Tokyo is a city that is truly one of a kind. It’s a blend of traditional and modern culture, and there is so much to see and do. Whether you’re interested in visiting historic temples and shrines, trying out the latest technology, or indulging in delicious food, you’ll find it all in Tokyo. This 7-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in the city, so you can experience the best of what it has to offer.
ITINERARY:
Day 1:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The shrine is surrounded by a large park, which is a great spot for a stroll.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Explore Takeshita Street, a bustling shopping street in Harajuku known for its trendy fashion and street food.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Visit the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple and a symbol of the city’s religious and historical heritage.
Day 2:
- 9:00am-11:00am: Head to the Tokyo Tower, a 333-meter-tall communications and observation tower that offers great views of the city.
- 12:00pm-2:00pm: Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest fish markets in the world. You can see the tuna auctions and sample fresh sushi.
- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Roppongi, known for its nightlife, shopping, and art galleries.
Day 3:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the history of Tokyo from the Edo period to the present.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Explore the Akihabara neighborhood, known as the “electric town” and a popular spot for fans of anime, manga, and video games.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Visit the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Day 4:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay that features shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and largest museum, which houses a vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Explore the Shinjuku neighborhood, known for its shopping, nightlife, and skyscrapers.
Day 5:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Hama-rikyu Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden that features a pond, a teahouse, and a duck hunting ground.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter-tall tower that offers great views of the city.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Explore the Asakusa neighborhood, known for its temples, shrines, and traditional atmosphere.
Day 6:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Ghibli Museum, which celebrates the work of the famous animation studio and features exhibits and interactive displays.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the Harajuku Gyoza-ro, a famous gyoza (Japanese dumpling) restaurant.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Explore the Shibuya neighborhood, known for its bustling streets and iconic scramble crossing.
Day 7:
- 9:00am-12:00pm: Visit the Ueno Park, a large park that features several museums, a zoo, and temples.
- 1:00pm-3:00pm: Visit the Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s oldest and largest museum, which houses a vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts.
- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Visit the Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, a must-visit destination for Disney fans.
This itinerary covers many of the top sights and activities in Tokyo, but there are many more things to see and do in the city. You may want to consider adding in other activities that interest you, such as visiting a traditional onsen (hot spring) or taking a cooking class. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have an amazing time in this vibrant and exciting city.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Originally a small fishing village known as Edo, the city grew in importance during the Edo period (1603-1867), when it served as the center of politics and culture for Japan under the rule of the shogun. Tokyo played a key role in the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which led to the modernization of Japan and the establishment of the emperor as the head of state.
Tokyo is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. On one hand, it’s home to ancient temples and shrines, such as the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple, and on the other hand, it’s a global leader in technology, fashion, and pop culture. Visitors can experience the contrasts of Tokyo by visiting both the traditional Asakusa neighborhood and the trendy Harajuku neighborhood in the same day.
Japanese culture is known for its refinement and attention to detail. The people of Tokyo are no exception, known for their politeness, punctuality, and respect for tradition. Visitors can experience this traditional culture by visiting a tea ceremony, attending a kabuki performance, or participating in a traditional festival such as the Tokyo Olympics.
Tokyo’s gastronomy is diverse and delicious, with a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and budgets. Sushi and ramen are two of the most famous dishes associated with Tokyo, but visitors can also find traditional Japanese dishes such as tempura, udon, and yakitori, as well as international cuisine. Tokyo is also home to many Michelin-starred restaurants and is considered one of the culinary capitals of the world.
Tokyo can be an expensive city, but there are ways to save money. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Many attractions and museums offer free or discounted admission, and there are plenty of affordable dining options, such as street food and casual eateries.
Japanese is the official language spoken in Tokyo, but many residents also speak English. The climate is generally mild, with hot summers and cool winters. The economy of Tokyo is one of the most developed in the world, with a strong emphasis on technology, finance, and manufacturing. It is also a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
