11 days of art and gourmet food in Tokyo during early summer
Good to know: Tokyo in July is hot and humid, with many days exceeding 30°C. This itinerary is designed to be gentle on your body, with outdoor strolls in the cooler morning hours and air-conditioned indoor facilities like museums, cafes, and department stores in the afternoon. Please remember to stay well-hydrated.
Trip total
$6,313.86est.
Estimated — actual prices vary by date and availability · 12 not priced yet
Per day
Arriving in Tokyo: A relaxing start in Shinjuku, the city that never sleeps
After arriving at Haneda Airport, head straight to your hotel in Shinjuku. On your first day, take it easy by exploring around the hotel and starting your trip with some delicious tempura.
Travel from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku
Travel to your hotel in Shinjuku by taking the Tokyo Monorail and transferring to the JR Yamanote Line, or by using the airport limousine bus.
大田区・新宿区
Hotel Graphy Shinjuku Check-in
Check in and drop off your bags to travel light. You can also enjoy views of the Shinjuku cityscape from your room.
新宿区歌舞伎町1-19-1
Shinjuku Tsunahachi Souhonten
A historic tempura restaurant founded in 1924 (Taisho 13). Enjoy piping-hot, crispy tempura fried right in front of you, rich with the aroma of sesame oil.
新宿区新宿3-31-8
From a Sacred Forest to a Trendy Art Stroll in Omotesando
Relax in the deep greenery of Meiji Jingu Shrine during the cool morning hours, then spend the afternoon admiring the latest art at a cool museum in Omotesando.
Meiji Shrine
A vast forest spreading across the heart of Tokyo. Pass under the grand Torii gate in the crisp morning air and visit the main shrine to recharge your energy.
渋谷区代々木神園町1-1
Kawakami An Aoyama
Exquisite soba noodles from Shinshu's famous restaurant, Kawakami An. The smooth noodles pair perfectly with the large, crispy tempura. Enjoy them in the comfort of the air-conditioned restaurant.
港区南青山3-14-1
Nezu Museum
A serene space showcasing traditional East Asian art. Stroll through the beautiful Kengo Kuma-designed architecture and a tranquil Japanese garden that feels worlds away from the surrounding skyscrapers.
港区南青山6-5-1
Yakiniku Jumbo Hanare
A highly popular yakiniku restaurant famous for its signature 'Nohara-yaki' (thinly sliced premium beef). Enjoy carefully selected, melt-in-your-mouth Kuroge Wagyu beef (advance reservation required).
文京区本郷3-38-1
Exploring Showa-retro Yanesen and an Art Stroll in Ueno
Take a leisurely walk through the Yanesen area, where Tokyo's old-fashioned alleys still remain, and spend the afternoon enjoying art in the lush greenery of Ueno Park.
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street
A bustling shopping street filled with Showa-era nostalgia. You can also enjoy local street food like their famous croquettes and take in the view from the 'Yuyake Dandan' sunset stairs.
荒川区西日暮里3-13-1
Nezu Shrine
One of Tokyo's ten major shrines, this ancient sanctuary features beautiful Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates). Its quiet, lush green grounds offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
文京区根津1-28-9
Sanuki Udon Nenotsu
A highly popular udon restaurant beloved in the Yanesen area. The cold 'Bukkake Udon' is chewy and firm, making it the perfect lunch for a hot summer day.
文京区根津1-23-16
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum & Ueno Park
An art museum located inside Ueno Park. Admire high-quality art exhibitions in the comfortable, air-conditioned galleries, then refresh yourself with a view of the lotus blossoms at Shinobazu Pond.
台東区上野公園8-36
Izuei Honten
A historic eel restaurant by the shores of Ueno's Shinobazu Pond, dating back to the Edo period. Savor their exquisite Unaju (grilled eel over rice), perfectly steamed and glazed in a savory sauce.
台東区上野2-12-22
Cutting-Edge Digital Art and Tokyo's Ocean Breeze
After a magical experience of light and water at teamLab, enjoy delicious seafood at the new Edo-style area next to Toyosu Market.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
A multi-sensory immersive museum where you walk barefoot through water and are surrounded by giant projection-mapped flowers. Filled with summer-perfect surprises (booking required).
江東区豊洲6-1-16
Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai
A new attraction opened in 2024. In an area replicating an Edo-period townscape, you can enjoy fresh tuna, skewers, and street food, or relax in a free hot spring footbath.
江東区豊洲6-5-1
Hama-rikyu Gardens
A prestigious daimyo garden associated with the Shogun family, featuring a seawater pond (Shioiri-no-ike). Take a relaxing break with matcha tea and seasonal Japanese sweets at the teahouse floating on the pond.
