Planning a trip to Japan? Delve into our comprehensive guide on how to make the most of 5 days in Tokyo. From the bustling Shibuya Crossing to the sumo stables morning practice, this 5 day Tokyo itinerary covers everything you’ll want to see on your first visit.
Tokyo is one of those cities that is hard not to love. And this is coming from someone who is a self-proclaimed “not a big city person”!
Whatever it is you’re looking for, Tokyo has it.
It’s a city full of extremes and contradictions: Fine dining next to street food. A place where pop culture and ancient history coexist. Skyscrapers extend into a seemingly never ending horizon, but there’s also surprising lush green spaces sprinkled throughout this mega metropolis.
There’s truly something for everyone.
We’ve visited Tokyo several times, and I can tell you without any hesitation that I could spend a week there every year of my life and still not get bored.
We’ve put together what we think is a perfect itinerary for 5 days in Tokyo. It starts off with some of the classic, must-see sights and ends with some truly unique and off the beaten path experiences.
We’ve put a lot of thought into this itinerary and hope that it is a helpful tool as you plan your own trip to Japan.
Read this before your trip: First Timer’s Guide to Traveling to Tokyo
Tokyo Itinerary Contents
- How many days in Tokyo; Is 5 enough?
- 5 day Tokyo itinerary overview
- Tokyo itinerary map
- Extra time in Tokyo
- Perfect Japan itinerary
- Best time to visit Tokyo
- How to get around Tokyo
- Where to stay in Tokyo
- Budget for 5 days in Tokyo
- What to pack for visiting Tokyo
- More Japan travel resources
Want to save time and energy on planning?
We’ve spent hundreds of hours (no joke!) researching for our 3 different trips to Japan, and we’ve been able to explore a lot of what this country has to offer!
We’ve compiled our experience to create a classic Japan itinerary that hits the top destinations for first-time visitors. Our itinerary is spread out over 2 weeks and includes the highlights of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and more!
We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your classic Japan itinerary today!
How many days in Tokyo is enough?
If you’re more interested in exploring Japan’s diverse countryside, you may find that 3 days in the city is enough to get your palette wet. However, for a well-rounded experience, we’d suggest spending at least 5 days in Tokyo.
This city has so much to offer, you could easily spend your entire trip here and not see it all. However, we also strongly feel that there is so much more to see in Japan beyond Tokyo. Unless you have unlimited time to spend traveling, you have to cut yourself off somewhere.
5 day Tokyo itinerary overview
- Day 1: Tsukiji fish market & Roppongi: world famous sushi + Tokyo’s coolest art attraction
- Day 2: Shibuya & Shinjuku: Explore Tokyo’s hippest neighborhoods
- Day 3: Asakusa: Choose your own adventure + Senso-Ji Temple + dinner cruise
- Day 4: Shimokitazawa: Gōtokuji Temple + neighborhood exploration + Nagomi visit
- Day 5: Tokyo’s Old Town + Food tour + experience of your choice
Itinerary note: The first 3 days of our 5 day Tokyo itinerary are focused on the classic sights, whereas days 4 and 5 are focused on lesser visited places and unique experiences.
Day 1 of 5 days in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo!
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
- Morning:
- Wander Tsukiji Market
- Noon:
- Experience teamLab Borderless
- Afternoon/Evening:
- Get the best (free) view of Tokyo Tower
- Enjoy an early-ish dinner
- Grab a cocktail at this sleek bar
Tsukiji Market
- Hours: open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Cost: free
- Google Maps location
This fish market is world famous and a must visit if you eat sushi. Often referred to as “Japan’s kitchen”, Tsukiji is made up of a collection of roughly 65 vendors and shops (some of which are 100+ years old).
Notable vendors:
You can simply wander & stop at places that interest you or you can start with this list:
- Maguroya Kurogin: renowned for tuna belly, you can sample lean, medium, fatty, & extra fatty tuna (the more fat, the better & higher the price). Expect a long line.
- Sushizanmai: a Tsukiji staple, this restaurant is open 24 hours a day
- Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Annex: if you want to sit down and have sushi, but don’t want to wait in a long line, this is a good pick! We personally went here and had a great experience. They have some sampler platters as well as a la carte items.
- Strawberry Mania: great ice cream if you need a sweet treat
FYI: There’s more to the market than just sushi! For example, we got grilled unagi, inari sushi (sushi stuffed into a sweet & savory tofu pocket), lotus root chips, & mont blanc ice cream.
What to expect:
- Bring cash: Some vendors accept card payments but many don’t.
- Higher prices: You can definitely find cheaper sushi in Tokyo, but the quality & vibe of this market warrant higher prices.
