Planning to visit Tokyo and considering to spend 5 days? Then you’re in the right place! As someone who’s recently visited Japan for the first time, I have learned SO much about what Tokyo is truly like, as well as Japanese customs, etiquette, and more. This 5 day Tokyo itinerary provides you everything you need to know about Tokyo, things I wish I knew, along with the best things to do, and so forth.
Essentially, my goal is to help you feel confident with your Tokyo and Japan travels and plan your perfect trip.
Without further ado, here is make the most of your 5 days in Tokyo!😍👇
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
Experience the Best with This 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and famous wards, and simply a must visit!
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful public parks, where Japanese landscape design meets Western styles.
This was an imperial garden until 1949, when it was transformed into a public park.
This is the perfect place to stroll around, relax, and take in the mesmerizing beauty of Tokyo’s nature and Japanese gardens. Here you can experience vibrant autumn foliage, the iconic cherry blossoms, and so forth. To take proper care of the garden, there is a minor entry fee of 500 yen for adults, roughly $3.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, also known as Tocho, is a beautiful skyscraper with free observation decks. As a fun fact, up until 2007, this was Tokyo’s tallest building.
From here you’ll get beautiful views over Tokyo and some of it’s icons, including Tokyo Tower, Yoyogi Park, the Shinjuku Skyline, Mount Fuji on clear days, and more.
This is a great option if you want to visit a lesser known and free observation deck!
Kabukicho | Red Light District
Kabukicho is one of Shinjuku’s most popular districts, and one full of entertainment, restaurants, shops, neon lights, and the famous Godzilla head.
To confirm, this area is great to visit, is safe, and is fine for kids to walk through. However, it is important to note that once night falls, the atmosphere becomes darker and is for adults only.
With that said, this is a must-visit, but I wouldn’t recommend staying past midnight.
Golden Gai
Golden Gai, or Golden District, is a network of 6 alleys with over 200 bars and restaurants. The locals and restaurants here are all quite small and intimate, and are mainly frequented by locals.
This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local’s nightlife and discover delicious and authentic places. Furthermore, you can find a great karaoke scene.
Visit the Depachika of Isetan Shinjuku
I don’t know about you, but there is just something so exciting about visiting food markets when traveling abroad!
Isetan Shinjuku is a luxurious market, with a luxurious “depachika” – food market located in the department store’s basement.
Here you will find some of the most ridiculous foods, including the boujiest fruits you could ever imagine. For example, you will find high-end cherries and mangos, which can easily cost $50 if not more.
If you have the budget and try one of their bouji fruits, please come back and share your experience in the comments!😂😍
Go on a Foodie Guided Tour
Shinjuku is a restless ward full of vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and great local bars.
If you want to experience the local’s nightlife and taste delicious foods at local’s favorite spots, these two highly-rated tours are a great addition to your itinerary.
The Shinjuku Local Bar and Izakaya Guided walking tour will help you immerse yourself in the local’s night life and show you how the local’s like to party. You’ll also visit local favorite spots and visit places like Golden Gai. Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the Japanese nightlife and potentially make new friendships.
The Shinjuku Night Foodie Tour, on the other hand, is the ultimate foodie experience that introduces you to Omakase sushi and Wagyu – two culinary icons of Japan. By going on this experience, you can trust you’ll visit the best places and not tourist traps.
Decided which of the tours you want to experience? Or want to experience both? Book your spots here before they sell out!👇
Day 2: Shibuya
Out of all the destinations in Tokyo, Shibuya is hands down one of the most famous and iconic special ward.
Shibuya is a bustling area and a major finance and commercial center. In Shibuya, you are surrounded by endless stores, tall buildings, and a sea of people – between two to three million commuters to be exact.
Shibuya is home to the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, two of the world’s busiest stations, the Hachiko Statue, an amazing and vibrant nightlife, and so much more. For my fellow celiac and gluten people, Shibuya is also home to the majority of Tokyo’s best gluten free restaurants and bakeries!👀
Discover all the best things to do in Shibuya to craft your perfect itinerary!
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
This simply a must-do when in Shibuya! The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the world’s largest pedestrian crossings, with 2,000 to 3,000 people crossing at once. Having walked this many times during my time in Japan, I can confirm that there is plenty of breathable room. My only tips is to simply pay attention to where people are coming from!
HARAJUKU & OMOTESANDO
Harajuku and Omotesando are two contrasting, yet complimentary, areas, neighboring eachother, within the beautiful Shibuya.
Harajuku, home to the famous and quirky Takeshita Street, is the hot-spot for youth culture. Here you will find some of Japan’s most innovative street styles, pop culture, street food, and occasionally street performers and cosplayers.
