Dreaming of your first Japan trip? Let me show you exactly how to plan a trip to Tokyo like a pro!
This post about how to plan a trip to Tokyo for the first time was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a trip to Tokyo can feel overwhelming, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! We just got back from a 10-day trip and my kids are begging to plan another trip!
This city is packed with incredible food, amazing sights, and some of the coolest experiences you’ll ever have.
Whether it’s your first time in Japan or you’re a seasoned traveler, this step-by-step guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Tokyo. Let’s jump in!
My Tokyo Planning Guide
Step 1: Check Your Passport and Visa Requirements for Japan
Before anything else, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay (Japan usually requires at least 6 months of validity).
If you’re from one of the 71 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, you’ll need a JESTA Visa at some point in 2025.
If you’re staying longer or coming from another country, check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if you need a visa.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’re supposed to keep your passports with you at all times in Japan.
Step 2: Figure Out the Length of Your Trip to Tokyo
Tokyo is huge, and there’s so much to see and do. I recommend at least 5-7 days to experience the highlights. We spent 5 days in Tokyo before doing 3 days at Tokyo Disney.
When we chatted with our tour guides, they all recommended a full week in Tokyo to give time to explore the main neighborhoods. We thought 5 days was perfect with kids.
If you have more time, you can take day trips to places like Mount Fuji, Yokohama, or Nikko. If you’re short on time, a 3-day Tokyo itinerary is doable but jam-packed!
When we come back (yes, my 8-year-old is already talking about our next trip), we’ll probably just do a couple of days in Tokyo since we’ve already been here before heading to other cities.
Step 3: Research the Best Time to Travel to Tokyo
Tokyo is a great destination year-round, but some seasons are better than others:
Spring (March-May)
This is cherry blossom season! Parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park are stunning but expect big crowds. We went during our Spring Break in April and that’s a very popular time.
Summer (June-August)
It is hot and humid, but if you love summer festivals, this is the time to go! I just want to emphasize the heat because that’s what all my friends and neighbors talk about when they visit Tokyo during summer.
Autumn (September-November)
There are fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors, and pleasant weather. This is probably when I’d plan our next trip if we had a fall break.
Winter (December-February)
There’s mild winter (compared to other parts of Japan), fewer tourists, and fun holiday lights.
Step 4: Plan Your Itinerary
Tokyo is massive, and there’s no way to see everything in one trip. Here’s a general itinerary outline to help you organize your days:
Exploring Tokyo
You literally won’t run out of things to do in Tokyo. Here are some of the popular neighborhoods and what to do in each one:
- Shinjuku – Vibrant nightlife, shopping, and the best view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free!)
- Shibuya – Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing, visit Hachiko Statue, and shop in trendy stores.
- Asakusa – Home to Senso-ji Temple, traditional streets, and great street food.
- Akihabara – The mecca for anime, gaming, and electronics lovers.
- Harajuku – Colorful streets, quirky fashion, and must-try crepes and fluffy pancakes.
- Odaiba – A futuristic area with attractions like TeamLab Planets, Gundam Base, and Rainbow Bridge.
Tokyo Disney Resort
I’ve always heard that this is the best Disney resort in the world so I know it’s on a lot of peoples’ Japan bucket lists.
- Tokyo Disneyland – Best for classic Disney rides and young kids.
- Tokyo DisneySea – More unique, with amazing themed areas and thrill rides (great for older kids and adults!).
I know some families do a day trip, so I want to point out that they don’t do park hoppers. We did both parks and I wrote up a post comparing Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea so you can decide. Tickets sell out fast so book them ASAP.
If you want to spend a few days (like we did) you’ll want to book your package as soon as possible.
One thing I want to point out is that you can only book 2-night vacation packages. If you want to stay more days you need to book the 2-night package first and then add on from there (and you might need to change hotels or rooms).
Day Trips from Tokyo
We didn’t have time for any Tokyo day trips this time, but these are the most popular options and ones we’re considering for our next trip.
