Want to spend a week in Tokyo but don’t know where to start? Then you must read this blog till the end. We have covered the top famous places in Tokyo that you can cover in 1 week. This one-week itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors in Tokyo, Japan.
There is something EXCITING about every minute you spend in Tokyo. In Japan’s capital city, there is never a dull moment. You can walk past beautiful temples one after the other, see neon lights flashing in every direction, and see people going around in go-karts dressed as Mario Kart characters.
Let’s see in detail the Tokyo itinerary for 1 week.
There is also all the valuable information you should know before you go. So, keep reading to learn more about a one-week trip to Tokyo.
The Ultimate Itinerary For One Week in Tokyo
Day 1: Shinjuku
Day 1 of your Tokyo itinerary begins with arriving in Shinjuku. It is one of the most vibrant parts of the Tokyo itinerary, has numerous thrilling entertainment options, big skyscrapers, and streets lit up by neon signs.
Discover the nightlife of Kabukicho, find calm in the middle of the city at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and admire the magnificent views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Where to Stay:
Shinjuku is a handy base with lots of hotels to choose from low-cost to high-end. For those on a budget, we suggest Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Keio Plaza Hotel, and Park Hyatt Tokyo for their accommodations.
What to Eat:
Visit Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) to begin your culinary journey with izakaya (Japanese tavern) delicacies and yakitori (grilled skewers). If you’re looking for a personalized ramen experience, try Ichiran or Ramen Nagi for great ramen.
Things to Do:
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Enjoy the tranquil grounds and cherry blossoms (entrance fee: 500 yen).
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: The observation decks offer panoramic views of Tokyo (free admission).
Address:
- Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan; 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Day 2: Shibuya
The 2nd day attraction on your Tokyo itinerary for today is Shibuya. Tokyo’s hippest and most fashionable neighborhood, Shibuya, is known for its famous scramble crossing.
See the bustling street scenes of Center Gai, shop for fashion in Shibuya 109, and visit the Shibuya Crossing. Yoyogi Park and the Hachiko Statue are great places to unwind amid the bustle of the metropolis.
Where to Stay:
Shibuya is well-known for its hip vibe and well-connected transit system. Recommendations for lodging include the reasonably priced Shibuya Granbell Hotel and the handy Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyo itinerary.
What to Eat:
For more ramen, head to Ichiran in Shibuya or visit Shibuya’s Depachika (the basements of department stores) for a wide selection of Japanese and foreign cuisine. Harajuku has quirky eateries such as Marion Crepes on Takeshita Street.
Things To Do:
- Shibuya Crossing: Explore the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
- Meiji temple: Visit this peaceful Shinto temple in a woodland (free admission).
- Takeshita Street: Explore Harajuku’s famed street for fashion, food, and unique businesses.
Address:
- Meiji Shrine: Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan; 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho
Day 3: Asakusa
Visit Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple, to discover the city’s traditional side.
Explore the Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center for city views, walk along Nakamise Dori for food and souvenirs, and take a Sumida River cruise for stunning views of Tokyo Skytree and Asahi Beer Headquarters. Include Asakusa within your Tokyo itinerary to ensure historical and modern activities.
Where to Stay:
Consider lodging in Asakusa due to its historical charm and proximity to key attractions. Asakusa View Hotel has river views, while Khaosan Tokyo Origami is a bargain option.
What to Eat:
Asakusa is known for its street food. Sensoji Temple’s Nakamise Dori serves traditional delicacies, including ningyo-yaki (sweet cakes) and tempura. Denpoin Street in Kaminarimon Gate is where you can find delicious snacks.
Things To Do:
- Sensoji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, including the famed Kaminarimon Gate and retail strip (free admission).
- Tokyo Skytree: Experience fantastic views from the observation decks (admission price varies).
Address:
- Sensoji Temple Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan.
Day 4: Ginza
Ginza, Tokyo’s prime shopping district, is a sight to behold, with lavish boutiques, department stores, and exquisite dining options. Including Ginza on your Tokyo itinerary lets you enjoy the city’s best luxury shopping and restaurants.
Visit Kabuki-za Theater for classic kabuki performances, Tsukiji Outer Market for sushi, and Ginza Six for global merchandise. Include these places on your Tokyo itinerary for a complete and enriching visit.
Where to Stay:
Ginza is well known for its upscale restaurants and shopping. For a more luxurious stay, choose The Peninsula Tokyo; for a less expensive choice, choose Tokyu Stay Ginza.
What to Eat:
Savor sushi at Ginza’s fine dining establishments or Tsukiji Outer Market. For a fresh sushi breakfast, try Sushi Dai or Daiwa Sushi. For sophisticated dining, go to Ginza Six.
Things to Do:
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Free admission; try the fresh seafood and sushi brunch.
- Ginza Shopping District: Discover designer boutiques, department stores, and art galleries
Address:
- Ginza Shopping District: Tokyo 104-0061, Chuo City, Ginza, Japan
Day 5: Ueno
Ueno Park, which is rich in cultural events, is an excellent spot to watch cherry blossoms and visit organizations such as the Tokyo National Museum.
Incorporating Ueno Park into your Tokyo itinerary ensures a balance of nature and culture. See pandas at Ueno Zoo, take a boat trip on Shinobazu Pond, and visit Ameya Yokocho for cheap shopping and street cuisine. Include these experiences on your Tokyo itinerary for a well-rounded vacation.