Omotesando, on the other hand, is a sophisticated and luxurious area full of high-end stores, beautiful architecture, endless cafes and delicious restaurants, and more. Here is where contemporary and traditional are beautifully blended.
With that said, Harajuku and Omotesando are the opposite of each other, but they work harmoniously in showing you the range of Tokyo.
Mega Don Quijote and Loft
When in Japan, a quick visit to Don Quijote and Loft stores is simply a must! These are enormous stores that sell endless Japanese goodies of all kinds.
Don Quijote is the most popular one, open 24 hours and offering everything from skincare to food, toys, clothing, and so much more. This is the perfect place to get souvenirs.
Loft, on the other hand, is another humongous store where you can buy everything from house decor, to kitchen supplies, the best stationary items, toys, and so much more.
Something these two stores both have in common is that they sell suitcases – so don’t you worry if you shop too much!😉😂
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s largest parks, and home to beautiful ponds, lawns, and forested areas. This is the perfect place to slow down, take a break from the bustling city, and enjoy the nature within this concrete jungle.
Meiji Jingu
Sitting right next to Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is one the most famous and significant Shinto Shrines in Japan.
Meiji Jingu is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who ruled from the mid-late 1800’s to early 1900’s and are responsible for Japan’s transformation and modernization.
Meiji Jingu hosts several seasonal festivals and is a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings. If you want to witness Shinto practices, escape the busy city, and surround yourself with beautiful nature – this is a place you need to visit.
Shibuya Sky
Located right next to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky is one of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers and a state-of-the-art observation deck.
By visiting Shibuya Sky, you’ll experience 360 degree views of all of Tokyo, get an adrenaline rush with the Sky Edge, see several, iconic landmarks, and so much more.
Furthermore, with a closing time of 10:30, you have the opportunity to catch a beautiful sunset moment and see how Tokyo sparkles at night time.
If you’re undecided between Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Skytree, I highly recommend Shibuya Sky! Both attractions sell out quickly, so make sure to book your visit at least a month in advance.
Hachiko Statue
I apologize for the mini heartbreak you may have gotten reading the name, but visiting Hachiko’s statue is another must when in Shibuya.
Hachiko was a beautiful and loyal dog who always followed his patron to Shibuya Station, and would then wait for his return. When the patron unexpectedly passed away, Hachiko continued to visit Shibuya Station, awaiting his dad’s return for 9 years.
This is a real life story from the mid 1900’s, and one that is beloved by people all over the world.
Shibuya Go Kart Experience
If you’re looking for the wildest experience, this go-kart experience is perfect for you!
During this highly-rated and iconic tour, you will dress up in a onsie and go kart all around Shibuya. Book your kart before they sell out!👇
Best of Shibuya Food Tour
One of the best ways to travel deeper is through food and visiting authentic, local spots where you can truly immerse yourself.
If you’re a foodie, this food tour is perfect for you. During the 3 hours, you will walk around Shibuya with a local guide who will introduce you to secret local hotspots, and several local dishes. You will walk on offbeat paths and end your tour at an underground food market, Shibuya Depachika.
This is the best-rated tour and sells out quickly. Save your spot here!👇
Shibuya Highlights Walking Tour
If you feel overwhelmed with the amount of best things to do in Shibuya, or want to only focus on enjoying the city – the Shibuya highlights walking tour is perfect for you!
Traveling around Tokyo can get overwhelming due to directions, its immensity, and population. This walking tour allows you to travel hassle-free, as you will only need to focus on two things: following the guide and enjoying your time!
During this tour you will walk through Shibuya Scramble crossing, visit the city’s main attractions and some hidden gems, explore famous local bars and pubs, and more.
Sounds like the perfect tour for you? Book your experience here!👇
Day 3: Asakusa & Akihabara
On your third day in Tokyo, you will visit two places that are completely different from Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Start off your day at Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most popular old towns, where you can experience a traditional side of Tokyo. Here are the best things to do in Asakusa.👇
Nakamise
Nakamise is Asakusa’s most famous shopping street.
Nakamise-dori dates back to the 17th century, making it one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets. Here you will find everything from unique souvenirs, to the best street food, and delicious snacks – all of which stretch for 250 meters.
This street leads you to the beautiful Sensoji-Temple.
Senso-ji Temple & Kaminarimon
Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, is one of Tokyo’s most important Buddhist temples, and colorful temples.
As a temple, there is no admission fee but you are able to make a donation, should you want. Due to being a religious place, make sure you are dressed appropriately if you want to enter!
