How to Plan a Memorable 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary (2025)

Are you wondering how to spend 7 days in Tokyo? Tokyo is a vibrant city with so much to do and explore that you would never get bored, even if you stayed there for a month!

Spending a week in Tokyo would give you a good overall taste of the city. Moreover, you could also take one to two day trips outside the urban area to places like Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi.

As we visit Tokyo every year, we have plenty of experience and suggestions for exploring the city. In this article, you'll find the information you need to envision your perfect 7-day Tokyo itinerary.

Is It Worth Visiting Tokyo for 7 Days?

Yes, it could be worthwhile for you. Tokyo has so much to offer that all of your 7-day stay could be enriching in new ways. You could not only explore Tokyo's main attractions in depth, but also enjoy new experiences like having fun at the world's only Disney Sea, and having a free day to explore on your own, unlike those who stay for the typical 3–5 days.

However, you might be wondering if it's a mistake to skip Kyoto and Osaka if you only have 7 days. It all depends on how many city perspectives you want to explore. If this is your first time in Japan and you want to experience different aspects of the country, we recommend adding Kyoto and Osaka, but if what interests you is all found in Tokyo, why venture further afield? Find out if this is the case below…

See What You Could Do in Tokyo in 7 Days

Tokyo has both an old and a modern side, fulfilling a range of desires for Japan discovery. Whether you want to visit historical shrines, explore vibrant districts, experience anime culture, stay in traditional ryokans with onsens, or see Mount Fuji, Tokyo has it all.

Spending 7 days in Tokyo would allow you to explore the top highlights at your own pace. Here are the top things to do in Tokyo that we've selected for variety based on our inspection visits.

1) Visit Old Temples

Tokyo boasts many old temples, which show the history of Japan. Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji are the best two.

Meiji Shrine is a century-old shrine situated in the vibrant Shibuya district. Surrounded by over 100,000 towering trees, it's hard to believe you're in the city center and not a peaceful forest park. It's a popular spot for Japanese people praying for blessings or hosting traditional Japanese weddings.

Senso-ji is a temple filled with an Edo (1603–1868) vibe, known for its giant red lantern at the gate and the Shogunate-era shopping street of Nakamise-dori. You could experience traditional prayer there and pick out a lucky talisman.

2) Explore Modern Districts

Shibuya and Ginza are two of Tokyo's most popular modern areas. You could leisurely explore the streets and discover a variety of Japanese shops, restaurants, and diverse fashion cultures. Both are perfect places to experience vibrant Tokyo nightlife.

Apart from shopping, Shibuya boasts attractive highlights, such as the incredibly busy but organized Shibuya Crossing, where you could cross paths with hundreds of pedestrians in just a minute.

3) Take in an Awesome Aerial View at Tokyo Skytree

For the best bird's-eye views of Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree is the top choice. As Japan's tallest tower, it has two of the highest observation decks, offering a 360-degree panorama of Tokyo. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance!

4) Visit Japanese Gardens

Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are perfect places to enjoy the essence of Japanese gardens. Both parks are especially attractive in the cherry blossom season (late March to early April).

Ueno Park is a city park that combines nature, culture, and entertainment. As well as the natural scenery, you could also visit a zoo and some famous museums, such as Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art.

Shinjuku Gyoen was once a royal garden. With its well-designed garden and historical buildings, you could fully experience the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. It provides a relaxing and serene environment.

5) Discover High-Tech at TeamLab

TeamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are two interactive museums in Tokyo. With no signs at either museum, this allows you to explore more freely.

TeamLab Borderless is themed around natural elements, providing more photo opportunities. The exhibitions could interact with each other and the rooms' lighting would change at different times. Located near major attractions, such as Meiji Shrine, it could easily be included in your itinerary.

TeamLab Planets is focused on water experiences. You would need to walk barefoot throughout the museum. It has water areas where the deepest points reach an adult's knees.

If you're looking to visit just one teamLab, teamLab Borderless is better. If you have enough time and want to explore both, that's fine too. These two museums are only a 15-minute drive apart.

6) Indulge in Anime in Akihabara

Tokyo is known for having the most anime attractions of anywhere in Japan, and Akihabara is the anime hub of the city. Whether you're searching for manga, garage kits, trading cards, limited edition collectibles, or electronic products, Akihabara has you covered with almost everything you could possibly want.

7) Immerse Yourself in Authentic Japanese Experiences

In Tokyo, you would discover a wealth of unique experiences to enhance your trip. For instance, you could try your hand at making sushi, take part in a tea ceremony, sample sake, dress in kimonos, or enjoy a sumo performance.

