How Many Days in Tokyo? The Ultimate Trip Planner & Itinerary Guide

You're planning a trip to Tokyo and that question hits you: how many days do I actually need? It's the first and most crucial puzzle piece. The short, honest answer? It's never enough. But since we all have jobs and budgets, let's be practical. After more visits than I can count, I've seen travelers make one big mistake: they treat Tokyo like a checklist. They run from Senso-ji to Shibuya Crossing, exhausted, missing the city's real magic in between. This guide isn't just about counting days; it's about making each day count. We'll break down what you can realistically see and feel in 3, 5, and 7 days, with concrete plans you can steal.

The Short Answer First

Here’s the breakdown most people are looking for, before we get into the nitty-gritty details.

My personal rule of thumb? If Tokyo is your only destination in Japan, aim for at least 5 days. If it's part of a multi-city tour (Kyoto, Osaka, etc.), 3 full days is the bare minimum to not feel cheated.

Tokyo in 3 Days: The Highlight Reel

Three days means you're on a mission. You'll be using the subway like a pro by day two. The key is geographic grouping to minimize backtracking.

Day 1: East Tokyo & The Old Soul

Start in Asakusa. Get to Senso-ji Temple early, I mean 8:30 AM early, to see Kaminarimon Gate without the wall of people. The temple itself opens at 6 AM. Wander Nakamise-dori for snacks (try the fresh senbei crackers), but save serious shopping for later. From there, a short walk or taxi ride to the Tokyo Skytree. Book tickets online to skip the line. The view is undeniable, but if queues are long, consider the cheaper Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for later.

Afternoon, head to Ueno. Ueno Park is massive. Don't try to see all its museums. Pick one: the Tokyo National Museum (for history) is my top choice. Then, dive into the chaotic, sensory overload of Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) market for street food and bargain hunting.

Day 2: Central Tokyo & The Modern Pulse

This is your Shibuya-Shinjuku day. Start at Meiji Jingu in Harajuku. The contrast between the serene forest and the crazy Takeshita Street (just south) is Tokyo in a nutshell. Walk down Takeshita if you must, but for better food, explore the backstreets of Harajuku.

Then, the iconic Shibuya Crossing. For the best view, skip the Starbucks scramble. Go to the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building's rooftop viewing deck (it costs a few hundred yen) or the Shibuya Sky observatory (book in advance). For lunch, find a ramen shop in the back alleys.

Evening in Shinjuku. See the Metropolitan Government Building's free observatory for sunset. Then, get lost in the neon maze of Kabukicho (stay on main streets) and Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) for tiny yakitori joints. It's packed, smoky, and unforgettable.

Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure

Option A (Pop Culture): Akihabara for anime, electronics, and arcades. Then TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills (tickets sell out weeks ahead).

Option B (Traditional & Quirky): Tsukiji Outer Market for a seafood breakfast. Then Ginza for window shopping and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Finish in Roppongi at the Mori Art Museum for city views with art.

Tokyo in 5 Days: The Sweet Spot

With five days, you can breathe. You get the highlights plus one deeper theme or a day trip. Follow the 3-day core (Days 1 & 2), then add the following.

Day 4: The Day Trip or Deep Dive

This is where your trip gets personal.

• Day Trip to Kamakura: 1-hour train ride. See the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in), hike to Hase-dera Temple, and wander Komachi-dori street. It's a coastal, historical escape.
• Deep Dive into Subculture: Spend a full day exploring Shimokitazawa for vintage clothing and indie theaters, then Nakameguro for chic cafes and the lovely canal (stunning during cherry blossom season).
• Family Focus: Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (a full, exhausting, magical day). DisneySea is unique to Japan and often preferred by adults.

Day 5: South Tokyo & Farewell Feasts

Explore Odaiba, a futuristic island. See the Gundam statue, visit teamLab Planets (if you didn't do Borderless), or the Miraikan science museum. It feels different from the rest of Tokyo.

Your last evening should be about the food you loved. Go back to that ramen shop, or book a proper yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) or sukiyaki dinner in Shinjuku or Ginza. Don't just eat; make it an event.

Tokyo in 7 Days: The Deep Dive

A week lets you experience Tokyo's rhythm. You can have slow mornings, revisit favorite spots, and truly explore neighborhoods.

Days 1-5:

Follow the 5-day framework above, but at a more relaxed pace. Maybe spend a whole afternoon in Ueno's museums, or take a sushi-making class.

