7-Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Timers

To say Tokyo is a megacity filled with attractions would almost be an understatement. From the iconic neon-lit alleyways to leafy natural parks plus the height of Japanese entertainment, Tokyo alone is worth dedicating a week to in your Japan itinerary.

Plus, it's an excellent base for day trips to nearby areas, like the hot spring paradise of Hakone and the historical Kamakura. However, with so much on offer, Tokyo can quickly become overwhelming, so we've made this complete first-timer's seven-day Tokyo itinerary. Covering all the main sights, like the anime mecca Akihabara, the traditional Asakusa, and the breathtaking Tokyo Skytree, following this itinerary will guarantee a well-rounded, fun-filled Tokyo trip!

Tokyo has arguably the best public transport system in the world. With an extensive layout of train lines crisscrossing the entire city, you’ll rarely need to get around by taxi or bus. Trains on major lines run frequently, sometimes every few minutes, so you need not worry about timetables in central Tokyo. However, it’s best to use apps like Google Maps or Jorudan to make sure you’re on the right line or to check the times for longer trips.

One major demerit is that trains in Tokyo stop around midnight. So, if you’re out after dark, make sure you’re aware of how to get back to your hotel and what time the last train is, or else you’ll have to take a taxi or wait until services resume in the early morning.

If you’re planning a comprehensive tour of Tokyo with day trips, it’s best to stay near a major station while also making sure there’s plenty to do in the local area. Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station are packed with hotels accommodating travelers of all kinds while also being within walking distance of many of the sights featured in this seven-day Tokyo itinerary.

For all-out luxury directly connected to JR Tokyo Station, we recommend The Tokyo Station Hotel. Not only will you enjoy unrivaled access to Tokyo and the rest of Japan on the bullet train, but you’ll also be staying in a genuine historical building dressed in elegant European design flaunting amazing views of the city.

If you’ve got a bit of wiggle room in your budget but don’t want to splurge your money all at once, Sequence Miyashita Park in Shibuya offers an upscale stay at a reasonable price just a 7-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Those on a tight budget but who don’t want to sacrifice convenience should consider a hostel in Shinjuku, like the Imano Tokyo Hostel, just a roughly 10-minute walk to Shinjuku Station.

9:00 a.m. - Shibuya

Start off your Tokyo trip with a bang in Shibuya, one of the city's trendiest urban hubs, home to the famous Shibuya Crossing. Often dubbed "the world's busiest crossing," watching the chaotic yet surprisingly organized scramble of pedestrians make the dash is utterly hypnotic.

There are many vantage points to view Shibuya Crossing, such as from within JR Shibuya Station itself or with a coffee from Starbucks on the opposite side. Before mustering up the courage to cross over yourself, find the Hachiko Memorial Statue, dedicated to a loyal dog that waited for its owner at Shibuya Station every day to come home from work - even long after the owner had passed.

For an even better look at the entire city, head up to Shibuya Sky on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Afterward, indulge in some shopping in and around Center-Gai, a street full of fashion and trends. Continue your shopping spree at the boisterous MEGA Don Quijote, the hip Miyashita Park, and the up-market Shibuya Parco, where you can also take lunch from a collection of cuisines at the basement food hall Chaos Kitchen.

12:30 p.m. - Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu

After soaking in the electrifying streetscape of Shibuya, refresh yourself with a stroll through the spacious Yoyogi Park. Here you'll be treated to verdant scenes of open grassy lawns and masses of seasonal flowers, including a sizable cherry blossom garden that blooms in spring.

After soaking in the electrifying streetscape of Shibuya, Once you've unwound in Yoyogi Park, make your way to Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's most prestigious Shinto shrines. This stately shrine was established in 1920, and venerates Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The long approach is flush with greenery, making you quickly forget you're in the middle of one of the world's busiest cities. Dotting the grounds are several exquisite examples of Japanese shrine design, like the stately honden main shrine, grand torii gates, and the decorative rows of sake barrels.

Refresh yourself with a stroll through the spacious Yoyogi Park. Here you'll be treated to verdant scenes of open grassy lawns and masses of seasonal flowers, including a sizable cherry blossom garden that blooms in spring.

2:00 p.m. - Takeshita Street and Harajuku

Following a taste of both modern and traditional Japan, jump into its quirky kawaii (cute) side at Takeshita Street, in neighboring Harajuku. Just a short walk from Yoyogi Park, this narrow walkway is jam-packed with flashy boutiques and eateries embodying the kawaii spirit.

For something to nibble on, Takeshita Street is famous for its crepes, each filled with something more sweet and delectable than the last. There’s plenty to check out in the surrounding Harajuku, too, from the upmarket Omotesando to the hipster Cat Street, plus a load of other boutiques and vintage clothes shops tucked away down the side streets, rewarding inquisitive travelers.

