Tokyo, the capital of Japan, counts 39 million inhabitants. That makes it the world’s most populous metropolis.
Exploring Tokyo you will find yourself wandering from wide boulevards lined by skyscrapers and screaming billboards to narrow and cozy pedestrian streets.
Tokyo has so many faces and its many districts are so surprisingly different that you may ask yourself what to do in Tokyo in 5 days?
That’s why we compiled this Tokyo itinerary for 5 days that will show you all the highlights and main attractions of this fantastic city. So definitely keep reading this Tokyo blog.
Table of Contents
Japan Essentials
- Here you will find cheap flights to Tokyo or Osaka.
- Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.
- Having a Japan Rail Pass is often the cheapest way to travel around Japan.
- Japan has a lot of good hotels but you can also stay in an Airbnb. If this is the first time you will be staying in an Airbnb, you can enjoy a great discount by signing up through this link.
- Check out our ultimate Japan travel guide where you can find all our Japan articles.
- If you have only 5 days in Japan and you want to see more than Tokyo, take a look at our 5 day Japan sample itineraries.
Is this your first Japan trip and are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about planning this trip, what to see, and to do in Japan. Check out our Japan travel planner. This document will help you plan your trip smoothly.
5 days in Tokyo
Here you will find a complete Tokyo itinerary for 5 days.
Tokyo is such a big city that you best discover it one district at a time.
It may be tempting to rush to the different highlights on your first days but even with the fantastic train and metro connections, you will still lose a lot of valuable time.
For this reason, we have arranged the days around different neighborhoods so you shouldn’t spend too much time getting from one sight to the next. Shinjuku and Shibuya were our absolute favorites and that’s why we include those two in our first two days.
Read on to discover which places you absolutely need to visit in Tokyo.
Day 1: Shinjuku
If you already had an image in your mind about Tokyo, chances are that Shinjuku looks exactly like it.
Shinjuku is in a certain way a mini version of Tokyo where you can get a glimpse of the crazy nightlife, the lush gardens, the extensive and punctual public transport, and the huge crowds that seem to be on their way day and night.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen is a superb zen garden of 58 hectares in the middle of Tokyo. The garden is worth a visit year-round but the presence of more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties make this park a must-visit in the Sakura season.
This is one of the few parks in Tokyo that charges an entrance fee.
Closed on Monday (except cherry blossom season)
How to get there
Shinjuku-gyoenmae subway station is about 5 minutes away from the Shinjuku entrance. Shinjuku Gyoen garden is also within walking distance of the large central Shinjuku station where both JR lines, as well as the metro (Tokyo Metro and Toei lines), stop.
Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho)
Our Tokyo itinerary brings you also to Piss Alley.
Piss Alley consists of 2 narrow alleys next to the Shinjuku train station.
In other countries, these narrow and dark alleys would be a place to avoid and the smell of urine would be wafting from the alleys as you pass them.
The hair in your neck would stand on end just thinking you had to walk through them.
Not so in Tokyo. Locals frequent the small eateries in Piss Alley for a quick bite and over the years they have become popular with tourists as well.
As you stroll through these alleyways, you can taste the charm of this city.
Stroll through piss alley and imagine yourself in a Japanese Mafia movie
These narrow and charming passageways are in stark contrast with the skyscrapers and the neon lights that are just around the corner and are so typical of this city.
How to get there
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo’s most popular nightlife district.
According to statistics, this is the most unsafe neighborhood in Tokyo, but we never felt unsafe.
This might be the most unsafe district in Tokyo but compared to similar nightlife districts in other countries around the world Kabukicho is much more entertaining than it is dangerous.
We were regularly approached by touts (remarkably all blacks) who proposed to arrange a fantastic night for us.
Fortunately, they didn’t insist and with a polite “no, thanks” we quickly got rid of them.
Besides pubs and restaurants, Kabukicho also houses the red light district. For us, Europeans, this was not like we were used to seeing in, for example, Amsterdam, where the girls try to lure you in from their windows.
Here, everything is neatly hidden away, but the pictures outside clearly show what you can expect inside.
