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 five full days!

Tokyo is a city where ancient traditions blend with modernity. In Tokyo, you’ll find vibrant neighbourhoods, temples, exquisite food, and neon-bright lights.

I loved my visits to Tokyo in September 2023 and March 2024. Japan is popular and has seen a massive influx of tourists. Japan has been a bucket list destination for me since I was a teenager, and it did not disappoint.

Steal my two-week Japan itinerary that covers all the major cities you must see when travelling to Japan! And if you’re still unsure if Japan would be a good destination for solo female travellers, check out my blog post!

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! If you’ve purchased a JR Rail Pass, they’re all connected to the JR Line.

Shibuya

If you would 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!

I enjoyed the many quirky department stores and malls in Shibuya. You’ll also find excellent hotels in Shibuya.

Hotel in Shibuya

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is my favourite city to stay in! You either love it or 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. Some parts are a bit grungier and crazier than Shibuya. It’s hard to explain, but you have to see for yourself.

Shinjuku is safe and I found the area 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.

Hotels in Shinjuku

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.

I would recommend a stay in Ginza for families and travellers looking for a quieter and trendy neighbourhood.

Hotels in Ginza

Is 5 days enough to visit Tokyo?

Five days in Tokyo is enough time to taste the city well! 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 at a more relaxed pace.

In five days, we’ll even have time to plan a day trip to Mount Fuji, a must-visit when in Japan! We’ll also visit Gotokuji Temple and Shimokitasawa, a trendy and artsy neighbourhood famous for its thrift stores.

Is Tokyo Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Japan is generally an incredibly safe country — in fact, it’s one of the safest places in the world to travel to, making it an ideal destination for solo female travellers!

Of course, like anywhere, it’s smart to stay aware and take basic precautions, but you won’t need to be hyper-alert like in some other places. Just follow the usual safety habits you’d use at home or anywhere else, and you’ll be fine.

Most people in Tokyo are kind, honest, and helpful. I felt very welcomed and well looked after during my trip!

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Tokyo is a beautiful destination to visit from spring through fall. Cherry blossom season (late March to April) and the autumn foliage season (November) are especially magical — but keep in mind, they’re also the busiest and priciest times to visit.

I went to Tokyo at the end of September, and the weather was just perfect! Mornings were a bit crisp, but by midday, it warmed up to around 22°C (73 °F). Once the sun peeked through, it felt quite warm!

I also visited Tokyo at the end of March, and the weather was still chilly and cold most evenings. Expect a temperature, on average, of 13°C (55 °F). However, that doesn’t spoil the fun! Crowds are less than during summer, but the amazing vibes are always there.

Things to do in Tokyo

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 Park Hotel 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: an artsy neighbourhood great for thrift shopping.
• Tokyo Station (just for the view of the building)
• Goto Koji Temple (a cute cat temple)
• Take a sushi workshop
• Take a day trip to Mount Fuji and surroundings
• Book a food walking tour in Shinjuku.

The ultimate 5-day itinerary in Tokyo

Day 1: Senso-ji temple, Ueno and Akihabara

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 history and art. Ueno Park is a quiet, serene delight in a busy, noisy city like Tokyo.

Stroll through the park, 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, check out Akihabara, Tokyo’s mecca for anime, manga, and electronics. Explore multi-story shops filled with the latest gadgets, games, and collectables. If you’re an anime lover like my sister, you’re going to love this neighbourhood.

Visit themed cafes, like maid cafes, for a fun 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.

Or check out Steak Lodge or Torijin in Akihabara.

Day 2: Tsukiji outer market and Tokyo tower

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. Get fresh sushi, sashimi, and street food from other delicious vendors.

Expect it to be crowded and not cheap! It might be street food, but I feel they’re asking the gaijin (foreigner) prices. But the food is really good and worth it!

Afterwards, walk 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 at Shiba Park!

There’s a famous spot nearby, near the restaurant Tofu Ukai, where everyone takes a photo from this stairwell case looking up at the tower. You’ll see a line, so it’s hard to miss.

I was not in the mood to wait in line, so I skipped that photo op.

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.

Take a break at one of Ginza’s many stylish cafes or enjoy a fine dining experience and 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 and the cute 3D billboards. Join the crowd and experience the organized chaos of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. Remember, it’s just an intersection, but it’s fun to see how everyone can cross from every side, even diagonally.

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

Arrange tickets for Shibuya Sky (they sell out 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.

Afterwards, explore the streets of Shibuya for dinner options, from izakayas to ramen to yakiniku restaurants. If you love to shop or need to get souvenirs, this is the place to be.

For dinner, check out the famous Ichiram (this joint in Shibuya is open 24/7), the sushi bar Ten, not far from Shibuya Sky. They have an amazing omakase menu.

Or the famous Gyekatsu Motomura, where you grill your gyekatsu (breaded beef steak) at the table!

