Tokyo Trip Planner &
Full Travel Guide 2025
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, from neon streets to tranquil gardens. This guide covers where to stay, when to go, what to see, and how to build a 3–7 day itinerary with both iconic sights and local secrets.
Create your Tokyo tripTokyo Districts & Areas You Should Know
Tokyo feels huge until you break it down into its neighborhoods, each like a mini-city with its own rhythm. Choosing the right district is one of the smartest decisions you'll make, it determines whether your days are filled with temples, late-night izakaya, high-end shopping, or family-friendly parks.
Loading map...
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Hotels in Tokyo range from futuristic capsules to luxury skyscraper suites, and where you stay shapes the entire feel of your trip. Do you want the buzz of Shibuya, the calm of Asakusa, or family-friendly parks in Ueno?
Picking the right area means less commuting and more experience.
Tokyo Highlights You Can't Miss
Tokyo is a city of layers, futuristic towers, ancient temples, quiet gardens, and buzzing neighborhoods. From icons like Shibuya Crossing to hidden corners like Yanaka, here are the 20 places every traveler should put on their Tokyo itinerary.
Tokyo Icons
The landmarks that define the capital and capture its energy.
Tokyo Skytree: The tallest tower in Japan with sweeping city and Mt. Fuji views. Go at sunset for a skyline that glows in gold.
Shibuya Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian scramble, a must-see spectacle of organized chaos. Best viewed from a nearby café window.
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, with its iconic red gate and Nakamise shopping street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Meiji Shrine (Harajuku): A forested oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji, where towering torii gates lead you into a peaceful sanctuary.
Tokyo Tower: This bright orange landmark may be older than Skytree, but it remains a beloved symbol of the city and offers classic city views.
Art & Culture
Where Tokyo's creativity and history shine.
teamLab Planets/Borderless: Immersive digital art museums that blur the line between technology and imagination, one of Tokyo's most unique experiences.
Ghibli Museum (Mitaka): A whimsical tribute to Studio Ghibli films, with life-sized characters, original sketches, and dreamy exhibits for all ages.
Edo-Tokyo Museum: Walk through life-sized reconstructions of Edo-period streets and discover how Tokyo transformed into the megacity it is today.
Mori Art Museum (Roppongi): Contemporary art paired with panoramic views from the rooftop Sky Deck, culture and skyline in one stop.
Kabuki-za Theatre (Ginza): Home of traditional Kabuki drama. Even if you don't see a full show, you can catch a single act or browse the gallery.
Parks & Outdoors
Green escapes and open-air beauty in a city of concrete and neon.
Ueno Park: Famous for cherry blossoms in spring, museums, and a zoo, this park is one of Tokyo's most beloved gathering places.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A blend of Japanese, English, and French garden styles. Ideal for picnics, autumn colors, or sakura viewing.
Yoyogi Park: A lively park near Harajuku where locals gather for weekend picnics, street performances, and seasonal festivals.
Imperial Palace East Gardens: The seat of Japan's Emperor, surrounded by gardens and historic ruins, a tranquil break in the city center.
Mount Takao (Day Trip): Just outside Tokyo, this mountain offers hiking trails, temples, and views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Local Life & Hidden Gems
The corners where Tokyo feels more personal, quirky, and alive.
Yanaka District: Narrow lanes, old wooden houses, and artisan shops. A rare glimpse of Tokyo's nostalgic, pre-war charm.
Golden Gai (Shinjuku): A cluster of tiny bars, each with its own theme and story. Step inside for a night of unforgettable local encounters.
Shimokitazawa: Tokyo's indie capital with vintage shops, record stores, live music, and hip cafés, perfect for creative spirits.
Tsukiji Outer Market: Once the world's largest fish market, now a paradise of sushi stands, street food, and fresh Japanese produce.
Odaiba: A futuristic island with attractions like teamLab Borderless, the giant Gundam statue, malls, and Rainbow Bridge views.
These 20 attractions capture Tokyo's contrasts, the neon icons, deep traditions, peaceful parks, and hidden gems that together tell the city's story. Pick your highlights, add in some offbeat corners, and let Layla.ai turn it into a flexible, bookable itinerary in minutes.
Tokyo Travel Seasons Explained
Tokyo's atmosphere shifts dramatically with each season, and the ideal time to visit depends on what you're hoping to experience. Do you dream of sakura blossoms, fireworks festivals, autumn foliage, or winter illuminations? Below is a seasonal guide covering Fall 2025 through Summer 2026, with details on weather, crowds, costs and travel tips.
Fall 2025 (September–October)
What to Expect:
Autumn in Tokyo is a favorite among locals and travellers alike. The heat and humidity of summer fade into crisp, sunny days, and parks burst into red and gold. Average temperatures range from 15–25°C (59–77°F), making it ideal for walking tours and day trips. Crowds thin after summer, and airfare and hotel prices are more moderate.
Travel Tip:
October is peak foliage season in spots like Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien Garden. Pack layers for cooler evenings and plan visits to cultural festivals like the Tokyo Ramen Show or autumn sumo tournaments.
Winter 2025–2026 (November–February)
What to Expect:
Tokyo winters are generally dry and clear, with daytime highs between 5–10°C (41–50°F). Illuminations brighten shopping streets, holiday markets open, and the city embraces a cosy vibe. It's one of the least crowded times of the year, so you'll find lower hotel rates and shorter lines at attractions. January is particularly quiet after the New Year holiday.
Travel Tip:
Dress warmly (layers and a good coat). Plan evening walks to see illuminations (Shibuya, Roppongi, Marunouchi) and take advantage of onsen day trips. Restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and ski resorts are just a train ride away.