The Robot Restaurant
Strolling through Kabukicho you will also pass the famous Robot Restaurant. You cannot miss it. Even in the abundance of neon commercials that you find in this neighborhood the Robot restaurant still manages to stand out.
This already gives you an idea of what to expect inside. No expense has been spared to overwhelm you with large robots and impressive lasers in a dazzling show.
It is touristy because inside you barely find Japanese. The food is not good (it would be better to take restaurant out of the name) and it’s expensive but so completely over the top that you will remember it for a long time.
You better buy your tickets online in advance because they are much cheaper online. Tickets are sold at the venue for (converted to USD) $100.
More information and tickets:
Robot Restaurant
or read our full guide about the Robot Restaurant.
How to get there
Continuing your journey from Piss alley you cross the Shinjuku Dai-Guard train bridge and go straight along the Yasukuni Dori street. The Kabukicho district consists of the first streets on the left side of the street.
Golden Gai
Just a little passed Kabukicho is Golden Gai, a nightlife district with narrow streets where it seems like time has stood still.
This is the only place in Japan where you can witness a nightlife district that has been preserved exactly like it was post-war.
The streets are lined with small charming pubs, most can hardly fit 10 customers, and most only accept the regular customers.
How to get there
As you walk towards the East (keeping Yasukuni Dori on your right) you will automatically arrive at Golden Gai. This district is bordered by Kabukicho on the West and the Hanazono Shrine on the East.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a landmark building in Shinjuku. Both towers of this building house an observation platform on the 45th floor, at a height of 202 meters.
There are several observation platforms in Tokyo and one can argue about which one has the best views on Tokyo’s impressive skyline but one thing is for sure, the Metropolitan Government Building are the cheapest because they can be visited for free.
Closed: December 29 to December 31 and January 2-3
How to get there
It’s easy to reach the Metropolitan Government Building with the metro or the train.
The Tochomae stop of the Oedo Subway Line (Toei) is located directly underneath the building.
From Tokyo’s central Shinjuku station, it is a 10-minute walk to the Metropolitan Government Building. Shinjuku station is served by several JR lines and both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. To get to the building take the West exit of the station.
Day 2: Shibuya
Shibuya crossing
We start the day at Shibuya crossing. This is the world’s busiest intersection. Take the metro to Shibuya station and follow the arrows for the Hachiko exit. This exit leads directly to the intersection.
Everywhere around are neon advertisements and giant talking video screens. The mass of pedestrians that cross the intersection each time the light turns green has made this intersection famous and it is often featured in movies.
For this reason, they don’t allow people in just to take pictures, you have to buy drinks if you want to get a bird’s eye view.
The crazy vibe of the intersection draws the attention away of Tokyo’s most famous dog, Hachiko.
The statue of Hachiko stands at the exit of the train station where, each day, he loyally waited for his master to return home.
Every day the dog came to the station to meet his master and he continued to do so for 9 years after his master had died, until his own death.
A bit of a sad story that was filmed in Hachiko, a dog’s tale.
How to get there
Shibuya station is right underneath this crossing. Take the Hachiko exit.
Omotesando
From Shibuya, we make our way to Omotesando. Omotesando is a shopping street where you will find stores from Dior, Prada and Louis Vuitton.
Not surprisingly it mainly attracts a high-heeled clientele.
Walking down Omotesando street towards Yoyogi park you can do some (window) shopping.
Further down the street is Tokyu Plaza, a small shopping plaza with a unique mirrored entrance.
How to get there
You can either take the Ginza or Hanzomon line for one stop to Omote-Sando station.
By foot, it would take you 15 minutes along Aoyama Dori.
Yoyogi Park
Omotesando street leads right to the Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi park. The park is a 170-acre oasis of green and consists of approximately 100,000 evergreen trees.
The entrance of the Shrine is marked with a huge 12 meter high wooden Torii gate. The Shrine buildings themselves are located well inside the forest and have an air of tranquility.
Both the shrine and the park are a very peaceful location and ideal to relax and do some people watching.
