Most people visit Japan and never leave Tokyo.
But if you want more than neon lights and shopping, you don’t need to go far.
This 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary gives you the best of both worlds.
Famous Tokyo spots and easy trips to ancient temples, mountain views, and seaside towns.
You’ll walk through history, soak in onsen, see Mount Fuji, and eat like a local.
The pace is relaxed, the travel simple, and the memories will go far beyond station snacks.
Plan your 7-day Tokyo itinerary with these experiences.
Before You Travel
Buy a JR Tokyo Wide Pass for fifteen thousand yen before your trip.
This covers trains to Nikko and part of the Mount Fuji journey.
Use it on days three, four, and five to save the most money.
The pass doesn’t cover private railways like the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko.
Book hotels early for cherry blossom season and autumn weekends.
Bring cash. Many places still don’t take cards, though this is changing.
ATMs at convenience stores work well and have English options.
With all that said, here is our 7-day Tokyo itinerary.
Day One: Historic Meets Modern
Start your morning in Asakusa at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple from 645 AD.
Wave the incense smoke over yourself for good luck, then walk down Nakamise Street to browse traditional shops.
Try ningyo-yaki cakes and melon pan from street vendors.
Head to Tokyo Skytree after lunch.
At 634 metres tall, it offers amazing views across the city.
Arrive around three pm to see both daylight and sunset.
Tickets cost 2,100 yen for the main deck, with an extra 1,000 yen for the higher level.
Book online to skip queues.
Day Two: Temples and Youth Culture
Visit Meiji Shrine in the morning, Tokyo’s most important Shinto sanctuary.
Walk the forest paths to reach the shrine, where you might see traditional weddings on weekends.
Entry is free and the experience takes about two hours.
For the afternoon, choose your adventure.
Culture lovers should visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno for 1,000 yen.
You’ll see samurai swords, ancient art, and Buddhist sculptures, plus you can stroll through nearby Ueno Park afterwards.
If you prefer modern culture, explore Omotesando for designer boutiques and striking architecture.
Day Three: Sacred Nikko Journey
Take a day trip to Nikko, about two hours north using your JR Tokyo Wide Pass.
Leave Tokyo Station at 7:30 am via the Tohoku Line to Utsunomiya, then change to the JR Nikko Line.
Early departure beats the crowds.
Visit Toshogu Shrine first.
This incredibly decorated complex costs 1,300 yen and houses Japan’s most ornate religious buildings.
Look for the famous sleeping cat carving and the hear-no-evil monkeys among the gold-leafed structures.
Walk to nearby Rinnai-ji Temple through paths lined with massive cedar trees.
The whole area feels like stepping into ancient Japan.
If time allows, take the bus to Lake Chuzenji for 800 yen to see waterfalls and mountain views.
Return to Tokyo in the evening with a station bento box for the train journey.
You’ll arrive back around 6:30 pm having spent about 4,000 yen for the day.
Day Four: Rivers and Electric Dreams
Start in Ryogoku, Tokyo’s sumo district.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during tournament season, sumo tickets range from 2,000 to 14,000 yen.
Or visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
It costs 600 yen and features life-sized recreations of old Tokyo streets.
Take a Sumida River cruise in the afternoon.
These 40-minute boat rides cost 700 to 1,200 yen and show you Tokyo from the water.
Next, explore Akihabara’s electronics wonderland.
Browsing the multi-storey stores is free, but the fascination is guaranteed.
End your day in nearby Kanda, where Tokyo locals eat.
Try yakitori alleys for grilled chicken skewers at 200 to 400 yen each, or standing bars for quick drinks and snacks totalling 1,500 to 2,500 yen.
Day Five: Mount Fuji Adventure
Journey to Kawaguchiko takes two and a half hours.
Take JR trains to Otsuki using your pass, then pay 1,140 yen for the Fujikyu Railway to Lake Kawaguchi.
Leave at 7:00 am for the best weather chances.
Ride the Mount Tenjo Ropeway for 900 yen return to see Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.
Morning offers the clearest views.
Then climb 400 steps to Chureito Pagoda for the classic Fuji-pagoda photo.
The 15-minute climb rewards you with incredible views.
If clouds hide Mount Fuji, try Fuji-Q Highland’s extreme roller coasters for 2,000 to 6,000 yen, or relax in hot springs for 1,500 to 3,000 yen.
You can return to Tokyo the same evening or stay overnight in a traditional ryokan for 15,000 to 25,000 yen including dinner.
Day Six: Coastal Kamakura
Take the train south to Kamakura, the former capital by the sea.
The one-hour journey costs 400 yen each way. Leave at 8:00 am to beat weekend crowds.
Visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple first.
This 13-metre bronze statue has stood for nearly 800 years.
Entry costs 300 yen, with an extra 20 yen to go inside the statue itself.
Continue to Hase-dera Temple for 400 yen to see the eleven-headed Kannon statue and ocean views.
The temple’s caves and flowers shine in June with hydrangeas.
In November, the autumn colors add to its beauty.
Spend your afternoon at Hokokuji Temple walking through the bamboo grove for 300 yen.
Add 300 yen more for a traditional tea ceremony in the peaceful garden.
The experience lasts about 90 minutes total.
Walk Komachi-dori Street to try ham katsu sandwiches for 400 to 600 yen and browse handmade crafts.
If weather permits, stroll to Kamakura Beach to watch surfers and relax by the sea.
Day Seven: Modern Tokyo Farewell
Spend your final morning at Roppongi Hills exploring the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observation deck.
A combined ticket costs 2,500 yen and offers contemporary art plus 360-degree city views.
Continue to Tokyo Midtown to admire modern architecture and browse sophisticated design shops.
Before departure, treat yourself to traditional hot springs in Tokyo.
Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku offers one for 2,310 yen.
End with a memorable dinner.
Choose conveyor belt sushi for 2,000 to 3,000 yen, high-end omakase for 15,000 yen and up, or traditional kaiseki multi-course meals from 8,000 to 20,000 yen.
Getting Around Successfully
From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express for 3,070 yen and 60 minutes to Tokyo Station, or the Keisei Skyliner for 2,570 yen and 45 minutes to Ueno.
Budget travellers can use local trains for 1,190 yen over 90 minutes.
Haneda Airport sits closer to the city.
The Tokyo Monorail costs 500 yen for 30 minutes to central Tokyo, while Keikyu Line trains cost 300 to 400 yen for 30 to 45 minutes.
Buy a Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket for 600 yen to ride subways unlimited.
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for tap-and-go convenience on all transport.
Avoid rush hours from 7:30 to 9:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm when trains pack extremely tight.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring brings temperatures from 10 to 25 degrees with cherry blossoms peaking in early April.
Pack light layers, a rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
Summer temperatures hit 25 to 35 degrees.
The high humidity means you need light, breathable clothing.
Don’t forget your umbrella and sun protection, too!
The rainy season hits June and July.
Autumn offers perfect weather from 15 to 25 degrees with stunning colours in November.
Pack layers and a light jacket.
Winter drops to 0 to 10 degrees but brings clear skies and fewer crowds.
You’ll need a warm coat, layers, and waterproof shoes.
Why This Journey Works
This seven-day adventure balances Tokyo’s modern energy with Kanto region’s ancient soul.
Discover ancient temples, visit sacred Mount Fuji, and see modern tech.
Also, explore local neighborhoods where people live and work.
Each day builds on the previous one, creating a complete picture of Japan that goes far beyond typical tourist snapshots.
You’ll leave with stories that last a lifetime and plans for your inevitable return.
Finally, this 7-day Tokyo itinerary is meant to be flexible.
Feel free to add to it or remove stuff.
