Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
Begin at Hong Kong International Airport, allowing roughly three hours before departure for check-in, security, and immigration. The flight to Tokyo is usually about four to five hours airborne, but plan on approximately three to four additional hours for arrival formalities, baggage, and getting into the city. From Narita Airport, the Narita Express or airport limousine bus takes around 60–90 minutes depending on your hotel and traffic; from Haneda Airport, allow roughly 30–60 minutes by train. Check in first and leave your luggage at the hotel—this evening works best without trying to sightsee before settling down.
Head to Shibuya Crossing after dark, when the illuminated buildings and waves of pedestrians make the famous intersection especially lively. Spend around 45 minutes crossing from several corners and watching from the surrounding walkways; the Shibuya Station area is busy, so keep valuables secure and avoid stopping in the middle of the crossings. From there, walk toward Nonbei Yokocho, a compact collection of lantern-lit alleyways near the railway tracks. The tiny bars and counters are ideal for one relaxed drink or a few small dishes, though many seats are limited and some establishments are cash-only. Budget around ¥1,000–2,500 per person depending on drinks and food, and be considerate about lingering in the narrow passageways.
For dinner, continue to Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, about a 10-minute walk away. Its touchscreen ordering and sushi delivered along the counter make it an easy first-night meal, with most diners spending roughly ¥1,500–3,000 each. Expect a queue at peak dinner time; joining the line around 5:30–6:00 p.m. is usually easier than arriving after 7:00 p.m., and the restaurant’s hours can change, so check on the day. From Shibuya, return to your hotel by the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro, or taxi if jet lag has caught up with you—keep the rest of the night unplanned so you can adjust to Tokyo time.
Start at Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Square, ideally around 9:00, when the brick station façade catches the softer morning light and the surrounding office district is still relatively calm. Allow about 30 minutes for photographs and a quick coffee; Marunouchi is easiest to reach by following signs for the Marunouchi South or North exits. From the square, walk roughly 10 minutes to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The gardens are free, but opening days and seasonal hours vary, with closures commonly on Mondays and Fridays—check the official calendar before setting out. Allow 1–1½ hours for the former castle grounds, stone walls, ponds, and carefully maintained gardens; there is no need to rush, but bring water and comfortable shoes.
Continue west toward Nihonbashi, about 20 minutes on foot, or take the short Tokyo Metro connection if the weather is poor. Spend an hour around the historic bridge and nearby department stores, where old merchant traditions sit alongside polished modern architecture. For lunch, join the queue at Tsujihan Nihombashi; its seafood bowls are typically ¥2,000–4,000 per person, and a wait of 30–60 minutes is normal at busy times. Go before noon or accept that lunch may run later—there is usually no practical reservation shortcut. Afterward, walk approximately 10 minutes to Ningyocho for a slower hour among traditional shops and old-fashioned sweet makers. Try a small snack such as ningyoyaki or tamagoyaki rather than adding another full meal; this neighborhood is best enjoyed by wandering, and many small businesses keep individual opening hours.
You have covered a compact part of central Tokyo, so leave the late afternoon open for browsing Nihonbashi’s food halls or returning to the station area without adding another major sight. The whole route is comfortably walkable, though a Suica or Pasmo card makes the occasional subway ride simple; budget roughly ¥500–1,000 for local transport and ¥2,500–5,000 for lunch and snacks. Expect the Imperial Palace East Gardens to be free, while department-store food halls and specialty sweets can quickly tempt you into extra purchases.
Start around 8:30 in Asakusa, before the lanes become crowded. Visit Senso-ji through Kaminarimon Gate, then follow the approach to the main hall and pagoda. The grounds are generally accessible from early morning, while the inner temple buildings typically open later, so arriving early is best for a quieter atmosphere and photographs. Allow about 90 minutes, including time for the customary purification and a quick omikuji fortune. From nearby stations, Asakusa Station is served by the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu lines; the temple area is mostly pedestrian, so comfortable shoes help.
Continue along Nakamise-dori for roughly 45 minutes. This is the place to try traditional snacks such as ningyoyaki cakes, senbei, and freshly made melonpan, while browsing folding fans, textiles, and small souvenirs. Keep an eye on shop signs and avoid eating while walking in the busiest stretch—step aside near the side lanes instead. Prices are usually a few hundred yen per snack, though the street can be crowded from late morning onward.
