tokyo is a place that never runs out of surprises. From serene temples to neon-lit districts, ancient traditions to futuristic tech, every corner of the city tells a story. If you’re wondering how to spend 7 days in Tokyo, this itinerary will help you experience the best of what the city has to offer — blending major landmarks, offbeat gems, delicious eats, and a dash of adventure.
Let’s dive into your perfect 7-day Tokyo travel plan.
Day 1: Arrival + Asakusa & Ueno – A Taste of Old Tokyo
Morning:
Welcome to Tokyo! After landing and checking in (staying somewhere central like Shinjuku or Shibuya makes exploring easier), kick off your journey in Asakusa. This historic neighborhood is home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved temple. Just outside the temple gates, Nakamise Street buzzes with energy — it’s the perfect spot to nibble on freshly grilled rice crackers or pick up a lucky charm.
Afternoon:
Next, make your way to nearby Ueno Park. It’s more than just green space — the park is home to museums, a zoo, and peaceful ponds where locals and tourists alike take slow, reflective strolls. If you’re a fan of culture and history, you’ll love the Tokyo National Museum or the Museum of Nature and Science.
Evening:
When hunger strikes, head to Ameya-Yokocho Market, a post-war shopping street turned foodie hotspot. Think yakitori skewers, gyoza, and endless bowls of ramen. If you’re up for it, wind down your evening with a relaxing soak at Ueno Sakura Onsen.
Local Tip: Grab a Suica or Pasmo card early. It’ll save you a lot of time (and coins) on Tokyo’s train and subway systems.
Day 2: Shibuya & Harajuku – Tokyo’s Youthful Energy
Morning:
Start at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross from all directions in perfect chaos. For a bird’s-eye view, head to Shibuya Scramble Square’s observation deck. Just nearby, pay a visit to the Hachiko Statue, a touching tribute to loyalty and one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
Afternoon:
Take a short walk to Harajuku, the hub of Tokyo’s wildest fashion trends. Takeshita Street is loud, colorful, and completely captivating — crepes, candy-colored clothes, and quirky accessories await. Don’t miss Omotesando, Harajuku’s polished cousin, where high-end fashion and slick cafes rule the scene.
Round it off with a peaceful detour into Meiji Shrine, tucked inside a lush forest that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the world’s most populous city.
Evening:
Wrap up your day with dinner back in Shibuya or Harajuku — sushi, ramen, or yakitori, take your pick. If you’re up for a nightcap, check out Nonbei Yokocho, a charming alleyway filled with tiny, atmospheric bars.
Day 3: Shinjuku – City Views, Green Escapes & Nightlife
Morning:
Start the day slow with a stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This sprawling park is home to traditional Japanese, English, and French gardens. Settle down at the tea house with a warm cup of matcha and seasonal sweets.
Afternoon:
Just around the corner is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It offers free observation decks where, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji peeking in the distance. Shinjuku is also great for shopping — from electronics in Yodobashi Camera to luxury goods at Isetan, there’s something for every budget.
Evening:
As night falls, head to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for yakitori under glowing lanterns. Then, if you’re feeling bold, step into Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district. For something uniquely Tokyo, grab a ticket to the Robot Restaurant (equal parts bonkers and brilliant).
End your night in Golden Gai, a maze of microbars each with its own personality. Some host live jazz; others are plastered with vintage movie posters. All are unforgettable.
Day 4: Akihabara & Ikebukuro – For the Anime, Games & Tech Lovers
Morning:
Get ready to geek out in Akihabara, Tokyo’s mecca for anime, manga, and all things electronic. Pop into shops like Animate, Super Potato, or Don Quijote for souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. Want the full experience? Book a table at a maid café or themed spot like Pokémon Café.
Afternoon:
Take the train to Ikebukuro, where you’ll find Sunshine City, a massive shopping and entertainment complex. Explore Namja Town, indulge at Gyoza Stadium, and don’t miss the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo. Nearby Otome Road is packed with shops focused on women’s manga and cosplay culture.
