Ultimate 8-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Food, Fun & Must-See Spots 🗼
Tokyo is a city that hits you with sensory overload in the best possible way—neon lights, buzzing streets, and food that makes you question every other meal you’ve ever eaten. In this 8-day Tokyo itinerary, I’m sharing everything we did, ate, and learned along the way—including the mistakes we made (like trusting Apple Maps a little too much) and the game-changers (hello portable fans and digital Suica cards).
From jiggly pancakes in Harajuku to hidden dumpling spots in Shinjuku and a day trip to Hakone, here’s a detailed Tokyo itinerary—plus practical tips to help you plan yours.
Things to Know Before You Go
💳 Bring Your Debit Card (Seriously)
I know, this sounds obvious—but we both forgot ours, and it made things unnecessarily more difficult. Japan isn’t fully cashless, so you’ll need your debit card so you can transfer cash to yen. We ended up having to wire cash to ourselves at the airport, and while it worked, it was a hassle. Also, notify your bank of your travel dates so you don’t get locked out.
🚆 Get a digital Suica card
Tokyo’s public transportation is honestly world-class—clean, punctual, fast, and quiet. A digital Suica card (easily added to Apple Wallet) makes getting around Tokyo easy. You can use it to pay for trains, buses, vending machines, and most convenience stores. You don’t need to load too much at once; you can easily top it up as needed.
🛂 Fast-track customs with Visit Japan Web
Fill out your customs and immigration paperwork online before your flight via the Visit Japan Web site. You’ll get QR codes that let you go through immigration while others are still hunting for pens.
🚕 Arrange airport transportation ahead of time when possible
The Airport Limousine Bus is a convenient, affordable option from both Narita and Haneda. Or, have your hotel book a private transfer to skip the confusion after a long flight (if they offer that).
🗺️ Don’t solely trust Apple Maps
Tokyo is a maze of multi-level streets and underground pathways, and Apple Maps led us astray more times than I can count. Use the Rome2Rio app or Google Maps instead—they seemed to work a little bit better.
📶 Set up an international phone plan before you go
Speaking of looking up places & getting lost, you will need wifi! Before leaving, I added an international plan to my phone, which made things super easy as soon as I landed. If you prefer another option, pocket WiFi rentals and Japan eSIMs are also great for reliable data throughout your trip.
🗑️ Public trash bins are few and far between
Tokyo is spotlessly clean, but public trash bins are rare. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson usually have bins if you need to toss something though.
🌡️ Summer in Tokyo is intense
We went in August/September, and I—someone who absolutely loves hot weather—was dripping with sweat 24/7. I even got a heat rash that required buying medicine from a local pharmacy. 😅 Portable fans are great, Japanese women were carrying them everywhere for a reason (which became quickly obvious).
🏋️♀️ Try a local gym
We worked out at our hotel's partner gym, and it was fun to see the Japanese fitness culture. Travel workouts are my favorite and offer a cool glimpse into daily life abroad.
Where We Stayed: Shinjuku
📍 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi 2 Chome−6−2
We stayed at the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku, and it was small (like most Tokyo hotels) but still comfortable. Best of all, it’s just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station—ideal for hopping on trains to explore the city without hassle.
If I could do it again, I’d still stay in Shinjuku or try Shibuya—both are central, well-connected, and packed with things to do.
Our 8-Day Tokyo Itinerary 🇯🇵
🌃 Day 1: Arrive & Nighttime in Shinjuku
After a long flight, we checked in to our hotel, dropped our bags, and hit the streets of Shinjuku just to wander around for a little bit. The neighborhood was alive at night—neon signs, buzzing izakayas, laneways and narrow alleys that feel like movie sets. We wandered through Kabukicho, letting the chaotic, electric energy of Tokyo sink in before hitting the hay for the night.
🍓 Day 2: Harajuku, Thrifting, & Pancakes
☕ Lattes at Verve Coffee Roasters (Shinjuku) – Smooth, flavorful coffee that gave us the boost we needed to tackle Harajuku crowds. Their latte game is strong, and the vibe is industrial-cozy.
📍 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−24−55 NEWoMan 新宿 2F
🥞 Breakfast at Micasadeco & Cafe – Japanese pancakes are next-level, and these pancakes were so fluffy they wiggle when served. Probably the best pancakes I’ve ever eaten.
