7 Days in Tokyo: One Perfect Week of Temples, Neon and Day Trips
A realistic 7-day Tokyo itinerary that opens gently in Yanaka and Ueno, builds through Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, teamLab and Shibuya, adds Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station architecture, then finishes with Hakone or Kamakura and a flexible farewell in Golden Gai or Shimokitazawa.
“Planning a trip to Tokyo? October is when the best weather begins — comfortable for long walks and sightseeing. Come hungry—the local cuisine is unforgettable.”
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
On This Page
7-Day Tokyo Itinerary at a Glance
Itinerary Map
Who This 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is for travelers with one full week in Tokyo who want essentials—Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, teamLab, Shibuya—plus old-town calm in Yanaka, architecture in Marunouchi, a Hakone or Kamakura escape and a flexible final day without sprinting between sights.
Expect 18–25k steps per day with built-in slow blocks: kissaten coffee in Yanaka, shrine forest walks, depachika tastings. Traveling with kids or preferring late starts? Drop a museum, swap Hakone for extra neighborhood time, or skip Shibuya Sky without breaking the flow.
Yanaka, Nezu Shrine, Nippori Fabric Town & Ueno
Soft landing in old-town lanes, a hidden shrine, textile shops and a museum-park afternoon.
Morning
Yanaka Ginza & Old-Town Lanes
Wooden houses, cemetery temple routes and a compact shopping street deliver immediate contrast to airport highways and hotel lobbies.
How to Do It:
- • Exit Nippori Station and walk Yanaka Ginza shotengai for croquettes, senbei and cat-themed crafts.
- • Drift through Yanaka Cemetery toward Tennoji Temple—quiet, photogenic and respectful (keep voices low).
- • Pause at a kissaten for pour-over coffee ($3.51–$5.86 / ¥560–¥934)—old-school Tokyo in a ceramic cup.
Tips
- → Weekday mornings are ideal; Yanaka Ginza fills on weekends.
- → Many shops are cash-only—carry about $70–$141 / ¥11,209–¥22,418 worth of cash for the week.
Yanaka costs nothing to explore—save budget for Ueno museum entry this afternoon.
Book a guided Yanaka walking tour for Showa history and craft-shop introductions.
Nezu Shrine
Edo-period architecture and a tunnel of vermillion torii—dramatic yet far quieter than Kyoto's famous rows.
How to Do It:
- • Walk the senbon torii path in a loop—allow 30–45 minutes.
- • Visit the azalea garden in spring (~$1.17 / ¥187 during festival; mid-April to early May peak).
- • Ring the bell gently and observe local worshippers before photographing.
Tips
- → Combine with Yanaka on foot—no need for a separate cross-town trip later.
- → Azalea season draws crowds; off-season mornings stay serene.
Afternoon
- • Nippori Tomoe Street cafés — Simple set lunches between fabric shops.
- • Ameyoko street food — Kebab, seafood and bargain snacks under the JR tracks.
Nippori Fabric Town (Tomoe Street)
More than 80 shops sell bolts, buttons and vintage patterns—Tokyo's wholesale textile district open to anyone who loves craft.
How to Do It:
- • Browse Tomoe Street and parallel lanes for cotton prints, indigo fabrics and ribbon shops.
- • Even non-sewers enjoy the color stacks and bargain bins (fat quarters from ~$1.17 / ¥187).
- • Allow 60–90 minutes if you're shopping; 30 minutes for a curious walk-through.
Tips
- → Shops close around 18:00 and many rest on Sundays—plan this stop before Ueno if your Day 1 is a Sunday.
- → Cash preferred at smaller stalls.
Ueno Park & Museum or Ameyoko
Lotus ponds, museum buildings and optional Ameyoko grit finish Day 1 without neon overload—ideal after a long flight.
How to Do It:
- • Option A — Tokyo National Museum: Honkan Japanese gallery (~$7.03 / ¥1,121; 90–120 minutes). Closed Mondays.
