If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you might be wondering how long you should stay to fully experience all the city has to offer. While the answer ultimately depends on your interests and travel style, 7 days is a decent amount of time to spend in Tokyo and see many of the city’s highlights.
Plenty of Time to See the Must-See Attractions
If you’re planning to visit Tokyo’s top attractions, 7 days should be plenty of time to see many of them. Some of the must-see sights in Tokyo include the Tokyo Skytree, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Tokyo Tower, and the Meiji Shrine. You can also visit some of Tokyo’s neighborhoods, such as Asakusa, Shibuya, and Ginza, which each have their own unique character and charm.
Time to Dive Into the Culture
In addition to sightseeing and observation decks, 7 days in Tokyo is also enough time to really dive into the city’s culture and get a feel for what makes it unique. You can visit local temples and shrines, try out different types of Japanese cuisine, or even take a traditional Japanese bath.
There are also plenty of cultural events and festivals happening throughout the year, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and the Tokyo International Film Festival in the fall.
The Perfect Amount of Time for a Balance of Relaxation and Adventure
7 days in Tokyo is also a good balance between having enough time to see and do everything you want while also having some time to relax and take it easy. You can spend a few days sightseeing and exploring the city, and then use the remaining time to relax and enjoy some downtime.
Plenty of Time to See More of Japan
Finally, if you want to see more of Japan beyond Tokyo, 7 days is also a good amount of time to do so. While Tokyo is a must-see destination in its own right, there are plenty of other amazing places to visit in Japan. If you have the time and resources, you might want to plan a longer trip that includes other cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hokkaido.
So 7 days is a decent amount of time to spend in Tokyo and see many of the city’s highlights. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, cultural experiences, or a balance of both, you’ll be able to fit a lot into a week-long trip to Tokyo.
What Can I See And Do In 1 Week In Tokyo?
There are many things you can see and do in Tokyo in 7 days. Some of the top attractions in the city include:
- Tokyo Skytree: This towering observation tower offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: This iconic skyscraper offers views of the city from its observation decks, which are open to the public for free.
- Tokyo Tower: Another iconic observation tower in the city, Tokyo Tower offers views of the city from its main observatory and special glass-floored observatory.
- Meiji Shrine: This peaceful shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
- Asakusa: This neighborhood is known for its historic Sensoji Temple, which is surrounded by colorful streets filled with shops and food stalls.
- Shibuya: This bustling neighborhood is known for its iconic scramble crossing and shopping centers.
- Ginza: This upscale neighborhood is known for its high-end shopping and dining options.
In addition to these attractions, you can also visit local temples and shrines, try different types of Japanese cuisine, and experience some of the city’s cultural events and festivals. You can also take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as the Kamakura temples and Mount Fuji.
Where to Go After Tokyo?
So you’ve spent a few days (or even a week!) exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo and soaking up the city’s unique culture. But what’s next? If you’re planning to continue your trip around Japan, there are plenty of amazing places to visit after Tokyo. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Kyoto
If you’re interested in ancient temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional culture, Kyoto is a must-visit destination. Located about an hour from Tokyo by bullet train, Kyoto was once the capital of Japan and is filled with historic sites, including the Kinkakuji Temple, the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. You can also visit the Gion District to see traditional geisha and maiko, or take a day trip to Nara to see the famous deer park.
Osaka
Located on the western coast of Honshu, Osaka is Japan’s second largest city and is known for its delicious food, friendly locals, and lively atmosphere. Some of the must-see attractions in Osaka include the Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and the Osaka Aquarium. You can also visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to get a glimpse of what life was like in Japan during the Edo period, or take a day trip to the nearby cities of Nara and Kobe.
Hokkaido
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience some of Japan’s natural beauty, Hokkaido is the place to go. Located in the far north of Japan, Hokkaido is known for its stunning snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and delicious seafood. Some of the must-see attractions in Hokkaido include the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, and the Asahiyama Zoo. You can also visit the nearby city of Otaru to see the historic canal district and try some of the local sake.
Other Places to Consider
These are just a few ideas, but there are many other amazing places to visit after Tokyo. Some other options to consider include the coastal city of Yokohama, the mountain town of Takayama, and the tropical paradise of Okinawa. Whatever you choose, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in Japan. Happy travels!