Tokyo offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, catering to a wide range of interests. But you might be wondering how many days would be ideal for exploring this vibrant city.
It depends on your preferences and how fully you want to explore Tokyo. Typically, most travelers spend 3–7 days in this city. A minimum of 3 full days is enough to explore the best of Tokyo while spending 5–7 days there could give you a more in-depth experience without feeling rushed or allow for awesome day trips or stays nearby.
In this article, we'll help you to decide how long you should spend in Tokyo based on our experience and customer satisfaction.
How Long to Spend in Tokyo
Our guide is sharing the history of Meiji Shrine with our clientsThe ideal duration for a trip to Tokyo is typically 3–7 days. This could vary based on your interests and travel plans. With some planning, you could explore the main highlights without rushing and truly experience the essence of Japanese culture.
Spending at least 3 full days there gives you a general introduction to Tokyo. Although it would be a little tight, you could cover the must-see highlights. For example, you could visit Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji to learn about religious culture, explore the modern district of Shibuya, and admire iconic Mount Fuji.
If you spend 4–5 full days in Tokyo, you could experience more without being rushed. As well as exploring the city's highlights, you could also try some authentic experiences, such as making sushi and participating in a tea ceremony. Moreover, you could have one or two day trips out of the city to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone or Mount Fuji.
With 7 full days in Tokyo, you could have a thorough and deeper experience. You would be able to explore the major highlights in detail, have day trips around the area, experience something new like Tokyo DisneySea, or enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace and enjoy some hidden gems.
If you have more than a week, you could explore more local neighborhoods in Tokyo. As an alternative, we recommend a trip to Kyoto or Osaka for a broader experience.
How to Spend 3 Days in Tokyo
Three full days in Tokyo may seem short, but it's enough time to include the must-visit sites. Since Tokyo is a large city, we suggest focusing on one area per day to maximize your travel time and minimize time spent on the road.
A handpicked 3-day Tokyo itinerary:
- Day 1: West Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, teamLab Borderless, and Shinjuku)
- Day 2: East Tokyo (Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, and Ueno Park)
- Day 3: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi to admire Mount Fuji
The attractions mentioned above are all top city highlights that represent the essence of Tokyo. Each day's attractions are in one area and are no more than half an hour's drive away.
- Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji are the top two time-honored temples that offer a brief introduction to Japanese religious culture.
- Shibuya, Shinjuku, and teamLab Borderless are great for experiencing Tokyo's modernity and high-tech vibe.
- Tokyo Skytree would provide you with a bird's-eye view from Japan's highest observation deck.
- Ueno Park is perfect for enjoying the beauty of a Japanese garden.
Although a 3-day schedule is tight for a day trip, taking time to admire Mount Fuji is truly worth it. As the landmark of Japan, a visit to Mount Fuji is a must for many travelers. Lake Kawaguchi is the best place to admire Mount Fuji, offering clear visibility and easy access (it is a 2-hour drive from Tokyo).
If you prefer exploring the city rather than taking a day trip, consider spending your final day in central Tokyo. You could visit the Imperial Palace, explore Tsukiji Outer Market, and enjoy shopping in Ginza.
Want some more detail on planning a perfect 3-day Tokyo itinerary? Read our article on How to Plan a 3-Day Itinerary in Tokyo.
How to Spend 4–5 Days in Tokyo
Staying in Tokyo for 4–5 days lets you explore the city at a relaxed pace. You would have extra time for more exploration and unique experiences compared to 3 days.
To make your trip more enjoyable, you're strongly recommended to visit three to four highlights in the same area daily. In this way, you won't feel exhausted from rushing through your itinerary.
