Tokyo is endlessly fascinating: centuries-old shrines next to glittering skyscrapers, tiny neighborhood restaurants and huge department-store food halls, perfectly punctual trains and pockets of calm gardens. It's remarkably safe, clean and easy to navigate, even if you don't speak Japanese.
Plan your days by neighborhood: Asakusa for old Tokyo, Shibuya and Harajuku for youth culture, Shinjuku for nightlife and views, and Ginza for shopping. Add a day trip to Hakone, Nikko or Kamakura, and you have a superb first week in Japan.
- Ideal trip length
- 5–7 days
- Main airport
- Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
- Currency
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- Best months
- Late March–April, Oct–Nov
Best time to visit Tokyo
Late March to early April (cherry blossom season) and October to November (fall colors) are the most beautiful and the busiest. Summer is hot and humid with a rainy season in June; winter is dry, sunny and cool.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March–May | Cherry blossoms (late March–early April), then pleasant spring weather. Golden Week (late April–early May) is very busy. |
| June–August | Rainy season in June, then hot and humid summers with festivals and fireworks. |
| September–November | Typhoons possible in September; October and November are crisp with autumn leaves. |
| December–February | Cool, dry and clear, with Mount Fuji often visible and winter illuminations. |
Where to stay in Tokyo
The right base saves hours of travel time. These are the areas we suggest most often, and what each one is best for.
Shinjuku
Good value Mid-range Luxury
A huge transport hub with hotels at every level, nightlife and easy day-trip connections.
Shibuya
Mid-range Luxury
Trendy and central, with the famous scramble crossing and great dining.
Ginza & Tokyo Station
Mid-range Luxury
Upscale shopping and the best Shinkansen access for trips beyond Tokyo.
Asakusa & Ueno
Good value Mid-range
Old-Tokyo atmosphere, temples, museums and good-value hotels.
Ways to do Tokyo: Essential, Signature or Luxury
Choose the comfort level that fits your budget. We'll quote flights, lodging and extras for your dates.
Essential
- A comfortable, well-reviewed 3-star hotel
- Economy flights at sensible times
- Shared airport transfers
- The plan's must-do tours, the rest at your own pace
Area to consider: Shinjuku
Request EssentialSignature
- A 4-star hotel in a well-located area
- Economy or premium economy, best-timed flights
- Private airport transfers
- Guided tours and reservations for the key days
Area to consider: Shinjuku
Request SignatureLuxury
- A 5-star hotel, with room upgrades where available
- Premium cabins where available
- Private transfers and guides
- Spa, dining and special-occasion reservations
Area to consider: Shinjuku
Request LuxuryPrices depend on your dates, departure city and hotel, so we quote each comfort level on request. You can mix and match, for example a Signature hotel with Essential transfers.
Top things to do in Tokyo
Senso-ji and Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple, reached via the Nakamise shopping street. Go early, before the crowds.
Culture · History · Family · Morning
Meiji Jingu and Harajuku
A peaceful forested shrine, then the colorful youth fashion of Takeshita Street and the boutiques of Omotesando.
Culture · Shopping · Half day
Shibuya Crossing and observation deck
Cross the world's busiest intersection, then watch it from above at SHIBUYA SKY (timed tickets).
Culture · Nightlife · Evening
Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast
Fresh sushi, tamagoyaki and street snacks in the stalls surrounding the old fish market.
Food · Morning
teamLab digital art museum
Immersive digital art installations. Book timed tickets ahead online.
Culture · Family · Half day
Shinjuku nightlife: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
Tiny bars and yakitori counters in atmospheric alleys. Some bars charge a cover.
Nightlife · Food · Evening
Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum
Japan's oldest and largest art museum in a park full of temples and, in spring, cherry blossoms.
Culture · History · Nature · Half day
Shinjuku Gyoen or Hamarikyu gardens
Beautiful landscaped gardens; Hamarikyu has a teahouse on a pond.
Nature · Relax · Half day
Akihabara
Electronics, anime, manga and retro game shops.