- Mount Fuji & Hakone – Stunning nature, hot springs, and incredible views of Fuji-san.
- Nikko – Famous for beautiful temples, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Yokohama – Less than an hour from Tokyo, visit Cup Noodles Museum, Chinatown, and the waterfront.
Step 5: Create a Budget for Your Trip to Tokyo
Japan can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you want. Here’s a rough daily budget:
- Budget: $50-$80 per person (hostels, cheap eats, public transport).
- Mid-Range: $100-$200 per person (3-star hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $300+ per person (4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private tours).
Our family tends to splurge in order to make our trip easier, so we were in between mid-range and luxury. We did a few private tours, had a nice hotel, but we saved a lot of money on food.
Step 6: Book Your Flights to Tokyo
Most international flights land at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports. Haneda is closer to the city and the best option if available.
We flew direct from Seattle to Narita on Japan Airlines and it was fabulous. Then, we boarded a Limousine Bus for a 90 minute ride into Tokyo.
Direct flights to Tokyo are available from major U.S. cities like:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas (DFW)
- New York (JFK)
- Houston (IAH)
Step 7: Book Accommodation in Tokyo
Tokyo has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The most important factor is staying near a train station for easy access to attractions.
Hotels in Tokyo can book up quickly, so reserve your room well in advance to secure the best rates. We stayed at the Mimaru Akasaka (pictured above) and the Centurion Residential Akasaka and both are great for families.
Best areas for families and first-time visitors:
- Akasaka – Central, tons of food options, and train access (this is where we stayed).
- Shinjuku – Central, great food, and entertainment.
- Shibuya – Trendy, youthful, and well-connected.
- Asakusa – Historic, quieter, and budget-friendly.
- Odaiba – Best for Disney and futuristic attractions.
If you’re traveling on a budget, consider business hotels (like Toyoko Inn) or capsule hotels for a unique experience.
Step 8: Where to Eat with Kids in Tokyo
Tokyo has tons of kid-friendly food options! There’s sushi-go-round restaurants (conveyor belt sushi) and ramen shops that have ordering machines with pictures. Some even let you sit in private booths, which is perfect if your kids are easily overwhelmed.
You’ll definitely want to get the viral Japanese souffle pancakes (it’s worth the wait according to my 11-year-old!)
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart were total lifesavers—they had bento boxes, onigiri, fruit, yogurt, and even hot meals.
We also took advantage of UberEats a few nights when our kids were wiped and wouldn’t have handled a restaurant very well. It worked out nicely.
And yes, there are fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and KFC if you’re in a pinch.
Step 9: Transportation in Tokyo with Kids
Getting around Tokyo with kids is easier than you’d think! The train system is clean, safe, and super efficient. We mostly used trains (with our Welcome Suica cards), and they worked like a charm.
Google Maps worked great for us, but our tour guides recommended Navitime as another solid option for navigating train routes.
Taxis are easy to find but can be pricey. We used them when we had luggage or tired kids. Buses are also an option, but we didn’t use them much.
If you’re bringing a stroller, just know that some train stations don’t have elevators (especially the older ones), so a lightweight, foldable stroller is your best bet.
Step 10: Purchase Attraction Tickets in Advance
Tokyo has many popular attractions that sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Some places have limited daily entry, meaning you might not be able to visit if you wait until the last minute.
Here are some attractions that require or recommend advance reservations:
- Ghibli Museum – Must book early! (Tickets sell out fast.)
- TeamLab Planets – Pre-book online to secure a spot.
- Tokyo Skytree & Tokyo Tower – Advance tickets help you skip lines.
- Disneyland & DisneySea – Tickets sell out, so buy early!
For some attractions, combo passes or discount tickets are available, which can help save money. Check sites like Klook or Get Your Guide for deals on Tokyo attractions.
Step 11: Get Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Tokyo
Japan has excellent healthcare, but it’s expensive if you’re uninsured. A good travel insurance plan covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Step 12: Medications & Health Considerations
Japan has strict medication regulations, and some common medications, including ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin, are illegal to bring into the country.