Important Tip: Being one of the most popular temples in Tokyo, definitely come here first thing in the morning – whether it’s after you walked Nakamise, which leads to here, or before.
The Kaminarimon, “Thunder Gate”, is the beautiful entrance gate that greets you as you pass under it to reach the the Senso-ji Temple.
As some fun facts, this gate’s origins date back to 942 A.D, and it has a huge lantern, The Giant Lantern of Kaminarimon. This Giant Lantern is high, 3.9 meters tall, around 13 feet.🤯
If Asakusa had a pair of icons and absolute, must-visits, it is the Senso-ji Temple and Kaminarimon.
Ekimise
Ekimise, is an elegant mall full of goodies – from a roof terrace to stores of all sorts, restaurants, and more.
Asakusa Hanayashiki
Operating since 1853, welcome to Japan’s first amusement park!🤯
Asakusa Hanayashiki is home to only one roller coaster, which just so happens to be the oldest operational one in Japan!
The average visit is usually 1 to 2 hours, as the park is fairly small, and general tickets are about $7-8 for people from 13 to 64 years old.
It’s not every day that you can say you’ve been to the first and oldest amusement park in a whole country, so this is a great bucket list item to have on your itinerary!
Attend Sumo Show
Can you really visit Japan and skip out on an iconic Sumo show?😍
This highly-rated Sumo show experience truly allows you to dive into the Sumo culture. During this experience you will watch demonstrations, learn the sumo rules, how to practice it, and have the chance to try it out yourself.
Something extra cool about this experience is that you’ll be fed Chanko-nabe, chicken hot pot, prepared by former wrestlers! Food plays a crucial role in the lives of sumo wrestlers, so this food aspect really introduces you to their lives.
This is an incredibly unique experience and one that sells out quickly. Book this iconic experience now before it sells out!👇
Go on a Guided Tour
Being one of the oldest towns of Tokyo, there is so much to admire and learn.
If you want to dive deeper, this guided tour will help you appreciate Asakusa to the fullest, as you learn about all of it’s main attractions and enjoy street food.👇
Now that you’ve spent the first half your day in Asakusa, make your way to Akihabara, Tokyo’s Electric Town. This is the hotspot destination for those who love retro, electronics, manga, anime and so forth.
Chuo Dori Street
Chuo Dori Street is the main shopping street of Akihabara.
Mandarake Akihabara & Volks Akihabara Hobby Paradise
If you are a manga or anime fan, than this 8-floor complex will be both your heaven and your wallet’s worst nightmare.😂
Throughout these 8 floors, you will find endless manga and anime related products and collectibles – from figurines, to retro games, including the Nintendo DS, DVDs, Pokemon cards, and so much more.
This shop is essentially a retro paradise, and is famous for its second-hand items, especially its rare and out-of-print merchandise. It’s a place where everyone can find something!
Volks Akihabara Hobby Paradise, on the other hand, is a similar complex but is more modern and sells high-quality model kits. This is perfect for those who are figurine enthusiasts and collectors.
Go to an arcade or two!
Akihabara is full or arcades, so make sure to check them out and immerse yourself in the arcade culture of Japan. One of the best arcades, and gamer haven, is Tokyo Video Gamers. This is an underground bar and restaurant with arcade games that are free-to-play (TimeOut).
2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
While Japan is full of iconic products that we want to stuff our suitcases with, the most special souvenir you can bring back home is an artisan product!
In 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, also called Artisan Street, you will find a long stretch of 45+ shops and cafes that feature craftsmen and artisans selling their work, as well as made-in-Japan items.
Here you will find everything from spectacular leather products to premium Japanese denim, paper crafts, and even find workshops to partake in!
This is a very different from everything that Akihabara is most known for, but nonetheless, it is a special and must-visit spot!
mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi
mAAch ecute Kanda Manseibashi was originally a busy train station, that got transformed into a shopping and dining complex.
Manseibashi is a bit of a hidden gem that stands out from the modern city with it’s beautiful red bricks. It’s a historic waterfront area that runs along the Kanda River, creating a beautiful atmosphere in the late afternoon and evening.
Day 4: Day Trip
Now that you’ve experienced some of Tokyo’s biggest highlights, from the bustling city to the old towns, it’s worth considering adding a day trip to your 5 day Tokyo itinerary, and see what’s beyond the city!
Here are the best day trips to take from Tokyo. This curated list shares all kinds of destinations, from Mount Fuji and Hakone, to coastal cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and more. There is truly something for everyone!
