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Planning a trip to Japan and wondering how to spend 6 days in Tokyo? This 6 day Tokyo itinerary covers everything you need to plan the perfect Tokyo trip, from iconic neighborhoods like Shibuya and Asakusa to hidden gems, incredible food, and unforgettable day trips.
It’s hard to put into words what kind of place Tokyo is until you see it for yourself. In Tokyo, you can pray at a centuries-old shrine in the morning and eat robot-served ramen at dinner. There are few cities in the world that blend tradition and technology as seamlessly as Japan’s capital.
Whether it’s your first time in Tokyo or you want a balanced mix of culture, food, and modern experiences, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
Overview: How to Spend 6 Days in Tokyo
Tokyo is full of diverse neighborhoods, world-class food, efficient public transport, and a mix of traditional temples and futuristic attractions. Is 6 days enough in Tokyo? I think so. Spending 6 days in Tokyo gives you enough time to experience the city’s major neighborhoods, incredible food scene, and unique mix of tradition and modern culture without feeling too rushed.
Before you start planning, read everything I wish I knew before visiting Japan. This will help you better understand what to expect in Tokyo and throughout Japan.
Tickets to book in advance:
- Kichijoji Food & Bar hopping tour
- Chopstick making class
- The Head Spa Tokyo appointment
- Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland
- Shibuya and Shinjuku Go-Karting Tour
- Make chopsticks – a gift you’ll have forever.
- Cooking class: Shibuya ramen making!
- Shinjuku Sumo Show tickets
Tokyo Budget Expectations
One of the biggest surprises about visiting Tokyo is that it can be far more affordable than people expect. While luxury hotels and high-end dining absolutely exist, Tokyo can also be done comfortably on a moderate budget thanks to affordable public transportation, convenience store meals, and reasonably priced hotels.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for 6 days in Tokyo.
Food Costs in Tokyo
Food in Tokyo can either be incredibly affordable or wildly luxurious depending on your choices.
Average food prices:
- Convenience store breakfast: $3–8
- Ramen bowl: $7–15
- Conveyor belt sushi: $15–30
- Wagyu dinner: $50–150+
- Coffee shops: $4–8
- Cocktails/bars: $8–20
One of my favorite things about Tokyo was how easy it was to eat well without constantly spending a fortune. Some of our favorite meals came from tiny ramen shops, sushi counters, and even 7-Eleven.
Transportation Costs in Tokyo
Tokyo’s public transportation system is efficient, clean, and surprisingly affordable.
Typical costs:
- Subway rides: $1.50–3 per ride
- Airport train transfers: $15–30
- Suica/Pasmo transit card deposit: around $3–4
- Taxi rides: expensive compared to trains
If you’re spending most of your time within Tokyo, you likely won’t need a JR Pass. Most visitors can easily get around using reloadable IC cards like Suica or Pasmo.
How to Use Public Transportation in Tokyo
At first glance, Tokyo’s transportation system can look overwhelming, but once you use it a few times, it becomes surprisingly easy to navigate. Google Maps works extremely well in Japan and was one of the most helpful tools during our trip.
The easiest way to get around Tokyo is by using an IC card like:
- Suica: this is what we used and it worked great having it downloaded ahead of time.
- Pasmo
These reloadable transit cards work on:
- subways
- trains
- buses
- convenience stores
- vending machines
You can add a Suica card directly to your Apple Wallet before your trip, which makes tapping through train stations incredibly easy.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, both in population and overall metropolitan size, which can make choosing where to stay feel overwhelming. I break down the best areas to stay in Tokyo for first timers in a separate post.
For your first trip to Tokyo, especially for these 6 days exploring the city, here’s where I recommend staying in Tokyo:
- Budget: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa – The ideal place for sticking to a smaller budget without compromising location or comfort.
- Mid-range: Onyado Nono Asakusa Annex – A mid-range hotel with on-site hot springs (a must when in Japan!)
- Splurge: MONday Apart Premium – An apartment stay can make a longer Tokyo stay feel more comfortable.
- Where we stayed: Evergreen Hotel – We stayed here and it was perfect because it’s in the Shinjuku ward without being in the center of Shinjuku.
Day 1: Shinjuku
My biggest tip for planning your 6 days in Tokyo is don’t over-plan your first day. There’s a chance you’ll be jet lagged!
