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Tokyo guides

No surface-level tips. Every article is grounded in real experience and careful research — written from a European perspective.

Tokyo 7-day itinerary Shibuya crossing
🗺️ Itinerary
April 2026

Tokyo 7-Day Itinerary — The Perfect First Week

Day-by-day plan covering Shinjuku, Asakusa, Shibuya, Harajuku, a day trip to Kamakura or Hakone, and local neighbourhoods. Built around what actually works.

ItineraryFirst Visit7 Days
Kabukicho neon signs at night, Shinjuku, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 12 min
Shinjuku District Guide — Golden Gai, Kabukicho & the World's Busiest Station Shinjuku is a city within a city. By day one of Asia's greatest commercial hubs, by night a neon-lit labyrinth of bars and restaurants. This guide covers everything — where to eat, drink, how to navigate, and what to avoid.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 11 min
Shibuya & Harajuku — Scramble Crossing, fashion & Meiji Shrine The world's busiest crossing, Harajuku's eccentric fashion and tranquil Meiji Shrine — all within walking distance. Everything for Shibuya and Harajuku.
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 10 min
Asakusa — old Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple & the Nakamise shopping street Asakusa is where time stands still. A 1,400-year-old temple, rickshaw rides, traditional crafts and the best view of Tokyo Skytree across the Sumida River.
Cherry blossoms in Ueno Park, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 9 min
Ueno — Tokyo's museum quarter, the park & Ameyoko market Ueno Park hosts five world-class museums, Japan's most famous cherry blossom spot and the lively Ameyoko market. Nearby Yanaka offers authentic old Tokyo atmosphere.
Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 10 min
Akihabara — electronics paradise, retro game shops & maid cafés Akihabara is far more than electronics. In this world-famous geek mecca you'll find retro game goldmines, incredible figure shops and a unique maid café culture all its own.
Ginza district, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 9 min
Ginza — luxury, Tsukiji fish market & fine dining Tokyo's elegant heart: the world's most valuable retail sites, Japanese craftsmanship at its finest, the freshest sushi from Tsukiji and a Michelin-starred dining culture.
Tokyo Tower illuminated at night, Roppongi, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 9 min
Roppongi — Tokyo Tower, Mori Art Museum & nightlife Roppongi has two faces: world-class art galleries and the iconic Tokyo Tower by day, international nightlife hub by night. This guide navigates both.
Ikebukuro skyline seen from Sunshine 60, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 9 min
Ikebukuro — Sunshine City, Otome Road & the best ramen Ikebukuro is Shinjuku's calmer sibling — fewer tourists, more locals. Find Tokyo's best ramen, the Pokemon Center and Otome Road's unique shojo culture.
Street scene in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
District guide April 2026 · 8 min
Shimokitazawa — vintage shopping, indie music & Bear Pond Espresso Shimokitazawa is Tokyo's bohemian heart — like Amsterdam but Japanese. Wild vintage shops, intimate live music clubs, the best curry and world-famous Bear Pond Espresso.
Tonkotsu shoyu ramen bowl, Tokyo
Food March 2026 · 9 min
Ramen in Tokyo — the complete guide to styles, spots & ordering Shoyu, miso, tonkotsu or shio? Ramen only looks simple. We dive into every broth style, the best spots in Tokyo, and exactly how to order without speaking a word of Japanese.
Hanami cherry blossom festival at Ueno Park, Tokyo
Culture February 2026 · 8 min
Cherry blossoms in Tokyo — a hanami guide for Europeans Sakura season is Tokyo at its most beautiful — and most crowded. When to go, where to sit, what to eat, how to navigate millions of visitors. Everything for the perfect hanami.
Izakaya neon lights at night in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Food & Drink April 2026 · 9 min
Izakaya Guide — eat and drink like a local Izakaya is not a restaurant or a bar — it's something much better. What to order, how to behave, and where to find the best spots in Tokyo.
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Practical April 2026 · 6 min
SIM Card & eSIM for Japan — compared Pocket WiFi, physical SIM or eSIM? All options compared so you know what to order before you fly.
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Food & Practical April 2026 · 7 min
Japan Convenience Store Guide — what to buy 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are better than most restaurants. Onigiri, nikuman, desserts and all the other secrets.
Sushi platter with nigiri and maki
Food April 2026 · 7 min
Sushi in Tokyo — omakase, kaiten & best spots Tokyo has more Michelin stars than anywhere on earth — and yet great sushi costs a few hundred yen. All styles, spots and etiquette covered.
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Practical April 2026 · 7 min
Budget guide — how much does Tokyo actually cost? Daily costs for budget, mid-range and comfort travellers. Tokyo isn't expensive — when you know where to go.
Shinjuku station early morning, Tokyo
Practical April 2026 · 5 min
Suica Card — Tokyo's Essential Transit Card Suica works on the metro, JR trains, at convenience stores and cafés. How to get it, top it up, and add it directly to Apple Wallet.
Tokyo night view from Metropolitan Government Building
Practical April 2026 · 7 min
Where to Stay in Tokyo? Best Area for You Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa or Shibuya? Each area has its own strengths — this guide helps you find yours.
Kamakura Great Buddha, Daibutsu
Day Trip April 2026 · 6 min
Kamakura — Great Buddha & Coastal Serenity Tokyo's best day trip: a 13-metre bronze Buddha, Zen temples, the coast and fresh shirasu fish. About an hour by train.
Hakone Ropeway with Mount Fuji in background
Day Trip April 2026 · 6 min
Hakone — Mount Fuji, Onsen & Volcanic Landscape The best place to see Fuji — and so much more. Hot springs, volcanic Owakudani, a lake cruise and avant-garde art in the forest.
Yomeimon gate at Nikko Tosho-gu shrine
Day Trip April 2026 · 5 min
Nikkō — Japan's Most Spectacular UNESCO Site Tosho-gu shrine is Japan's most intricately decorated: golden sculptures, 15,000 carved panels and the famous three wise monkeys. Two hours by train from Asakusa.