Where to Stay:
Near important sites, Ueno has reasonably priced lodging options. Think about Hotel Mystays Ueno East or Hotel Touganeya Ueno.
What to Eat:
For street food, head to Ameya Yokocho in Ueno or stop by the food stands in Ueno Park for bento boxes. Try out the ramen eateries like Ichiran or maid cafés in Akihabara.
Things to Do:
- Ueno Park and Zoo: Enjoy cherry blossoms, museums, and the zoo (entry fee varies).
- Akihabara Electric Town: Explore anime, manga, electronics, and gaming culture.
Address:
- Ueno Park: Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan; 5-20 Uenokoen
Read also: Places to visit in Tokyo
Day 6: Odaiba
Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic island, provides entertainment, retail, and stunning waterfront views. Including Odaiba on your Tokyo itinerary offers a unique blend of modern attractions.
Visit TeamLab Borderless for immersive digital art experiences, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza for Gundam products, relax in Odaiba Seaside Park, or cruise on Tokyo Bay. Add these landmarks in your Tokyo itinerary for an unforgettable and diverse experience.
Where to Stay:
Odaiba features modern structures and views of the waterfront. If you’re looking for a more economical place to stay, try Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside or Hilton Tokyo Odaiba.
What to Eat:
The malls in Odaiba’s Decks and Aqua City provide a variety of food alternatives. For delicacies with a theme, try Gundam Café, or visit Venus Fort’s Palette Town for dining and shopping.
Things to Do:
- TeamLab Borderless: Experience interactive digital art (entry fee varies).
- Odaiba Seaside Park: Take in views of the shoreline and the observation deck of the Fuji TV Building.
Address:
- 1 Chome-4-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan is the address of Odaiba Seaside Park.
Day 7: Explore More or Day Trip
Where to Stay:
Consider staying near Haneda or Narita airports, depending on your flight schedule. Including these lodgings in your Tokyo itinerary allows for quick access to your flights.
The Royal Park Hotel, The Haneda, and Hotel Nikko Narita are all excellent choices for accommodations. Make sure to include these hotels on your Tokyo itinerary for a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.
What to Eat:
Enjoy regional delicacies like sushi and unagi (eel) in Narita or Haneda. Visit Omotesando Street at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple or shop at Edo Market Place at Haneda Airport.
Things to Do:
- Naritasan Shinshoji Temple: Explore historic temples and gardens (free entry).
- Haneda Airport Edo MarketPlace: Enjoy dining with an Edo flavor while shopping for souvenirs.
Address:
- Japan’s Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, located at 1 Narita, Chiba 286-0023,
- Haneda Airport Edo MarketPlace: Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan; 3 Chome-3-2 Hanedakuko
Additional Tips for Your Tokyo Vacation Itinerary
1. Transportation
Tokyo boasts a comprehensive and effective public transport network that includes trains and subways run by Toei Subway, Tokyo Metro, and JR East. A Pasmo or Suica card can be worth getting for easy travel. Although they are widely accessible, taxis might be pricey during rush hours.
2. Language and Communication
While it is usual to find English translations and signage in tourist locations, learning a few simple Japanese words might still be beneficial. Most Japanese people value attempts to communicate in their language, even to say hello.
3. Money Matters
Since cash is the primary form of payment in Japan, having enough yen on you is advisable. While smaller businesses and restaurants can prefer cash, more extensive facilities take credit cards. ATMs are everywhere, including 7-Eleven convenience stores.
4. Weather-Related Considerations
Tokyo has four distinct seasons; the cherry blossom season, which occurs in late March or early April, and the autumn season, which appears in late September or early December, are the most popular periods to visit. Winters are usually temperate yet cold, and summers can be hot and muggy.
5. Cultural Etiquette
Observe regional traditions and manners, such as bowing to welcome people and taking off shoes before entering residences or traditional lodgings like Ryokans. Pay attention to noise levels in public areas and follow the area’s customs.
Final Thoughts – 7 Days Tokyo Itinerary
To sum up, this detailed 7 days Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors and supplementary suggestions is a comprehensive reference to navigating Tokyo’s numerous districts, renowned sites, and cultural activities.
Tokyo has something for everyone, whether you want to explore medieval temples in Asakusa, shop in trendy Shibuya, or see modern sights in Odaiba. Personalize the scheduled Tokyo itinerary to your specific preferences and interests to ensure a memorable and pleasurable trip to Japan’s dynamic capital city.
Indeed! In addition to English, many people speak Japanese. Make sure you have a translation program on your phone, like Google Translate, if you’re concerned about running into trouble.
Tokyo is well-known for its dynamic street life, cutting-edge technology, mouth watering food, ancient temples, busy retail areas like Ginza and Shibuya, and distinct fusion of modern and traditional Japanese culture.
Even for lone visitors, Tokyo is a safe city. As in any big city, be alert and watch out for pickpockets. If going outside at night or on empty streets unnerves you, avoid doing so. Other than that, though, you ought to be alright.
Japan is a great place to take a family vacation. Children won’t be bored because there is much to do, especially in Tokyo. Getting around the crowd will be the most challenging part, especially if you have little children.
Indeed! Tap water in Japan is entirely safe. If it’s more comfortable for you, however, pick up some bottled water from one of the many convenience stores (7/11, Lawson, Family Mart, etc.) scattered across the city.