Once you check into your hotel, grab coffee at Eight Coffee Shinjuku – it doesn’t close until 7pm. Spend some time exploring the area around your hotel, stretching your legs after the long travel day, and getting comfortable navigating your neighborhood.
Before you know it, it will be time for dinner. Shinjuku has a never-ending amount of dinner options! These are the restaurants I’d go for the first dinner in Tokyo:
- Shinjuku Standing Sushi – a must in Tokyo.
- Uogashi Nihon-Ichi
- Hachiro Shoten for ramen
After dinner, walk to Omoide Yokocho. This is a narrow alleyway packed with izakayas (Japanese pubs) illuminated by glowing lanterns. Omoide Yokocho can get crowded, but that chaotic energy is part of the experience. Grab a seat, order some food and enjoy people watching while taking in your first day in Tokyo.
If you’re tired, this is a great way to end your day. If you’re up for it, walk a few minutes from Omoide Yokocho and check out Golden Gai. Golden Gai is a a historic nightlife area in Tokyo, Japan, known for its six narrow alleys that’s filled with more narrow alleyways packed with over 100 bars. In typical Tokyo style, most bars only have a handful of seats and they all have different vibes.
Day 2: Nezu and Shinjuku
Today is your first full day and nothing short of busy and fun. Jet lag is probably hitting you, so this is the perfect time to experience Japan’s famous convenience stores. Most places don’t open until 9 or 10, but 7-Eleven is open 24 hours and has hidden gems to grab. What I recommend from 7-Eleven in Tokyo for breakfast:
- Soft-boiled egg
- Pancakes
- Smoothie
- Egg salad sando (it’s never too early)
One unexpected advantage of jet lag is getting to experience Tokyo before the city fully wakes up. I recommend going to the Nezu Shrine before the crowds. Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines and is located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward. It has survived wars, earthquakes, and fires that have destroyed other historic sites in Tokyo.
Out of the 11 days I spent across Japan, Nezu Shrine is one of my favorite shrines. It’s often compared to a smaller version of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, but I found it different in the energy and experience. We were some of the only tourists there and quietly explored the grounds while locals stopped by for morning prayers.
Next to the Nezu Shrine is the Nezu Shrine Azalea Garden and an absolute MUST when you visit Tokyo in the spring. As one of Tokyo’s most famous spring flower spots, there’s an Azalea Festival every April. The entrance fee is a 500 yen donation during the festival season!
We stopped and grabbed a second breakfast at Mystery Coffee Nazoya Cafe. I really enjoyed the calmness of this area of Tokyo and it was the perfect way to start the day before exploring more of the bustling neighborhood of Shinjuku.
To get to Shinjuku from Mystery Coffee Nazoya Cafe or Nezu Shrine, it will be quicker and easier to take public transportation. Take the Chiyoda line at Nezu Station to Shin-Ochanomizu Station. Take a short walk to Ogawamachi Station and take the Shinjuku line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station. You don’t have to remember this now, you can use Google Maps to help in real time.
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is absolutely a MUST in Tokyo in spring. Shinjuku Gyoen is especially popular during cherry blossom season and is one of the best places in Tokyo for sakura viewing. We were lucky to visit during cherry blossom season, and I was amazed by how large the garden felt in the middle of the city. Consider taking a guided walking tour through the National Garden.
Other things to do in Shinjuku:
- Coffee at Roastery by Nozy Coffee
- Shinjuku Sumo Show tickets
- Shibuya and Shinjuku Go-Karting Tour
- Ninja Museum tickets
- Authentic tea ceremony with matcha & kimono
- Nighttime ghost tour
For dinner, there’s plenty of options in Shinjuku, but tonight it’s time for the first experience of wagyu. Book a reservation at Yakiniku Motoyama Shinjuku for delicious wagyu. Cooking Wagyu steak over an open flame in Japan is commonly called Yakiniku (Japanese barbecue), where thin slices are grilled over gas. This is one of my favorite meals during our 6 days in Tokyo.
Day 3: Shibuya
Today is all about exploring the Shibuya neighborhood. Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, known for the famous Shibuya Crossing, shopping, nightlife, and trendy cafes.
Blue Bottle Coffee in Shibuya quickly became my favorite coffee shop in Tokyo and is a great breakfast stop before exploring the Shibuya and Harajuku neighborhoods. When you visit Tokyo in the spring, you can order their seasonal cherry blossom latte! You can take your order to go or indulge like the locals and sit on the steps outside of the coffee shop.
