🇯🇵 Tokyo · Itinerary
5 Days in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary
Five days covers Tokyo’s big districts plus a day trip, at a pace that respects how spread out the city is. Each day clusters around a couple of neighbouring areas connected by the (superb) train network.
Best for: First-timers wanting the full mix of old-town, neon, food and a side trip.
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Day 1: Old Tokyo
Based around Asakusa & Sumida
Morning
Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa and the Nakamise shopping street first thing, before the crowds.
Afternoon
Walk along the Sumida River; cross to Tokyo Skytree for the view (or save it for a clear day).
Evening
Dinner in Asakusa, or head to nearby Ueno for izakaya alleys.
Day 2: Youth & neon
Based around Harajuku, Shibuya & Shinjuku
Morning
Meiji Shrine’s forest, then Takeshita Street in Harajuku for the youth-culture buzz.
Afternoon
Shibuya — the Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky for the view, and the shopping.
Evening
Shinjuku after dark: Omoide Yokochō food alleys and the Golden Gai bars.
Day 3: Culture & tech
Based around Ueno & Odaiba
Morning
Ueno Park and a museum (the Tokyo National Museum is the big one).
Afternoon
teamLab digital art (book ahead) — Planets in Toyosu or Borderless.
Evening
Akihabara for the electric-town lights, arcades and themed cafés.
Day 4: Day trip
Based around Hakone or Nikko
Morning
Take the train to Hakone (hot springs, lake and Mt. Fuji views) or Nikko (ornate shrines and forest).
Afternoon
For Hakone: the lake cruise, ropeway and an onsen soak. For Nikko: Tōshō-gū shrine and the falls.
Evening
Return to Tokyo; relax with a casual ramen dinner.
Day 5: Food & the centre
Based around Tsukiji & Ginza
Morning
Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi-and-snacks breakfast crawl.
Afternoon
The Imperial Palace East Gardens, then upscale Ginza for shopping and galleries.
Evening
A final dinner — splash out on sushi or yakitori in Ginza.
Tokyo itinerary tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival and tap through every train and metro.
- Trains stop around midnight — check the last train or budget for a (safe, metered) taxi.
- Book teamLab and any popular restaurants ahead; many sell out days in advance.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is a city of districts, each with its own character, all tied together by an excellent rail network — stay near a JR or metro hub and the whole city opens up.
Prices compared across Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and more on one map.
Top experiences in & around Tokyo
Tokyo itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Yes — 5 days is a great length to see Tokyo's highlights at a comfortable pace. It's best for first-timers wanting the full mix of old-town, neon, food and a side trip. The plan groups sights by area so each day flows naturally instead of criss-crossing the city.
How should I spend 5 days in Tokyo?
Spend it like this: Day 1 is Old Tokyo (Asakusa & Sumida), Day 2 is Youth & neon (Harajuku, Shibuya & Shinjuku), Day 3 is Culture & tech (Ueno & Odaiba), Day 4 is Day trip (Hakone or Nikko), Day 5 is Food & the centre (Tsukiji & Ginza). Each day is built around one area to keep walking and transport to a minimum.
Which areas does this Tokyo itinerary cover?
It's based around Asakusa & Sumida, Harajuku, Shibuya & Shinjuku, Ueno & Odaiba, Hakone or Nikko, Tsukiji & Ginza — chosen so you explore one part of Tokyo per day.
What should I know before visiting Tokyo?
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival and tap through every train and metro.
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