8) Relax at a Ryokan with an Onsen in Hakone

Hakone is the home of onsens (hot spring baths) and has beautiful countryside views. Experiencing a night's stay at a ryokan (inn) with onsens is a must-do for many travelers.

A ryokan is a classic Japanese-style lodging option. Its most distinctive feature is sleeping in the traditional Japanese way — on tatami mats on the floor. Most ryokans in Hakone offer public or private onsens for you to relax your body and mind.

9) View Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi

Being the iconic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji attracts countless travelers every year. You could easily take a day trip to see Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi, which is just a 2-hour drive from Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the best spots to see Mount Fuji. With its clearer visibility and range of experiences to admire the mountain, you could enjoy the full view of Mount Fuji more easily and in a more interesting way.

If you have any preferences or places you're interested in, contact us now! Our Japan travel advisors will make your dream trip happen.

A Classic 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary

This itinerary allows you to fully explore the best of Tokyo at your own pace and have a free day to explore on your own. It also gives you 2–3 days in nature at popular destinations like Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.

To minimize transfer times and ensure you don't feel exhausted, exploring 3–4 highlights in the same area each day is highly recommended.

Here is our handpicked itinerary for your inspiration:

• Day 1: West Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and teamLab Borderless)
• Day 2: East Tokyo (Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, a sumo experience, and Ueno Park)
• Day 3: Central Tokyo (the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, sushi-making, and Ginza)
• Day 4: Tokyo culture (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a tea ceremony, and Akihabara)
• Day 5: Trip to Hakone (a ryokan with an onsen)
• Day 6: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi (view Mount Fuji)
• Day 7: Free day

Day 1: West Tokyo

Begin your Tokyo journey at historical Meiji Shrine, vibrant Shibuya, and interactive teamLab Borderless.

Stop 1: Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a wooden shrine surrounded by towering trees. Based on our experience, we often make this attraction the first stop on our clients' trips to Tokyo. This is due to its rich traditional religious culture and convenient location.

Visiting this shrine would take you about 2 hours. The shrine is quite large, with a 30-minute walk from the gate to the shrine along a stone path that's lined by trees.

Visiting it in the morning is recommended. This period provides a quieter atmosphere, fewer travelers, and a greater chance to witness a traditional Japanese wedding.

As the Japanese believe that the gods are blessing it, Meiji Shrine often hosts blessing ceremonies. The most popular ceremonies are at New Year and during Golden Week (April 29 to May 5), attracting millions of visitors. If you plan to travel during these times, you're strongly recommended to explore after the ceremonies.

Stop 2: Shibuya

Next, explore vibrant Shibuya for dining and shopping. With abundant restaurants around, you would definitely find one that suits your taste for lunch. If you're unsure which one to try, our local private guide would be happy to offer suggestions.

Also, make sure not to miss experiencing the famous Shibuya Crossing. For a great full view, the second-floor Starbucks is one of the best spots to take it all in.

Stop 3: teamLab Borderless

Conclude your day at teamLab Borderless. Even after spending 2–3 hours there, many still feel like it's not enough time.

The exhibitions showcase natural elements and the lights interact with you. A prime example of this is Tea House, where the lights create magical flowers and branches in your ice cream cup. These flowers continue to bloom as long as there's ice cream inside.

For better photos, it's best to wear light-colored clothes. Avoid wearing a dress or skirt since the floor is made of glass.

After exploring teamLab Borderless, take a leisurely 10-minute walk to see stunning Tokyo Tower, which is especially beautiful when it's illuminated at night.

Day 2: East Tokyo

Explore more Japanese culture and history by visiting Senso-ji, taking in bird's-eye views from Tokyo Skytree, watching a sumo performance, and exploring Ueno Park.

Stop 1: Senso-ji

Senso-ji is a must-see in Tokyo, known for its rich Japanese religious culture. It takes about 1–2 hours to explore the temple and its surroundings.

Expect large crowds from 9am to 5pm, especially on weekends and during 3-day public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit early in the day, ideally between 7am and 8am. However, if you want to visit the shops in Nakamise-dori street, then visit after 10am.

Taking a rickshaw ride is an easy and authentic way to explore the area around Senso-ji. You could enjoy its interesting features comfortably, while your rickshaw puller provides brief explanations about them in English.

Stop 2: Tokyo Skytree

Just a 10-minute drive from Senso-ji is Tokyo Skytree. Spend about 1–2 hours there to enjoy a breathtaking view of Tokyo and explore other highlights at Japan's tallest tower.

Tembo Deck at 350 meters (1,148 feet) and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters (1,476 feet) are the two observation decks.

• Tembo Deck is recommended, as the view is as perfect as it gets, and there are more places to take better photos.
• Tembo Galleria has fewer travelers, but it provides similar views to Tembo Deck and it's more challenging to take good photos due to the poor lighting.

