Every week may not appear lengthy sufficient to see a metropolis as fascinating, numerous and distinctive as Tokyo, however you’ll be able to truly match so much in. That’s why I’ve designed the final 7-day Tokyo itinerary that will help you take advantage of town in only one week.
Tokyo, the dazzling capital metropolis of Japan, guarantees an unforgettable expertise. It’s actually a metropolis that’s in contrast to anyplace else you’ll have travelled to. It’s identified for enormous temples, palaces and theatres, in addition to skyscrapers, superb meals, nice nightlife and a lot extra.
So whereas there may be a lot to see and do in Tokyo, having a tough plan can assist make sure you see all of the essential elements – particularly for those who’re solely there for per week. This 7-day Tokyo itinerary helps you squeeze in as a lot of the must-sees and dos as doable, but additionally providing you with time to behave spontaneously too.
Even for those who don’t observe the Tokyo week itinerary fully, it will possibly assist provide you with some concepts and inspiration for a enjoyable and full journey. Discover a mixture of distinctive actions and sights in addition to some common ones which can be vacationer favourites for a purpose. Collectively they supply the right mix for the final 7-day itinerary in Tokyo.
The best way to spend per week in Tokyo
From visiting spectacular shrines and temples to wandering round iconic neighbourhoods, this 7-day Tokyo itinerary has all of it.
Day 1: Arrival and go to an area shrine or temple
The massive day has arrived, your goals of flying into the land of the rising solar is right here and it’s all occurring so quick. After you make it by safety and acquire your baggage the very first thing to do is head to the resort.
When you’ve settled in (and possibly slept for those who’ve arrived late at evening), the very first thing to do is head out to see an area shrine or temple.
There are such a lot of shrines and temples to see in Tokyo, however a few of the hottest ones are Sengakuji Temple, that includes a zen college and well-known graveyard, Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is the locations to wish for good luck, marriage and wealth, and Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, the most important Hachimangu shrine within the metropolis the place the samurai prayed.
Locations of worship, the Shinto and the Buddhist faith is intertwined so deeply within the vines of Japanese tradition {that a} journey to this nation will really feel incomplete with out trying out not less than one. And in your first day, you may take it straightforward and simply head to an area one (there are tons dotted round all through Tokyo).
Shrines are related to the Shinto faith and might often be recognized with its iconic Torii gates. Then again, temples are sometimes related to Buddhism and sometimes characteristic Buddha statues. You’ll discover this for those who head to Senso-ji in Tokyo, however that can seem additional on down the road on this 7-day Tokyo itinerary because it’s a must-see!
Day 2: Get your recreation on at Akihabara
In a rustic that’s house to main items of popular culture equivalent to anime and video video games, Akihabara is the epicentre of all this stuff and extra. As quickly as you enter this district you’ll be met with hovering buildings, exhibiting banners and ads for all issues otaku. Flashing lights and wacky noises will assault your senses from each course as arcades and recreation shops line the streets. There are numerous shops right here that promote all of your favorite anime figures, so whether or not it’s a reward for a pal or your self, that is the place to be. It is a excellent place to choose up these Japanese souvenirs to take house.
And for those who actually love old-school anime, then try The Tremendous Potato retailer. It’s a retro recreation retailer that carry not solely older video games for consoles just like the Nintendo Leisure System and the Atari, however they’ve the precise consoles too.
The beauty of the tradition in Japan the place folks typically take care of their belongings even after so a few years, is that these consoles are principally in superb situation. With how good a few of them will be it can nearly really feel as if they’re nonetheless being manufactured right now.
You’ll find yourself spending hours popping out and in of shops, meandering between the streets and making robust selections on what to purchase that you may simply spend a full day right here.
It’s additionally essential on this 7-day Tokyo itinerary to get some downtime. So right here you may go to the close by Ueno Park the place you’ll be able to loosen up (and doubtlessly admire all of the stuff you simply bought).
READ MORE: The Greatest 3-Week Itinerary for Japan
Day 3: Go to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo
After a day stuffed with popular culture, it’s time to take issues again once more and head in direction of the historic Senso-ji Temple in . As talked about earlier, that is the temple to go to in Tokyo. Over 1350 years outdated, Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is among the most essential too.
It’s devoted to Kannon Bosatsu, the benevolent deity of compassion. Legend has it that two brothers retrieved a statue of Kannon from the Sumida River in 628. Regardless of a number of makes an attempt to return it to the river, the statue mysteriously saved reappearing to them. Recognising the importance of this divine occasion, a shrine was constructed within the close by space to enshrine this statue and facilitate worship.
If you get to Senso-ji, stroll up the trail slowly making your approach in direction of the primary constructing the place you can be shocked with beautiful particulars and structure. It may be fairly crowded, provided that 30 million of individuals flock right here yearly making it one of the common religious locations on the earth, it’s undoubtedly nonetheless value a go to not less than as soon as in your lifetime.
