1 Week in Tokyo: My Perfect 7 Days in Tokyo Itinerary 2026

Japan is getting more and more popular, and honestly, my Instagram feed is still full of Japan reels, like best things to do, hidden food spots, neighborhoods I somehow missed the first time around, all of it. It definitely makes me feel like I need to go back!

One thing I didn’t miss out on though was Tokyo. I spent almost a full week there and could have stayed much longer without getting bored. The city is endlessly interesting, constantly changing, and somehow still feels exciting even after several days in a row.

I know a lot of people don’t give Tokyo a full week, which I completely understand. Time is limited, and if it’s your first trip to Japan, you probably want to see more than just one city. But if you can make the time, I genuinely think spending one week in Tokyo is absolutely worth it.

Tokyo is massive, packed with distinct neighborhoods, incredible food, endless things to do, and some great day trips. I remember feeling pretty overwhelmed before I arrived, just trying to figure out how to structure my days without rushing everything.

That’s exactly why I put this guide together. In this article, I’m sharing my 1 week in Tokyo itinerary based on what I actually did and loved, as well as a few extra tips I wish I’d known before my trip. My goal is to take away some of that stress and help you plan a Tokyo trip that feels exciting, but not exhausting.

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1 Week in Tokyo: My Perfect 7 Days in Tokyo Itinerary 2026

1 Week in Tokyo – My Experience

I want to start this guide with my own experience of spending a full week in Tokyo. I always think that gives a much better feel for a city than jumping straight into a rigid 7-day itinerary telling you what to do on which day.

My personal itinerary was pretty full-on, and that was intentional. I wanted to try everything at least once. I went to multiple observation decks, visited both TeamLabs exhibitions, and checked out both fish markets. Doing it that way meant I could actually compare things afterward and tell you guys which options are worth your time and which ones you can skip without feeling like you missed out.

Even with that packed schedule, I had an amazing time in Tokyo. I stayed mostly around Shinjuku and Shibuya, which made getting around really easy and also allowed me to explore a lot on foot. I ate an unreasonable amount of good food, had plenty of time for shopping, and managed to tick off pretty much all the major things to do in Tokyo without it feeling rushed.

Some of my favorite moments, though, had very little to do with sightseeing. What I enjoyed most about Tokyo was simply being there. Wandering through Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa, ducking into random side streets, popping into shops, and seeing where the day took me. I still saw everything I wanted to see, but I didn’t treat Tokyo like a checklist, and I think that made a huge difference.

That said, a few highlights really stood out. The trip to Mount Fuji was absolutely worth it, seeing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above was one of those “wow, I’m really in Tokyo” moments, and staying at the Godzilla Hotel was as ridiculous and fun as it sounds.

We stayed at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, and having the giant Godzilla head basically outside our window felt perfectly on brand for Tokyo. I’ll share some photos below!

Everything You Need to Know Before Your 1 Week Itinerary Tokyo

Get an IC card: In Tokyo especially, this is non-negotiable. I used a Suica card and added it straight to my iPhone wallet, which made life incredibly easy. You just tap in and out of metros, buses, and even convenience stores. Simple and very necessary.
Get an eSIM: I genuinely thought Japan would have Wi-Fi everywhere. It does not. I needed data constantly, for Google Maps, food spots, translations, everything. I used Sim Local and had zero issues the entire week. Unlimited data in Tokyo is absolutely worth it.
Plan by area: Tokyo is massive, and this was probably my biggest learning. I grouped my activities and meals by neighborhood so I’m not zigzagging across the city all day. It saves time, energy, and honestly your sanity.
Public transport is your friend: The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around. I tried taxis a few times, but between traffic and cost, the subway was almost always quicker and easier.
Google Maps is essential: I used Google Maps for everything, from navigating Tokyo’s transport system to finding great food nearby. The metro directions are spot on, and for restaurants it worked better for me than any other app.
Book key things in advance: You don’t need to plan every minute, but some activities do sell out. I’d definitely book TeamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky, and Disneyland ahead of time if they’re on your list.
Location matters: I stayed in Shinjuku and Shibuya and would recommend both without hesitation. Don’t save a bit of money by staying far out, you’ll lose it again in travel time. Being central makes a one-week Tokyo itinerary so much more enjoyable.

Where to Stay during 7 Days in Tokyo

After spending a decent amount of time in Tokyo, I can honestly say that while there are tons of neighborhoods, only two really make sense as a base, especially if it’s your first trip and you’re staying for a full week.

I stayed in two different areas during my time in Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya. Both are excellent, very central, and make getting around the city much easier. I loved being able to explore on foot, grab food close to my hotel at night, and still be perfectly connected to the rest of Tokyo by metro.

