Asakusa
I always recommend starting your Japan trip in Asakusa for that "WOW" factor and for that feeling of, "I'm really in Japan!" to hit you in a glorious way.
Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Japangiee's 7-Day Tokyo Speedrun Guide
7 days1 city
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Recommended Stays in Tokyo
Day 1
Asakusa & Oshiage
The furthest area outside of central Tokyo: Asakusa/Oshiage. Start your very first day in Japan in full traditional regalia -- get a kimono/yukata fitting and explore the neighbourhood in style! Asakusa is home to some of the best snacks in town so save your stomach to walk-and-munch as you explore.
浅草着物レンタルA's ESSENTIALS
I went to A's Essentials for my first dress-up day in Asakusa!
Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1-chōme−34−４ AQUA浅草ビル 3F
Tokyo Asakusa Kimono Rental with Hair Set
However, every kimono/yukata rental service is comparable and all offer the same services. For ease of access, I recommend signing up for this tour! You will be guided on clearly defined terms/expectations and will have English support.
Tokyo8 hours and 30 minutes
MATCHA CAFE & STUDIO ASAKUSA
Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 2-chōme−3−６１ 二天門ビル Ⅱ
Asakusa Underground Street
1-chōme-1-12 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Asakusa Rickshaw Tour in Tokyo
Rickshaw tours are unique to Japan and I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself!
Tokyo1 hour
Asahi Group Headquarters Building
1-chōme-23-1 Azumabashi, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-8602, Japan
Kappabashi Kitchen Supply Town
3-chōme-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0036, Japan
Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck
SkyTree is by definition the tallest tower in the world! Visit the observatory and two decks for an unobstructed 360 degree view of Tokyo.
1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Oshiage Station (Tokyo Skytree) 1F
My favourite Kura location. Clean, bright, and delicious.
Japan, 〒131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida City, Oshiage, 1-chōme−8−２３ 1F
End of Day 1
Day 2
Ueno & Akihabara
Anime day in Akihabara! Start in Ueno (before you have your hands full of shopping bags) and work your way to Akihabara. Make sure you visit the Maid Cafe and a rare animal cafe (ex. otter, owl, capybara)!
Ameyoko market
Incredible energy here. Purchase heavily discounted sporting goods and shoes. Sit down for a quick bite at the outdoor izakayas!
6-chōme-10-7 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Owl's Nest Cafe
Play with real owls!
Japan, 〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 4-chōme−5−１１ 安富ビル 3F
Wei Huang
The BEST Chinese chicken soup I've ever had. They have another location in Roppongi but both are amazing.
3-chōme-44-8 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan
Yodobashi Akiba camera
1-1 Kanda Hanaokachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0028, Japan
GiGO Akihabara Building 3
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 1-chōme−11−１１ 1丁目ビルディング
Maidreamin Akihabara Head Store
A first-time Japan trip isn't complete until you've visited a maid cafe. Maidreamin is great; the maids are professional, kind, and the food is decent!
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−16−１７ 住吉ビル 6階
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin)
2-chōme-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
End of Day 2
Day 3
Tokyo (Marunouchi) & Ginza
Start at the Imperial Palace in the morning and beat the hot sun. Go inside to visit the palace grounds! Hang out around Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and walk down to Ginza. The best Uniqulo (imo) is at the listed location.
Imperial Palace
I highly recommend visiting in the morning while it's quiet and before the sun/hot weather beats down on you! Go inside the gate and tour the palace grounds.
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Uniqlo Tokyo
My favourite Uniqlo location in Tokyo. Spacious, has escalators and elevators, has a cafe, has PLST (the premium brand of Uniqlo), and just overall way better than the Ginza flagship store (in my opinion).
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 3-chōme−2−１ マロニエゲート銀座２ １階～４階
Sushi Fujioka
Delicious omakase sushi experience!
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5-chōme−9−１７ B1F
Ginza Itoya
Multi-floor building for all your stationary needs. Great place to gift shop for your friends!
2-chōme-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Glitch Coffee and Roasters GINZA
Great coffee and great vibes.
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4-chōme−14−８ VORT銀座イーストIII 1階
pain･maison Ginza
Some of the best bread in Tokyo, hands down.
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 2-chōme−14−５ 1階
Tír na nÓg
One of the most unique, beautifully curated bars I've ever been to. Enjoy special drinks in a dark fairy-themed bar.
Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5-chōme−9−５ チアーズ銀座 Ｂ１
End of Day 3
Day 4
Tsukiji & Roppongi
Wake up EARLY and get breakfast at Tsukiji market. You can get there as early as 7AM and there will be restaurants open! Find the freshest sashimi here. Explore Roppongi area and enjoy Tokyo's nightlife -- whether it be a night out featuring Tokyo's nightclubs or relaxing at Spa LaQua after a long day of walking, there's something for everyone.
