A guide to the perfect weekend in Tokyo

A guide to the perfect weekend in Tokyo

Maximize a long weekend in Tokyo at Senso-ji Temple, in the neon-lit Shibuya district, and atop Tokyo Tower.

Take a high-speed train ride through history, food, and all things weird and wonderful on a weekend in Tokyo. From slurping ramen in an alley in Akasaka to getting lost in the neon jungle of Shibuya, every second of your long weekend in Tokyo will be completely unforgettable. You can start your morning with a peaceful shrine visit before exploring the chaos of Harajuku. Whether you’re here for the tall sights of Roppongi, sakura-flavored bites, or daring fashion experiences, Tokyo never sleeps — and neither will you if you’re doing it right.

Know before you go to Tokyo

Why you should go: Tokyo is a dynamic blend of cutting-edge tech, ancient shrines, and a world-famous food scene.

Don’t miss: The Meiji Shrine, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, and the observation deck at Tokyo Skytree.

Best way to get around: Tokyo’s public transportation system is highly reliable and easy to navigate — trains, buses, and the metro are affordable. Just be sure to validate your ticket and avoid the morning rush hour unless you’re up for a real Tokyo experience.

Best time to go: The best times to visit are spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to try Japanese vending machines. They offer everything from hot coffee to whacky snacks and sometimes even clothing.

Weekend highlights in Tokyo: The weekend flea markets in Harajuku and Shimokitazawa or the outdoor concerts and festivals at Yoyogi Park.

Day 1: Discover where the old meets the new in Asakusa and Ueno

andrea-serini-8AcOTwjVqRs-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

Step back in time at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Morning

Start your morning with breakfast at Senso-ji’s doorstep

Begin your Tokyo adventure with a taste of Asakusa, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Grab a quick breakfast of melon pan — sweet, fluffy bread — from a local stand near Senso-ji Temple before exploring Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple and the lively Nakamise-dori shopping street, where souvenir-hunting is practically a sport.

Explore Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine

Stroll through the grand Kaminarimon gate to enter the Senso-ji temple. Wander around the temple grounds, take a few photos, and go to the nearby Asakusa Shrine, a peaceful contrast to the heaving temple. Receive fortune paper in exchange for ¥100 (about $0.64), but beware — Tokyo’s gods can be hilariously blunt.

Explore Senso-ji temple

yu-kato-I71UerLsN-k-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

Escape the city rush with a stroll through Ueno Park, home to Tokyo’s famous cherry blossoms.

Afternoon

Cruise down the Sumida River

Hop on a riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Sumida River to enjoy views of the Tokyo skyline. See the city from the water as you look for the giant golden flame sculpture by Asahi Brewery below the Tokyo Skytree and the artificial island of Odaiba at the river’s mouth.

Explore Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum

Explore the nearby Ueno Park, Tokyo’s first public park and a cultural hotspot. Slip into the Tokyo National Museum for an impressive collection of Japanese art and artifacts. Don’t miss the samurai armor display for a history fix.

Find cruises on the Sumida River

pexels-apasaric-1134166-LOWRES.jpg

Shop and snack at Amekoyo Market, Tokyo’s vibrant hub for local eats.

Evening

Dine and drink at Ameyoko Market

Wrap up your first day with dinner at Ameyoko, a food market street under the train tracks in Ueno. Here, you’ll find everything from grilled seafood skewers to yakitori stalls. Slurp on a Japanese highball, made with smoky whisky and soda, often served around Ameyoko.

Discover street food in Tokyo

Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando – visit Tokyo’s trendsetting triad

pexels-wwarby-19658291-LOWRES.jpg

Feel the pulse of Tokyo at Shibuya Crossing — the busiest and most iconic intersection in the world.

Morning

Start with Shibuya Scramble and Hachiko

Begin in Shibuya at the legendary Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where the organized chaos of Tokyo truly shines. Snap a photo with the Hachiko statue, a beloved meeting spot, before heading off to explore this neon-lit area.

Take a coffee break at a specialty cafe

Head to one of Shibuya’s specialty coffee shops, like Streamer Coffee Company, to try some of Japan’s coffee culture. If coffee isn’t for you, get a more gentle, creamy, and earthy caffeine hit at The Matcha Tokyo. Pair with a fruit sandwich — pillowy white bread filled with fresh fruit like strawberries, kiwi, mango, and whipped cream — popular for breakfast on the go.

Explore activities at the Shibuya Crossing

iStock-2151204381-LOWRES.jpg

Get lost in the bold, colorful chaos of Takeshita Street.

Afternoon

Wander Harajuku’s Takeshita Street

In Harajuku, Takeshita Street awaits with its colorful shops, crepe stands, and bold street fashion. Treat yourself to a rainbow-colored cotton candy or bubble tea. Don’t forget to pop into one of Harajuku’s unique kawaii cafés — a playful-themed, ultra-cute snack break. Think Hello Kitty pancakes and unicorn rainbow foamed milk. Just across the street, there are often outdoor concerts on the weekend in Yoyogi Park.

