Tokyo
Seven Sweet Days in Tokyo for Two
Skyline views, hidden alleys, and intimate Tokyo moments together
Planning a trip to Tokyo?
A romance-forward week in Tokyo mixing lantern-lit alleys, tranquil gardens, and skyline views with intimate neighborhood eateries. You’ll explore Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza, and Odaiba at a smart-value budget, balancing must-see sights with cozy, local favorites perfect for two.
Highlights
Stroll illuminated yokocho alleys and riverside promenades for atmospheric date nights.
Share quiet moments in Tokyo’s peaceful parks and traditional Japanese gardens.
Toast each other at rooftop bars and waterfront decks with sweeping city views.
Dine at local izakaya, ramen counters, and sushi bars away from tourist traps.
Wander Asakusa’s historic streets and temple grounds hand in hand.
Where to Stay
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Stylish mid-range hotel in Kabukicho with compact but well-designed rooms and easy access to Shinjuku Station.
$140-220/night
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Hotel directly connected to Shibuya Station with views over Shibuya Crossing and bright, comfortable rooms.
$170-260/night
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
Elegant hotel with refined interiors and some rooms offering city views, within walking distance of Ginza shopping streets.
$190-280/nightGood to Know
Use IC Cards for Transit
Get a Suica or PASMO card from any major station and load it with cash or a linked payment; you can tap on trains, subways, and many buses instead of buying individual tickets.
Avoid Peak Rush Hour
Try to avoid trains between roughly 7:30–9:30am and 5–7pm, especially on busy lines, as they can get extremely crowded.
Learn Simple Phrases
Knowing a few phrases like “sumimasen” (excuse me), “arigatou” (thank you), and “oishii” (delicious) goes a long way and is appreciated.
Restaurant Etiquette Basics
Most restaurants do not expect tips, and it’s polite to say a short “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after meals; many smaller places prefer you to order at least one drink each.
Cash and Cards Balance
While credit cards are widely accepted in chain stores and larger restaurants, some small izakaya and ramen shops are cash-only, so keep some yen available.
Plan One Special Splurge Night
Choose one evening for a slightly more upscale dinner, like teppanyaki or omakase sushi, and reserve in advance.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Expect to walk many kilometers each day across stations, parks, and shopping streets; choose comfortable shoes over fashion.
Use Luggage Forwarding if Needed
Consider Japanese luggage forwarding services (takkyubin) to send bags between airports and hotels instead of carrying them on crowded trains.
Your Week Itinerary
Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku
Western-style brunch with pancakes, eggs benedict, and good coffee inside Lumine Shinjuku.
1h · $18-30 per person
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Spacious park and garden with Japanese, English, and French-style sections and quiet walking paths.
2h · $5 per person
Nabezo Shinjuku 3 Chome
All-you-can-eat shabu-shabu and sukiyaki with good-quality meat and vegetables in a cozy setting.
1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Omoide Yokocho
Atmospheric narrow alley packed with tiny izakaya and yakitori bars under glowing lanterns.
1h · Free to walk; drinks/food $10-20 per person
Verve Coffee Roasters Shinjuku Station
Third-wave coffee stand with expertly made espresso drinks and light pastries inside Shinjuku Station.
30m · $8-15 per person
Meiji Jingu
Shinto shrine reached via a forested path, offering a tranquil escape from the city.
1h 30m · Free
Yoyogi Park
Large urban park with lawns and tree-lined paths, popular for picnics and people-watching.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka
Fun conveyor-belt style sushi with touchscreens and speedy delivery on tracks.
1h · $12-25 per person
Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Shibuya Center-gai
World-famous pedestrian crossing and surrounding shopping streets full of energy and neon lights.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Shibuya Yokocho (Miyashita Park)
Retro-themed food alley inside Miyashita Park with multiple izakaya and regional Japanese dishes.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person34 activities across 7 days
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