中央区浜離宮庭園1-1
Ginza Bansuke
A premium dried fish restaurant operated by the brand 'Bansuke'. Enjoy exquisite, perfectly grilled dried fish served with freshly cooked rice.
中央区銀座5-14-8
Immerse Yourself in Kichijoji's Peaceful Greenery and the World of Ghibli
Stroll through a lush park in Kichijoji, highly popular as a 'most desirable neighborhood to live in,' before heading to the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka (advance booking required).
Inokashira Park
AFURI Nakameguro
武蔵野市御殿山1-18-31
Iseya Sohonten
A Showa-retro yakitori institution that is an icon of Kichijoji. Enjoy a casual lunch of yakitori (skewers available individually) and motsunichi (giblet stew) with a cold beer.
武蔵野市御殿山1-2-1
Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
A unique museum designed by director Hayao Miyazaki. It is filled with playful features that make you feel like you have wandered into a building from his films (strict advance reservation required).
三鷹市下連雀1-1-83
Motsuyaki Ucchan Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho
An alleyway next to the Shinjuku Station tracks that strongly retains a Showa-era atmosphere. Sit at the counter and enjoy delicious grilled pork skewers (motsuyaki) cooked right in front of you.
新宿区西新宿1-2-7
Tradition Meets Modernity: Downtown Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree
Visit Tokyo's iconic Senso-ji Temple in the morning, and spend the afternoon taking in panoramic views of the vast metropolis from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck.
Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori Street
Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll past the iconic giant red lantern of 'Kaminarimon' (Thunder Gate) and through the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
台東区浅草2-3-1
Asakusa Imahan Kokusai-dori Honten
A legendary restaurant founded in the Meiji era. Enjoy their traditional sukiyaki featuring top-grade Kuroge Wagyu beef with a reasonably priced, luxurious lunch set.
台東区西浅草3-1-12
Tokyo Skytree
The world's tallest self-supporting broadcasting tower. The panoramic views from the 350m and 450m observation decks are breathtaking, offering views as far as Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
墨田区押上1-1-2
Komagata Dozeu Honten
A traditional 'dozeu nabe' (loach hot pot) flavor kept alive for over 200 years since the Edo period. Served topped with mountains of green onions, it is a local specialty unique to Tokyo.
台東区駒形1-7-12
Urban Oasis Shiba Park and Sophisticated Art in Roppongi
Stroll through Zojoji, an ancient temple with a stunning view of Tokyo Tower, and spend the afternoon visiting an amazing museum located on the upper floors of a Roppongi skyscraper.
Zojoji Temple & Shiba Park
A famous temple containing the tombs of the Tokugawa Shoguns. It is a stunning scenic spot where Tokyo Tower rises directly behind the main hall, creating a beautiful contrast between the old and the new. The shade of the trees in the adjacent Shiba Park is also very pleasant.
港区芝公園4-7-35
Godaime Nodaiwa Azabu Iikura Honten
Founded during the Kansei era, this legendary restaurant has previously earned a Michelin star. Savor their tender, juicy wild eel over rice (unaju), carefully prepared and smoked to perfection.
港区東麻布1-5-4
Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills)
An art museum located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. After enjoying their high-quality contemporary art exhibitions, you can take in the spectacular Tokyo skyline.
港区六本木6-10-1
Butagumi (Nishi-Azabu)
A luxurious tonkatsu specialty restaurant set in a renovated 70-year-old traditional house. It serves high-quality pork carefully selected from across Japan, precisely fried in an original oil blend.
港区西麻布2-24-9
Sophisticated Cafe Life in Daikanyama and a Stroll Through Nakameguro
Explore Daikanyama and Nakameguro, some of Tokyo's most stylish neighborhoods. Drop by the popular Tsutaya Books, stroll along tree-lined streets, and try exquisite ramen.
Daikanyama T-SITE
The beautiful Daikanyama Tsutaya Books is nestled in a forest-like setting. Spend a quiet, high-quality morning browsing their curated selection of books, design items, and stationary.
渋谷区猿楽町17-5
IVY PLACE
A villa-style cafe located on the grounds of Daikanyama T-SITE. Its terrace seating offers views of forest-like greenery, making it a perfect spot for an elegant lunch (the pancakes are exquisite).
渋谷区猿楽町16-15
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
A massive Starbucks featuring an on-site roastery located along Nakameguro's Meguro River, one of only a few in the world. Enjoy exclusive beverages and artisan breads you can only find here.
