How many days do you need in Tokyo?

Tokyo is a massive city with 37 million people, which can feel overwhelming at first. But once you get a feel for it, you’ll see it’s made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and pace. So, how many days do you really need? This guide lays it out with daily itineraries, the best areas to stay based on your travel style, and key tips to help you plan your trip. 

How many days do you need to see Tokyo?

Tokyo is best explored at a relaxed pace—each of its 23 central wards has its own distinct feel. If you’re short on time, two days will cover the main highlights, but expect packed schedules and a lot of walking. 

Three days give you a bit more flexibility, while four days let you slow down and explore local neighborhoods. With five to seven days, you’ll have time to see Tokyo’s big sights without feeling rushed, plus room for day trips or deep dives into specific interests.

Your itinerary will also depend on what you’re into—anime and gaming fans might want extra time in Akihabara, while food lovers could spend days just exploring Tokyo’s endless dining scene.

A good way to decide might be to see sample itineraries. Our Japan itineraries include Tokyo and other places you shouldn't miss in Japan: 

7 days in Japan | 10 days in Japan | 14 days in Japan

2 days in Tokyo

Two days in Tokyo is just enough time to dive into the city. This itinerary keeps travel time manageable while covering some of Tokyo’s most iconic spots, from Asakusa’s temple streets to the neon energy of Shibuya.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Start your morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh seafood to street snacks. Arriving by 8 AM gets you the best selection and a lively atmosphere, as many of these stalls have been run by the same families for generations. A sushi breakfast here is a must—expect buttery cuts of tuna and fresh uni served just steps from where it was sourced (easily one of the best things to do in Japan).

From Tsukiji, it’s a short walk to Hamarikyu Gardens, a quiet spot where 300-year-old pine trees stand against the city skyline. The garden’s seawater ponds still rise and fall with the tides, a detail that ties it to its Edo-era past.

From there, take the subway to Asakusa and visit Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. It was built in honor of a golden statue of Kannon that two fishermen pulled from the Sumida River in 628 CE. Stick around until sunset, then head to Tokyo Skytree for a view of the city as the lights come on.

End the day at Nakiryu, a Michelin-starred ramen shop known for its tantanmen, made with a sesame paste that’s aged for ten days to bring out its deep, nutty flavor.

Day 2

Start the morning at Meiji Shrine, a quiet, forested retreat in the middle of the city. Built in 1920 from cypress wood sourced across Japan, it’s a peaceful spot to wander. Near the entrance, you’ll see a wall of colorful sake barrels—ceremonial gifts from brewers around the country. Right next door, Yoyogi Park has an interesting past. It was once an American military barracks, then a venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. These days, it’s a popular weekend hangout.

From there, walk over to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, known for its over-the-top fashion. This is where styles like “decora,” with its layers of colorful accessories, first took off. The street is busiest on weekends, when Tokyo’s most creative dressers come out to show off their looks. 

Next, head to Shibuya to see the famous scramble crossing, one of the busiest in the world. It developed naturally as Shibuya Station became a major hub, and now, hundreds of people cross in all directions every time the light changes.

For your final dinner, go to Uoshin in Ebisu, a casual seafood izakaya where fishermen deliver fresh catches straight to the restaurant. The daily sashimi selection changes depending on what’s in season, so it’s always worth asking what’s best that day.

3 days in Tokyo

With three days in Tokyo, you can step beyond the city’s big-name attractions and dive into its creative side—design-forward neighborhoods, underground music hubs, and unique art installations.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

Start the morning in Daikanyama, a stylish but laid-back neighborhood that feels like a quiet escape from Tokyo’s busier areas. It was mostly residential until new train connections in 1964 turned it into a hub for design and fashion. Grab breakfast at Ivy Place, a café in a converted railway building with a leafy terrace that’s great for people-watching.

Next, hop on the train to Shimokitazawa, a neighborhood that kept its indie spirit thanks to local protests that stopped post-war redevelopment. That resistance helped it stay a hotspot for live music, vintage shops, and small theaters. The narrow streets are packed with secondhand stores and tiny cafés—if you need a coffee break, Ballon D’Essai is a solid choice.

In the afternoon, head to teamLab Planets in Toyosu, an immersive digital art museum where you don’t just look at the exhibits—you step into them. 

You’ll walk through knee-deep water, touch soft, color-shifting surfaces, and watch projections react to your movements. The building was originally a warehouse in Tokyo’s largest wholesale fish market, but now it’s one of the city’s most unique art spaces.

End the night in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, a maze of tiny bars that survived both the 1923 earthquake and WWII bombings. Most spots only fit 5–8 people, and while some are regulars-only, plenty are open to visitors. It’s the perfect place to toast to your last night in Tokyo.

4 days in Tokyo

With four days in Tokyo, you have time to step into the city’s quieter corners. 

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start the morning in Yanaka, one of the few areas in Tokyo that made it through WWII bombings intact. Its quiet streets feel like a step back in time, with more than 70 temples tucked between old wooden houses and neighborhood shops. Walk along Yanaka Ginza, the local shopping street, where vendors sell fresh taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste) and handmade crafts. If you hear the sound of a horn, that’s the sweet potato seller—one of the last street vendors still keeping this tradition alive.