If you want to go on a hassle-free day trip, here are the best guided day tours from Tokyo! As you will find, this curated list includes a mix of guided tours beyond Tokyo, and others are within Tokyo. Here is one of the most popular day tours from Tokyo!👇
Day 5: Minato City and Ginza
Minato City and Ginza are two neighboring cities known for their modern and luxurious atmosphere. The main difference between the two is that Minato is known for it’s architecture, cultural sites, such as museums, and vibrant nightlife. Ginza, on the other hand, is famous for it’s high-end shopping scene and atmosphere.
Here are the best things to do in Minato City!👇
Roppongi District
Welcome to one of Tokyo’s most opulent districts!
Roppongi is famous for it’s vibrant and restless nightlife, fine dining scene, it’s international community and cultural institutions – particularly the National Art Center Tokyo.
Within Roppongi District, you will also find the famous Roppongi Hills – an upscale development filled with cultural, commercial, and residential spaces. One famous museum in Roppongi Hills, that is worth visiting, is the Mori Art Museum.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is the second tallest tower in Japan and one of Tokyo’s biggest icons. This tower receives around 10,000 visitors a day, and 4 million every year.
Something really cool about the Tokyo Tower is that it’s not just some empty structure like the Eiffel Tower. The Tokyo Tower actually has three tiers: Foot Town, Main Deck and Top Deck.
Foot Town, the first tier, is where you find everything from Japanese and international eateries, to VR attractions, shops with Japanese goodies and souvenirs, and more.
The Main Deck, the second tier, and first observatory tier, is where you will start to enjoy views of Tokyo. This two-story tier has glass floors, on which you can stand and look below you. This is perfect for anyone who loves a thrill, and not so much for those who fear heights.
Finally, the Top Deck, is where you will get the best views over Tokyo, as you are 250 meters (820 feet) in the air. You can only access this area if you get the Top Deck Tour, and you will need to book this well in advance!
This ticket below is the admission ticket, but does not include the Top Deck Tour👇.
Visit the National Art Center Tokyo
Welcome to one of Japan’s largest and most beloved art centers! This art center is architecturally beautiful both on the inside and outside, and is home to various, temporary exhibitions. Besides the wonderful exhibitions, this center has several cafes, a French restaurant, an art library and more.
Something unique about the National Art Center Tokyo is that nothing there, art wise, is permanent. The exhibitions are all temporary and ever-changing, with the NACT’s core activity of offering “fresh perspectives on artistic creativity“.
You can enter this center for free, but then the different exhibitions have their own entry fees.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
The Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is a city park famous for it’s vibrant fall colors and Gingko trees. This is a beautiful park to slow down and enjoy a peaceful stroll, especially in the Autumn.
Toyokawa Inari Betsuin
The Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, is one of Tokyo’s main Inari Shrines, and interestingly enough, also a Buddhist Temple.
Also known as the Temple of Foxes, or the Fox Shrine Tokyo, this temple is home to hundreds of Shinto fox god/goddesses statues. This makes the Toyokawa Inari Betsuin one of the most unique shrines to visit.
Go on a Tokyo Pub Crawl
Roppongi is famous for it’s restless and vibrant night life. If you want to dive into the Japanese night life, the Tokyo Pub Crawl tour is an experience you will not want to miss out on.
During this 5 hour tour you will visit at least 3 bars and clubs in Roppongi to enjoy Tokyo’s nightlife to the fullest and make new friendships! You will receive free shots and discounted drinks, play games, get photos taken, and so forth.
If you’re looking for a memorable and unique experience, this is a great tour!👇
Now lets dive into the best things to do in Ginza!😍👇
teamLab Planets
teamLab Planets is one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions, where people immerse themselves in a world of art and technology.
Here you will find everything from enchanting mirror room pathways to laying under 13,000 floating live orchids.
Here are 10 essential visit tips you need to know about before your visit. One being, if you want to visit, you NEED to book well in advance!👇
Tsukiji Market
Welcome to one of the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.
Personally, one of the coolest things to see when visiting a new country is visiting the food markets, where you can really immerse yourself amongst locals and local food.
At Tsukiji Market you will find everything from the freshest seafood to Japanese house goods, various eateries, and so forth. This the true foodie heaven when visiting Tokyo, and here is the ideal itinerary from the Tsukiji Market itself.
If you want to visit this market hassle-free and only focus on enjoying the place and eating great food, check out this highly-rated, guided tour!👇
Visit the Kabuki-za
Kabuki-za is Tokyo’s principal theater for the traditional kabuki drama – a show about historical events and “moral conflict in relationships of the heart” (UNESCO).
The Kabuki Theatre originates in the early 17th century, the Edo period, and the plays were originally acted out by both men and women. Eventually, women were not allowed to act in the plays anymore due to an Edo Shogunate thinking the women Kabuki had corrupted public morals. Consequently, men, to this day, act the women roles.
