Travelling to Japan is incomplete without visiting Tokyo. A top tourist destination in Asia and one of the liveliest and safest cities in the world, this bustling metropolis is a hotspot for shopping, dining and entertainment. The city caters to every budget and has an activity in store for every age group. Whether you seek state-of-the-art technology, serene temples, or world-class cuisine, Tokyo has it all. But with countless places to visit and activities to experience, planning the perfect Tokyo itinerary may feel overwhelming. And that’s where we come in.
Our exclusive 10-day itinerary, packed with local insights, is here to help you navigate Tokyo, uncover hidden gems, and experience the city’s must-visit attractions.
Explore more with our guide to the best time to visit Tokyo.
Exploring Japan’s capital: Your ultimate 10-day Tokyo itinerary
Days 1 and 2
You will fly into one of Tokyo’s international airports, Narita or Haneda. To reach central Tokyo from Narita Airport, take the Narita Express. As Haneda Airport is located in Tokyo, catching a bus, taxi, or train from the airport will be convenient.
Any mode of transportation you choose from the airport will stop at the Tokyo Station. We recommend booking a hotel near Tokyo Station on Day 1 to drop off baggage, rest, and recharge. J Hotel Tokyo Geo and APA Hotels offer affordable and comfortable stays in the area.
Book your stay at J Hotel Tokyo Geo via Agoda.com
Book your stay at J Hotel Tokyo Geo via Booking.com
If you arrive in the morning, grab lunch at any of the many restaurants and cafes serving a variety of cuisines around Tokyo Station. After lunch, walk for 10 minutes to the Imperial Palace for a dose of Japanese history, traditional Japanese gardens, and architecture in your Tokyo itinerary.
Spend your first evening in Ginza, one of the fanciest places in Tokyo to dine and shop. Get there by taking the Takebashi Station Line near the Imperial Palace to Nihonbashi, and switching to the Ginza Line. Lovers of cute stationery and Japanese-inspired merchandise must visit Loft Ginza, Muji and Itoya. Fashion lovers will go gaga on Chuo-Dori Street with its collection of high-end brands like Gucci, Chanel, Uniqlo, Dior, Prada, Mont Blanc, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Tiffany & Co. and more. After a day of shopping, dine at one of Ginza’s Michelin-starred restaurants like Birdland Ginza, Sukibashi Jiro, Ginza Kojyu, Sushi Yoshitake or Tempura Kondo.
Begin Day 2 of your Tokyo itinerary with a quick breakfast at any convenience store like Lawson, 7-Eleven or Family Mart. Their rice balls (onigiri) and coffee and egg sandwiches are budget-friendly and delicious. Dedicate the first half of your day to teamLabs Planets in Toyosu. It’s an interactive art collective that guarantees a day of fun. LaLaport nearby is a lovely place to savour the sunset, shop and admire Tokyo’s urban landscape.
From white rocky beaches to scenic hot spring resort towns, explore our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Japan.
Tokyo itinerary days 3-4
Include Asakusa in your itinerary to experience the Tokyo of the Edo period. Here, you can dress up in a kimono, explore Nakamise shopping street and pay your respects at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Plenty of food stalls nearby serve delicious street food like the grilled freshwater eel riceball (unagi onigiri) from Asakusa Unana, curry bread from Tokyo Curry Pan, deep-fried chicken from Karaage Yukari Asakusa and purple sweet potato ice cream from Imo Pippi.
A short walk from the Sensoji Temple (about 8 minutes) will lead you to Kappabashi Street. Tourists flock to this street for affordable and authentic Japanese tableware and kitchenware like knives, matcha bowls, plates, teapots and bakery tools. A fake food store on the same street offers a food sampling-making workshop. Guess what? After the workshop, you can keep your food sample creation as a souvenir!
You must choose a traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) to match the vibe of Asakusa. We recommend a tatami-matted inn offering set meals, futon bedding, and communal baths. Some of our favourite ryokans in Asakusa include Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa and Ryokan Kamogawa.
Book your stay at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, Tokyo via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, Tokyo via Booking.com
Spend Day 4 of your Tokyo itinerary in Akihabara, the ultimate place for the latest electronics, second-hand gadgets, manga comics, video games and anime figurines. Not to mention the maid cafes, game arcades and pop-up anime character cafes that can keep you entertained for hours!
