6 Days in Tokyo: Neon Streets and Sushi Dreams
Tokyo isn’t just a city—it’s an experience that blends the ultra-modern with centuries-old tradition. From glowing skyscrapers to quiet temples hidden in back alleys, every turn surprises you. For six unforgettable days, I wandered through this energetic maze, camera in hand and a craving for sushi guiding my path.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore deeper corners of the city, this guide will help you soak in the best of Tokyo’s neon streets and sushi dreams. Expect cultural gems, mouthwatering food, and moments that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Day 1: Shibuya Crossing and Hidden Bars
There’s no better way to kick off your Tokyo adventure than by standing in the heart of Shibuya Crossing, watching hundreds of people crisscross in a perfectly orchestrated chaos. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the hum of the city under your feet. Grab a window seat at Mag’s Park for an overhead view—it’s electric at night.
Once the crowds thin out, slip into the quieter backstreets of Nonbei Yokocho (“Drunkard’s Alley”). These tiny, lantern-lit bars seat only a handful of guests and are ideal for sipping umeshu or Japanese whisky while chatting with locals and fellow travelers.
Day 2: Temples and Trendy Cafés in Asakusa
Trade neon for nostalgia in Asakusa, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The walk down Nakamise Street leading up to it is lined with stalls selling everything from matcha soft serve to handcrafted souvenirs. Arrive early to beat the crowds and catch a peaceful moment beneath the incense smoke.
After your temple visit, explore nearby Kuramae, a stylish neighborhood full of artisan shops and Instagrammable cafés. I stumbled upon Leaves Coffee Apartment, a sleek little spot where the baristas are as passionate about their brews as any Parisian.
Day 3: Sushi Masterpieces in Tsukiji and Ginza
Morning means one thing: fresh sushi. While the main market has moved to Toyosu, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a buzzing hub of food stalls and small sushi bars. Sit at the counter at Sushi Zanmai and order otoro nigiri—the melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna is pure bliss.
In the afternoon, explore the polished streets of Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury shopping district. Between flagship boutiques and art galleries, I popped into Itōya, a dreamy stationery store spread across nine floors. Don’t miss their rooftop garden—it’s a peaceful oasis above the crowds.
Day 4: Harajuku Fashion and Meiji Serenity
No Tokyo trip is complete without a walk through Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Expect outrageous outfits, rainbow cotton candy, and quirky boutiques like 6%DOKIDOKI. It’s loud, fun, and one of the best places to people-watch in the city.
Just a short walk away, Meiji Shrine offers a completely different vibe. Nestled in a vast forested park, it’s hard to believe you’re still in central Tokyo. I arrived around sunset when the light filtered through the trees, making the walk feel almost sacred.
Day 5: Akihabara’s Electric Energy and Robot Delights
Gamers and anime lovers, welcome to paradise. Akihabara is a technicolor wonderland of arcades, manga shops, and maid cafés. Spend a few hours in Super Potato—a retro game store packed with classics and hard-to-find treasures.
Later, I booked a seat at the wildly bizarre Robot Restaurant in nearby Shinjuku. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s loud. But the sheer absurdity of neon robots battling samurais while lasers dance overhead? Absolutely worth it for the photos and the experience.
Day 6: Tranquility in Yanaka and a Final Feast
For your final day, slow things down in Yanaka, one of the few neighborhoods that survived the bombings of WWII. This old-school Tokyo district feels like a time capsule, with narrow streets, small temples, and the scent of grilled mochi wafting from street vendors.
End your trip with an unforgettable meal at a kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) spot like Uobei Shibuya. Ordering via touchscreen and watching your sushi zoom toward you on a high-speed track is just one more way Tokyo manages to turn even dinner into a fun adventure.