A sample 5-day Tokyo itinerary for your inspiration:
- Day 1: West Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, sushi-making, and teamLab Borderless)
- Day 2: East Tokyo (Senso-ji, a sumo performance, and Tokyo Skytree)
- Day 3: Modern Tokyo (Roppongi Hills for Tokyo Tower views, a tea ceremony, and Shibuya)
- Day 4: Hakone (stay at a ryokan with an onsen)
- Day 5: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji)
The first 3 days of this itinerary are based on the 3-day plan, which focuses on Tokyo's city highlights, while days 4 and 5 feature day trips to places of natural beauty, such as Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi are both highly recommended day-trip destinations as they are conveniently close to Tokyo and have popular scenery. Hakone is the best place to experience Japanese onsens. We recommend the top activity of staying in a Japanese-style ryokan room and relaxing in a public/private onsen (hot spring).
If you prefer city life, it's also a great idea to spend day 5 in the city. You could explore highlights, such as Ginza (a high-class shopping area), Akihabara (an anime hub), Shinjuku (with a variety of fashion cultures), and the Imperial Palace. Pick two to three highlights based on your preferences.
How to Spend 7 Days in Tokyo
For those looking to explore Tokyo more thoroughly, spending 7 days there is an excellent idea. You could take your time discovering the city, try new experiences, such as making ramen or enjoying the world's only DisneySea, and even have a day to explore on your own.
Here is a sample itinerary for reference:
- Day 1: West Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, ramen-making, and teamLab Borderless)
- Day 2: East Tokyo (Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, a sumo experience, and Ueno Park)
- Day 3: Central Tokyo (the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, sushi-making, and Ginza)
- Day 4: Tokyo culture (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a tea ceremony, and Akihabara)
- Day 5: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji)
- Day 6: Tokyo DisneySea
- Day 7: Free day
We recommend planning your itinerary with more activities in the first few days and fewer in the last two or three days. Most visitors feel excited and energetic at the start of your journey but, as time passes, start to feel tired. Avoid scheduling too many activities in the final days to ensure an enjoyable experience.
To help you in deciding where to spend your day trips, here are six popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo:
- Lake Kawaguchi: the best spot to visit Mount Fuji
- Hakone: perfect for experiencing a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) with an onsen (hot spring)
- Nikko: home to many shrines and temples listed as World Heritage Sites
- Kamakura: famous for its Buddha statue and Zen Buddhist temples
- Kawagoe: a charming town that retains an Edo-period atmosphere
- Mount Takao: a natural recreation area that's ideal for hiking
Among them, Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone are recommended choices because they are easy to access and offer more experiences. However, your choice should depend on what you would like to see. You could select one to two places based on your stay duration and interests.
If You Have More Than 7 Days
If you're planning a vacation for over a week and it's your first time in Japan, you may want to explore more of the country. We highly recommend including Kyoto and Osaka in your itinerary.
Kyoto, the medieval capital of Japan, is filled with traditional charm. Highlights include medieval shrines, unique geisha culture, bamboo groves in Arashiyama, and the chance to have a close interaction with deer in Nara. You could easily spend 2–3 days exploring this culture-rich city.
Osaka is known as "the kitchen of Japan" and it's ideal to spend 1–2 days there. You could sample authentic snacks, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake). Moreover, the highly-popular Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is one of the biggest highlights.
Let's Plan Your Tokyo Trip!
If you contact us, our Japan travel advisors will customize a Tokyo itinerary based on your stay duration and preferences, making sure that you have a stress-free and memorable time in Tokyo!
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Amazing experience!
Claire Wong, who planned our itinerary, was incredibly knowledgeable and responsive. Highly recommend connecting with her to set up a phenomenal trip. More
Ann K, Apr 2025
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Outstanding Guide Experience in Tokyo – Highly Recommended!
We had the pleasure of spending three unforgettable days in Tokyo with our guide Annie, and we cannot recommend her highly enough. From the moment we met, it was clear that we were in the hands of someone truly professional, knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. More
Christian, Apr 2025
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Japan highlighting Tokyo with guide Allan
Our first stop was Tokyo and our guide was the amazing Allan. Allan is organized, funny, helpful and exudes an overwhelming exuberance for life. More
Dennis, Apr 2025
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