🇯🇵 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.
Get this as a free, personalised Tokyo planWavvia tailors it to your dates, pace, budget and how you travel — solo, couple, family, LGBTQ+, accessibility needs and more.
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.
Make it yours — free
This is a great starting point. Wavvia builds a day-by-day Tokyo plan around your exact dates, pace and travel style — with real, verified places and safety built in.
Plan my Tokyo trip — freeMore travel guides
Opening hours, prices and entry rules change — always verify before you go. Some links may be affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.