Walk or take a short taxi ride—about 15 minutes, depending on traffic—to Kappabashi Dougu Street. The specialist shops here sell everything from knives and lacquerware to restaurant crockery and remarkably realistic plastic food samples. Allow 90 minutes, but note that individual stores often keep weekday-style hours and may close relatively early or vary by day; check the shops you particularly want before setting out. For knives or fragile ceramics, ask about sharpening, engraving, and overseas packing before buying. Continue by subway from Tawaramachi Station toward Ueno, then spend about an hour in Ueno Park, where the broad paths and temple precincts make a welcome pause after shopping. Finish at Ameyoko Shopping Street, best explored in the late afternoon when its market stalls, discount shops, seafood counters, and inexpensive snacks are especially lively. Budget around ¥500–1,500 for casual bites. For dinner, walk to 焼肉陽山道 上野本店 (Yakiniku Yansando Ueno Honten) and allow 90 minutes; expect roughly ¥4,000–8,000 per person, more for premium cuts and drinks. Reservations are sensible for dinner, particularly on weekends, and the restaurant is a short walk from Ueno and Okachimachi stations.
Begin at Meiji Jingu, arriving around 8:30–9:00 to enjoy the broad gravel paths and cedar forest before Harajuku fills up. The shrine grounds are free and generally open from dawn until dusk, though the inner shrine’s hours vary seasonally; allow about 90 minutes, and wear comfortable shoes because the approach is a pleasant but substantial walk. From the Harajuku-side entrance, continue directly to Takeshita Street for an hour of people-watching, vintage-fashion browsing, and snacks such as crepes or rainbow-colored sweets. It is narrow and quickly becomes crowded, so keep bags close and avoid stopping in the middle of the street.
Walk or take a short train/taxi hop toward Nezu Museum in Aoyama—roughly 20–25 minutes on foot from Takeshita Street, or about 10 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Check the current exhibition calendar before setting out: the museum is commonly closed on Mondays, and special exhibitions may have separate ticket arrangements. Admission is usually around ¥1,500–2,000, with another 90 minutes for the galleries and its beautifully landscaped garden. Afterwards, spend the afternoon along Omotesando, following the tree-lined avenue toward Shibuya at an easy pace; browse the architecture and boutiques, then pause at a café such as Koffee Mameya or Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama. Keep this section flexible rather than trying to shop every block.
Head to SHIBUYA SKY in time for sunset, allowing roughly 15–20 minutes from Omotesando by subway or taxi and extra time for the building’s elevators and security procedures. Timed admission is strongly recommended—sunset slots are among the first to sell out, and outdoor access can close temporarily in strong wind or rain—so book through the official ticket channel and arrive at least 20 minutes early. After the view, walk to Afuri Shibuya for yuzu-shio ramen, usually about ¥1,500–2,500 per person; expect a queue at dinner, but the meal is fast once seated. If you still have energy, wander the quieter side streets around Shibuya rather than adding another major attraction.
Start at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks in Shinjuku, ideally around 9:00. The north and south towers have offered free city views, though opening times, closures, and access arrangements can change, so check the official website before setting out. Allow about an hour, including the elevator queue; on a clear day, look for Mount Fuji beyond the western suburbs. From Shinjuku Station, use the underground west-side passages or walk roughly 10–15 minutes. Afterward, walk about 15 minutes east to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a slower late morning among its Japanese, French formal, and English landscape gardens. Admission is usually around ¥500, and the garden is commonly closed on Mondays, with seasonal and holiday exceptions—confirm before going. Give yourself two hours, and bring a drink or small snack since cafés inside are limited.
Exit toward Shinjuku-sanchome and head to Omoide Yokocho, a tight cluster of lantern-lit lanes beside the railway tracks. It is a short walk from the garden, though the route can feel confusing around the station; using an exact map pin is worthwhile. Settle into a small yakitori counter rather than expecting a spacious restaurant—smoke, closely packed stools, and quick service are part of the charm. Lunch generally costs about ¥2,000–4,000 per person, and many counters prefer cash. If a stall is full, wait a few minutes rather than rushing; turnover is usually fairly quick.
From Shinjuku to Kagurazaka, take the Toei Oedo Line to Ushigome-kagurazaka or Iidabashi, allowing roughly 20–25 minutes door to door. Spend the afternoon wandering the sloping main street and quieter side lanes around Kagurazaka, where stone-paved alleys, small shrines, traditional wooden buildings, and French-influenced cafés reflect the neighborhood’s former geisha-quarter character. Keep the pace unhurried for about 90 minutes—this is best explored by turning down lanes rather than chasing a checklist. Finish at Canal Cafe beside the Sotobori moat, ideally arriving before the busiest dinner period; outdoor seating is especially pleasant in good weather, but availability and weather-related operations can vary. Budget roughly ¥2,000–4,000 per person, and check the café’s current hours because seasonal closures and private events do occur.
