Tokyo Itinerary for First Time Visitors (3,5,7 days)

So you’ve finally decided to visit Tokyo, Japan! However, since it’s one of the biggest cities in the world, planning your Tokyo itinerary can feel very intimidating. Having visited this city multiple times, I have a few Tokyo itinerary suggestions for you! I will also share affordable accommodations, budget-friendly food options, free attractions, and money-saving hacks. Get ready for your dream Japan trip without breaking the bank!

How to choose a budget accommodation in Tokyo

Choose the right season

Accommodation is undoubtedly the biggest chunk of your budget, thus it is important to know a few things before making a reservation. First, choose a particular season when to travel. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, and whatever you choose will directly impact your budget.

The most expensive times to travel are the Golden Week (end April-early May), Obon (mid August) and Christmas or New year’s. The most pleasant and relatively cheaper seasons are spring and autumn. If you want to go for the lowest possible prices, choose the winter months (mid January to February).

Choose a type of accommodation

Second, you should take into consideration what type of accommodation you prefer. For budget conscious travellers, I recommend shared dormitory (JPY 2,000 per night), followed by capsule hotels (JPY 2,500 per night). Hostels (JPY 2,500 to JPY 3,500 per night) are also excellent choice because some of them have cooking facilities where you can cook your own food, thereby saving money.

Choose a neighborhood

Lastly, you have to find a neighbourhood with several cheap accommodation options which are also close to tourist attractions. My recommendations are Sumida, Arakawa and Taito ward. These areas are close to Tokyo’s famous attractions like Tokyo SkyTree, Sumida River, Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno Park and Sensoji Temple.

Best Places to stay in Tokyo on a Budget

When booking hotels in Tokyo, it’s advisable to plan and book in advance. Tokyo is a popular destination, and hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. By booking early, you’ll have a wider selection of accommodations and a better chance of securing your preferred hotel at competitive rates. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Tokyo that I recommend for less than USD 100 per night!

How to save on food and drinks in Tokyo

In Tokyo, you are spoilt for choices when it comes to satisfying your appetite. Basically, food is great anywhere in Japan. While sampling authentic Japanese food is part of the experience, you will surely run out of money if you are going to dine-in at a restaurant every meal times.

In order to travel to Tokyo on a budget, go and check out a few cheap options. Konbini and DepaChika (basement of a department store) are excellent choice for low-priced goods like fruits, Japanese rice balls, sandwiches, lunchboxes etc. You can also try Japanese food chains like Matsuya, Yoshinoya, Shirokiya, Sukiya, and Osho-Gyoza, where meals are priced from JPY 200 to JPY 800.

In the evenings, Supa (supermarkets) are also good choice when it comes to Bento boxes. Remember to go when it gets close to closing time when discounts are applied. But don’t come too late because people from work usually buy these discounted foods and stocks run out pretty quickly.

Another tip: Alway bring a water bottle/container when you travel in Japan. Instead of buying drinks every meal times and every time you get thirsty, just refill your bottle in the hotel or restaurant before you head out to your next destination. 

How to get around in Tokyo

The best train pass for you depends on your the lines you intend to travel on during your stay in Tokyo. If your hotel is close to a JR train station, you would likely take JR lines to travel around the city, such as the JR Yamanote Line (City Circle Loop). In this case, the Tokunai Pass would be a suitable option as it allows unlimited rides on JR East trains within Tokyo.

If your hotel is near the subway or metro, you’d be more inclined to get a Tokyo Subway Ticket. This pass provides unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines (24, 48, or 72 hours option).

The Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokunai Pass, and similar train passes allow unlimited rides on covered trains, making them cost-effective the more you use them. Additionally, these passes eliminate the need to buy a ticket each time you board a train. However, I still recommend getting an IC card such as Suica, Icoca, or Pasmo in case you need to take a train not covered by your pass.

Top Tourist Spots in Tokyo that you can visit for FREE

Tokyo has a reputation for being an expensive city to visit. However, it offers visitors plenty of worthwhile places to see and things to do for free. On one of my trips to Japan, I stayed in Tokyo for two weeks and was pleasantly surprised to discover these free attractions. If you’re a first-time visitor, you can stick around the JR Yamanote Line, which grants access to many of Tokyo’s famous attractions without having to change train lines. Here are some of my recommendations:

• Tokyo Parks (Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi Park)
• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Crossing
• Harajuku, Omotesando, Akihabara and Roppongi Hills
• Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori in Asakusa
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
• Imperial East Gardens and Imperial Palace
• Tsukiji Fish Market
• Gotokuji Temple (beckoning white cats)
• Shinjuku Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho

Travel Tip: Book your activities with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK.

Where to go shopping on a budget in Tokyo

For thrift shopping, head to Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori and Shimokitazawa. Don’t miss out on Japanese drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, where you’ll find quality skincare and cosmetic products at budget-friendly prices. There are also several stores offering tax-free shopping for foreigners like Don Quijote (called Donki by the locals). For gadgets and clothing, check out BICQLO in Shinjuku. Ameyokocho Market in Ueno is my top recommendation when it comes to souvenir hunt.

How many days is required to explore Tokyo?

