Many guided tours depart Tokyo and cover the best of Japan in 8-21 days: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Japanese Alps, Hokkaido and more. These trips often include hotels, internal transport, some meals, and experiences like tea ceremony or samurai workshops.
If you want flexibility, doing your own DIY Golden Route (Tokyo → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka) is easy via Shinkansen using a JR Pass or tickets.
Here’s a flexible outline combining the attractions above:
3-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Best for first-timers who want to see the essentials.
Day 1: Explore Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple, walk along Nakamise-dōri, visit Ueno Park or Tokyo National Museum, and dine in the historic district of Yanaka or Ameyoko Market.
Day 2: Start at Meiji Shrine, then shop and people-watch in Harajuku and Omotesando. Spend the afternoon in Shibuya, and enjoy city views from Shibuya Sky.
Day 3: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen, check out teamLab Planets in Toyosu, and finish with izakaya hopping in Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho.
5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Ideal for deeper exploration, including modern art and culture.
Day 1: Asakusa & Ueno cultural area
Day 2: Harajuku → Omotesando → Shibuya
Day 3: Shinjuku parks and bars → Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory
Day 4: Spend the morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, visit the upscale Ginza district, and enjoy a tea ceremony or kabuki show (optional).
Day 5: Explore quirky Akihabara (anime, gaming, electronics) and take a relaxing Sumida River cruise or visit Hamarikyu Gardens.
7-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Perfect if you want to add day trips and off-the-path spots.
Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day Tokyo itinerary above
Day 6: Day trip to Kamakura (Great Buddha, temples, and beachside cafés) or Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko
Day 7: Discover the hip neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa or Nakameguro for vintage shops, coffee spots, and riverside walks. Optionally wrap up at Odaiba for shopping, Gundam statue viewing, or a soak at Oedo Onsen Monogatari.