Itinerary
15 Days Discovering Tokyo & Hidden Gems Around
This sample 15-day itinerary is designed specifically for travel in April–May, showcasing the best of Japan’s spring season. Please note that we personalize every itinerary depending on the time of year you travel, so you don’t need to worry if you can’t come exactly in that period—your journey will be tailored to the season of your visit.
Days 1–3 —
Tokyo
Begin your journey in Japan’s vibrant capital. Explore different neighborhoods, discover local restaurants, hidden cafés, temples, and experience the everyday life that makes Tokyo so unique.
Day 4
— Kawagoe & Karuizawa
Pick up your rental car in the morning and leave the city behind. Stop in Kawagoe, a charming town often called “Little Edo,” known for its historic streets and traditional warehouses.
Continue to Karuizawa, a beautiful mountain retreat loved by Tokyo locals for its fresh air, forests, cafés, and peaceful atmosphere.
Night in Karuizawa.
Day 5
—
Chichibu
& Shibazakura Festival
Travel to Chichibu, a small town surrounded by mountains. Visit Hitsujiyama Park, where the famous Shibazakura Festival creates a spectacular carpet of pink, white, and purple moss phlox flowers.
The park also features local food stalls and regional specialties, perfect to enjoy while admiring the views of the surrounding mountains.
Night in Chichibu.
Day 6
— Okutama Lake
Discover Okutama, one of Tokyo’s hidden natural escapes. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and clear rivers, the area offers beautiful scenery and peaceful nature.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxing moment by the river, sharing an outdoor barbecue by the water as the sun sets behind the mountains. The quiet atmosphere and sound of the river make this a simple but unforgettable experience.
Stay overnight near the river.
Day 7
—
Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes region and explore Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best places to admire Mount Fuji. Enjoy scenic walks, lakeside viewpoints, and small cafés with beautiful views.
Night in Kawaguchiko.
Days 8–9 — Shuzenji & the Izu Peninsula
Continue to the Izu Peninsula and stay in Shuzenji, a charming hot spring town known for its traditional streets, red bridges, and beautiful bamboo forest path.
Spend the night in a traditional ryokan, relax in natural hot springs, and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.
The following day can be dedicated to exploring more of the Izu Peninsula — dramatic coastal views, small seaside towns, waterfalls, and scenic drives along the ocean.
Two nights in Shuzenji.
Day 10
— Enoshima & Zushi
Head to the coast to explore Enoshima, a lively island with shrines, sea views, and charming streets filled with shops and cafés.
Later, discover Zushi, a relaxed seaside town loved by locals. Enjoy the beach and the peaceful coastal atmosphere.
Night in Zushi.
Day 11
—
Miura Peninsula & Yokohama
Start the morning at a local fish market in Miura, known for its incredibly fresh seafood and authentic fishing culture.
In the evening, head to Yokohama, a vibrant port city with beautiful waterfront views and a lively harbor district.
Night near Yokohama port.
Day 12
— Hitachi Seaside Park & Sawara
Visit Hitachi Seaside Park, famous for its spectacular seasonal flower fields. Continue to Sawara, a historic canal town where traditional merchant houses line peaceful waterways.
Night in Sawara.
Day 13
— Shirasato Beach
Enjoy a relaxing stop at Shirasato Beach, a quiet stretch of coastline perfect for a peaceful walk by the ocean before returning to Tokyo and returning the rental car.
Night in Tokyo.
Day 14
—
Tokyo
Spend your final full day discovering more of Tokyo’s neighborhoods, food culture, shopping streets, and hidden local spots.
Day 15 — Departure
Itinerary
7 Days Exploring Tokyo Like a Local
This itinerary explores Tokyo through its neighborhoods, combining iconic districts with quieter local areas to experience the city beyond the typical tourist route.
Day 1
— Shibuya, Ebisu & Daikanyama
Start your journey in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most energetic districts. Walk through the famous crossing and explore the lively streets filled with shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Continue to Ebisu, known for its excellent food scene, before ending the day in Daikanyama, a stylish neighborhood with beautiful bookstores, boutique shops, and relaxed cafés.
Day 2
— Nakameguro, Yutenji, Todoroki Valley & Futako-Tamagawa
Walk along the charming canal in Nakameguro, lined with small shops, cafés, and galleries.
Continue to Yutenji, a quiet residential neighborhood offering a glimpse of everyday Tokyo life.
Then head to Todoroki Valley, a hidden green canyon in the middle of the city. Walk along the peaceful path beside the small river surrounded by bamboo and forest.
End the day in Futako-Tamagawa, where locals gather along the banks of the Tama River to relax, picnic, and enjoy the open views.
Day 3
— Shimokitazawa & Shinjuku
Spend the day exploring Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo’s most creative neighborhoods. Famous for its vintage clothing stores, music culture, independent cafés, and small theaters, it’s the perfect place to wander and discover unique shops.
In the evening, head to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. Explore Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, and the lively streets around the station.
Day 4
— Kichijoji, Koenji & Nakano
Take the Chūō Line west of Tokyo to explore some of the city’s most loved local neighborhoods.
Start in Kichijoji, known for its relaxed atmosphere, independent shops, and great thrift stores. Walk through Inokashira Park, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks.
Continue to Koenji, famous for its vintage clothing shops and alternative culture.
End the day in Nakano, where lively arcades lead to Nakano Broadway, known for electronics, collectibles, and pop culture. In the evening, explore the surrounding streets filled with small izakayas and bars.
Day 5
— Chofu, Jindaiji Temple & Nature
Take a short trip west to Chofu and visit Jindaiji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most peaceful temples.
The surrounding area feels almost like a small countryside village, with traditional streets, small shops, and famous soba restaurants.
Nearby, you can explore the Jindai Botanical Garden, known for its seasonal flowers and relaxing green spaces.
For animation lovers, the Ghibli Museum in nearby Mitaka is also within reach.
Day 6
— Asakusa, Yanaka, Rikugien Garden & Ryogoku
Begin the day in Asakusa, home to the historic Senso-ji Temple and traditional streets filled with local snacks and crafts.
Continue to Yanaka, one of the few neighborhoods where you can still feel the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Walk through quiet streets and explore Yanaka Ginza, a nostalgic shopping street lined with small shops and food stalls.
Visit Rikugien Garden, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful traditional gardens, known for its peaceful paths, ponds, and carefully designed landscapes.
Finish the day in Ryogoku, the center of sumo culture, where you may see sumo stables and visit the Sumo Museum.
Day 7
— Sugamo, Togoshi Ginza & Tokyo Skyline
Discover Sugamo, a lively neighborhood centered around Jizo-dori Shopping Street, where locals come to shop, enjoy traditional sweets, and visit small temples.
Later, explore Togoshi Ginza, one of Tokyo’s longest traditional shopping streets — a perfect place to try local street food and experience everyday Tokyo life.
End your trip with a panoramic view over Tokyo’s skyline, from places such as Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.