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2019
21
May
How many days do you need to explore Tokyo without visiting museums?

Question:

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Reka

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice on how many days do you need to see Tokyo. We are going to Japan in April and staying about 12 days. We plan on arriving and leaving from Tokyo and would like to know how many days should we spend in the capital. I was thinking 2 whole days. Is that enough to see the city? Mind you we are not museum type of people.
Let me know

Humans say...

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Janna

I've been to Tokyo 3x, and on my last trip we stayed there the whole 11-night trip (because we were staying with friends who live there).
I'd say somewhere around 2-4 full days would let you get a good taste of the major highlights of Tokyo. There are a lot of cool things to see. But if you prefer nature and temples, Kyoto might be more up your alley.
I definitely recommend grabbing tickets for TeamLab Borderless, that's the best thing I've ever done in Tokyo.

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Reka

Janna thank you! We are planing on going to Mount Fuji, Nara, Nagoya and Kyoto. We are going during the cherry blossom season so the main point of the trip will be to see the nature as well.

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Zakiya

Reka Okay dear. I'll be asking how your plans are coming along in the next few weeks/months

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Catherin

2 days is not enough. I would say three or 4. Just walking around Tokyo is incredible.

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Mark

You can easily do a week in Tokyo. I was there last year in the summer and went out 2x a day for a full 7 days and still felt like there was more to see.

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Mark

Recommendation: map out restaurants, sights, and activities you want to go to, and then plot them out by geography. Tokyo is really dense, so you can do 3-4 things near a single subway station over the course of a few hours.

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Reka

Mark thank you

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Sarah

Each AREA in Tokyo, you could probably spend a good half or full day in. Depending on your interests!
I think you should make a list of what you want to see/do in Tokyo and estimate at least half a day per area. Then you'll get a good idea about how much time you need. This gives you ample time to find places to eat and take your time shopping without getting worn out

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Reka

Sarah thank you

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Tarek

Keep in mind if you want to do a day trip to mount fuji, its easiest from Tokyo.. but I would say 2 days are not enough for tokyo... as its a huge city with lots of action...

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Kirsti

Check out Japan-Guide videos on YouTube. They have a good one on Tokyo and other regions. I personally feel overwhelmed just thinking about being in such a busy place & 2 days would be enough for me. Really depends on what your idea of a fun vacation is.

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Roy

It all depends on what are looking for? Food, shopping, temples, shrines, castles and so on.

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Roy

If you are planning to sprawl across Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto and the rest, you will only have no more than 2 days in Tokyo. We've just came back about a month ago for 14 days from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back plus most the cities in between as well as up the mountains; Gero, Ono and Katsuyama, north of Nagoya. It's quite a whirlwind and you 're constantly on the go. Prioritize on the must and skip the others.For us, Kyoto is a must!

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Reka

Roy thank you, we won’t really be shopping, it’s more about seeing the city taking architecture photography and experiencing the culture and food.

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Roy

That's more or less what we were looking for besides food. Try to hook up with some goodwill local guides 2 months ahead in Kyoto, Osaka and so on. Most of these people are apprenticing to become professional guides and they need the experience. We had the opportunity of meeting one in Kyoto who gave us a full day service from 9:30 to 6:30pm except 1 hr. for lunch. Of course, you pay for their transportation and meals such as bus entrance fees. You ended up learning a lot. All the best!

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Roy

Mind you, you've chosen one of the best time of the year ; cherry blossom it does provide yiu with a festive feeling where ever you go. Enjoy!

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Jay

I spent about 2 days ago there and that was fine. You could definitely stay longer as it is massive and lots to see. It’s a cool city. Much different than your average huge city. I would say 2-4 days would be fine

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Val

Stephanie Wand

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Shaleen

I would recommend 4-5 days during cherry blossoms. You should join the locals at Yoyogi or Ueno park with a picnic and sit and enjoy the blossoms! I did 5 days in Tokyo in March/April 2019 but one day was in Chiba for a baseball game.

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Louise

We spent 10 days in Tokyo and still hadn’t “seen it all.” In 2 days, you’ll barely scratch the surface of one neighbourhood.

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Paulina

At least 5-6 depending what you want to do ; if in April , you may reserve a day for sumo tournament

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Glen

Not enough. There's so much to see.

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Rosanna

Depends on what you want to do and if you want to take in all that is Tokyo or go around. I was ambitious and did 5 cities in 2 weeks during Cherry blossom season (apr) and went to Takayama for the spring festival... Tokyo has so many pockets that are very unique. You can check out what I did on my travel blog http://boketto.rosannau.com/ I'd definitely say check out Teamlab, Ghibli if you are into that and I would save shopping to the very end of the trip if possible (although Tokyo is slightly more expensive than other cities). Don Quijote is a great place or a grocery store to stock up on those snacks to take home.

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Roy

very nice travel blog, Rosanna

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Ava

Just returned. 2 weeks. 4 nights in Tokyo, 7 in Kyoto and 2 in Hakone. Flew in and out of Tokyo.

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Kerop

It is all about what you want to do/see in Tokyo or Japan. We spent 2 days Osaka, 4days Kyoto, a day trip to Nara from Kyoto, 1 Night in Hiroshima and 4 days in Tokyo. For example we went to see live Tuna fish Actions in fish market at 4AM. Pack light, travelling is hard with heavy luggeses especially if you are not going to stay longer thann2 nights in every city.

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Zakiya

Kerop hey. Just had a question. If I’m based in Osaka, is it easy to do day trips to Kyoto and still experience it. Or would you advise splitting up Osaka and Kyoto into 2 different stays. I’m trying to figure out if I can be based in Osaka and then have a full itinerary day trip to Kyoto to see the culture.

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Kerop

If I were you I would stay in Kyoto and do day visit to Osaka. There are alot to see in Kyoto than Osaka (temple). Everything is possible with JR pass.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

How Many Days to Explore Tokyo?

April 1, 2023

Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a city that offers an incredible blend of modern wonders and traditional charm. With its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and rich cultural heritage, deciding how much time to spend in this metropolis can be a challenging task.

The Two-Day Tokyo Experience

For those who are not particularly interested in museums and prefer a more immersive experience, two full days in Tokyo can provide a taste of the city's essence. However, it's important to note that with such a limited timeframe, you'll need to prioritize and carefully plan your itinerary.

On the first day, you could start by exploring the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. From there, head to the nearby Meiji Shrine, a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape, and experience the traditional aspects of Japanese culture. In the afternoon, visit the lively Harajuku district, known for its eccentric fashion and vibrant street culture.

The second day could be dedicated to exploring the historic district of Asakusa, where you can visit the iconic Sensoji Temple and experience the traditional Japanese atmosphere. Afterward, take a stroll through the picturesque Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with shops selling souvenirs and local delicacies. In the evening, consider taking a river cruise along the Sumida River for a unique perspective of the city skyline.

Extending Your Stay

While two days can provide a glimpse into Tokyo's charm, many travelers recommend extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in the city's diverse offerings. With a 12-day trip to Japan, you could comfortably allocate four to five days to explore Tokyo at a more leisurely pace.

Additional days would allow you to venture beyond the iconic landmarks and discover hidden gems, such as the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the trendy neighborhood of Daikanyama, or the bustling fish market at Tsukiji. You could also take a day trip to nearby locations like Kamakura or Nikko, offering a chance to experience Japan's rich history and natural beauty.

Ultimately, the decision on how many days to spend in Tokyo depends on your interests, travel style, and overall itinerary for your trip to Japan. Whether you choose to spend two days or more, Tokyo promises to captivate you with its unique blend of modernity and tradition, leaving you with unforgettable memories.



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