After coffee, head to the Meiji Jingu early to avoid the crowds. Meiji Jingu is a major Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan and the empress.
Walk to the Meiji Jingu Ichino Torii gates, snap a few photos, and keep walking down the path to the Sake Barrels all the way to the Meiji Shrine. The original shrine was destroyed during WWII, then rebuilt and is now an important site for local festivals and daily prayers.
Now it’s time to check out the shops. Takeshita Street is great for shopping. We found this shop that had high-quality T-shirts with patches sewn in on the back for my husband to purchase. While I don’t have a full shop list, I recommend taking your time and going into the stores that interest you!
It’s not quite a Tokyo trip without shopping at Don Quijote, the store that feels like it has the options of a Walmart and Target hybrid in the square footage of a CVS! You’ll see the famous penguin logo and know you’re in the right place.
Shopping list for Don Quijote:
- Rice face masks
- Pro Circa pimple patches
- Honey hair oil
- Foot sheet masks
- Biodance face masks
At this point, you deserve a break from being on your feet. Make an appointment in advance for The Headspa Tokyo. I waited too long and had to book my reservations at their Annex, which seemed to be just as nice. Located three minutes from Shibuya Station, the Headspa Tokyo is a complete experience.
While at the Headspa Tokyo, you can expect:
- A scalp assessment and recommendation
- scalp cleansing and scalp massage
- neck/shoulder massage
- shampoo and rinse
- blow dry and styling
The scalp massage was so relaxing that I’ll be honest, I fell asleep! While I went to the Headspa Tokyo, my husband had an appointment with Mey Hair. Both of our experiences were positive and cost a fraction of what the services would cost in the States.
We met back up at Uobei for conveyor belt sushi. This is a place where you have limited interaction with staff as you can order at the tablet at your seat. The whole experience felt uniquely Tokyo and the sushi was incredible.
Other places to check out in Shibuya:
- Shibuya and Shinjuku Go-Karting Tour – after seeing other travelers do it, we wished we had made time for it ourselves.
- Make chopsticks – a gift you’ll have forever.
- Cooking class: Shibuya ramen making!
- Karaoke night with private booth – epic.
Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s time to see the Tokyo Giants and grab tickets to a baseball game at Tokyo Dome. I was skeptical at first, but it ended up being a fun, lively experience.
If you really don’t want to go to a game, stay in Shibuya and go on a night tour dinner cruise. Seeing the city from the water at night is beautiful. After dinner, grab a drink at Whales of August if you’re up for it!
Day 4: Asakusa and Ueno
Today is all about history, and if you’re lucky, cherry blossoms. The Asakusa neighborhood was my favorite of the popular Tokyo neighborhoods and Ueno felt quieter and more local compared to the fast-paced energy of Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station. If you need a morning coffee, walk to Westside Coffee Asakusa. Keep in mind the menu is intentionally simple because the coffee is high quality and doesn’t need much to taste great. If you’re looking for more of a latte or matcha, go to Feb’s Coffee & Scone!
Around the corner from both of these coffee shops is the entrance to Senso-Ji – the oldest temple in Tokyo. This temple is an important center of religious faith and draws nearly 30 million visitors every year. We spent quite a bit of time at the temple because there’s quite a bit to do.
You can draw a fortune (omikuji), walk through the famous Kaminarimon Gate, and wander down Nakamise Street filled with snacks and souvenirs. We found ube ice cream (purple sweet potato) along with other snacks! It can get busy, but it’s worth walking down and trying some of the street food.
If you like matcha, go to Matcha Cafe Kotobukiseian. Keep in mind it doesn’t open until 10:30am. My husband and I aren’t big matcha fans, so we went here because they have premium matcha. If you’re hungry, Benitsuru Pancake is a short walk that has the selection of sweet and savory pancakes. You will need a reservation for the pancakes!
Now it’s time to head to Kitchen Town, otherwise known as Kappabashi Kitchen Supply Town. Here you’ll find chefs and amateurs alike browsing the shops for amazing tools. If you were in Japan at the same time as us, you would’ve seen my husband living his dream of shopping for his own Japanese knife.
The best Kappabashi knife shops:
- Tsubaya
- Kama-Asa
If you’re a little unsure about this or feeling overwhelmed, take a Japanese Knife tour with a guide. This tour guide also includes kitchenware and cutlery.
