Tokyo 7-Day Itinerary

How this 7-day Tokyo plan works

Tokyo + Japan sampler (luxury or slow travel)

Each day below is grouped geographically so you spend your time in Tokyo rather than in transit. JR trains and the Tokyo Metro are punctual and inexpensive; a Suica or Pasmo IC card taps for everything. From Narita, the Skyliner reaches Ueno in about 40 minutes; Haneda is closer, ~30 minutes by monorail.

Day by day

• Day 1

  Day 1–3 — Full Tokyo highlights above at an easy pace.

• Day 2

  Day 4 — Hakone: onsen ryokan overnight with Mt. Fuji views.

• Day 3

  Day 5 — Shinkansen to Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Gion evening.

• Day 4

  Day 6 — Kyoto temples (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama bamboo grove).

• Day 5

  Day 7 — Return to Tokyo for Ginza shopping, farewell omakase.

Where to base yourself

• Shinjuku

  High-rise hotels, nightlife and the biggest station in the world.

• Shibuya

  Youth culture, shopping and the famous crossing.

• Ginza

  Luxury shopping, fine dining and boutique hotels.

• Asakusa

  Traditional ryokans near Senso-ji temple.

Best time to run this itinerary

Late March–April brings cherry blossom (and higher rates); October–November delivers clear skies and autumn colour. June is rainy season; July–August are hot and humid.

Before you go

• Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — works on all trains, buses and convenience stores.

• Carry some cash for small restaurants and shrines.

• Trash bins are rare — carry rubbish until you find a convenience store.