Tokyo is a city where ancient temples, futuristic architecture, anime culture, world-class shopping, traditional food, neon nightlife and quiet gardens can exist within the same neighbourhood.
For a first visit, seven days gives you enough time to experience both sides of the Japanese capital: historic areas such as Asakusa and Ueno, modern districts such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, the shopping centres of Ginza and Harajuku, the electronics and anime culture of Akihabara, and a day beyond central Tokyo.
This itinerary also leaves room for one major optional experience: Tokyo DisneySea/Disneyland or a Mount Fuji day trip.
Tokyo at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Destination | Tokyo, Japan |
| Recommended duration | 7 days |
| Currency | Japanese Yen (JPY) |
| Main airports | Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) |
| Main language | Japanese |
| Main transport | Trains, subway, buses and taxis |
| Best for | Culture, food, shopping, technology, anime, families and city breaks |
| Suggested travel style | Mid-range |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| Visa | Kenyan passport holders require a visa for tourism |
| Ideal base | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Asakusa, Tokyo Station or Ginza |
Tokyo's official tourism guide describes the city as a combination of historic sites and futuristic attractions, with major visitor areas including Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and the Tokyo Station area.
Before You Travel to Tokyo
1. Book Your Flight
Tokyo is served primarily by:
Haneda Airport
Narita International Airport
Haneda is considerably closer to central Tokyo, while Narita is farther outside the city but has extensive rail connections.
Tokyo's official tourism authority confirms that both airports connect to central Tokyo by rail and other transport services.
Compare flights: Search flights and travel options
2. Book Your Hotel
Tokyo is enormous, so location matters.
For a first trip, consider:
Shinjuku
Best for:
nightlife
restaurants
shopping
transport connections
first-time visitors
Shibuya
Best for:
modern Tokyo
shopping
nightlife
cafés
fashion
Ueno
Best for:
museums
cultural attractions
value
transport connections
Asakusa
Best for:
traditional atmosphere
Sensoji Temple
quieter evenings
budget and mid-range accommodation
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi
Best for:
central location
luxury hotels
Shinkansen connections
business travellers
Ginza
Best for:
upscale shopping
restaurants
luxury accommodation
Tokyo's official tourism guide specifically notes Shinjuku for shopping and trends, Asakusa for traditional Tokyo, Tokyo/Shinagawa/Ueno for Shinkansen access, and Shibuya/Roppongi for nightlife.
Compare hotels: Find Tokyo hotels
3. Japan Tourist Visa
For Kenyan travellers, Japan requires a tourist visa.
The Embassy of Japan in Kenya currently lists tourism/sightseeing as a short-term visa category and specifies documents including a passport, photograph, flight booking, certified six-month bank statement, employment/business documentation, detailed itinerary and hotel booking.
The Embassy currently states that the visa fee is KES 13,050 for applications from July 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, payable in cash at collection, and gives a standard processing time of five working days, although some applications can take substantially longer.
Because visa requirements and fees can change, verify the requirements directly with the Embassy of Japan in Kenya before submitting an application.
Japan Embassy Kenya visa guidelines
Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information
4. Complete Visit Japan Web
Japan's Digital Agency operates Visit Japan Web, which allows travellers to enter information for immigration and customs procedures before arrival.
Create your account, register your trip and complete the relevant arrival information before travelling.
Official Visit Japan Web guide
5. Travel Insurance
Japan has excellent infrastructure, but international medical treatment and unexpected travel expenses can still be costly.
Compare travel insurance: Get travel insurance
6. Get an eSIM
Mobile data is extremely useful in Tokyo for:
train directions
Google Maps
translation
restaurant searches
attraction tickets
ride-hailing
hotel communication
Get an eSIM: Get an Airalo eSIM
Alternative: Get a travel SIM/eSIM
Complete 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1 — Asakusa, Sensoji & Tokyo Skytree
Start with traditional Tokyo.
Morning — Asakusa
Begin at Kaminarimon, the famous Thunder Gate.