- Expect crowds: It gets incredibly crowded by 10am, so we recommend getting here early if possible. Think of it as a sushi breakfast!
How to get there: The closest station is Tsukiji Station along the Oedo and Hibiya metro lines. The closest JR station is Shimbashi on the JR Loop Line, just a 15 min walk from the market.
teamLab Borderless
- Hours: open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. most days
- timing changes slightly seasonally
- Cost: $28 per adult
- Google Maps location
Lose yourself in an immersive art experience where you’re encouraged to kick off your shoes and connect with the installations, blurring the boundaries between art and reality.
The Tokyo-based art collective known as teamLab is famous for creating art installations that are unmatched. This immersive digital art museum is something you have to experience yourself!
This sells out, so be sure you reserve your tickets well in advance! For this itinerary, we recommend making your reservation for noon or 1 p.m. Plan to spend between 3-4 hours here.
Read more about the museum and what to expect in our teamLab Borderless guide.
How to get there: The closest Tokyo Metro stations are Kamiyachō Station on the Hibiya Line or Roppongi-Itchome Station on the Namboku Line. Both are about a 5 min walk to Borderless. The closest JR station is Hamamatsucho station on the Tokyo Metro’s Yamanote Loop Line, but from there it’s a 30 minute walk.
Alternative: teamLab Planets
teamLab has another exhibit in Tokyo: teamLab Planets. We’ve been to both, and while they’re both excellent, Borderless is bigger and our personal favorite of the two. If you can’t get tickets for your date and time at Borderless, you can swap it for Planets and it will still be a very cool experience!
Tokyo Tower
This afternoon, you’ll want to get a quick peek at the famous Tokyo Tower.
How to get there:
After you are finished at teamLab Borderless, walk around the block to Azabudai Hills Tower. Go to the 33rd floor to the free observation deck, which offers spectacular views of the city, with Tokyo Tower at the forefront.
If you need a pick-me-up, grab a fresh-squeezed juice or smoothie from Tokyo Juice (1st floor of Azabudai Hills Tower), or if your jet lag requires some caffeine, walk 15 minutes to Common, a beautiful coffee shop and space to relax.
Enjoy an early-ish dinner
We have several options to choose from, some of which require reservations:
- Gonpachi: large venue designed to look like historic Japanese architecture, serving traditional Japanese dishes makes a great pick for the start of your trip [make a reservation]
- GYOPAO Gyoza Roppongi: lively Japanese-Taiwanese fusion izakaya known for their signature soup dumplings. [make a reservation]
- Iruca Tokyo Roppongi: If you don’t mind waiting in line, this Michelin rated ramen shop is known for soy sauce ramen that features truffles.
- For a casual dinner nearby, check out the vendors at the Azabudai Market and see if anything strikes your fancy. There‘s a variety of international and Japanese options.
- Another casual and quick option is to head up to Tokyo Station. Go to the underground inside the station for a ton of restaurants to choose from. There are lots of great ramen shops, gyoza, and more!
Cocktail bar
If you’re up for it, zan Bar is well worth a stop if you like hidden bar vibes (and have enough energy after a day of exploring!). They have Japanese-Western fusion food on the menu, so you can plan to have dinner here too instead of the above options if that would make more sense.
By now, you’ll likely be ready to dive into bed, so head back and get a good night of sleep. Even if you’re not entirely tired, getting to bed at a reasonable hour will help you adjust to the time zone.
Day 2 of 5 days in Tokyo
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
- Morning:
- Check out Meiji Shrine
- Noon:
- Explore the quirky Harajuku neighborhood
- Afternoon/Evening:
- Explore Shibuya
- See Tokyo from above
- Izakaya hopping tour in Shinjuku
Meiji Shrine
- Hours: open sunrise to sunset
- Cost: free
- Google Maps location
Tokyo is chaotic, there’s no doubt about it. But there are a few places near the city that feel like an escape from the madness of the center. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu) was one of those places for us.
Start your day by exploring this beautiful shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park (if you want a longer walk).
Walk on wooded pathways, and explore the grounds of this simple, yet beautiful temple. If you visit on a weekend, you might even be lucky enough to see a Japanese wedding ceremony take place like we did!
How to get there: The closest station is Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Harajuku
After you’ve seen the shrine, it’s time to explore the quirky Harajuku neighborhood. Here are a few ideas for you:
- Snap a picture of the mirror covered Tokyu Plaza
- Walk down Takeshita Street and Omotesando Avenue, and get lost in some of the small side streets.
- Try purikura (Japanese photo booth) for a fun experience & a cheap souvenir. Purikura Noa is located in Harajuku.
- Pop into any of the many boutiques that strike your fancy.