- • Option B — Park + Ameyoko: Stroll Shinobazu Pond, then browse Ameyoko Market under the tracks (free; lunch $9.37–$14 / ¥1,495–¥2,242).
- • Cherry blossom season (late March–early April) transforms the park—expect crowds then.
Tips
- → Don't attempt every museum in Ueno—pick one or skip to Ameyoko.
- → Museum fatigue on arrival day? Default to park walk and early dinner near your hotel.
Free park stroll + Ameyoko grazing skips museum entry without losing the afternoon.
Add National Museum of Western Art (~$3.51 / ¥560; Le Corbusier building) if you want European masters too.
Evening
Neighborhood Dinner Near Your Hotel
Jet lag plus 15k steps deserves a simple first meal close to bed—not a cross-town izakaya marathon.
How to Do It:
- • Choose conveyor sushi, gyudon or ramen within 10 minutes of your hotel.
- • Buy konbini breakfast (onigiri, coffee) for tomorrow if you're an early Asakusa person.
- • Charge devices and confirm Suica/Pasmo card works at the station ticket machine.
Tips
- → Avoid loading Day 1 with Shibuya or Golden Gai—you'll hit those later in the week.
- → Set one alarm for tomorrow—Senso-ji rewards early risers.
Asakusa, Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree & Sumida River
East Tokyo icons—thunder gate rituals, a 634m tower and riverside lights.
Morning
Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
Tokyo's oldest temple anchors the east side—Kaminarimon, pagoda views and street snacks in one compact hour.
How to Do It:
- • Enter at Kaminarimon Gate, waft incense smoke from the giant cauldron for luck.
- • Browse Nakamise-dori as stalls open (~09:00) for ningyo-yaki and senbei.
- • Circle the five-story pagoda courtyard before midday heat and tour umbrellas arrive.
Tips
- → Main hall 06:00–17:00; outer grounds accessible 24 hours.
- → Draw an omikuji fortune (~$0.59 / ¥93)—tie unlucky slips to the rack.
Senso-ji is free—budget goes to Skytree tickets this afternoon.
Rickshaw loop ($35–$59 / ¥5,605–¥9,341) through backstreets for guided history.
Afternoon
- • Solamachi food court — Ramen and tempura before ascending.
- • Skytree sushi counters — Mid-range nigiri at the tower base.
Tokyo Skytree (Tembo Deck & Optional Galleria)
The tallest tower in Japan frames your entire east-Tokyo day—from Senso-ji rooftops to distant Fuji on clear winter days.
How to Do It:
- • Reserve Tembo Deck (350m) online—July and cherry-blossom weeks see hour-long ticket queues (roughly $14–$18 / ¥2,242–¥2,802).
- • Optional Tembo Galleria (450m) adds a spiral ramp (combo roughly $19–$25 / ¥2,989–¥3,923).
- • Allow 90 minutes including Solamachi restrooms and snack stop at the base.
Tips
- → Weekday lunch slots beat Saturday afternoon crowds.
- → November–February post-rain days give the sharpest Fuji visibility.
Skip interior ascent—tonight's river walk delivers great exterior Skytree shots for free.
Fast Skytree ticket or Solamachi rooftop dining at sunset.
Evening
- • Kuramae side izakaya — Small plates away from Nakamise tourist pricing.
- • Komagata Dozeu — Loach hotpot specialist—historic Asakusa institution since 1801.
Sumida River Walk & Evening Lights
Bridge lights and Skytree reflections give you a slow, free finale after going vertical all afternoon.
How to Do It:
- • Stroll Sumida Park toward Azuma Bridge—best light 30 minutes before sunset.
- • Optional 40-minute river cruise (from ~$13 / ¥2,055) from Asakusa Pier.
- • Cross back to Asakusa for izakaya dinner off the main tourist strip.
Tips
- → Summer evenings hit 28–32°C (82–90°F) with humidity—carry water.
- → Spring and autumn 15–22°C (59–72°F) are ideal for walking.
Free riverside walk beats paid cruise for most visitors.
