Seven days in Tokyo is both too short and somehow just right. The city is enormous — greater Tokyo has 37 million people — yet it's remarkably easy to navigate. The metro system is world-class, English signage is widespread, and the city's distinct neighbourhoods each feel like a separate destination.
This itinerary balances the classic tourist highlights with quieter, local experiences — and gives you honest numbers on what it all costs.
Tokyo at a glance
- ✦Best time to visit: March–May (cherry blossoms) or September–November (autumn colours)
- ✦Budget per day: ¥8,000–15,000 (US$55–100) mid-range, including accommodation
- ✦Getting around: IC card (Suica/Pasmo) loaded with ¥3,000–5,000 lasts most travellers a week
- ✦Language: English is limited outside tourist areas — download Google Translate with Japanese offline
- ✦Cash: Still important in Tokyo — carry ¥10,000–20,000 for smaller restaurants and temples
Day 1: Shinjuku & Arrival
After landing at Narita or Haneda, take the train directly to Shinjuku (your likely base). The Narita Express (N'EX) costs about ¥3,000 and takes 90 minutes. Spend your first afternoon adjusting to the time zone with a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen (¥500 entry) — one of the city's best parks.
Evening: explore the neon chaos of Kabukicho, Tokyo's entertainment district. Dinner at one of the ramen shops on Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) — under ¥1,000 for a bowl.
Day 2: Harajuku, Shibuya & Omotesando
Start at Meiji Shrine — a peaceful forested escape that takes about 90 minutes. Walk south into Harajuku and explore Takeshita Street (quirky fashion, crepes) and the quieter Omotesando boulevard (flagship stores, architecture). Finish at Shibuya Crossing — best viewed from the Scramble Square observation deck (¥2,000).
Day 3: Asakusa & Old Tokyo
Cross the city to Asakusa, Tokyo's most traditional neighbourhood. Senso-ji temple is free and magical in the early morning before crowds arrive. Browse Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs, then walk along the Sumida River. Afternoon at Tokyo Skytree (¥2,100) for panoramic views.
Day 4: Day trip to Nikko or Kamakura
Both are excellent day trips from Tokyo. Kamakura (1 hour by train, ¥940 each way) has the famous Great Buddha and coastal trails. Nikko (2 hours, ¥1,320 with JR Pass) has elaborate UNESCO-listed shrines in a mountain setting. Both are full-day experiences — head back to Tokyo for dinner.
Day 5: Akihabara, Ueno & Yanaka
Akihabara is Tokyo's electric town — anime, electronics, gaming culture. Spend the morning there, then walk north to Ueno for world-class museums (Tokyo National Museum, ¥1,000) and the park. Finish in Yanaka, Tokyo's best-preserved old neighbourhood — craft shops, temples, a cemetery that locals use as a park.
Day 6: TeamLab & Odaiba
TeamLab Planets or Borderless (¥3,200–4,000) — Tokyo's most photographed experience. Book in advance. Odaiba is a futuristic artificial island in Tokyo Bay with great views of Rainbow Bridge. Less essential than other days, but a nice change of pace.
Day 7: Ginza, Tsukiji & Final Shopping
Start early at Tsukiji Outer Market for the best sushi breakfast of your life (¥1,500–3,000). Walk to Ginza for high-end shopping or browsing. Afternoon free for last-minute purchases. Head to the airport — budget 90–120 minutes for airport transit.
Realistic 7-day Tokyo budget
| Category | Budget traveller | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (from US) | US$600–900 | US$800–1,100 | US$1,200+ |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | US$280 (hostel) | US$560 (3★ hotel) | US$980 (4★) |
| Food (7 days) | US$150 | US$280 | US$420 |
| Transport (within Tokyo) | US$45 | US$60 | US$60 |
| Activities & entry fees | US$80 | US$150 | US$220 |
| Total (flights included) | US$1,155 | US$1,850 | US$2,880 |
Tokyo food is exceptional and often cheap. A great ramen is ¥900–1,200. A conveyor belt sushi lunch: ¥1,500–2,500. You rarely need to spend more than ¥3,000 on a single meal to eat very well.
Where to stay in Tokyo
- ✦Shinjuku — best transport hub, great food and nightlife, suits most travellers
- ✦Asakusa — best for culture lovers who want a quieter, more traditional feel
- ✦Shibuya — young, energetic, slightly pricier
- ✦Akihabara — central, good value, convenient for east Tokyo sights