Spring 2026 (March–May)
What to Expect:
Spring is arguably Tokyo's most iconic season. Cherry blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April, drawing visitors to parks like Ueno and Yoyogi. Average temperatures hover between 10–20°C (50–68°F). It's photogenic and lively, but it's also one of the busiest periods, especially during Golden Week (late April–early May).
Travel Tip:
Book hotels and attractions well in advance. For a quieter experience, aim for visits either just before Golden Week or mid-May. Bring layers for cool mornings and pack a picnic blanket to enjoy hanami (blossom viewing) with locals.
Summer 2026 (June–August)
What to Expect:
Summer in Tokyo is hot (often 25–35°C / 77–95°F) and humid, and June usually sees the rainy season. Once the rain subsides in July and August, festival season begins: fireworks displays, Tanabata festivals and Obon celebrations fill the calendar. This is also typhoon season, though storms rarely last more than a day.
Travel Tip:
Pack breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and plan indoor breaks (museums, cafés) during the hottest hours. Don't miss the Sumida River Fireworks Festival or weekend street festivals, and consider day trips to nearby beaches or mountains to escape the heat.
Ready & Customizable Tokyo Trips:
5-Day Tokyo Cultural Immersion
- •Stay at lyf Shibuya Tokyo: a stylish and vibrant hub in Shibuya, walking distance to the iconic crossing and trendy local streets.
- •Culture First: deep-dive into Tokyo's spiritual and historical heart with visits to Asakusa's Senso-ji, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and a Japanese dance cabaret.
- •Culinary Journeys: taste conveyor belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya, traditional tempura in Asakusa, yuzu ramen at Afuri Ebisu, and sukiyaki at Asakusa Imahan.
- •Unique Experiences: join a tea ceremony with a master, practice Zen meditation, and attend an Asakusa cultural performance blending dance and theater.
- •Balanced Flow: each day pairs a major cultural site with hands-on local experiences, ending with dinners that anchor the trip in Japanese tradition.
7-Day Tokyo Hidden Gems Exploration
- •Stay at Hotel Toranomon Hills, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: a luxury stay with sweeping skyline views, perfectly located for both cultural walks and nightlife.
- •Culture First: immerse yourself at Senso-ji Temple, practice Zen meditation with a monk, wander Meiji Shrine, and tour the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
- •Culinary Journeys: enjoy hidden Shibuya eateries, conveyor belt sushi, Shinjuku izakaya, and seasonal ramen spots in Ebisu.
- •Unique Experiences: discover digital art at teamLab Planets, join a guided Shibuya hidden streets tour, watch sumo shows, and finish with relaxed coffee at Streamer Shibuya.
- •Balanced Flow: days alternate between historic neighborhoods and cutting-edge art, ensuring sightseeing never overwhelms but always inspires.
9-Day Tokyo & Hakone Hidden Gems Adventure
- •Stay at lyf Ginza Tokyo: a modern, central base in Ginza with easy access to Shimbashi and Toranomon, combining sleek design with walkable neighborhoods.
- •Culture First: from Senso-ji Temple and Zen meditation with a monk to the Imperial Palace Gardens and Meiji Shrine, each day blends tradition with city energy.
- •Culinary Journeys: savor Shinjuku's food alleys, yuzu ramen at Afuri Ebisu, tempura at Daikokuya, and sushi in Ginza for a true taste of Tokyo.
- •Unique Experiences: explore Shibuya's hidden lanes, sumo demonstrations with hot pot, teamLab Planets' digital art, and Hakone's ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise with Mt. Fuji views.
- •Balanced Flow: mornings mix shrines, museums, and art with afternoons in Odaiba or Ginza, while evenings focus on relaxed dining and atmospheric neighborhoods.
FAQs about Tokyo
Updated by Trip Planner AI & Layla.ai Research Team on September 1, 2025
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Most travelers spend 4–7 days in Tokyo to cover the must-sees like Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji Market, while leaving time for neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Ebisu.
What's the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best seasons to visit Tokyo are spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (October–November) for colorful foliage. Winter offers illuminations and fewer crowds, while summer brings vibrant matsuri festivals.
Can I see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
Yes. Tokyo's cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom in late March to early April, with prime spots at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi.
Is Tokyo safe for solo travelers?
Tokyo is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Solo travelers can comfortably explore districts like Ginza, Asakusa, and Harajuku.
What's the best area to stay in Tokyo?
For first-timers, Shinjuku or Shibuya are central and lively. Families prefer Ueno or Ikebukuro (parks and museums), while couples enjoy Asakusa or Ginza for charm and romance.
What food should I try in Tokyo?
Don't miss sushi in Ginza, ramen in Ebisu, yakitori in Yurakucho, and street snacks in Asakusa.
Are day trips from Tokyo worth it?
Absolutely. Popular day trips include Hakone (hot springs + Mt. Fuji views), Nikko (temples & waterfalls), Kamakura (Great Buddha), and Yokohama (bayfront dining).
Can I plan Tokyo on a budget?
Yes. Stay in Asakusa hostels or budget hotels in Ikebukuro, use a Suica/PASMO transit card, and enjoy free attractions like Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, and Senso-ji Temple.
Do I need JR Pass for Tokyo?
No, the JR Pass is best for multi-city Japan trips (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka). Within Tokyo, a Suica/PASMO metro card covers most transport.
What are the top hidden gems in Tokyo?
Beyond the icons, Tokyo shines with Yanaka's old-town lanes, Shimokitazawa's indie vibe, Golden Gai's tiny bars, and Odaiba's futuristic attractions.
8M+ trips planned, 4.9★ average