Dinner cruise (from ~$64 / ¥10,275) with kaiseki and tower views.
Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Harajuku & Roppongi Hills
Forest calm, boutique boulevards, youth fashion and a skyline art deck at sunset.
Morning
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Seventy hectares of donated forest wrap a shrine that still hosts weddings and seasonal festivals—a breathing space between Tokyo's retail zones.
How to Do It:
- • Enter via the great torii and walk the gravel path to the main hall (45–60 minutes).
- • Watch for Shinto wedding processions on weekends from a respectful distance.
- • Optional ema plaque ($5.86 / ¥934) or omikuji (~$0.59 / ¥93) at the side counters.
Tips
- → Free entry; modest dress near the prayer hall.
- → Light drizzle enhances the forest mood—bring a compact umbrella.
Free shrine—spend saved budget on Omotesando café break.
Yoyogi Park on Sunday for rockabilly dancers and cosplay.
Afternoon
- • Afuri Harajuku — Yuzu shio ramen from ticket machine.
- • Bills Omotesando — Ricotta pancakes—book ahead on weekends.
Omotesando Architecture Walk
Flagship stores by Prada, Dior and Ando sit under a zelkova canopy—Tokyo's most elegant retail spine.
How to Do It:
- • Walk Omotesando from Harajuku toward Aoyama, noting Omotesando Hills and glass facades.
- • Free view from Tokyu Plaza mirrored entrance and rooftop terrace.
- • Detour Cat Street for vintage sneakers linking Shibuya and Harajuku.
Tips
- → Shops open around 11am—timing aligns well after Meiji Shrine.
- → Omotesando suits architecture lovers who find Takeshita overwhelming.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Crepe windows, character goods and street-style watching—pop culture compressed into one lane.
How to Do It:
- • Walk Takeshita Street for crepes (from ~$3.51 / ¥560) and boutique browsing.
- • Browse Kiddy Land for character merchandise.
- • Don't eat while walking—stand at the crepe shop or sit in Yoyogi Park.
Tips
- → Weekday afternoons calmer than weekends.
- → Save energy for Roppongi sunset tonight.
Evening
- • Roppongi Hills restaurant floor — International and Japanese options—reserve terrace tables.
- • Ichiran Roppongi — Backup ramen if museum runs late.
Mori Art Museum & Tokyo City View
Rotating contemporary exhibitions plus observation deck views over Tokyo Tower and the bay—especially striking at sunset.
How to Do It:
- • Buy Mori Art Museum + Tokyo City View combo (about $15–$19 / ¥2,429–¥2,989 depending on exhibition). Allow 2 hours.
- • Visit Mohri Garden on the 6th floor—a traditional garden amid glass towers.
- • Time deck entry 30 minutes before sunset (summer ~18:30, winter ~16:30).
Tips
- → Exercise caution with street touts in certain Roppongi bars—stick to reputable venues.
- → Open-air Sky Deck (extra ~$5.86 / ¥934) eliminates glass reflections for night photos.
Free Gov Building decks in Shinjuku if you skipped them—save $18 / ¥2,802 tonight.
Add Sky Deck and a cocktail at Maduro afterward.
Tsukiji Market, teamLab & Shibuya Night
Sushi breakfast, pre-booked digital art and neon scramble crossing after dark.
Morning
Tsukiji Outer Market
Outer-market counters still deliver Tokyo's best casual fish breakfast even after the wholesale auction moved to Toyosu.
How to Do It:
- • Arrive before 09:00—many vendors wrap by noon.
- • Try otoro nigiri, grilled scallops on sticks and tamagoyaki from lane vendors.
- • Quick stop at Tsukiji Hongwanji for its unusual Indian-influenced architecture.
Tips
- → Cash at many stalls—7-Eleven ATM nearby.
- → Step aside to eat; keep lanes clear.
Conveyor sushi ($8.2–$14 / ¥1,308–¥2,242) near your hotel if Tsukiji feels far on a lazy morning.
Toyosu tuna auction lottery for serious sushi fans (very early start).
