Before diving in, here are some quick tips. Most travelers from the U.S. and many other countries can visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll explore on foot often, and be ready to remove them at temples, traditional inns, and homes. Tap water is safe, and Tokyo is one of the world’s safest cities. Download Google Maps, Suica or Pasmo card apps, and Google Translate to help you get around. Tipping isn’t expected, bowing is the norm, and try to avoid eating while walking. Purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card to tap into Tokyo’s world-class metro system easily. You’ll hear Japanese everywhere, but many signs are also in English. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, with mild weather and cherry blossoms or colorful foliage.

 

Day 1: Traditional Tokyo – Temples, Parks & Street Eats

Start your Tokyo adventure in Asakusa, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Walk through the vibrant Nakamise-dori, where stalls sell traditional snacks and souvenirs. Enjoy a local Japanese breakfast like tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) or onigiri (rice balls) at Asakusa Unana – a cozy spot loved by locals. Fun fact: Senso-ji was founded in 628 AD and is dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

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In the afternoon, take the Ginza Line to Ueno Park, a sprawling cultural hub. Visit the Tokyo National Museum to explore Japan’s samurai, kimono, and art history, or stop by Ueno Zoo if you're traveling with kids. For lunch, check out Sushi Zanmai Ueno – a well-loved spot for fresh, affordable sushi.

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Wrap up the day at Ameya-Yokocho Market, a lively post-war street market. Try Japanese street food like yakitori or takoyaki and settle in for dinner at Toritake, a retro izakaya serving up local grilled chicken skewers with cold sake. It's a classic neighborhood favorite.

 

Day 2: Youth Culture & Modern Icons – Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku

Dive into Tokyo’s urban pulse in Shibuya. Grab coffee at Streamer Coffee Company before watching the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing – over 3,000 people can cross at once! Stroll over to Hachiko’s statue, a tribute to Japan’s most loyal dog.

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Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku and visit Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a peaceful forest. It’s a striking contrast to the nearby fashion madness of Takeshita Street. For lunch, try Afuri Ramen Harajuku, known for its yuzu-flavored ramen.

In the evening, head to Shinjuku for panoramic city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation deck!). Explore Kabukicho for vibrant nightlife or Omoide Yokocho, an alley filled with tiny bars and yakitori joints. Dinner at Ichiran Ramen is a solo-friendly, uniquely Tokyo experience.

 

Day 3: Food Tour, Cooking Class & Local Flavors

Today is all about flavor. Start with a morning food tour with Ninja Food Tours in Shinjuku or Asakusa. You’ll discover hidden eateries, taste regional dishes, and learn local food etiquette – perfect for couples and solo travelers alike.

In the afternoon, book a Japanese cooking class through byFood and learn to make sushi, gyoza, or wagashi (Japanese sweets). Fun fact: Cooking classes in Tokyo often take place in actual local homes, offering a true cultural exchange.

In the evening, relax with a soak at Thermae-Yu Onsen in Shinjuku, then enjoy a sake tasting at Kurand Sake Market – choose from over 100 types of sake. For dinner, try Uoshin Nogizaka, a popular seafood izakaya among Tokyoites.

 

Day 4: Tech & Art by the Bay – Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Spend the day in futuristic Odaiba, accessible via the scenic Yurikamome Line. Visit teamLab Borderless – a mind-blowing digital art museum where the exhibits move with you. Fun fact: teamLab is the world's first digital art museum with no fixed paths.

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Explore Odaiba’s attractions like Palette Town, Venus Fort, and the life-size Gundam Statue. For lunch, dine at Bills Odaiba, an Aussie-Japanese fusion spot with bay views.

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In the evening, take a Tokyo Bay dinner cruise from Hinode Pier for stunning skyline views. Alternatively, enjoy fresh seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, now a hub of food stalls and casual dining.

 

Day 5: Day Trip to Yokohama – Cup Noodles & Chinatown

Hop on the JR Tokaido Line for a 40-minute ride to Yokohama. Your first stop: the quirky and fun Cup Noodles Museum, where you can customize your own instant noodle cup. Great for families and food lovers alike.

