The Perfect Tokyo Itinerary With Must-Sees & Unique Attractions (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

Tokyo is now one of the most popular destinations in East Asia, especially for Asian travelers. The capital of Japan has benefited in no small part by the weaker Yen and previous moves by the government to ease visa restrictions from visitors of nearby countries. With a population of 13 million people, the metropolis offers a great juxtaposition of the exotic and ultramodern. This is a city of maid cafes, of restaurants run by ninjas and where you can hire professional cuddlers to hug you for a small fee. At the other end of the scale, some parts of the city offer a peek into a more traditional side of Japan.

If you are also heading west, check out this recommended itinerary for Osaka and Kyoto full of lesser-known attractions.

I have visited Tokyo for eight times now and I always end up discovering a lot of new things to do in the city with each visit. Like the previous itineraries I’ve made, here are some suggestions on things to do in Tokyo and I have segregated the activities for first-timers, shopaholics and people seeking for something more unique.

Tokyo Itinerary 

This itinerary presents the quintessential sights of Tokyo, perfect for first timers or those who prefer to obtain an overview of this humongous city.

Day 1 – Asakusa, Tokyo Sky Tree, Ueno and Shibuya

A Taste of Traditional Tokyo in Asakusa

Alight at Asakusa Station. Start early and beat the crowds by visiting one of Tokyo’s most atmospheric neighborhoods – Asakusa. While here, don’t miss the Sensoji Temple (they open at 6am from April to November / 6:30am from October to March) which dates back from the year 645.

To reach the temple, you go in via an iconic gate called Kaminarimon which is recognized as the symbol of the city. You also pass by a series of shops in a street called Nakamise. It’s full of interesting traditional handicrafts and food that you can easily spend hours here just browsing through the goods. You can also join a guided tour around Asakusa all while dressed up in a traditional kimono.

If you happen to be here during lunch time, check out Asakusa Sushi Ken (Asakusa 2, Chome 11-4) for some fresh and authentic sushi and delightful tempura. This is also a halal-certified restaurant. Alternatively, you can also make the short hop to the other side of the river to Ryogoku for Tonkatsu Hasegawa (3 Chome-24-1 Ryogoku), a popular restaurant known for their thick and juicy pork cutlets. 

If you are a matcha lover, Suzukien (3 Chome 4-3 Asakusa) is well-known for their matcha ice cream which come in 7 different versions depending on intensity, from weak to super strong. I went for the 5th one in terms of intensity and was already pretty buzzed after gulping down a scoop! Be prepared to queue. 

Tip: For more traditional / old style areas in Tokyo, you can check out my guide on 3 traditional areas in Tokyo – Asakusa, Yanaka and Kagurazaka

Tokyo Skytree

Since you’re already in Asakusa, the Tokyo Skytree is just a few stations away (or a short 20-minute walk). While it is an amazing structure – it is Japan’s tallest after all – I personally find the views too high to properly appreciate the city panorama. Alternatively, you can find some good viewing decks from which to see the tower instead. I stayed at The Gate Hotel by Hulic Asakusa Kaminarimon which has a rooftop bar that has excellent views of the Tokyo Skytree.

Museum Hopping in Ueno Park

From Asakusa, it’s a quick train ride to Ueno Station. While Tokyo has several parks, Ueno Park is different in the sense that the public grounds also contain several museums including the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and National Science Museum. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here if you are a museum buff

Witness the World’s Busiest Crossing in Shibuya

From Ueno, you can easily take the Ginza line down to Shibuya Station. My favorite place to visit in Tokyo at night, Shibuya is perhaps one of the busiest crossings you’ll ever come to see anywhere in the world. The place is full of neon lights even at night and is a hub for youngsters. Don’t miss the statue of Hachiko while you are here. Shibuya is also the place to do a bit of shopping.