5:00 pm - Shinjuku

Catch the Yamanote Line train from Harajuku Station to Shinjuku Station, and spend your first night in Tokyo amongst the Blade Runner-esque vibes of Shinjuku. Amongst this neon maze are countless restaurants, izakaya pubs, and bars.

Two of the more popular hang-outs are the charming Omoide Yokocho, a collection of alleyways hidden from the main street holding tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and Golden Gai, a hotspot for hopping amongst a clutter of offbeat, mismatched bars with an attractive flair. Also, look for the giant Godzilla head towering over the streets atop the Toho Cinema building.

Remember when exploring Shinjuku that the main nightlife area of Kabukicho is also a red-light district and doesn’t have a family-friendly feel after sunset. While mostly safe, it’s important to keep your wits about you and don’t follow any touts.

9:00 a.m. - Akihabara

Akihabara is Japan's capital of contemporary entertainment - namely anime, manga, and gaming. Its main Chuo-Dori Street and surrounding side streets are crammed with shopsーboth big and smallーstocking everything an otaku could ever dream of. Here you'll find anime figurines, manga volumes, second-hand games, new and retro consoles, DVDs, and lots of other goods from popular and underground Japanese franchises. Akihabara is also famous for its maid cafes, where "maids" clad in uniform will serve you food and drinks while singing songs, playing games, and treating you like royalty.

12:00 p.m. - Asakusa

Balance your otaku (geek) pilgrimage in Akihabara with another wade into traditional Japan at Asakusa, reachable by train. Asakusa is a part of Tokyo’s main shitamachi downtown and presents a more old-school, humble vibe.
The most popular sight here is Sensoji Temple, a vibrant vermillion structure most famous for its photogenic Kaminarimon Gate. It is said to have been originally founded in 645, making it the oldest temple in Tokyo. It is also illuminated after dark until 11:00 p.m., so it’s worth visiting again to rediscover its beauty in a new light.

Other highlights in Asakusa include Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise Shopping Street, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and Sumida Park, giving you plenty to fill an afternoon with. Nearby is also Kappabashi Street, famous for its stores selling high-quality, Japan-made kitchenware geared towards restaurant ownersーa great place to pick up an authentic Japanese knife!

5:00 p.m. - Tokyo Skytree

The 634-meter Tokyo Skytree is the tallest and most eye-catching symbol of the city. As well as being a picture-perfect landmark, it also offers jaw-dropping panoramas covering the entirety of the Tokyo sprawl and beyond, reaching out to Mt. Fuji on clear days.

It’s just a roughly 20-minute walk from Sensoji Temple, making it a great spot to finish up the day. Inside are two different observation decks: the Tembo Deck on floor 350, and the Tembo Galleria from floors 450-445, with the latter containing the Sorakara Point, the highest accessible place in the tower.

The Tokyo Skytree is open until 9:00 p.m., with admission until 8:00 p.m., so you can visit in the late afternoon/early evening for daytime views, then stay and watch as the sky darkens and the countless lights of Tokyo begin to flicker on.

9:00 a.m. - Imperial Palace

Kick-off day three in Tokyo with a free walking tour of the Imperial Palace. Located at the site of the former Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace continues to serve as the residence of the Japanese Imperial Family. As such, tours do not enter any of the buildings, but the meticulously manicured gardens and fascinating historical backdrop make it worth a visit regardless. Tickets are distributed starting from 9:00 a.m. for the 10:00 a.m. tour, but you can also register online in advance if you don’t want to come early for a walk-in ticket.

If you’re not up for a tour, the East Gardens, Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and Kitanomaru Park are open to the public and offer plenty to see on their own. However, those wanting to check out some of the private gems in the inner palace grounds, like the Mt. Fuji-View Keep and Lotus Moat, should join a tour.

12:00 p.m. - Ueno Park

Next, make your way by train to Ueno Park, another oasis of nature and culture adored by locals. Besides the ample greenery and seasonal flowers, the park hosts a wealth of cultural facilities, like the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Hanazono Inari Shrine, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and much more. For those longing to learn more about Japanese history, tradition, and culture, Ueno Park has got it all.

3:00 p.m. - Ameya Yokocho

Right next to Ueno Park, Ameya Yokocho, known colloquially as Ameyoko, is a shopping district with a clamorous open-air market vibe and colorful, eccentric dynamic. It is packed with around 400 shops stretching over approximately 500 meters selling everything from sweets to clothing, often at cut-throat prices. It started off as a post-war black market and still retains its no-frills, scruffy atmosphere today, and is another great place to absorb some offbeat yet equally authentic Tokyo vibes.