Walk through:
Nakamise shopping street
Sensoji Temple
traditional shops
side streets around the temple
Asakusa is one of Tokyo's major traditional districts, centred around Sensoji and Nakamise, with historic streets, crafts, food and Sumida River views.
Take your time here.
Buy traditional souvenirs such as:
Japanese fans
ceramics
chopsticks
traditional sweets
small crafts
Lunch — Asakusa
Try:
tempura
soba
sushi
unagi
traditional Japanese sweets
Afternoon — Sumida River
Walk towards the river.
You can take a short water-bus cruise for another perspective of Tokyo.
Late Afternoon — Tokyo Skytree
Travel to Tokyo Skytree.
At 634 metres, it is one of Tokyo's defining landmarks and provides panoramic views across the metropolitan area.
The official Tokyo tourism guide recommends combining Asakusa with Tokyo Skytree because the two areas are particularly convenient to visit together.
Evening
Explore Tokyo Solamachi beneath the Skytree.
Have dinner before returning to your hotel.
Book in advance
Tokyo Skytree
Asakusa walking tour
kimono experience
Sumida River cruise
Day 2 — Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando & Shibuya
Today introduces you to modern Tokyo.
Morning — Meiji Jingu
Begin at Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines.
Walk through the forested approach before reaching the shrine.
This gives you a very different atmosphere from the crowded streets you will experience later.
Late Morning — Harajuku
Walk into Harajuku.
Explore:
Takeshita Street
Cat Street
Omotesando
fashion shops
cafés
Japanese beauty stores
Harajuku is known for youth fashion and street culture, while Omotesando offers a more sophisticated architecture and shopping experience.
Afternoon — Shibuya
Continue to Shibuya.
See:
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Hachiko area
Shibuya Center-Gai
Miyashita Park
Shibuya shopping complexes
Shibuya's famous crossing has become one of the visual symbols of modern Tokyo, while the surrounding area is a major fashion, art, dining and entertainment district.
Evening — SHIBUYA SKY
Finish the day at SHIBUYA SKY or another Shibuya observation point.
Sunset into the Tokyo night skyline is an ideal time for this experience.
Then have dinner around Shibuya.
Book
SHIBUYA SKY
Tokyo walking tour
Japanese food experience
themed café experience
Day 3 — Ueno, Akihabara & Tokyo Station
Today combines art, history and Japanese pop culture.
Morning — Ueno
Begin at Ueno Park.
Choose one or two attractions rather than attempting everything.
Options include:
Tokyo National Museum
Ueno Zoo
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
National Museum of Nature and Science
Shinobazu Pond
Tokyo's official guide describes Ueno as a major cultural and recreational area with museums, a zoo, parkland and the Ameyoko market district.
Lunch — Ameyoko
Walk through Ameyoko, the busy market street beneath the railway tracks.
Explore food stalls and small shops.
Afternoon — Akihabara
Now enter a completely different Tokyo.
Akihabara is famous for:
anime
manga
electronics
gaming
collectibles
arcades
themed cafés
Spend several hours exploring the shops.
Anime and gaming fans should allow extra time here.
Evening — Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
Take the train towards Tokyo Station.
Walk around:
Tokyo Station
Marunouchi
Marunouchi Nakadori
Imperial Palace outer area
Have dinner around Tokyo Station.
Day 4 — Imperial Palace, Ginza & TeamLab Borderless
Today combines old imperial Tokyo with contemporary art and luxury shopping.
Morning — Imperial Palace East Gardens
Explore the publicly accessible garden areas around the Imperial Palace.
See:
historic stone walls
bridges
gardens
remnants of Edo Castle
Late Morning — Ginza
Walk towards Ginza.
Ginza combines historic Tokyo with high-end department stores, international brands, galleries, restaurants and modern architecture.
Explore:
Ginza Six
department stores
Uniqlo flagship
luxury boutiques
cafés
Kabukiza area
Lunch — Ginza
Choose either a Japanese restaurant or a more affordable department-store food hall.
Afternoon — teamLab Borderless
Head to teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills.
The attraction uses immersive digital installations rather than conventional gallery displays.
The official ticket site currently lists adult admission from JPY 3,600, with dynamic pricing and date/time-specific admission; tickets can sell out.