If you want to attend a traditional Kabuki play, this experience is for you!👇
Imperial Palace
Once home to the Emperor of Japan, and the Shogun before 1868, the Imperial Palace is a breathtaking palace surrounded by mesmerizing gardens, and protected by moats and tall stonewalls.
One of the highlights of this palace is the Nijubashi Bridge, which you can admire from the Kokyo Gaien – large plaza that sits in front of the Imperial Palace.
You cannot visit the Imperial Palace itself, but you can visit the East Gardens with, or without, a guided tour!👇
Nissan Crossing
If you are a car fan, or the person you’re traveling with is, this city landmark is one not to miss out on!
The Nissan Crossing is a fancy Nissan cars showroom, where you will find rare and unique Nissans, a Formula E Simulator, Nissan boutique, and more.
Things to Know Before Visiting Tokyo
How many days is enough in Tokyo?
Tokyo is not a regular large city like Rome and London – but a metropolitan prefecture made up of 23 wards, 26 cities, and more.
In a way, no amount of days will ever be enough in Tokyo, as there will always be something to see and explore.
As an absolute minimum, people should spend at least 3 full days in Tokyo. If doable, 5 days in Tokyo is the sweet spot that allows you to see many of the main attractions, and go on a day trip, on guided tours, or explore the hidden gems.
Without further ado, here is the perfect 5 day Tokyo itinerary for first timers!👇
Best Area to Stay in Tokyo
Figuring out where to stay in Tokyo is nothing short of overwhelming, as Tokyo is humongous and full of options.
Through my own experiences and struggles, I put together a guide that shares the best areas to stay in Tokyo, along with their best hotels, and what each area offers. I did so in the hopes to help you have an easier time in finding the best area for your own Tokyo travels.
As you will see in the post, the overall best areas to stay in Tokyo are Shinjuku and Shibuya – as they are home to the main attractions and most central / best connected wards.
How to Navigate Tokyo | Pasmo Passport & Suica
In Tokyo, taking the public transportation is inevitable and also something you simply have to experience.
To navigate around Tokyo, I strongly recommend getting the Pasmo Passport or Suica. These are prepaid IC cards that you use for all public transportation, and can also use in stores and some restaurants.
Overall, Pasmo and Suica offer the same thing. The only difference is that Suica has an app, allowing you to easily recharge your card and simply use your phone. Pasmo, for what I’ve seen, is only a physical card and you can easily get this directly at the airport when you land.
Personally, I absolutely loved my Pasmo because it has the cute Sanrio characters and makes for a great souvenir while you’re not in Japan.😂😍
Still Preparing for your Trip? Grab my FREE e-Checklist!
This is your one-stop-shop in understanding everything you need – something I wish I had for my own travels. Here you’ll find what you need to do to prepare for your Japan travels, things to know, essentials to bring, and more. Enjoy!✨
Tokyo FAQs
How much should I save for 5 days in Japan?
This completely depends on whether you are a budget, mid-range, or luxury traveler and how many people you travel with.
As a personal example, I spent around $770 on stays for 6 days in Shibuya, Tokyo. Shibuya is a more expensive area, so if you’re on a budget, Shinjuku is great! Furthermore, Tokyo has endless hostel options.
I would personally give public transportation a minimum of $10/day, $50/day for food, $30/day for attractions or activities, and $50/day for miscellaneous expenses. These expenses, for 5 days, would total around $700 – something I’d consider a mid-range budget!
With that said, once you’re in Japan (not counting flights), $1,500 – $1,700 is a fair amount to save if you’re a mid-range traveler.
As mentioned before, Tokyo can be whatever you want – an affordable trip or a luxurious one. It has options that fit everyone’s budgets, so as long as you do your research, your wallet will stay healthy.😉
Can you visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo?
Yes! Mount Fuji is quite close to Tokyo, with an average commute of 2 hours. Depending on your method of transportation, the commute could be shorter or longer. Here are the 4 best ways to visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo, along with tips.
Should you want to stay overnight in a quaint, serene town, here’s how to spend the best 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko!
Read more on Japan
- 23 ESSENTIAL Tips + Things to Know Before Visiting Japan
- Is Tokyo Friendly to Tourists? Answering Your Burning Questions
- Do’s and Don’ts in Japan: Etiquette Guide for New Visitors
- How to Spend the BEST 3 Days in Tokyo, Japan
- Best Day Trips from Tokyo
- Best Guided Day Tours from & within Tokyo
- The 8 Best Tokyo Street Food Tours
- 9 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Tokyo | A Celiac’s Guide
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