Tokyo Japan 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Tokyo Itinerary: A Mix of Tradition & Modernity

This itinerary balances traditional Tokyo experiences with modern attractions, allowing you to soak in the city’s unique blend of culture.

Where to Stay:

  • Shinjuku: Lively area with great nightlife, shopping, and dining options. Close to transportation and major attractions.
  • Shibuya: Trendy, youthful, and known for its iconic scramble crossing.
  • Asakusa: Traditional neighborhood with a vibrant atmosphere and easy access to temples and cultural sites.

Recommended Accommodation:

  • Budget: Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki (hostel in Asakuku), Keio Plaza Hotel (offers budget-friendly options)
  • Mid-Range: Park Hyatt Tokyo (luxury hotel featured in “Lost in Translation”), Shinjuku Granbell Hotel, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (famous for Godzilla statue)
  • Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo (Hotel Okura, Tokyo), Imperial Hotel (iconic and luxurious).

Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) and take the airport express train to your chosen accommodation in Shinjuku.

  • Afternoon: Settle into your hotel, grab a bite at a nearby ramen shop (Shinjuku has many!) like Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum for a taste of Tokyo’s culinary scene.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks at Robot Restaurant, known for its over-the-top robot show and traditional Japanese cuisine.

  • Bonus: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Shinjuku by exploring Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, wandering through the shopping streets, or having a delicious meal at one of the many themed restaurants in the area.

Day 2: Traditional Tokyo

  • Morning: Visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Asakusa district, see the iconic Senso-ji Temple, and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
  • Evening: Stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Shinjuku and take in the vibrant nightlife.

Day 3: Anime & Pop Culture

  • Day Trip: Spend the day exploring the Akihabara district, known for its electronics and anime culture.

  • Morning: Visit the Ghibli Museum to experience the magic of Studio Ghibli’s animation.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch at Maidreamin, a popular maid cafe in the city.

  • Evening: Relax and enjoy the evening in the Tokyo Anime Center in Akihabara, browsing through their exhibits and exploring the world of Japanese animation.

Day 4: Culture & History Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Tokyo National Museum, the largest museum in Japan dedicated to Japanese art and artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the world of anime and manga at a themed cafe in Akihabaki, like the “Gundam Cafe” or “Pokémon Cafe”.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner and drinks with a view at one of the restaurants overlooking Tokyo Tower

Day 5: Modern Marvels & Shopping Spree

  • Morning: Explore the futuristic architecture and technology of the Tokyo Skytree, including its interactive museum and observation deck.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Shibuya crossing for a unique experience in itself, then explore the shops and cafes of the area.

  • Shopping: Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene of Shibuya, from the trendy fashion boutiques in Shibuya 109 to the department stores like Tokyu Department Store or Loft.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant like “Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu** (known for its Gyakuten Sushi) or a themed cafe with a modern twist, like the Gundam Cafe in Tokyo’s DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Day 6: Explore Beyond the City

  • Activity: Visit a nearby museum, such as the Mori Art Museum (modern art), the National Diet Library for history buffs, or the teamLab Borderless for a unique digital art experience.

Day 7: Departure Day

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast at your chosen hotel
  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Shinjuku’s bustling shopping district, or visit the Tokyo Skytree for some souvenir shopping.

Things to Know:

  • Language: While many people in tourist areas speak some English, it’s helpful to learn basic Japanese phrases like “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigato gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) for smoother interactions.
  • Currency: The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

Things to Do:

  • Explore historical districts: Visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum’s exhibits on traditional Tokyo life, or wander through the charming streets of Yanaka Ginza, a historic shopping street.
  • Experience modern Tokyo: Check out the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku for dinner and a show, or visit a themed cafe like Kawaii Monster Cafe.
  • Visit iconic landmarks:

Marvel at the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens:

* **Shinjuku Gyoen**: This is a great option.
  • Explore Tokyo’s diverse culture: Catch a Kabuki performance for a taste of this theatrical art form, or visit a traditional tea ceremony.

Getting Around:

  • Tokyo Metro: The most efficient and convenient way to travel around the city.

  • JR Pass: If you plan on taking day trips outside of Tokyo, purchasing a JR Pass can be very cost-effective.

Tips for Tourists:

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases: “Konnichiwa” (hello), “Arigato” (thank you), and “Sumimasen” (excuse me) are essential.

  • Use the Japan Rail (JR) system: It’s a great way to travel around, but be aware of different lines and routes.

  • Get a Suica or Pasmo card: These are rechargeable IC cards that can be used on all forms of public transportation in Tokyo.

Food & Drink:

  • Explore the culinary scene:

Try some of the unique dishes:

  • Sushi: Enjoy fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, with a variety of stands offering different styles and experiences.
  • Ramen: Slurp up delicious ramen at Ichiran.
  • Japanese Curry: Indulge in a comforting bowl of curry rice at one of the many Japanese curry restaurants.

Other Activities:

  • Visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A beautiful oasis with traditional gardens and modern park features, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.

  • Explore the vibrant Taito Ward: Discover charming neighborhoods, unique museums, and delicious local cuisine.

  • Experience the magic of Ghibli: Immerse yourself in the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpieces.

  • Enjoy the nightlife: Discover the bustling atmosphere of Shinjuku and its many entertainment options, including bars, restaurants, and karaoke venues.

Other things to do:

  • Shop for souvenirs: Explore the vibrant shops and stalls around Shibuya Crossing
  • Experience Japanese culture: Try a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house or explore the unique offerings of one of Tokyo’s many themed cafes.