Shop and stroll through Omotesando’s chic streets

From the quirky to the sophisticated, make your way to Omotesando, where designer stores can be found inside avant-garde architecture like the glassy Prada building. Treat yourself to some window shopping or actual shopping if Tokyo’s styles have stolen your heart.

Explore things to do in Omotesando

iStock-1153738783-LOWRES.jpg

Grab a drink and some small plates at a Japanese izakaya.

Evening

Dinner at an Izakaya in Shibuya

Head back to Shibuya for dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub). This is your chance to try local delicacies like kara-age (fried chicken) or sashimi paired with beer or sake. It’s lively, fun, and quintessentially Tokyo.

Find bars and explore nightlife in Shibuya

Day 3: Get closer to Japanese culture in Roppongi and Akasaka

pexels-daisuke-fujita-668740-9302129-LOWRES.jpg

No weekend in Tokyo is complete without jaw-dropping views from the City View Observation Deck in Roppongi.

Morning

Spend the morning at the National Art Center

Begin your day exploring one of Tokyo’s best contemporary art museums, with its wavy glass façade and expansive galleries. The National Art Center doesn’t have a permanent collection, so there’s always something new, from cutting-edge contemporary exhibits to Japanese classics. After taking in the art, recharge at their café, where the cakes are as beautifully crafted as the exhibits.

Uncover the Mori Art Museum’s high-altitude creativity

Head up to Roppongi Hills and visit the Mori Art Museum, where modern and contemporary works often feature thought-provoking and experimental installations. Don’t miss Tokyo City View, an observation deck that gives you jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city to snap that ultimate Tokyo skyline photo.

See the Tokyo skyline from Tokyo City View

devin-destefano-SioBQBvCdhw-unsplash-LOWRES.jpg

Discover the charm of Nezu Shrine in Tokyo, with its peaceful paths of red torii gates and stunning seasonal blooms.

Afternoon

Take a zen escape to Nezu Shrine

Take a break from Roppongi’s glitz and head to Nezu Shrine, a hidden gem in the nearby Bunkyo area. This peaceful Shinto shrine is famous for its red torii gates, winding paths, and tranquil gardens. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the azalea season, witness the hillside burst into vibrant pinks and purples.

Enjoy a traditional backstreet lunch in Akasaka

Stop in Akasaka for lunch. This neighborhood is a foodie’s paradise, offering everything from bowls of ramen to elegant sushi sets. Try kaiseki — traditional, multi-course Japanese dishes — at a local eatery. Find a cozy spot down one of the narrow alleys and enjoy the subtle aromas of miso and charcoal wafting through the air.

Explore Nezu Shrine

pexels-diego-picasso-novais-1300288069-24604037-LOWRES.jpg

Watch Tokyo sparkle as you take in the dazzling nighttime view of Tokyo Tower lighting up the city skyline.

Evening

See views from Tokyo Tower at night

For the perfect finale of your Tokyo adventure, visit Tokyo Tower to watch the city lights flicker to life. Take some time to admire it from below, as this retro icon skyline landmark is even more magical at night, glowing a warm orange against the dark sky. Head to the observation deck for stunning city views, and afterward, grab a drink at one of the nearby cafés or bars to toast your trip.

Find entry tickets for Tokyo Tower

Weekend in Tokyo: FAQs

What is the best time to visit Tokyo?

The best time to visit Tokyo is spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for vivid fall colors. These seasons bring mild weather and stunning scenery as locals and tourists enjoy hanami picnics (a traditional picnic under cherry trees to celebrate spring’s arrival) in Ueno Park or golden ginkgo walks at Meiji Jingu Gaien.

What is the best month to go to Tokyo?

If you want the full Tokyo experience, April is the best month to visit. Cherry blossoms are in bloom, and outdoor activities like walking along the Meguro River or visiting Asakusa’s temples feel magical without the summer heat.

What are the cheapest months to go to Tokyo?

January and February are the cheapest months to visit Tokyo. Post-New Year crowds thin out, flights and hotels drop in price, and you can save during Tokyo’s January sales at department stores.

What is the rainy season in Tokyo?

Tokyo’s rainy season runs from mid-June to mid-July. It’s humid and wet, and downpours are unpredictable, but rainy Tokyo has its own appeal. It’s the best time to explore the city’s best indoor museums and see hydrangea blooms in Hakusan Shrine.

Is Tokyo an expensive city to visit?

Tokyo has a reputation for being pricey, but it doesn’t have to be. You can splurge on Michelin-starred sushi or save with a ¥500 (roughly $3.20) bowl of ramen. Public transportation is efficient and affordable, and free attractions like Senso-ji Temple or Meiji Shrine mean you can experience cultural highlights in Tokyo on any budget.