Day 6: A Second Day Trip

Nikko is my top recommendation for a longer day trip (about 2 hours each way). It's a UNESCO World Heritage site with the breathtaking Toshogu Shrine and stunning mountain scenery. It's a full day, but the cultural shift is profound.

Alternatively, Yokohama is closer (30 mins). Visit the Cup Noodles Museum, Chinatown (Japan's largest), and the beautiful waterfront Minato Mirai area.

Day 7: Fulfill Your Tokyo Craving

What did you wish you had more time for? More shopping in Daikanyama? Another visit to Akihabara's arcades? A final pilgrimage to a specific bakery or knife shop in Kappabashi? Use this day to tie up loose ends, buy last-minute souvenirs at Don Quijote, and have a long, leisurely final meal. Maybe even catch a traditional sumo practice viewing if the timing aligns (requires advance planning).

Beyond the Itinerary: Pro Tips From Someone Who's Learned the Hard Way

Itineraries are skeletons. These tips give them flesh and blood.

• Accommodation Location is Everything: Stay near a major Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro). Shinjuku is a transport king but can feel overwhelming. Ueno is quieter with great park and market access. I often recommend first-timers stay in the Shinjuku/Shibuya axis for sheer convenience.
• Get a Suica/Pasmo Card Immediately: Buy it at the airport station. This rechargeable IC card works on virtually all trains, subways, buses, and even at convenience stores and vending machines. It will save you hours.
• Don't Overplan Meals, But Do Research Areas: You'll find amazing food everywhere. Instead of stressing over one restaurant, know that Ramen Street in Tokyo Station, the depachika (basement food hall) of any major department store, or the lanes under railway tracks (like in Yurakucho) are goldmines.
• The Biggest Time-Waster: Underestimating travel time between attractions. Google Maps is your bible. A 5km journey can take 40 minutes with transfers and walking. Cluster your days by district.
• Embrace the Conveyor Belt Sushi: Places like Sushiro or Kura Sushi are not just cheap; they're fun, efficient, and the quality is solid. A perfect lunch option.

Your Tokyo Trip FAQs

Is 3 days in Tokyo enough for a first-time visitor?

Three days is the absolute minimum to get a taste of Tokyo's highlights without feeling completely rushed. You'll be able to see major districts like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, and visit a key landmark like the Tokyo Skytree or Shibuya Sky. However, you'll need to be highly selective and accept that you'll miss deeper cultural experiences, day trips, and simply getting lost in smaller neighborhoods. It's a sprint, not a stroll.

What is the best time of year to visit Tokyo for a 5-day trip?

Late October to early December (autumn) and March to early April (spring) offer the best balance. Autumn brings crisp air, stunning fall colors in gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen, and fewer crowds than spring. Spring is famous for cherry blossoms, but it's also the most crowded and expensive period. For a 5-day trip focused on exploration, autumn often provides smoother logistics and more comfortable walking weather. Avoid late April to early May (Golden Week) and mid-August (Obon festival) due to extreme domestic travel peaks.

How much should I budget per day for a trip to Tokyo?

Excluding flights, a comfortable mid-range budget for one person is roughly 12,000 to 18,000 JPY per day. This breaks down to: 4,000-8,000 JPY for a business hotel or budget ryokan; 3,000-5,000 JPY for meals (mix of convenience store breakfast, mid-range lunch, nice dinner); 1,000-2,000 JPY for a Pasmo/Suica transport card; and 4,000-8,000 JPY for attractions, shopping, and miscellany. You can go lower by staying in hostels and eating mainly from convenience stores (7,000-10,000 JPY/day), or significantly higher for luxury hotels and fine dining.

Is the JR Pass worth it for travel within Tokyo only?

No, the Japan Rail Pass is not cost-effective for Tokyo-only travel. The pass is designed for long-distance Shinkansen (bullet train) travel between cities. Within Tokyo, you'll primarily use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, which are not fully covered by the JR Pass. Instead, get a rechargeable IC card like Suica or Pasmo for all local trains, subways, and buses. It's the most efficient and hassle-free way to pay for transport in the city.

So, how many days in Tokyo? It depends on the trip you want to have. Three days gives you the postcard. Five days gives you the story. Seven days lets you live a little bit of the life. Whatever you choose, plan less rushing and more observing. The magic is often in the unplanned alleyway, the quiet temple garden you have to yourself, or the perfect bowl of ramen you found just because you were hungry. Tokyo rewards the curious. Now go build your itinerary.