5-Day Itinerary // Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is one of my favorite cities on earth, a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology, and bustling urban streets coexist with serene gardens and temples. The city itself is home to more than 13 million people, and its metropolitan area houses more than 37 million. The area is 2,194 km², which is almost double the size of New York City. There’s nothing else on earth like it.
My husband and I have spent a collective 12 weeks in the city and are considering moving there, so have explored the dynamic metropolis extensively, uncovering its hidden gems and savoring its diverse culinary delights.
In this comprehensive 5-day itinerary, I'll share my insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. This is geared toward first-time visitors who have never seen the city, but there are many gems that even a Tokyo veteran would enjoy.
If you’re looking for what to book ahead of time in Tokyo, or where to stay, including neighborhoods and hotels, check out my other blog posts.
5-Day Tokyo Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya
Day 2: Ueno, Kitchen Street, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Day 3: Japanese Gardens, Imperial Palace, Ginza, Akihabara
Day 4: Toyosu or Tsukiji Fish Market, Odaiba, Teamlabs Planets, Tokyo Tower
Day 5:
Option 1: Chic boutiques and cafes: Nakameguro, Daikanyama, and Ebisu
Option 2: Upscale Art & Architecture: Aoyama, Omotesando, Azabudai Hills, Art Museums
Option 3: Day trip to Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Day 1: Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya
9am: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, enjoying the peaceful park, secluded from the bustle of the city. During cherry blossom season, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in all of Tokyo.
Shinjuku is primarily a night-time area, so be sure to make a trip back to see it at night.
11am: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
Make your way from the garden to the Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine that hosts various cultural events and ceremonies, including traditional Shinto weddings, seasonal festivals, and performances of traditional music and dance. Almost every time we’ve visited we’ve seen something going on.
From there, continue to walk south, through Yoyogi Park to Harajuku.
12pm: Harajuku
Harajuku and Shibuya are possibly the two most crowded places in Tokyo, so prepare yourself.
Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in Harajuku, home to many of Tokyo’s pet cafes. This area used to be full of men and women dressed in cosplay, anime characters, and maid outfits, but that edgy sub-culture has given way to a more commercial feel. Nevertheless, the famous (and crowded) Takeshita-Dori is lined with rainbow-colored, “kawaii” (Japanese for “cute”) foods. Highlights include Le Shiner’s Rainbow Cheese Sandwich, Totti Candy Factory’s rainbow cotton candy, and Marion Crêpes’ crepes, which are a staple of Harajuku street food culture.
For a fun and flavorful exploration of Harajuku, I recommend this Crazy Cute & Kawaii Food Tour, which includes 5 distinct stops in the neighborhood.
If bright-colored foods and animal cafes aren’t your vibe, head over to Cat Street, a winding street half a mile long that is lined with clothing shops. If you’re not in the mood to shop today, you can come back to it on Day 5, if you’re in the Omotesando area again.
From here, make your way south to Shibuya.
3pm: Shibuya
If you’re reading this far enough in advance, I’d highly recommend you get sunset time tickets for Shibuya Sky (book on Klook), an open-air observation deck at approximately 230 meters above ground. A spot 1-2 hours before sunset will allow you to go up, explore a little, then see the city transform from daylight to golden hour to dusk to blue hour, and it’s a truly magical transformation. If you take a lot of photos, I’d recommend you go 2 hours ahead. We entered around 4pm for a 6:10pm sunset and felt like the timing was perfect. If you just want to enjoy it, you can enter later, though those tickets might be even more difficult to book. Read more about what and how to book ahead of time.
Before your entry, experience the world-famous Shibuya scramble crossing, where you’re bound to see many cameras and GoPros capturing the sight of hundreds of people crossing over the zebra lines. Then make your way to the famous Hachiko statue, a symbol of unwavering loyalty and now a popular gathering point. This statue honors a dog who, in the 1920s, would journey to Shibuya Station to wait for his owner to arrive back from his daily commute. One day his owner did not return from work, having suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage. But the faithful pup returned to the station just as before, to wait for his owner every day until his own death nearly 10 years later.
