One Week in Tokyo: The 2024 Itinerary
As the largest city in the world, one could spend a lifetime in Tokyo and never discover all of its secrets. From looming skyscrapers to tiny alleys, there is an entire world waiting in Tokyo.
But how does one experience it all in one week?
The answer: Great planning! While you may never see all of Tokyo, with great planning, you might get to see a lot of it… even in just one week!
Read on for a guide to seeing as many of Tokyo's treasures as possible in just one week. Afterward, feel free to message us with any questions!
Want to make the most out of your trip? Tap into our network of local travel planners—Heroes—who build unique, locally-curated trip plans, designed just for you. Get started.
If it is your first time in the country, check out this Must See Tokyo Checklist, and ensure you don’t miss any of the big sights.
If you have already seen all the big sights, the best way to really explore Tokyo would be to “conquer” one neighborhood each day while you are there. Head to one neighborhood in the morning, grab a coffee, and set off exploring every single alley and street you can find...you never know where you will end up!
Here are our favorite neighborhoods for a itinerary in Tokyo:
Ginza
Ginza is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Tokyo, renowned for its plethora of shopping and dining options. The neighborhood has everything from shopping malls, to a twelve-floor Uniqlo.
Ginza is the part of town you might want to head to if you want to experience Tokyo's nightlife, as the area has a plethora of .
Be sure to see:
- Tsukiji Jougai market
- Tsukiji - temple
- Kachidoki Bridge
- Kabuki-za theatre
- Hamarikyu Gardens (nearby)
Tokyo Pocket Guide has a list of everything to do and see in this part of town.
Harajuku
Harajuku is the center of Japan's Harajuku culture—an extreme, style, especially popular with Japanese teenagers. Takeshita Street is the center of this style, and the entire road is lined with Harajuku-style boutiques and shops. another street lined with shops and cafes.
Be sure to see:
- Meiji Jingu shrine
- Yoyogi Park.
- Takeshita-
- Harajuku Bridge
- The nearby Shibuya Crossing
Time Out Tokyo has a guide to 50 things to do in Harajuku.
Shinjuku
Many consider the very busy Shinjuku district in Tokyo to be its own city, and one can easily spend a day or two wandering this area. Close to Shinjuku are the neighborhoods of Takadanobaba and Ikebukuro, which have major hipster appeal.
Go , eat, and party!
Be sure to see:
- Golden Gai bar area
- Shinjuku Station (the world's busiest railway station)
- The skyscraper district
- Kabukicho(red light district)
- Subterranean malls
- Shinjuku Gyoen
- Mode Gakuen Tower
- Gyoen National Garden
Japan Talk has a guide of 96 Things To Do In Shinjuku.
Roppongi
Roppongi is considered a nightlife-center of Tokyo. The area is rustic but filled with chic cafes and restaurants. It has also become home to major modern developments and art and is a true entertainment district in Tokyo.
Many foreigners and locals love to party here.
Be sure to see:
- Roppongi Hills
- Tokyo Midtown
- Art Triangle Roppongi: The National Art Center, Roppongi Hills' Mori Art Museum, Tokyo Midtown's Suntory Museum of Art
- Roppongi Hills
- Tokyo Tower
Time Out Tokyo has a guide of 101 things to do in Roppongi.
Shimokitazawa
Gothamist called Shimokitazawa, "The Tokyo Hipster Paradise." Airbnb called Shimokitazawa, "Tokyo's rising star of creative bohemian acclaim." Either way, if you're looking for a hip neighborhood that is slightly off the beaten path, this is your place. The area is very and is home to tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and venues for live music.
Give yourself a full day to wander around Shimokitazawa and see what you find.
More information on Shimokitazawa: "A Guide to the Hippest Part of Tokyo"
Akihabara
Akihabara is Tokyo's "gadget town," where everything is electronic. From giant to tiny one-offs, there is an incredible amount of flashing and whirring objects to see in Akihabara.
Be sure to see:
- Tokyo Anime Center
- Cosplayers
- Arcade gaming
Have more questions about traveling to Japan? Here is a list of local Japan Travel Experts who can help you or you can message us any questions you have. And before your trip, make sure to check out:
