Dreaming of your next adventure? Japan is calling you! If you’re flying to Tokyo, this guide will transform your journey into a memorable experience. This Tokyo guide, brought to you by ESIMJAPAN.com, goes beyond tourist attractions. It captures the real Tokyo, discovered through seven years of living in the city and mingling with locals.
So, are you ready to explore the must-see spots and itineraries for an unforgettable Tokyo trip?
7-Day Tokyo Travel: Best Things to do in Tokyo
| Day | Place | Major Attractions | Key Highlights | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Shinjuku | Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Isetan Department Store, Omoide Yokocho | Arrival & Jet lag recovery | -Visit places near your stay – The government building is free |
| Day 2 | Asakusa → Skytree | Sensoji Temple, Kimono Experience, Tokyo Skytree | Meeting of Tradition and Modernity | -Recommend visiting Sensoji early morning (8-9 AM) – The kimono experience requires booking |
| Day 3 | Shibuya & Harajuku | Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine | Experience the Streets of Youth | -Visit Shibuya Sky around sunset (after 5 PM) to enjoy both day and night views |
| Day 4 | Kichijoji & Jiyugaoka | Inokashira Park, Harmonica Yokocho, Mont Blanc dessert shop | Hidden local neighborhoods | -Boat experience in Kichijoji -Jiyugaoka is especially popular with female travelers |
| Day 5 | Ueno & Roppongi | Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum, Roppongi Hills | A Day of Art and Culture | -Plan a full day to explore Ueno -Visit Roppongi in the evening |
| Day 6 | TeamLab & Odaiba | TeamLab Planets, Odaiba, Palette Town Ferris | Immersive Art Experience | -Wear a photogenic outfit for TeamLab -The most Instagrammable place in the world |
| Day 7 | Shimokitazawa & Ginza | Vintage Shopping, Independent bookstores, Curry restaurants, Ginza shopping | Hipster Culture & Final Shopping | -A Paradise for vintage shopping |
One Week Travel Guide: Things to Do in Tokyo
Perfect 7-Day Tokyo Travel Itinerary
For travelers coming from all over the globe, we recommend a one-week (6 nights, 7 days) stay. Considering the long-haul flight, a minimum of 5 days is necessary, and one week is sufficient to fully experience Tokyo’s tradition, modernity, and hidden charms.
Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Narita/Haneda Airport, hotel check-in.
- Afternoon: Explore Shinjuku
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: The first attraction where you can enjoy Tokyo’s panoramic view for free
- Isetan Department Store: Explore Japan’s sophisticated department store culture
- Omoide Yokocho: A business district with old-fashioned charm where you can experience Japanese izakaya culture alongside local office workers
💡Pro Tip: To adjust to jet lag, consider visiting places near your accommodation. The Metropolitan Government is free, offering an overall sense of Tokyo.
Day 2: Meeting of Tradition and Modernity (Asakusa → Skytree)
Morning: Asakusa Traditional Culture Experience
- Sensoji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, featuring the famous Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street
- Kimono Experience: Photo session wearing traditional Japanese clothing
- Nakamise-dori: Shopping for traditional souvenirs and Japanese sweets
Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree
- 634m High Observatory: Spectacular views that include Mount Fuji on clear days
- Tokyo Solamachi: Lunch and shopping at the shopping mall
💡Pro Tip: Visit Sensoji early in the morning (8-9 AM) when there are fewer crowds for better photos. We recommend booking your kimono experience in advance!
Day 3: Shibuya & Harajuku – Streets of Youth
Morning: Shibuya
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Take memorable shots at the world’s most famous intersection
- Shibuya Sky: 229-meter-high outdoor observatory, the only outdoor observation deck among Tokyo’s observatories
- Hachiko Statue: Statue of the loyal dog Hachiko
Afternoon: Harajuku
- Takeshita Street: The heart of Japanese youth culture, known for its unique fashion and street food
- Meiji Shrine: Find peace at this tranquil shrine in the center of the bustling city
💡Local Insider Tip: Shibuya Sky is so popular that getting an on-site ticket is nearly impossible. Make sure to book in advance. If you go around sunset (after 5 PM), you can see both day and night views.
Day 4: Exploring Hidden Local Neighborhoods
Morning: Kichijoji
- Inokashira Park: Beautiful park in Kichijoji, Tokyo residents’ top choice for most desirable neighborhood
- Harmonica Yokocho: Small shop-lined alleyways that offer insight into locals’ everyday life
- Sun Road Shopping Street: Vibrant shopping area popular with young people
Afternoon: Jiyugaoka
- Mont Blanc Specialty Shop: Visit Japan’s original Mont Blanc cake boutique
- Stylish general stores: Trendy shops selling various Japanese lifestyle items, cute accessories, and designer goods with a Japanese aesthetic
- Lupicia Main Store: The flagship location of Lupicia, a famous Japanese tea company, where you can enjoy tea tasting/drinking
💡Local Insider Tip: Kichijoji is a place where you can glimpse the actual daily life of Tokyo residents. Especially, the boat experience at Inokashira Park and Jiyugaoka, a shopping destination particularly popular among female travelers.
