Tokyo represents the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern days integrated with each other in perfect harmony. Be it walking through ancient temples from centuries ago or shopping in futuristic districts, you are sure to have a full-fledged experience of the surreal culture of this city. Here’s our totally planned 7-day itinerary for Tokyo that takes you through must-see places, hidden gems, and culinary delights to experience all that the best vibrant city has to offer. From serene temples to busy streets and scenic day trips, this is how to make the most of your week in Tokyo.
Tokyo Itinerary
Best Chicago Itinerary: A Detailed Guide for 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Asakusa
Start the journey by exploring the historical district of Asakusa right after arriving in Tokyo. Home to the famous Senso-ji Temple, one can get a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. A giant red lantern marks the impressive Kaminarimon Gate, giving a feeling of having traveled back in time while walking through it. Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, stands as the heart of this area, and visitors can take part in classic rituals like drawing omikuji, or fortune-telling paper strips, or purify themselves at the temple water pavilion.
The Nakamise Street is a very busy shopping street lined with souvenir shops and food stalls selling street snacks that surrounds the temple. Try kibi dango-rice dumplings served with sweet soy sauce-and senbei-rice crackers-to taste some of the local specialty snacks.
Take a scenic Sumida River Cruise into the night, and watch the city skyline light up majestically in its glory. Tonight, for instance, Tokyo Skytree, which became the tallest structure in Japan today. This peaceful cruise serves as an excellent way to end your first day of exploration into Tokyo, in order to counterbalance the old-world atmosphere of Asakusa with the modern architectural fantasies of Tokyo.
Day 1 Highlights:
- Senso-ji Temple
- Nakamise Street
- Sumida River Cruise
Day 2: Shibuya and Harajuku – Youthful Energy and Fashion
Day 2 brings you to Shibuya, a lively district known for the Shibuya Crossing. Often billed as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, it is not to be avoided as thousands of pedestrians cross the street from all sides at the same time. Find a close café or restaurant with a view of the crossing to see how chaos has an order. Right outside the station is a beauty in the form of a Hachiko Statue, devoted to the Akita dog that remained faithful with his waiting for his owner every day and even after he died. Such a statue has become a meeting place for local patrons.
From Shibuya, you can walk into Harajuku, the place of youth and fashion. You can start from the Takeshita Street so full of unique boutiques, themed cafes, and colorful street food stands. You will there see some of the boldest and most strange fashion you have ever seen in your life- a photographer’s paradise.
When in Harajuku, visit the sacred Meiji Shrine, situated in a forest. Against the soothing tranquility of the shrine, the scorching activity of Harajuku makes for a great contrast, another reason Tokyo remains able to marry its old with its new. Finish off the evening with dinner in Omotesando, an urbane, tree-lined avenue packed with classy restaurants and designer boutiques. Treat yourself to a traditional kaiseki meal-an elaborate, multiple-course Japanese dinner-and each dish will be served as if it were art.
Day 2 Highlights
- Shibuya Crossing
- Hachiko Statue
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku
- Meiji Shrine
- Omotesando dining
Day 3: Old and New Tokyo Discoveries around Ginza and Tsukiji
Begin Day 3 by heading to the Tsukiji Outer Market, heaven for foodies. This busy marketplace packs every type of seafood vendor and small restaurant that caters from fresh sushi to grilled skewers. Be sure to try kaisendon, a rice bowl topped with all sorts of fresh sashimi. It’s an authentic breakfast experience, which underscores this rich culinary scene in Tokyo.
Proceed with breakfast and then go to Ginza, which is the heart of shopping in Tokyo. While high-end stores and luxury brands come into one’s mind when thinking of Ginza, there is much in the way of cultural attractions as well. A visit to Kabukiza Theatre may provide a glimpse of traditional Kabuki, which is one of Japan’s oldest forms of theatrical arts. Even if you do not have time for the whole performance, the building and its interior exhibitions will be worth a visit.
Later afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the Imperial Palace East Gardens which makes for an extremely serene oasis in the midst of a megapolis. This immaculately maintained garden forms part of the Imperial Palace grounds and ancient stone walls, moats and history relics afford a glimpse of Japan’s imperial past.
