Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation like nowhere else on earth. This comprehensive 7 days Tokyo itinerary will guide you through the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips to make the most of your time in one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
As a first-time visitor to Tokyo, navigating this big city might seem overwhelming, but with proper planning, you’ll discover a city that’s surprisingly accessible.
7 Days Tokyo Itinerary Overview: Your Week at a Glance
Before diving into the day-by-day breakdown, here’s a quick overview of our 7 days Tokyo itinerary:
- Day 1: Shinjuku and Shibuya – Urban Tokyo at its finest
- Day 2: Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park – Culture and youth fashion
- Day 3: Asakusa, Ueno Park, and Akihabara – Traditional and modern Japan
- Day 4: Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza – History and luxury
- Day 5: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi – Fish market and city views
- Day 6: Day trip to Kamakura or Nikko – Ancient temples and natural beauty
- Day 7: Odaiba and Tokyo DisneySea – Entertainment and shopping
Day 1: Shinjuku and Shibuya – The Heart of Tokyo
Morning: Shinjuku
Begin your 7 days Tokyo adventure in Shinjuku, one of the city’s most dynamic districts. Start at Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway station with over 3.5 million passengers daily. Don’t worry about getting lost—the station has excellent signage in English.
Head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. On clear days, you might even spot Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Next, explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful oasis amid the urban landscape. This expansive park features Japanese, English, and French garden styles and is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn (November).
Afternoon: Shinjuku Shopping and Entertainment
After lunch, dive into Shinjuku’s shopping scene. Visit department stores like Isetan and Takashimaya or explore electronics shops in the lively east side.
As evening approaches, head to Golden Gai, a network of narrow alleys housing over 200 tiny bars and eateries, each with its own unique character. Nearby, Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), also known as “Piss Alley” (though much cleaner than its nickname suggests), offers delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other Japanese street food in an atmospheric setting.
Evening: Shibuya
Take a short train ride to Shibuya to experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. The sea of people crossing from all directions when the lights change is a quintessential Tokyo experience.
Don’t miss the Hachiko Statue, commemorating the loyal dog who waited for his deceased owner at Shibuya Station for years. For shopping enthusiasts, explore the countless stores along Center Gai and Koen Dori.
Day 2: Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park
Morning: Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
Start your second day of this 7 days Tokyo itinerary with a visit to Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk through the towering torii gates and tranquil forest to reach the main shrine buildings. If you’re lucky, you might witness a traditional Japanese wedding.
Adjacent to the shrine is Yoyogi Park, a favorite weekend hangout for Tokyoites. The park offers wide lawns perfect for picnicking and people-watching. Street performers and cosplayers often gather here, especially on Sundays.
Afternoon: Harajuku
After a peaceful morning, dive into the colorful chaos of Harajuku, Tokyo’s youth fashion district. Takeshita Street is the center of action, lined with trendy boutiques, crepe stands, and quirky cafes. The street food here is both photogenic and delicious—try the rainbow cotton candy or a Japanese crepe filled with ice cream and fresh fruit.
Beyond Takeshita Street, explore the more upscale Omotesando Avenue, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, featuring international designer brands in stunning architectural buildings.
Evening: Cat Street and Shibuya Sky
Wander down Cat Street, a pedestrian pathway connecting Harajuku and Shibuya, lined with hip boutiques and cafes. End your day at Shibuya Sky, the observation deck atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building, offering spectacular night views of the city and the famous crossing illuminated below.
Day 3: Asakusa, Ueno Park, and Akihabara
Morning: Asakusa
Begin the third day of your 7 days Tokyo itinerary at Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. Enter through the impressive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, a 250-meter stretch of over 50 shops selling traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
At the end of the shopping street stands the majestic Senso-ji Temple with its distinctive five-story pagoda. After exploring the temple grounds, take a stroll along the nearby Sumida River for views of the Tokyo Skytree.
Afternoon: Ueno Park
Take the subway to Ueno Park, Tokyo’s most popular public park and home to several museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. The park is also home to Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoological garden.
Ueno Park is a favorite spot for viewing cherry blossoms in spring, but it’s worth visiting year-round for its cultural institutions and peaceful walking paths. Don’t miss Shinobazu Pond, with its beautiful lotus flowers in summer.
Evening: Akihabara
As darkness falls, head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous electronics district and center of anime and manga culture. Explore multi-floor electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera, or dive into the world of Japanese pop culture at numerous anime shops and maid cafes.
Akihabara truly comes alive at night when neon signs illuminate the streets, creating a cyberpunk atmosphere straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Day 4: Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, and Ginza
Morning: Imperial Palace and Gardens
For the fourth day of your 7 days Tokyo itinerary, begin at the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of Japan’s Emperor. While the palace buildings are generally closed to the public (except on special occasions), the East Gardens are open year-round and free to visit. Explore the meticulously maintained gardens, stone walls, and guardhouses that offer glimpses into Japan’s imperial past.
Afternoon: Tokyo Station and Marunouchi
Make your way to the historic Tokyo Station, a beautifully restored red-brick building that celebrated its centennial in 2014. The station’s Marunouchi side is an architectural masterpiece worth admiring.
Inside the station, explore Tokyo Station City with its “Kitchen Street” and “Character Street,” featuring shops dedicated to popular Japanese characters like Pokémon and Hello Kitty. Don’t forget to try Tokyo Station’s famous ramen at the “Ramen Street” in the basement.