You’ll be able to then benefit from the number of retailers on the 200-metre avenue in entrance. It’s an incredible place to purchase something from souvenirs to conventional meals. Or head to the close by Asakusa Shrine for extra in your 7 days itinerary in Tokyo.
Day 4: Go to the fashionable neighbourhood of Shibuya
Very a lot a distinction to the day past, Shibuya is the epitome of the modernisation that Tokyo is so well-known for internationally. As you stroll by this space you will note high-end model shops like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada boasting massive actual property and really a lot presenting precisely what kind of space that is.
Proper within the coronary heart of all of it one can find the lovable little statue of the canine Hachiko, that tragically waited by the station for its proprietor to return house on daily basis. Proper beside it’s the insane Shibuya Crossing too the place you’ll be able to witness hundreds of individuals stroll on the busiest pedestrian crossing on the earth. It’s also possible to watch the crossing from above at Starbucks.
When you like artwork, Shibuya is a good place to go to. For up to date artwork, head to the Diesel Artwork Gallery or the museum/theatre/cinema complicated Bunkamura. Alternatively, go to the eighth ground of the procuring complicated Shibuya Hikarie, which additionally options a number of gallery and occasion areas devoted to up to date Japanese artwork.
In Shibuya, the crowds of individuals listed here are insane so lets hope you aren’t too claustrophobic. It’s one of many many issues to count on on the streets of Tokyo. It’s such a drastic change to historic temples, nevertheless it’s essential to incorporate fashionable areas in your 7-day Tokyo itinerary for those who actually wish to see the whole lot town is about.
Day 5: Loosen up at Tokyo’s Rikugien Gardens
Whereas shrines and temples are synonymous with Japan’s tradition, one side that will get missed as a rule are the gorgeous gardens. Greenery and being in contact with nature is a crucial a part of Japanese life and even in a concrete metropolis like Tokyo, you’ll nonetheless discover many parks and gardens the place there are sometimes fairly massive.
An instance of certainly one of these is Rikugien Gardens. Discovered within the Bunkyo Ward, this peaceable backyard is a good place to go to all 12 months spherical. Magnificent in spring with its weeping cherry blossom bushes in full drive, there may be even an illumination occasion at evening that accentuates its magnificence additional at the hours of darkness. One other common time to go to is in autumn, the place the bushes develop into naturally colored in fiery tones the place this additionally has an illumination occasion at evening.
For anybody visiting Tokyo in autumn, a bonus place to take a look at is the Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue. Because the identify already suggests, this can be a avenue lined with enormous Ginkgo bushes on both aspect which can be a magical yellow and orange hue in autumn.
Ginkgo leaves play a position in Japanese tradition the place they’re admired for his or her pretty fan-like form and seem in artworks of every kind and kinds. It’s used as a logo of longevity as a result of hundreds of years a Ginkgo tree can final till, so this place turns into the right place for probably the most Japanese autumn you’ll be able to think about.
Day 6: Embrace calmness on the Meiji Jingu
One other day, one other shrine. Winding right down to the ultimate full day of the 7-day Tokyo itinerary, a visit to the Meiji Jingu shrine to peacefully look again at your journey with fond recollections is a perfect solution to put together for the potential heartbreak when stepping on the aircraft departing the nation.
If you first enter the grounds there’s fairly a protracted path as much as the primary space of the shrine. Surrounded by lofty thick bushes that cover the daylight every now and then, birds chirp within the distance as you actually begin to really feel one with nature. There’s simply one thing particular concerning the calmness of the air right here as you stroll alongside this path, gazing on the greenery, permitting your thoughts and soul to loosen up that brings pure serenity.
When you attain the primary sq. you’ll discover the balanced mixture of conventional architectural designs with that of the fashionable. It’s apparent to see that renovations right here weren’t performed to maintain the unique historic look intact however to present it the required enhancements that It requires. This makes Meiji Jingu barely distinctive as it’s as if you’re on this unusual limbo zone the place the previous and current meet.
Day 7: Store for souvenirs at Don Quijote
Although the tough actuality has hit that it’ll now be time to say goodbye to Japan, you’ll be able to’t go away with out getting some important souvenirs in your pals, family members and your self after all! When you’re undecided what to purchase – listed here are the most effective souvenirs from Japan to take house.
Don Quijote is a retailer you most likely have seen just a few instances throughout your travels round Tokyo as it’s characterised with a blue penguin that may be seen everywhere in the shops indicators and partitions. It is a low cost retailer that sells virtually the whole lot. And it means the whole lot.
From snacks, garments, suitcases, footwear, toys, make-up and extra, it is possible for you to to do all of your memento procuring in a single place proper right here. The standout part has acquired to be the snack aisles the place you could find a few of the most unusual and fascinating ones that you’ll not often be capable of discover in any common shops. They even promote massive bulk packs of a few of the extra common snacks, so it is possible for you to to convey a complete provide of it house so long as you’ve gotten the trunk house.