📍 6 Chome-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
🍓 Walk Takeshita Street – Crowded but fun, packed with quirky shops and over-the-top sugary treats. We tried Ichigo Ame (candied strawberries)—like crunchy glass on the outside, juicy sweetness inside and went into unique shops along the street (bought portable fans).
📍 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae 1 Chome−17−1
🦔 Pet Prickly Little Cuties at Harry Hedgehog Café – Tokyo loves animal cafés, and this one lets you hold and feed tiny hedgehogs. We just walked up because we randomly came across it, but reservations are recommended.
📍 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae 1 Chome−13−21
👗 Shop Harajuku Thrift Stores – The vintage selection here is insane, we even found a sweatshirt from our alma mater.
🥟 Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza – Cheap, delicious dumplings (but cash only!). The perfect midday food stop after walking & shopping.
📍 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
🍩 Dessert at I’m donut? – Soft, pillowy donuts that genuinely live up to their viral status.
📍 1 Chome-14-24 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
🐻 Tea at ANAKUMA Café – Quirky spot where you order from a bear paw through a hole in the wall. Yes, it’s weird. Yes, it’s fun. The apple tea? Delicious.
📍 1 Chome-23-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
🌆 Walk through Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) – Atmospheric sake & street food in narrow lantern-lit alleys. We found a stall, but honestly, the food was just okay. The atmosphere, though? Incredible. Dim lanterns, smoky grills, and a vibe straight out of a 1970s Tokyo film.
📍 1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
🛍️ Day 3: Markets, Fancy Streets, & Cocktails
🥐 Breakfast at Boul’ange & Eggslut (Shinjuku) – We couldn’t pick just one, so we went to both. Boul’ange served up flaky pastries, while Eggslut delivered creamy scrambled egg sandwiches. A solid start to the day with a mix of sweet and savory.
📍 Boul’ange & Eggslut: Shinjuku Southern Terrace, 2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
🛍️ Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street – A chaotic, lively market packed with street food stalls and shops. We even stumbled across a street performer doing magic tricks.
📍 Ameyoko Plaza, 6-10-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0005
🌆 Exploring Ginza Shops – We wandered through Ginza’s high-end shopping district just to see what it was like compared to the States.
📍 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza
🍕 Dinner at Pizzeria Trattoria Vomero – Delicious wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. An unexpected Italian gem in fancy Ginza.
📍 3-12-8 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
🍸 Cocktails at The SG Club – A speakeasy-ish cocktail bar that takes drinks to an art form. The drink presentation? So stunning you’ll want to take photos.
📍 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jinnan 1 Chome−7−8
🚶♀️ Cross Shibuya Scramble Crossing – Touristy thing to do, but we crossed Tokyo’s busiest intersection at night on our way back from the bar.
📍 Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
🌄 Day 4: Hakone Day Trip
☕ Quick Stop at Verve Coffee – Round two at Verve for a quick caffeine fix before hopping on the train to Hakone to fuel up for the day.
📍 〒151-0051 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sendagaya, 5 Chome−24−55 NEWoMan 新宿 2F
🚠 Ride the Hakone Ropeway – The ‘gondola’ ride gave us stunning panoramic views of Owakudani volcanic valley—steaming vents, a strong sulfur smell, and epic mountain landscapes. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji on a clear day (we didn’t sadly).
📍 1300-328 Gōra, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
🥚 Try the Black Egg (Kurotamago, Owakudani) – These eggs are boiled in volcanic hot springs, turning their shells black from the sulfur. Legend says eating one adds 7 years to your life.
📍 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
⛴️ Ride the Lake Ashi Pirate Ship (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise) – Okay, it’s technically a sightseeing cruise, but the ship is decorated like a pirate vessel. Fun touristy vibes and a relaxing ride across the lake.
📍 161 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
🍰 Try a Tart at Grande Rivière – We tasted the honey cheese tart here, it was a sweet and creamy treat.
📍 1246-737 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
🍺 Eat at Gora Brewery & Grill – The wood-fired pizzas were solid, and my friend said her wagyu steak was delicious.
📍 1300-72 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarakami District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
🚫 Failed Onsen Attempt – We forgot to bring cash, so we couldn’t go to the onsen. Classic lesson learned.
