Itinerary: One Week in Tokyo, Japan

Welcome to our ultimate guide for a one-week Tokyo itinerary! Tokyo is a city of contrasts, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology and urban sophistication.

TL;DR: This Tokyo itinerary covers everything you need for an unforgettable week, including must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and insider tips. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned traveler, this guide has something for everyone. Let’s dive into our adventure in Tokyo! For those seeking perfect captions to complement your travel photos, check out our guide on Japan captions for Instagram.

General Observations About Tokyo

During our time in Tokyo, we made several interesting observations that stood out to us. In the following, we’ll share some of the most notable aspects of the city that left a lasting impression.

• One of the first things we noticed was how spotless the streets were, even though there were very few public trash bins. It was clear that personal responsibility and community pride are deeply ingrained in the culture.
• The metro system was another standout feature. It was incredibly efficient and easy to use. With a Suica card or even just our iPhone Wallet, we could navigate the city effortlessly.
• We also noticed how quiet the trains and public spaces were. It was such a refreshing experience compared to other major cities.
• Another thing we loved was the abundance of vending machines. These were everywhere, offering drinks and snacks, making them super convenient and fun to explore.
• The fashion and architecture in Tokyo leaned toward minimalism, giving the city a calm and harmonious vibe.
• Coin lockers were a lifesaver, allowing us to store our belongings while we explored.
• For those who love thrifting, the second-hand shops in Tokyo were amazing—high-quality goods at great prices!

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Our first day in Tokyo was all about getting settled and soaking in our initial impressions of the city. After landing at Haneda Airport, we took the train into the city, which was so easy thanks to our Suica card. Since we had some time before checking into our accommodation, we stored our luggage in one of the many coin lockers around the station.

To shake off the jet lag, we went for a long run around the city. Starting in Yoyogi Park, we enjoyed the lush greenery before heading toward the iconic Tokyo Tower, which offered an incredible view of the skyline. Of course, we couldn’t miss the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing, where the crowds and lights were mesmerizing.

Since it was December, we also stumbled upon the Shibuya Christmas Market in Yoyogi Park. The festive food stalls and the snow dome added a magical touch to our first day.

After our 18km run, we ended the evening with dinner at JB’s Tokyo, a cozy hambuerger spot that gave us the perfect meal to recharge after a long trip.

Day 2: Local and Urban Adventures

On our second day, we really dove into local life and explored Tokyo’s vibrant urban culture. We kicked off the morning with a workout at a nearby gym, which gave us a glimpse into how fitness is embraced in the city. Afterward, we grabbed a delicious coffee at Yoshiteru Yoshida, a charming café that felt so authentic and welcoming.

Lunch was an absolute treat at Menya Kamui, where we enjoyed one of the best bowls of ramen we’ve ever had. The rich, savory flavors were unforgettable. In the afternoon, we wandered along Shinkoenji Street, a treasure trove of vintage shops; from vinyl records to unique second-hand clothing, it was a paradise for anyone who loves hunting for special finds.

Later, we visited Namco Tokyo, an arcade that really showed us Japan’s love for gaming. The energy and excitement there were contagious.

Finally, for dinner, we headed to Shimonya in Shinjuku, where we enjoyed traditional Japanese dishes in a cozy setting. We wrapped up the day at Golden Gai, specifically at Open Book, a quirky bar that offered great drinks and an even better atmosphere.

Day 3: Tradition Meets Modernity

Day three was all about experiencing the blend of tradition and modernity that makes Tokyo so unique.

We started with breakfast at Haru*Bouz bakkery, where the authentic Japanese pastries were the perfect way to fuel up for the day. Then, we made our way to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. The surrounding area was buzzing with activity—there was a festival with food stalls, and many people were dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. It was a photographer’s dream!

In the afternoon, we hunted for vintage cameras at shops like HARD OFF. These stores were a goldmine for anyone into photography, collectibles, or anything second-hand. For something a little more active, we visited the Active Akiba Batting Cage Centre in Chiyoda. Trying out this classic Japanese pastime was such a fun experience.