Afternoon
- • Azabudai Hills food hall — International counters before timed teamLab slot.
- • Ichiran near Kamiyacho — Solo booth ramen backup.
teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)
Room-scale digital installations that bleed into each other—one of Tokyo's hardest tickets and worth the planning.
How to Do It:
- • Book online 2–4 weeks ahead (about $22–$35 / ¥3,550–¥5,605). Timed entry is strict—arrive 10 minutes early.
- • Store bags in lockers; wear comfortable shoes—mostly shoes-on experience.
- • teamLab Planets (Toyosu) is an alternate barefoot water experience—separate ticket.
Tips
- → Dark rooms—disable flash; wide-angle lens helps.
- → Afternoon free until Shibuya tonight—don't schedule another timed ticket back-to-back.
Swap for Akihabara browsing (free) and add Shibuya Sky tonight instead.
Book Planets on a rest day if Borderless slots are gone.
Evening
- • Shibuya Stream restaurants — Modern dining facing the river.
- • Genki Sushi (Shibuya) — Conveyor sushi with tablet ordering.
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
The scramble after dark is a different spectacle—billboards, reflections and crosswalk choreography under full neon.
How to Do It:
- • Photograph Hachiko and cross with two or three light cycles at ground level.
- • Ascend Shibuya Sky (about $18–$23 / ¥2,802–¥3,736) for open-air 360° night views—book sunset slot online.
- • Walk Center Gai and Miyashita Park rooftop if you skip the paid deck.
Tips
- → Weekend sunset slots sell out—book Shibuya Sky when you book teamLab.
- → Clear winter nights may show Fuji silhouette from the deck.
2nd-floor Starbucks overlooking scramble is free and iconic enough.
Magnet rooftop (from ~$9.37 / ¥1,495) as a second angle if you're photo-obsessed.
Imperial Palace Gardens, Marunouchi & Tokyo Station
Edo Castle ruins, brick station architecture and polished Marunouchi lunch.
Morning
Imperial Palace East Gardens (Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen)
The only regularly open slice of imperial grounds—Edo Castle ruins, Ninomaru ponds and skyscraper views beyond the moat.
How to Do It:
- • Enter via Ote-mon Gate; pass security (5–10 minutes).
- • Loop Ninomaru Garden, Tenshudai keep foundation and hyakunin-bansho guardhouse.
- • Allow 90 minutes; shorter if you only want the keep viewpoint.
Tips
- → Closed Mondays and Fridays, plus 28 December–3 January—swap days if needed.
- → Last entry 30 minutes before closing; gates typically 09:00–16:30 (until 17:00 in summer).
- → No picnics inside—eat in Marunouchi afterward.
If closed, shift to Marunouchi architecture walk and Tokyo Station interior earlier.
Apply ahead for free Imperial Palace interior guided tour (lottery).
Afternoon
- • Tokyo Station Ramen Street — Eight famous ramen shops in the basement—queues move steadily.
- • Marunouchi Brick Square cafés — Set lunches facing the restored station facade.
Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building & Plaza
The 1914 red-brick facade restoration anchors modern Marunouchi—one of Japan's most recognizable pieces of civic architecture.
How to Do It:
- • Photograph the Marunouchi facade from the plaza—morning light on brick details, afternoon on the central dome.
- • Explore Tokyo Station Gallery (~$4.68 / ¥747 when exhibitions run) inside the historic structure.
- • Descend to Character Street and Ramen Street in the basement for snacks and souvenir browsing.
Tips
- → Coin lockers here ($3.51–$5.86 / ¥560–¥934) are useful on Day 7 departure.
- → Shinkansen gates require tickets—don't enter platforms without one.
Marunouchi Naka-dori & Brick Square
Polished boulevards, public art and flagship brand corners show Tokyo's business district at its most design-conscious.
How to Do It:
- • Stroll Marunouchi Naka-dori pedestrian zone—seasonal installations and outdoor seating.
- • Pop into KITTE mall for rooftop garden views back toward the station.