If I had to narrow it down, these are the two areas I’d recommend without hesitation.

Shinjuku – Best Area in Tokyo for Nightlife

Shinjuku is where I stayed first, and it’s probably the most iconic version of Tokyo you can imagine. Neon lights, endless restaurants, packed streets, tiny bars, and that unmistakable Tokyo energy.

It’s known for nightlife (and yes, it includes a red-light district), but it never felt sketchy to me. It’s extremely touristy, busy, and full of life. If your mental image of Tokyo involves glowing signs and sensory overload, this is it.

Food-wise, Shinjuku is incredible. Some of my best meals in Tokyo were within a few minutes’ walk of my hotel, which is something I really appreciated after long days of sightseeing.

Best hotels in Shinjuku:

Click Here: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Click Here: Daiwa Roynet Hotel

Shibuya – Best Area in Tokyo for Shopping

Shibuya was the second area I stayed in, and if I’m being honest, I slightly preferred it.

It’s just as busy as Shinjuku, but the vibe feels different. Less nightlife chaos, more shopping, cafés, and people just going about their day. It felt energetic without being overwhelming, which I liked.

This is where you’ll find the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, loads of great shops, excellent food spots, and attractions like Shibuya Sky. I also did the Mario Kart experience here, which was ridiculous and very fun.

If you want a central area that still feels lively but a bit more balanced, Shibuya is a fantastic choice.

Best places to stay in Shibuya:

Click Here: Indigo Hotel Shibuya

Click Here: Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

7 Day Itinerary Tokyo

Day 1: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shopping, Real-Life Mario Kart, Shibuya Sky

I made sure to start my first day in Tokyo with some of the most iconic sights, and Shibuya felt like the obvious choice. Walking across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing was at the very top of my list, and it really does live up to the hype, at least the first time.

I took the metro to Shibuya Station, stepped outside, and the crossing was right there in front of me. I happened to be there on a rainy day, which meant it wasn’t quite as insane as it usually is, but it was still busy enough to feel properly Tokyo. Getting a good photo took a few light turns and some patience.

After that, I spent a few hours exploring Shibuya’s neon-lit streets, department stores, and shopping centers. This is a great area for souvenir shopping, especially if you want things that don’t feel overly generic. My favorite stop was Loft Shibuya, which I can genuinely recommend. Spread over seven floors, it’s packed with Japanese stationery, home goods, and small gifts. If you’re shopping for friends or family back home, this is the perfect spot.

Later in the day, I did the famous real-life Mario Kart experience in Shibuya. I’ll be honest, it’s very touristy. That said, I had a genuinely fun time. Driving through Tokyo in costume, surrounded by glowing billboards and busy streets, is pretty hilarious. If you’re going to do it, I’d recommend booking an early evening slot when it’s dark and the city lights really stand out (definitely book in advance).

I finished the night at Shibuya Sky, where I had tickets booked ahead of time. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great when I went up, windy and rainy, but the rooftop was still open, which felt lucky. Even with less-than-perfect conditions, the nighttime views over Shibuya were impressive. I imagine this would be even better on a warm summer evening, especially since there’s a bar up there too. If you can, aim for a clear day or sunset time slot (check current times).

Click Here: Sign up for Real Life Mario Kart

Click Here: Tickets Shibuya Sky Observatory

Day 2: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Explore Shinjuku (+ Best Food in Tokyo)

On my second day in Tokyo, I slowed things down a bit and focused more on exploring. I started the morning at Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is one of my favorite shrines in the city, mainly because it feels so much calmer than most other places in Tokyo.

Tokyo is busy pretty much all the time, but Meiji Jingu feels like a little escape. Even though it sits right next to Shinjuku, the shrine is surrounded by dense forest, and once you’re inside, the city noise fades away completely. It’s quiet, spacious, and a really nice change of pace. I’d recommend going in the morning if you can, when it’s at its most peaceful and least crowded.

After that, I spent the rest of the day exploring Shinjuku, wandering past neon billboards, getting slightly lost on side streets, and, most importantly, eating really well. From my experience, Shinjuku has some of the best food in Tokyo, especially if you’re into casual but really yummy food spots.

My favorite sushi in Tokyo is here at Sushi Bar Nigirite. We got incredibly lucky and walked in just after a reservation had canceled, so we managed to get a table without planning ahead. I had a small omakase with 11 courses for around $25, which was easily the best value-for-money meal I had in Tokyo. The quality was outstanding.

Another standout was Ramen Tatsunoya, which, and I don’t say this lightly, served the best ramen I had in Japan, and possibly anywhere. If you want something more famous, Ichiran Ramen also has locations in Shinjuku. I’ve only been to the Osaka branch myself, but it’s still worth trying if you don’t mind a wait.