- Grab a treat (recs below)
Famous treats:
- rainbow cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory
- ice cream filled crepes from Marion Crepes
- kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) from PAP Coffee
Lunch recommendations
- Ichiran: famous ramen chain known for tonkotsu ramen that you eat in individual booths (order on machine, line moves pretty quickly)
- Our top rec! If you’re excited to try ramen in Japan, today is a good time to get it!
- Vegan Bistro Jangara: amazing vegan ramen even meat eaters will love
- Gyukatsu Motomura: incredible tonkatsu restaurant where you cook the meat yourself, expect to wait 1 hour
- Harajuku Gyozaro: hole-in-the-wall serving cheap gyoza and other dishes
Shibuya
Next, make your way to the neighboring Shibuya neighborhood, home of the famous Shibuya Scramble at Shibuya Crossing. Here are a few ideas for you:
- Quick stop at the Hachiko Memorial Statue
- Walk across the Shibuya Scramble
- If you didn’t have time to do purikura in Harajuku, try it out at Purikura no Meca.
- Go shopping at Hands or MEGA Don Quijote
- Grab the fluffiest soft serve at Miyashita Cafe
- See Tokyo from above: Shibuya has 2 excellent views over the city. Read each description to choose which you’d prefer…
Parco Terrace
- Cost: free entry, no reservation
- Food: bar (Commune) & coffee shop
- Google Maps location
Parco is a rooftop garden on the 10th floor (lower than Shibuya Sky) of a mall, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. It’s not only a good place to check out Shibuya Crossing from above, but it has a bar and coffee shop and makes for excellent sunset viewing.
Shibuya Sky
- Cost: $16 per adult, tickets sell out quickly; sunset is best (but also sells out fastest!)
- Food: bar/restaurant (Roof Shibuya Sky Bar)
- Google Maps location
Shibuya Sky is an observation deck on the 46th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square Tower. The observatory was actually much cooler than we expected, with amazing views, a bar, and art installations with light shows. Be on time for your reservation and give yourself 1-2 hours to explore.
How to get there: Take the Yamanote Line one stop from Harajuku station to reach Shibuya station.
Dinner and nightlife in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is home to some of the best nightlife in Tokyo. The best places to experience an izakaya on your first visit are the iconic narrow alleyways of Omoide Yokocho (“Piss Alley”) & Golden Gai.
Izakaya-hopping tour
We’d recommend doing an izakaya-hopping tour on your first visit to Tokyo.
We personally did this tour and think it’s a great introduction to izakaya culture and makes it really approachable. We met other travelers on the tour and continued bar hopping after it was over!
- Start time: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., or 7 p.m. (we recommend 6 or 7 p.m.)
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Includes: 4 drinks, 3 local dishes (enough for dinner)
- Price: $100 per person
Don’t want to do a tour? Simply head to Omoide Yokocho and/or Golden Gai and pop into izakayas on your own!
How to get to Shinjuku: Take the Yamanote Line two more stops from Shibuya station to get to Shinjuku station.
Day 3 of 5 days in Tokyo
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
- Morning:
- Choose your own adventure:
- Sumo stable tour
- Monkey Karts
- Harry Potter
- Choose your own adventure:
- Noon:
- Explore Akihabara
- Afternoon/Evening:
- Explore Asakusa
- Senso-ji Temple
- Sumida River Dinner Cruise
Option 1) Sumo stable tour
- Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Cost: $95 USD per person
- Restrictions:
- children under 12 years old cannot join
- you will be sitting and must be quiet for much of this tour
Have an intimate experience where you can observe sumo wrestlers in morning practice and learn more about the sport and culture behind it.
Option 2) Monkey Karts
- Time: 10 a.m. – 11 or 11:30 a.m. (depending on the tour)
- Restrictions:
- must be 18+ years old
- must have international drivers license
Drive around the busy streets of Tokyo in a go-kart style vehicle while wearing a costume for an adrenaline rush!
- 1.5 hour tour
- more expensive
- 1 hour tour
- cheaper
Option 3) Harry Potter studio tour
- Time: about 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Cost: $42 USD per person
- Things to know:
- all ages welcome
- book in advance so you can get earliest arrival spot (9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m., varies seasonally)
- arrive 1 hour before ticketed time & allot 3-4 hours for exploring
Go behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studios where you’ll be immersed in the Wizarding World!
*Note: If you chose to go to Harry Potter this morning, you won’t have time to explore Akihabara. Instead, move onto the next section.
Akihabara
This district is known as a mecca for Anime and gaming lovers.
Bonus: If you’re in Akihabara on a Sunday, the road is closed to cars!