 In the afternoon, visit Kiyosumi Garden, built in 1878 by a shipping magnate who transported massive stones from across Japan by boat. Each rock was carefully placed to create perfect viewpoints along the garden’s paths. 

For your final meal in Tokyo, you have two options, depending on the experience you’re after. If you want something high-end, book a table at Narisawa in Aoyama, where dishes like wild Japanese yeast bread literally rise at your table. If you’d rather keep it casual, head to Sometaro, a traditional okonomiyaki spot that’s been using the same iron griddles since 1937.

Best areas to stay in Tokyo

Where you stay shapes your experience in Tokyo, as each neighborhood has its own character. For a more in-depth look, be sure to see our guide to Tokyo's neighborhoods.  

Shinjuku: Best for first-time visitors

Shinjuku has a little bit of everything—entertainment, shopping, and food—all in one fast-paced district. It’s home to the world’s busiest train station, making it easy to get around. The east side is where you’ll find the neon lights, izakayas, and spots like the Godzilla Head and Golden Gai’s tiny bars. The west side is quieter, with skyscrapers and free city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most well-known gardens, is a great place to take a break from the city.

Odaiba: Best for families

Built on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is packed with attractions that are easy to walk between. The driverless Yurikamome train connects the area with the city while giving great bay views. Kids will enjoy Miraikan (the National Museum of Emerging Science), the giant Gundam statue, and Joypolis arcade. The Decks Mall has a Hong Kong-themed floor with street food and old-school games. There’s also plenty of open space along the waterfront to stretch your legs.

Shimokitazawa: Best for creatives

Shimokitazawa, or “Shimokita” as some call it, is a creative hub filled with vintage shops, indie record stores, and tiny live music venues. Unlike Tokyo’s commercial districts, it has a relaxed, small-town feel where art galleries and hole-in-the-wall cafes thrive. Cafés range from traditional kissaten (old-school coffee shops) to modern espresso bars. The area also has a mix of casual izakayas, craft beer spots, and restaurants that cater to its artistic community.

Things to know before going to Tokyo

Tokyo can feel like a city from the future, but once you’re on the ground, you’ll notice how much of it still runs on unspoken rules and long-standing traditions. It’s a place where you can buy sushi from a vending machine, but you still shouldn’t eat while walking.

For starters, Tokyo is massive. What looks like a quick subway ride on the map can take an hour, so plan accordingly. The city never really sleeps, but a lot of restaurants and bars do close earlier than you’d expect, especially outside nightlife areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya (though are typically open much later than in Kyoto for example). Convenience stores (konbini) are your best friend—they’re everywhere and stocked with surprisingly good food.

Trash cans are weirdly rare, so be prepared to carry your garbage with you until you find one.

Daily budget

Here's what you might expect to spend:

• Budget (\¥8,000-\¥12,000 / $55-$80 per day): Expect to stay in capsule hotels or hostels, eat at ramen shops and konbini, and get around using public transport. Save money by visiting free attractions like Meiji Shrine and shopping at 100-yen stores.
• Mid-range (\¥15,000-\¥25,000 / $100-$170 per day): This covers business hotels or Airbnbs, meals at mid-range restaurants, and entrance fees to major attractions. Most international travelers fall into this range.
• Luxury (\¥40,000+ / $270+ per day): If you're splurging, this budget gets you luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt, Michelin-starred dining, private guides, and high-end experiences like tea ceremonies or exclusive shopping in Ginza. Expect top-tier service and unique cultural experiences.

How to get around

Tokyo’s public transportation is efficient but can feel overwhelming at first. The metro and JR lines cover nearly everything, and downloading the Tokyo Metro app helps with real-time English navigation. 

Trains run from around 5 AM to midnight, so plan ahead if you're staying out late. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM) when trains get packed. 

Taxis are pricey but useful for late nights or areas without good train access—look for taxis with a green light to signal availability. Walking is easy in most neighborhoods, and many stations have area maps to help navigate. Buses work for certain routes but can be tricky for tourists—stick to trains unless absolutely necessary.

How to get to Tokyo

Most visitors fly into either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Haneda is closer and more convenient. If you’re coming from Narita, the Narita Express (N’EX) gets you to central Tokyo in 90 minutes for \¥3,000, while limousine buses take about 2 hours for \¥3,100. 

From Haneda, the monorail or Keikyu Line gets you into the city in about 45 minutes for \¥500-\¥800. Taxis from Narita aren’t worth it unless you’re ready to spend over \¥20,000. At both airports, buy train tickets at clearly marked counters in the arrivals hall—foreign passport holders can get discounted N’EX tickets. During peak travel seasons, pre-booking an airport transfer can be a good move. The Shinkansen bullet train takes you from Toyko to other parts of Japan easily.

Planning your trip to Japan

If you're planning a trip to Japan, our Japan itineraries are a great place to start. Each is created by Rough Guides editors to help you make the most of your time. 

Other great resources for planning your trip are our Rough Guide to Japan, or our trip ideas gallery.

Or skip the hassle of planning and booking, and let our local experts make a trip for you. Our tailor made trips are completely customizable and created by locals who know the area in and out.