Start at teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu, allowing about two hours for the barefoot, water-based installations. This is one of the few Tokyo attractions where advance timed admission is genuinely important: reserve an official slot before the day, arrive around 15–20 minutes early, and avoid carrying large bags. Expect to walk through water, so shorts are useful; changing facilities are available, but the experience is less comfortable if you arrive with bulky luggage. From central Tokyo, Toyosu Station is the practical arrival point, followed by a short walk or a ride on the Yurikamome to Shin-Toyosu Station.
Walk or take a short local ride to Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai for lunch and a relaxed look around its Edo-inspired streetscape. Give yourself roughly 90 minutes to browse regional food stalls and choose a seafood bowl, grilled seafood, sushi, or a lighter snack rather than committing to the first busy counter you see. Prices vary, but plan on about ¥1,500–3,500 per person for a casual meal. It is a convenient midday stop, though individual restaurants and food stands keep different hours, so check the complex’s current listings before setting out.
Continue to Toyosu Market, allowing an hour for the public areas and seafood-related shops. This is a working wholesale market rather than a conventional sightseeing attraction: public access, viewing routes, and shop hours vary, and the liveliest activity is generally early in the day. By afternoon, keep expectations modest—use the visit to understand the layout and browse what remains open rather than expecting the full auction atmosphere. From Toyosu, take the Yurikamome toward Odaiba; the ride is straightforward, but allow around 30–40 minutes door to door for walking and transfers. Spend about two hours at Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, where the robotics, space, and future-focused exhibits are especially good if the weather turns poor. Admission is commonly around ¥630 for the permanent exhibition, with special exhibitions extra; check current hours and ticket arrangements, as some programs may require separate booking.
Finish outdoors at Odaiba Seaside Park, where the promenade gives you a broad view across Tokyo Bay toward Rainbow Bridge. Allow an hour around sunset, but bring a light layer—the waterfront becomes noticeably cooler and windier than inland Tokyo. For dinner, settle into Bills Odaiba, whose relaxed setting works well after a full day on your feet; budget roughly ¥2,500–5,000 per person, and expect a possible wait at peak dinner time. Afterward, return via Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line or Daiba Station on the Yurikamome, depending on your hotel’s location; allow 30–45 minutes back to central Tokyo.
Start at Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, arriving shortly before opening so you have a quieter first look at the Japanese Gallery, then choose a smaller number of rooms rather than trying to cover the entire complex. Allow about 2½ hours for the main collection and special exhibitions. General admission is usually around ¥1,000, with special exhibitions costing extra; opening days and exhibition access can change, so check the museum’s official schedule and reserve any timed exhibition entry in advance. From Ueno Station, it is roughly a 10-minute walk through Ueno Park.
Take a relaxed walk north through the older streets of Yanaka to Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, about 20–25 minutes from the museum. This is a good place for inexpensive snacks such as grilled items, rice crackers, or sweet shops rather than a formal lunch; allow about an hour, noting that individual stores generally close in the late afternoon and some may not open every day. Continue on foot toward Nezu Shrine, approximately 15 minutes away. Spend an hour exploring its vermilion buildings and torii-lined path; the grounds are free, though the inner areas and seasonal features can have different access arrangements. Afterward, walk or take a short taxi ride—around 10 minutes—to Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden in Yushima. Allow an hour for the Western-style mansion, billiards room, and Japanese garden. Admission is typically around ¥400, and the site commonly closes in the early evening, so avoid leaving it until the last minute.
For dinner, head to Kanda Yabu Soba, one of Tokyo’s classic soba restaurants, about 15–20 minutes from Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden by taxi or via Yushima and Suehirocho stations. Expect roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person and a short queue at peak dinner time; the restaurant’s closing days and hours can vary, so verify them before crossing town. Order a simple cold soba with dipping sauce, and keep the evening unhurried—after a museum-heavy day, wandering the quiet side streets around Kanda is more rewarding than adding another major attraction.
Start around 8:30 at Tsukiji Outer Market, arriving hungry and before the narrow lanes become busiest. Spend about 90 minutes grazing on tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, fruit, and small rice dishes while browsing knife, pottery, and kitchenware stalls. Individual vendors keep different hours and many close once their morning stock sells out, so carry cash and avoid bringing large luggage through the market. From Tsukijishijo Station, take the short walk to Hamarikyu Gardens—or walk in roughly 15 minutes—then allow 1½ hours for the tidal pond, bridges, pine trees, and teahouse views. Admission is typically around ¥300; the garden usually opens in the morning and closes before evening, with seasonal hours worth checking.
Leave Hamarikyu Gardens through the Shiodome side and walk toward GINZA SIX in about 15–20 minutes. This is a good place for a relaxed lunch or coffee before exploring its design-led shops, rotating art displays, and rooftop garden; budget roughly ¥1,000–3,000 for a café meal, more for restaurants. Continue a few blocks to Itoya Ginza, where the floors of notebooks, fountain pens, paper, wrapping supplies, and Japanese design goods are much more interesting than a quick souvenir stop—allow a full hour, and leave room in your bag. Both shopping stops generally operate from late morning into the evening, but individual restaurants and pop-ups vary.