- Go to one of the many arcades, like the GiGo building
- Browse the underground Aki-Oka Artisan Market
- Shop for souvenirs: Akihabara Don Quijote (large location), Retro Game Camp, or Yodobashi-Akiba Mall
- Have a low or no-alcohol “cocktail” at the Low-Non Bar
How to get there: The closest station is Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Lunch recommendations
- Jiromaru Akihabara: our favorite yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant; tiny – standing room only – get the sampler & grill it yourself
- Pop into a ramen shop or head over to Asakusa and do street food for lunch
Asakusa
This is another neighborhood area worth exploring. Here are a few ideas for you:
- Hat Coffee: 3D Latte Art (this is a 2nd location with shorter wait times than their more famous one), tiny shop on 2nd floor, take a ticket and wait outside for them to text you (we waited 15 minutes), come with an idea of what you want & have a picture ready if applicable.
- Asakusa Cultural Center: Your next stop should be the observation deck at the Asakusa Cultural Center. The observation deck is located on the 8th floor, is free of charge, and offers sweeping views over this iconic temple and sightseeing district. Many tourists miss this view!
- Nakamise Dori Street: this 200-meter long shopping street leading up to Senso-ji Temple is filled with souvenir shops and vendors selling snacks.
- Sample street food: This area is a street food mecca, so you’ll want to sample whatever looks good to you. There’s a covered market as well as stalls lining the streets.
- Shop for souvenirs: This is one of the best places to get Japanese souvenirs for cheap. You’ll certainly want to save room for later on in your trip, but this is a good spot for some of the smaller items like daruma and charms (omamori), both of which make great gifts.
- Read all about what to buy in Japan!
- Tip: If you purchase a charm, take a photo of the meaning so you don’t forget (trust us!).
Street food recs:
- glazed strawberries
- melonpan from Asakusa Kagetsudō
- there’s usually a line, but it moves fast
- choose from plain, whipped cream filled, or vanilla/matcha ice cream filled
- matcha and black sesame ice cream from Suzukien Asakusa
How to get there: The closest station is Asakusa Station which is accessible via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and the Tobu Skytree Line.
Tip: Plan to arrive in this area around 2:30 – 3 p.m. in order to maximize your time here.
Senso-ji Temple
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: free
- Google Maps location
Senso-ji is the oldest temple in Tokyo and one of the most popular attractions in the city, drawing 30 million visitors and worshippers per year. In addition, the pedestrian streets leading up the Buddhist temple are packed with souvenir stands and food vendors, making it an interesting area to explore.
Good to know: Unless you arrive in this area before 7 a.m. or after dark, it will be packed with people. Embrace the crowds, as that is part of the atmosphere of this area. Plus, if you do the dinner cruise as recommended below, you’ll have the chance to wander again at night when it is much more peaceful.
Get your fortune told:
O-mikuji is a form of Japanese fortune telling.
- Make a ¥100 offering
- Shake the box filled with sticks
- Remove a stick and match it to the drawer with the corresponding number to get your fortune
- If it is bad, you can tie it to the line so that the “curse” will stick to the line and not to you
Sumida River Dinner Cruise
Hop aboard a traditional Japanese boat (known as a yakatabune) and cruise the Sumida River after dark when the Tokyo skyline is aglow! Part sightseeing tour, part foodie experience, you’ll enjoy a multi-course dinner of traditional Japanese foods as well as free-flowing beverages (yes, including alcoholic drinks).
Read more about what to expect in our Tokyo Dinner Cruise Review.
Tip: After dinner, if you’re up for it, wander back to Senso-ji for a totally different atmosphere, but be sure not to miss the last train.
Alternative dinner ideas:
If you don’t plan to do the dinner cruise, here are some alternative dinner options in the area:
- Asakusa Gyukatsu: incredible tonkatsu restaurant where you cook the meat yourself, only seats 10-12, almost always a wait
- Ichiran Asakusa: famous ramen chain
Day 4 of 5 days in Tokyo
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
- Morning:
- Explore the Gōtokuji Temple
- Noon:
- Make a stop at Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
- Afternoon/Evening:
- Explore Shimokitazawa neighborhood
- Nagomi visit (have dinner in a local’s home)
Gōtokuji Temple
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Cost: free
- Google Maps location
Gōtokuji Temple is a Buddhist temple also called “The Lucky Cat Temple.” As the birthplace of the iconic maneki-neko, or “beckoning cat” figurine, this is where the nickname comes from.
According to legend, the temple’s association with these lucky cats began when a cat belonging to a monk saved a feudal lord from a thunderstorm, leading to the temple’s prosperity.
Visitors to Gōtokuji can explore its tranquil grounds, which feature traditional Japanese architecture, well-maintained gardens, and numerous maneki-neko statues left by devotees seeking good fortune.
