Once a modest fishing village named Edo, Tokyo grew into the shogunate’s powerhouse in the 1600s, then was reborn as Japan’s capital in 1868. Today it’s a sprawling metropolis where wooden shrines whisper amid skyscrapers, and centuries-old rituals live beside bullet trains and latte art.

Expect neighborhoods with distinct personalities: serene Meiji Shrine steps from Harajuku’s bold fashion, lantern-lit alleyways beside ultra-modern towers, and markets where knife masters and tuna whisperers still set the pace. Tokyo’s trains are famously punctual, the food scene is unmatched, and the city rewards both meticulous planning and spontaneous wandering.

Practical notes: Pick up a Suica/PASMO IC card or use the mobile versions for tap-and-go transit. Cash is still handy at small eateries. Spring and fall are ideal for weather, but Tokyo dazzles year-round—with summer festivals and winter illuminations worth timing your trip around.

Tokyo

Tokyo’s top sights range from the vermilion gates of Senso-ji in Asakusa to the forested calm of Meiji Jingu, and the panoramic decks of Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Tower. Food pilgrims chase bowls at Tokyo Ramen Street, melt-in-your-mouth tonkatsu at Maisen Aoyama, and tempura traditions in Asakusa and Ginza.

Culture buffs can dive into the Tokyo National Museum, wander Ueno Park’s museums, or get lost in art lightscapes at teamLab (Borderless in Azabudai Hills or Planets in Toyosu). Gamers and gadget lovers will feel at home in Akihabara’s arcades and retro shops.

Where to stay (bookable):

• The Peninsula Tokyo (imperial-garden views, impeccable service, walkable to Ginza and Marunouchi).
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (sky-high views in Midtown, great for art-and-dining in Roppongi).
• Aman Tokyo (zen minimalism, soaring pool, hushed luxury in Otemachi).
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (fun Godzilla-head icon, steps to nightlife and JR lines).
• Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (value, efficient rooms by Shinjuku Station).
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (families love the space and easy transport links).
• Hilton Tokyo Bay (good for Tokyo Disney days).
• Browse more stays on VRBO Tokyo or Hotels.com Tokyo.

Getting there & around: Fly into Haneda (closer) or Narita. Search and book flights via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho takes ~15 minutes (~¥500). From Narita, the Narita Express to Tokyo Station is ~60 minutes (~¥3,070), or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno is ~41 minutes (~¥2,570). Trains in Japan (including Shinkansen beyond Tokyo) can be searched via Trip.com Trains. The JR Yamanote Line loops central Tokyo; typical rides are ¥150–¥300.

Day 1: Arrival, Ginza Stroll, and Shinjuku Bites

Afternoon: Land, drop bags at your hotel, and decompress with a gentle walk through Hibiya and Ginza. Slip into a classic kissaten at Café de L’Ambre (legendary hand-dripped coffee) or grab a modern pour at Blue Bottle Coffee Ginza. Window-shop along Chuo-dori and pop into depachika (food halls) for wagashi and bento inspiration.

Evening: Kick off your culinary adventure on the Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries)—a small-group ramble through neon-lit alleyways for yakitori, skewers, oden, and more. It’s a crash course in Tokyo’s favorite comfort foods and bar etiquette.

Night: Wander Golden Gai—six snug lanes packed with tiny bars. Try Bar Albatross (gilded interiors) or Deathmatch in Hell (heavy metal vibes, no cover). Many bars seat just a handful, so be mindful of cover charges and house rules.

Day 2: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku Style, and Shibuya Icons

Morning: Enter the cedar-scented calm of Meiji Jingu. For breakfast, head to Sawamura Omotesando (buttery pastries, egg sandwiches) or Bread, Espresso & (French-Japanese bakery favorites). Window-shop Takeshita Street’s youth fashion, then detour to Omotesando’s tree-lined architecture.

Afternoon: Dive into Shibuya. Pay respects to Hachiko, brave the Shibuya Crossing (a 20th-century junction turned global pop icon), and ride up to Shibuya Sky for open-air views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Coffee at Streamer Coffee Company, then graze Tokyu Food Show’s basement for Japanese sweets and seasonal fruit.