Head to Kabukiza Theatre for an early-evening look at the building and, if available, a selected kabuki segment. A full program can last several hours, while single-act or standing-room options depend on the day’s schedule and ticket availability; check the official calendar before committing, and arrive early if buying a same-day ticket. Even without a performance, the exterior, entrance areas, and nearby Kabukiza Gallery area offer a glimpse of the theatre’s atmosphere. Finish at Tsuru TonTan UDON NOODLE Brasserie Ginza, a spacious, lively choice for dinner about ¥2,000–4,000 per person. It is sensible to expect a queue at peak hours; if you still have energy afterward, stroll along Chuo-dori as the Ginza signs come on.
Begin at Gotokuji Temple around 9:00, reaching it via Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line or Miyanosaka Station on the Setagaya Line. This is a quiet, residential corner of Tokyo, and the temple feels most atmospheric before tour groups arrive. Allow about 90 minutes to see the grounds, pagoda, and the famous maneki-neko display. The temple grounds are free; the figurine area is outdoors, but the temple’s buildings and shop may keep separate daytime hours. If you want a cat figurine as a souvenir, buy one here rather than carrying one around all day.
Walk to Miyanosaka Station for the Setagaya Line ride toward Sangen-Jaya, using the small two-car tram as part of the experience rather than simply a transfer. The journey takes roughly 20 minutes, but allow an hour in total for the ride, waiting, and a short look around the stops and quiet residential streets. Pay with an IC card where accepted, or follow the onboard fare instructions; unlike central Tokyo’s major lines, this local tram feels slower and more neighborly. Continue to Shimokitazawa by walking from Sangen-Jaya or taking a short train connection, depending on your energy.
Spend about two hours in Shimokitazawa, browsing the independent vintage shops, used-record stores, small bookshops, and side streets around the station. Start with a relaxed lunch at Kitade Tacos, Shimokitazawa Cage, or one of the neighborhood curry cafés, budgeting roughly ¥1,000–2,000. The area rewards wandering more than following a checklist, particularly around the quieter streets west of the station. From Shimokitazawa, take the Odakyu Line to Setagaya-Daita, then walk about 10 minutes to Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory. Allow an hour, and check availability before making the detour: Totoro-shaped cream puffs are popular and flavors can sell out. Expect approximately ¥1,000–2,000 per person; the café is small, so takeaway may be the practical option.
Return toward Sangenjaya for an early-evening wander through the narrow lanes around Sankaku Chitai, where tiny yakitori counters, standing bars, and neighborhood izakaya create a much more local atmosphere than the major nightlife districts. Keep the meal flexible rather than committing to the first busy-looking counter, and budget around ¥2,000–4,000 for drinks and small plates. Finish dinner at Mikan Shimokita, the compact food and cultural complex beside Shimokitazawa Station, where several casual restaurants make it easy to choose on the spot. Allow about an hour and a similar ¥2,000–4,000 per person. From there, the Odakyu and Keio lines provide straightforward connections back to most central Tokyo hotels; an IC card is the easiest way to handle today’s short urban journeys.
Check out of your Tokyo hotel with your passport, flight details, and any tax-free purchase paperwork easily accessible. For Haneda Airport, allow roughly 45–75 minutes door to door from central Tokyo by train or taxi; the Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail are usually the most practical options. For Narita Airport, budget about 90–120 minutes from central Tokyo, including the walk to the station and a little margin for platform changes. The Narita Express is comfortable from major stations, while the Keisei Skyliner is often quickest from the east side; reserve a seat rather than relying on the last train that appears on the timetable.
Aim to reach the airport around three hours before an international departure, especially if you are checking luggage. Confirm the terminal before leaving—the two Tokyo airports are not interchangeable, and Narita’s terminals are spread out. Airport trains run reliably, but allow extra time for elevators and large bags. If you have a late flight, you can leave luggage at the hotel after checkout and spend a little time around the hotel neighborhood, but remain close enough to return comfortably and avoid adding a final sightseeing stop.
After baggage drop and security, keep some time for immigration and a meal rather than counting on a quick gate transfer. Haneda Airport has pleasant shops and restaurants, while Narita Airport has a broader selection after security; prices are higher than in the city, so pick up any final snacks before entering the airport if convenient. The flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong is typically around four to five hours airborne, but the full airport-to-airport journey will be considerably longer once check-in, security, boarding, and arrival formalities are included. Allow for baggage collection and Hong Kong immigration on arrival, and check the onward transport or airport pickup arrangements before boarding.
No packing list attached yet.