How Many Days In Tokyo Is Enough?

If you are planning a visit to Tokyo one main consideration is how many days in Tokyo will you need to see the crazy and colorful city that manages to be both fast-paced and modern, yet still firmly in touch with its traditional roots.

There’s simply such a wide variety of things to see and do that every traveler will find something that appeals, whether it’s picturesque scenery, quirky eateries, or picking up the latest electronics at one of the busy shopping districts.

So how many days in Tokyo do you really need to see the best of its highlights and experience its unique atmosphere?

Well, you could see a lot of Tokyo in a 2-day visit, although you’d need to be prepared for a schedule that would keep you constantly on the go. 

But if you’re hoping for a more relaxed break – with enough time to pause and soak up your surroundings – then I’d recommend planning for a 3 to 4-day stay instead.

Traveling to Japan soon? Purchase your train pass online.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Tokyo

In this guide, I’ll help you work out how many days for Tokyo you’ll need by listing all the different factors to consider. 

I’ll also recommend some of the best things to see and do during your visit and suggest how long to set aside for each activity. 

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Tokyo, make a list of the things you want to do in Tokyo, and consider the time of arrival and departure.

Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Tokyo you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

Take a look at the times at which you arrive in and leave Tokyo because these will influence how much sightseeing you can manage on those days. 

If you feel that you will need 2 full days in order to see the main attractions – but arrive very late on your first day – then you might want to think about adding an extra night to your stay.

You could also book a private transfer from the airport to save time on arrival.

Next, compare your check-in and check-out times with your arrival and departure times.

Are they roughly the same? If not, then you’ll need to plan what to do with your luggage.

Most accommodation providers will be happy to store your bags for you. But this isn’t always the case, so I recommend double-checking with your hotel beforehand.

If your hotel doesn’t provide this service, then the good news is that you have lots of alternatives. 

Nearly every train station in Japan has lockers – so many, in fact, that’s it’s usually pretty easy to find an empty one!

They tend to be small, medium, or large and are priced accordingly. Some of the larger stations will also offer service desks to store your bags.

Luggage storage is also available at Haneda and Narita Airports, and there are a variety of private companies across the city that you can book with – and pay for – online. 

Japan even has its own luggage storage app called Ecbo Cloak Service, where you can find the nearest place to leave your bags. It will tell you about charge points and wifi too!

Activities In Tokyo

To make it easier to decide how many days in Tokyo is enough, make a list of all the ‘must see’ attractions you want to visit.

Calculate how long each activity will take, and add on the amount of time you’ll spend traveling from one to the next.

You’ll need to account for the amount of time you might spend queuing, too, particularly if you are visiting during the city’s high season. This runs from late April through to early May, then from mid-June to mid-September.

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Browse Tours In Tokyo

Pace Of Activities

The pace of activities you prefer is very important when it comes to planning how many days in Tokyo you’ll need!

You can definitely squeeze more into a short visit if you’re happy going at a million miles an hour – but is this something you’ll enjoy or will you just end up feeling frazzled? 

If you’re the type of person who likes to really get a feel for the places they visit – perhaps with some free time for relaxing and people watching – then you should definitely opt for a longer stay of at least 3 nights.

Transportation

Tokyo may be a large city, but it also has one of the best public transport systems in the world!

Getting around is very easy, with the city’s subways and trains the best way to travel. You can get from one urban hub to the next within minutes.

The easiest way to pay is by using a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card, which will work on any train, subway, or bus. Interestingly, you can even use them in some shops!

Tokyo’s bus system is extensive but the subway/train system is so efficient that buses are rarely used. And there are plenty of taxis, too, but they can be quite expensive.

If you do choose to take a taxi, you can flag one down pretty much anywhere, or head to a taxi rank. You’ll find these outside most bus terminals, train stations, and some large shops.

What To Do In Tokyo

Here are my recommendations for the best things to do in Tokyo and how long you’ll need for each activity.

Visit The Imperial Palace

Located on the former site of Edo Castle, the current Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. 

On this Imperial Palace walking tour, you’ll get to stroll through its beautiful gardens and visit highlights like the Imperial Tokagakudo Music Hall and the Museum of Imperial Collections. 

As your licensed guide explains the history of the palace, you’ll go on to see Kitanomaru Park, home of the Nippon Budokan Hall and Kokyo-gaien, the National Gardens to the south of the palace.

Suggested time: 1 hour

See Mount Fuji And Lake Kawaguchi

One of Japan’s most distinctive features, Mount Fuji is a must-see on any visit to Tokyo. 

On this day-trip from Tokyo, you’ll travel by bus from the city and leave the crowds behind you. Arriving at Oishi Park you’ll have wonderful views of Mount Fuji’s slopes and the serene beauty of Lake Kawaguchi.

Walking through the park you’ll be enchanted by the colorful flowers and leaves of the well-tended greenery with the volcano serving as a stunning backdrop.

A tasty lunch (still with a view!) is included.

Suggested time: 9 to 11 hours

View Tokyo From The City’s Tallest Structure

The Tokyo Skytree is a landmark of the city, rising high into the sky and one of its newest attractions. 

A basic ticket takes you to the Tembo Deck, a dizzying 1,150 ft (351 m) high! Circular in shape and with windows all around, it gives you incredible, 360-degree views and you can spot highlights like the Tokyo Dome and Sumida River. 

Upgrade your ticket and you can continue your experience by visiting the Tembo Galleria – another lookout spot 1,475 feet (450 meters) high.

The Tower’s most amazing feature, it is shaped like a sloped spiral and offers dazzling, dynamic views.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours

Take A Japanese Cooking Class

What better way to learn about a culture than through its cuisine? 

During this cool cooking experience, you’ll prepare and enjoy Kaiseki – a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner – and Wagyu beef steak. 

Learning the tricks of the trade from a friendly local instructor, your lesson takes place in a welcoming, homely atmosphere. 

All ingredients and utensils are included and you’ll have 7 or 8 delicious dishes to enjoy at the end!

Suggested time: 3 hours

Tour Kegon Falls and Shinto Holy Sites

This unforgettable tour takes you first to one of Japan’s top three waterfalls – Kegon Falls – and then follows the stream to the picturesque Lake Chuzenji for lunch at one of the area’s best restaurants.

The scenery is beautiful year-round, but particularly so in autumn when the seasonal colors provide an incredible backdrop. 

After lunch, you’ll head to the city’s holy sites, including the UNESCO heritage Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Futara-san Shrine.

As you admire the ancient Oriental buildings’ designs, your guide will share with you their fascinating history.

Suggested time: 10 hours

Take A Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

Get a new perspective on the city by viewing it from Tokyo Bay at night. 

Starting at Shinagawa and passing Rainbow Bridge, Sumida River, Tokyo Skytree, and Odaiba, this wonderful dinner cruise gives you panoramic views and some of the best photo opportunities of your trip. 

Your authentic 10-course meal is freshly made on the day and includes treats such as fresh tempura, a sashimi boat, noodles, a seasonal rice dish, and dessert.

You can also enjoy popular Japanese drinks like sake, plum liquor, Japanese beer, and shochu.

Suggested time: 3 hours

Final Thoughts On Tokyo Getaways

So just how many days do you need in Tokyo to experience the best of the city and see its major attractions?

I hope this guide has helped you decide and put together an exciting itinerary for your visit.

Traveling to Japan soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• How many days in Kyoto
• Osaka itinerary
• Best cities to live in Japan for expats