You could find other experiences there as well, such as the indoor aquarium, photo gallery, and Pokémon Center.

Stop 3: Enjoy a Sumo Performance

At noon, a unique sumo experience would be arranged for you. This 2-hour experience allows you to enjoy traditional sumo cuisine as your lunch and watch a sumo contest. You would gain deeper insights into the sumo culture and enjoy stories of wrestlers' daily lives.

Retired wrestlers would be there performing sumo displays, and you could even challenge them to a friendly contest. You would also have the opportunity to taste a special sumo dish called chanko-nabe, which is not commonly found in other restaurants.

For a hassle-free journey, we would help you select the perfect place for you to enjoy sumo based on your itinerary, saving you time with decision-making.

Stop 4: Ueno Park

Finish your day at Ueno Park. You could easily spend 2–3 hours fully immersing yourself in this well-designed Japanese garden at your own pace.

You could discover famous museums in this park, such as Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Depending on your interests, you could visit one or two of them. It's recommended to explore the museums before 4pm since most close at 5pm.

Day 3: Central Tokyo

On day 3, you would explore Tokyo's central area, with highlights including the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, making sushi, and Ginza shopping district.

Stop 1: The Imperial Palace

Tokyo's Imperial Palace used to be the royal family's residence from around 1868, and it remains a royal residence. It is divided into the interior and outer Kokyo Gaien National Garden. It may take you 1–2 hours to properly enjoy it.

The best place to view the Imperial Palace is Kokyo Gaien National Garden. This free public park offers a lookout across Nijubashi Bridge, the exteriors of the royal buildings, and the surrounding moat.

However, we don't recommend a palace tour due to restricted access. You wouldn't explore the buildings to see the interiors and, despite its size, there are few attractions viewable. While the palace guides may explain the history, it gives off more of a park vibe than a royal palace.

Stop 2: Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market is one of the world's biggest fish markets, filled with a variety of seafood shops. Many travelers include it on their list to see and sample a variety of seafood. Spending an hour there is enough.

The market offers a lively atmosphere and, in June, you could experience a traditional ceremony to pray for good business. However, you may find the market too commercial.

Stop 3: Making Sushi

Next, you would experience making sushi for your lunch near Tsukiji Outer Market. We could arrange this 2-hour learning and dining experience either at a sushi restaurant or in a local home, both of which offer a similar experience.

You would make about 10 pieces of sushi with guidance from a chef. Throughout the process, the chef would teach you about the typical ingredients used in sushi-making and how to properly shape the rice.

With abundant sushi-making experiences available in Tokyo, choosing a suitable one could be challenging. There's no need to worry! Our Japan travel advisor would take care of it for you.

Stop 4: Ginza

Ginza is a high-class shopping district that's perfect for a shopping spree. The streets are filled with luxury shops, a variety of Japanese stores, and dining options. Even without shopping, it's a great place to experience Tokyo's flourishing vibe, especially at night when the lights are on.

Most of the malls in Ginza are quite large, giving you the feeling of wandering through a maze. It's easy to lose track of time and spend a whole afternoon there. Here are the three most-chosen shopping malls in Ginza:

• Matsuya Ginza: It has many international brands.
• GINZA SIX: It focuses on fashion and trends.
• Ginza Mitsukoshi: A comprehensive mall, it offers a mix of international brands and trendy items.

Day 4: Tokyo Culture

You would enjoy the royal Japanese garden at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, then experience a tea ceremony and wander around the anime hub of Akihabara.

Stop 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Start your morning at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, formerly the royal garden. It's like an oxygen bar, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Spend 1–2 hours leisurely exploring this garden to discover every scene step by step.

It's incredibly beautiful during the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), but it could get very crowded. If you're planning to visit during this time, aim to arrive when the garden opens at 9am to avoid the biggest crowds.

Stop 2: Experience a Tea Ceremony

Continue your journey by experiencing an authentic tea ceremony. During this hour-long process, you would gain a deeper understanding of matcha history and culture.

You would be guided by a professional expert in a kimono, who would explain how to use traditional Japanese tea tools to grind, brew, and enjoy matcha. The typical way to experience a Japanese tea ceremony is on your knees (on a cushion) but, if you prefer, you could sit instead.

Stop 3: Akihabara

Finish your day at the anime paradise of Akihabara, where you would find countless anime shops selling manga, garage kits, trading cards, and limited-edition collectibles.