While Tokyo is a vast and bustling metropolis with countless attractions, 5-7 days can provide a good introduction to the city. It allows you to explore some of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in its vibrant neighborhoods, experience its unique culture, and indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine. Prioritizing your interests and planning your itinerary accordingly will help you make the most of your time.

If you’re travelling to Japan for only 7 days, then I suggest spending 2-3 days to see Tokyo. Here’s my Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo 7 days Itinerary.

3-day Tokyo Itinerary

Western Tokyo (Day 1)

• Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Harajuku Takeshita Street
• Shopping at Omotesando
• Shibuya Scramble and Hachiko Statue
• Sunset at Shibuya Sky (¥2,500)

Northern Tokyo (Day 2)

• Asakusa Half Day Tour (Kaminarimon, Nakamise Dori and Sensoji Temple) – start really early if you can! it’s worth it!
• Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Ameyoko Shopping Street for omiyage shopping
• Dinner and shopping at Tokyo Skytree (¥2,100) OR
• Shopping and dinner at Akihabara (for manga and anime fans!)

Central Tokyo (Day 3)

• Breakfast Tour at Tsukiji Fish Market (¥17,000) – highly recommended!
• Imperial East Gardens and Imperial Palace
• Dinner at Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho (northwest of Shinjuku Station)
• Shopping at Don Quijote Shinjuku (open 24 hours)

5-day Tokyo Itinerary

Western Tokyo (Day 1)

• Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Harajuku Takeshita Street
• Shopping at Omotesando
• Shibuya Scramble and Hachiko Statue
• Izakaya Food Tour in Shinjuku (¥15,650) – highly recommended!

Central Tokyo (Day 2)

• Breakfast Tour at Tsukiji Fish Market (¥17,000) – highly recommended!
• Imperial East Gardens and Imperial Palace
• Chidorigafuchi Park (great for cherry blossom or autumn foliage viewing)
• Coffee break and shopping at Marunouchi
• Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Dinner and shopping in Ginza

Theme Parks Day (Day 3)

• Whole day Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (from ¥8,900)
• If you’re a Potterhead, go Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket (¥7,100) > book ahead of time!
• Late night ramen fix at AFURI Ramen or any 24-hour ramen restaurant near your hotel

Mt. Fuji Day Trip (Day 4)

• Mt. Fuji Day Tour  (¥8,000) OR Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour  (¥12,980)
• Shopping at BICQLO (this is a massive collaborative store that combines the electronics superstore Bic Camera and Uniqlo)
• Dinner at Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho (northwest of Shinjuku Station)
• Shopping at Don Quijote Shinjuku (open 24 hours)

Departure (Day 5)

• Check out early and leave your luggage in the hotel reception/coin locker at the station
• Asakusa Half Day Tour (Kaminarimon, Nakamise Dori and Sensoji Temple) OR
• Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Ameyoko Shopping Street for omiyage shopping
• Travel from your hotel to Narita or Haneda Airport

7-day Tokyo Itinerary

Arrival in Tokyo (Day 1)

• Arrival in Tokyo
• Check-in at your hotel
• Thrift shopping at Shimokitazawa
• Try Shimokitazawa’s soup curry (Rojiura Curry Samurai)
• End the night with drinks at CÉ LA VI Tokyo in Shibuya (amazing 360 views of Tokyo)

Western Tokyo (Day 2)

• Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Harajuku Takeshita Street
• Shopping at Omotesando
• Shibuya Scramble and Hachiko Statue
• Sunset at Shibuya Sky (¥2,500)

Central Tokyo (Day 3)

• Breakfast Tour at Tsukiji Fish Market (¥17,000) – highly recommended!
• Imperial East Gardens and Imperial Palace
• Chidorigafuchi Park (great for cherry blossom or autumn foliage viewing)
• Coffee break and shopping at Marunouchi
• Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Dinner and shopping in Ginza

Northern Tokyo (Day 4)

• Asakusa Half Day Tour (Kaminarimon, Nakamise Dori and Sensoji Temple) – start really early if you can! it’s worth it!
• Afternoon stroll at Yanaka Ginza (great izakaya options here!)
• Dinner and shopping at Tokyo Skytree (¥2,100) OR
• Shopping and dinner at Akihabara (for manga and anime fans!)

Theme Parks Day (Day 5)

• Whole day Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea (from ¥8,900)
• If you’re a Potterhead, go Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket (¥7,100) > book ahead of time!
• Late night ramen fix at AFURI Ramen or any 24-hour ramen restaurant near your hotel

Travel Tip: Book your activities with Klook and get up to 5% off when you use my code PROJECTGORAKLOOK.

Mt. Fuji Day Trip (Day 6)

• Mt. Fuji Day Tour  (¥8,000) OR Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour  (¥12,980)
• Shopping at BICQLO (this is a massive collaborative store that combines the electronics superstore Bic Camera and Uniqlo)
• Dinner at Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho (northwest of Shinjuku Station)
• Shopping at Don Quijote Shinjuku (open 24 hours)

Departure (Day 7)

• Check out early and leave your luggage in the hotel reception/coin locker at the station
• Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum
• Ameyoko Shopping Street for omiyage shopping
• Take a train or airport limousine to Narita or Haneda International Airport OR
• Take a bullet train back to Osaka (if you booked a roundtrip to Osaka)