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 starting point might be to take a look at a sample Japan itinerary to get a sense of how to break up your time.

2 days in Tokyo

Two days in Tokyo gives you just enough time to dip into a few of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods without overloading your schedule. This itinerary keeps travel time low while covering a good mix of sights—from temple visits and garden walks to neon-lit crosswalks and casual late-night meals. If you're still unsure how long to spend in country as a whole, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Japan.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1

Start your day early at Tsukiji Outer Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to quick snacks. It’s busiest in the morning—getting there around 8 AM means more energy, better selection, and fewer crowds. Many stalls have been run by the same families for decades, and a sushi breakfast here is hard to beat. Expect melt-in-your-mouth tuna, fresh uni, and just about everything in between.

After that, it’s a short walk to Hamarikyu Gardens—a calm, landscaped space tucked right into the city. The pine trees here are hundreds of years old, and the tidal ponds still rise and fall with Tokyo Bay. It’s a quiet reminder of the city’s Edo-era roots, and one of the best places to visit in Japan.

From here, hop on the subway and head to Asakusa to see Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The street leading up to it is full of little shops and snack stands, but the temple itself is a peaceful spot, especially if you wander off the main path. Stick around until sunset, then head over to Tokyo Skytree. The view from the top as the city lights flicker on is worth the ride up.

End the day at Nakiryu, a Michelin-starred ramen shop tucked into a quiet corner. They’re known for their tantanmen—a spicy, sesame-based broth with deep, nutty flavor. The sesame paste is aged for over a week, which gives it that extra depth.

Day 2

Start your morning at Meiji Shrine, tucked into a forested park in the middle of the city. Built in 1920 using cypress wood from all over Japan, it’s a calm place to walk around before things get busy. Near the entrance, you’ll see rows of colorful sake barrels, sent as ceremonial gifts from brewers across the country.

Next door, Yoyogi Park has a completely different feel. It used to be an American military base, then part of the 1964 Olympics, and now it’s a casual hangout spot—especially on weekends when people come out to play music, skate, or just relax.

From there, walk to Takeshita Street in Harajuku. It’s loud, colorful, and crowded—but that’s part of the fun. This is where youth fashion movements like “decora” first caught on, and even if you’re not into shopping, it’s a great place to people-watch.

Afterward, head to Shibuya and cross the famous scramble intersection—hundreds of people crossing at once from all directions. It started as a natural flow of foot traffic near the station and turned into one of Tokyo’s most recognizable scenes. 

For your last dinner, go to Uoshin in Ebisu—a laid-back seafood izakaya where the menu depends on what the fishermen bring in that day. The sashimi selection changes daily, and the staff will usually steer you toward what’s freshest.

3 days in Tokyo

With three days in Tokyo, you’ve got time to go beyond the must-sees and explore the city’s more creative corners—neighborhoods with a strong sense of style, a deep music scene, and immersive art you won’t find anywhere else. It's recommended to spend at least 3 days here, no matter how long you are in Japan.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3

Start the morning in Daikanyama, a calm, design-focused neighborhood that feels like a break from the city’s usual pace. It used to be mostly residential until new train lines in the ’60s made it easier to reach—and since then, it’s become a favorite for boutique shops and quiet cafés. Grab breakfast at Ivy Place, a cozy spot with a leafy terrace and relaxed vibe, set inside a converted old railway building.

From there, hop on the train to Shimokitazawa, an area known for its indie energy. It kept its small-scale charm thanks to local resistance to post-war redevelopment, and that spirit is still very much alive. The streets are packed with vintage shops, tiny theaters, and live music venues. If you’re looking for a break, Ballon D’Essai is a great little café to recharge.

In the afternoon, head across town to teamLab Planets in Toyosu, an interactive digital art museum where you walk through water, touch soft, glowing surfaces, and watch massive projections respond to your movements. It’s not the usual gallery setup—you’re part of the experience from the moment you walk in. The space used to be a warehouse near Tokyo’s fish market, which adds to the contrast between old and new.

