Tokyo is a city with endless places to explore, but for first-time visitors, knowing where to begin can make your trip far more enjoyable. In this guide, we introduce 10 classic and highly recommended sightseeing areas that showcase Tokyo’s history, culture, food, shopping, and modern energy. These spots are consistently popular with travelers from around the world and form a solid foundation for any first visit to the city.

1. Asakusa:
Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional fortune slips. The streets leading up to the temple are lined with souvenir shops and long-established food stalls, offering classic snacks and local specialties. With the addition of stylish cafés and retro-inspired sweets in recent years, Asakusa is an ideal place to experience both old-town Tokyo and modern twists.

2. Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Nihonbashi:
This area serves as one of Tokyo’s main gateways. The historic red-brick Tokyo Station contrasts beautifully with the sleek office towers of Marunouchi. Underground shopping areas like Tokyo Character Street are popular with visitors, while Nihonbashi is known for its long-standing department stores and traditional businesses. Elegant dining, refined shopping, and excellent transport connections make this area easy and rewarding to explore.

3. Shibuya:
Famous for the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue, Shibuya continues to evolve. The SHIBUYA SKY observation deck offers sweeping city views, while redeveloped areas like Miyashita Park blend green space with shopping and dining. Shibuya is a lively introduction to Tokyo’s youthful energy, street culture, and ever-changing cityscape.

4. Shinjuku and Okubo:
Shinjuku is home to one of the world’s busiest train stations and offers everything from major department stores to neon-lit nightlife in Kabukicho. Nearby Okubo adds another layer, with its international dining scene and multicultural atmosphere. This area is perfect for travelers who want to experience Tokyo’s dynamic, fast-paced side.

5. Ueno:
Ueno combines culture, shopping, and everyday Tokyo life. Ueno Park is home to major museums and seasonal scenery, while Ameyoko Shopping Street is known for casual street food and bargain shopping. With plenty of traditional izakaya nearby, it is an easy area to enjoy both sightseeing and local dining.

6. Ginza:
Ginza is Tokyo’s premier upscale shopping district, featuring luxury brands, historic department stores, and modern complexes like GINZA SIX. Art installations, refined cafés, and excellent restaurants add to its appeal. Nearby developments such as Azabudai Hills have further elevated the area as a destination for high-quality dining and sophisticated urban experiences.

7. Akihabara:
Akihabara is world-famous for anime, manga, and electronics. From specialty shops filled with collectibles to themed cafés and game centers, the area is a must for pop culture fans. Newer attractions, including VR experiences and esports-related venues, continue to expand its appeal beyond traditional anime culture.

8. Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama:
This district showcases Tokyo’s fashion-forward side. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is known for bold street style and playful snacks, while Omotesando features striking architecture and flagship stores. Aoyama adds a calmer, design-focused atmosphere. Together, they offer a fascinating look at how fashion, design, and lifestyle trends intersect in Tokyo.

9. Ikebukuro:
Ikebukuro is a convenient, well-rounded area with large shopping complexes, entertainment facilities, and diverse dining options. Sunshine City is a major attraction, featuring an aquarium and observation deck. The nearby Otome Road area has also made Ikebukuro a popular destination for anime and game fans, especially those interested in female-oriented content.

10. Tsukiji:
While the wholesale fish market has relocated to Toyosu, Tsukiji Outer Market remains one of Tokyo’s best places to enjoy fresh seafood and street food. From sushi and seafood bowls to freshly grilled tamagoyaki, the area is perfect for a morning food walk and a taste of Japan’s culinary traditions.

Day 1:
After arriving in Tokyo and checking into your hotel, it is best to keep plans light and stay close to your accommodation. Using Shinjuku as an example, start with a relaxing stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese gardens. In the afternoon and evening, explore the department stores around Shinjuku’s east and west exits, along with large electronics retailers and drugstores. This is a great chance to pick up cosmetics, daily necessities, and souvenirs without rushing.

★Food picks: Ichiran Ramen, Gyukatsu Motomura, Rokkasen (yakiniku), Jojoen (yakiniku), Fuunji (tsukemen), HARBS fruit mille crêpe

Day 2:
No first trip to Tokyo is complete without a visit to Asakusa. Start at Sensoji Temple, then browse the traditional shops along Nakamise Street. If you would like to try wearing a kimono, Asakusa has many rental shops, and advance online reservations are easy and affordable. Continue on to nearby Ueno, where museums and exhibition spaces are clustered around Ueno Park. Ameyoko Shopping Street is perfect for snack shopping before ending the day at Tokyo Skytree for shopping and night views.

