5 Days in Tokyo: A Practical Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Day 1: Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara

Morning — Senso-ji, Asakusa. Tokyo's oldest temple is at its best early, before the tour groups arrive. Walk in through the Kaminarimon gate with its giant red lantern, then up Nakamise-dori, a street of snack and souvenir stalls, to the main hall. Afterwards, stroll to the Sumida River for a view of Tokyo Skytree across the water.

Afternoon — Ueno. A short subway ride away, Ueno Park holds several of Japan's major museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the best single place in the city for Japanese art and history. Just south of the park, the Ameyoko market street under the railway tracks is noisy, cheap and fun for street snacks.

Evening — Akihabara. Finish in Akihabara, Tokyo's electronics and anime district: multi-storey arcades, retro game shops, figure stores and themed cafés.

💡 Plan it in RoamerPlanner: add Senso-ji, the Tokyo National Museum and Akihabara as Attraction cards on Day 1, and paste each place's Google Maps link so the whole group can find them.

Day 2: Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku

Morning — Meiji Jingu. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, sits in a forest that feels miles from the city, even though Harajuku station is right next to it.

Midday — Harajuku and Omotesando. Takeshita Street is crowded, colourful and full of crêpe stands and youth fashion. For a calmer contrast, walk down Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue of designer flagship stores.

Afternoon — Shibuya. Walk or take one stop to Shibuya. Say hello to the Hachiko statue, then cross the famous Scramble Crossing a few times — the best views are from the station walkways and from surrounding buildings. If you want the skyline from above, Shibuya Sky's open-air deck is popular at sunset, so reserve a time slot in advance.

Evening — Shinjuku. Finish in Shinjuku: the narrow lanes of Omoide Yokocho for yakitori, the tiny bars of Golden Gai, and the neon of Kabukicho.

Day 3: Tsukiji, Ginza, Gardens and teamLab

Morning — Tsukiji Outer Market. The famous wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the outer market of food stalls and small shops stayed in Tsukiji. Come hungry and graze: tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette), grilled seafood skewers and fresh sushi.

Late morning — Hama-rikyu Gardens and Ginza. Walk to Hama-rikyu, a traditional garden with a teahouse on a pond, framed by skyscrapers. Then head to Ginza for department stores — the basement food halls (depachika) are worth a visit on their own.

Evening — teamLab. Tokyo has two permanent teamLab digital art museums: teamLab Planets in Toyosu, where you walk barefoot through water and light installations, and teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills. Both use timed tickets, so book ahead.

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko or Kamakura

Option A — Nikko. Nikko's shrines and temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site set among cedar forests in the mountains north of Tokyo. The richly carved and gilded Toshogu Shrine is the highlight, along with the red Shinkyo Bridge. Trains run from Asakusa (Tobu Railway) and via the shinkansen and JR lines; it's a full day, so start early.

Option B — Kamakura. About an hour south of Tokyo by JR train, the former samurai capital is an easier, seaside day out. See the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, a bronze statue sitting in the open air, walk the approach to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, and browse the snack shops of Komachi-dori.

Day 5: Shimokitazawa, Kichijoji and a Final Night Out

Spend your last day like a local. Shimokitazawa is a maze of vintage clothing shops, record stores and small cafés. Continue west to Kichijoji, where Inokashira Park has a pond with rowing boats and a relaxed weekend atmosphere. Studio Ghibli fans can walk on to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, but tickets must be bought in advance and sell out quickly.

For a final evening, choose between the lights of Tokyo Tower around Roppongi or one more food crawl in a neighbourhood you loved. If you fly out today, keep your morning near your hotel and leave plenty of time for the airport trip.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Choose a hotel within a short walk of a station, ideally on the JR Yamanote line, which loops around central Tokyo.

• Shinjuku: the biggest transport hub, endless restaurants and nightlife; busy but very convenient.
• Shibuya: lively, central and well connected, with lots of newer hotels.
• Ginza / Tokyo Station: polished and central, and ideal if you'll take the shinkansen onward.
• Ueno / Asakusa: quieter, more traditional and often better value; easy access from Narita.

Getting Around Tokyo

• IC card: a Suica or PASMO card (physical or in your phone's wallet) works on JR, subway and most buses, and in many shops.
• Trains and subway: the JR Yamanote line plus the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines reach almost everywhere. Visitors can buy a Tokyo Subway Ticket valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours on the subway lines.
• From the airports: from Haneda, take the Keikyu line or the Tokyo Monorail; from Narita, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. Airport limousine buses run to many hotels.
• JR Pass: not worth it for a Tokyo-only trip; it only makes sense if you're travelling further around Japan.

Practical Tips

• Avoid rush hour on the trains, especially with luggage; stations and carriages are packed on weekday mornings and early evenings.
• Keep phone calls off the train and talk quietly. Eating while walking is frowned upon in many places.
• Carry some cash for small restaurants, shrines and market stalls, even though cards are widely accepted.
• Public trash bins are rare; carry a small bag for rubbish. Coin lockers at stations are handy for day bags.
• Complete Visit Japan Web before you fly to speed up immigration and customs.

FAQ

Is 5 days in Tokyo enough?

Yes. Five days covers the main neighbourhoods, a day trip and some slower time. If you also want Kyoto and Osaka, see our 7-day Japan itinerary or the 2-week Japan itinerary.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Tokyo?

On clear days, yes — from high observation decks and some trains. Visibility is usually better in the colder, drier months. For a close view, take a day trip to Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes.

Do I need to book anything in advance?

Book time-slot attractions such as teamLab, Shibuya Sky and the Ghibli Museum ahead, especially at weekends and in holiday periods. Most temples, shrines, parks and markets don't need a booking.