You might be lucky enough to spot a traditional Shinto wedding as this Shrine is a popular wedding venue.
How to get there
Omotesando leads straight to Yoyogi park.
To get here by train you would take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station.
The nearest metro stop is Meiji-jingumae served by the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines.
Harajuku
Harajuku is the center of Japanese youth culture. Teens flock to this district for their shopping needs but clearly, they avoid Omotesando street.
Instead, they frequent the smaller side streets like Cat street, Meiji street & Takeshita-Dori. Takeshita-Dori is the most popular street among tourists.
This has attracted tourist-oriented shops and cool and hipster brands have moved out to cat street.
Nevertheless, these 3 streets, and in general the entire neighborhoods left and right of Omotesando is well worth a visit.
Harajuku is also the place to be to try sweet crepes. It’s one of the Tokyo desserts you absolutely must try while you there.
How to get there
Omotesando street more or less splits the Harajuku district in half.
To get here by train you would take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station.
The nearest metro stop is Meiji-jingumae served by the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines.
Day 3: Akihabara
Akihabara
Akihabara, nicknamed “Electric City“, is Tokyo’s go-to place for all your electronics. Hundreds of electronics stores are dotted across the district.
You can buy everything from computers, mobile phones and home appliances to heated toilet seats and cheap second-hand goods that come with no guarantee at all.
Even if you’re not looking for the newest smartphone or computer it is still fun to browse around the shops.
You will be amazed by the wide selection of gadgets that is for sale. I’m pretty sure some of these will be new to you. Yodobashi is the nearest store to Akihabara station.
It is their biggest store and a good start of your discovery of Japan’s electric city.
Over the years many anime and manga stores have popped up in this region to the extent that Akihabara is now recognized as the center of Japan’s anime culture.
The arrival of the shops caused an influx of maid cafés as well.
For the best, or should I say least awkward, maid café experience you should pick one where the waitresses speak English like the @home café.
The manga stores are, just like the electronics stores, fun to snoop around. The stores are stuffed with comic books, video games, posters, DVD and action figures. Even to such an extent that you can hardly move around.
That was at least our experience in the Mandarake store which specializes in second-hand and rare manga related goods.
How to get there
Take the JR train to Akihabara station.
This station is also served by the Hibiya metro line.
Imperial Palace
Depending on how much time you have spent snooping around the anime and electronics stores you may want to hop on the JR Yamanote train and head 2 stops south to Tokyo Station.
Upon exiting the station you can’t but notice the Manhattan-like modern skyscrapers that are just north-west of the station.
Just behind these office buildings is the Imperial Palace.
The Palace is located in a lovely green area.
The East Gardens of the palace are open to the public all year round. There are some cherry trees, a wide-open lawn and some remains of the former fortifications that needed to protect the castle.
A small section of the park has been transformed into a nice Japanese style garden.
Those dates can be found on the website of the Imperial Household agency.
The rest of the year they can be visited with a guided tour.
Daily two tours are conducted in both Japanese and English. You can subscribe to these tours online.
How to get there
Take the JR train to Tokyo station.
This station is also served by the Marunouchi metro line.
Day 4: Asakusa
Asakusa is located north-east of central Tokyo. For centuries up until world war 2, it used to be the prime entertainment district of Tokyo.
It was severely bombed and completely rebuilt afterward but it has never regained the same popularity it used to have.
The Sensoji temple is very famous with tourists, the nearby entertainment district is again gaining in popularity after the completion of the Tokyo Skytree in 2012.
Sensoji temple
The Sensoji temple is Tokyo’s most colorful and probably also most crowded temple. It was completed in 645 and that makes it also the oldest temple of the capital.
Most visitors approach the temple through the Nakamise shopping street. The street is lined with shops that sell traditional souvenirs and snacks.
To the left of the temple is an impressive five-storied pagoda and to the right is a much more recent shrine.
The center is almost exactly opposite the impressive Kaminarimon or Thunder gate that marks the entrance of the shopping street.
This gate is decorated with a huge paper lantern weighing 670 kilograms and 4 colorful statues of Buddhist gods.