The temple is located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, which is a bit further off the beaten tourist path and has a more local feel. It also won’t be nearly as busy as some of the other more popular temples on this itinerary such as Senso-ji.
Don’t forget to visit the small shop on the premises, where you can purchase your own lucky cat souvenir!
How to get there: The closest station is Gotokuji station along the Odakyu metro line (you can take this from Shinjuku Station – it’s just a 15 min ride).
Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Google Maps location
Nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Setagaya in Tokyo, Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory is a delightful bakery celebrated for its charming Totoro-shaped cream puffs after one of Japan’s most beloved anime characters.
This whimsical patisserie is a must-visit for Studio Ghibli fans and dessert enthusiasts alike. The bakery offers an array of delicious cream puffs, each meticulously crafted to resemble the beloved character from Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro.”
Fun fact: Hayao Miyazaki is to Japanese people what Walt Disney is to Americans. And Studio Ghibli is where all of his creations come to life.
These pastries come with various fillings such as custard, chocolate, and seasonal fruit creams, ensuring a delightful surprise with every bite.
In addition to the signature cream puffs, Shiro-Hige’s also serves a selection of cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats, all infused with the same level of creativity and care.
How to get there: Take the Odakyu line 2 stops from Gotokuji station to Setagaya-Daita Station, which is right next to Shiro-Hige’s.
Shimokitazawa
After getting your cream-puff fill, hop on the train for one more stop and spend the afternoon wandering through Shimokitazawa. This will be a good place to get lunch and do a little boutique shopping.
Shimokitazawa is the neighborhood we discovered on our last visit to Tokyo during our Nagomi visit (see below for details!). Not far from hot spots like Shibuya and Shinjuku, Shimokitazawa felt like a totally hidden gem with very few tourists and an eclectic bohemian vibe.
As we were wandering through, we noticed tons of cool looking vintage shops, record stores, cozy cafes and small boutique restaurants (no corporate chains here!). The energy of the neighborhood felt young and free, in a different way than any other neighborhoods we’ve experienced in Tokyo.
If When I return to Tokyo, I want to spend a lot more time in this vibrant neighborhood. Therefore we think this is the perfect addition to this 5 day Tokyo itinerary!
How to get there: Take the Odakyu line one more stop from Setagaya-Daita Station to Shimo-Kitazawa Station.
Dinner in a local’s home (Nagomi visit)
Dining with a local family in their home will surely be a highlight of this 5 day Tokyo itinerary.
Nagomi Visit is a really cool program that essentially pairs you with a local family with whom you can enjoy a homemade meal. In addition to great food, it’s also a unique opportunity to get a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture and daily life.
We met the sweetest couple who walked us through their neighborhood (an area of Tokyo we never would have discovered on our own, but loved!). They gave us a tour of their home and had us help with making dinner.
Together, we enjoyed a delicious meal of temaki (hand roll sushi) and had great conversations. It was such a special experience (especially with a toddler!) and we can’t wait to do it again the next time we’re in Japan!
How to sign up:
- Create a profile on the Nagomi Visit website, including a photo and description of who will be visiting.
- Create requests for each train station you would be available to meet at, as well as the dates you are free. You can choose either lunch or dinner.
- Families in those neighborhoods will see your request and can then respond to your request with an invitation.
- Read through your invitations and each family’s profile to find one that you think is a match.
- When you accept an invitation, you will receive meal options to choose from, as well as instructions about where to meet. You can determine a time that works for both parties.
- Make sure you communicate well with your host and arrive at the meeting place on time.
Good to know: You can also experience this in other large cities around Japan, like Kyoto and Osaka, as well as some rural areas.
Day 5 of 5 days in Tokyo
Here’s an overview of today’s schedule:
- Morning/Afternoon:
- Explore Yanaka: Tokyo’s Old Town
- Food tour
- Evening:
- Choose your own adventure:
- Tokyo Dome for baseball game
- La Qua
- Photo tour of Tokyo
- Choose your own adventure:
Yanaka
If you want to imagine Tokyo as it was years ago before the ultra modern buildings and posh shopping districts, you’ll want to make time to explore the neighborhood of Yanaka.
Adoringly called “Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhood,” the nickname says it all. Yanaka was spared from much of the bombings in WWII, and thus retains a lot of charm and nostalgia that you can’t find in many other parts of the city.
Suggested things to do:
- Yanaka Cemetery: stroll through this beautiful, peaceful cemetery on a street lined with cherry blossom trees
- Take a food tour of Yanaka: More on this below!