Spend the second half of your day at Ueno – take the local train from Akihabara to Okachimachi Station and walk to Ueno Park. It’s a big public park with attractions like the Ueno Zoo, the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the Ueno Royal Museum, the Shitamachi Museum, the National Museum of Western Art and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Enjoy an early dinner at Tokyo’s vegan ramen chain T’s TanTan Ecute Tokyo inside Ueno Station.
Days 5-6 of your Tokyo itinerary
For Day 5, we recommend choosing the comfiest pair of shoes because you will be walking a lot in Shibuya and Harajuku. The best part? These places are a 15-20 minute walk from each other.
There’s plenty to do and see in Shibuya, Tokyo’s entertainment district. Visit Shibuya 109, a massive complex dedicated to fashion and beauty department stores, and don’t miss the Shibuya Scramble Crossing for a picture with Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog, outside the Shibuya Station. Shibuya Sky nearby is perfect for panoramic views of Tokyo. Hungry? Grab a warm bowl of ginger ramen at Nagaoka Ginger Ramen Restaurant, New York-style pizza at Pizza Slice, or Thai chicken rice at Shibuya Kaomangai. Thereafter, walk to the serene Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine surrounded by lush greenery. Explore MEGA Don Quijote to shop for affordable Japanese souvenirs. Once you feel recharged and ready for additional mental stimulation, spend the next half of your day at Harajuku.
Explore more with our selection of the best ramen places in Tokyo.
Takeshita Dori in Harajuku is a popular narrow district where you can shop for the latest fashion trends, beauty products, and anime plushes and indulge in cute, sweet treats like character-themed icecream from Eiswelt Gelato, rainbow cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory and cream crepes from Marion Crepes. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants here. We highly recommend the juicy avocado and cheeseburger at Wolfgang Puck! Harajuku Gyozaro is another restaurant that serves great grilled dumplings with cold beer! Those missing Indian food will find yummy curry dishes at Masala Hat Harajuku.
Spend Day 6 of your Tokyo itinerary in Shinjuku. Visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park in the morning. An entry fee is required to enter the park, but its stunning landscapes, calm atmosphere and vibrant flowers are all worth the yen. Shinjuku, filled with department stores, megastores and high-street stores, is also a shopper’s heaven. You will likely spend the whole afternoon shopping and eating at restaurants in Yasukuni-Dori. Don’t forget to click a picture of Shinjuku’s landmark Godzilla head, sitting on top of Toho Cinemas.
Book your stay at Hotel Gracery, Tokyo via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Hotel Gracery, Tokyo via Booking.com
Also, you can’t leave Tokyo without spending one night at a capsule hotel. Compared to a regular hotel, capsule hotels are affordable and provide guests with only an enclosed bed unit equipped with a reading light, charging ports and sometimes, a television. Choose from Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel, The Global Hotel and Rembrandt Cabin Shinjuku Shinokubo to spend the night in Shinjuku.
Book your stay at The Global Hotel, Tokyo via Agoda.com
Book your stay at The Global Hotel, Tokyo via Booking.com
Tokyo itinerary – Days 7-8
On Day 7 of your Tokyo itinerary, take a day trip to Hakone or Kawaguchiko – hot spring towns offering fabulous views of Mount Fuji. The most efficient way to get to Kawaguchiko is by bus. You can ride the Odakyu Electric Railway (Romancecar) from Tokyo to Hakone.
Beyond admiring Mt Fuji, both towns promise plenty of fun with activities like boating, fishing, relaxing in the hot springs and shopping for souvenirs at the station. If you have an extra day, consider spending the night at Hakone or Kawaguchiko. The hot springs, peaceful atmosphere, and nature will help you recharge and recover from Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.
Explore more with our selection of the best public hot springs in Japan.
Take it slow on Day 8 of your Tokyo itinerary at Koenji or Jimbocho, home to retro cafes, vintage books, household items, miscellaneous goods and thrift shops. Jimbocho also has a book hotel with an in-built library offering a variety of books in Japanese and English to choose from!
Make sure to visit Koenji in the afternoon as most shops open around 12-1 pm. The Hattifnatt Cafe will serve you the best dorai and ice cream floats. Grab a cup of coffee and a custard parfait at POEM Mano a Mano Coffee. Late afternoon, explore Nakano Broadway for anime merchandise, branded goods and tech parts.
Shop the best travel experiences here.
Days 9-10 of the Tokyo itinerary
Add Tokyo Disneyland to your Tokyo itinerary to make your trip even more memorable! Remember that Tokyo Disneyland has rides and activities catering mainly to children, while Tokyo DisneySea caters to an adult audience. Both are equally fun and require a whole day to explore. Purchase the tickets online.