If you prefer to do something new since your last visit, the Shibuya Sky which opened in late 2019 boasts of a 360 degree open air observation deck. This differs from the other observation decks in Tokyo as the others are mostly indoors. There are plenty of photo-worthy spots at the observation deck, including at one of the pointed corners which gives off a feeling of floating on air. There is usually a snaking queue of visitors waiting to have their photos taken at this spot, but it usually clears in about 20 minutes.

Tip: If you are looking to visit Shibuya Sky, the best time to come is during sunset. This is also the most popular time. Tickets are timed and if you are looking to secure a sunset spot, you’ll need to book tickets around a month in advance.

Day 2 – Ginza, Imperial Palace, Roppongi

Shopping in Ginza

Take a stroll down the Ginza. This is historically Tokyo’s main shopping street. However, it is no longer the most high-end – Omotesando now lays claim to that. You can find a lot of well-known brands here including the largest Uniqlo store in the world. Opposite that is the high-end shopping mall, Ginza Six, which boasts of a sleek interior and plenty of specialty stores. If you visit during the weekends, you will fine Ginza to be a huge pedestrian-only zone.

If you are craving for ramen, Ginza Kagari (6 Chome-4-12 Ginza) often has a snaking queue of people coming here to try their signature chicken broth ramen which is brimming with collagen. 

Tokyo International Forum

From the Ginza, it is a reasonable walk to the Imperial Palace area but first stop by the architecturally impressive Tokyo International Forum for a look-see. Make sure to drop by the upper floors to check out the astounding curves built with steel and glass.

Imperial Palace Grounds

The Imperial Palace grounds is another 5 to 10 minute walk away. The area is extensive but is mostly closed to the public except during certain holidays and upon booking of a private tour with the Imperial Household Agency. Nonetheless, the moat around the palace is quite a popular tourist attraction. You can catch glimpses of a few imperial buildings while walking around it

Roppongi

One of my favorite places for panoramic views of the city is the Tokyo City View at the top of Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. It is by no means the tallest observation deck in the city but you get to see a better view with some iconic buildings such as the Tokyo Tower and parts of the bay. You can book here to get a discount on the entrance fee.

Roppongi is also a buzzing nightlife district and highly popular with expats and tourists. There are plenty of foreigner-friendly bars and restaurants, including some with Michelin stars. If you ever get tired of Japanese cuisine (I can’t imagine anyone would), Roppongi is your best bet in finding restaurants catering to western or fusion cuisine

Day 3 – Harajuku, Omotesando and Shinjuku

Harajuku’s Street Culture

Start the day at Harajuku which is known as a center of youth culture in Tokyo. If you are there during a weekend, you may find places such as Yoyogi Park filled with artists, musicians and cosplayers in fancy costumes.

After having your fill gawking at the people, you can head to Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the spirits of the former Emperor Meiji and his wife. The vast 70 hectare of forested land in the middle of the city is a breath of fresh air. Smelling the pine-scented vegetation, you’ll soon forget you’re in Tokyo. 

Living the High Life in Omotesando

Tokyo’s most high-end shopping street, Omotesando, is just a short walk away from Harajuku. While most of the stores here sell things that are out of most people’s budgets, it is still a great place for people watching. There are also plenty of cafes around the area. If you are looking for a caffeine fix, backstreet cafes such as Lattest Omotesando are your best bets. Luke’s Lobster also has a branch in Omotesando It is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Be prepared to queue.

Shinjuku’s Nightlife

If you still haven’t had enough of Tokyo’s nightlife, it’s worthwhile to check out Shinjuku which offers a peek into what locals do after dark. You’ll find a mix between hole-in-the-wall bars, watering holes serving craft beer and whisky as well as live music venues. Areas to check out include Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho, both near Shinjuku station. 