Shopping · Culture · Family · Half day
Hakone day trip
Hot springs, Lake Ashi cruises, the Owakudani volcanic valley and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Nature · Relax · Full day
Kamakura day trip
The Great Buddha, hillside temples and a seaside town about an hour from Tokyo.
History · Culture · Beach · Full day
Izakaya and ramen evening
Share small plates at a casual izakaya or slurp a bowl at a ramen counter.
Food · Nightlife · Evening
Ginza and depachika food halls
Flagship stores and the vast basement food halls of department stores.
Shopping · Food · Half day
Book tours & activities
Compare guided tours, day trips and tickets for Tokyo. You pay the provider directly.
Airport transfers from Tokyo airports · Japan eSIM on Airalo
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5-day Tokyo itinerary
Sample itinerary. Old and new Tokyo by neighborhood, with a Hakone day for Mount Fuji views and hot springs. Suggested base: Shinjuku or Shibuya. See the full 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Timers or the 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary with Kamakura & Hakone.
Shinjuku and Shibuya
Gardens and the scramble at night.
- Shinjuku Gyoen or Hamarikyu gardens
- Shibuya Crossing and observation deck
Asakusa and Ueno
Old Tokyo and museums.
- Senso-ji and Asakusa
- Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum
- Izakaya and ramen evening
Harajuku and Ginza
Shrines, fashion and food halls.
- Meiji Jingu and Harajuku
- Ginza and depachika food halls
Hakone
Hot springs and Fuji views.
- Hakone day trip
Tsukiji and teamLab
Breakfast at the market, digital art after.
- Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast
- teamLab digital art museum
What to eat in Tokyo
- Sushi
- Ramen
- Tempura
- Yakitori
- Wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha
Getting there and getting around
Most travelers fly into Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). Currency: Japanese yen (JPY).
- Tokyo's trains and subways are excellent; use a Suica or PASMO IC card, also available on iPhone.
- From Haneda, take the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail; from Narita, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.
- Japan Rail Pass prices rose in 2023, so it's mainly worth it for longer multi-city trips; compare with individual tickets.
Budget tips for Tokyo
- Convenience stores and lunch sets (teishoku) offer excellent, inexpensive meals.
- Use an IC card instead of buying single tickets.
- Business hotels are compact but clean, central and good value.
- Many shrines, temples and parks are free or low cost.
Insider tips for Tokyo
Carry some cash. Cards are accepted widely, but small restaurants, shrines and some rural spots still prefer yen. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs reliably accept US cards.
Ship your big luggage. Japan's takkyubin luggage delivery services can send suitcases between hotels or to the airport, often overnight, which makes train travel much easier, especially for a Hakone ryokan stay.
Rush hour on Tokyo's trains (roughly 7:30–9:30 a.m. and early evening) is intense. Plan sightseeing outside those times. Many sights open around 9 or 10 a.m., and temples are most peaceful early.
A few customs go a long way: tipping isn't expected, eating while walking is frowned upon in some areas, and you'll remove your shoes in ryokan, some restaurants and temple halls. Keep voices low on trains.
Popular experiences like teamLab, SHIBUYA SKY at sunset, the Ghibli Museum and sought-after sushi counters sell out, sometimes weeks ahead. Book those first, then plan your days around them.
How to book a Tokyo trip with RoamPlanned
Use the Trip Planner to build a Tokyo itinerary around your dates and interests, or request one of our sample itineraries. We'll help you compare flights, hotels and tours from trusted travel partners. You approve everything first and pay the provider directly. Here's how booking works.
Tokyo travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Four to five days covers the main neighborhoods; add one or two days for Hakone, Nikko or Kamakura.
Where should first-timers stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku or Shibuya for convenience and energy; Ginza or Tokyo Station for easy Shinkansen trips; Asakusa for old-Tokyo charm and value.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for Tokyo only?
No. It's mainly worthwhile if you're making several long Shinkansen trips.
Do US citizens need a visa for Japan?
US citizens don't need a visa for short tourist stays. Check official requirements, including any online pre-registration, before travel.
When is cherry blossom season in Tokyo?
Usually late March to early April, though it varies each year.
Last reviewed November 2026. Seasons, reservation systems and entry rules change, so confirm details with official sources before you travel.
