10 Days in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary
Ten days means you can truly live in Tokyo rather than just visit — you'll have time for the classic neighbourhoods but also the quieter, more local areas like Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Yanaka that reveal the city's real character. Day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and Kyoto are all feasible.
Build my personalized Tokyo plan
This 10-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.
Your 10-day Tokyo itinerary, day by day
- Day1
Asakusa and First Impressions
Arrive, check in, and head to Senso-ji for your first Tokyo evening. The temple is illuminated at night and far less crowded — a perfect gentle introduction to the city.
- Day2
Shibuya and Harajuku
Meiji Shrine in the morning calm, Harajuku street fashion, Omotesando architecture, and Shibuya Crossing at peak rush hour. Full immersion in Tokyo's pop-culture heartland.
- Day3
Shinjuku
Full Shinjuku day: Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen, Kabukicho, and an evening in Golden Gai's legendary bar alleys.
- Day4
teamLab and Odaiba
teamLab Planets in the morning (pre-booked), Odaiba waterfront in the afternoon, Rainbow Bridge views at sunset.
- Day5
Akihabara and Ueno
Akihabara for electronics and anime culture, Ueno Park for the Tokyo National Museum and Ameyoko market street.
- Day6
Nikko Day Trip
Full day in Nikko — the Tosho-gu shrine complex, Rinno-ji temple, and the Kegon Falls. Two hours each way on the Tobu Nikko Line.
- Day7
Kamakura Day Trip
Kamakura's Great Buddha, Hase-dera temple, and the hiking trail connecting multiple Zen temples. Lunch of shirasu (whitebait) on rice by the sea. One hour from Shinjuku on the JR Yokosuka Line.
- Day8
Kyoto Day Trip by Shinkansen
The Shinkansen gets you to Kyoto in 2h15m — a day trip is entirely feasible. Fushimi Inari in the morning (go early — the crowds build fast), Nishiki Market for lunch, Kinkaku-ji in the afternoon. Back in Tokyo by 9pm.
- Day9
Tsukiji, Ginza, Roppongi
Sushi breakfast at Tsukiji outer market, Ginza flagship stores and the free Ginza Six rooftop garden, then the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills for the evening — great city views from the observation deck.
- Day10
Shimokitazawa and Farewell
Shimokitazawa is Tokyo's indie heartland — vintage clothing stores, live music venues, independent coffee shops, and zero tourist infrastructure. The most local of Tokyo's neighbourhoods. Sky Tree for final city views, then a farewell dinner in Shinjuku.
Tips for your Tokyo trip
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — it works on all trains, subways, and buses across the country, and you can use it to pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
- Convenience stores (konbini) — 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — are genuinely excellent for breakfast and lunch: onigiri, sandwiches, and hot foods at the counter, all under ¥500.
- Book popular restaurants weeks in advance, especially ramen spots, sushi counters, and izakayas in Shinjuku or Shibuya — many have English-language online booking via Tableall or Omakase.
- The JR Pass is only worth it if you're doing multiple bullet-train journeys to other cities; for Tokyo alone, a Suica card covers everything you need.
Other Tokyo trip lengths
FAQ: 10 days in Tokyo
Is 10 days enough for Tokyo?
Ten days means you can truly live in Tokyo rather than just visit — you'll have time for the classic neighbourhoods but also the quieter, more local areas like Shimokitazawa, Koenji, and Yanaka that reveal the city's real character. If you have more or less time, see our 5 and 7-day Tokyo itineraries.
What should I do on day 1 in Tokyo?
Asakusa and First Impressions: Arrive, check in, and head to Senso-ji for your first Tokyo evening. The temple is illuminated at night and far less crowded — a perfect gentle introduction to the city.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is March–May (cherry blossoms) and October–November.
Can I customize this 10-day Tokyo itinerary?
Yes. Open it in Planawai and the AI rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and interests. You can then drag stops, change times or ask for changes like "less walking" or "more food".
Build my personalized Tokyo plan
This 10-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.