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Tokyo Trip Planner
Neon districts, ancient shrines, and the best food city on earth.
Free to start — no account needed.
- Best time
- Late March–April (cherry blossoms) or October–November (mild, clear autumn)
- Ideal length
- 5–7 days
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Language
- Japanese
Tokyo rewards travelers who plan around its distinct neighborhoods — you could spend a week and still only scratch the surface. A smart Tokyo itinerary balances the sensory overload of Shibuya and Shinjuku with quiet mornings at temples and day trips to Nikko or Hakone. The city is dense, punctual, and endlessly walkable, so pacing matters more than distance.
Top things to do in Tokyo
Senso-ji & Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple, best visited at 8am before the crowds and street-food stalls fill Nakamise-dori.
Shibuya & Shinjuku
The famous scramble crossing, izakaya alleys of Omoide Yokocho, and skyline views from the Metropolitan Government Building (free).
Tsukiji Outer Market
A morning grazing crawl — tamagoyaki, uni, and fresh tuna — even though the wholesale auction moved to Toyosu.
Day trip to Hakone
Hot springs, a pirate-ship lake cruise, and Mt. Fuji views, all reachable on a Romancecar day trip.
Sample Tokyo itinerary
Day 1 · East Tokyo & tradition
Senso-ji at dawn, Ueno Park museums, then Akihabara for electronics and arcades in the evening.
Day 2 · West Tokyo & nightlife
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku, shopping in Shibuya, sunset at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, dinner in Shinjuku.
Day 3 · Day trip
Hakone loop for onsen and Fuji views, or Nikko's shrines and waterfalls.
Tokyo travel tips
- ✓Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — it works on every train, bus, and most vending machines.
- ✓Restaurants often seat one party at a time; lunch sets are far cheaper than the same menu at dinner.
- ✓Carry cash — many small shops and shrines are still cash-only.
- ✓Trains stop around midnight; plan your last connection or budget for a taxi.
Tokyo trip planning FAQ
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Five to seven days lets you cover the major neighborhoods and take one or two day trips without rushing. Three days is enough for a first-timer focused on highlights.
What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
Late March to April for cherry blossoms, or October to November for mild, clear autumn weather. Both avoid the humid summer and its typhoons.
Is Tokyo expensive to visit?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Ramen, conveyor-belt sushi, and convenience-store meals are cheap and excellent, and many shrines and viewpoints are free.