In any case that’s performed and you’ve got comfortably boarded the aircraft, there might be nothing else to do however to take a seat and reminisce all of the enjoyable you’ve gotten had on this journey. You’ll already begin planning your subsequent journey again to Japan in your head, however hopefully with an extended keep and visits exterior of Tokyo subsequent time!
When you want extra inspiration in your journey, I’ve acquired an inventory of 52 coolest issues to do in Tokyo.
Recommendations on methods to take advantage of your week in Tokyo
Though per week is an effective period of time, a little bit of planning will make it easier to get probably the most out of the 7 days in Tokyo. Another suggestions embrace buying the Tokyo Go, which may prevent cash on numerous points of interest, and the Suica Card or Pasmo card, that are pay as you go playing cards used for buses, trains, and even some retailer purchases. They’re out there at subway stations and airports.
You must also look into getting a rail move for Japan to economize for those who’re travelling round so much.
If doable, go for flights to Haneda Airport (HND) over Narita (NRT). Haneda is nearer to town and might prevent each money and time on transportation in your 7 days itinerary in Tokyo.
Different suggestions associated to cultural etiquette embrace familiarising your self with Japanese customs like eradicating footwear earlier than coming into sure areas, bowing as a greeting, and understanding that tipping isn’t customary.
And at last, obtain Tokyo Google Maps for simpler navigation. Additionally, apps like Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Subway can assist in navigating town’s metro system.
A 7-day Tokyo itinerary at a look
- Day 1 – Arrival and visiting an area shrine or temple
- Day 2 – Get your recreation on at Akihabara
- Day 3 – Go to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo
- Day 4 – Go to the fashionable neighbourhood of Shibuya
- Day 5 – Loosen up at Tokyo’s Rikugien Gardens
- Day 6 – Embrace calmness on the Meiji Jingu
- Day 7 – Store for souvenirs at Don Quijote
Extra issues to do in Tokyo in 7 days
When you’ve nonetheless acquired time for extra actions in Tokyo in 7 days, listed here are just a few extra issues you may add into your week’s itinerary:
Tokyo Disneyland
A day journey to Tokyo Disneyland is a good thought. It’s solely a couple of 15-minute journey from Tokyo Station on public transportation. I beloved, beloved my day journey at Tokyo Disneyland – it’s best to undoubtedly attempt to embrace a visit in your Tokyo week itinerary.
Tokyo Skytree
Think about hovering 634 meters excessive, taking in breathtaking views of Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape. You’ll be able to take pleasure in panoramic scenes, futuristic structure, and a metropolis buzzing with life. It’s not simply an statement deck; it’s a complete enjoyable expertise.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the icon of Tokyo, and one I’ve sadly not but climbed. It’s straightforward to see on the Tokyo skyline although! If in case you have time, and vitality, you’ll be able to be part of a tour to climb as much as the highest in your 7 day Japan itinerary.
Tsukiji fish market
If you wish to know the place a lot of the sushi throughout Tokyo comes from, then go to the Tsukiji fish market. You’ll must get right here early to see all of the motion, nevertheless it’ll be nicely value a visit. Simply be certain it’s open for the season you’re there.
Meals in Tokyo
Clearly the meals in Japan is among the fundamental attracts, proper? But it surely may additionally work out to be one of the costly issues too. I’d suggest you take advantage of the comfort shops in Japan – you’ll be able to choose up all types of tasty meals, very low cost. I actually appreciated their tuna sandwiches with the crusts reduce off, they have been fairly particular.
Is 7 days sufficient in Tokyo?
Seven days in Tokyo can offer you period of time to go to a lot of the metropolis’s fundamental points of interest. When you plan it nicely, you’ll additionally be capable of slot in instances to loosen up in parks and gardens in addition to discover totally different neighbourhoods.
Is Tokyo an costly metropolis to go to?
Tokyo is commonly thought of one of many world’s dearer cities. Nonetheless, prices can range relying on elements equivalent to your journey plans, finances measurement, and meant actions. One solution to reduce prices is to go for the Tokyo Go – for those who’re planning to go to loads of points of interest not less than. Moreover, when contemplating flight fares and lodging, prices are sometimes at their most reasonably priced between December and early March, excluding the New 12 months interval when many companies shut down.
What’s the finest month to go to Tokyo Japan?
Tokyo experiences 4 distinct seasons, every providing a unique expertise for travellers. Spring (March to Could) is among the hottest instances to go to as a result of cherry blossom season, which often begins within the final week of March and lasts till the primary week of April. Summer time will be scorching and humid, making it doubtlessly uncomfortable for some guests, nevertheless it stays a preferred time for tourism, particularly because of college holidays overseas. Then again, winter provides a colder local weather with sunny days and is the most cost effective time for tourism, excluding the New 12 months interval. The town additionally has an autumn season, which makes the gardens and parks notably lovely.