Afterward, walk through the prestigious Marunouchi business district with its wide boulevards lined with modern skyscrapers housing upscale shops and restaurants.
Evening: Ginza
Spend your evening in Ginza, Tokyo’s most luxurious shopping district. The main boulevard becomes pedestrian-only on weekends, creating a pleasant atmosphere for window shopping. Visit the striking Ginza Wako building with its iconic clock tower, a symbol of the district since 1932.
For a unique Japanese department store experience, explore Mitsukoshi or Matsuya. Their basement food halls (depachika) offer an astounding variety of gourmet foods and confections—perfect for picking up edible souvenirs.
Day 5: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Tower, and Roppongi
Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market
Day 5 of your 7 days Tokyo itinerary takes you to food heaven. Although the famous Tsukiji wholesale fish market has relocated to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a food lover’s paradise. Arrive hungry and sample fresh seafood, from sushi to grilled scallops. The market is also great for purchasing Japanese cooking tools, dried goods, and tea.
Afternoon: Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple
Head to Tokyo Tower, Japan’s iconic red and white communications tower inspired by the Eiffel Tower but slightly taller. The main deck at 150 meters offers excellent city views, while the top deck at 250 meters provides an even more spectacular panorama.
Next to Tokyo Tower stands Zojoji Temple, a 14th-century Buddhist temple that creates a striking contrast between the ancient and modern. The temple grounds house the mausoleum of the Tokugawa family, who ruled Japan during the Edo period.
Evening: Roppongi
Spend your evening in Roppongi, known for its vibrant nightlife and art scene. Visit Roppongi Hills or Tokyo Midtown, two modern complexes offering shopping, dining, and entertainment. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Mori Art Museum at the top of Mori Tower, which stays open until late and combines contemporary art with city views from the Sky Deck.
Day 6: Day Trip from Tokyo
Option 1: Kamakura
For the sixth day of your 7 days Tokyo itinerary, take a day trip to Kamakura, often called “Little Kyoto,” located about an hour south of Tokyo. This coastal city was Japan’s first feudal capital and is home to numerous temples and the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a bronze statue standing 13.35 meters tall.
Don’t miss Hase-dera Temple with its beautiful gardens and the bustling Komachi-dori Shopping Street for local crafts and street food. If time permits, hike the Daibutsu hiking trail that connects some of the major temples through forested hills.
Option 2: Nikko
Alternatively, venture to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site about two hours north of Tokyo. The elaborately decorated Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shrine complex features over a dozen buildings set among ancient cedar trees, including the famous “See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil” monkey carvings.
Nearby, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls offer natural beauty, especially during autumn when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold.
Day 7: Odaiba and Tokyo DisneySea
Morning and Afternoon: Odaiba
On the final day of your 7 days Tokyo itinerary, visit Odaiba, a futuristic entertainment district built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Reach it by taking the automated Yurikamome Line, which offers great views as it crosses Rainbow Bridge.
Explore TeamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum that has become one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions. Next, visit the distinctive Fuji TV Building with its observatory deck, or enjoy shopping at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, home to a life-sized Gundam statue.
For a relaxing experience, soak in the Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a hot spring theme park designed to resemble an Edo-period town.
Alternative: Tokyo DisneySea
If you’re traveling with kids or are a Disney fan, consider spending your last day at Tokyo DisneySea, a unique Disney park found only in Japan. With nautical-themed ports of call and attractions not found at any other Disney park worldwide, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that both children and adults will enjoy.
Practical Tips for Your 7 Days Tokyo Itinerary
Getting Around
- Purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card for convenient travel on trains, subways, and buses (if you have an Iphone you can add the Suica card directly to your Apple Wallet).
- Download travel apps like Japan Travel by Navitime or Tokyo Subway Navigation.
- Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station are major transfer hubs you’ll likely use frequently.
Food Recommendations
- Try street food at Tsukiji Outer Market and Asakusa.
- Experience a conveyor belt sushi restaurant for affordable sushi.
- Don’t miss trying authentic ramen, tempura, and yakitori.
- For a unique dining experience, visit a department store food hall (depachika).
Shopping Tips
- Major shopping districts include Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Ginza.
- Takeshita Street is perfect for trendy, affordable fashion.
- For electronics, head to Akihabara.
- Most department stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is magical but crowded.
- Autumn (November) offers comfortable weather and beautiful foliage.
- Avoid the rainy season (June) and summer Olympics periods if possible.
- Early December features autumn colors and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts on Your 7 Days Tokyo Itinerary
This 7 days Tokyo itinerary offers a perfect blend of traditional and modern Japan, from ancient temples to futuristic skyscrapers. While it’s comprehensive, remember that Tokyo is a vast city with endless possibilities. Don’t try to see everything—leave room for spontaneous discoveries and time to simply absorb the unique atmosphere of each neighborhood.
Whether you’re fascinated by Japanese culture, food, technology, or shopping, Tokyo delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. This itinerary provides a solid framework, but don’t hesitate to adjust it based on your personal interests and travel style.
BONUS TIP:
If you really want to add something unique to your 7 days tokyo itinerary you should go and see a Sumo training.
I definitely recommend the one I did myself with GetYourGuide:
–Sumo stable training in Tokyo.
This will be the cherry on top of your 7 days tokyo itinerary!
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