THE PERFECT 5 DAY TOKYO ITINERARY

5 Days in Tokyo: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Tokyo is an incredibly vibrant city where ancient traditions meet futuristic neighborhoods, offering endless experiences to visitors. There is so much to do and see in Tokyo that planning a 5-day trip can feel very overwhelming. This 5-day Tokyo itinerary is here to solve that! I included all the city’s must-see for first-time visitors to Tokyo, including a day trip in case you need to escape the city frenzy. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, a fashion lover, or a tech geek, there is something for you to enjoy in this 5-day Tokyo itinerary.

Day 1: Tsukiji, Ginza, TeamLab Planets

This Tokyo journey begins with a sensory explosion!

• Tsukiji Market: For years one of the key tourist attractions was to wake up ridiculously early (I think 3 am) and head to the Tsukiji Fish Market to see the giant tuna auction. In 2018, the market relocated and can now be visited through a lottery ticket system, or seen from an observation deck. It doesn’t feel as authentic as it once was, so we skipped it, but you can find all the information here, if you wish to go.
  
  While the famous inner wholesale market has moved the vibrant Tsukiji outer market remains a must-visit. Immerse yourself in the frenzy atmosphere, sample fresh seafood both raw and grilled, try delicious local fruits, and of course don’t miss the traditional tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelet). Tsujiki Market is better visited early morning (opening at 9am), as stores frequently sell out. Sushi for breakfast anyone?

• Hamarikyu Garden: Escape the Tsukiji Fish Market buzz and head to this serene traditional Japanese garden. Stroll through its meticulously landscaped grounds, admire the tidal pond, and enjoy the seasonal flowers. Make sure to visit the traditional Nakajima Tea House nestled on an island within the pond. Remove your shoes, sit on a tatami floor or their terrace, and Indulge in a matcha tea (the traditional way, without milk) while soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

• Ginza: In the afternoon, immerse yourself in upscale Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district. Window shop at high-end boutiques and explore department stores. Don’t miss the 12-floor Uniqlo flagship store and their unique personalization service. Head to the 5th floor where in 30 min you can get anything printed on the clothes you purchased, or get a beautiful embroidery from their cool selection of motifs, and come back to pick it up a couple of days later. I got a white T-shirt with a navy maneki-neko (lucky cat) and I love it! If you are a fan of everything stationary, head to Itoya, a seven-story stationery paradise.
• TeamLab Planets. Prepare to be amazed by the immersive digital art experience at TeamLab Planets. Wander through water-filled installations and light-based artworks that blur the lines between art and technology. Note that there are two TeamLab facilities in Tokyo: Planets and Borderless, not to be confused. Plan your visit early and book tickets ahead as they often sell out. Buy your tickets here.

Day 2: Meiji Jingu Temple, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku

Today, you’ll explore Tokyo’s diverse and energetic neighborhoods.

• Omotesando: Often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, Omotesando is a stylish avenue lined with designer boutiques, trendy cafes, and contemporary architecture designed by famous Japanese architects. Check out the Dior building with its roof garden and the kaleidoscopic entrance of Tokyo Plaza for a cool photo op.
• Meiji Jingu Temple: Find tranquility in the heart of the city at the famous Shinto temple Meiji Jingu. Walk past the massive Torii gate, through the wide gravel path until you reach the main temple. There are many Shinto customs you can take part in, such as leaving a prayer or a note of gratitude on an ema, a votive wooden tablet, or purchasing an amulet for good health, business success, etc. While the main shrine gets very crowded, the surrounding 69 hectares of forest are incredibly calm, so don’t hesitate to take some side paths to reach or leave the temple.
  Meiji Jingu Temple is free to enter and open from dawn to dusk. Every day at 8 am and 2 pm you can witness the ceremonial offering of food and prayers to the Shinto gods.

• Yoyogi Park: Adjacent to Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park is a vast park, loved by locals for both relaxation and recreation. On Sundays, you might encounter various events, from rockabilly dancers to flea markets. Enjoy a picnic or simply unwind amidst nature.
• Harajuku:  Continue your day by visiting the busy streets of Harajuku, Tokyo’s famous fashion district. If you don’t mind a heavy crowd, walk down the famous Takeshita Street, enjoy the fun street snacks (indulgent crepes, giant sticks of potato chips, colorful cotton candy ..), discover the quirky fashion boutiques, buy some souvenirs, or stop by some cat/dog/pig cafes. Once you are done with the chaos, make your way to the lovely Cat Street. A trendy pedestrian alley connecting Omotesando and Shibuya, it is known for its independent shops and stylish cafes. Don’t miss Matcha Tokyo Cafe for delicious matcha drinks and snacks. You’ll also find several second-hand luxury shopping stores along Cat Street, offering amazing pre-loved items from Chanel, LV, Hermes, and much more.

