Tokyo: 7 Days in Japan's Future
From Shibuya to Akihabara, a journey through the world's most fascinating metropolis where ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect harmony.
Introduction
Tokyo is a city that defies all expectations. It's the world's largest metropolitan area, home to 37 million people, yet also one of the safest and cleanest. During a week we traveled from the neon lights of Shinjuku to the millennia-old temples of Asakusa, through the pop culture of Akihabara and the gastronomy of Tsukiji. It's a destination that requires preparation: the language, transport, and prices can be intimidating, but with good planning it becomes an unforgettable experience.
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival and Shibuya
Landed at Narita/Haneda and activated JR Pass. Checked in at Shibuya, the heart of Tokyo youth. Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, and first ramen at Ichiran. Night: views from Shibuya Sky.
Tradition in Asakusa and Ueno
Morning: Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest, with its traditional shopping streets (Nakamise-dori). Afternoon: Ueno Park, National Museum, and Ameyoko stroll. Dinner at a local izakaya.
Modern Tokyo: Shinjuku and Harajuku
Morning: Omotesando and Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen (imperial garden). Sunset: views from Tocho (metropolitan government building, free). Night: Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alley) or Golden Gai.
Pop culture and technology
Day dedicated to Akihabara (electronics, manga, maid cafés) and Odaiba (Gundam, teamLab Borderless/Planets, artificial beach with Rainbow Bridge views). Night: dinner at a themed restaurant.
Gastronomy and markets
Early morning: tuna auction at Toyosu (or Tsukiji Outer Market if we couldn't get passes). Sushi breakfast at 6am. Afternoon: Ginza district (shopping, 12-floor Uniqlo) and Marunouchi. Wagyu dinner in Ginza.
Nature day: Nikko or Kamakura
Train excursion with JR Pass. Option A: Nikko (UNESCO temples, waterfalls). Option B: Kamakura (Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, beach). We chose Kamakura for the beach-culture contrast.
Farewell and last shopping
Relaxed morning: Yanaka neighborhood (old Tokyo, Showa-era alleys). Final shopping at Don Quijote (everything at crazy prices). Airport transfer via Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.
Budget breakdown
Flights
€600-900 from Europe (stopover in Helsinki/Amsterdam)
Accommodation
€800-1,200 (7 nights in 3-4 star hotel, Shibuya/Shinjuku)
Local transport
€0 with 7-day JR Pass (included in organization)
Food
€400-600 (mix of €8 ramen and €100 wagyu dinners)
Activities
€200-300 (museums, teamLab, observatories)
Extras
€150-200 (shopping, souvenirs, vending machines)
Total: €1,800-2,500€/person
Practical tips
- Buy the JR Pass before arriving in Japan (not sold inside). Activate it on day 1.
- Download Google Translate with offline camera to read menus and signs.
- Metro closes at 1am and reopens at 5am. Taxis are extremely expensive (avoid getting stranded).
- Bring cash: many places don't accept cards (especially small restaurants).
- Never eat or drink while walking on the street. It's frowned upon even with vending machine coffee.
- Onsen baths require going naked (there are specific rules you should learn first).
- Touching someone to ask them to move on the metro is frowned upon. Use eye contact or speak softly.
- Reserve popular restaurants in advance. Many don't accept walk-ins.
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