Wrap up your final evening in Golden Gai, a dense cluster of tiny bars tucked into Shinjuku. Each one has its own theme and regulars, but many welcome visitors. Most spots only fit a handful of people, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. It’s a great way to wind down your last night in Tokyo—with a drink, some music, and a sense that you’ve seen more than just the surface.

4 days in Tokyo

With four days in Tokyo, you’ve got time to slow down and explore some of the city’s quieter neighborhoods—places that feel a little more lived-in and local. If you're hoping to add more days to see more of the city, you can find more suggestions in our Japan travel tips. For a slower pace, you could break down this itinerary into two days; it just depends on how many days you in Tokyo you have.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4

Start your morning in Yanaka, one of the few parts of Tokyo that wasn’t damaged during WWII. The neighborhood still has a traditional feel, with narrow lanes, old wooden houses, and more than 70 small temples tucked between homes and shops. Walk along Yanaka Ginza, the local shopping street, where you can grab a taiyaki (a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet bean paste) or browse little craft shops. If you hear a long, low horn in the distance, that’s the roasted sweet potato seller—a rare sight these days, but still going strong here.

In the afternoon, head over to Kiyosumi Garden, a peaceful spot built in the late 1800s by a shipping magnate and one of the best things to do in Japan.  The large stones lining the paths and ponds were brought in from all over Japan by boat, each one chosen for how it would look from certain angles. It’s a good place to take things slow and just enjoy being outside.

For your final dinner in Tokyo, it depends on what kind of night you’re in the mood for. If you’re looking for something refined, Narisawa in Aoyama serves creative multi-course meals focused on local, seasonal ingredients—down to wild yeast bread that rises right at your table. If you’d rather keep it simple and relaxed, head to Sometaro, a traditional okonomiyaki spot where you cook your own savory pancakes on iron griddles that have been in use since 1937. It’s cozy, casual, and a nice way to end the trip. 

Best areas to stay in Tokyo

Where you stay in Tokyo can really shape your trip. Each neighborhood has its own pace and personality, so it’s worth picking a base that fits how you like to travel. Japanese accommodation comes in many forms. 

Shinjuku – best for first-time visitors

If you want to be in the middle of it all, Shinjuku is a solid choice for your days in Toyko. It’s one of the busiest parts of the city, packed with restaurants, shops, bars, and more. The east side is where you’ll find the neon lights, izakayas, and landmarks like Golden Gai and the Godzilla Head. The west side is more business-focused, with tall buildings and free views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. If you need a breather, Shinjuku Gyoen—one of the city’s largest and most peaceful parks—is just around the corner.

Odaiba – best for families

Set on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is great for families headed to Japan with kids thanks to its wide sidewalks, waterfront views, and easy-to-reach attractions. The Yurikamome Line (a driverless train) connects you to the city while offering great views of the bay. Kids will love places like Miraikan (the science museum), the Giant Gundam statue, and the Joypolis arcade. Decks Mall has a whole floor styled like old-school Hong Kong, complete with street food and retro games. Plus, there’s plenty of open space to run around or just enjoy the view.

Shimokitazawa – best for creatives

Known to locals as Shimokita, this neighborhood has a low-key, artsy feel. You’ll find vintage stores, indie music venues, and record shops tucked into narrow streets. It’s quieter than central Tokyo, with a bit of a small-town vibe. Cafés here range from retro kissaten to sleek espresso spots, and the food scene leans casual—with izakayas, craft beer bars, and places that feel more like hangouts than restaurants. It’s a great base if you want something more laid-back and local.

Things to know before going to Tokyo

Tokyo can feel high-tech on the surface, but daily life runs on a mix of quiet customs and routines that aren't always obvious at first. You might grab sushi from a vending machine, but it’s still considered rude to eat while walking. It’s a city that moves fast but follows unspoken rules. More about that in our guide to Japan etiquette.

One thing to keep in mind: Tokyo is huge. What looks like a quick hop on the subway map might take close to an hour, so don’t underestimate travel time. The city runs late, but many restaurants and bars still close earlier than you might expect—unless you’re in areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya, where things stay open later (at least compared to somewhere like Kyoto).