However, this district has some shops for adults only, so select shops carefully if you are traveling with kids. Here are three well-selected anime shops that you shouldn't miss in Akihabara. All of them are suitable for every age:

• Animate: This is a must-visit for anime fans, with a focus on manga and merchandise.
• Akihabara Radio Kaikan: It has the newest garage kits, trading cards, and limited edition collectibles.
• GiGO Building 1/2/3: It has thousands of claw machines and Gashapon capsule toys.

If you're not an anime fan, you could still have a great time there. Explore Tokyo's anime hub, or even Japan's, where you could see staff in maid uniforms and visit an anime or maid café to experience the unique anime culture.

Day 5: Trip to Hakone

Leave Tokyo's busy city life behind and head to the serene beauty of Hakone. Hop on a Japan Railways train for a scenic 2-hour ride from Tokyo to Hakone. Don't miss the chance to explore the charming rural scenery and Ōwakudani, a volcanic valley with sulfur vents.

The best thing to do in Hakone is to stay overnight at a traditional ryokan. You could enjoy Japanese-style accommodation by sleeping on tatami mats, wearing yukata (Japanese clothing), and feasting on a high-class kaiseki meal.

You're highly recommended to book a package that includes breakfast and dinner when reserving a ryokan. The breakfast typically offers both Western and Japanese options, while dinner is a kaiseki meal.

Since most restaurants in Hakone close at 6pm, finding a dinner spot could be challenging. Therefore, it's better to enjoy dinner at the hotel; otherwise, you might end up having convenience store food for dinner.

Day 6: A Day Trip to Lake Kawaguchi

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the perfect destinations to admire Mount Fuji. It takes about 1½ hours to get from Hakone to Lake Kawaguchi by private car.

Lake Kawaguchi offers more experiences for you to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji than other places, such as boating on the lake, riding a ropeway to an observation deck, and hiking or biking around the lake. It's enough to pick 1–2 ways to admire the mountain based on your interests.

Boating is a better option as it offers an easy and interesting way of viewing Mount Fuji from a distance.

Having a private car to explore Lake Kawaguchi is recommended. Public transportation isn't very convenient, so you might waste more time waiting for the bus instead of enjoying the scenery.

Day 7: Free Day

On the final day of your trip, take some time to explore Tokyo on your own. As it's your last day, remember to relax and avoid getting too tired. You could shop for souvenirs or explore districts that catch your interest.

Decide Where to Stay in Tokyo

It's recommended to stay at two hotels in Tokyo during your trip: one in the city and another in Hakone. Tokyo's excellent transport system makes it convenient to get around, so you won't need to change hotels just to be close to attractions.

We understand that most visitors are looking for a hotel in an area with easy access to attractions, a variety of dining options, and that's easy to explore unguided. Here are some areas that fit the bill. You could choose where to stay based on your preferences:

• If you enjoy a lively atmosphere with many bars and don't mind a bustling nightlife, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza are great options. However, hotels in these areas could be more expensive.
• For those who prefer a quieter, less-crowded, and cheaper environment, Akasaka, Ueno, and Asakusa are excellent choices.

For a relaxing stay in Hakone, Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is an ideal 4-star hotel option. It's close to the station, making it easier to reach the attractions. You could choose from Japanese-style rooms or Western-standard rooms.

How to Get Around in Tokyo

Taking the subway to reach most attractions in Tokyo is convenient. However, it may lead to spending more time on the road. For instance, Shinjuku Station is very large with numerous entrances, which could be confusing. Moreover, Google Maps might lose its navigation ability underground.

Having a private car is a better choice. It could maximize your travel experience and drive you directly to the attractions/hotel, saving you more time and energy to explore the attractions.

It's a good idea to combine public transport and a private car. We recommend having a private car and driver/guide when you're exploring the main attractions and taking public transportation when you're exploring on your own.

How Much Does 7 Days in Tokyo Cost?

Travel expenses in Tokyo are higher than in other areas in Japan, with prices being 30–50% higher than in cities such as Kyoto and Osaka, particularly for accommodation.

Hotel prices could make up a big portion of your travel costs. Generally, prices at a 4-star hotel would be:

• Western standard room: US$250–320 per night
• Ryokan/Japanese-style room: US$300–450 per night

Prices could vary depending on the time of year, with costs doubling during peak periods, such as the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Christmas, and New Year.

A private tour is a better way for you to explore Tokyo. It costs US$350 per person daily (at normal times), and you would enjoy handpicked 4-star hotels, a private guide, a private car, attraction tickets, and a full-day itinerary. Our Tokyo private-tour prices for 7 days start at US$2,500.

Let's Create Your Trip to Tokyo

Can't wait to plan your trip to Tokyo? Our Japan travel advisors would love to create a unique itinerary based on your preferences and requirements, making your Tokyo trip hassle-free and unforgettable!

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