If you are a fan of the movie “Lost in Translation,” you’ll be pleased to note that the iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo is located well within Shinjuku. The rooms are of course, open to guests only, but you can relive scenes from the film at the New York Bar where Bill Murray’s character had chilled out in the film

If you manage to finish the other sights early and decide to head to Shinjuku before it gets dark, it’s worthwhile to check out Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the largest public parks in the inner wards of Tokyo. The park is one of the best places in Tokyo to see autumn colors in late November/early December and cherry blossoms in April

Tokyo For Shopaholics (and Hipsters)

Aside from the activities suggested above, you can add the following into your itinerary for a more well-rounded shopping experience in Tokyo

• One station away from Shibuya is Ebisu which offers a cool alternative to the traditional nightlife spots of Shinjuku or Roppongi. The establishments here are decidedly quirkier and less serious.
• Daikanyama and Nakameguro (again, near Shibuya) are also fun neighborhoods to explore with lots of boutiques housing independent labels. You’ll find bookstores sitting alongside clothing stores. Bakeshops and cafes also abound. If you are looking for Tokyo’s equivalent to a hipster neighborhood, these places are the best fit.
• Another interesting neighborhood to check out is Shimokitazawa which is filled with plenty of young and trendy shops, specialty boutiques and of course, lots of hipsters. Unlike the adjacent neighborhoods of Ebisu / Daikanyama and Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa is farther out (west of Shibuya).
• If you are looking to buy electronics, Akihabara offers all sorts of gadgets imaginable at relatively lower prices. Before buying, make sure that you can configure the product settings into your local language.

Unique Things to Do in Tokyo

The city is known for offering a lot of eccentric services that cater to just about any interest group. In case you’ve been to Tokyo so many times that you’re looking for something different, here are some unusual things to do in the city that you can add to your itinerary

• If you’ve been longing for intimacy but haven’t found anyone to express it with, Tokyo has what is called a cuddle cafe which allows clients to cuddle, hug or sleep together (in a non-sexual way) with another person for at least 20 minutes. One of the most popular of such cuddle cafes is Soine-ya ( KN Building 3F, 2-11 Sakumacho, Akihabara, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0025)
• In a place that’s known for cosplay, the concept of a maid cafe would perhaps be not that surprising. Walk into one of these establishments and find yourself being served by young girls dressed as personal servants. With unmistakably cute and high-pitched voices, they’ll attend to your every need. Maidreamin which has 4 locations in Tokyo (Akihabara, Shijuku, Ikebukuro and Shibuya – book discounted tickets here) allows its customers to immerse in this make believe world, even if for just a few hours.
• It may sound kitschy to some but Ninja Cafe and Bar allows you to dine in a medieval-looking venue, get a quick training on the way of a ninja and even walk around the surrounding neighborhood in a ninja outfit.
• Relive the 80s at the 8bit Cafe where fully functioning gaming consoles from the Nintendo Family Computer days are available for guest use. Play a game of Pac-man while having cocktails named after video game characters
• Go on a real-life Mario Cart ride (complete with costume) through the streets of Tokyo. Each ride takes about an hour and goes through some Tokyo tourist attractions. Do note that an international drivers’ license is required. You can book here for discounted tickets.
• I’m not totally sure why anyone would want to come ogle at parasites but for something truly offbeat, you can check out the Meguro Parasitological Museum which contains over 60,000 parasite samples
• The lack of space in Tokyo has made capsule hotels a popular concept. It’s not exactly the most luxurious accommodation option out there but you can consider staying in one for the novelty of it. You can compare for the best prices in booking capsule hotels here

