How long is enough for Tokyo?
If you had the time and money, you could spend a month in Tokyo and not feel that you were wasting your time. But, for most mortals with jobs and limited budgets, I'd suggest spending three or four days in Tokyo. For example, if you have a week to spend in Japan, I'd recommend three days in Tokyo and four in Kyoto.
Two days is enough to see both sides of Tokyo: the traditional and the modern. This itinerary is the perfect way to make the most of two days in this incredible city.
With its vibrant and bustling city streets, tranquil green parks, stunning vistas and remarkable history, spending 6 days in Tokyo should be at the top of your itinerary for a visit to Japan.
Of course, you won't be able to see the whole of Japan in one week, but you'll also be able to experience a LOT of things while you're in the country. The basic answer is YES, a week in Japan is enough, as long as you plan smart and create an itinerary that gives you ample time to view everything and commute wisely.
Depending on how long you have to spend in Japan, we recommend allowing at least 5 nights in Tokyo. We've included a detailed itinerary for 7 days of sightseeing – just pick and choose days based on your interests and length of visit.
Five days in Tokyo allows for an awesome experience of the city and time for a daytrip out of the city. My five-day Tokyo itinerary is the best way to make use of five days in this incredible city.
Tokyo is the fifth safest city in the world per the Safe City Index 2021. For comparison, New York City ranks twelfth, Washington DC fourteenth, and London fifteenth. But that doesn't mean you can throw caution to the wind. It's still a city and all cities have some level of crime.
Tokyo is one of the best cities to visit anywhere. It's full of nightlife, culture, amazing temples and shrines and shopping, weird things to see and do. It is is also a tourist friendly place and easy to get around.
All foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan must obtain a visa before entering the country, except for those with re-entry permit. In principle, visas are issued to those with "special exceptional circumstances" (only single entry visa is issued).
- Day 1: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Roppongi.
- Day 2: Shibuya and its surrounding areas.
- Day 3: Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Asakusa.
- Day 4: Shinjuku.
- Day 5: Toyosu Market, Tsukiji Market, Ginza.
- Day 6 Onward: Take day trips (or short trips) away from Tokyo.
Is Tokyo an expensive city to visit?
Japan actually has an undeserved reputation for being an expensive place to travel in. While you'll have no trouble finding plenty of high-end splurges, you don't need to spend a fortune to have an enjoyable visit to Japan. In fact, Tokyo is less expensive than most major US cities.
The best time to visit Tokyo is between March and April and September and November. Autumn ushers in colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Spring brings in much of the same, but instead of vibrant fall hues, the foliage you'll see here are cherry blossom trees in full bloom.

The average price of a 7-day trip to Japan is $1,659 for a solo traveler, $2,690 for a couple, and $1,913 for a family of 4. Japan hotels range from $62 to $304 per night with an average of $105, while most vacation rentals will cost $140 to $520 per night for the entire home.
Although 7 days in Japan isn't enough to see more than a handful of Japan's best bits, it's more than enough time to get a taste for Japanese culture and all of its quirks. You'll also probably be able to fit in more than you think because Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel around.
You can expect to pay about $320 per day for an all-inclusive trip to Japan, so the average price for an 14-day trip would be $4500 with flights included.
You should plan to spend around ¥19,844 ($149) per day on your vacation in Tokyo, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ¥4,687 ($35) on meals for one day and ¥2,437 ($18) on local transportation.
Of course, there is so much to see in Japan, but if you have a limited time frame for your Japan itinerary, 7 days is a really good amount of time to get to know a few places in the country. Plus, even if you can't see everything, one week in Japan is going to be magical regardless!
7 to 10 days are ideal for first time visitors to Japan. You wouldn't be able to see all around Japan, but it is possible to pick best highlights of the country.
- Wander around Tsukiji.
- Eat and shop 'til you drop in Ameyoko.
- Appreciate the old-time feel of Shibamata.
- Yanesen (Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi)
- Naritasan.
- Where to Keep Your Luggage while Wandering the City.
- Morning Sumo Wrestling (Asakusa)
- Senso-Ji.
- Asakusa.
- Lunch in Asakusa.
- Ueno Park. Tokyo National Museum. Tokyo Science Museum. Metropolitan Art Museum. Ueno Zoo. Shitamachi Museum.
How can I spend 4 days in Tokyo?
Tokyo 4-Day Itinerary Summary
On Day 1, visit modern Tokyo on the west side. On Day 2, visit traditional Tokyo on the east side. On Day 3, take a day trip outside of Tokyo to Nikko, Kamakura or Mt Fuji. On Day 4, visit the Imperial Palace Area and Shinjuku.