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Next, explore Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in Japan, and enjoy lunch at Heichinrou, famous for dim sum. Walk off lunch in Yamashita Park, overlooking the bay, or ride the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel for epic views.

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Head back to Tokyo for a final dinner at Kagurazaka Ishikawa (Michelin-star kaiseki) or keep it casual with Tokyo’s favorite izakaya, Uoshin. Shop for souvenirs or just soak in your final evening.

 

Day 6: Day Trip to Nikko – Temples and Natural Beauty

Take a scenic 2-hour train ride from Tokyo to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning temples and beautiful nature. Begin your day with a visit to Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Fun fact: The five-story pagoda and the famous sleeping cat carving (representing the importance of peace) are iconic sights.

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Next, explore the tranquil Lake Chuzenji and the majestic Kegon Falls, where you can take an elevator down to the observation deck for breathtaking views. For lunch, enjoy a local specialty, yuba (tofu skin) dishes, at one of the cozy lakeside restaurants.

Head back to Tokyo in the late afternoon. For dinner, try Monjayaki (a savory pancake) in the Tsukishima area, a local favorite. Monja Street is lined with restaurants serving this unique dish.

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Day 7: Day Trip to Hakone – Onsen, Mount Fuji Views & Art

Start early for a relaxing day trip to Hakone (about 1.5 hours from Tokyo). Known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is perfect for a relaxing, scenic escape from the city. Take the Romancecar or a regular Odakyu Line train to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Begin at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an impressive outdoor collection of sculptures and works by famous artists like Picasso. Then, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley, where you can see volcanic steam vents and enjoy black eggs boiled in the sulfuric hot springs, said to add seven years to your life!

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For lunch, enjoy a hot pot meal at a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), followed by a soothing soak in an onsen. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi for spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Return to Tokyo in the evening, and for dinner, try a sushi train restaurant like Sushiro for a fun and casual meal.

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Day 8: Day Trip to Kamakura – Shrines, Beaches & Zen Gardens

On your final day, take a one-hour train ride from Tokyo to Kamakura, a historical city filled with shrines, temples, and Zen gardens. Start your day at the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kōtoku-in Temple, a giant bronze statue that stands at 13.35 meters tall and is over 750 years old.

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Afterward, head to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine set against a backdrop of lush nature. For lunch, try shirasu (small whitebait fish), a local specialty, at a seaside restaurant near Kamakura’s Yuigahama Beach.

 

Spend the afternoon exploring the Hasedera Temple, home to a stunning 9-meter wooden statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy). Wander through the temple’s lovely gardens and enjoy the panoramic views of Kamakura and the Pacific Ocean. Return to Tokyo in the evening, and cap off your trip with a relaxing dinner at a kaiseki restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Tokyo Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visa: U.S. citizens can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.​
 

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Be prepared to remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, and some restaurants.​
 

Health Precautions: No special vaccinations are required. Tap water is safe to drink. Carry hand sanitizer, especially when using public transportation.​
 

Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink throughout Tokyo.​
 

Mobile Apps: Download Hyperdia or Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate for language assistance, and Suica or Pasmo apps for transportation.​
 

Cultural Etiquette: Bow when greeting, avoid loud conversations in public, and be punctual. Tipping is not customary.​
 

Language: While English signage is common, learning basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.​
 

Public Behavior: Maintain quietness on public transport, and avoid eating while walking.​
 

Transportation: Tokyo's public transportation is efficient. Consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card for convenience.​
 

Health and Safety: Tokyo is one of the safest cities globally. Still, stay vigilant in crowded areas.​
 

Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police and 119 for ambulance or fire services.​Girl Eat World
 

Money: Cash is widely used, though credit cards are accepted in many places. ATMs are available at convenience stores.​
 

Cultural Considerations: Respect local customs, such as removing shoes indoors and being mindful of personal space.​
 

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.​
 

Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC+9.