Day 3 Highlights
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Ginza shopping and Kabukiza Theatre
- Imperial Palace East Gardens
Day 4: Otaku Culture in Akihabara
On Day 4, delve into the realm of otaku culture in Akihabara, Tokyo’s district for electronics and anime. Start your adventure by shopping in the multi-level Yodobashi Camera, where you can find everything from the latest gadgets to some of the rarest electronics. This is the haunt of the tech enthusiast and the anime cultist.
One should go to any Maid Café if they find it located in Akihabara for a certain experience that will not be anything else. There, themed services are offered by the costumed staff in maid outfit, who serve you an interactive and amusing fun service. It is weird and funny and quintessentially Akihabara.
Visit Super Potato in the afternoon – this is a retro gaming store that sells vintage consoles and video games. There are countless stores selling anime, manga and collectibles. So spend your time exploring these treasures.
Day 4 Highlights:
- Enjoy Akihabara’s electronics and anime culture
- Experience the Maid Café
- Visit Super Potato for some retro gaming
Day 5: Explore Mount Fuji
No trip to Tokyo can be said to be complete if you have not visited Mount Fuji. On Day 5, take a train ride to Kawaguchiko. It is a fair and nice town standing at the foot of Mount Fuji. The outlook of Lake Kawaguchi is simply marvelous; specially when it is a clear day, which allows for the reflection of mountain in water.
You can hike part of the Mount Fuji 5th Station if you feel adventurous, for an even closer look at the peak. Or perhaps you just want to relax- Kawaguchiko is famous for its onsens, natural hot spring baths, and their opportunities for soaking amidst panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
This place is ideal for the perfect photo opportunity. Go during cherry blossom season, and you can take the perfect postcard picture of the pagoda framed in cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in the background-one of Japan’s most iconic images.
Day 5: Highlights
Day 5 will be spent at the following places:
- Mount Fuji
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Chureito Pagoda
Day 6: Day at DisneySea Tokyo
Tokyo DisneySea offers the most exclusive theme parks around the globe, and Day 6 is going to take you to the most amazing wonders in the park. This whole theme park is set on nautical exploration, and among other attractions, there’s Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Each portion of this part of the park has been incredibly well designed, thereby providing a theme and ambiance that explains why it would reach all age groups to visit this glorious park.
Moreover, you won’t want to miss the DisneySea-exclusive snacks that are famous, and include the Gyoza Dog and Mickey Mouse-shaped Churros. You’re sure to end the day with lots of memories as you go through the magical rides of DisneySea, the open enchanted world, and many more.
Day 6: Highlights
- Tokyo DisneySea attractions
- Nautical-themed rides and food
Day 7: Odaiba and Final Souvenir Shopping
Visit the island of Odaiba-the last day of your time in Tokyo, on this futuristic island. Here, you can walk through the respective digital art installations at the TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum; with movement, you’ll find interactive installations that evolve with you. This mind-bending experience would earn a must-see spot on the list for both art and technology lovers.
For any last-minute shopping of souvenirs, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza has a giant Gundam statue and many Japanese and international brands. Before returning to the hotel, enjoy Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a traditional bathhouse featuring natural hot springs and several spa services to end the week of roaming through this great city.
Day 7 Best things to see and do:
- TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba
- DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
- Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Balanced perfectly between history, culture, nature, and modern entertainment, this 7-day itinerary has everything from the peaceful spirit of Senso-ji Temple to the revolved and energetic zones of Shibuya and finally the majestic Mount Fuji plus digital mastery and art by TeamLab, there is so much Tokyo can offer in return.
Conclusion: The Ideal Tokyo Itinerary for Enjoyment
The city where tradition, innovation, and adventure perfectly harmonize is Tokyo. Our detailed 7-day itinerary allows one to explore all aspects of this fantastic city, from the ancient charm of Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, to the glittering lights of Shibuya Crossing, to tranquil views of Mount Fuji and the wonderland of digital art museums on Odaiba.
A well-planned itinerary for Tokyo may allow a person to step into history and relish the display of local delicacies along with all other advanced culture that falls within the domain of Tokyo. Whether it is your first time at Tokyo or you have been here quite a number of times, these experiences are sure to etch themselves permanently in your mind.
By the seventh day, you would be gazing into the best neighborhoods of Tokyo, have tasted its flavors, and viewed its scenery and making eternal imprints in your mind. Traditional shrines and palaces of this city sit side by side with modern shopping districts and theme parks. Here is the perfect itinerary guide that gets you through the moments of every beautiful moment within one of the world’s greatest cities.