Shibuya Stores worth visiting:
Tower Records: This is one of the largest and most iconic music stores in the world, offering an extensive selection of vinyl records, CD’s, DVD’s, and music-related merch. The store often hosts live performances and events, and also has a cafe and bookstore for you to relax in.
d47 Museum: The d47 Museum in Shibuya Hikarie showcases unique regional crafts, design, and culture from all 47 prefectures of Japan, offering an insightful glimpse into the nation’s diverse heritage. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, changing regularly to highlight different aspects of Japanese craftsmanship and innovation.
Miyashita Park: This shopping and dining complex with a rooftop park offers plenty of unique restaurants, cafes, and stores. It’s an ideal spot to experience Tokyo’s innovative approach to urban redevelopment and lifestyle.
Shibuya 109: Shibuya 109 is a famous shopping mall known for its cutting-edge fashion boutiques, catering to Tokyo's trendy youth culture and fashion-forward shoppers. The multi-story complex is a hotspot for discovering the latest in Japanese street fashion and pop culture.
6pm: Shinjuku
For dinner, head back to where you started the day, Shinjuku, for some of the best photos of futuristic neon signs and nightlife. There are thousands of places to eat in Tokyo, and most of them are very good, with tiny hidden restaurants everywhere.
Two very classically Japanese alleys in Shinjuku are Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), an alleyway near Shinjuku Station lined with small, traditional eateries and izakayas, and Golden Gai, which is similar to Omoide Yokocho but more bars than restaurants. Both are amazing to walk through, though, so I’d recommend you at least visit both.
Shinjuku also has many of Tokyo’s (and the world’s) best bars.
Shinjuku bars worth visiting:
Bar Benfiddich: Owner and head bartender Hiroyasu Kayama is basically a scientist in his rustic, cozy, apothecary-like lab. They focus on handcrafted cocktails and herbal infusions, and are currently #37 on The World’s Best Bars list.
Art Bar Shuten-Doji: Art Bar Shuten-Doji offers cocktails inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, with a focus on artistic presentation and unique flavor combinations. The ambiance is eclectic and vibrant, often featuring rotating art exhibitions and installations that add to the bar’s dynamic atmosphere.
[temporarily closed] New York Bar at the Park Hyatt: Famously known for its stunning panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline, this bar has live jazz performances and was made famous by the Hollywood movie, “Lost in Translation.” Unfortunately, it is undergoing renovations and closed, due to reopen in October 2025.
If you want to make a whole night of it, here is a walking route of 9 bars in Shinjuku worth visiting.
Day 2: Ueno, Kitchen Street, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
9am: Ueno
Start your day at Ueno Park, a beautiful and expansive park with several museums and a zoo. Spend some time walking around the park, visiting the serene Shinobazu Pond, and optionally exploring Ueno Zoo if you’re interested in seeing a variety of animals, including pandas.
If you’re interested in Japanese art and history, the Tokyo National Museum within Ueno Park is worth a visit. Allocate about an hour to explore its extensive collection of artifacts.
11am: Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) Market
Head to Ameya-Yokocho, a bustling market street near Ueno Station. Browse the various stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to clothing and souvenirs. This is a great place to sample classic Japanese street food like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), or taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste).
12:30pm: Kitchen Street
Kappabashi is one of the most Japanese-esque shopping experiences you can have. Where else in the world can you find food turned into plastic displays for restaurants as you can here?
1:30pm: Asakusa
After lunch, head to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and stroll along Nakamise-dori, a shopping street leading up to the temple, where you can buy traditional snacks and souvenirs.
For panoramic views of Asakusa and a quick stop for some cultural insights, visit Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center right across from the Kaminarimon gate. The observation deck offers great views of Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree.
For a quick dessert break, make your way to Chacha Futatsume for the Insta-famous matcha dessert.
4pm: Tokyo Skytree
Make your way to Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. Visit the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria for breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo. Spend some time exploring the shops and attractions in the Tokyo Solamachi mall at the base of Skytree.