Always check Japan’s Ministry of Health website for an approved medication list. If you need prescription medication, bring it in its original packaging with a doctor’s note and consider applying for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) if required.
We did this because my husband and kids needed to bring in ADHD medications. It was stressful (and a lot of steps) but I’m so glad we did it!
Step 13: Figure Out Phone, Credit Card, and Currency
Japan has limited free WiFi, so consider renting a Pocket WiFi or buy a SIM card.
Our family has AT&T and we ended up just paying a daily international rate (I think it was $12 for the first phone and $6 for additional phones).
For credit cards, Visa/Mastercard are widely accepted, but bring some cash for small shops. We ordered some ahead of time from Bank of America, but you can also use 7-Eleven ATMs for the best exchange rates.
Step 14: Helpful Apps to Download
Before you go, download a few key apps to make your Tokyo trip way smoother:
- Google Maps – for train navigation, walking directions, and restaurant hours.
- Tokyo Disney Resort App – a MUST if you’re visiting Disneyland or DisneySea.
- Google Translate – super helpful for reading menus or asking questions.
- Suica App / Mobile Suica – load your train card right on your phone if you have a compatible device.
- Japan Official Travel App – great for cultural etiquette tips, emergency contacts, and travel guides.
Step 15: Pack the Right Outfits for Your Tokyo Vacation
Packing the right clothes for Tokyo depends on the season, as weather can vary dramatically throughout the year.
In spring and autumn, light layers work best since temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. When we went in April, we were glad to have sweatshirts and rain jackets.
Summer is hot and humid, so opt for breathable fabrics and pack a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
Winter is relatively mild, but you’ll need a warm coat, especially if you plan on taking day trips to colder areas like Nikko or Mount Fuji.
- Layers – Tokyo weather changes fast.
- Comfortable Shoes – You’ll be walking A LOT.
- Daypack – Perfect for carrying essentials and snacks.
- Light Jacket or Coat – Necessary for chilly evenings and winter trips.
- Hat & Sunglasses – Useful for sunny days, especially in summer.
I was honestly really stressed about what to pack for Tokyo in Spring. I ended up bringing a lot of neutral-colored shirts and sweaters, a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, 2 pairs of jeans, and 2 modest dresses.
Step 16: Cultural Tips for Families Visiting Tokyo
Japan has a lot of customs that are different from what we’re used to, but they’re easy to follow once you know them! Here are a few things we noticed:
- Shoes off indoors: Be prepared to take your shoes off in homes, some restaurants, and cultural sites.
- Politeness rules: People are SO polite and quiet—especially on public transportation. It’s a good idea to talk quietly and avoid phone calls on trains.
- Trash bins are rare: You’ll need to carry your trash with you, so bring a small bag or pouch to stash wrappers and wipes.
- Respectful behavior: Our kids had to be reminded to not eat while walking and to bow or say “arigatou” when people helped us out.
These little gestures go a long way, and locals were super kind and welcoming to our family!
Step 17: Go to Tokyo!
Now that you have everything planned, it’s time for the most exciting part—actually going to Tokyo!
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight, and make sure to have your essential documents (passport, visa if needed, and travel insurance) ready.
Once you land, follow the signs for immigration and customs, and exchange a small amount of cash at the airport if necessary.
Tokyo Travel Planning Wrap-Up
Planning a Tokyo trip might feel overwhelming at first, but trust me—it’s absolutely worth it! Once you’re there, you’ll quickly realize how magical, kid-friendly, and organized everything is.
With just a bit of prep, you’ll be exploring temples, eating the best sushi of your life, and soaking in all the cool, quirky vibes Tokyo has to offer. You’ve got this!
Looking for more Tokyo travel resources? Check out How to Spend 5 Days in Tokyo with Kids, How We Spent 3 Days at Tokyo Disney with Kids and How We Got the Cutest Family Photos in Tokyo (Without the Stress!)