- Tennoji Temple: here you’ll find a large statue of Buddha
- Yanaka Beer Hall: rustic setting with craft beers makes a nice stop to rest your feet
- Shop for souvenirs on Yanaka Ginza: Ginza, meaning “shopping street”, has many small family-run shops.
- We bought some beautiful ceramic bowls at a tea shop called Kanekichien.
- Eat a rice cracker at Yanaka Senbei: This shop has been open for more than 100 years (est. 1913) and has changed little over time. They serve traditional rice crackers, or senbei, and have many flavors to choose from.
- Spot all 7 cats: Yanaka has earned the nickname “Tokyo’s Cat Town” because of the number of stray cats that have found refuge in this place. You’ll see lots of cat souvenirs and even cat-inspired snacks. But keep an eye out for the 7 cat statues throughout the main street. It is said that if you find all 7, you will have good luck.
- Take a photo on the Yuyake-dandan steps: You’ll see many Japanese people taking photos on these steps that lead from Nippori Station down into the main shopping street. This is a famous view, featured in newspapers and on many television shows.
How to get there: The closest station is Sendagi Station on the Chiyoda Line. The closest JR station is Nippori Station on the JR Loop Line.
Tokyo’s Old Town Food Tour
If you’re like us and want to try as much food as possible in the little time you have, the best way to do so is to go on a food tour of Tokyo.
Arigato is the highest rated food tour company in Japan, and we had a great experience with them in Tokyo. We went on a food tour in Yanaka and filled our bellies with food and our minds with fun facts about this neighborhood.
- Start time: 10:30 a.m.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Includes: local street snacks, regional lunch, traditional tea ceremony
- Price: ¥24,000 per person (~$155 USD)
- Available: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Whether or not you choose to do the food tour, after exploring Yanaka you have a handful of options you can choose from to fill out your final day in Tokyo…
Option 1) Tokyo Dome for baseball game
This all-American sport takes on a life of its own in Japan, and going to a baseball game in Tokyo is a totally different experience than you’d have in the US.
For one, you can bring in your own food . Yep, that’s right!
In the past, fans have been allowed to bring in their own beverages (yep, even alcoholic ones). Staff at the gates would open and pour these drinks into plastic cups since cans and bottles were not allowed. However, it seems that this policy may have been recently changed, as the Tokyo Dome website says, “No alcoholic beverages can be brought inside.”
So it’s best to purchase beverages (if you’re so inclined) from the cute and super hard-working beer girls!
Another key difference between baseball games in Japan versus North America is the atmosphere. Games in Japan (especially for popular teams like Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants!) get wild!
The atmosphere is more like a high stakes professional hockey game, with chants, yelling, boozing, cheerleaders, and fan sections.
If this sounds like fun to you, we recommend reserving your seats by booking your tickets online ahead of time (here is the info for booking at the Tokyo Dome).
How to get there: The closest station is Korakuen Station on the Marunouchi and Namboku metro lines. You can also get there on the JR Chuo Line.
Option 2) Spa LaQua
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 a.m. the next day
- Price: ¥2,900 (~$20 USD)
- No tattoos allowed
- Google Maps location
Located on the 6th floor of Tokyo Dome City, Spa LaQua is one of the most luxurious onsens in Tokyo. This resort-like spa boasts natural hot springs, an open-air bath, a sauna, and a convenient central location.
This spa is closed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for cleaning, meaning it is open 22 hours a day (including overnight).
Tip: This could be a relaxing end to your night after catching a baseball game at the Tokyo Dome.
How to get there: The closest station is Korakuen Station on the Marunouchi and Namboku metro lines. You can also get there on the JR Chuo Line.
Option 3) Evening photo tour of Tokyo
- Location: Shibuya
- Start time: 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. or 9 p.m.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Price: $82 USD per person
Okay, you’re probably wondering why we’d recommend a photoshoot at night…
Well, in most places you’d want to catch that golden hour glow. However, a photoshoot amongst Tokyo’s neon-lit neighborhoods once the sun goes down is unreal!
Check out this photographer’s work! We’re seriously impressed with the way he is able to capture vibrant colors after dark. (It’s no wonder he earns consistent rave reviews!)
This is definitely high on our list for the next time we’re in Tokyo. What a perfect souvenir to bring home from your trip to Japan!
Tokyo itinerary map
Click on the map above to be taken to the interactive version in Google Maps and have this 5 day Tokyo itinerary at your fingertips.
Have more than 5 days in Tokyo?
If you have more than 5 days to spend in Tokyo, that’s great! There’s so much to do and see in this part of the world, you can never have too much time!
If you want to spend more time exploring Tokyo, here are some suggestions for more things to do.
- Check out a themed restaurant: From Ninja and vampire-themed to back-to-school and Alice in Wonderland, Tokyo is known for over-the-top themed restaurants and cafes.