Day 5: A Day of Art and Culture
Morning: Ueno
- Ueno Park: The nation’s oldest public park, celebrated for its cherry blossom spots
- Tokyo National Museum: Discover Japan’s rich cultural heritage and historical treasures
- Ueno Zoo: Home to beloved giant pandas and diverse wildlife
Afternoon: Roppongi
- Roppongi Hills: Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower from the high-rise observatory
- Mori Art Museum: Discover modern and contemporary art in this prestigious gallery
- Roppongi Nightlife: Enjoy Tokyo’s international entertainment district.
💡Local Insider Tip: Ueno is packed with attractions – a full day barely scratches the surface. Museum lovers could easily spend an entire day here alone. For Roppongi, plan your visit for the evening when the district truly comes alive!
Day 6: Day Trip to Suburbs or TeamLab & Odaiba
Option A: Day trip to Hakone or Kamakura.
Option B: Final Tokyo city exploration
- TeamLab Planets: Step into mesmerizing digital art worlds designed for full sensory engagement
- Odaiba: An artificial island area in Tokyo, known for the Rainbow Bridge and a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
- Palette Town Ferris Wheel: Spectacular evening vistas across Tokyo Bay
💡Local Insider Tip: TeamLab ranks among the world’s most photogenic attractions – dress in clothes that photograph well! Odaiba is a nice place by the water where couples can enjoy a romantic time, and friends can also have fun together.
Day 7: Shimokitazawa & Final Shopping
Morning: Shimokitazawa
- Vintage Shopping: Explore Brooklyn-style hipster culture and unique finds
- Independent bookstores and record shops: Dive into Japan’s vibrant subculture scene
- Curry Crawl: Sample the neighborhood’s renowned curry restaurants
Afternoon: Ginza & Final Shopping
- Ginza: Last-minute luxury shopping on Tokyo’s premier retail boulevard
- Airport transfer: Depart for Narita/Haneda Airport
💡Pro Tip: Shimokitazawa is a place where many young artists gather, and it houses many unique cafes and galleries. If you love vintage shopping, you must visit Shimokitazawa.
Hidden Gems of Tokyo
Local Favourites
Kichijoji – “The most desired neighbourhood to stay”
For overseas travelers, Kichijoji is a hidden gem just 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku. Here, you can enjoy contrasting experiences from traditional eateries in Harmonica Yokocho to cutting-edge shopping at modern department stores.
Must-try experiences:
- Inokashira Park: Rent a boat and visit Benten Shrine.
- Harmonica Yokocho: A maze-like market with about 100 tiny shops.
- Ghibli Museum: A 15-minute walk away, explore the world of Hayao Miyazaki.
💡Local Tip: By day, the sweet smells from the flower shops and mouth-watering sweet stores are a delight to the visitors. By night, Harmonica Yokocho transforms into a lively izakaya alley, making it the best hidden local favorite. Also, don’t fail to taste Spakichi, which is known for its “Rich & Savory Meat Sauce Pasta”.
Jiyugaoka – “The Little Paris of Tokyo”
A charming hidden gem located right in Tokyo, where you can feel like you’re walking the streets of Paris. Frequently ranked as one of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in, Jiyugaoka offers a stylish European vibe.
Must-try experiences:
- Mont-Blanc Original Shop: The first in Japan to serve Mont Blanc cakes.
- Lupicia Tea Headquarters: Enjoy an elegant tea time at the second-floor café.
- Trendy Lifestyle Shops: Browse stylish stores like TODAY’S SPECIAL and MOMO natural.
💡Local Tip: Jiyugaoka is at its most beautiful between 2–4 PM. Walking down the tree-lined streets in the afternoon sunlight, it truly feels like you’ve stepped into Paris.
Shimokitazawa – “Tokyo’s Brooklyn”
Shimokitazawa offers a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere with vintage clothing shops, curated bookstores, music stores, and character-filled cafes and bars.
Hipster Highlights:
- Vintage Shopping: Unique thrift shops like New York Joe Exchange.
- Independent Bookstores: At Village Vanguard, browse books while sipping beer.
- Curry Hotspot: Within a 500-meter radius, there are 55 curry specialty restaurants!
💡Local Tip: Most shops in Shimokitazawa are open from the afternoon onwards. Visit after lunch and stay through the night to enjoy the lively atmosphere. Be sure to catch a live show at a local venue, where you can see Japanese indie bands perform.
Unique Experience Spots
Imado Shrine – “The Birthplace of Maneki-neko”
Located along the Sumida River in Asakusa, Imado Shrine is a popular “power spot” for women seeking good relationships. It is also said to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat). In addition to the paired Imado-yaki Maneki-neko figures symbolizing harmony, the grounds are filled with many adorable cat decorations.
💡Local Tip: The shrine’s original certificates featuring Maneki-neko illustrations are especially popular. It’s also a hidden photo spot trending on social media!
Kichijoji Petit Village
In Kichijoji, there’s a storybook-like village that feels straight out of a fairytale. You’ll find a gently flowing stream, tiny houses where dwarves might live, and a whimsical castle seemingly built by cats. It’s a miniature world of picture-book charm.