Book this one ahead.
Official teamLab Borderless tickets and visitor information
Evening
Have dinner around Roppongi, Azabudai or Tokyo Midtown.
Day 5 — Mount Fuji Day Trip
Dedicate one day to leaving Tokyo.
A Mount Fuji excursion is one of the best ways to add a completely different landscape to the itinerary.
Tokyo's official tourism guide identifies Mount Fuji viewpoints and day-trip options from Tokyo, with clear-weather visibility particularly associated with cooler months.
Morning — Depart Tokyo
Start early.
Depending on the tour and weather, visit areas around:
Lake Kawaguchi
Chureito Pagoda
Oshino Hakkai
Fuji Five Lakes
Mount Fuji 5th Station when accessible
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the classic viewpoints for Mount Fuji.
Take photographs, enjoy the lake and explore the surrounding area.
Chureito Pagoda
If conditions and the itinerary permit, visit the famous pagoda viewpoint.
This is one of Japan's most photographed Mount Fuji scenes.
Oshino Hakkai
Explore the traditional village and clear spring ponds associated with Mount Fuji.
Evening — Return to Tokyo
Expect a long day.
Have a late dinner near your hotel.
Important
Mount Fuji is weather-dependent. Do not promise readers that they will definitely see the mountain.
If clouds obscure Fuji, the experience can still be worthwhile, but expectations should be realistic.
Day 6 — Shinjuku, Shibuya Alternative or Tokyo DisneySea
This is the flexible day.
Option A — Tokyo DisneySea
For families, couples and Disney fans, dedicate the entire day to Tokyo DisneySea.
Tokyo Disney Resort operates both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Current official ticket prices use variable pricing, and one-day adult passports currently start at JPY 8,900, with prices varying by date.
Tickets are sold online, with sales opening at 2pm Japan time for the same date two months later.
Official Tokyo Disney Resort tickets
Spend the whole day inside the park rather than trying to combine it with central Tokyo.
Option B — Shinjuku
If Disney isn't part of your plan, spend the day exploring Shinjuku.
Morning — Shinjuku Gyoen
Start with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Then explore the surrounding area.
Afternoon — Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation area.
Tokyo's official tourism guide notes its city views and year-round projection-mapping programme.
Evening — Kabukicho & Omoide Yokocho
Explore Shinjuku after dark.
See:
Kabukicho
Golden Gai
Omoide Yokocho
neon streets
izakaya
restaurants
Shinjuku is known for its huge transport hub, shopping, restaurants, entertainment and nightlife.
Day 7 — Tsukiji, Odaiba & Final Tokyo Shopping
Your final day should be relatively flexible.
Morning — Tsukiji Outer Market
Start with breakfast around Tsukiji.
Try:
sushi
tamagoyaki
seafood
Japanese tea
traditional sweets
Explore the surrounding shops.
Late Morning — Odaiba
Travel towards Tokyo Bay.
Explore:
Rainbow Bridge views
Odaiba waterfront
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
shopping
digital/art attractions
Tokyo Bay
The Tokyo waterfront has become one of the city's rapidly developing modern areas, including newer attractions such as Tokyo Aqua Symphony, which opened in 2026.
Afternoon — Final Shopping
Depending on your interests, return to:
Akihabara
For:
electronics
anime
manga
games
Ginza
For:
luxury shopping
Japanese brands
department stores
Shibuya
For:
fashion
cosmetics
souvenirs
Asakusa
For:
traditional Japanese souvenirs
Tokyo's shopping districts are highly specialised, so your choice should depend on what you want to take home.
Evening — Final Japanese Dinner
Have one final Japanese meal.
Then return to your hotel, collect your luggage and prepare for departure.
10 Experiences to Book in Advance
Tokyo Skytree
SHIBUYA SKY
teamLab Borderless
Mount Fuji day trip
Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo food tour
Sushi-making experience
Traditional tea ceremony
Asakusa kimono experience
Tokyo evening or nightlife tour
Find attractions and passes: Explore Tokyo attraction options
Book tours and experiences: Find Tokyo tours
Getting Around Tokyo
Tokyo's rail system should be your primary method of transportation.