- Visit the Ghibli Museum: Showcasing the anime from the famous Studio Ghibli (known as the Japanese Walt Disney), this museum is one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo. Visitors to the museum can learn about the process of animation and admire his work displayed in the many interactive exhibits.
- See a Kabuki Show: This is Japan’s version of a racy and tragic Shakespearean drama, in which women’s roles are played by men and the actors are adorned in extravagant makeup. Kabuki shows run every day at the Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza.
We have plenty more suggestions in our things to do in Tokyo guide.
Another suggestion would be to get out and explore other parts of the region. There are plenty of day trips from Tokyo to do just that. We’d recommend Nikko, Mount Fuji or Kamakura if you’ve never been!
Perfect Japan itinerary
What if I told you I can save you countless hours of precious time?
Not only have we spent a ton of time (like a ton) behind a laptop screen researching all things Japan. We’ve been on 3 separate trips to experience everything first hand, weed out and not-so-worth-it tourist traps and gather insider tips for the things we really recommend!
If you want to save some hours of your life, we’ve already put in more than enough for you and us combined. Trust us.
We did it so you don’t have to!
And we’re happy to share everything we learned…
We’ve curated what we think is the perfect Japan itinerary for your first trip. This itinerary takes you to the iconic sights and unforgettable experiences in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto in 14 easy-to-follow days.
Highlights of our classic Japan itinerary
- Sample the freshest sushi on earth at Tokyo’s world-famous fish market
- Experience izakaya culture in hidden alleyways
- Observe sumo wrestlers at their morning practice
- Soak in a beautiful open-air onsen
- See Mount Fuji in all her glory
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony
- Walk through the magical orange gates of Fushimi Inari
- Enjoy Japanese foods you’ve never heard of on an exciting food tour
- Meet the friendly, bowing deer of Nara
- Learn how to make Japanese ramen from scratch
- & so, SO much more!
We’ve spent hours of research putting this all together, just for you! And we’re really proud of the final product!
In full transparency, this is a paid itinerary since it has taken an incredible amount of time for us to create.
Typically, a custom, done-for-you 2-week itinerary would cost upwards of $1,000. But we have done our best to make this a very reasonable price so that it is accessible to anyone planning a trip to Japan.
Are you on the fence about purchasing our Classic 2-Week Japan Itinerary and curious what you’ll get? We’re offering you the chance to get a sneak peak of our PAID itinerary by downloading Day 1 in Tokyo, totally FREE!
Best time to visit Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is really one of those destinations you can visit year-round and you’ll have a good experience no matter what season.
That being said, there are some things to consider when planning your trip to Tokyo. We go into detail in our best time to visit Tokyo guide, but here’s the gist:
Our recommendation would be to visit Tokyo in the fall, when the leaves are turning and the heat and humidity let up a bit.
How to get around Tokyo
There are two major companies that operate the metro system in Tokyo: Toei and Tokyo Metro. The Tokyo Metro has 9 different subway lines, where the Toei only has 4 lines. You can get to all the major spots in this 5 day Tokyo itinerary by the Tokyo Metro lines.
Tokyo Metro
The Tokyo metro system is pretty incredible and trains come very frequently. It makes it easy to explore all parts of the city no matter where you are staying.
However, it can be overwhelming to navigate on your first visit. Here are a few tips and things to know:
- If you plug in locations to Google Maps, the app will tell you very detailed instructions, including which train line to take, the correct exit, and even which car of the train.
- Pay attention to which exit you’re taking out of the metro. If you take the wrong one, you may end up very far from your intended destination. Refer to Google Maps to find the correct exit.
- Get a virtual Pasmo or Suica card and load the money directly onto your phone. This way, you just have to tap your phone to be let into the metro and you won’t have to purchase tickets each time or use cash.
- Even though the metro system connects the city well, getting from one side of Tokyo to the other can take a long time. For efficiency’s sake, we broke down the days in this 5 day Tokyo itinerary by neighborhood so you won’t be trekking back and forth across the city.
- The trains get very full during rush hours in the morning and evening. Be prepared for cars that are packed like sardines.
- People are very quiet on the trains. I’ve never been around so many people with so little noise. Try your best to be quiet.
Insider Tip: The Tokyo metro system can look quite confusing at first glance. Just take a look at that spaghetti-like map above! But if you download the app, Japan Travel by Navitime, you will be saved a HUGE headache. It is literally a lifesaver for navigating all transportation in Japan.
The Greater Tokyo Pass
An alternative would be to purchase the Greater Tokyo Pass, a 3- or 5-day pass that grants purchasers unlimited rides on railways, trams and ordinary fixed-route buses around the Tokyo metro area and surrounding suburbs.