Before calling it a day, make sure to stop by the giant Godzilla Head in Shinjuku. We actually ended up staying at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, which has Godzilla perched right on top, a very Shinjuku way to end the day.

Day 3: Tsukiji Outer Market, Toyosu Fish Market & TeamLab Planets

Day three of my 1 Week in Tokyo starts a bit earlier than the others, mainly because I headed to Tokyo’s fish markets, which are kind of a big deal. To clear things up first: there are two markets. Tsukiji Outer Market is the old, historic one, while Toyosu Fish Market is the newer location where the actual wholesale auctions now take place.

I started the morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, had a wander through the narrow lanes, and grabbed a small sushi snack. It was definitely overpriced, but also genuinely delicious. Tsukiji feels traditional and lively, and it’s fun to walk around, even though it’s very much geared toward tourists these days.

After that, I headed over to Toyosu Fish Market for more food. Toyosu isn’t as charming, it’s essentially a massive, modern white warehouse, but this is where the real action happens, including the fish auctions and wholesale operations. From my experience, both markets are worth visiting for different reasons. Tsukiji is more fun to explore, but I’d actually eat at Toyosu if freshness is what you care about most. Just don’t expect the same atmosphere.

In the afternoon, I visited teamLab Planets, one of Tokyo’s immersive, interactive art experiences, and I genuinely loved it. You move through a series of digital installations, everything is hands-on, and it’s impossible not to take a ridiculous number of photos. It’s especially great for families, but I think adults enjoy it just as much.

It was extremely busy when I went, with a long line at the entrance, so booking tickets well in advance is a must. If you can, aim for a weekday or an earlier time slot to avoid the biggest crowds.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Day four of this 7-day Tokyo itinerary is the first proper day trip, and it’s an obvious one: Mount Fuji. I didn’t actually do this as a day trip myself. Since I had a bit more time in Japan, I stayed for a weekend in a small village near Mount Fuji, which I really enjoyed. That said, Mount Fuji is still very doable as a day trip from Tokyo.

The journey takes roughly two hours, depending on where you’re heading and how you get there. You can absolutely do it independently, but for convenience, especially if you want to see multiple viewpoints without worrying about transport, I’d strongly recommend booking a guided day tour from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. It takes a lot of the logistics out of the day.

Once there, my time was mostly spent doing two things: taking photos of Mount Fuji from different angles and enjoying the national park surroundings. Seeing Mount Fuji in person is just as impressive as you’d expect. It’s incredibly iconic, and on a clear day, it really does feel special. However I wouldn’t know that since I had the worst weather when I was at Mount Fuji, and only saw the tip of it!

Beyond the mountain itself, I also loved the break from Tokyo. As much as I enjoy the city, the constant crowds can get a bit exhausting. Being able to escape into nature, slow down, and just breathe for a while was a big highlight for me. If the weather cooperates, this day trip is a really nice reset in the middle of a busy Tokyo itinerary.

Book Here: Mount Fuji Day Trip

Day 5: Asakusa, Sensō-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, Tokyo Skytree & an Onsen Visit

The next day of my Tokyo itinerary was a bit more packed again. I spent the entire day in Asakusa, which is a really interesting part of the city with a lot going on. Since it’s a little farther from areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya, I made a point of doing everything I wanted to see here in one go, rather than trekking back and forth.

I started the morning at Nakamise Shopping Street and Sensō-ji Temple, which sit right next to each other. I walked down Nakamise first and it was already busy, but it’s a great place for souvenir shopping and traditional snacks. At the end of the street, I reached Sensō-ji, which is beautiful and seriously impressive, but also the busiest shrine I saw in Tokyo. If you want to enjoy it with slightly fewer crowds, I’d recommend getting here as early as possible.

After that, I stayed in Asakusa and did one of my favorite things of the entire trip, something I didn’t expect to love quite as much as I did: visiting an onsen. After several full-on days of walking around Tokyo, soaking in a hot bath felt incredible and was exactly what I needed. We found a tattoo-friendly onsen called Mikokuyu, and it ended up being a highlight. The facilities were spotless, well-maintained, and very local, we were the only tourists there, which made the experience even better.

To finish the day, we headed to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, with observation decks up to 450 meters high. The views were still impressive, even though the weather was overcast and visibility wasn’t perfect. On a clear day, you can apparently see Mount Fuji in the distance, something I was slightly sad to miss, but it was still a great way to end a long day of exploring.

Day 6: Day Trip to Tokyo Disneyland, Nikko or Snow Monkeys

For day six of my 7 Day Tokyo Itinerary, I’d plan another day trip but keep things flexible, depending on what kind of experience you’re in the mood for. There are three popular options here: spending the day at Tokyo Disneyland / DisneySea, visiting Nikkō, or heading out to see the snow monkeys.