★Food picks:
・Asakusa: Imahan (sukiyaki), Daikokuya (tempura), Kagetsudo melon bread
・Ueno: Menya Musashi, Tenya tempura, Ameyoko takoyaki, HARBS
・Tokyo Skytree: Fukutaro (okonomiyaki), Rikyu (gyutan), Qu’il Fait Bon fruit tarts, Jojoen

Day 3:
Head to Tsukiji in the morning to enjoy some of Tokyo’s freshest seafood, from sushi to hearty seafood bowls. Afterward, explore nearby Ginza, known for its luxury shopping and refined dining. In the afternoon, take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba, where you can visit Fuji TV, explore large shopping complexes (or head over to teamLab Planets), and relax at the seaside park. Watching the sunset over Tokyo Bay is a perfect way to end the day.

★Food picks:
・Tsukiji: Sushi Dai, Nakaya seafood bowls, Kitsuneya gyudon, Marutake tamagoyaki
・Ginza: Bairin tonkatsu, Ginza Kagari ramen, Shiseido Parlour desserts
・Odaiba: Kaneko Hannosuke tempura, Pomunoki omurice, Tanaka Shoten ramen

Day 4:
A visit to Meiji Shrine often surprises first-time visitors with its vast forested grounds right in the middle of the city. Afterward, walk through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street and along Omotesando, continuing toward Minami-Aoyama. This area is perfect for spotting fashion trends, architecture, and stylish cafés. In the evening, head to Shibuya, where shopping, dining, electronics, and nightlife all come together. It is an ideal place to enjoy your final night in Tokyo.

★Food picks:
・Harajuku: Hanamaru Udon, Angel Heart crepes, Red Rock roast beef bowls
・Omotesando: bills pancakes, Tenya tempura, Luke’s Lobster, A Happy Pancake
・Minami-Aoyama: Blue Bottle Coffee, Kissa You, Café Kitsuné

Day 5:
Spend your final morning exploring the Imperial Palace area and enjoying the calm scenery of central Tokyo. Then head to the underground shopping streets at Tokyo Station for last-minute souvenirs and meals before making your way to the airport.

★Food picks: Sarabeth’s eggs Benedict, Rikyu gyutan set meals, Rokurinsha tsukemen

Day 1:
After arriving in Tokyo and checking into your hotel, it is best to keep sightseeing light and stay close by. Using Shibuya as an example, start with photos at the famous Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Scramble Crossing. From there, explore nearby department stores such as Shibuya 109, Marui, and Tokyu, along with large electronics retailers like BicCamera and Yodobashi. Drugstores and discount shops are also easy to find in the area, making it a convenient place to stock up on cosmetics and daily necessities. End the evening at Shibuya Hikarie, where the upper floors offer free city views at night.

★Food picks: Uobei or Midori Sushi, Ichiran Ramen, Gyukatsu Motomura, HARBS fruit mille crêpe

Day 2:
Start your first full morning in Tokyo with a peaceful walk around the Imperial Palace, where you can enjoy classic Japanese scenery right in the city center. Afterward, head to Tokyo Station’s underground food halls and souvenir shops for breakfast and shopping. In the afternoon, make your way to Odaiba to explore DiverCity Tokyo Plaza for some shopping (or over to Toyosu to check out teamLab Planets), then take a stroll through the seaside park. In the evening, enjoy views of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.

★Food picks:
・Tokyo Station area: Sarabeth’s eggs Benedict, Rikyu gyutan set meals, Rokurinsha tsukemen
・Odaiba: Tanaka Shoten ramen, Kaneko Hannosuke tempura, Pomunoki omurice

Day 3:
Among Asia’s Disney parks, Tokyo Disney Resort consistently ranks at the top for overall satisfaction. The resort is divided into Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, each offering a very different experience. Travelers who enjoy classic parades and gentler attractions may prefer Disneyland, while those looking for more thrilling rides and unique themes often choose DisneySea. With long lines on busy days, it is best to arrive early and stay until evening to enjoy daytime parades as well as nighttime fireworks and light shows.

★Food picks: Smoked turkey legs, Alien mochi, assorted flavored popcorn

Day 4:
A visit to Meiji Shrine often surprises first-time visitors with its vast forested grounds in the heart of Tokyo. Afterward, walk through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street and along Omotesando, continuing toward Minami-Aoyama. Along the way, you will see the latest fashion trends, striking architecture, and stylish cafés. After dinner, head to Tokyo Tower to admire one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks and enjoy views of the city at night.

★Food picks:
・Harajuku: Hanamaru Udon, Angel Heart crepes, Red Rock roast beef bowls
・Omotesando: bills pancakes, Tenya tempura, Luke’s Lobster, A Happy Pancake
・Minami-Aoyama: Blue Bottle Coffee, Kissa You, Café Kitsuné, Shake Shack

Day 5:
Fans of classic anime and manga will recognize Kamakura as the setting for many famous scenes. After breakfast, head to Kamakurakoko-mae Station and ride the Enoden Line, where ocean views unfold along the route. Kamakura’s shopping streets are lined with beautifully crafted traditional goods, perfect for browsing. In the afternoon, walk up to Enoshima to enjoy coastal scenery and sunset views. In the evening, return to Shinjuku for dinner and last-minute shopping.