5:00 p.m. - Tokyo Tower

Take the train from Ueno to Hamamatsucho Station, and walk 15 minutes to the iconic Tokyo Tower. While still plenty photogenic during the daytime, Tokyo Tower looks even more spectacular at night, so don’t worry if you can’t make it before sundown. Tokyo Tower remains illuminated until midnight, and the Main Deck can be entered until 10:00 p.m. There are also restaurants inside the tower for dinner, or you can keep walking to the entertainment hub of Roppongi to enjoy top-notch food from a larger variety of restaurants.

10:00 a.m. - Ghibli Museum

Catch the train out to Mitaka in east Tokyo to dive into the enchantment of Studio Ghibli, the makers of beloved anime films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle.

The museum was lovingly designed by founder and main director Hayao Miyazaki himself to capture the whimsical feeling of the films and features several immersive displays recreating the worlds and their characters. Tickets must be booked in advance, so make sure you secure yours via the official website.

There are also exhibitions detailing the history of animation and the life and work of Hayao Miyazaki, along with the screening of an exclusive short film unseen outside the museum. Afterward, grab a snack and coffee at the cafe, and stock up on Ghibli merchandise at the shop.

12:30 p.m. - Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is Tokyo’s hipster capital and a mecca of vintage clothing. Streets and laneways bristle with young shoppers hopping between stores, hunting for deals on cool threads and knick-knacks of all kinds.

This folksy ambiance is balanced with some sleek new retail spaces, along with a muster of bars, restaurants, and izakaya serving up the latest gourmet trends, like craft beer and spice curry. There is also a strong cafe culture in Shimokitazawa, so if you’re dying for a good cup of coffee, this is your chance. Being removed from the typical tourist trail, Shimokitazawa also has a much more local community feel, shining light onto how ordinary Tokyoites live.

3:00 p.m. - Komaba Park

Before heading back into central Tokyo, pop by the lesser-known Komaba Park for a raw encounter with Tokyo history. At the core of this modest park is the Former Marquis Maeda Mansion, built by the Maeda Family in the late 1920s, who were once some of the wealthiest and most powerful lords in Japan.

It was designed in sumptuous Western grandeur, complemented by a more low-key traditional Japanese structure beside it, showcasing the best of both architectural styles. They can be entered for free, but are only open until 4:00 p.m., so don’t leave visiting too late.

10:00 a.m. - Hakone-Yumoto

After an action-packed four days of traversing Tokyo, you're probably feeling like a rest. Since ancient times, the Japanese have visited hot spring towns to rejuvenate in the natural onsen, often filled with minerals said to beautify skin and alleviate ailments.

One of the closest and most scenic hot spring destinations near Tokyo is Hakone, reachable in just around 85 minutes on the "Romance Car" limited express train. Here you'll find a bastion of bathhouses, from luxury ryokan inns that combine hot springs with accommodation and meals to affordable higaeri (day visit) hot springs serving day-trippers.

If you're not up for the whole "bathing with strangers" experience, there are also footbaths scattered about the region, including at the Hakone Open Air Museum, letting you enjoy the natural geothermal waters of Hakone without stripping down. You can also consider staying at a hotel that includes hot spring baths in the guestrooms, such as the ones listed here.

11:00 a.m. - Touring Hakone on the Hakone Tozan Line

Outside of blissful hot springs, Hakone is a hotbed of enthralling expeditions. Take a ride on the Hakone Tozan, a scenic train line that winds its way through the mountainside amongst profuse greenery.

Each station has something to offer, but if you’re short on time, wait to get off at Chokoku No Mori Station, home to the Hakone Open Air Museum. Here you can idly wind your way through intriguing outdoor sculptures displayed beside blissful nature and check out indoor museums dedicated to Picasso and more.

Afterwards, hop back on the train to Gora Station, from where you’ll board the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and change to the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, known for its surreal volcanic fields and blackened eggs boiled in hot spring pools.

3:00 p.m. - Lake Ashinoko Sightseeing Cruise

If you have time, continue on the ropeway to Togendai Station, on the shore of Lake Ashinoko, and board the pirate ship-themed Hakone Sightseeing Cruise for a short tour of the lake. Once you’ve disembarked at Motohakone Port, walk over to Hakone Shrine to see its otherworldly “floating” Heiwa no Torii gate, sure to inspire photographers. Return to Motohakone Port, and catch the bus back to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

When exploring Hakone, make sure you check the schedules of each service and adjust your itinerary accordingly. Unlike Tokyo, trains and buses are few and far between in Hakone, so you may be unable to fit everything in. If you’d rather skip the Hakone Tozan line, you can also catch a bus directly to Lake Ashinoko from Hakone-Yumoto Station, too.