How to get there
Take the Ginza or Asakusa metro line to Asakusa station. It’s a short 2-minute walk from the station to the entrance gate of the Nakamise shopping street.
Denboin garden
The Denboin garden is the private garden of the temple’s abbot. For 2 months every year, usually March and April, everybody gets to enjoy this magnificent and serene place.
It is a place where you can take a rest and escape from the crowds in the temple.
A visit to a small art exhibition of sculptures and ema paintings is included in the entrance fee for the garden.
How to get there
Halfway Nakamise Shopping street you will cross a pedestrian street that borders the temple’s grounds on the South. Following this street Eastwards (take a left turn facing the temple) will lead you to the entrance of the Denboin garden. The entrance is the gate on your right just before the side street on your right.
Tokyo Skytree
It’s easy to get to Tokyo Skytree from Asakusa. It’s only a 20-minute walk but you could also opt for the Tobu Isesaki Line that directly connects the Skytree with Asakusa station.
The line is operated by Tobu so your Japan Railways pass is not accepted.
The complete rebuilt area is called Tokyo Skytree Town and the tower is situated more or less in the middle of the town. At the bottom of the tower is a large shopping and entertainment complex.
The entrance of the tower is situated on the 4th floor of the shopping mall.
The tower has two observation platforms, the first is situated at a height of 350 meters and contains a café and restaurant.
The second platform is an additional 100 meters higher. You can buy a ticket to visit only the first observation platform or both.
Here you can find more info about the Tokyo sky tree skip the long queues ticket:
Tokyo Skytree
Skip the line on-site: First observatory only: 3000 yen, both: 4000 yen
How to get there
The Tobu Isesaki Line directly connects the Skytree with Asakusa station.
Just as easy is the Asakusa Metro line that connects Asakusa station with Oshiage station (this station is right outside the shopping mall).
Ueno Park
To the west of the temple is Ueno Park, a large park surrounded by several museums and the Tokyo zoo.
Everywhere you saw people picnic with their friends and the fairly wide paths in the park were jam-packed.
How to get there
Ueno station is a major hub of JR and is also served by the Ginza and Hibiya metro lines.
Departing from Tokyo Skytree you take the Asakusa line to Asakusa station where you change for the Ginza line.
Day 5: Day trips from Tokyo
Now that you have seen the major highlights of the capital city it is time to explore some of the other sights of Japan.
Those looking for cultural highlights will love Nikko, one of the best Shrines in Japan.
The almost perfectly shaped Fuji Volcano is on nearly everybody’s list who comes to Japan for the first time.
Lastly, we included Tokyo Disney, an ideal day trip with children or for those who just want to enjoy a day of ultimate entertainment.
Nikko
Most tourists are drawn to Nikko by the popular Toshogu Shrine.
This Shrine started as a relatively plain mausoleum for Tokugawa Leyasu until its grandson enlarged it and transformed it into the richly decorated complex that it still is today.
The Shrine gained its popularity because it is the only Shrine in Japan that is so extravagantly decorated.
Another reason to visit Nikko is the Nikko National Park, a huge forested mountainous park.
The parks idyllic lakes, gorges, and waterfalls attract many hikers all year round but are particularly visited in late October to early November when it is a prime location to see the colorful autumn leaves.
How to get there
The JR Tohoku Shinkansen is the fastest option to reach Nikko. The train departs in Tokyo station or Ueno station and takes you to Utsunomiya where you change to the JR Nikko line. The journey takes about one hour and a half and is fully covered by the JR Pass.
A cheaper option are the limited express trains that leave from Shinjuku station.
Mt. Fuji
Day trips from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji will probably take you to Lake Kawaguchiko, the largest of the five lakes of the Fuji Five lakes resort area.
A hike along the Northern shore of the lake will grant you several splendid views on the lake with the volcano in the background.
How to get there
You could take a direct bus that leaves from Shinjuku station or Tokyo station. The bus will take you in just under 2 hours to Lake Kawaguchiko.
