Seven days in Japan’s capital isn’t enough – but it’s what most visitors have. Here’s how to make it count, with logistics handled so you can focus on experience.
Day One: Arrival and Orientation
Land at Narita or Haneda. Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately – these rechargeable transit cards work on trains, buses, and many vending machines. Skip the JR Pass for Tokyo-only trips; it’s not cost-effective.
Don’t fight jet lag with a packed first day. Settle into your accommodation, walk the immediate neighborhood, eat an early dinner at a local ramen shop. Sleep when you’re tired.
Day Two: Old Tokyo
Senso-ji temple in Asakusa opens early. Beat the crowds by arriving before 8am. The approach through Nakamise shopping street is more pleasant without tour groups.
Walk to nearby Ueno Park. The national museums here are world-class. Pick one based on your interests rather than trying to see everything.
Day Three: Modern Tokyo
Shibuya’s famous crossing is just a starting point. The surrounding neighborhoods have more interesting character. Daikanyama offers boutique shopping. Shimokitazawa has vintage stores and live music venues.
Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is crowded and commercial, but the back streets reveal genuinely creative fashion and culture.
Day Four: Day Trip
Kamakura or Nikko both work as day trips. Kamakura is closer with temples, a giant Buddha, and coastal atmosphere. Nikko requires more travel time but offers spectacular shrine architecture in mountain scenery.
Days Five Through Seven
These days are for deeper exploration based on what you’ve discovered you love. Return to neighborhoods that resonated. Visit specialty museums matching your interests. Eat at restaurants you noticed earlier.
Don’t overschedule. Some of Tokyo’s pleasure is just existing in the city – sitting in a park, observing the train station choreography, finding your favorite konbini snacks.
Practical Notes
Cash remains important in Japan despite increasing card acceptance. Konbini ATMs work with foreign cards. The 7-Eleven chain is particularly reliable.
Restaurant reservations matter for popular spots. Some require booking weeks ahead. Your hotel concierge can help navigate Japanese-language booking systems.
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