Tokyo, Japan
7 Days in Tokyo: A Neighbourhood-by-Neighbourhood Plan
Layer the city by district instead of chasing a giant checklist.
Instead of crossing off a list, this week is built district by district. Each day pairs a main area with a softer one, connected by no more than two or three metro stops, so your legs and head can keep up.
Grab an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) on arrival and keep a bit of cash on you — small spots still don't take cards. Eat at izakayas or ramen counters and book one nice dinner with a view.
Mornings are gold: empty temples, calm coffee shops and soft light. Wake up early and slow down after lunch.
In this itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and a Shinjuku night
Land, check in and head out for dinner at Omoide Yokocho. Walk to Kabukicho to feel the city's pulse.
- Dinner at an Omoide Yokocho izakaya
- Free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building
- Stroll through Kabukicho without wandering into shady clubs
Day 2
Shibuya, Harajuku and Yoyogi
Shibuya scramble in the morning, walk through Yoyogi and an afternoon shopping run on Harajuku and Omotesando.
- Coffee at Streamer or Fuglen
- Meiji-jingu from the south gate
- Scramble view from Shibuya Sky
Day 3
Asakusa and Akihabara
Senso-ji while it's still quiet, then an afternoon in Akihabara among arcades and comic shops.
- Senso-ji before 9 am
- Sumida river cruise to Hamarikyu
- Optional maid café in Akihabara
Day 4
TeamLab Planets and Toyosu
Immersive morning at TeamLab Planets, lunch in Toyosu and a quieter evening at an onsen or in Odaiba.
- Pre-book TeamLab two weeks in advance
- Sushi at Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
- Oedo Onsen if you want a chill afternoon
Day 5
Day trip to Kamakura
Train to Kamakura for the Great Buddha, temples and the beach. Back to Tokyo for dinner in Shimokitazawa.
- Hokoku-ji for its silent bamboo grove
- Seaside coffee at Yuigahama
- Tavern dinner in Shimokitazawa
Day 6
Slow Yanaka and Ueno
Old Tokyo at a low pace: Yanaka Ginza, Ueno Park and one museum to your taste.
- Yanaka Ginza for cats and croquettes
- Tokyo National Museum
- Dinner at a historic soba shop in Ueno
Day 7
Ginza, Tsukiji and farewell
Breakfast at Tsukiji outer market, shopping in Ginza and a smooth transfer to the airport.
- Tamagoyaki in Tsukiji
- Itoya and Muji flagship in Ginza
- Matcha in Hibiya before the Narita Express
Key tips
- Only buy a JR Pass if you are also visiting Kyoto and Hiroshima; for Tokyo only it's not worth it.
- Activate roaming or grab an eSIM before landing.
- Carry a small bag for trash — public bins are rare.
- Reserve TeamLab Planets two weeks ahead.
- Eat at the bar of an izakaya for the most authentic, affordable experience.
- Download Google Translate offline to scan menus.
Frequently asked
Best neighbourhood to stay in?
Shinjuku for nightlife and connections, Shibuya for a younger vibe, Ginza for calm and upscale shopping.
Is it hard without Japanese?
Not at all. Signs are in English, map apps work perfectly, and locals are patient and helpful.
Worth a day trip?
Yes — Kamakura for beach and temples, Nikko for nature and art, Hakone for onsen and Mount Fuji views.
How much cash should I bring?
About €200-300 per person in yen for the first days; hotels and konbini increasingly take cards or IC.