What To Do On A 15-Day Tokyo Tour

Fifteen days might sound like a lot—until you’re on day fourteen wishing for more. Tokyo isn’t a city to rush. It’s a place that unfolds over time, offering something new each day. This list? It’s about doing the right things at the right pace. If slow travel is your style, here’s a daily roadmap that actually fits.

Start With Tokyo Skytree For An Aerial View Of The City

There’s no better way to understand Tokyo’s size than from 2,080 feet in the air. Skytree’s observation decks open up the city’s full scale. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears in the distance. The Sumida River winds below, and neighborhoods stretch out like a living map.

Explore Sensoji Temple And Nakamise Street

Tokyo’s oldest temple dates back to the year 645 and still draws steady crowds. Sensoji stands as a spiritual landmark in a busy neighborhood. Nakamise Street leads to its gate with rows of snack stalls and souvenir shops—perfect for picking up ningyo-yaki or a lucky charm.

Visit Museums And Stroll Ueno Park

Home to cherry blossoms, paddle boats, and museums, Ueno Park turns sightseeing into leisure. The Tokyo National Museum showcases ancient pottery and calligraphy from centuries past. It’s a relaxed but enlightening stop that fills an entire day without feeling rushed.

Spend The Morning At Meiji Shrine, Then Shop In Harajuku

Built in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji, the shrine sits at the end of a quiet forest path that softens the city’s noise. Just outside the serenity, Takeshita Street offers youth fashion alongside rainbow-colored sweets and quirky shops. This is Tokyo’s quiet-to-loud switch flipped in a single morning.

Cross Shibuya Scramble And View From Shibuya Sky

You might have seen it in movies—the Shibuya Scramble ranks as the world’s most heavily used pedestrian crossing. After joining the chaos, head up to Shibuya Sky. The open-air rooftop sits 46 floors high and delivers bold skyline views. Safety Note: No bags/tripods allowed on the rooftop.

Relax In Shinjuku Gyoen And Eat In Omoide Yokocho

Formerly a feudal lord’s residence, Shinjuku Gyoen is now a sprawling garden blending French, English, and Japanese designs. Later, wander through Omoide Yokocho—a post-war alley of lantern-lit yakitori joints with smoky charm and menus scrawled on yellowed paper.

Tour Ghibli Museum And Inokashira Park

The Ghibli Museum is a ticketed treasure. Pre-booking is essential for this whimsical space that celebrates the studio’s animation legacy. Afterward, stroll across Inokashira Park, where swan boats and indie street performers keep the atmosphere relaxed and creatively charged.

Ride To TeamLab And Unwind In Odaiba

This driverless train glides across Tokyo Bay to futuristic stops. TeamLab Borderless now dazzles at Azabudai Hills with infinity rooms and immersive art. Wind down in Odaiba, where you can shop or see the Rainbow Bridge, which glows each evening with rotating lights across Tokyo’s skyline.

Walk The Imperial Palace And Marunouchi

Access to the Imperial Palace is rare, limited to January 2 and December 23. So, plan accordingly. On another note, the outer gardens and moats are open daily. And just across the bridge, Marunouchi blends sleek office towers with fine dining in restored brick warehouses, showcasing Tokyo’s most polished and powerful side.

Cruise The Sumida River By Water Bus

Water buses glide down the Sumida River, linking historic and modern districts. It’s not simply a ride—it’s a floating tour that takes you past Tokyo Skytree and riverside architecture. On a water bus, you experience a quieter look at the city that many visitors completely miss.

Browse Shimokitazawa’s Shops

Tokyo’s answer to Brooklyn, Shimokitazawa charms with record stores, thrift boutiques, and live music cafes hidden in backstreets. The vibe here is relaxed, and prices are better than in central districts. This is where creativity lives without drawing attention to itself.

Eat At Ramen Street And Shop Food Halls

Tokyo Station hides a ramen lover’s dream in its basement. Ramen Street features top shops like Rokurinsha or Ikaruga, each with loyal fans. After finishing a bowl, head to Gransta or Daimaru’s depachika—wagashi sweets fill glass cases while seasonal bento or premium teas make perfect takeaways.

Explore Jimbocho’s Book Stores And Cafes

Jimbocho is Tokyo’s book town. Its narrow lanes house hundreds of secondhand bookstores, some with floor-to-ceiling Japanese prints, while others have rare English volumes. Coffee shops double as quiet study spaces—perfect for slowing down and flipping through something unexpected.

Soak At Ooedo-Onsen In Odaiba

This hot spring theme park in Odaiba draws from the Edo period. Lantern-lit streets and wooden storefronts set the mood. You can slip into a yukata and then relax in open-air or indoor baths. Afterward, take a stroll along the walkway where warm foot pools bubble gently.

End With Sunset At The Government Building

On the final day, skip the lines and high prices. Visit the twin observation towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. They offer free 360-degree views. You can catch the sunset over Mount Fuji or watch the city light up one last time before departure.