Day 1: Soft landing in Shinjuku
Start on the lawns of Shinjuku Gyoen to walk off the flight, then cross to Shibuya after dark when the scramble and the neon are at full volume.
Tokyo for couples
A week of contrasts: shrine forests at dawn, neon crossings at night, and one onsen night in Hakone. The days are paced for two, with room to wander.
Day 2: Shrines and side streets
Walk the forested approach to Meiji Jingu early, before the crowds arrive. Keep the afternoon for Omotesando's back streets and an unhurried coffee for two.
Day 3: Old Tokyo
See Senso-ji first thing, while the lanterns are lit and the stalls are still opening. End the day on the Skytree deck as the city lights come on.
Day 4: Art and a Ginza evening
Book teamLab Planets ahead and wade barefoot through the water rooms. Dress up a little for dinner in Ginza afterward.
Day 5: Market morning, slow afternoon
Graze through Tsukiji Outer Market for a late breakfast. Leave the afternoon open: a couples onsen, a bay cruise, or simply a long lunch.
Day 6: Hakone onsen night
Take the Romancecar to Hakone and check into a ryokan with a private bath. The ropeway and lake loop works in almost any weather.
Day 7: Kamakura by the sea
Ride down to Kamakura for the Great Buddha and a beach walk, then head back to the city for one last dinner.
When to go
March to May (cherry blossom in late March and early April) and October to November are the best seasons. June brings the rainy season, and July and August are hot and humid. Winter is clear and cold, which is good for Mount Fuji views from Hakone, though the visibility depends on the day.
Getting around
Tokyo's train and subway network covers every stop in this plan. A rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo, also available on a phone) works on almost every line and in many shops. The Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone is a direct limited express. Tipping is not customary, and carrying some cash is still useful for small places.
What to book ahead
Book teamLab Planets for a fixed time, and reserve the Hakone ryokan early, since the best private-bath rooms go first. Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji need no tickets, and are best at opening time. Tsukiji Outer Market is a morning place: most stalls wind down by early afternoon.
How this trip is paced
The first day is deliberately gentle, since many couples arrive after a long flight. The Hakone night on Day 6 is the center of the trip, and the days around it are light. If the weather is poor, the ropeway and lake loop still work in light rain.
Common mistakes
Packing every district into the first days, eating only in the busiest tourist streets, and forgetting that many shrines and shops close early. Keep a free evening for the unplanned find, since Tokyo is best discovered by walking.
What to pack
Bring comfortable shoes you can slip off easily, since many restaurants and temples ask you to remove them. Pack light layers and a small umbrella, as rain is common. Carry a small bag for trash, because public bins are rare. A portable battery is useful, since you will rely on your phone for maps and tickets.
Food worth planning around
Tokyo is one of the best food cities. Look for ramen, sushi counters, tempura, izakaya small plates and convenience-store snacks for a quick breakfast. Many small restaurants have only a few seats and no English menu, so use a translation app and point. Tipping is not expected. Some popular places have queues, so go slightly before the main lunch or dinner hour.
Who this trip suits
This plan suits couples who enjoy neighborhoods, small shops and food, and are fine with a lot of walking and transit. It may be tiring for those who dislike crowds. If so, start the day early and leave the busiest areas to the evening.
Make it shorter or longer
For five days, keep Shinjuku, Meiji Jingu, Senso-ji and a food-focused evening. This plan already includes Hakone and Kamakura. For longer, Nikko is the usual extra day trip by train, and it needs a full day.
Before you go
Check entry rules for your passport and any visa needs. Get a transit card or a mobile version before you start, and carry some cash, since many small places do not take cards. Learn the basic etiquette: quiet on trains, no eating while walking in many areas, and queue in order.
Make it your trip
Add the full plan, choose your dates, then reorder or remove any stop.
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