Evening:
Grab dinner at Ikebukuro Yokocho, a stylish food hall serving everything from tonkatsu to izakaya classics. If you’ve got energy left, squeeze in a visit to teamLab Planets in Toyosu — an immersive digital art space that will leave you wide-eyed (make sure to book in advance!).
Day 5: Day Trip – Choose Your Escape
Option 1: Mt. Takao (for nature lovers)
Just an hour from Tokyo, Mt. Takao offers scenic hiking trails, a peaceful temple (Yakuo-in), and panoramic views from the summit. Ride the cable car for a fun ascent, and don’t leave without trying the soba noodles — it’s a local specialty.
Option 2: Yokohama (for coastal vibes)
Hop down to Yokohama, Tokyo’s neighbor by the bay. Explore the trendy Minato Mirai district, visit the interactive Cup Noodles Museum, and browse the Red Brick Warehouse. Then head to Chinatown — Japan’s largest — for dim sum, bubble tea, and Chinese street food.
Return to Tokyo in the evening and rest up for your final days.
Day 6: Odaiba & Ginza – Futuristic Fun and Luxe Vibes
Morning:
Take the scenic route across Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, a man-made island full of futuristic attractions. See the towering Gundam statue at DiverCity, experiment with robots and space tech at Miraikan, and step into a digital dreamworld at teamLab Borderless (set to reopen in 2024).
Afternoon:
Jump back into the city and land in Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury playground. From designer boutiques to flagship stores like UNIQLO Ginza, this area is a shopper’s paradise. Even if you’re not buying, the architecture alone is worth a stroll.
Evening:
Treat yourself to a splurge-worthy dinner — maybe a Michelin-starred sushi spot or a sleek modern izakaya. After dinner, catch a traditional performance at Kabuki-za Theatre or sip cocktails with a view from one of Ginza’s rooftop lounges.
Day 7: Tsukiji Market & Tokyo Tower – A Grand Finale
Morning:
Start your last day in the lively Tsukiji Outer Market. It’s the ultimate breakfast destination: sushi, grilled scallops, fresh oysters, tamagoyaki, and more. You can also pick up high-quality Japanese kitchenware, from ceramic bowls to professional-grade knives.
Afternoon:
Take a peaceful walk to Zojoji Temple, an impressive Buddhist temple set against the backdrop of Tokyo Tower. Head up the tower for a sweeping view of the city — timing it around sunset adds a touch of magic.
Evening:
For your final dinner, head to Ebisu or Roppongi — both areas are brimming with laid-back yet classy restaurants and cozy bars. If you’re not quite ready to end your Tokyo adventure, take a serene evening cruise down the Sumida River or unwind in an onsen one last time.
Final Thoughts: One Week in Tokyo is Just the Beginning
Seven days in Tokyo will fly by faster than you think. The city is endlessly fascinating — a place where every district feels like a new world and every season brings a fresh perspective. This itinerary gives you a well-rounded intro to Tokyo, but truthfully, you could spend months here and still not see it all.
Use this guide as a launchpad for your own Tokyo adventure. Follow your curiosity, talk to locals, take detours — Tokyo has a way of rewarding those who wander. One thing’s for sure: once you’ve been, you’ll be dreaming of your return before you’ve even boarded your flight home.
Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days
Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days isn’t just a checklist—it’s chaos, color, and culture all smashed into one city that never really lets you catch your breath (in the best way possible). I spent a week getting wonderfully lost here, and lemme tell ya—between vending machines that sell used socks (yep, that’s a thing) and temples hiding behind skyscrapers, it was sensory overload in the most delicious way. This Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days guide is basically my diary—minus the jet lag and “I lost my Suica card again” meltdowns.
You ready? Let’s get weird in Tokyo.