If you have extra time, the Sumida Aquarium located in Tokyo Solamachi is a fascinating place to visit, featuring beautiful aquatic displays and a unique penguin exhibit.
6pm: Dinner in Asakusa
Return to Asakusa for dinner. For a traditional Japanese dining experience, try Asakusa Imahan for delicious sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef cooked in a hot pot). Alternatively, if you prefer thick beef cutlets, Asakusa Gyukatsu is very well-rated beef katsu.
8pm: Evening Stroll
After dinner, take a relaxing stroll along the Sumida River at Sumida Park, enjoying the beautiful night views of Tokyo Skytree illuminated against the night sky.
For a more lively evening, head to Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori) in Asakusa, where you can enjoy “Hoppy drink,” a beverage that tastes like beer, but with a lower alcohol content (around 0.8%). You can also find it here mixed with shochu or other spirits. The street is lined with izakayas, and it’s a great time.
Day 3: Japanese Gardens, Imperial Palace, Ginza, Akihabara
10am - 12pm: Imperial Palace & Gardens
We’ve started every day in a large park, and today is no exception. The Imperial Palace and its surrounding gardens are some of the most beautiful and grand in Tokyo. If you want to enter the Imperial Palace, though, be sure to book tickets ahead of time.
12pm - 3pm: Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s answer to Fifth Avenue or Regent Street — it’s shopping shopping paradise. Many stores, including Muji and Uniqlo, have their flagships here, alongside many luxury labels, and stationary stores. Many of Tokyo’s best sushi spots can also be found here, though there are also plenty of other restaurants and cafes that are perfect for an afternoon break. If you’re interested in discovering local hidden bars and izakaya in the area, come back at 6pm for this tour.
If you’re into the arts, you can also check out Ginza’s kabuki theater, a reconstruction of the original theater site (originally built in 1889) which stages regular kabuki drama performances.
Shops in Ginza to Visit
Itoya: Stationery paradise
Ginza 6: great rooftop views
Muji: Flagship
Uniqlo: Flagship, but skip it if you’re there in the afternoon as it will be crazy busy/crowded, and the fitting room lines are long and you can only try on 5 items at a time.
3pm - 6pm: Akihabara
Also known as “Electric Town,” Akihabara is a vibrant district in Tokyo known for its bustling streets filled with electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and pop culture attractions. Originally famous for its abundance of electronics retailers, Akihabara has evolved into a cultural hub for otaku (geek) culture, attracting fans of anime, manga, video games, and idol groups from around the world.
Anime and manga enthusiasts should definitely explore the Mandarake Complex, an eight-story building that specializes in anime, manga, and collectible toys, or Super Potato, a retro gaming paradise famous for its vast selection of retro video games, consoles, and merch, or Radio Kaikan, which sells electronics, hobby items, and anime merchandise.
If those don’t interest you, I’d recommend popping into Don Quijote, a popular discount chain store that is a scene unto itself, or Yodobashi Camera, one of the largest electronics stores in Japan, where you can find everything from cameras and computers, to household appliances, toys and games.
If you have a driving license, book a Street Go-Karting experience, for which Akihabara is well known, although you can also do this in Shibuya, or Asakusa.
For a slower end to the day, head to mAAch ecute or 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan, two great shopping areas that offer a mix of independent boutiques, cafes, and a craft beer brewery.
Sleep early tonight so you can have an early start the next day, to see the famous fish markets of Tokyo.
Day 4: Toyosu or Tsukiji Fish Market, Odaiba, Teamlabs Planets, Tokyo Tower
5:30am Toyosu Fish Market Auction
If you’re interested in watching the famous Tuna Auction, it has moved from Tsukiji fish market to Toyosu. There are two ways to watch the auction (which starts at 5:30am). The first is through a lottery system (they changed the auction from being first-come-first-serve because the lines got absurdly long and started at 2am), which you can apply for here. The other is through a public observation deck that you can go to if you win the lottery, but is higher up and more crowded. For more, this blog post is a helpful guide. If you can, I would definitely recommend entering the lottery and trying to watch the auction.