Fish Market Tsukiji Outer Market
Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4-chōme−16 および６丁目一部
Tsukiji Fish Market Tour: Behind the Scenes & 10 Seafood Tastings
Best option is to follow a local guide! They'll take you to all the must-eat spots (and show you spots the other tourists don't know about, shh).
Tokyo2 hours and 50 minutes
Marutake
My favourite dashiyaki (sweet egg omelette on a stick) stand.
4-chōme-10-10 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Saito’s Fish Market
They serve a fish soup made of all the bones, meat, and scraps from serving sashimi. This soup is DEVINE.
4-chōme-10-5 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Tokyo Tower Main Deck & teamLab Planets Tokyo DMM Combo Tickets
Combo ticket to see teamLab Planets and go up Tokyo Tower.
Tokyo1 day
RED° TOKYO TOWER
You can get into the pilot seat of a mecha robot and physically fight your friends!
Japan, 〒105-0011 Tokyo, Minato City, Shibakōen, 4-chōme−2−８ Tokyo Tower, 3階 フットタウン
Roppongi Hills - Tokyo City View
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6-chōme−10−１ Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 52階
SAVOY Azabujuban
Japan, 〒106-0045 Tokyo, Minato City, Azabujūban, 2-chōme−20−１２ オリエント麻布 1階
Spa LaQua
The cleanest, most relaxing spa in the centre of Tokyo. I absolutely love this place. Bathe, soak in the natural hot spring water, visit the sauna, and finish by changing into their "relaxation" clothes and hang out with your friends in the relaxing common area. Note: Tattoos are prohibited (sorry).
Japan, 〒112-0003 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Kasuga, 1-chōme−1−１ ラクーアビル 6F
SEL OCTAGON TOKYO night club
Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 7-chōme−8−６ Axall Roppongi, B1F night club nightlife
End of Day 4
Day 5
Shibuya & Harajuku & Ebisu
My favourite area in Tokyo -- home to the most lush and majestic forest walkway up to Meiji-Jingu. I recommend starting early and grabbing breakfast in Harajuku. Shibuya is lively, busy, and has the best photo spots! At night, see live music in Ebisu or hit up the clurrrrbs in Shibuya.
Meiji Jingu
The most peaceful, good-energy shrine in Tokyo. The abundance of energy here is unmatched.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
SHE WOLF DINER
Western breakfast! Really good brunch.
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawachō, 3−１ 東武ホテル 1F
NOA COFFEE Gelato Kitchen - CAFE/sweets/Breakfast
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingūmae, 1-chōme−17−５ Harajuku Schloss Jousei Bldg., B1F
bills Omotesando
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingūmae, 4-chōme−30−３ 東急プラザ 表参道原宿 7F
Eggs 'n Things Harajuku Store
4-chōme-30-2 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Nata de Cristiano
My favourite Portuguese egg tarts in town.
Japan, 〒151-0063 Tokyo, Shibuya, Tomigaya, 1-chōme−14−１６ スタンフォードコート 103
HARRY HARAJUKU terrace otter cafe
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingūmae, 4-chōme−26−５ ４２６ビル 3F
Artbar Tokyo - Cat Street Harajuku Studio アートバー東京 キャットストリート原宿
If you ever want to rest for 2 hours and drink unlimited wine (and other alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages), Artbar is the place to go. Get in touch with your inner artist while you rest and sip!
Takara Building, 201, 5-chōme-30-2 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
sonomama
The best croissants with a filling!! All the baked goods are delicious. My favourite thing on the menu is their focaccia sandwich with fresh mozzarella.
Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−11−１２ 1F
Tenkazushi Shibuya Dogenzaka
A no frills sushi joint for a quick and cost-effective bite. Great quality sushi for a good price!
2-chōme-9-10 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Pokemon Center Shibuya
Japan, 〒150-8377 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawachō, 15−１ 渋谷PARCO 6F
Miyashita Park
Hang out and people-watch on the roof.
6-chōme-20-10 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
95YOOYA
Excellent Burmese food.
Japan, 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisu, 4-chōme−22−７ 恵比寿イーストスクエア 1階
BLUE NOTE PLACE
Live music and drinks.
Japan, 〒150-0013 Tokyo, Shibuya, Ebisu, 4-chōme−20−４ ガーデンプレイス
Swig
One of Shibuya's most popular foreign bars. Make new friends here!
Villa First Shibuya, 1-chōme-6-3 Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
End of Day 5
Day 6
Ikebukuro
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you won't want to miss the Studio Tour. Ikebukuro is the most underrated place for anime merch and fandom shopping! If you love BOOK OFF and secondhand anime goods for a great price, Ikebukuro is the place to go.