Day 3: Gotokuji Temple and shinjuku

Your final day begins with a visit to Gotokuji Temple, famous for its countless lucky cat statues and then a walk 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 Shinjuku, where you’ll explore neon-lit streets and savour traditional Japanese cuisine.

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 experience, making it a great spot for photos.

After visiting Gotokuji, head to Shimokitazawa, a trendy neighbourhood known for its bohemian vibe. Explore the vintage shops, boutiques, and cosy cafes. Shimokitazawa is a haven for thrift shoppers and, therefore, a must in this 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 a cute street, but it’s too crowded for me!

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 get 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.

The smoke from the grilled yakitori, people smoking and the crowd made it nearly impossible for me to relax, so this area might not be for you.

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 unique theme and atmosphere. Some bars only seat 4 people.

I loved walking around and grabbing a drink in one of the bars. The area is now mostly catered to tourists, but it’s still fun!

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.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants around for food, like the famous Sugoi Niboshi Rāmen (famous for their ramen), you’ll see a queue, Shinjuku Yakitori Nonotori and Oysters Inc (if you love oysters like me).

Day 4: Day trip to Mount Fuji

Today is the perfect day to take a day trip outside of Tokyo! I highly recommend a visit to the lovely Mount Fuji and its surroundings. 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 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 for you.

Day 5: Sushi class on the last day in Tokyo

Morning: Sushi class in Asakusa

You can’t leave Tokyo without a sushi class! This class is fantastic and starts early in the morning. I learned how to make ‘temari sushi,’ which has a round shape. You’ll get to eat the sushi you make, so breakfast is covered.

This sushi-making workshop is one of the best things I did on my trip to Japan and I recommend it to everyone I know who’s visiting Tokyo. The chefs make the workshop into an entire experience.

The class takes about 2 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of Asakusa after.

Afternoon: Imperial Palace & Tokyo Station

On your way back from Asakusa, a visit to the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens is great for your last day in Tokyo. 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 not for and if you’re into architecture, you’re going to love this great architectural building.

TeamLab Borderless is another option for this afternoon, and it is worth a visit if you haven’t seen anything like it! It’s an immersive digital art museum famous for its colourful, futuristic digital art installations & photo ops.

I’ve seen something similar in Singapore, which was fantastic. I highly recommend that you check it out.

For lunch, head over to Butagumi Shokudo for delicious tonkatsu. I love a good tonkatsu that’s light, non-greasy and full of flavour. This place will do it, and it’s affordable.

Evening: Final souvenir shopping

For your final evening in Tokyo, head back to your favourite neighbourhood and soak up the last bit of Tokyo. Tick off anything you didn’t get around to, whether that’s shopping, grabbing a cocktail in Golden Gai, picking up the latest Japanese skincare products, or wandering through the iconic Don Quijote (Tokyo’s ultimate ‘everything’ store).

Treat yourself one last time to your favourite gyoza, yakitori, or whatever delicious dish you’ve been craving. Take it all in: the lights, the energy, the flavours, before you say sayonara. It’s the perfect way to end your Tokyo adventure on a high note!

I know I did!

Where to eat in Tokyo?

Tokyo is packed with amazing food spots, but if you just wing it, it can get overwhelming fast. I proudly call myself a professional foodie (yep, self-appointed), so I always do the research.

I’m not one to chase viral trends unless something genuinely excites me. Tourists love that Reissue coffee art bar with the 3D foam art. Super cute, but I’m not about to wait in line and drop $20 for a coffee.

I’ve rounded up all the spots I looked into, from chill little eateries to more unique gems. Please do your research on dietary restrictions.

• Gyekatsu Motomura: This is a restaurant chain famous for its breaded beef steak that you grill at your own table. You find restaurants all over Tokyo.
• Oysters Inc: If you love oysters, a must! From fresh to grilled oysters.
• Kura Sushi: This is a sushi conveyor belt restaurant; you’ll find them all over Japan.
• Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku: A great izakaya near Shinjuku Station.
• Ichiran: Ichiran is a famous fast food like ramen chain in Japan. However, the ramen is great, cheap, and the booth experience is funny.
• æ – ash: great coffees, great cocktails, beautiful place.
• Tori Chataro: an awesome yakitori restaurant.
• Grill Bon: an awesome Japanese sandwich shop, for example a wagyu beef sandwich.
• Tonkatsu Juroku: the best tonkatsu of my life.
• Wine Bar KIKUO: a great wine bar with good wines and food.
• Butagumi Shokudo: amazing tonkatsu.

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 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!

Do not forget to check out surprising things to know about Japan, always check the visa requirements for Japan and brush up on manners and etiquette in Japan. It’s a must to avoid confusion on your trip.

As always, I would love to know how you’re getting on in Tokyo! I’m always here for questions! The fastest way is to leave a comment on my latest Instagram post!

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