Explore our comprehensive guide to things to do in Tokyo in 2024.
Spend Day 10 of your itinerary admiring the urban landscape of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Both towers are iconic symbols of Tokyo and deserve a spot on your Tokyo itinerary. Find Tokyo Solamachi at the foot of Tokyo Skytree. Boasting over 300 stores, it’s the perfect place for last-minute souvenir shopping in Tokyo. Last but not least, staying at the Tokyo Prince Hotel or Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower.
Book your stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza, Tokyo via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza, Tokyo via Booking.com
Things to remember while travelling to Tokyo
- Plan your Tokyo itinerary based on climate and weather conditions. Check the weather forecast each morning for a pleasant experience.
- When using public transport, avoid speaking loudly, talking on the phone, or listening to loud music. Loud noises are considered rude and can cause inconvenience to other passengers.
- Eating while walking is not encouraged in Japan. It’s best to stand in one spot, eat and then move on with your journey.
- It’s difficult to find trash cans in Tokyo. We recommend you carry the trash with you to dispose at the nearest convenience store or mall.
- It’s advisable to make reservations at restaurants and entertainment attractions during peak tourist seasons.
- Carry both cash and cards for smooth payments.
- Google Translate is a great personal interpreter and menu/lable translator in Japan. Google Maps is also efficient in giving correct directions to reach a destination.
- Pack light because carrying heavy luggage across Tokyo can be tiresome. If you have too much luggage, leave it at the luggage storage locker at the train station to travel freely.
- Practice eating with chopsticks, as some local Japanese restaurants do not provide forks and spoons.
- If you lose a document or personal items, immediately lodge a complaint at the nearest police station. There is a high possibility the police will find your item.
- Learning a few key phrases in Japanese will enhance your travel experience in Tokyo even further.
(Feature Image Credit: Guitar photographer/Shutterstock)
Related: Exploring Japan: A 10-Day Itinerary Packed With Fun And Adventure For First-Timers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How many days should I spend in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a big metropolitan prefecture and deserves at least 5-10 days (or more). Anything less than that can feel too rushed and exhausting.
-Are there any day trips I can take from Tokyo?
There are plenty of day trip options from Tokyo, including Kamakura, Hakone, Chichibu, Nikko, Nasu, Kawaguchiko, Yokohama, Chiba City and Jigoku Nozoki.
-What should I pack for my trip to Tokyo?
Carry a comfortable pair of sneakers, seasonal clothing, personal medication, pocket wifi/prepaid SIM, a hard copy of your itinerary and travel insurance.
-How do I get around Tokyo?
Public transport in Tokyo is efficient and the best way to travel around Tokyo. Purchase an e-money card like a Pasmo or Suica to travel by the JR East trains, subways, and buses. Compared to buses and trains, taxis and car rentals tend to be more expensive. For shorter distances, we recommend walking or cycling to the destination.
-Do I need a visa to visit Tokyo?
It depends upon your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Japan offers visa exemptions to citizens of certain countries. Contact the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your home country for the latest information and list of visa requirements.
-What are some adventure activities to do in Tokyo?
The Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Bay, and Rainbow Bridge are popular areas where you can dress up as your favourite Mario Bros character and go-kart! You can also try indoor climbing at places like B-Pump Tokyo in Akihabara, Urban Base Camp in Shinjuku and Head Rock Climbers in Sumida City. On the outskirts of Tokyo, you can get a dose of adrenaline by trying indoor skydiving in Lake Town, Saitama.
-Where can I find the best dining options in Tokyo?
Tokyo is one of the few cities in the world with a diverse culinary scene. There’s no better place than Ginza and Roppongi to go fine dining. For fresh sushi and seafood dishes, you can sample them at Tsukiji Outer Market. If you are craving local Izakaya appetizers and ramen, the bustling lanes of Shibuya and Shinjuku will spoil you rotten. Not to mention that Shin Okubo has the best Korean food, and Nishikasai is the hub for Indian food.
-What activities are available in Tokyo besides sightseeing?
Apart from sightseeing, there are plenty of activities to experience in Tokyo like dressing up in a kimono, making pottery, joining a tea ceremony, learning calligraphy or even watching a sumo tournament.
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, she worked with POPxo, Grazia and MTV India. She now writes for several English magazines in Japan, including Savvy Tokyo, Tokyo Weekender, and GoConnect Japan. Her favourite way to unwind is to listen to lo-fi music while reading a book and sipping on a matcha latte.
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