If you want to get by train you need to take the JR Chuo line to Otsuki first where you need to change to the Fujikyu Line to Kawaguchiko.
Hakone
Hakone, famous for its hot springs, is another popular day trip to see Mount Fuji. Hakone is situated in a green environment and nearby Lake Ashi offers dramatic views on Mt. Fuji.
Unlike lake Kawaguchiko the shores of Lake Ashi are largely undeveloped.
How to get there
You can find all info about how to get to Hakone in our Hakone day trip guide.
Tokyo Disney
Tokyo Disney consists of two parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Disneyland is similar to other Disneyland parks around the world.
DisneySea is the bigger of the two and has more attractions aimed at an adult audience.
DisneySea is built around a unique concept unseen in other Disney parks around the world. The park was awarded the Thea award for the great decor of this park.
We loved our visit to Tokyo DisneySea. The park has some really good attractions and the design is one of the best we have ever experienced in a theme park. It was also fun to see how some Japanese completely dress-up in the Disney-magic.
How to get there
Take the JR Keiyo or JR Musashino lines to Maihama Station.
This is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. In Maihama station you can change to the Monorail that will take you to the entrance of Disneyland or DisneySea.
If you are looking for Disneyland or DisneySea tickets with transfer included, click here.
How to get from Haneda or Narita airport to Tokyo
There are 2 international airports in Tokyo, Haneda and Narita airport.
From Haneda airport
Haneda International Airport is located 14 kilometers south of Tokyo Station.
There are two options to reach central Tokyo from Haneda Airport by train.
These are the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail. Both require a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach major stations in central Tokyo.
Since chances are that you will need to switch trains to reach your hotel you might prefer the comfort of a private or shared transfer to your hotel.
You can book your shared transfer here:
Shared transfer Haneda-Tokyo
or you can opt for a private transfer here:
Private transfer Haneda-Tokyo
Narita Airport
Narita is the smallest of the 2 airports but does serve as the international hub of both major Japanese airlines, Japan Airlines, and ANA.
It lies 60 km east of central Tokyo. Although it is located further from central Tokyo than Haneda it is actually better connected.
The JR Narita Express and the Keisei Skyliner are 2 excellent options but you could also opt for a bus or taxi.
JR Narita Express
The JR Narita Express, abbreviated as N’EX, is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
To use this train with your Japan Rail Pass you need to exchange your voucher for the actual pass at the airport.
Once exchanged you will also need to reserve seats as N’EX is one of the few trains that only has reserved cars.
The Keisei Skyliner
The Keisei Skyliner is a good alternative to N’EX if you have no Japan Rail Pass.
The prices, the comfort, and the train schedule of both trains are comparable.
The main difference is that N’EX will take you to Tokyo station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro & Yokohama.
The Keisei Skyliner heads to Nippori station and Keisei Ueno (close to Ueno station).
Both trains offer easy transfer to the JR Yamanote line, the main loop line in Tokyo.
As with Haneda, you can also book private or shared transfers from Narita to central Tokyo.
After a long flight, a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel will be a lot more comfortable.
How to get around in Tokyo
The easiest way to travel around Tokyo is by public transport.
Tokyo has a very extensive public transportation network.
The fact that it is operated by 11 different train companies that each sell their own tickets can make it a bit overwhelming at first.
Two different companies operate the metro network and here too you cannot use tickets from one company to transfer to trains of the other company.
Read also: In our full guide to Tokyo’s public transport we share a lot of information about the different transportation options in Tokyo. With this information, you will be able to choose the best ticket or pass for your visit.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Here we share the best place to stay in Tokyo based on our own experience.
When we decided where we wanted to stay in Tokyo during our 3 weeks in Japan, we looked at nightlife and restaurant options, the main tourist attractions and the proximity to main public transportation hubs.
Most notably the JR Yamanote Line, the circular line that takes you to most tourist attractions.
This led us to the Shinjuku district in our personal opinion the best district to stay in Tokyo for first-timers as it offers many of Tokyo’s highlights, has many shops and restaurants, and offers access to Shinjuku station and the JR Yamanote line.
