The Perfect 5-day Itinerary to Tokyo: The Highlights

Welcome to the ultimate 5-day itinerary to Tokyo! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, this itinerary is made to give you a full experience of Japan’s highlights in 5 full days!

Tokyo is a city where ancient traditions blend with cutting-edge modernity, offering a unique mix of historic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and culinary delights.

This itinerary ensures you experience the best of Tokyo, offering a perfect blend of tradition, modernity, and unique local culture. Let’s dive into the heart of Tokyo and make unforgettable memories!

Where to stay in Tokyo

If you’re travelling to Tokyo alone, I recommend staying in Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza. Let’s review each area and its perks! They’re all connected to the JR Line if that’s important to you!

Shibuya

If you like to stay in the centre of Tokyo, in a central location, I would stay in Shibuya. Shibuya is the Tokyo you recognise from all the movies. The city is big, vibrant, noisy, and neon-lit.

You can shop until you drop, and you’re close to Shibuya Sky and the famous Shibuya Crossing. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops keep you company. There’s also a lot of traffic, and you’ll walk a lot!

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is my favourite city to stay in! You either love it, or you hate it. It’s just as vibrant as Shibuya but also a little dirtier. It’s the home of Kabukicho (the old red light district), Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho.

You’ll find just as many restaurants, bars and shops as Shibuya. You’ll also find many host bars, cosplay theme places and arcade halls. It’s a bit grungier and crazier than Shibuya. Hard to explain, but you have to see for yourself.

Despite all that, Shinjuku is very safe! I personally found the area more interesting! It’s also within walking distance of many places (Golden Gai), making walking home after an evening out easier. You’ll also find more budget options for staying and eating here.

Ginza

Ginza is perfect if you want to stay in a more upscale part of Tokyo. It’s quieter, has no neon billboards, and is more spacious overall. Ginza is also home to more luxurious department stores and restaurants.

Stay in Ginza if you’re looking for a more luxurious vibe and are willing to pay more for accommodation. It’s conveniently located near Ueno, Tokyo Station and Asakusa.

Is 5 days enough to visit Tokyo?

Five days in Tokyo is enough time to get a good taste of the city! You can visit all the key spots, such as the famous Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Ueno Park, and Shinjuku. Plus, there’s time to explore the city more relaxed.

From a stroll through Harajuku to a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market to shopping in Ginza and visiting Gotokoji Cat Temple, we’ll even have time to plan a day trip to Mount Fuji, a must-visit when in Japan!

What are the highlights in Tokyo?

What are the best highlights in Tokyo, Japan? Tokyo is big, so if you only have five days to explore the city, you must make choices. I’ve been to Tokyo twice, each time for four days, and I can safely say that I’ve covered the most iconic sights!

I recommend the following. Feel free to substitute any of these activities for the ones in the itinerary below if they better match your vibe!

• Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street (go early!)
• Tsukiji Fish Market (touristy, but still fun)
• Tokyo Tower from Shiba Park (best view!)
• Prince U Hotel Rooftop for sunset drinks
• Shibuya Crossing and then shopping in Shibuya
• Shibuya Sky (get tickets early!)
• Shinjuku: Kabukicho, Golden Gai (love this for drinks) & Omoide Yokocho (just a quick walk around, it’s too smokey)
• Ginza: the upscale shopping area of Tokyo
• Ueno Park
• Shimokitasawa: artsy neighbourhood great for thrift shopping.
• Tokyo Station (just for the view of the building)
• Goto Koji Temple

5-day itinerary Tokyo

Today, you’ll start by delving into Asakusa’s rich history and culture, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. You’ll wander through the bustling Nakamise Street, explore Ueno Park’s cultural treasures, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Akihabara, the epicentre of anime and electronics.

Day 1

Morning: Visit Senso-ji Temple

Start your day at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and stroll along Nakamise Street, which is lined with traditional shops selling souvenirs and snacks.

The main hall of Senso-ji is stunning, and you can partake in traditional rituals, like drawing omikuji (your fortune on paper) and offering prayers.

Don’t miss the nearby Asakusa Shrine and the gardens surrounding the temple for a great start to your day. Nakamise Street has many food stalls, perfect for a quick breakfast. I recommend trying the fresh melon bread stall!

Afternoon: Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Head to Ueno Park, a cultural hub with something for everyone. Visit the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing Japan’s extensive history and art. The Ueno Park is a quiet, serene delight!

Stroll through the park’s lush pathways, and if you visit in spring, enjoy the breathtaking cherry blossoms. Stop by the tranquil Shinobazu Pond for a relaxing break and rent a paddleboat.

Evening: Discover Akihabara’s Electric Town

In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Akihabara, Tokyo’s mecca for anime, manga, and electronics. Explore multi-story shops filled with the latest gadgets, games, and collectables.

Visit themed cafes, like maid cafes, for a quirky experience. Don’t miss Akihabara Radio Kaikan, a landmark building with numerous stores catering to otaku culture. End your day with a delicious dinner at one of the many ramen or sushi joints in the area.

Day 2

Day two takes you to the culinary haven of Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can indulge in the freshest seafood and street food delights. You’ll find tranquillity in the historic Hamarikyu Gardens before diving into Ginza’s luxury shopping and artistic ambience.