☕ Day 5: Coffee Tour & Baseball Game
☕ Start the Morning at Paddlers Coffee (Shibuya) – A minimalist café known with a relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Great spot for a slow morning coffee break before exploring.
📍 2 Chome-26-5 Nishihara, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
☕ Second Coffee Break at Little Nap Coffee Roasters – A tiny but mighty coffee shop near Yoyogi Park. Their iced latte was exactly what we needed in the heat, and we loved the outdoor aesthetic.
📍 2 Chome-43-15 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
🍜 Dive Into a Bowl at Ichiran Ramen (Shinjuku) – A unique ramen experience where you order from a vending machine, get your own private booth, and slurp rich, creamy tonkotsu noodles.
📍 3 Chome−34−11 Peace Bldg., B1F, Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
🍵 Try Matcha Ice Cream – This was like eating straight-up matcha powder in frozen form. A bold, earthy flavor that true matcha purists will love, but for us? A little too much. If you’re a fan of strong matcha, this is your moment.
⚾ Catch a Japanese Baseball game at Meiji Jingu Stadium – We watched the Swallows vs. BayStars, and the energy was next-level. From the organized chants to the umbrella dances after runs, it was a completely different baseball experience. One of my favorite experiences in Tokyo.
📍 〒160-0013 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kasumigaokamachi 3−1
🍜 Day 6: Nighttime Noodles
🍜 Slurp Up Perfection at Shin Udon – I’m still dreaming about these noodles. Back from Thailand and straight to Shin Udon. Thick, chewy noodles, crispy tempura, and a long line that was worth every minute.
📍 〒151-0053 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Yoyogi 2 Chome−20−16, 1F Souma Building
🎨 Day 7: Kichijoji & TeamLab Borderless
🍞 Morning Bite at Pacific Bake House – Quick stop for a pastry at the Shinjuku Station before heading out.
📍 3 Chome-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
🏡 Exploring the Kichijoji Neighborhood – Quiet streets, cute shops, and vintage heaven. This neighborhood had some of our favorite thrift finds and a relaxed, artsy atmosphere. This was probably my favorite area of Tokyo that we explored.
📍 Kichijoji, Musashino City, Tokyo
🍝 Lunch at Café Rigoletto – Solid pasta, cozy vibes, and a great spot for a chill lunch.
📍 〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho, 2 Chome−14−25 吉祥寺第２マーブルビル 1・2F
🍧 Try Kakigōri at Kooriya Peace – Melt-in-your-mouth kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice) that was so light and airy it disappeared instantly. 10/10 recommend.
📍 〒180-0003 Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji Minamicho, 1 Chome−9−9 吉祥寺じぞうビル
🧚♀️ Wander Through Kichijoji Petit Mura – A storybook village with whimsical architecture, fairy-tale vibes, and cat cafés. It felt like stepping into a Ghibli-style fantasy world.
📍 Kichijōji Petit Mura, 吉祥寺プティット村 2 Chome-33-2 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0004, Japan
🎨 Get Immersed at teamLab Borderless – The interactive art installations felt like stepping into a digital dreamworld. Rooms of infinite mirrors, floating lights, and immersive visuals made this an unforgettable experience.
📍 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5 Chome−９ Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1
🥟 Late Dinner at Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku – Soup dumplings soooo delicious! The Taiwanese ginger sour was refreshing, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced (we had three).
📍 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−35−13 裕永ビル 3F
👋 Day 8: Last-Minute Wanderings
🧋 Sip on Boba at Gong Cha – Refreshing boba to sip while walking around on our last day.
📍 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho 29−3 渋谷センター街
🎮 Visit the Pokémon Center Shibuya – Crowded but fun if you’re even remotely a Pokémon fan. Tons of exclusive merch, life-sized statues, and a sleek, futuristic design.
📍 渋谷PARCO 6F 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-8377, Japan
✈️ Then it was time to head to Haneda Airport and say goodbye to Tokyo for now.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is equal parts exciting, overwhelming, and endlessly delicious. If you love food, vibrant city vibes, and quirky cultural experiences, Tokyo will ruin you for other cities—in the best way possible.
Have a Tokyo tip or favorite spot? Drop it in the comments—I’m already scheming my next trip.