Planning your first trip and wondering how to structure Tokyo without feeling overwhelmed? This guide turns research into a clear plan. You will find curated attractions, neighborhoods that match different travel styles, comparison tables, sample itineraries, money savers, seasonal tips, and a practical FAQ. The goal is to help you choose faster, book smarter, and enjoy more of Tokyo with less friction.
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Why Tokyo works for every traveler
Tokyo blends ancient temples with neon districts, pop culture with Michelin level dining, and quiet gardens with world class shopping. Trains are punctual, neighborhoods are distinct, and food is excellent at every budget. If your question is where to begin, Tokyo answers with a simple formula. Pick two or three districts per day, cluster nearby sights, and keep transit lines in your favor.
Quick picks by trip style
- First timers: Senso ji in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku views, Imperial Palace area, teamLab digital art.
- Food lovers: depachika food halls, ramen streets, Tsukiji Outer Market tastings, izakaya alleys in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho and Ebisu Yokocho.
- Pop culture and shopping: Akihabara electronics and anime, Harajuku fashion lanes, Shibuya mega stores, Nakano Broadway for collectibles.
- Calm days: Rikugien or Hamarikyu gardens, Sumida River cruise, Nezu Shrine, Yanaka Ginza old town walk.
- Families: Ueno Park museums and zoo, Sunshine City aquarium in Ikebukuro, boat rides, kid friendly ramen counters.
- Day trips: Kamakura temples and giant Buddha, Yokohama harbor and cup noodle museum, Nikko shrines, Hakone hot springs and Mount Fuji views.
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Neighborhoods at a glance
Shinjuku
Skyscrapers, nightlife clusters, department stores, and a transport hub that reaches the rest of Tokyo. Great for first timers who want energy and convenience.
Shibuya and Harajuku
Trendy fashion, youth culture, iconic crossing, and Meiji Shrine in a forested oasis. Good for shopping and cafe hopping.
Ginza and Tokyo Station area
Luxury boutiques and classic department stores, easy airport access via trains and buses, and orderly streets for evening strolls.
Asakusa and Ueno
Historic core with Senso ji temple, retro snack lanes, and Ueno Park museums. Ideal for culture and budget friendly eats.
Roppongi and Azabu
Art museums, international dining, upscale hotels, and night views from Roppongi Hills.
Akihabara and Kanda
Electronics megastores, gaming, and anime culture. Good for collectors and tech browsing.
Odaiba and Toyosu
Bay area with futuristic architecture, teamLab museum, and wide waterfront promenades.
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Top 20 things to do in Tokyo
Use this list to build your plan, then check the tables for time and ticket needs.
- Senso ji Temple, Asakusa
Enter via Kaminarimon Gate, shop Nakamise street snacks, and step into the main hall for incense and photos. - Meiji Shrine, Harajuku
A peaceful Shinto shrine inside a forest. Early mornings feel most serene. - Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko
Watch the scramble from street level, then from a nearby viewpoint. The energy answers why Tokyo fascinates travelers. - Shinjuku views
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks or a paid skyline view nearby. Sunset brings depth to the cityscape. - teamLab digital art
Immersive rooms that react to your movement. Book timed tickets. - Ueno Park museums
Pick one or two. The National Museum, Science Museum, or the zoo for families. - Ginza department stores
Depachika food halls are a must for bento and sweets. Window shopping is half the fun. - Tsukiji Outer Market tastings
Sample tamagoyaki omelet, skewers, and seafood. Arrive early for the best variety. - Rikugien or Hamarikyu Gardens
Classic landscaping, teahouses, and seasonal color. A calm counterpoint to busy streets. - Akihabara browsing
Retro consoles, figurines, and multi level shops. Allow a set budget and time limit. - Asakusa Sumida River cruise
Link Asakusa and Odaiba or Hamarikyu. See bridges and skyline from the water. - Imperial Palace area
Moats, stone walls, and landscaped paths. The outer gardens are perfect for a midday break. - Yanaka Ginza
Old town shopping street with cat themed souvenirs and croquettes. Photogenic in late afternoon. - Roppongi art loop
Mori Art Museum and National Art Center. Add the observation deck for night views. - Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
Tiny alleyways for skewers and small bars. Go early if you prefer a quieter vibe. - Sumo tournament or morning practice
If dates align, tickets or stable visits become a trip highlight. - Baseball game
Tokyo Dome or Jingu Stadium. The cheering sections turn sports into a cultural show. - Kappabashi Kitchen Town
Shop knives, ceramics, and plastic food displays. Great for gifts. - Ghibli Park or Ghibli Museum tickets
If you are a fan and can secure reservations, plan your day around this. - Day trip to Kamakura or Hakone
Temples, beaches, hot springs, and Fuji views on clear days.