Tokyo's official tourism guide describes the subway as one of the city's most reliable ways to move around.
IC Cards
Use an IC transport card such as Suica or PASMO where available.
They make travel easier and can also be used for many small purchases.
Tokyo Metro
Tokyo Metro covers many major tourist districts.
As of April 2026, examples of Tokyo Metro fares include:
Ueno → Asakusa: about JPY 178 by IC card
Ueno → Ginza: about JPY 178
Ueno → Shibuya: about JPY 209
Actual fares depend on the route.
Tokyo Metro official information and fares
JR Trains
JR is particularly useful for:
Shinjuku
Shibuya
Harajuku
Ueno
Tokyo Station
Akihabara
Taxis
Taxis are convenient but considerably more expensive than trains.
Use them when:
carrying heavy luggage
travelling late
travelling in a group
reaching accommodation away from a station
Food You Should Try in Tokyo
Tokyo deserves an itinerary of its own just for food.
Sushi
Try both:
affordable conveyor-belt sushi
traditional sushi restaurants
Ramen
Explore different regional styles.
Tempura
Fresh seafood and vegetables prepared in a light batter.
Yakitori
Grilled chicken skewers.
Tonkatsu
Breaded and fried pork cutlet.
Okonomiyaki
A savoury Japanese pancake with different toppings.
Soba
Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold.
Udon
Thick wheat noodles served in broth or other preparations.
Wagyu
If your budget allows, try high-quality Japanese beef.
Japanese Desserts
Try:
matcha sweets
mochi
dorayaki
Japanese cheesecake
taiyaki
kakigori
Estimated 7-Day Tokyo Budget
These are planning estimates for one traveller, excluding international flights and visa costs.
| Travel style | Approximate 7-day budget |
|---|---|
| Budget | JPY 100,000–160,000 |
| Mid-range | JPY 200,000–330,000 |
| Luxury | JPY 500,000+ |
The largest variables are accommodation, dining, shopping, private tours and whether you include Disney or premium experiences.
Budget Traveller
Choose:
hostels or simple hotels
convenience-store breakfasts
ramen and casual restaurants
public transport
mostly free attractions
Mid-Range Traveller
Choose:
quality 3–4 star hotel
restaurants mixed with casual food
several paid attractions
Mount Fuji day trip
one or two premium experiences
Luxury Traveller
Choose:
five-star hotels
fine dining
private guides
luxury shopping
premium transport
private Mount Fuji excursion
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo works throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring — March to May
Popular for:
cherry blossoms
mild temperatures
gardens
outdoor sightseeing
Cherry blossom dates vary each year, so do not build an itinerary around a fixed date months in advance.
Summer — June to August
Expect:
heat
humidity
festivals
summer events
Carry water and plan indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
Autumn — September to November
A particularly attractive season for:
comfortable sightseeing
autumn foliage
gardens
food
outdoor walking
Tokyo's official tourism guide highlights autumn foliage as a major seasonal attraction.
Winter — December to February
Expect cooler weather but potentially clearer skies.
Winter is also a useful period for Mount Fuji visibility; Tokyo's tourism authority specifically notes that Fuji is often easier to see from Tokyo during cooler winter conditions.
What to Pack for Tokyo
Clothing
Pack according to the season.
Always include:
comfortable walking shoes
lightweight day bag
weather-appropriate layers
modest clothing for temples
compact umbrella
Tokyo involves considerably more walking than many first-time visitors expect.
Electronics
Bring:
phone
power bank
universal travel adapter
charging cables
eSIM
headphones
Tokyo Travel Tips
1. Learn the train system before your first day
Tokyo's rail network looks complicated, but once you understand the main lines and stations it becomes much easier.
2. Stay near a station
This can save substantial time over seven days.
3. Don't block pedestrian traffic
Tokyo's busiest streets can become extremely crowded.
4. Follow restaurant etiquette
Observe how locals order, queue and use shared spaces.
5. Carry a small rubbish bag
Public bins can be less common than visitors expect.
