1 Week in Tokyo: The Ultimate First-Timers Itinerary
View of Tokyo Tower from Shibuya Skydeck
Sannoinari Shrine Torri Gates
Days 1–2: Roppongi – Calm Beginnings in the Heart of Tokyo
Jet lag can sometimes be a gift, at least it was in Tokyo. On our first morning, we woke up before dawn and wandered through the quiet streets of Roppongi, a peaceful start to what would become a full and unforgettable week in Japan.
We spent our first two nights at the Hotel & Residence Roppongi, a modern home base perfect for exploring one of Tokyo’s most underrated neighborhoods. Roppongi offers a glimpse into local city life, filled with cozy cafés, small art galleries, and charming streets that feel miles away from the hustle of Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Our first stop was Sannoinari Shrine, a small but stunning hidden gem in Roppongi. We arrived just as the sun rose, watching the monks ring the morning gong as soft light filtered through the torii gates. It was a peaceful moment, no crowds, no noise, just the sound of the bell and a perfect photo opportunity.
From there, we explored Roppongi Hills and Ginza, two must-visit neighborhoods that showcase Tokyo’s sleek and modern side. If you love food, head straight to the basement levels of any department store in Ginza, we visited Mitsukoshi and Ginza Six, and the gourmet food halls were incredible. From delicate pastries and matcha ice cream to sushi crafted like art, the Ginza food halls were a true feast for the senses, one of the best places in Tokyo to sample world-class food all in one spot.
We also visited TeamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum. The mus eum’s glowing rooms and interactive light installations make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a dream. You could spend hours exploring and still not see it all as many of the rooms are hidden. We booked our tickets through Klook (which I highly recommend for Tokyo activities), and booking in advance saved us time and money. Pro tip: Head there early on a weekday, it’s the best way to enjoy the experience without the crowds.
Hakone Escape: Mountains, Hot Springs, and Lake Ashi
Midway through our Tokyo trip, we escaped to Hakone, Japan’s scenic mountain retreat famous for hot springs, Lake Ashi, and Mount Fuji views. We stayed one night at Hotel Hakone Kowakien Hanaori, a modern hotel that blends Japanese ryokan elements with Western style comforts. The property offers private onsens and panoramic mountain scenery, the perfect way to unwind after busy days in the city.
View of Lake Ashi from our hotel
To explore the area, we used the Hakone Free Pass booked through Klook, which made navigating Hakone stress free. The pass covers multiple transportation options, including the Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, and the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise. It also provides discounts at popular attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Top Hakone Highlights Accessible with the Hakone Free Pass:
Owakudani Valley – A volcanic area famous for sulfur vents and the legendary black eggs. Accessible via the Hakone Ropeway.
Lake Ashi Cruise – Board a pirate ship for a unique sightseeing experience with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Hakone Open-Air Museum – Explore modern sculptures and installations set against forested mountain scenery, with discounted admission using the pass.
Pro Tips for Visiting Hakone:
Arrive early to maximize your day and increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji before the clouds roll in.
Book hotels through Booking.com and passes through Klook for convenience and the best pricing.
It rained during most of our stay in Hakone, and while we didn’t get the Mount Fuji views we hoped for, we still made the most of our visit. The peaceful atmosphere and slower pace were a welcome change from Tokyo’s energy, the perfect reset in the mountains.
Days 3–5: Shibuya Energy & Urban Exploration
Back in Tokyo, we checked into Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyo, a sleek and modern stay in the heart of Shibuya. The neighborhood couldn’t be more different from Roppongi — think neon lights, endless restaurants, and an energy that never stops. Experiencing both sides of the city gave us the perfect balance of calm mornings and vibrant nightlife.
One of the most breathtaking views in Tokyo was from Shibuya Sky. We were lucky enough to visit on a fairly clear day and even spotted Mount Fuji in the distance. We booked our tickets through Klook (highly recommend reserving 14 days in advance — the furthest out you can book — if you want to catch the sunset, as tickets sell out within hours). While it’s definitely popular and can get crowded, the panoramic cityscape and neon-lit Shibuya Scramble Crossing below make it absolutely worth it.
Shibuya Scramble
Afternoons were for exploring Harajuku and Omotesando — two vibrant yet contrasting areas. Takeshita Street bursts with color, street fashion, and crepes, while Omotesando feels like Tokyo’s version of Beverly Hills: elegant, tree-lined, and full of minimalist cafés. Nearby, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine offered peaceful green escapes in the middle of the city.
Local Tokyo Weekend: Hidden Gems, Eats & Nightlife
Our final days in Tokyo were all about exploring the city’s more local side, hidden neighborhoods, quirky shops, and vibrant nightlife.
We started in Ebisu and Daikanyama, chic yet relaxed areas known for boutique shopping, craft coffee, and leafy residential streets. One of our favorite meals was at We Are The Farm, a cozy farm-to-table restaurant serving organic vegetables harvested fresh that morning.
Narrow streets of Omoide Yokocho
Next, we explored Shimokitazawa, a bohemian district full of thrift stores, vinyl shops, and local cafés. We happened to visit during a lively street fair filled with live music, vintage clothing stalls, and street food, the kind of local moment that makes Tokyo so special.
As night fell, we headed to Shinjuku, diving into Tokyo’s nightlife at Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) and Golden Gai. Each alleyway is packed with tiny yakitori bars and micro-bars that seat just a handful of people. We recommend hopping between at least three or four bars in Golden Gai to get the full experience, each has its own theme and character. We made friends with both locals and travelers, sharing stories over sake and Japanese beer.
More than anything, roaming the streets of Tokyo, from neon-lit alleys to peaceful side roads, became our favorite part of the trip. The city feels endlessly alive, yet full of moments of quiet beauty when you slow down and explore without a plan.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts: shrines and skyscrapers, serenity and chaos, tradition and innovation. Roppongi offered calm mornings and local charm, Hakone gave us mountain air and scenic beauty, and Shibuya delivered Tokyo’s energetic heart. Experiencing all three felt like three trips in one.
If you visit, wear comfortable walking shoes, we logged nearly 80 miles exploring on foot. Wake up early at least once to see Tokyo before it stirs, and don’t be afraid to wander aimlessly — that’s where the best discoveries happen.
Wondering the streets of Shinjuku