Day 1: Arrive + Explore Shibuya
Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days has to start in Shibuya. You know that iconic scramble crossing? Yeah, it’s just as bonkers as you think—like a human shoal. I stood there, jet-lagged, ramen-drunk, and totally stunned. True story: I tried to film a TikTok mid-crossing and nearly face-planted into a guy in a Pikachu suit handing out coupons. Pro tip? Hit the Starbucks upstairs to people-watch with a matcha latte. Welcome to Tokyo, baby.
Day 2: Culture Vibes in Asakusa
Rise ‘n shine—it’s time to get spiritual (and snacky) in Asakusa. The Sensō-ji Temple is a giant red stunner where locals and tourists all light incense and pray for… IDK, better Wi-Fi? The shopping street leading to it—Nakamise—is where I got suckered into buying cat-shaped mochi that looked cute but tasted like sugary sadness. Still worth it. Local tip: go early before the tour groups swarm in like hungry pigeons.
Day 3: Go Full Weeb in Akihabara
So, Akihabara. Picture Times Square, but replace billboards with anime girls and jazz up the caffeine with vending machine espresso in cans. My inner nerd nearly short-circuited. I dropped too much yen on vintage Game Boys and a Goku figurine I absolutely didn’t need. But the real chaos? Maid cafes. Yup—I paid 2,000 yen to be called “master” by someone in cat ears while sipping a latte with a smiley face in foam. No regrets. None.
Day 4: Chill Day in Harajuku
Okay, by Day 4 of your Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days, you need to breathe. Harajuku is the spot. I wandered down Takeshita Street munching on rainbow cotton candy the size of my head. Yes, it’s aggressively Gen Z, but so fun. Then I stumbled into Meiji Shrine—suddenly silent, shaded, and zen AF. Contrast, right? Local tip: hit up Ura-Harajuku for cooler, quieter streets where the fashion isn’t trying so hard.
Day 5: Day Trip to Odaiba
Odaiba is like Tokyo’s shiny, artificial cousin with better ocean views. Take the Yurikamome line over the Rainbow Bridge—it’s a driverless monorail and feels like you’re floating through Blade Runner. There’s a life-size Gundam statue that does a full transformation show. I watched it twice. Alone. Crying a little. Then I hit up Oedo Onsen Monogatari, which is like a hot spring theme park. Local slang? “Saiko” = Awesome. You’ll say it a lot here.
Day 6: Wander Old-School Yanaka
You didn’t think Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days was all neon and robots, right? Yanaka is where Tokyo gets all nostalgic—cats, cobblestones, and quiet. I sipped coffee in a 100-year-old house-turned-café and wandered through old temples like I was in a Ghibli movie. I met an old man selling hand-painted fans who told me he’s lived there for 70 years. We didn’t speak the same language, but he smiled and gave me a tiny origami crane. Instant core memory.
Day 7: Goodbye Feels in Shinjuku
Last day. Cue the drama. Shinjuku is like Tokyo condensed into one overcaffeinated neighborhood. I started at Shinjuku Gyoen—the park is pure magic, especially in December when the leaves are all fire-orange and moody. Then, nighttime: golden hour hits and boom—Omoide Yokocho, the tiny alley packed with yakitori bars and red lanterns. I got lost. Again. Ate too much. Again. And felt like I was leaving a fever dream I didn’t want to wake up from.
Bonus: Late-Night Rant About Convenience Stores in Tokyo
I can’t end this Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days thing without a love letter to konbini—7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart… I worship at their fluorescent-lit altars. Midnight hunger? Boom: spicy karaage chicken. Forgot socks? They got you. Want to print a PDF, pay a bill, and get an ice cream while crying about your budget? Yup. All in one trip. I swear, Tokyo konbini culture is a lifestyle, not a pit stop.
Final Thoughts on This Tokyo Fever Dream
So yeah, that’s my Tokyo Itinerary 7 Days—messy, magical, and mildly caffeinated. I didn’t even touch Tokyo Disney, teamLab Planets, or the underground sake bars because this city? It’s bottomless. Every train ride leads to a new side quest, and every corner is either a robot or a 400-year-old shrine. Pack light. Walk fast. Don’t plan too hard. Just get lost. Tokyo’s got you.