Ueno Park is nearby and you MUST see the view from Shinobazu Pond. Ueno Park could be compared to New York City’s Central Park, as Ueno Park is filled with multiple museums and even a zoo!
Museums in Ueno Park:
- Ueno Royal Museum (art museum)
- Ueno Zoo
- National Museum of Nature and Science
For late lunch, try Ichiran, the viral 24-hour ramen spot. There’s one right on Ueno Station where you can take the Chiyoda line or Utsunomiya line to Tokyo Station to visit the Imperial Palace.
The Imperial Palace is the main residence of the emperor of Japan. While you can’t go inside the Palace, The East Gardens are free and open most days (closed Mondays and Fridays). The Inner Palace grounds require pre-booked guided tours which you should book in advance.
For dinner, head back toward Asakusa and try Daikokuya Tempura, one of Tokyo’s most famous tempura restaurants, known for its massive bowls of crispy tempura over rice.
Day 5: Ginza
Ginza is one of Tokyo’s top shopping districts, but there’s much more to do. Take the train to Higashi-Ginza Station early.
The first stop is to the Tsukiji Fish Market. The market opens at 5 a.m. and gets extremely crowded as the day goes on – go early! We tried so much food here, from fresh salmon and wagyu to Japanese cantaloupe and tamagoyaki. We got to the fish market around 8:30 a.m. and the longer we were at the market, the more people arrived and it did get a little overwhelming.
Nearby, grab coffee at Turret Coffee Tsukiji. It’s the perfect break from the crowds of the busy market.
If you’re still hungry, grab lunch at Gy-an Ginza for incredible wagyu lunch special – no reservations needed or accepted. For ramen, go to Ramen Takahashi or Tempura Kondo
After exploring Ginza, I personally needed to grab another coffee. Ogawa Coffee Lab has an incredible coffee tasting experience you should try out. There’s an Onitsuka Tiger shop around the corner from here if you’d like to snag a pair of the viral sneakers. Be prepared to wait in line if the store is busy.
End the evening with Kichijoji Food and Bar Hopping Tour! We booked a small group tour to explore this part of Tokyo we hadn’t yet uncovered. The Kichijoji neighborhood felt far more relaxed and residential than central Tokyo, and the small-group food tour introduced us to bars and restaurants we never would have discovered on our own.
Day 6: Best Day Trips from Tokyo
Although there’s more to see in Tokyo, the final day of your 6 day Tokyo itinerary is the day to explore somewhere new!
Option one: Tokyo DisneySea
Japan has some of the most highly-rated theme parks in the world. In Tokyo alone, there’s Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo DisneySea is widely considered one of the best Disney parks in the world thanks to its immersive theming, unique rides, incredible food, and attention to detail.
Tickets are released in advance and often sell out quickly during peak travel seasons so don’t forget to book your tickets ahead of time!
Tips on enjoying Tokyo DisneySea:
- Download the Tokyo Disney app
- Take your time
- Try all the unique popcorn flavors around the park
Option two: Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji can only be clearly seen around 80 to 100 days per year due to weather and cloud conditions. If there’s a clear forecast while you’re in Tokyo, take advantage of it!
The best day trip destinations for seeing Mount Fuji include:
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Hakone
- Chureito Pagoda
- Oshino Hakkai
Highlights of a Mount Fuji day trip:
- Seeing Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchiko
- Riding the Hakone Ropeway
- Visiting traditional onsen towns
- Trying local Hoto noodles
- Photographing Chureito Pagoda
If you don’t want to plan transportation yourself, consider booking a guided Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo.
What to Know Before Visiting Tokyo
Here’s everything I wish I knew before visiting Japan. For Tokyo specifically, I wish I had understood that it’s appropriate to walk on the left side of the street, even in the subway.
Tokyo Quick Tips:
- Download Google Maps offline
- Carry cash
- Walk on the left side
- Don’t talk loudly on trains
- Convenience stores are incredible
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world because no two neighborhoods feel the same. One minute you’re walking through peaceful temple grounds, and the next you’re surrounded by neon lights, arcades, and towering skyscrapers.
Spending 6 days in Tokyo gives you enough time to experience both sides of the city while also leaving room for incredible food, shopping, and unforgettable day trips.
Whether it’s your first trip to Japan or your fifth, Tokyo is the kind of place that keeps pulling you back for more.