6. Carry some cash
Cards and contactless payments are widely used, but cash remains useful.
7. Don't rush temples
Tokyo's traditional areas are best experienced by walking.
8. Book popular attractions
TeamLab, SHIBUYA SKY, Disney and some specialist experiences can sell out.
9. Keep Mount Fuji flexible
Weather can completely change visibility.
10. Avoid carrying huge luggage through train stations
Tokyo's stations can involve substantial walking, stairs and transfers.
Useful Tokyo Booking Links
Flights
Hotels
Travel Insurance
eSIM
Airport Transfer
Car Rental
Attractions
Tours
Book Tokyo tours and experiences
Japan Visa
Visit Japan Web
Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo
Is seven days enough for Tokyo?
Yes. Seven days gives first-time visitors enough time to experience traditional districts, modern Tokyo, shopping, food, pop culture and at least one major excursion.
How many days should I spend in Tokyo?
Five days can cover the major highlights. Seven days provides more room for neighbourhood exploration, shopping and a Mount Fuji or Disney day.
Is Tokyo expensive?
Tokyo offers options across a wide range of budgets. Accommodation and premium dining can be expensive, while public transport, convenience stores, ramen shops and many cultural attractions can help keep costs manageable.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku and Shibuya are convenient for nightlife and modern Tokyo. Ueno and Asakusa can work well for travellers prioritising culture and value. Tokyo Station and Ginza are particularly convenient for central access and upscale accommodation.
Is Tokyo safe for tourists?
Tokyo has extensive tourism infrastructure and public transport, but normal precautions still apply. Keep valuables secure and follow local rules.
Do I need a car in Tokyo?
No. Trains and subways are usually much more practical for visitors.
Can I use my credit card in Tokyo?
Cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, department stores and larger restaurants, but carrying some yen remains useful.
Should I visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea?
Both are part of Tokyo Disney Resort. Choose based on your interests, but allow a full day rather than trying to combine a Disney park with central Tokyo sightseeing.
Is Mount Fuji a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Organised day trips can combine areas around Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. Weather is the major variable affecting views.
What is Tokyo famous for?
Tokyo is known for its combination of traditional temples and shrines, advanced technology, food, fashion, shopping, anime and manga culture, architecture, nightlife and enormous rail network.
What should I book before visiting Tokyo?
Prioritise:
Japan visa
hotel
flights
eSIM
travel insurance
teamLab
SHIBUYA SKY
Disney if applicable
Mount Fuji tour
specialist food or cultural experiences
Final Tokyo Booking Checklist
Before travelling, confirm:
Flight booked
Hotel booked
Passport valid
Japan tourist visa obtained
Visa documents prepared
Visit Japan Web completed
Travel insurance purchased
eSIM arranged
Airport transfer planned
IC transport card/payment method ready
TeamLab ticket booked
SHIBUYA SKY ticket booked
Tokyo Skytree ticket considered
Mount Fuji excursion booked
Disney ticket booked if applicable
Restaurant/food experience booked where necessary
Weather checked
Yen/payment cards prepared
Comfortable walking shoes packed
Temple-appropriate clothing packed
Airport departure transfer planned
The Ideal 7-Day Tokyo Route
Day 1: Asakusa + Sensoji + Sumida River + Tokyo Skytree
Day 2: Meiji Shrine + Harajuku + Omotesando + Shibuya
Day 3: Ueno + Ameyoko + Akihabara + Tokyo Station
Day 4: Imperial Palace + Ginza + teamLab Borderless
Day 5: Mount Fuji day trip
Day 6: Tokyo DisneySea or Shinjuku
Day 7: Tsukiji + Odaiba + final shopping + departure
Tokyo is best approached as several cities within one enormous city: the old Tokyo of Asakusa, the cultural Tokyo of Ueno, the pop-culture Tokyo of Akihabara, the fashionable Tokyo of Harajuku and Shibuya, the entertainment Tokyo of Shinjuku, and the polished Tokyo of Ginza and Marunouchi. That variety is what makes a seven-day itinerary work without feeling repetitive.
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