Tokyo Itinerary 2026
Tokyo is simultaneously the world's largest metropolitan area and one of its most navigable cities. This 7-day itinerary combines the unmissable (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa) with the off-the-beaten-path (Yanaka, Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro) and essential day trips to Nikko and Kamakura.
Tokyo Travel Guides
Day-by-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Arrival + Shinjuku
Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)
Take the Narita Express (¥3,070, 80 min) or Narita Sky Access (¥1,290, 75 min) to central Tokyo. Buy a Suica IC card at the airport — it works on all trains, buses, and at convenience stores.
Shinjuku exploration
Drop bags at your hotel and walk Golden Gai (a warren of tiny bars, each seating 5–8 people). Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free panoramic view of the city (open until 10:30pm).
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden (closes 6:30pm) + izakaya dinner
The traditional izakaya experience: small dishes, draft Asahi, and relaxed group dining. Kabukicho's Robot Restaurant (¥8,000) is touristy but genuinely spectacular for one night.
Tip: Seven-Eleven ATMs (Seven Bank) are the most reliable for foreign cards. Always carry ¥3,000–5,000 cash — many small restaurants, shrines, and temple entry fees are cash only.
Senso-ji + Akihabara + Ueno
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple (free entry). Arrive at 7–8am to see the temple in early morning light before tour groups arrive. Walk the Nakamise Dori shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Akihabara Electric Town
The electronics, anime, and manga district. Multi-floor arcades, retro game shops, and figure stores — even if you're not into anime, the visual spectacle is extraordinary.
Ueno Park + Ameya-Yokocho market
Ueno Park has 5 major museums (Tokyo National Museum is excellent, ¥1,000). Ameya-Yokocho market runs under the train tracks — cheap street food and informal yakitori bars.
Harajuku + Shibuya + Roppongi
Meiji Shrine + Yoyogi Park
The forested Shinto shrine is a remarkable oasis amid the city (free). Sunday mornings bring cosplay groups to the park entrance — best people-watching in Tokyo.
Harajuku Takeshita Street + Omotesando
Takeshita Dori is the home of Japanese street fashion subcultures. Walk 5 minutes uphill to Omotesando — Tokyo's equivalent of the Champs-Élysées, lined with flagship architect-designed stores.
Shibuya Crossing + dinner
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing is best viewed from the Scramble Square rooftop observatory (¥2,000, 230m high) or the free Starbucks terrace on the 3rd floor of the corner building. Ramen dinner in Shibuya.
Tip: The Scramble Square SKY observatory is excellent value — ¥2,000 for 360° views including Mount Fuji on clear winter mornings. Book online to skip the queue.
Day Trip: Nikko
Nikko by Tobu Limited Express (2 hours, ¥2,720 each way)
The UNESCO World Heritage shrine complex of Tosho-gu is Japan's most elaborate shrine — gold leaf, lacquer, and the famous see/hear/speak no evil monkeys. Entry ¥1,300.
Kegon Falls + Lake Chuzenji
Take a bus (40 min) up to the spectacular 97m Kegon Falls (¥570 for elevator to viewing platform). Walk the shores of Lake Chuzenji for mountain reflections.
Return to Tokyo
Dinner in Shinjuku or your neighbourhood. Many locals' favourite: yakiniku (DIY Korean BBQ) at a Shinjuku side-street restaurant.
Yanaka + Nakameguro + Daikanyama
Yanaka Old Town
Tokyo's best-preserved pre-war neighbourhood: old temples, traditional craft shops, and the famous Yanaka Ginza shopping street. Visit the large Yanaka Cemetery (yes, really — beautiful in cherry blossom season).
Nakameguro Canal
Tokyo's most instagrammable neighbourhood — cherry tree-lined canal, independent boutiques, and excellent cafes. T-Site Daikanyama bookshop is world-class.
Ebisu Garden Place
The former Sapporo Brewery redeveloped as an upscale complex. The rooftop Yebisu Beer Museum (free) and the surrounding restaurants are perfect for a relaxed evening.
Tip: Nakameguro is at its absolute peak during cherry blossom season (late March/early April) when the canal becomes a tunnel of pink blossoms. Book accommodation months in advance if you're visiting then.
Day Trip: Kamakura
Kamakura by JR Yokosuka Line (1 hour, ¥940)
The Great Buddha of Kotoku-in (¥300) is a 13.3m bronze Amida Buddha sitting in the open air since its hall was destroyed by a tsunami in 1498. Visit early to beat the school groups.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine + Komachi Dori
The main Shinto shrine is approached via a long path through two torii gates. The Komachi Dori shopping street has excellent street food — try the giant rice crackers from Kamakura Beer.
Return to Tokyo + farewell dinner
Final night dinner: omakase sushi at a counter restaurant (¥15,000–30,000) or wagyu beef at a specialist restaurant in Ginza.
Tsukiji + Depart
Tsukiji Outer Market
The famous tuna auctions moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji's outer market remains the best breakfast in Tokyo: fresh sea urchin, sushi, tamagoyaki (sweet omelette), and matcha soft serve.
Ginza + airport
Last-minute shopping in Ginza (the Itoya stationery store is exceptional). Allow 90 minutes for travel to Narita (NRT) via Narita Express from Tokyo Station.
Tip: Keep at least ¥3,500 per person for the Narita Express fare back to the airport. IC cards don't cover the full fare.
Practical Information
Spring (late March–April): cherry blossoms. Autumn (October–November): fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. Both seasons are peak — book accommodation early.
Tokyo's train network is the world's most efficient. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport (¥2,000 deposit, refundable). Google Maps gives perfect real-time routing.
¥8,000–15,000/day ($55–100). Budget possible at ¥5,000/day in hostels and convenience store meals. Splurge category: ¥20,000+/day for omakase dining and boutique hotels.
Buy the 7-day JR Pass (¥50,000) only if you're also doing a Shinkansen to Kyoto/Osaka. For Tokyo-only trips, individual IC card fares are cheaper.
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Tokyo Itinerary: FAQs
How many days should I spend in Tokyo?
7 days gives you time for the main neighbourhoods and 2 day trips. Most travellers find 5 days minimum necessary to scratch the surface. Tokyo rewards 10+ days — there's genuinely no end to what there is to see.
Is Japan expensive for tourists?
Japan is mid-range — cheaper than northern Europe or Australia, comparable to the US. Street food and convenience store meals are excellent value (¥500–800/meal). The biggest cost is accommodation during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Do I need to speak Japanese in Tokyo?
No — English signs are excellent on all trains and at major attractions. Google Translate's camera mode is invaluable for menus. Most hotel staff speak workable English. Learning "sumimasen" (excuse me) goes a long way.
What should I not miss in Tokyo?
Senso-ji at dawn, the Shibuya crossing at night, a meal at a small neighbourhood izakaya, the Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast, and at least one onsen (hot spring bath) experience.