As evening falls, experience the organized chaos of Shibuya Crossing and take in city views from Shibuya Sky.

Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market and Tokyo Tower

Start your day early at Tsukiji Outer Market, a food lover’s paradise. Sample fresh sushi, sashimi, and street food from numerous vendors.

Afterwards, walk briefly to Hamarikyu Gardens, an Edo-period landscape garden. Enjoy a stroll, and don’t miss the traditional tea house where you can experience a matcha tea ceremony.

Afternoon: Shopping in Ginza

Take the subway to Tokyo Tower. You can take the best photos from Shiba Park!

From there, walk to Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Explore flagship stores of luxury brands, department stores like Mitsukoshi and Wako, and trendy boutiques.

For art enthusiasts, the Ginza Six complex houses contemporary art installations. Take a break at one of Ginza’s many stylish cafes or enjoy a fine dining experience. Don’t miss the Kabukiza Theatre for a glimpse of traditional Kabuki performances.

Evening: Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

As evening falls, head to Shibuya, famous for the Shibuya Crossing. Join the crowd and experience the organized chaos of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection.

There’s a famous Starbucks where you can relax with a dirty soy chai latte (my favourite) and watch people.

Arrange tickets for Shibuya Sky (they sell out really fast, so book 4 weeks in advance), an observation deck offering panoramic views of Tokyo. Watch the city lights come alive as the sun sets. Explore the streets of Shibuya for dinner options, from izakayas to ramen to yakiniku restaurants!

Day 3

Your final day begins with a serene visit to Gotokuji Temple, famous for its countless lucky cat statues, followed by a stroll through the bohemian streets of Shimokitazawa, known for its vintage shops and eclectic cafes.

Afterwards, we head to Harajuku for a quick stroll through Takeshi Street. Conclude your Tokyo adventure in the bustling district of Shinjuku, where you’ll explore neon-lit streets and savour traditional Japanese cuisine in nostalgic settings.

Morning: Gotokuji Temple

Begin your final day with a visit to Gotokuji Temple, known for its hundreds of lucky cat statues (maneki-neko). The temple grounds provide a unique and picturesque experience, making it a great spot for photography.

After visiting Gotokuji, head to Shimokitazawa, a trendy neighbourhood known for its bohemian vibe. Explore its streets filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and cosy cafes. Shimokitazawa is a haven for thrift shoppers and, therefore, a must in a 5-day itinerary to Tokyo.

Afternoon: Harajuku

After Shimokitazawa, head to Harajuku. Harajuku can be extremely crowded, but it is worth walking through once. There are many clothing shops and food places.

It’s definitely a cute neighbourhood, but it’s just too crowded for me! Still a must in the 5-day itinerary to Tokyo, even for a quick stroll.

Evening: Shinjuku

End your Tokyo adventure in Shinjuku! Explore the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s famous entertainment and red-light district. The area has many good places to eat, bars and entertainment.

For dinner, head to Omoide Yokocho, known as “Memory Lane,” where you can savour delicious yakitori and other izakaya delights. This area can get very busy, so be there early. If you don’t like a lot of smoke, Omoide Yokocho might not be your favourite place.

A visit to Golden Gai is a must when in Tokyo! Golden Gai is a maze of narrow alleys packed with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. Some bars only seat 4 people.

Walk around the area and pick a bar to have a drink. Some bars ask for a cover charge, and not all bars accept credit card payments.

The area around Golden Gai has a lot of great restaurants for a quick snack!

Day 4

Today is the perfect day to take a day trip outside of Tokyo! I highly recommend a visit to the lovely Mount Fuji. However, depending on the season, it’s wise to check the weather first!

The best time to visit the area around Mount Fuji is during winter, from January to April. The mountain views are crystal clear, and the snow-capped peak of Fuji-san makes the experience even more magical.

There are plenty of guided tours from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Most tours cover a few of the area’s iconic sights, with stunning views of Mount Fuji in the background.

The tour might include Lake Kawaguchi, Oishi Park, 5th Station, and Chureito Pagoda.

I’ve put together a post with an overview of the best Mount Fuji tours! A day trip to Fuji-san is a must in this 5-day itinerary to Tokyo!

Day 5

This is the final day in Tokyo, and you’ll leave Tokyo in the evening for your next destination. We take today to cover any of the highlights we missed in the previous days!

Morning: Sushi class in Asakusa

You can’t leave Tokyo without a sushi class! This class is fantastic and starts early in the morning. You’ll learn how to make ‘temari sushi,’ and breakfast is immediately covered!

The class takes about 2 hours.

Afternoon: Imperial Palace & Tokyo Station

Visit the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens. While the inner grounds are closed to the public, the gardens are beautiful and offer a glimpse into Japan’s imperial history.

Tokyo Station is a great architectural building for photos because of its modern look!

TeamLab Borderless is another option for this afternoon in this 5-day itinerary! It is definitely worth a visit if you haven’t seen anything like it! It’s an immersive digital art museum.

I hope this 5-day itinerary to Tokyo will help you plan your trip to Japan! Five days is perfect for Tokyo; it’s a great start to see the city, and you’ll definitely be back for more!

Tokyo is never boring; there is so much to see and do! If you’re feeling like planning an entire trip to Japan, I have a fantastic two-week itinerary to Japan for you! It’s perfect if you’re visiting Japan for the first time!