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Comparison table: attractions at a glance
| Attraction | Best for | Time needed | Ticketed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senso ji, Asakusa | History and photos | 60 to 90 minutes | Free |
| Meiji Shrine | Calm shrine walk | 60 minutes | Free |
| Shibuya Crossing | Urban energy | 30 to 60 minutes | Free, viewpoints paid |
| Shinjuku skyline | Night views | 45 to 90 minutes | Free or paid |
| teamLab | Immersive art | 60 to 90 minutes | Yes, timed |
| Ueno museums | Families and culture | 2 to 3 hours | Yes |
| Tsukiji Outer Market | Food tastings | 90 minutes | Free entry |
| Rikugien or Hamarikyu | Gardens | 60 to 90 minutes | Yes or small fee |
| River cruise | Scenic link | 60 minutes | Yes |
| Roppongi art loop | Modern art | 2 to 3 hours | Yes |
Sample itineraries
Two day classic for first timers
Day 1: Asakusa Senso ji, river cruise to Hamarikyu, Ginza depachika lunch, Shibuya Crossing at sunset, Shinjuku views at night.
Day 2: Meiji Shrine morning, Harajuku and Omotesando walk, teamLab slot, dinner in Roppongi or Ebisu.
Two day food and culture
Day 1: Tsukiji tastings, Ginza sweets, Ueno museum, Yanaka Ginza sunset.
Day 2: Kappabashi shopping, ramen lunch, afternoon garden, izakaya alleys in Shinjuku.
Family friendly two day loop
Day 1: Ueno Park museums and zoo, boat ride, early dinner near Asakusa.
Day 2: Sunshine City aquarium, Meiji Shrine stroll, kid friendly ramen, evening views.
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Where to stay in Tokyo
Choosing the right base reduces transfers and keeps nights easy. Here is a practical view of hotel areas in Tokyo.
Table: hotel areas by traveler type
| Area | Why choose it | Who it fits | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Transport hub, nightlife variety | First timers, friends | JR Yamanote, multiple lines |
| Shibuya | Iconic crossing, shopping | Couples, shoppers | JR Yamanote, Ginza Line |
| Ginza, Tokyo Station | Easy airport links, upscale | Business, efficient planners | JR lines, Marunouchi Line |
| Asakusa, Ueno | Historic sights, value stays | Culture fans, families | Ginza Line, JR lines |
| Roppongi, Azabu | Art and dining | Night view seekers | Hibiya, Oedo Lines |
| Odaiba, Toyosu | Spacious bayside hotels | Families, teamLab fans | Yurikamome, Yurakucho Line |
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Getting around
- Use Suica or Pasmo cards, or tap with a compatible phone, and let daily caps keep costs in check.
- JR Yamanote Line loops central Tokyo and links Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno, and Akihabara.
- Metro lines fill the gaps. Transfer signs are clear and platforms are well marked.
- Taxis are clean and reliable. Trains are usually faster except late nights.
- Airport access is simple. Narita Express to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, Haneda has quick monorail and Keikyu links.
Food and drinks
Follow a rhythm that works. Start with a convenience store breakfast that surprises with quality, then a ramen or sushi lunch, afternoon sweets in Ginza or Omotesando, and an izakaya dinner with small plates to share. If you wonder how to order, look for ticket machines, point at plastic displays, or choose counter seats to watch chefs at work. Respect simple etiquette. Say itadakimasu before eating and arigato after.
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Money and time savers
- Timed entries for popular exhibits and museums reduce waiting.
- Combine a paid highlight with a free garden or shrine each half day.
- Convenience stores sell good bento that save time and money without sacrificing taste.
- Luggage delivery and coin lockers make check in and check out days easier.
Season by season in 2025
- Spring: cherry blossoms in Ueno Park and along Meguro River. Hotels fill quickly.
- Summer: festivals and fireworks. Plan indoor museum breaks in the afternoon and evening garden walks.
- Autumn: red maple leaves in Rikugien and ginkgo lanes near Meiji Jingu Gaien.
- Winter: crisp blue skies, illumination displays, and excellent hot spring day trips.
Three photo friendly spots
- Shibuya Sky or a similar viewpoint for a sweeping city grid at golden hour.
- Asakusa side streets with a telephoto shot framing Senso ji’s pagoda.
- Odaiba waterfront for reflections and rainbow bridge compositions.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
Three full days cover icons and two neighborhoods per day. Five days allow day trips and deeper food exploration.
Do I need to book everything in advance?
Reserve teamLab and popular museums. Many sights are free entry. Will you visit during peak blossom or foliage weeks? If yes, book earlier.
Which area is best for first timers?
Shinjuku and Shibuya for energy and transport convenience. Ginza and Tokyo Station area if you want smooth airport links.
Is the Metro easy to use?
Yes. Signs use English and color coding. Will you change lines often? If yes, build five minute buffers for transfers.
What is free to do in Tokyo?
Shrines, many gardens, riverfront paths, window shopping in Ginza, and neighborhood walks deliver strong Tokyo vibes at no cost.
Where do I get the best night view?
Shinjuku or Roppongi observatories and a river cruise at dusk. Each gives a different angle on Tokyo.
Can I see Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
On very clear days from high viewpoints you can. If Fuji is a priority, plan a Hakone or Kawaguchiko day trip.
What should I book first?
Flights, a central hotel, and timed entries that matter most to you. Build daily plans around those anchors.
You now have a clear, action oriented plan for Tokyo that balances famous sights with local moments. Save this guide, choose your neighborhood, and secure your key tickets. When you are ready to compare prices and lock in your dates, find curated options and smart bundles on Special Travel Offers.
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