- • Coffee break at a Marunouchi café before tomorrow's day-trip packing.
Tips
- → Weekdays buzz with office workers; weekends are quieter and easier for photos.
- → Confirm Day 6 weather tonight—Hakone ropeway vs Kamakura decision.
Evening
Neighborhood Dinner & Hakone/Kamakura Prep
Day 6 starts early—simple dinner and packed day bag beat a late Shinjuku bar night.
How to Do It:
- • Choose ramen or gyudon near your hotel.
- • Pack onsen towel (Hakone) or sunscreen (Kamakura beach season).
- • Check Hakone ropeway status online if choosing Option A.
Tips
- → Load IC card for tomorrow's Odakyu or JR Yokosuka Line fares.
- → Buy ekiben plan for Day 6 lunch at the station tomorrow morning.
Hakone Hot Springs & Mt Fuji Views OR Kamakura Day Trip
Mountain onsen loop or coastal Great Buddha—pick based on weather and energy.
Morning
Hakone Hot Springs & Mt Fuji Views (Option A)
Volcanic valley steam, Lake Ashi and Fuji glimpses on clear days—the classic onsen-country loop west of Tokyo.
How to Do It:
- • From Shinjuku, ride Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto (~85 min; ~$15 / ¥2,429 one way) or regular train (~$9.37 / ¥1,495, 2 hours).
- • Buy Hakone Free Pass (~$44 / ¥7,099 from Shinjuku; covers ropeway, cruise, local buses).
- • Loop: train to Gora, cable car to Sounzan, ropeway via Owakudani to Togendai, Lake Ashi boat, bus back toward Yumoto. Optional day-use onsen ($7.03–$11 / ¥1,121–¥1,681).
Tips
- → Check ropeway weather the night before—high winds cause closures.
- → Clear winter mornings (5–15°C / 41–59°F) give best Fuji views; summer can be hazy (25–30°C / 77–86°F).
- → Some onsen restrict visible tattoos—research day-use baths beforehand.
Regular trains instead of Romancecar saves ~$14 / ¥2,242.
Private ryokan day lunch (from ~$105 / ¥16,814) with onsen included.
Kamakura Great Buddha & Coastal Temples (Option B)
13m bronze Great Buddha, bamboo groves and seaside shrines 50km south—medieval Kanto without Hakone's weather gamble.
How to Do It:
- • From Tokyo Station, ride JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura (~50 min; round trip ~$13 / ¥2,055).
- • Walk or Enoden tram (~$1.17 / ¥187 per ride) to Kotoku-in Great Buddha (entry ~$2.34 / ¥374).
- • Continue to Hasedera (~$2.34 / ¥374) and optional Enoshima island coastal walk.
- • Lunch on Komachi-dori shopping street—allow 5–6 hours total.
Tips
- → Better on cloudy or windy days when Hakone ropeway may close.
- → Enoden crowded on weekends—mid-week is smoother.
- → Summer beach season (Jul–Aug) adds swimming at Yuigahama (water ~24–26°C / 75–79°F).
Walk central Kamakura temples instead of Enoden—save ~$4.68 / ¥747.
Extend to Enoshima sea cave shrine for sunset over Sagami Bay.
Afternoon
Hakone Onsen Soak or Kamakura Komachi-dori
Use the afternoon for the experience you came for—hot spring soak or temple-town lunch—before commuter crowds.
How to Do It:
- • Hakone: Day-use onsen at Yumoto or Tenzan (1–2 hours). Start return by 17:00.
- • Kamakura: Shopping and snacks on Komachi-dori, then Enoshima if energy allows.
- • Buy ekiben at Tokyo Station for easy hotel dinner.
Tips
- → Don't overpack Day 7—save energy for farewell neighborhood time.
- → Confirm airport transfer timing before going out tonight.
Evening
Neighborhood Dinner & Packing
Day-trip fatigue plus departure logistics tomorrow rewards an early night.
How to Do It:
- • Conveyor sushi or ramen within 10 minutes of your hotel.