The cost of the 5-day pass is 7,200 yen (~$53 USD) for adults, or 6,000 yen (~$44 USD) for the 3-day pass.
You can do your own research into the valid lines included on the pass to see if purchasing one will save you money depending on which things to do in Tokyo you want to cover on your trip.
What about the Japan Rail Pass?
Does it make sense to purchase the JR Pass for your visit to Tokyo?
Here’s the simple answer to your question:
- If you are staying only in Tokyo: NO
- If you will be traveling to at least 2 more places in Japan: YES
Read more about how much money the Japan Rail pass will save you and find out how to get it. We have a whole guide and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Where to stay in Tokyo
In short, if it is your first time visiting Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku will be good choices. Both are near many big attractions and have lots of hotels to choose from.
If you want more details and hotel recommendations, we have an entire guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo, including insider tips and things to do in each.
Here are a few quick picks…
This hotel is located in an excellent location in Shinjuku (walkable to many sights and restaurants in this itinerary!). The rooms are small, but they have an onsen just for guests.
This hotel is also in a great location in Shinjuku, across from a park. The rooms are compact, but well-designed and there is a nice bakery on the first floor.
The great thing about this hotel is that it’s located near Senso-ji Temple; you can explore early morning or late night before crowds. The reasonably-priced rooms have nice designs as well (we’d encourage you to splurge on the deluxe room with a terrace).
Budget for 5 days in Tokyo
The average daily cost of expenses in Tokyo per traveler, based on double occupancy accommodation and not including flight costs, is $300 USD per day. This would make your budget around $1,500 USD per person for 5 days in Tokyo.
Now as with all budgets, there are lots of variables to consider, ways to save money and ways to spend a lot more. Below we’ll break down the average costs of some popular activities and dining in Tokyo so you can get a good idea for your own budgeting.
Accommodation*
Based on double-occupancy rooms
- 2 beds in a capsule hotel: $85 USD
- Onsen Ryokan: $200 USD
- Hotel room in city center: $250 USD
*Note the price of accommodation will vary pretty substantially by season in Japan. Prices will be much higher during peak tourism season (spring and summer) and drop over wintertime.
Meals
Per person average meal costs
- Hotel breakfast: $20 USD
- Street food snack: ¥300 – 500
- Ramen or causal order-at-the-counter meal: ¥600 – 1,200
- Sit-down dinner: ¥1,200 – 1,500
- Cocktail at a speakeasy: ¥2,500
- Sumida River Dinner Cruise: $97 USD per person
- Nagomi Visit: ¥5,500 per adult
Entertainment
Cost for a single entry ticket or tour
- Entrance to teamLab Borderless museum: $28 USD
- Entrance to Parco terrace: free!
- Entrance to Shibuya Sky: $16 USD
- Izakaya-hopping tour: $100 USD
- Senso-ji temple entrance: free!
- Old Town food tour: ¥24,000
- Spa LaQua: ¥2,900
- Tokyo at night photo tour: $82 USD
Transportation
- Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass: ¥600
- Toei 24-hour pass: ¥700
- Suica metro card: ¥1,000 (¥500 in credit, ¥500 in deposit)
- Greater Tokyo 5-day Pass: ¥7,200
What to pack for visiting Tokyo
We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Our Japan packing guide lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
- This article on what to wear in Japan will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
- With this FREE Japan packing list PDF download, we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Click the image below to get your free copy!
Tokyo travel resources
Check out these other helpful articles when planning your trip to Tokyo…
- First Time in Tokyo: Everything You Need to Know
- Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo at Night: Wild Things to Do After Dark
- Where to Stay in Tokyo: Neighborhood Guide + Best Hotels
- Best Time to Visit Tokyo: When to Go & When to Avoid!
- teamLab Borderless: How to Visit Tokyo’s Digital Art Museum
- Best Day Trips from Tokyo, Japan
- Mount Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo: How to Get There + Tips!
More resources for traveling in Japan
We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Check out our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.
- Japan Trip Planner: How to Plan Your First Trip to Japan
- Japan Rail Pass: Where to Buy & Is It Worthwhile?
- Helpful Japanese Words & Phrases (to know before traveling!)
- Japanese Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
- Expert Tips for Visiting Japan
- What to Wear in Japan (+ What NOT to Wear!)
- Japan Packing List: 50+ Things You Can’t Forget (+ FREE checklist!)
- Japan Travel Cost: Exactly How Much is a Trip to Japan?
- Foods to Eat in Japan: Guide to Japanese Cuisine
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We want to hear from you!
What did you think of our 5 day Tokyo itinerary? Are you planning a trip to Tokyo and still have questions? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!