7am Toyosu
Once the auction finishes, you’re free to wander around the site. There are lots of shops where chefs shop wasabi, dashi, and other produce that you are free to buy from, as well as restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
If you want to see where the fish is sold, though, that part of the building is only accessible with a guide, so I’d recommend this Tuna Auction & Toyosu Market Tour, which will pick you up from your hotel, and then guide you through the auction and the market.
If you don’t care to see the auction or Toyosu, you can explore the Tsukiji Outer Market, instead. If you want to do both, I’d recommend this Toyosu & Tsukiji Market Tour and Sushi Workshop which begins with a walk around the fish markets, where you will purchase tuna, watch it cut into individual portions (a special job that even young sushi chefs are not allowed to do), then make sushi yourself.
9am Odaiba
Once you’ve eaten yourself full of fresh fish, head over to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay that was originally built for defense, but rebuilt in the early 1990s to showcase futuristic living.
Besides TeamLab Planets, which you should definitely visit (details below), here are some spots in Odaiba to enjoy:
Odaiba Seaside Park (Odaiba Kaihin Koen): Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, rent a paddle boat, or simply relax and take in the views. The park is also an excellent spot for watching the sunset over the bay. The views here include Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo’s own Statue of Liberty.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: A large shopping and entertainment complex behind the enormous Unicorn Gundam statue. Inside, you'll find a range of stores from high-end brands to Japanese fashion, along with themed cafes and the Gundam Base Tokyo, dedicated to Gundam models and merchandise.
Miraikan Museum (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation): Miraikan is a museum that focuses on the latest advancements in science and technology, including hands-on exhibits related to space exploration, robotics, and environmental science.
Panasonic Center Tokyo: This center features interactive exhibits on cutting-edge technology, sustainable living solutions, and the future of home electronics. It also hosts various events and workshops. If you’re interested in seeing how this Japanese company is changing the game, this stop is for you.
Fuji Broadcasting Center: This distinctive building has a spherical observation room on the 25th floor of Fuji’s Headquarters. Inside the building, you can also visit television sets and a rooftop garden.
Tokyo Joypolis: This gaming arcade features both traditional arcade games and some of the world’s most advanced virtual reality games.
4pm TeamLab Planets
I was worried before going that TeamLab Planets (buy tickets) would be boring as its been Instagrammed to death, but it was quite the opposite. I loved the interactive art and would highly recommend anyone going to Tokyo to get tickets for this exhibit. If you can’t get tickets for the first opening to get in before everyone else, I’d recommend going later in the evening and on a weekday. It gets pretty busy, but if you’re patient enough, you can get photos without people in them. Video is a bit harder.
If you’ve been to TeamLab Planets, you can go instead to TeamLab Borderless, which recently relocated to Azabudai Hills (buy tickets).
Day 5
5 days is barely enough to scratch the surface of Tokyo, but here are some options for your last day. If you’re doing 7 days in Tokyo, I would make these days 5, 6, and 7.
Option 1: Nakameguro, Daikanyama, and Ebisu
Some of the cutest areas in Tokyo, these three neighborhoods are a little further Southwest and very trendy.
10am Nakameguro
Start your morning at the Nakameguro Starbucks Reserve, which has floor to ceiling windows for 4 floors, and a huge open roasting operation. It opened in 2019 and is one of the biggest Starbucks in the world. They have all sorts of special merch, a matcha/tea corner, specialty drinks, and beautifully decorated walls. It does gets super busy, though, especially if you go during cherry blossom season, so be prepared to wait a bit for drinks and seating.
After you’ve gotten your caffeine and maybe pastry fill, walk along the Meguro River, one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spots. The cherry trees were cut this year so they didn’t bloom as fully over the River, but it was still stunning to see them in full bloom. If you go during the cherry blossom season, though, brace yourself because it does get quite crowded. It might make more sense (if you go during this time) to go earlier and take photos of the blossoms first, then make your way to the Starbucks for a post-shoot snack.
2pm Daikanyama
The Daikanyama area is where we originally considered moving to, and has many craft breweries and independent coffee roasteries. The streets there are lined with boutiques and cute shops, and there’s really great vintage shopping in the area. The only reason we decided we probably would not move there is because it’s a little far from the rest of Tokyo — Nakameguro is slightly better connected.