Staying in Shinjuku is also a great choice for side-trips as well as you’ve many direct connections from Shinjuku station
But other districts have their advantages as well.
Read Also:
Luxury Hotel
Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt was featured in the famous movie ‘Lost in Translation’. If you fancy yourself sipping cocktails in the elegant rooftop bar you might as well treat yourself to a luxury stay in their posh rooms. The hotel is located almost right next to the Tokyo Government building. You might skip a visit to their observation platforms after you’ve enjoyed that cocktail at the bar. The rooftop bar of the hotel is located higher than the observation platforms in the government building… So you will have a fantastic view of the city.
Click here for reviews and the latest prices:
Agoda
Premium Comfortabel Hotel
Hilton Tokyo
The Tokyo Hilton is situated about a 15-minutes walk to Shinjuku train station but the hotel offers a free shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes to the train station. The airport limousine bus has a stop at this hotel. There’re multiple restaurants and supermarkets in this area. Last but not least, after a busy day exploring this vibrant city you can relax in the indoor pool or sauna.
Comfortable Hotel
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is right in the heart of the bustling Kabukicho district with plenty of restaurants and bars. The rooms are rather small, as most hotel rooms in Tokyo are, but they’re very well-equipped. The hotel offers an excellent breakfast. The Shinjuku station is only about a 5-minute walk but still, the hotel offers a paying shuttle as an alternative.
Maybe this is not what you were looking for? Check out other hotels in Shinjuku with Booking.com and Agoda :
Organized tours in Tokyo
Here is an overview of the best-organized tours in Tokyo An organized tour saves you time and, moreover, the tour guide will enlighten you about the different sights you visit.
We partnered up with GetYourGuide, MagicalTrip, and Klook for most of these activities.
GetYourGuide is a reliable platform where you can book thousands of tours anywhere in the world.
MagicalTrip is a Japanese company that specializes in small group experiences led by locals.
Both companies are very flexible and they offer free cancellation for most of the activities when your plans change.
Klook is a trustworthy travel company headquartered in Hong Kong that teams up with local operators to offer all kinds of travel experiences.
We selected 4 excellent tours in Tokyo just for you.
Watch the Robot show at the Robot Restaurant
The Robot Show is touristy, expensive and the food isn’t so great so you might wonder why you need to visit it. Well, it’s something you can only experience in Japan. The show is grotesque and completely over the top like one can only experience in Japan.
Read reviews and book:
Robot Restaurant Tickets
or read our full guide about the Robot Restaurant here.
Skip the lines at the Tokyo Skytree
The Tokyo Skytree is, with a height of 634 meters, the highest building in Japan. It’s also the highest free-standing tower in the world. The tower houses 2 observation platforms that offer a fantastic view of Tokyo. They are respectively at a height of 350 and 450 meters and are amongst the highest in Japan. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Tokyo. An absolute Tokyo must visit when you want to see Tokyo from above.
Read reviews and book:
Tokyo Skytree Tickets
Make a day trip to Mount Fuji
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, a day tour to Mount Fuji might be a good idea.
Since there are so many day tours it isn’t easy to choose.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to see and experience in Tokyo. You will need at least 2 days just to cover the major highlights.
3 days in Tokyo give you a good amount of time to see the major sites and experience the city atmosphere.
When you have 4 days in Tokyo you have more time to discover the different Tokyo neighborhoods at ease.
Ideally, you have 5 days in Tokyo. This will allow you to explore the most fascinating districts of the capital and do a side trip to see some more of Japan like Nikko, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or Tokyo Disney Sea.
Other Japan travel tips
- Wondering what to wear in Tokyo? Take a look at our complete Japan packing list.
- If you are planning a 3 week Japan itinerary, you will find a lot of information here. if you have 2 weeks to spend in Japan, take a look here.
- If you are traveling to Kyoto and Osaka take a look at our detailed Kyoto and Osaka itineraries. Here you will find what to do in Kyoto at night and the best things to do in Osaka night.
- Here you will find our detailed Hiroshima itinerary.
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