8-Day Comprehensive Tokyo Itinerary: Explore Culture, Cuisine, and Modern Attractions

Day 1: Explore Central Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Kiyomura Sushi Zanmai Higashi

Start your day with fresh sushi breakfast at Sushi Zanmai, a highly popular sushi chain near the Tsukiji area, open 24 hours ensuring fresh and early options.
JPY3000, 1h

9:30am

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax and enjoy the expansive gardens combining traditional Japanese, English, and French styles. Ideal for a peaceful morning walk.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Go to the observation decks (free entry) for panoramic views of Tokyo and a glimpse of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nabezo Shinjuku 3 Chome

Tuck into sukiyaki or shabu-shabu at Nabezo, highly rated for fresh ingredients and all-you-can-eat offers.
JPY3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Shopping and sightseeing at Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience one of the busiest pedestrian crossings worldwide and visit the famous Hachiko dog statue.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Shibuya Center-Gai

Discover trendy shops, cafes, and entertainment in the bustling heart of Shibuya.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy high-tech conveyor belt sushi in this affordable and fun restaurant open until late.
JPY2500, 1h
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Day 2: Historical Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Savor famous melonpan bread at Kagetsudo, a long-standing bakery near Senso-ji Temple.
JPY600, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, admire the iconic Kaminarimon gate, and stroll through Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Sumida Park Walk

Enjoy riverside views along the Sumida River between Asakusa and the Tokyo Skytree.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura

Taste authentic tempura at this well-known Asakusa restaurant famous for generous portions.
JPY3000, 1h

2:00pm

Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum, or the National Museum of Nature and Science; museums generally open 9:30am-5pm.
JPY620 to JPY1000 depending on museum, 2h

5:00pm

Ameyoko Shopping Street

Explore this lively street market with clothes, snacks, and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Innsyoutei in Ueno Park

Dine on traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine surrounded by serene garden views.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Enjoy western-style breakfast with ocean views from Odaiba’s popular cafe open from 8am.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Explore teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Immerse yourself in the innovative digital art museum in Odaiba, open 10am-7pm (last entry 6pm).
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at DECKS Tokyo Beach Food Court

Choose from a variety of casual dining options with views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Ginza District

Shop and admire luxury stores in one of Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping areas.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Ginza Six Rooftop Garden

Relax in this rooftop garden oasis with views of Ginza’s skyline, open until 8pm.
Free, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Dai Ginza

Treat yourself to high-quality sushi at a famed Ginza sushi spot, reservations recommended.
JPY6000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Trendy and Traditional

Tokyo, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Ron Ron Harajuku

Indulge in colorful sweets and unique pancake offerings at this trendy Harajuku spot.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore this peaceful Shinto shrine nestled in a forested area, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Takeshita Street Shopping

Experience youthful fashion, quirky boutiques, and lively atmosphere in Harajuku’s most famous street.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

Enjoy light and flavorful yuzu ramen, a local favorite.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Omotesando Avenue

Stroll along this upscale tree-lined avenue featuring elegant cafes and architecture.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at Yoyogi Park

Take a late afternoon walk or rest in this large park near Harajuku and Shibuya.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten

Savor premium tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) in a sophisticated setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko by train

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa station to Nikko (~2h).
JPY2700 one way, 2h

9:30am

Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage site known for ornate carvings and peaceful surroundings.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Casual eatery offering yakitori and local specialties near the shrine.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Admire Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three famous waterfalls, and relax by scenic Lake Chuzenji.
JPY500 access fee to observation platform, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Train back to Tokyo, arriving by early evening.
JPY2700, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner near hotel

Opt for a nearby eatery in Tokyo for a relaxing end to the day.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 6: Otaku and Imperial Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Akihabara Gachapon Hall

Try fun vending machine capsule toys and light bites at cafes in Akihabara.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Discover electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and themed cafés; most shops open from 10am.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gundam Cafe

Eat lunch at this iconic mecha-themed cafe popular with anime fans.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll through the historic palace grounds open 9am-4:30pm (closed Mondays and Fridays).
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Marunouchi area

Enjoy modern shops and architecture near Tokyo Station.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rokurinsha Tokyo Station

Famous for rich tsukemen (dipping ramen), often rated as Tokyo’s best.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 7: Nature Day

Mount Takao, Tokyo, Japan on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Mount Takao

Take the Keio Line from Shinjuku to Takaosanguchi Station (~50min).
JPY390 one way, 1h

9:00am

Hike Mount Takao

Choose from several hiking trails up the mountain for scenic views and temples; open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Takao 599 Museum Café

Taste local dishes while learning about the mountain’s ecology.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Yakuoin Temple

A beautiful temple near the summit of Mount Takao, showcasing traditional architecture.
Free, 0h30m

3:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Shinjuku in late afternoon.
JPY390, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience a nostalgic alleyway with small yakitori bars and eateries in Shinjuku.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 8: City Relax & Culinary

Tokyo, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and street snacks at this famous market with shops open early morning.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Hamarikyu Gardens

Stroll through beautiful traditional gardens with a teahouse offering matcha and sweets.
JPY300, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Sushi Kyubey Ginza

Experience exquisite traditional sushi with skillful chefs at this renowned establishment.
JPY6000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum

Explore modern art and panoramic city views from the Mori Tower observatory; open 10am-10pm, museum until 10pm.
JPY1800, 2h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous Izakaya restaurant that inspired the movie Kill Bill, serving great Japanese comfort food.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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