Seven Days in Tokyo: Pulse, Peace & Plates
Allow flex time for transit and lines; purchase Suica/Pasmo; check museum hours and reserve if needed.
Packing Tips:
- Pack comfortable walking shoes and a compact umbrella.
- Power: Japan uses Type A outlets (100V). Bring a plug adapter.
Transit Tips:
- Buy a Suica or Pasmo on arrival for seamless subway/train travel.
- Use Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner (Hyperdia alternatives) for transfers; allow extra time for luggage.
Money & Etiquette:
- Many places accept cards; cash is still common—carry some yen.
- Quiet phone conversations on trains; follow local etiquette at shrines (bow, cleanse hands/mouth).
Safety & Health:
- Tokyo is very safe; be mindful of peak train hours (avoid heavy luggage on rush hours).
- Tap water is safe to drink.
Food & Dining:
- For popular sushi/ramen spots, consider early arrival or reservations.
- Many restaurants have English menus or picture displays; pointing works fine.
Overview
Seven days to feel Tokyo’s rhythm: ritual mornings at shrines, neon evenings in lively neighborhoods, slow museum afternoons, and time to discover the city’s food culture. This plan assumes your base is a centrally located Tokyo hotel (example: Shinjuku area) and uses trains/subways. Walks are moderate; transit times typically 10–40 minutes between areas.
Day 1 — Arrival & Shinjuku Intro (Evening walk + skyline)
You arrive, check in, drop bags, and step into Shinjuku’s lively evening. Begin with a relaxed exploration: the quiet Omoide Yokocho alleys, neon Kabukicho (from a respectful distance), and the Metropolitan Government Building observation deck for sunset views. Let jet lag guide you — keep the evening light.
Evening highlight: stand-up yakitori or ramen and a skyline view to orient yourself to the city.
Day 2 — Asakusa & Ueno: Tradition, Markets, Parks
Start at Asakusa’s Senso-ji for incense and temple lanes, stroll Nakamise for snacks and small souvenirs, then head to Ueno Park—museums, Shinobazu Pond, and Ameyoko market for street-food energy and bargains. Finish with early evening drinks or coffee in Yanaka Ginza for old-town charm.
Why this works: compact walking clusters and easy transit (Ginza/Asakusa/Ueno lines), relaxed pace with frequent rest stops.
Day 3 — Akihabara & Imperial East Gardens: Tech, Trains, and Tranquility
Akihabara in the morning for electronics, anime pop-up shops, and café culture. After lunch, move toward Tokyo Station and explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens for a contrast of calm and greenery. Optional late-afternoon visit to KITTE or Marunouchi brick-lined streets for shopping and cafés.
Vibe: high-energy morning → serene afternoon.
Day 4 — Shibuya & Harajuku: Youth Culture & Design
Shibuya crossing, Hachiko, and a skyline coffee before walking to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street. Meiji Shrine provides a peaceful counterpoint. Spend the afternoon in Omotesando’s architecture and boutique shops, with evening options in Cat Street or back to Shibuya for izakaya dining.
Tips: Weekdays are calmer; evenings bring crowds.
Day 5 — Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza & Roppongi: Food, Fancy, and Art
Start early at Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh bites and seafood stalls. Move to Ginza for department stores and the grooming of luxury Tokyo shopping. In the late afternoon, head to Roppongi for Mori Art Museum or Tokyo Midtown’s open spaces, finishing with Roppongi Hills night views.
Contrast of flavors and styles — from market bustle to refined galleries.
Day 6 — Odaiba & Waterfront: Playful High-Tech Seaside
Take the scenic Yurikamome line to Odaiba: teamLab Borderless-like experiences (check current exhibition availability), Palette Town area, seaside walk, and the Rainbow Bridge view at sunset. Plenty of indoor malls and small museums for flexible pacing.
Family-friendly, broad walks, and many indoor options if weather changes.
Day 7 — Local Neighborhood Day & Departure: Chill, Last-minute Buys
Keep your final day flexible: revisit a favorite neighborhood (Shinjuku, Ginza, or Asakusa), pick up souvenirs, enjoy a long café breakfast, and allow time for transit to the airport. If time allows, a short park visit or a final ramen bowl is a perfect send-off.
Closing notes
Tokyo rewards slow discovery: mix a few planned highlights with pockets of unplanned time. Trains are punctual and frequent — use Suica/Pasmo cards for convenience. Keep an eye on museum hours and book major art exhibitions in advance if possible.