Why Spend a Week in Tokyo?
Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities in the world, blending modern attractions with traditional culture. Many travelers wonder “Is 7 days in Tokyo enough?” The answer is yes! With a carefully planned Tokyo itinerary for 7 days, you can cover major highlights, explore hidden neighborhoods, and take day trips to nearby destinations.
Day 1 – Central Tokyo & Shinjuku: Urban Energy
Morning – Imperial Palace & Tokyo Station
Start your trip with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a peaceful introduction to the city’s history. Tokyo Station’s red-brick Marunouchi Building is a top photo spot, while the underground shopping streets offer endless Tokyo souvenirs and Japanese snacks.
Afternoon – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of the best places to see Tokyo cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in November. A calm escape in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest district.
Evening – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building & Kabukicho
Enjoy a free Tokyo observation deck at the Government Building, then walk through Kabukicho — Tokyo’s entertainment district known for neon lights and nightlife.
Dinner – Shinjuku Izakaya or Ramen
Shinjuku is home to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) with yakitori bars, and some of the best ramen in Tokyo, perfect for your first night.
For Ramen, Ichiran is a good place to go.
Day 2 – Harajuku, Omotesandō & Shibuya: Fashion & Culture
Morning – Meiji Shrine
A must-visit for any Tokyo itinerary, this Shinto shrine is surrounded by forest and offers a traditional contrast to the city’s modern vibe.
Afternoon – Harajuku’s Takeshita Street & Omotesandō
Things to do in Harajuku include shopping for youth fashion, trying famous crepes, and browsing quirky shops. Omotesandō, often called the “Champs-Élysées of Tokyo,” is known for luxury boutiques and modern architecture.
Café Stop – Themed or Animal Café
Tokyo is famous for unique themed cafés like cat cafés, hedgehog cafés, and even anime-inspired cafés.
Evening – Shibuya Sky & Shibuya Crossing
From Shibuya Sky Observatory, you’ll get the best sunset views of Tokyo. Then experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing and visit the Hachiko Statue.
Dinner – Shibuya Izakaya or Sushi
End the night with sushi in Shibuya or casual izakaya dining, popular among locals.
Day 3 – Asakusa & Ueno: Old Tokyo
Morning – Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of the top things to do in Asakusa. Don’t miss the traditional snacks and souvenirs along Nakamise Street.
Lunch – Tempura or Soba or Street Food in Asakusa
Try tempura in Tokyo or handmade soba noodles at a family-run restaurant.
Afternoon – Ueno Park & Museums
Ueno Park is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and houses some of the best Tokyo museums, including the Tokyo National Museum.
Evening – Ameyoko Market & Akihabara Explore
Ameyoko Shopping Street for street food and bargains, then head to Akihabara for anime shops, electronics, and maid cafés.
Day 4 – Modern Tokyo: Odaiba & Tokyo Skytree
Morning – teamLab Planets or Borderless
These digital art museums in Tokyo are among the most Instagrammable attractions.
Afternoon – Odaiba
Waterfront Highlights include the life-size Gundam statue, shopping malls, and a view of Rainbow Bridge.
Evening – Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi
End the day at the Tokyo Skytree observation deck, one of the tallest towers in the world, followed by shopping and dining in Solamachi.
Day 5 – Day Trip from Tokyo to Nikko or Kamakura
Day Trip to Nikko
Nikko Highlights Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage) Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji
Kamakura From Tokyo
Kamakura Highlights Great Buddha of Kamakura Hase-dera Temple Enoshima Island with ocean views
Day 6 – Day Trip from Tokyo
Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
Hakone Highlights Relax in a hot spring (Hakone onsen), enjoy a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, and catch Mt. Fuji views.
Day Trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo
Kawagoe Highlights Nicknamed “Little Edo”, Kawagoe has preserved merchant houses, local sweets, and the romantic Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Day 7 – Relaxation & Food
Morning – Local Neighborhoods
Explore Kichijoji Inokashira Park or Togoshi Ginza shopping street to experience local life in Tokyo.
Kichijoji Inokashira Park is 20 minutes away from Shibuya, where you can enjoy the beautiful park, shopping, and food!
Togoshi Ginza has retro vibes where you can enjoy the shopping street.
Afternoon – Department Store Food Basements (Depachika)
Tokyo’s depachika are food paradises. Perfect for a Tokyo food tour, with bento boxes, sushi, and wagashi sweets.
Evening – Izakaya Hopping or Wagyu Dinner
End your 7 days in Tokyo with either a casual night of izakaya hopping or a luxurious wagyu yakiniku dinner. For Wagyu, stake, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, etc.
I love Gyukatsu (Beef Cutlet) Motomura even though you might need to wait in the line.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
- Shinjuku hotels – convenient and lively
- Shibuya hotels – trendy and central
- Asakusa/Ueno hotels – budget-friendly, traditional atmosphere
- Ginza hotels – luxury shopping and fine dining
Travel Tips for 1 Week in Tokyo
Tokyo transport
Use Suica or Pasmo IC cards; consider the Tokyo Subway Ticket for unlimited rides.
WiFi & SIM cards
Rent a pocket WiFi or buy a prepaid SIM card for easy internet access.
Best time to visit Tokyo
Spring for cherry blossoms, summer for festivals, autumn for foliage, and winter for Christmas lights.
>> Things To do in Tokyo by Season or Month
Tokyo travel tips
Carry some cash, avoid rush hour, and book popular attractions (like teamLab or Skytree tickets) in advance.
Conclusion
With this Tokyo 7-day itinerary, you’ll experience everything from historic temples to futuristic skyscrapers, local neighborhoods, and unforgettable food. Tokyo offers endless adventures — and one week is just enough to fall in love with the city.