Convenience stores—called konbini—are everywhere and genuinely helpful. You can pick up snacks, full meals, drinks, and even basic toiletries. They’re open 24/7 and come in handy more often than you’d expect. You can eat for many days in Tokyo here.

You’ll also notice something strange: trash cans are hard to find. Most people carry their garbage with them until they find a bin, usually near vending machines or inside convenience stores. It’s totally normal to keep a small bag for your trash in your backpack or pocket. If you aren't sure where to start in Japan, see our guide to choosing between Tokyo or Kyoto.

Daily budget

Here’s a rough idea of what you might spend per day, depending on how you like to travel. The seasons may effect pricing a bit, as Tokyo has both a high tourism season and a low. More on that in our guide to the best time to visit Japan.

• Budget (¥8,000–¥12,000 / $55–$80): Staying in capsule hotels or hostels, eating at ramen shops or grabbing food from konbini, and getting around by train. You can keep costs low by visiting free sights like Meiji Shrine or browsing 100-yen shops.
• Mid-range (¥15,000–¥25,000 / $100–$170): This covers a room in a business hotel or an Airbnb, meals at casual sit-down restaurants, and entry to popular attractions. A lot of international travelers land in this range without trying too hard.
• Luxury (¥40,000+ / $270+): This gets you a high-end hotel, fine dining (including Michelin-starred spots), private guides, and unique experiences like a traditional tea ceremony or shopping in upscale neighborhoods like Ginza.

How to get around

Getting around Japan, including Tokyo, is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. The metro and JR train lines cover most of the city, and they run on time. It’s worth downloading the Tokyo Metro app—it shows real-time train info in English and makes planning routes a lot easier.

Trains start around 5 AM and stop just after midnight, so if you’re staying out late, plan ahead. Morning and evening rush hours (roughly 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM) get seriously crowded, so it’s better to travel outside those times if you can.

Taxis are easy to find but expensive. They’re useful late at night or if you’re going somewhere that’s not well connected by train. Look for a green light on the dashboard—that means the taxi is free.

In many neighborhoods, walking is actually a good way to get around. Streets are safe, and most train stations have maps near the exits to help you get your bearings. There are buses too, but the train system is usually easier to figure out, especially if you’re new to the city.

How to get to Tokyo

If you're first getting to Japan through Tokyo, most international flights land at either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Haneda is closer to the city, so getting into town from there is quicker and cheaper.

From Narita, the Narita Express (N’EX) is the easiest train option—it takes about 90 minutes and costs around ¥3,000. Limousine buses are also available and take closer to two hours for roughly ¥3,100. Taxis from Narita can run over ¥20,000, so they’re not ideal unless you’re splitting the cost or arriving really late.

If you’re coming from Haneda, you can take either the Tokyo Monorail or the Keikyu Line. Both get you into central Tokyo in about 45 minutes and cost somewhere between ¥500 and ¥800.

At both airports, you’ll see clearly marked ticket counters in the arrivals area. Foreign passport holders can usually get a discount on N’EX tickets, so it’s worth asking. During busy travel periods, it can be helpful to book a transfer in advance, just to save time and avoid the lines.

Once you’re in Tokyo, it’s easy to catch a Shinkansen bullet train to other parts of Japan. Tokyo Station is the main departure point. 

Planning your trip to Japan

Not sure where to start? These Japan itineraries are a solid jumping-off point. They’ve been put together by Rough Guides editors to help you figure out how much time you’ll need—and what to do with it once you’re there.

• 7 days in Japan itinerary: Split your week between Tokyo and Kyoto—two cities that capture very different sides of Japan. Expect a mix of neon-lit streets, peaceful temples, and everything in between.
• 10 days in Japan itinerary: Start in Tokyo, then make your way to Kyoto and Osaka, with side trips to Nara (for the deer park) and Hakone (for a soak in the hot springs). A well-paced mix of cities and nature.
• 14 days in Japan itinerary: Go further with a two-week route from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Along the way, you’ll visit major cities, smaller towns in the mountains, and a few coastal spots—with plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the food and scenery.