The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
A must-visit for all Potterheads.
1-chōme-1-7 Kasugachō, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074, Japan
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets
Japan, 〒170-6002 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3-chōme−1−２ サンシャインシティ 専門店街アルパ 2F
animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store
1-chōme-20-7 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan
Onitsuka Tiger Ikebukuro PARCO Store
My #1 recommended Onitsuka Tiger store in the Tokyo area. Clean, spacious, surprisingly not overwhelmed by eager tourists like the Shinjuku, Ginza or Shibuya locations.
Japan, 〒171-8557 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiikebukuro, 1-chōme−28−２ Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building, 2F
Mermaid Coffee Roasters Ikebukuro
Amazing coffee (you choose the brew) in a bright, cozy, and beautifully decorated café. Always full of lovely people all working on their own projects. Always a great vibe.
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1-chōme−23−４ 池袋ビル
Sarutahiko Coffee Ikebukuro
Bright, spacious, out of the way of other touristy places, this is a safe haven and a lovely place to have a coffee and a snack.
Japan, 〒171-0022 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiikebukuro, 1-chōme−16−１５ ダイヤゲート池袋 1F
BA CON TRÂU バコンチャオ
One of the best, most authentic Vietnamese family-style restaurants in Tokyo. Best to come with a few friends to try as many shared dishes as possible!
Japan, 〒171-0022 Tokyo, Toshima City, Minamiikebukuro, 1-chōme−27−８ サンパレスビル 8F
SUNNY DAYS Pudding Café
2-chōme-24-27 Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0014, Japan
Chanoma
A peaceful tatami café that is an absolute gem 10 mins outside of Ikebukuro. Greenery surrounds you as you sit and drink your coffee/matcha. Unplug for a while and enjoy this café!
5-chōme-12-3 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan
辛楽川 火鍋
My favourite Chinese hotpot restaurant in Tokyo. All-you-can-eat (tabehodai) for a set price. Excellent selection of fresh meat and vegetables.
Japan, 〒171-0021 Tokyo, Toshima City, Nishiikebukuro, 1-chōme−29−６ ６F
Muscle Girls
Must visit one of the two: Muscle Girls or Muscle Guys bar.
Japan, 〒171-0014 Tokyo, Toshima City, Ikebukuro, 2-chōme−41−２ B1F
マッスルバー池袋
Must visit one of the two: Muscle Girls or Muscle Guys bar.
Japan, 〒171-0014 Tokyo, Toshima City, Ikebukuro, 2-chōme−41−２ 6階
End of Day 6
Day 7
Shinjuku
Arguably the biggest crowds in Tokyo are in Shinjuku. Visit Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho at night for great photos and Tokyo citypop night vibes.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Come for the free view up above Tokyo!
2-chōme-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
外貨両替のインターバンク
My favourite place to exchange foreign currency. If you bought too much Japanese yen in cash or need more, Ninja Exchange has the best rates around town! Also a good place to trade away your remaining yen if you're preparing to head home. Note: This is for cash-to-cash exchange (say, if you brought local currency and want to exchange it into Japanese yen during your trip).
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1-chōme−2−１２ 金券ショップ通り並び
Sushiro Shinjuku Nishiguchi
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1-chōme−1−１ 新宿西口会館（新宿パレットビル 6階
After All Coffee
Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 7-chōme−15−１４ １F-A
BicCamera Shinjuku East Store
3-chōme-29-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
ＣＯＯＫＩＮ’
Japanese-Italian fusion! Great pizza.
Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3-chōme−6−１０ ニューゴールドビル
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
500 yen entry fee but so worth it. The park is beautiful and perfectly maintained. Bring a picnic blanket!
11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Bar Hopping Tour with Local Guide in Shinjuku
Tokyo3 hours
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
1-chōme-2-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Bananas Philippine Restaurant
Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2-chōme−15−２４ ヒカリビル 1階
ダーツバー＆カラオケバー ZINO（ジーノ）新宿歌舞伎町靖国通り店
If you want a local, unique open karaoke bar experience, you MUST visit ZINO. It's a chain so there are locations everywhere. All-you-can-drink (nomihodai) for only 600 yen every 30 minutes while you listen to other patrons sing their heart out (free concert)! What are you waiting for?
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−16−２ 富士ビル 3階
Jazz SPOT Intro
A unique live jazz bar experience. Musicians show up and Jam with a capital J. The owner throws musicians on stage to play together based on vibes and you get to witness the most raw, improvised, epic musical talent.
Japan, 〒169-0075 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Takadanobaba, 2-chōme−14−８ Ntビル 地下１階
End of Day 7