💡Local Tip: This is truly a hidden gem. Since most tourists are not aware of it, it’s a peaceful spot to take photos and feel like the hero of a fairytale.
Local-Only Eateries
Kodoku no Gourmet Filming Location – Kayashima (Kichijoji)
Featured in the TV show Kodoku no Gourmet, this local restaurant is loved for its nostalgic flavors. The highlight is the “Waku-Waku Set,” especially the Napolitan spaghetti and hamburger steak combo, comfort food with the sweet and tangy taste of ketchup that makes you smile. It’s a down-to-earth spot frequented by locals.
💡Local Tip: Expect crowds around lunch hours. For a more relaxed meal, visit around 11:30 AM or after 2:00 PM.
Satou – 100-Year-Old Menchi-katsu Specialty Shop (Kichijoji)
With over a century of history, Satou is famous for its menchi-katsu (deep-fried minced meat cutlets). It’s a hidden gem where locals line up daily for the freshly fried goodness.
💡Local Tip: The best way to enjoy Satou’s menchi-katsu is to eat it hot, straight from the shop while standing on the street. That’s when you’ll taste its real flavor!
Tokyo Eats: Your Complete Foodie Guide
Ramen Spots
Tokyo is often regarded as the “Paradise” for ramen lovers. No matter which neighborhood you’re in, there’s always at least one or two hidden gems serving delicious bowls of ramen.
Shinjuku Ramen Restaurants
- Menya Musashi: A very famous Japanese ramen restaurant chain, known for its innovative dishes and samurai-themed restaurants. One of their must-try innovative ramen dishes is the ‘Double Sword’, which exemplifies their blend of tradition and creativity.
- Ichiran: Famous for its systematic ordering system, so the turnover rate is very fast. Even if there is a wait, you’ll get seated quickly.
Tokyo Station Ramen District
Visit Tokyo Ramen Street, a famous district where many of the city’s top ramen restaurants are gathered under one roof. With so many ramen shops in one place, it is the ideal destination for a ramen tour.
Sushi & Yakiniku
Recommended Conveyor Belt Sushi
A great option for beginners, conveyor belt sushi lets you try everything from budget-friendly ¥100 plates to premium sushi priced over ¥600.
Top Chains:
- Sushiro: Located under Tokyo Station, offering 130 menu items. Orders placed via table kiosks are delivered directly to your seat on a rail system.
- Toriton: Originating from Hokkaido, available at Ikebukuro Tobu. Famous for fresh clams and seafood from Hokkaido, ranked #1 in customer satisfaction in the Hokkaido/Tohoku region.
- Mawaru Sushizanmai: A conveyor belt version of the well-known tuna auction specialist, Sushizanmai, with over 150 menu items. Operates two stores in the Tsukiji area.
💡Local Tip: For Toriton, line up before its 11 AM opening. The Hokkaido salmon sushi (¥190–280) is a must-try.
Recommended Yakiniku
Yakiniku (Japanese-style BBQ) is a food where Korea’s meat culture was introduced to Japan. At chain restaurants like Gyukaku, an all-you-can-eat set is generally available for between ¥3,000 and ¥4,000.
Popular Chains:
- Gyukaku: Japan’s No.1 yakiniku chain with the motto “delicious, affordable, with great service and atmosphere.” Offers unlimited Kuroge Wagyu options.
- Yakiniku Ushigoro: A luxury restaurant using only A5-grade Wagyu beef, listed in the Michelin Guide for six consecutive years. The Shinjuku Sanchome branch is especially famous.
- Rokkakusen: Offers all-you-can-eat sets featuring premium beef like Kobe and Matsusaka. Multilingual menus and ordering tablets are provided.
High-End Yakiniku Restaurants:
- Yakiniku Motoyama (Shinjuku): Established in 1975, known for serving carefully selected A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu at surprisingly affordable prices.
- USHIGOROS NISHIAZABU: An exclusive Roppongi restaurant with private rooms, where a dedicated yakishi (grill master) cooks the meat for you.
💡Local Tip: All-you-can-eat yakiniku usually costs between ¥3,000–¥4,000, with unlimited drinks available for an additional ¥1,000–¥2,000. Lunch is cheaper, but reservations are highly recommended
The city of Tokyo: Lost between neon dreams and temple calms
This 7-day Tokyo guide by ESIMJAPAN.com is more than a checklist—it’s an invitation to experience Tokyo like a savvy traveler, not just a tourist. Carefully crafted to help you feel the true rhythm of the city, each day unveils a new layer of its charm—from the dizzying lights of Shinjuku to the quiet serenity of its ancient temples. Tokyo’s magic lies in its contrasts: local flavors tucked away in hidden neighborhoods and the thrilling collision of tradition and modern life. Whether you’re sharing sunrise at Sensoji, savoring sweets in Kichijoji, finding inspiration at TeamLab, or treasure hunting in Shimokitazawa, every moment is intentional—designed to create memories that linger long after your journey ends.
Ready to explore a city where the future hums beside a shrine bell?
Your Tokyo adventure awaits!
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