5pm Ebisu
In the evening, make your way to Ebisu, the most expat-friendly of the three areas. Many foreigners choose to live here, in a “more suburban” area of Tokyo, and the whole area is full of Japanese and Western cuisine.
Option 2: Upscale Art & Architecture: Aoyama, Omotesando Azabudai Hills, Art Museums
10am: Aoyama Farmers Market
On Saturdays and Sundays, there is a farmers market at UNU (United Nations University), and it is one of Tokyo’s longest running and best-attended markets. Organic and local fare is readily available from 10am to 4pm, and the stalls change periodically. We went twice in the span of 3 weeks and saw a 30-50% change in the stalls. I would recommend eating a small brunch here, at one of the food trucks, or in the various cafes nearby, notably Pierre Hermé or Gotran Cherrier.
11am: Nezu Museum
From there, make your way to Nezu Museum, where you can explore the musem’s impressive collection of East Asian art and the beautiful Japanese garden. The architecture by Kengo Kuma is also a highlight. This is also the start of a street with high-end boutiques and sophisticated architecture.
12:30pm: Aoyama
If you’re hungry after the museum, a great lunch option nearby is Aoyama Flower Market Tea House, where you can enjoy tea and a meal in a green house, surrounded by flowers.
Otherwise, follow the large street from Nezu Museum toward Omotesando, and you will hit many shopping and architecutre highlights including Gentle Monster, Comme des Garçons, and Prada. If you’re just taking photos, the street will probably take about 30 minutes to walk. If you’re shopping, I’d allocate more time.
2pm: Omotesando Hills
Spend an hour and a half exploring this architectural gem designed by Tadao Ando. Enjoy some high-end shopping, admire the sleek interior design, and perhaps grab a coffee at one of the chic cafes. I love how Tokyo has all these amazing buildings built on very strange lots of land.
Then, if you have more time and interest, you can also briefly visit the Watari Art Museum, a contemporary art museum designed by Mario Botta, which is not too far away.
4pm: Azabudai Hills
Head over to this new development area which features stunning modern architecture and design. Spend around 2 hours exploring the upscale shops, eateries, and public spaces. Enjoy the unique blend of greenery and urban design. This is also where the new Aman sister property, Janu, is located.
6pm: Roppongi
Every day but Tuesday, Mori Art museum is open until 10pm, and has an amazing, rotating exhibition of international contemporary work. Don’t miss the Tokyo City View observation deck for stunning views of the city at sunset and nightfall.
Choose from a variety of upscale dining options in Roppongi Hills or nearby, such as L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (French) or Ukai-tei Roppongi (teppanyaki).
9pm: Visit a Bar
If you have energy left, take a leisurely stroll around the Roppongi area to enjoy the nightlife and illuminated cityscape. Alternatively, visit a bar in the area, like Ayano’s Bar, Mogambo Tokyo, or Bar as ONE Roppongi.
Option 3: Day trip to Hakone & Mt. Fuji
The easiest way to do this day trip is on a tour, with a guide to tell you all about what you’re seeing. This extremely well-rated tour is a great option — they take you to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji by deluxe coach, then you enjoy a Japanese Garden, lunch buffet, and Owakudani Valley, before riding a sky gondola and a Lake Ashi cruise. All of this with an English-speaking guide and bullet train return to Tokyo. You can also do it on a 10-hour Private Tour, which I personally prefer.
Another optional day trip is a visit to Yokohama, where you can see Minato Mirai 21, a futuristic waterfront area featuring the Landmark Tower with its Sky Garden observation deck for panoramic city views, visit the Cup Noodles Museum, where you can create your custom cup of noodles and learn about the history of this iconic food (book ahead), and explore Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in Japan. There’s also Sankeien Garden, Yamashita Park, and Yokohama Museum of Art. This day trip is easier to do on your own, but if you’d rather do a tour, you can take a train to Yokohama and then join this private 8hr tour.