★Food picks: Shirasu rice bowls, Asahi senbei, traditional wagashi sweets, Kamakura curry, bills pancakes

Day 6:
For fresh seafood, start the day at Tsukiji Outer Market, where seafood bowls and street food stalls offer plenty of choices. Continue on to Ueno to explore museums and exhibition spaces, and during cherry blossom season, Ueno Park becomes especially lively. Nearby Ameyoko Shopping Street is perfect for snack shopping and bargain hunting. End the day at Tokyo Skytree, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and night views.

★Food picks:
・Tsukiji: Sushi Dai, Nakaya seafood bowls, Kitsuneya gyudon, Marutake tamagoyaki
・Ueno: Menya Musashi, Tenya tempura, Ameyoko takoyaki
・Tokyo Skytree: Fukutaro okonomiyaki, Rikyu gyutan, Qu’il Fait Bon fruit tarts, Jojoen yakiniku

Day 7:
Use your final half day to visit Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, a fitting way to wrap up your Tokyo trip. Browse the nostalgic shopping street in front of the temple, sample traditional sweets, and try your luck with a fortune slip. Before heading to the airport, be sure to take a classic photo with the giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate, bringing your journey to a memorable close.

★Food picks: Retro kissaten cafés, Imuhan sukiyaki, Daikokuya tempura, Kagetsudo melon bread

1. Limit yourself to no more than three spots per day:
Most travel in Tokyo is done by train and subway, and transfers and walking can take more time than first-time visitors expect. To keep your days relaxed while still seeing plenty, it is best to plan no more than three main sightseeing spots per day. Try to group places that are on the same train line or within the same area to avoid wasting time on long transfers.

2. Choose easy, central areas for arrival and departure days:
Unless you are arriving very early in the morning or departing late at night, most flights land or take off around midday. On these days, it is best to choose areas with excellent transport access and plenty of shops and restaurants. Districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and central Tokyo are all convenient choices that allow you to make the most of limited time.

3. Visit early-opening sights in the morning:
Many shrines, museums, art galleries, and Japanese gardens in Tokyo open as early as 9 or 10 AM, while department stores, shopping malls, and most restaurants usually open after 11 AM. To use your time efficiently, plan cultural sights for the morning and save shopping and dining for later in the day.

4. Always have a Plan B:
Tokyo is a huge city, and even locals get lost from time to time. Missed trains, wrong exits, unexpected delays, or bad weather can easily disrupt your plans. For peace of mind, it is a good idea to have a backup option nearby, either as a replacement or an extra stop, so you can adjust your schedule without stress.

For a 7-day, 6-night trip, following these tips gives you more flexibility to plan days around one major attraction rather than rushing between multiple spots. Travelers who enjoy outdoor experiences may also consider swapping some city shopping time for nearby destinations such as Kawagoe or Mount Takao. For a short overnight getaway, places like Hakone, Nikko, or the Kawaguchiko area near Mount Fuji make excellent 2-day, 1-night side trips and add even more variety to your Tokyo journey.

One of Tokyo’s greatest charms is how completely it changes with the seasons. From cherry blossoms and summer festivals to autumn foliage and winter illuminations, each time of year offers its own scenery, events, and ways to explore the city. No matter when you visit, there is always something special happening. Wondering what not to miss during your travel season? Read on and start planning your perfect Tokyo experience.

Transportation:
As Japan’s capital, Tokyo has one of the most advanced and convenient transportation systems in the world, with trains and subways being the main way to get around. To meet the needs of visitors, a wide variety of travel passes and discount tickets are available. Using these wisely can help you save money and make moving around the city much smoother, especially if you plan to travel frequently by train.

Business hours and event schedules:
Restaurant closing days and public office hours vary widely in Japan. During national holidays, long holiday periods, and especially around the New Year, even popular shops and attractions may close temporarily. Seasonal events such as flower festivals, fireworks, and traditional festivals can also change dates from year to year. To avoid disappointment, always check official websites when planning your itinerary.

Dining etiquette:
Most restaurants in Japan do not offer takeaway containers, and sharing dishes is generally uncommon, so be mindful when ordering. While there is no strict rule against eating on trains, foods with strong smells should be avoided. Vegetarian options in Tokyo are still limited, so travelers who do not eat meat may find it easier to choose restaurants serving items like onigiri, soba, udon, tempura, or bread-based meals.

Shopping tips:
One of the biggest perks for visitors to Japan is the tax-free shopping system. Some convenience stores also offer tax-free purchases, and certain shops provide discounts simply by showing your passport, even if you do not meet the minimum tax-free amount. Department stores may also offer extra discounts or promotions, depending on the payment method. Be sure to check the details before paying so you do not miss out on these traveler-friendly benefits.

After looking through the examples and tips above, do you have a clearer picture of how to plan your first trip to Tokyo? Of course, travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and even the most carefully crafted itinerary cannot capture everything the city has to offer in one visit. Leaving a few things undone is part of the charm. It gives you the perfect reason to come back and discover even more of Tokyo next time.