- • Pack essentials tonight—passport, chargers, omiyage.
- • Confirm Narita Express or Limousine Bus timing for Day 7.
Tips
- → Konbini breakfast supplies save time on departure morning.
- → Set two alarms if you have an early flight Day 8.
Flexible Revisit, Golden Gai or Shimokitazawa & Departure Prep
Revisit what clicked, last-night bars or vintage shops, then handle bags and transfers.
Morning
Flexible Morning (Repeat a Favorite)
Closure beats coverage—second kissaten in Yanaka, quiet Senso-ji loop or Meiji forest calm beats one more paid attraction.
How to Do It:
- • Return to Yanaka Ginza for Yuyake Dandan at softer morning light if you skipped it Day 1.
- • Revisit Shibuya Crossing at quiet hour for one final photo.
- • Grab matcha or kissaten coffee without an agenda.
Tips
- → Store luggage at hotel or coin lockers at Tokyo Station ($3.51–$5.86 / ¥560–¥934).
- → Don't start sights you can't finish—this is about saying goodbye.
Afternoon
Check-Out, Luggage & Airport Planning
Sorting transfers before evening means you can focus on the last walk—not watching the clock.
How to Do It:
- • Check out and store bags at hotel or Tokyo Station coin lockers.
- • Confirm Narita Express (~$20–$21 / ¥3,176–¥3,363 one way, 60–90 min to NRT) or Limousine Bus (~$9.37 / ¥1,495 to HND) for your flight.
- • Keep passport, boarding pass and one change accessible.
Tips
- → Narita security slow in peak season—arrive 3 hours before international flights.
- → Last-minute kit-kat flavors and senbei at the airport if customs limits confuse you.
Evening
- • Golden Gai bars (Shinjuku) — Cover $3.51–$9.37 / ¥560–¥1,495 plus drinks $5.86–$12 / ¥934–¥1,868; cash essential.
- • Shimokitazawa cafés and curry shops — Bohemian village vibe—vintage shops and live houses.
- • Omoide Yokocho yakitori — If you skipped yakitori alleys earlier in the week.
Golden Gai Bar Hopping (Option A)
Six alleyways of micro-bars seating five to ten people—Tokyo nightlife distilled into one eccentric farewell.
How to Do It:
- • Start 19:00–20:00 if you have a late flight; 17:00–18:00 for early departures.
- • Expect cover charge ($3.51–$9.37 / ¥560–¥1,495) plus drinks ($5.86–$12 / ¥934–¥1,868)—cash only at most bars.
- • Look for English menus or tourist-welcome signs; respect closed doors.
Tips
- → Photography often prohibited inside—ask first.
- → Early flight tomorrow? One bar only, then pack and sleep.
Omoide Yokocho yakitori instead—cheaper and food-focused.
Guided Golden Gai bar tour (from ~$64 / ¥10,275) for regulars-only access.
Shimokitazawa Vintage & Café Crawl (Option B)
Thrift stores, tiny theatres and curry joints—Tokyo's bohemian counterpoint to Golden Gai's bar stools.
How to Do It:
- • From Shibuya, ride Keio-Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa (~3 min).
- • Browse vintage clothing lanes south of the station and Bear Pond Espresso area cafés.
- • Dinner at a curry or izakaya counter—lower cover charges than Golden Gai.
Tips
- → Better choice if bar cover charges feel steep or you prefer shopping to drinking.
- → Station area rebuilt—follow signs to the south exit vintage zone.
Window-shop vintage without buying—still a memorable farewell stroll.
Live jazz or comedy show at a Shimokitazawa live house (from ~$18 / ¥2,802).
Arrival & Departure: How to Integrate This 7-Day Itinerary
For a true 7-day Tokyo itinerary, aim for 7 full days on the ground—arrive the evening before Day 1 if possible, and depart the afternoon or evening after Day 7 (or the morning of Day 8).
