How Many Days Should I Visit Tokyo For?

If you are planning your first trip to Tokyo, you might be wondering how long to spend in the city. With so much to see and do, it is always best to prioritize what you want to experience.

For this reason, you may want to spend at least three days in the capital. This gives you ample time to see as much as possible, while able to visit more of Japan while you are there.

However, while three days is enough, it also depends on what you want to get out of your trip to Tokyo. It also depends how long your vacation is.

Three whole days is plenty for a week-long trip. 

So, with that being said, let’s take a look at how many days you should visit Tokyo for. 

Why Should I Visit Tokyo In The First Place?

If you have already booked your flight to Narita airport, then it is likely you already know why you want to visit Tokyo. 

The city is amazing. It is like no other, and there are so many things to see. You will likely find that you have no time to rest.

While Japan is filled with tradition, it is also a place full of modern inventions and cool ideas.

Tokyo is that kind of place: hi-tech and ‘out-there’, but also mysterious and traditional.

You will find that you will want to try the plethora of food available that is authentically Japanese. From the high end restaurants to the delicious street food.

Then there is the shopping. Tokyo is filled with items you cannot find elsewhere. Often items are adorned with cute characters and bright colors.

Whether it is candy, magazines or clothing – if you want something unique, then Tokyo is the place to be.

No doubt you will spend hours making your way onto every level in Shibuya 109. 

And lastly, the music. Tower Records is one of the largest music stores in Tokyo. While CDs might generally be out of favor everywhere else, not so much in Japan.

Enjoy browsing the latest Jpop records, and picking up independent free magazines to learn some Japanese with. 

How Many Days Is Enough To Visit Tokyo On Vacation?

It is easy to spend a full month in Tokyo and still not feel like you have had enough time to do everything. Most of us do not have a budget for this.

Instead, we have to prioritize what we want to do. 

If you are on a week-long trip to Japan, then spend at least three days in Tokyo. This includes three nights, too. 

However, there are so many things to do in Japan, so if your budget can stretch, opt for at least two full weeks.

This way you can spend a whole week in Japan, as well as the surrounding areas.

For example, spend a day exploring Odaiba, the man-made beach resort (whilst in Odaiba, check out the stunning Oedo Onsen Monogatari). You could also take a train to Kamakura, or to Yokohama. 

To understand how long to spend in Tokyo, look at where you want to go, your budget, and how many vacation days you have spare. 

Is Tokyo An Easy Place To Move Around In?

Tokyo is likely to be bigger than you expect. There are several areas that make up Tokyo. You can use the public transport system to get around.

Both the trains and subways are easy to use. You will love hearing the jingles too! These are played for several reasons, such as notifying people that the train will be leaving soon.

You may want to buy a prepaid card such as the Suica to get around Tokyo even easier. 

Is There A Best Season To Visit Tokyo?

There is no best season to visit Tokyo. It all depends on your preference. If you like hot weather, then the summers are both hot and humid.

This can be from June to September.

Winter takes place from December to March and can be cold. However, you will find it never gets very cold. 

Both spring and fall tend to be both cool and warm. They are said to be the most ideal times because of the weather. 

If you are hoping to catch the cherry blossom season, then go to Japan in late March and early April to see it. In Tokyo, a good place to see cherry blossoms is in Yoyogi Park (for more advice on Cherry Blossoms in Yoyogi Park, read here)

Is It Actually Worth Visiting Tokyo?

While this might seem like a dumb question, it is worth asking. If you have a number of places on your Japan itinerary, you might be wondering if to miss Tokyo off altogether.

However, while it might come across as just another city, as a first timer, always head to Tokyo. It is not just ‘another city’. There are so many things to explore and see.

The culture in Tokyo is worth embracing, and there are many cool things to visit and places to eat. You will want to find out what Shibuya is all about.

If you like the music and fashion, then head to Harajuku.

Why go to Japan and not see the famous scramble crossing in Shibuya? Once you have been there once, you will want to go again.

And if you don’t – well, you have already been!

Just a stone’s throw away is Yoyogi Park. Here you might hear a man playing the Anpanman theme. Often festivals take place here too, such as gay pride. 

So yes, Tokyo is worth visiting. 

Final Thoughts

Tokyo is a great city to visit, so much so that you will not want to miss it on your vacation. However, you may be wondering how long to stay there for.

For a week’s trip, you may want to spend at least three days there. This gives you plenty of time to visit specific places that you will need to prioritize. 

Plus, you can get around places like Shibuya within a matter of hours. Have a great vacation!