Before dinner, we made a quick stop at Don Quijote, also known as Donki, a massive store with everything you could imagine. For dinner, we opted for Sushiro Kagurazaka, where conveyor belt sushi made for an entertaining and delicious meal.

We finished the night with a game of darts at Darts Bar A, a laid-back spot that was perfect for relaxing.

Day 4: Shopping and Sweet Treats

By day four, we were ready to revisit some favorite spots and indulge in Tokyo’s sweeter side.

We began the day with breakfast at Boulangerie La Saison, where the pastries were a heavenly blend of French technique and Japanese precision. Afterward, we returned to Shinkoenji Street to pick up some items we’d been eyeing earlier. It was hard to resist the unique and one-of-a-kind finds in this area.

For lunch, we visited Himitsudō, a hidden gem famous for its shaved ice desserts topped with handmade fruit syrups. It was the perfect midday treat. In the afternoon, we enjoyed some classic fun at Round 1 Game Hall in Ikebukuro, where bowling turned out to be a great way to unwind.

We ended the day with dinner at JB’s Tokyo, revisiting this favorite spot as it had everything we needed. Later, we played snooker at PubQ in Shinjuku Kanukicho, a chill spot that made for a relaxing end to a busy day.

Day 5: Holiday Culture and Photography

Day five was all about embracing Tokyo’s holiday traditions and capturing its beauty through photography. We started with a late breakfast at KFC to try their special Christmas bucket. It’s such a unique tradition in Japan, and we loved experiencing this quirky cultural phenomenon.

We spent the rest of the morning wandering the streets, taking in the sights and snapping photos of Tokyo’s vibrant energy. A highlight was stopping by Incredible Coffee, a café known for its live DJ performances. The atmosphere was electric, and we even checked out their YouTube channel later to relive the vibe.

For dinner, we had amazing burgers at CRUZ BURGERS in Shinjuku. The flavors were bold and satisfying.

As night fell, we headed to Little Otto for drinks. The friendly vibe and great music made it one of our favorite spots. To top it all off, we went to Bar 53263, where a DJ show brought the perfect energy to end the evening.

Day 6: Modern Art and Live Music

Our sixth day was a mix of art, music, and seasonal fun.

We started with lunch at Maison Kayser in Midtown, where the French-inspired menu was both delicious and sophisticated. If you’re visiting during winter, we highly recommend heading to Roppongi Midtown for ice skating. It was such a magical way to spend the afternoon.

In the evening, we dived into Tokyo’s live music scene with a concert at Daikanyama UNIT. The venue was intimate, and the energy was incredible. Dinner at Ebisu Food Hall was the perfect follow-up, offering a variety of dishes that let us sample a bit of everything.

We wrapped up the night at Red Bar in Shibuya, where creative cocktails and a lively ambiance made for an unforgettable experience.

Day 7: Farewell to Tokyo

On our final day, we wanted to soak in the last bits of Tokyo’s charm. We visited RIP ‘n Dip Tokyo for some fun and unique souvenirs before making a final stop at Donki to grab last-minute gifts and have our final lunch at Chermside Sandwich in Shibuya.

As we boarded the train to Narita Airport, we couldn’t help but reflect on the amazing experiences of the past week. Tokyo’s mix of tradition, innovation, and hospitality had left a lasting impression on us, and we knew it was a destination we’d never forget.

Until next time, Tokyo!

Camera gear

As an experienced and published photographer, my camera bag grew throughout the years. It currently contains various cameras and lenses, each with its function and use – I’ve listed all of them below.

GEAR	DETAILS
Sony A7III DSLR Camera (review)	The Sony A7III DSLR Camera is a couple of years old now and is still one of the best options for travel photography.
Tamron 28-75mm Lens	My default Sony camera lens. I have a 67mm HOYA polarizing filter screwed on it as standard, which captures the sky more beautifully.
Macbook M1 Pro (review)	We edit our pictures on the new Macbook M1 Pro, mainly because it has a longer battery life is and more powerfull in editing.