Should I plan every meal in advance?

Plan dinner reservations for high-end places, but leave lunch flexible. Tokyo's food scene is everywhere - you'll find amazing meals just by wandering.

How much time should I spend in each neighborhood?

Half a day minimum per major area. Shibuya/Harajuku can easily fill a full day. Don't try to hit more than 2 neighborhoods per day.

Do I need to book hotels way in advance?

Book 2-4 weeks ahead for good options. Cherry blossom season (late March-early May) books up months in advance and costs double.

What if I don't speak Japanese?

Download Google Translate with camera function. Most signs in tourist areas have English. Point at menu items and bow a lot - people are patient and helpful.

How to plan your first Tokyo itinerary

Plan 5-7 days minimum for your first Tokyo trip. Hit the essential neighborhoods (Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Ginza) and book accommodations in Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy access to everything. Reserve restaurant spots and popular attractions in advance.

Decide your trip length. Book 5-7 days minimum. You need at least 5 days to see Tokyo's main areas without rushing. 7 days lets you add day trips to places like Nikko or Kamakura.
Pick your base neighborhood. Stay in Shinjuku (best train connections) or Shibuya (easy access to trendy areas). Both put you within 20 minutes of major attractions. Avoid staying in business districts like Marunouchi unless you're here for work.
Map out your must-see areas. Day 1: Shibuya and Harajuku. Day 2: Asakusa and traditional Tokyo. Day 3: Ginza and Tsukiji area. Day 4: Shinjuku and nearby neighborhoods. Day 5+: Choose between modern (Roppongi, Odaiba) or traditional (Ueno, imperial areas).
Book advance reservations. Make restaurant reservations 1-2 weeks ahead for high-end sushi or popular spots. Book TeamLab Borderless tickets online (they sell out). Reserve Studio Ghibli Museum tickets exactly 1 month before your visit date.
Plan your transport. Buy a 7-day JR Pass if you're taking day trips outside Tokyo (¥29,650). For Tokyo-only, get a 3-day Tokyo Metro pass (¥800) or just use IC card for pay-per-ride. Download Google Translate and Hyperdia apps.
Build flexibility into each day. Plan 2-3 main activities per day maximum. Tokyo districts are dense - you'll spend more time in each area than expected. Leave afternoons loose for wandering and unexpected discoveries.

Should I plan every meal in advance?: Plan dinner reservations for high-end places, but leave lunch flexible. Tokyo's food scene is everywhere - you'll find amazing meals just by wandering.
How much time should I spend in each neighborhood?: Half a day minimum per major area. Shibuya/Harajuku can easily fill a full day. Don't try to hit more than 2 neighborhoods per day.
Do I need to book hotels way in advance?: Book 2-4 weeks ahead for good options. Cherry blossom season (late March-early May) books up months in advance and costs double.
What if I don't speak Japanese?: Download Google Translate with camera function. Most signs in tourist areas have English. Point at menu items and bow a lot - people are patient and helpful.