Evening: Experience the sport at the heart of Japanese culture at the Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show & Experience with Photo. Watch live demonstrations, learn rules and rituals, and snap photos with wrestlers.

Before or after, grab dinner: Ichiran Ramen (customizable tonkotsu in solo booths), Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (stand-and-savour sushi), or Tsunahachi Shinjuku (crisp, sesame-oil tempura since 1923).

Day 3: Old Tokyo to Otaku Central—Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara

Morning: Arrive early at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander Nakamise-dori for ningyo-yaki (bean-paste cakes) and senbei (rice crackers). Breakfast ideas: Asakusa Kagetsudo (warm melonpan), Suke6 Diner (eggs, pancakes, coffee), or a pour-over at Coffee Wrights Asakusa.

Afternoon: Stroll to Ueno Park for museums; the Tokyo National Museum is a shorthand lesson in Japanese art and samurai armor. Snack on Usagiya’s famous dorayaki near Okachimachi, then wander Ameyoko market for street bites and spices.

Evening: Light up with arcades and retro game shops in Akihabara (look for GiGO’s multi-floor arcades). Dinner at Gyukatsu Motomura (breaded beef cutlet you finish on a hot stone) or classic soba at Kanda Yabu Soba. Nightcap at Hitachino Brewing Lab on the Kanda River for Japanese craft beer.

Day 4: Full-Day Excursion—Mt. Fuji and Hakone

Trade city buzz for alpine air on the Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train. Typical highlights include the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and ropeway views over volcanic Owakudani, followed by a Shinkansen ride back to Tokyo. Pack a konbini breakfast and layers—the mountain’s weather changes quickly.

Back in the city, slurp a late bowl on Tokyo Ramen Street beneath Tokyo Station: Rokurinsha (rich tsukemen), Soranoiro NIPPON (excellent shoyu and creative vegan options), or Ikaruga (balanced, refined broth).

Day 5: Hands-On Sushi, Riverfront Art, and Ginza After Dark

Morning: Tie on an apron for the Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class in Asakusa. Learn rice, knife, and rolling techniques you’ll take home—plus the etiquette to enjoy sushi like a local.

Afternoon: Immerse in digital art at teamLab (Planets in Toyosu or Borderless in Azabudai Hills; both are spectacular—book timed entry). Then cafe-hop Tokyo’s coffee capital in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa: the Blue Bottle Roastery & Cafe serves single origins and siphons in a bright, industrial space.

Evening: Dine in Ginza, where options span every budget. Splurge at Tempura Kondo (light-as-air fry), go classic yakitori at Bird Land Ginza, or join the line at Sushi no Midori (generous cuts, fair prices). Night views from Tokyo Tower or cocktails at Gen Yamamoto (reservation recommended) or Bar Orchard (Shibuya) round out the night.

Day 6: Tsukiji Market Morning and Farewell

Morning: Explore the Tsukiji Outer Market for a greatest-hits breakfast: tamagoyaki at Marutake, a sushi set at Sushizanmai Honten, grilled scallops brushed with soy, and a final espresso at Turret Coffee (rich, roasty, beloved by chefs).

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Ginza or at Tokyo Station (Character Street for anime goods, Gransta for snacks). Then head to the airport: Haneda Monorail (~15 min) or Narita Express (~60 min). If you still need tickets, compare options on Trip.com Trains and flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional add-ons if you extend: Day trips to Kamakura (temples and seaside), Nikko (UNESCO shrines), or Kawagoe (“Little Edo”). Tokyo Disney for families, and baseball at the Tokyo Dome for sports fans.

Insider dining short list (for free evenings): Maisen Aoyama (tonkatsu), Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen), Udon Shin (handmade udon in Shinjuku), Toraya (elegant wagashi), A Happy Pancake (fluffy pancakes), and Fuunji (tsukemen near Shinjuku).

Bookable highlights included in this itinerary:

• Shinjuku Food Tour (13 dishes)
• Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show
• Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour (return by bullet train)
• Sushi Making Tokyo Class

Six days in Tokyo lets you graze through legendary markets, meditate under shrine eaves, and chase city lights from sky decks to alley bars. With this itinerary, you’ll savor classic ramen and tempura, meet sumo wrestlers, learn sushi skills, and stand face to face with Mt. Fuji—leaving with both full hearts and full notebooks.