10:00 a.m. - Temple and Shrine Hopping

Kamakura was once the ancient capital of Japan and is full of prestigious temples and shrines, drawing in history buffs from across the globe. Kamakura Station can be reached in around an hour directly by train from Tokyo Station, and much of the area can be walked or explored by local train, making it the ideal candidate for your next Tokyo day trip.

First, get off one stop before Kamakura Station at Kita-Kamakura Station to start your temple and shrine hopping at Engakuji Temple, one of Japan's most important Zen temples. Continue on foot to Meigetsu-in, a refined, elegant temple embodying the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetics. It is most famous for its circular window framing the colorful inner garden and its luxuriant hydrangea garden that blooms in Japan's rainy season of June.

Catch the train to Kamakura Station, and wander down the charming Komachi-dori Street bound for Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. This striking vermillion complex has lots to see, including its long, wide approach crowned by giant torii gates and a beautiful garden famous for peonies.

From Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima Electric Railway and get off at Hase Station for Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, arguably the most famous sight in the area. It was crafted in 1252 and sits outside the temple grounds, exuding a dignified, divine aura sure to leave you spellbound. From here, walk towards Hasedera Temple, which presents photogenic stark black and white hues and loads of attractions, including a golden statue of Goddess of Mercy Kannon, a cave containing sculptures of gods, and countless statues of Jizo at the Jizo-do Hall.

While these are some of the must-see Kamakura temples, it's only scratching the surface. Even wandering the streets aimlessly will bring you across all sorts of spiritual hideaways begging to be found, so don't hesitate to deviate from the itinerary if you spot something interesting!

3:00 p.m. - Enoshima

If you’re not totally exhausted after traversing Kamakura, then jump back on the Enoshima Electric Railway for Enoshima and walk over to Enoshima Island.

For such a small island, there’s a heap to see and do - like sampling traditional delicacies along the retro Nakamise Dori, finding the perfect angle to photograph the Zuishinmon Gate and its picture-perfect torii, exploring the atmospheric Enoshima Iwaya Cave, and getting up close with all sorts of adorable aquatic creatures at the Enoshima Aquarium.

Plus, if you’re feeling hot and bothered after a long day of walking, then a cool-down on one of the sandy beaches will no doubt perk you up during the warmer months!

5:00 a.m. - Toyosu Fish Market

Start off your final day in Tokyo with an early morning outing to the tuna auction at the Toyosu Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the world. You can watch the frantic action taking place from the gallery or, with an advanced application, get a slot at the better-located observation deck.

While you can’t put a bid in for any tuna yourself, there are over 100 shops and restaurants across the premises, including those serving up fresh, premium sushi for a bite afterward. Many of these restaurants open very early, so you can start chowing down after the auction. Keep in mind that trains won’t make it in time for the auction, so you’re better off taking a taxi.

10:00 a.m. - teamLab Planets

Next to Shin-Toyosu Station, one stop over from the Toyosu Fish Market’s Shijo-mae Station, is teamLab Planets, one of Tokyo’s hottest attractions. teamLab Planets is an immersive, interactive experience taking total control of your senses, with each room offering a stimulating encounter fashioned through digital art, tactile sensations, sound, and more. Unfortunately, teamLab Planets in Toyosu will close at the end of 2023, but the new location of teamLab Borderless in the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM will also open in 2023, so you’ll still be able to enjoy their creations in Tokyo in the future.

12:30 p.m. - Odaiba

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is one of the leading entertainment and shopping complexes on Tokyo Bay’s man-made island of Odaiba. Many of Japan’s best shops are inside, like Bic Camera, JINS, UNIQLO, and Daiso. There is also the colorful, surreal Unko Museum (Poop Museum) and plenty of restaurants.

Just outside is the life-sized Unicorn Gundam Statue, a giant mecha robot from Japan’s timeless Gundam franchise. It moves and lights up several times throughout the day and night, accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack. Nearby is Gundam Base Tokyo, where you can shop for Gundam figures and assemble them on-site.

Next, wander over to Aqua City Odaiba for a look at Tokyo’s own replica Statue of Liberty. Close by is DECKS Tokyo Beach, a waterfront shopping center with a chilled-out summertime feel, where you can let loose at Tokyo Joypolis, an amusement park boasting immersive attractions using cutting-edge technology. Also, don’t miss the Daiba 1-chome Shoutengai, a recreation of a Japanese shopping street from the 1960s, complete with retro toys, sweets, and games. From here, move down to Odaiba Seaside Park to relish the breeze and have a snooze on the sandy beach, and wait around for sundown for a superb view of the Rainbow Bridge.

With your pre-daylight start, you’re probably exhausted by now, so we’ll wrap up day 7 of our Tokyo itinerary here. Check out the locations and hotels we’ve introduced, and get your dream Tokyo trip off on the right foot!