I personally skipped Tokyo Disneyland because I had already been to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and one theme park felt like enough for this trip. That said, if you’re traveling with kids or you’re a big Disney fan, Tokyo DisneySea in particular is often considered a highlight. It’s easy to reach from Tokyo and works perfectly as a day trip. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, as they often sell out.

Nikkō was high on my list, but I ran out of time so it’s firmly on my plan for my next Tokyo trip. The area is known for its UNESCO World Heritage shrines, especially Tōshō-gū Shrine, as well as waterfalls and stunning nature. If you enjoy a mix of culture and scenery, this is an excellent choice and a nice contrast to Tokyo’s intensity.

The third option is a day trip to see the snow monkeys. While it’s technically doable in one day, I’ve heard mixed feedback. It’s a long journey, sightings aren’t guaranteed, and if there’s no snow, the experience isn’t quite as iconic. Personally, I’m not sure I’d take the risk on a tight schedule, but if this has been on your bucket list for a long time, it might still be worth considering.

Book Here: Snow Monkeys Day Trip

Book Here: Nikko Day Trip

Day 7: Akihabara & Harajuku + Sumo Show

For the last day of my Tokyo itinerary, I kept things a bit more relaxed. I focused on exploring two of Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods, Akihabara and Harajuku, and left enough breathing room to enjoy them without rushing. I visited both during my trip and really liked the contrast between them. They’re very different, but both feel unmistakably Tokyo.

Akihabara is all about anime, manga, gaming, and electronics. Neon signs everywhere, arcades stacked with claw machines, and shops selling everything from retro consoles to the latest collectibles. Even if you’re not deep into anime culture, it’s still fascinating to walk around and take it all in. I’m not a huge gamer myself, but I enjoyed wandering through the arcades and popping into a few shops.

After that, I headed to Harajuku, which has a completely different energy. This area is known for street fashion, youth culture, and quirky shops, especially along Takeshita Street. It’s busy, colorful, and a little chaotic, but it definitely was worth checking out.

To end my time in Tokyo, I did something I’d been looking forward to for a while: watching a sumo show. I originally wanted to attend an actual sumo tournament, but tickets are much more expensive than you’d expect and can be tricky to get. Instead, I went for a sumo dinner show, which turned out to be a really fun alternative.

Click Here: Tickets for Sumo Show Tokyo

FAQs About 7 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

What is the best way to spend a week in Tokyo?

I’d recommend basing yourself in Shinjuku or Shibuya. From there, you can easily explore different neighborhoods across Tokyo and still have time for a couple of day trips to nearby areas if you want. Both areas are well connected and make getting around way less stressful.

What is the cost for a Tokyo 7 day itinerary?

This obviously depends on your travel style, but I’d say around $200 USD per day per person is a realistic minimum if you include accommodation, food, transport, and activities. That puts you roughly at $1,400–$1,600 for a week in Tokyo, and it can go up from there if you stay in nicer hotels or do more paid attractions.

How to spend 1 week in Tokyo with kids?

Tokyo is actually great for kids. Disneyland is an obvious one, but places like teamLab Planets, observation decks, arcades, and even just exploring neighborhoods can be really fun for them. The city is safe, clean, and surprisingly family-friendly.

Can you do a 1 Week Tokyo itinerary with Disneyland?

Yes, absolutely. You really only need one full day for Tokyo Disneyland, and since it’s still within Tokyo, it fits very easily into a one-week itinerary without feeling rushed.

What are the best things to do in Tokyo if you have a full week?

Honestly, one of the best things you can do is slow down a bit. Spend time wandering neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa, go shopping, eat good food, and leave room for random discoveries. Tokyo isn’t just about ticking off sights, it’s about being there.

Final Thoughts on How to Spend 1 Week in Tokyo

Spending a full week in Tokyo is honestly fantastic, and I loved having enough time without feeling rushed. Before arriving, I was pretty stressed, mostly thanks to Instagram and the constant “you HAVE to do this” and “you HAVE to eat here” narrative. After a week in Tokyo, I can safely say most of that was nonsense.

I saw everything I wanted to see, ate incredibly well without lining up for mediocre viral food, and actually enjoyed the city instead of sprinting between reservations. Yes, book a few key things in advance, but don’t make the mistake of planning every single hour or having dinner reservations every night. It’s not worth the stress.

Tokyo rewards curiosity, not overplanning. Go with the flow, explore, eat well, and trust that you’re not missing out just because you skipped a trending Instagram spot.

I hope this one-week Tokyo itinerary helps you picture what a relaxed but full week in the city can look like. Enjoy Tokyo and happy travels.