目黒区青葉台2-19-23
AFURI Nakameguro
Their signature 'Yuzu Shio Ramen' features a refreshing citrus aroma, thin noodles, and seared chashu pork, making it a perfectly light and delicious meal for a hot summer day.
目黒区上目黒1-23-1
A Day Trip to Ancient Kamakura and the Beautiful Coastal Railway
Take a day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city to Kamakura, home to beautiful temples and the Great Buddha. Relax with views of the Shonan coast from the retro Enoden train.
Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) Ride & Hasedera Temple
Ride the charmingly retro Enoden train to enjoy scenic views passing through residential areas and along the coast, then visit Hasedera Temple, famous for its hydrangeas.
鎌倉市長谷3-11-2
The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kotoku-in)
Kamakura's signature icon, a massive bronze Buddha statue seated in the open air. You can marvel at its serene presence and even step inside to see the interior.
鎌倉市長谷4-2-28
Kamakura Kamameshi Kamakama Honten
A famous restaurant serving fresh, local 'shirasu' (whitebait) kamameshi (kettle rice), cooked individually to order. Sea urchin and salmon roe toppings are also highly popular.
鎌倉市小町2-11-8
Komachi-dori Street
A lively shopping street stretching from Kamakura Station toward Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Enjoy local treats like pickles, matcha soft-serve ice cream, shop for chopsticks, or search for souvenirs.
鎌倉市小町1-5
Shinjuku Ryuen
A premium Kuroge Wagyu yakiniku restaurant in Shinjuku to celebrate the last night of your trip. Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth short ribs and salted beef tongue with their special green onion sauce to melt your fatigue away.
新宿区歌舞伎町2-20-6
Appreciating the Splendor and Traditional Culture of Ginza
Admire the beautiful, stately architecture of the Kabukiza Theatre, enjoy an exquisite truffle ramen lunch in sophisticated Ginza, and spend the afternoon exploring contemporary art.
Kabukiza Theatre (Exterior & Gallery)
The temple of Kabuki, Japan's proud traditional performing art. Simply viewing the theatre building offers a look at beautiful Momoyama-style architecture. The basement souvenir area is also well worth exploring.
中央区銀座4-12-15
銀座 篝 Honten
A back-alley ramen shop with the refined atmosphere of a traditional kappo restaurant. Their signature rich yet elegant 'Tori Paitan Soba' (creamy chicken noodle soup) features a broth that is wonderfully smooth and creamy.
中央区銀座6-4-12
GINZA SIX
The largest complex commercial facility in the Ginza area. Contemporary art installations hang in the central atrium, and you can enjoy a cool break at the Tsutaya Books on the top floor or the luxurious rooftop garden.
中央区銀座6-10-1
Ginza Sushiko Honten
A prestigious historic sushi restaurant founded in the Meiji era. Fully experience top-quality Edomae sushi, meticulously prepared piece by piece by a chef right before your eyes.
中央区銀座6-3-8
Wrap Up the Trip: High-Rise Views in Shinjuku and Last-Minute Shopping
On your final day, take your time checking out, then look out over the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories and pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 Observation Deck
Take in a sweeping panoramic view of Tokyo from 202 meters above ground. Enjoy the stunning morning view to commemorate your last day (free admission).
新宿区西新宿2-8-1
Shinjuku Isetan Depachika (Shopping & Lunch)
Isetan's department store basement (depachika) boasts one of Japan's finest food halls. Pick up a delicious gourmet bento to enjoy in the rooftop garden, or browse for Japanese sweets to take home as souvenirs.
新宿区新宿3-14-1
Heading Back to Haneda Airport
Travel from Shinjuku Station to Shinagawa Station on the JR Yamanote Line and transfer to the Keikyu Line, or take a direct limousine bus from the Shinjuku West Exit to Haneda Airport.
新宿区・大田区
- Book tickets for the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in advance (on sale 1 month prior)
- Purchase advance tickets from the official teamLab Planets TOKYO website
- Complete the Visit Japan Web registration (for immigration and customs)
- Prepare a physical or digital transit IC card, such as Suica or PASMO
- Reserve tables in advance for famous restaurants (Nodaiwa, Yakiniku Jumbo, Imahan, etc.)
- Pack breathable summer clothes and comfortable sneakers (for walking around museums and the city)
- Bring a folding umbrella for both rain and sun (to protect against July's intense sunlight and sudden heavy downpours)
- Handheld portable fan (an essential item for outdoor walks)
- A portable water bottle or flask (to prevent heatstroke)
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