• Shibuya: Finally head to the iconic Shibuya Scramble, the world’s busiest intersection. There are several viewpoints to see the massive flow of pedestrians from above:
  • The Starbucks overlooking the scramble
  • Shibuya Sky for an incredible view from the 46th here floor.
    Book your tickets early (sale opens 2 weeks in advance), especially if you wish to go around dawn to see a beautiful sunset.), Before 3 pm: 19 USD / after 3 pm: 23 USD
  • The roof deck of `the mall Magnet by 109.
• Go beyond the crossing and explore the lively streets of Shibuya, stop by Hands, a variety store that sells literally everything, hang out at department store Parco, or head to the basement Chaos Kitchen for a lunch break.
  

• Shinjuku: After such a day, if you still have the energy, head over to Shinjuku for dinner. Shinjuku is a bustling district known for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife. Stroll down the cute little street of Omoide Yokocho and try grabbing a sit for dinner in one of the 6o restaurants. The restaurants are super tiny, so you might need to be flexible and just grab a seat wherever you can find one. Continue your evening walking down Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district. Some would even say Kabukicho is the red-light district of Tokyo, with its high concentration of clubs, bars, love hotels, and hostess clubs. In any case, the energy is high and it is well worth a visit at night when all the neon signs are on. Don’t miss the iconic Godzilla statue on top of the Toho Shinjuku Building. Afterward, delve into the atmospheric Golden Gai, a tiny neighborhood of six narrow alleys, home to over 20o tiny bars, rarely accommodating more than 6 people. Once again, it is difficult to target one place in particular, so just enter wherever there is a sit available and enjoy a nice drink!

If you visit Tokyo during the cherry blossom seasons, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park is one of the most popular spots to see the gorgeous blooming trees. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks and a tranquil escape from the city’s madness.

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Day 3: Ueno, Yanaka, Asakusa

Today’s itinerary focuses on Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage and charming old town areas.

• Ueno: Start your morning in the lively Ueno neighborhood. Wander through Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko), one of Tokyo’s largest open-air markets, packed with food stalls, clothing vendors, and bargain finds. Afterward, head over to the huge Ueno Park, home to several museums (Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum), the Ueno Zoo as well as several beautiful shrines. I particularly loved the small Hanazono Inari Shrine with its pretty red tori gates but Ueno Toshogu Shrine, the grandest temple in Ueno Park is also worth a visit (but I don’t recommend paying to enter the inner part of the temple, not worth it.)

• Yanaka:  From Ueno Park, head to the charming neighborhood of Yanaka. Yanaka is quiet and traditional, with wooden houses, small temples, and an old-world charm. Take a stroll cutting through Yanaka-Reien, the local cemetery, and stop by the peaceful Tenno ji Temple to admire its giant Buddha. Afterward, make your way to Yanaka Ginza, a traditional shopping street perfect for souvenir shopping, offering local crafts, snacks, and a nostalgic atmosphere.

• Asakusa:  Finally, head over to the very charming (but very touristy) Asakusa neighborhood, where you can find the famous Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Explore the Nakamise-dori market leading up to the temple, filled with crafts, snacks, and souvenirs before visiting the temple. While super touristy, it is still one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping streets, dating back to the late 1600s. At the temple, you can perform the usual Shinto rituals like leaving a prayer on a votive tablet, purchasing an amulet, or dropping ¥100 to find out your fortune. For a panoramic view of Senso-ji Temple and the nearby Tokyo Skytree, head to the observation deck of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center located across the temple.

• If you have some more time, don’t miss the nearby Kitchen Town (Kappabashi), a huge street lined with shops selling kitchenware and restaurant supplies. Perfect to pick up some local ceramics, cute chopsticks holders, professional-grade Japanese knives, etc. Just keep an eye on the origin of things, the first bowl I considered buying was UAE-made!!

Day 4: Akihabara and Marunouchi

Today combines the excitement of modern pop culture with the serenity of imperial history.

• Akihabara:  Start the day immersing yourself in the crazy electric atmosphere of Akihabara, Tokyo’s renowned “Electric Town.” Explore countless shops selling electronics, anime, manga, and video games. Experience the thrill of arcade games, try your luck at a claw machine to win unique prizes, and capture fun memories in a Japanese photobooth (Purikura) with quirky filters and props. We stopped by GIGO, lost hundreds at the claw machines but left with very weird photos from the booth.

• Marunouchi: Transition from the vibrant energy of Akihabara to the sophisticated district of Marunouchi. This area is home to major corporations and elegant architecture. Take a stroll around the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. Admire the Nijubashi Bridge, a picturesque landmark. While the inner palace grounds are generally not open to the public (except for guided tours), the surrounding gardens offer a glimpse into Japan’s imperial history.

Day 5: Day Trip to Hakone

No Tokyo itinerary is complete without a little day trip to attempt to see the stunning Mount Fuji. So on your last day in Tokyo, escape the city bustle and take a scenic day trip to Hakone, a mountain resort town known for its natural beauty and stunning views of Mount Fuji (If you are lucky).