The most frequently occurring crime in the nation has continued to be theft, making up more than 70 percent of the recorded cases. The overall clearance rate of Penal Code offenses in 2019 was 39 percent, while the larceny case clearance rate reached 34 percent.
Tokyo is definitely the place where English in Japan is most ubiquitous. In addition to bilingual signage in the Tokyo Metro, JR Lines and in popular areas like Asakusa and Shinjuku, a large percentage of people in Tokyo speak some English, even those who don't work in foreigner-facing professions.
The police in Japan recorded 874 murder cases in 2021. The number decreased by 55 cases compared to the previous year. A regional breakdown of murder cases shows that the majority of cases in 2021 occurred in Japan's Kanto region.
Tokyo has been named the best big city of 2019. These beautiful photos will make you want to visit ASAP.
Tokyo is known for iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing. It's famous for its sakura tree-lined streets, shrines and temples, its otaku culture and wonderful cuisine, and its world-class transport system. It's a quirky city that combines millennia-old traditions with futuristic technology.
Yes, drinking water from taps in Japan is safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water whilst travelling in Japan. Metro train stations have public water fountains, but otherwise these can be hard to find (this is the land of vending machines after all).
Fees must be paid for the issuance of visas. The fees are about 3,000 yen for a single-entry visa, 6,000 yen for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and 700 yen for a transit visa. Fees are collected in the currency of the country (region) in which the Embassy / Consulate General is located.
- You have been living in Japan for a sufficient period of time. ...
- You display good conduct. ...
- You can support yourself financially. ...
- You have paid Income Tax and other contributions in Japan.
When is the best time to visit Japan? The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.
Is Tokyo a 24 hour city?
Tokyo is awake all hours of the day, offering something at every hour to its residents....and visitors. The 23 wards of the city are fragmented into several smaller districts, and from day to night, the city transitions from one mood to another.
In the typical year, Tokyo gets only one or two days of light snowfall, and the snow rarely remains on the ground for more than a few days, if it collects at all. Yet the city is located reasonably close to several of Japan's popular snow destinations, many of which are easy enough to access in a daytrip.
Single Traveler | Two Travelers | |
---|---|---|
Low Budget | 3,500 - 7,800 yen | 7,000 - 15,600 yen |
Medium Budget | 8,800 - 18,500 yen | 13,600 - 28,000 yen |
High Budget | over 18,500 yen | over 28,000 yen |
Food | Average Cost |
---|---|
McDonald's Value Set | up to 700 yen |
Lotteria Set Meal | 600 yen to 1,000 yen |
Mos Burger Set Meal (Medium) | around 860 yen |
KFC Set Meal | 500 yen to 700 yen |
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Generally, Japan is a very safe country to travel to, probably one of the safest. Still, never let your guard down, and be wary of pickpockets and scammers as you would in any other country.
The Worst Times to Visit Japan
Since weather significantly depends on which region you visit, bad weather in one area could mean clear skies in another. Rainy season typically runs from early June to mid-July throughout most of the country — Tokyo included — except in Okinawa where showers begin in early May.
Japanese winters generally last from December to February. In Tokyo, December temperatures tend to be around 12ºC (54°F) in the afternoon and drop to about 5ºC (41°F) in the morning and at night. By January, afternoon temperatures drop to 10ºC (50°F) and morning temperatures tend to hover between 2ºC~3ºC (35°F~37°F).
Tokyo has a humid, subtropical climate with warm summers and cool winters, that can occasionally be very cold. The warmest month is August, when temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius), while the coldest month is January, averaging just 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).
Tokyo is one of the best cities to visit anywhere. It's full of nightlife, culture, amazing temples and shrines and shopping, weird things to see and do. It is is also a tourist friendly place and easy to get around.
Japan actually has an undeserved reputation for being an expensive place to travel in. While you'll have no trouble finding plenty of high-end splurges, you don't need to spend a fortune to have an enjoyable visit to Japan. In fact, Tokyo is less expensive than most major US cities.
Which is better Kyoto or Tokyo?
Kyoto is more relaxing. Tokyo is about 30% more expensive than Kyoto for travelers. If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you.
The best time to visit Tokyo is between March and April and September and November. Autumn ushers in colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Spring brings in much of the same, but instead of vibrant fall hues, the foliage you'll see here are cherry blossom trees in full bloom.