Fly into Haneda Airport (HND) if possible—about 15km south of central Tokyo. Narita Airport (NRT) is 60km east but handles more long-haul routes. From HND, take Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa (~$3.51–$5.86 / ¥560–¥934, ~30 min), then JR Yamanote Line. From NRT, Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo or Shinjuku costs ~$20–$21 / ¥3,176–¥3,363 one way (60–90 min); N'EX round-trip ticket about $33 / ¥5,231 return.
If you're continuing to Kyoto or Osaka, do this week first, then Shinkansen onward (~2h15min to Kyoto)—rather than multiple back-and-forth day trips from Tokyo.
Where to Stay for a Week in Tokyo
For a 7-day stay, balance central location, quiet at night and reasonable pricing. Best bases: Shinjuku, Tokyo Station/Marunouchi and Ueno.
Shinjuku is our top pick—Yamanote Line hub, Golden Gai on Day 7, free Gov Building views nearby and Odakyu Romancecar access for Hakone on Day 6.
Tokyo Station/Marunouchi suits Day 5 architecture focus and Day 7 locker logistics. Ueno pairs with Day 1 Yanaka/Ueno soft start.
Avoid staying only in Asakusa—charming for Day 2 but 25–30 min by metro from Shibuya and Roppongi on other days.
Is a JR Pass or Tokyo Metro Pass Worth It for 7 Days?
JR Pass math: about $315 / ¥50,255 from ¥50,000 today (check current exchange rates; about $334 from ¥53,000 at recent rates)—worth it only if you're adding Kyoto, Osaka or Hiroshima after this week. Seven Tokyo-only days? No.
Suica/Pasmo for daily rides ($41–$64 / ¥6,539–¥10,275 over the week). Day 6 extras: Hakone Free Pass ~$44 / ¥7,099 from Shinjuku or Kamakura JR round trip ~$13 / ¥2,055—buy those separately.
Pre-book teamLab, Shibuya Sky and Skytree online. A 72-hour subway pass (about $13 / ¥2,055) rarely beats IC pay-as-you-go unless you're riding metro constantly.
IC card plus day-trip pass on Day 6. Reserve timed attractions when you book flights—skip JR Pass unless your trip continues beyond Tokyo.
Book Tours & Activities in Tokyo
Top-rated experiences, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days too long for just Tokyo?
Why does this itinerary start in Yanaka instead of Shibuya?
Hakone or Kamakura for Day 6—which should I pick?
Golden Gai or Shimokitazawa on Day 7?
Can I swap days around?
How do I adapt this itinerary for kids or families?
What transport pass should I buy for a week in Tokyo?
How much should I budget for 7 days in Tokyo (excluding flights and hotel)?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Do I need cash in Tokyo for this itinerary?
How Many Days in Tokyo?
Not sure if 7 days is right? Here's what each trip length covers.
- Day 1: Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku
- Day 2: Senso-ji, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree & Sumida River
- Day 3: Tsukiji Market, teamLab or Akihabara & Golden Gai
- Day 1: Asakusa, Senso-ji, Sumida River & Tokyo Skytree
- Day 2: Meiji Shrine Early Morning, Omotesando Design & Shibuya After Dark
- Day 3: Tsukiji Market, Imperial Palace Gardens & Ginza Depachika
- Day 4: Ueno Park, Museum or Ameyoko & Akihabara or teamLab
- Day 5: Nikko Day Trip or Yanaka Old Town & Ginza Farewell
- Day 1: Yanaka, Nezu Shrine, Nippori Fabric Town & Ueno
- Day 2: Asakusa, Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree & Sumida River
- Day 3: Meiji Shrine, Omotesando, Harajuku & Roppongi Hills
- Day 4: Tsukiji Market, teamLab & Shibuya Night
- Day 5: Imperial Palace Gardens, Marunouchi & Tokyo Station
- Day 6: Hakone Hot Springs & Mt Fuji Views OR Kamakura Day Trip
- Day 7: Flexible Revisit, Golden Gai or Shimokitazawa & Departure Prep
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for Tokyo.
Updated: June 1, 2026
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