Other Tips for Tokyo

• Travel Insurance: Japan is quite expensive overall and this is one of the countries where getting travel insurance is most worthwhile. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead, one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to offset the insurance cost. 
• Electric Adapters: Japan uses Type A or B outlets for electricity so make sure you have the right adapters for your devices.
• Credit Card Usage: Even in an ultramodern city such as Tokyo, you’d be surprised to find that many establishments still don’t accept credit cards. Japan is still a predominantly cash society so it’s useful to bring the cash you need for your trip. Major hotels and department stores do of course accept credit cards but many smaller restaurants and independent stores don’t.
• Best time to visit Tokyo: While sakura season in April is undoubtedly the time to visit Tokyo to see it at its “prettiest,” this is also the most crowded time with hotels charging a premium in what is already a relatively expensive city. Other good times to visit Tokyo include late-April to May when it is still cool but you’ll find the tourist scene quieter as most would have just left after the cherry blossoms wither. Hotel prices are also cheaper at this time. Another good period to visit Tokyo is from mid-November to 1st week December. This is autumn season when the leaves change color. This is an alternative period to visit if prices during sakura season are too prohibitive.
• Where to buy sim cards: To keep up with your mobile internet needs, it may be wise to purchase a local sim card. While you can easily buy one when you arrive, purchasing a sim card in advance allows you to get a slight discount on the price. You can buy one here.
• Venturing out of Tokyo: If you are planning to visit other cities during your Japan trip such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nagano, etc; you may want to purchase a JR Pass or one of the regional passes instead. The JR Pass gives you unlimited rides on JR trains, shinkansen and the JR Line in Tokyo for a period of as little as 5-days. You can purchase the JR Pass here to obtain instant confirmation.

Getting From Narita Airport to Tokyo

Narita Airport, the main airport serving Tokyo (the other one being Haneda Airport) is located some 70 km away from town. A taxi ride takes more than an hour and can easily cost almost US$300. To get to the city quick and comfortably, take either:

• the airport limousine bus which stops in several downtown Tokyo hotels including Westin, Marriott, Aman, Shangri-la, Hoshinoya, Park Hyatt, etc and takes about 2 hours
• the Keisei Skyliner which takes you from the airport to the city in around 41 minutes. It makes 2 stops in the city, at Ueno or Nippori stations.

Getting From Haneda Airport to Tokyo

Haneda Airport is much nearer to Tokyo than Narita Airport but taking a taxi is still expensive and could set you back by almost US$100. Other quick and efficient ways to get to the city include the following:

• The Tokyo Monorail can get you from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes. From Hamamatsucho Station, you can easily connect to the JR lines or other subway lines to get you to your destination in Tokyo. Service on the Tokyo Monorail starts at 5AM and stops at around 11:30PM.
• The Asakusa Line of the Tokyo Subway connects to the Keikyu Airport Line for trips to Haneda Airport without having to change trains.
• If you are carrying heavy luggage, the airport limousine bus may be a better alternative as the route stops in several well-known hotels throughout the city. Do note journey times may be a bit longer but at least you won’t have to navigate Tokyo’s train network with your bags!
• You can also book private car transfers from the airport to anywhere in Tokyo. These private cars can accommodate up to 9 people inside the car so depending on the size of your group, it may actually be more efficient and economical to book this than taking public transport.

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo’s subway system is vast and local trains / subways can take you to almost any point of interest within the city. Taxis are also plentiful but I don’t recommend these as they are very expensive. For subways / local trains, you can either buy single tickets or a pass valid for a couple of days. I recommend buying a subway pass if you foresee yourself taking the subway at least 4 times each day. If you are in Tokyo for sightseeing, this condition is easily met. The subway passes come in 24, 48 and 72 hour variants.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Budget – Rooms at Richmond Asakusa are quite modest but are among the most decently priced for a conveniently located 3-star hotel in Tokyo. The hotel is near Sensoji Temple with plenty of food options nearby. If you prefer to stay in the heart of Tokyo’s shopping area, the Sunroute Hotel Ginza is located mere steps from the renowned shopping street.

Midrange – I’ve stayed in a number of hotels in Tokyo but one I can recommend is The Gate Hotel by Hulic in Asakusa near the Sensoji Temple. Although styled as a boutique / 4 star hotel, I thought the offerings were quite luxe at a relatively more affordable price compared to other Tokyo digs. I still have fond memories of the freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning. Alternatively, the Daiwa Roynet Ginza Hotel is conveniently located if you wish to be situated near the prime shopping district.

Luxury – The iconic Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku is the cream of the crop where Tokyo hotels are concerned. It is worth staying here even for just one night like I did especially if you are a fan of the film, “Lost in Translation” which stars Bill Murray and Scarlet Johanssen.

For other Tokyo hotels, you can check out HERE.