• Hakone Shrine: Start your day at the Hakone Shrine, with its iconic Torii Gate standing on Lake Ashi. There is usually a very long line to take a picture there, so you will need to be patient to grab the perfect shot. To the right of the Tori Gate is a walkway along the lake leading to a nice teahouse facing the lake.
• Lake Ashi Cruise: Embark on the boat crossing Lake Ashi, and enjoying the stunning scenery. if you are lucky at that point you will see Mount Fuji in the background. Unfortunately, we were not that lucky!
• Hakone Ropeway: Ride the Hakone Ropeway, offering panoramic views of the lake and on a clear day, Mount Fuji. At the top, you can take a look at the sulfure mine, and buy some black eggs, smoked in the volcano sulfure. a very touristy and completely underwhelming stop, I suggest you just skip it.
• Grab a delicious lunch at Itoh Dining by NOBU. I was quite surprised to see a Nobu-like restaurant in such a small town but unfortunately, we didn’t reserve in advance so we couldn’t eat there, but we heard it is amazing. Instead, we had a truly delicious lunch at their nearby sister restaurant GORA BREWERY & GRILL. Highly recommended!
• Finally, we quickly visited the Botanic Garden and its beautiful greenhouses. We didn’t have time to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, showcasing contemporary sculptures but apparently, it is also a must to visit in Hakone.

To make the most of your day trip to Hakone, purchase a Hakone pass that includes a round-trip train fare between Shinjuku station and Odawara station on the Odakyu line, unlimited rides on 8 transportation systems in Hakone including everything mentioned above, and discounts at 70+ sightseeing facilities in Hakone.

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Where to Stay for 5 Days in Tokyo

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial to make the most of your Tokyo itinerary. Unless you are planning to explore everything by cab, one of the most important things to consider is the proximity to a train station that serves many of the above-mentioned neighborhoods and sights.

• Ginza: Upscale and centrally located, ideal for those seeking a sophisticated experience. This is where we stayed, 5 min walk from the Ginza station. Connecting 4 different metro lines, it was the perfect base to explore Tokyo. We stayed at Aloft Ginza and loved it. Comfortable, fantastic staff, a nice rooftop bar, and a popcorn machine in the lobby … what else?
• Shinjuku: Offers excellent transportation links, vibrant nightlife, and a wide range of hotels.
• Shibuya: A trendy hub with youthful energy, great for shopping and dining. The crowd here might be a bit overwhelming though.
• Ueno: More budget-friendly options and convenient access to cultural attractions, but not as well connected to the rest of Tokyo.
• Asakusa: Provides a traditional atmosphere and easy access to historical sites.

When to Go to Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination, but some seasons are more photogenic than others:

• Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and of course the iconic cherry blossom season (sakura) in late March/early April. This is also the most touristy time in Tokyo, so expect crowds and higher prices overall. We visited in May and the weather was a mix of beautiful sunny days and some rains, while the temperatures were very comfortable, just a bit chilly at night.
• Summer (June to August): Summer in Tokyo can be very hot and humid, so not the most comfortable to explore the city as so much is outdoors.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn offers pleasant weather and stunning autumn foliage. One of the most photogenic times to visit Tokyo is also quite a busy season.
• Winter (December to February): Winter in Tokyo is cold but offers clear skies and fewer crowds. It can also be an excellent occasion to go skiing in the Japanese countryside.

Getting to Tokyo

Tokyo is served by two major international airports:

• Narita Airport (NRT): Located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of central Tokyo. The Narita Express train offers a direct and efficient connection to major city centers like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku. Beware not to board a local metro, which can be very crowded and take forever to reach central Tokyo. A taxi from NRT to the city center will set you back around 200 USD.
• Haneda Airport (HND): Located closer to the city center, offering convenient access via the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail. A taxi to the city center should cost around 60 USD.

Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo has a very efficient and extensive (a little overwhelming) public transportation system.

• Subway & JR Lines: The most convenient way to navigate the city, with multiple lines covering all major areas. Start by buying a Suica or Pasmo rechargeable card for easy travel (both work on all lines). The cost of the card includes a deposit that you can get back (as well as all credits left on the card) if you return the card at the end of the trip. Tokyo subway stations can be enormous and overwhelming, so always account for a little more time for your trip as a connection between two lines can easily involve a 15 min walk. Each station also has multiple exits: Google Maps is very practical for navigating Tokyo subways and recommends which exit is the closest to your destination.
• Buses: While less frequently used by tourists, buses serve areas not directly accessible by train or subway. You can use the Suica or Pasmo card too.
• Taxis: Readily available but can be expensive, especially during peak hours. The cars are so cute, and the drivers are incredibly nice and polite. You can use Uber to book the local taxis.
• Walking: Finally, Tokyo is a very walkable city and that is a great way to explore. We walked on average 20k steps each day during our 5 days in Tokyo!

USEFUL LINKS TO ORGANISE THE PERFECT 5-DAY TOKYO ITINERARY

From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels.

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I hope this Tokyo travel guide, provides you with the framework to plan a perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary, especially if it is your first time visiting the city. As always if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below and via Instagram. I would be more than happy to help you plan 5 beautiful days in Tokyo.

Love, Emma