Tokyo is one of the most incredible cities in the world and a must-visit on any trip to Japan. A futuristic city full of neon lights, skyscrapers, and bustling crowds, but also a place where you can find green spaces, ancient temples, and corners that seem frozen in time. In this itinerary, I’ll tell you what to see in Tokyo in 5 days, detailing each activity so you can make the most of your time.
On this post you will find:
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Tokyo is a huge city, full of activities to do. Since it is so vast, I divided this itinerary by areas so you can group as many places as possible and avoid wasting too much time moving from one neighborhood to another.
Things to do in Tokyo in 5 days – complete itinerary
Day 1 in Tokyo: Shibuya – arrival in Tokyo
- Shibuya Crossing
- Gotokuji Temple
- Nakameguro
- Shibuya Crossing
Start the trip in Tokyo’s most famous spot: the Shibuya Crossing, where 2.4 million people cross each day. It’s an area that represents what many imagine when they think of Japan: neon lights, giant billboards, sounds, and thousands of people crossing at the same time. To see the crossing from above, you can go up to the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building.
If you want an even better view, you can go up to the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck for a panoramic view from 229 meters high. To access this deck, you need to book your ticket in advance through the official website or Klook (a reliable website for reservations in Japan that accepts international credit cards).
Another place you can’t miss in Shibuya is the statue of Hachiko, the most famous dog in Japan. This little dog waited for his owner for years in front of Shibuya Station, even after his owner had passed away.
↣ FREE TOUR OF SHIBUYA: One option for this first day is to take this free tour with an english speaking guide. There are several time slots available and it’s free. The tour covers the entire Shibuya neighborhood on foot while they share its history and interesting facts.
Since it’s the first day and you’ll probably be arriving in the city, you won’t have much time to explore. So here are two neighborhood options to combine with Shibuya on this first day:
- Gotokuji Temple: a peaceful and less touristy temple located in Setagaya. It’s very special because this is where the maneki-neko (the lucky cat with the raised paw) originated. It’s a unique place, and if you like cats, you can’t miss it.
- Nakameguro: a quiet neighborhood along the Meguro River. It’s full of little cafés, design shops, and has a very relaxed atmosphere. If you’re traveling in spring, it’s one of the best spots to see cherry blossoms. One of my favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo!
Day 2 in Tokyo: Asakusa & Akihabara
- Asakusa
- Senso-ji Temple
- Ueno Park
- Akihabara
- Senso-ji Temple
Start your second day in Tokyo in one of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods: Asakusa. The icon of this area is Senso-ji Temple, the oldest in the city. The entrance is marked by the Kaminarimon Gate, with its huge red lantern. To get there, you’ll walk through Nakamise-dori Street, full of souvenir stands, kimonos, and snacks. All the temple gardens are beautiful—be sure to explore them and draw a fortune paper called omikuji. If you get good luck, you can keep it, and if you get bad luck, you have to tie it in the designated spots in the temple to leave the bad fortune behind.
I recommend going to the temple before 9 a.m. to avoid the crowds.
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Asakusa Tourist Information Center
After your visit to the temple, stop by the Asakusa Tourist Information Center building. It has a free observation deck with an amazing view of the entire neighborhood!
- Kappabashi Street
This street is famous for being packed with shops selling tableware and kitchen goods. If you’re looking to bring home a souvenir related to cooking, this is the perfect place. The prices are very good, and most stores offer tax-free shopping. I bought chopsticks, ceramic cups, and a Japanese knife. You can find all kinds of items.
- Ueno Park
If you keep walking, you can reach Ueno Park—ideal for resting and enjoying the cherry blossoms if it’s the season. The park is full of lakes, temples, and lots of greenery, so if the weather is nice, you can buy something to eat and have a picnic there before continuing with the afternoon itinerary.
- Akihabara
In the afternoon, we completely change the atmosphere. Akihabara is known as the otaku and gamer district. Electronics, anime, manga, maid cafés… exploring it is a whole experience! You can go into different stores and find all kinds of curiosities.
It’s also full of Gashapon, the famous Japanese capsule machines that contain keychains, collectible figures, mini food items, and more. Each capsule costs between ¥200 and ¥500.
Some stores you can visit in Akihabara are Yodobashi Camera (9 floors with all kinds of technology), Animate (specializing in anime and manga), and TAITO Station (a multi-story arcade with video games and retro machines).
Stay in Akihabara until nightfall so you can see all the signs lit up.
Day 3 in Tokyo: Shibuya & Shinjuku
- Meiji Shrine
- Yoyogi Park
- Omotesando
- Harajuku
- Takeshita Street
- Shinjuku
- Omoide Yokocho
- Meiji Shrine
Start the morning at one of the most visited places in Tokyo: Meiji Shrine. It’s located in the Shibuya district and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Inside the shrine, you’ll find several torii gates (marking the transition between the profane and the sacred), buildings, gardens, and the famous sake barrels, which are donated by producers from across the country each year.
- Yoyogi Park
Right next to Meiji Shrine is this huge park, full of greenery—perfect for a short break. It’s also a well-known spot for cherry blossoms in spring. If you’ve seen the movie Perfect Days, don’t miss the transparent public restrooms, located just on the west side of the park.
- Takeshita Street
One of the most famous streets in Tokyo, filled with all kinds of shops—generally colorful and quirky. There are even animal cafés (featuring dogs, cats, piglets, and even otters!).
- Harajuku & Omotesando
Harajuku is a neighborhood within Shibuya that’s worth exploring. It’s a modern and youthful area. Omotesando Avenue is the upscale part of Harajuku, full of luxury brand stores and restaurants. If you’re looking for a place to have lunch in this neighborhood, I recommend Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera.
There’s also the Ura-Harajuku area, just past Takeshita Street, filled with vintage shops and specialty cafés. A very modern and cool area to stroll through in the afternoon.
- Shinjuku
To end the day, take the subway to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Full of lights, sounds, shops, karaoke spots, and more. Shinjuku Station is the busiest in the world, with over 3.5 million people passing through daily. Right outside the station, you can see the Shinjuku 3D Cat, or walk a bit to reach Kabukichō, where you’ll find the Godzilla statue peeking out from a building terrace.
If you have time, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck, which offers a free panoramic view.
- Omoide Yokocho
Another place you can’t miss in Shinjuku is Omoide Yokocho Alley, known as “Memory Lane.” It’s a narrow alley full of izakayas (Japanese bars) where you can eat yakitori (grilled skewers). It’s very photogenic. End the day having dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 4 in Tokyo: Day trip from Tokyo
This day I suggest you take a trip near Tokyo. There are plenty of options; here are some:
- Nikko: If you’re interested in history and nature, you’ll love this city. The Toshogu Shrine is an architectural gem, surrounded by forests. Day trip to Nikko from Tokyo.
- Kamakura: Closer to Tokyo and by the sea, it’s famous for its Great Buddha, Zen temples, and peaceful atmosphere. You can go by train or book this day trip to Kamakura from Tokyo.
- Mount Fuji: One of Japan’s most iconic images. If the weather permits, you can see Mount Fuji from several spots like the Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida or Lake Kawaguchiko. There are organized tours that visit all these places, such as this day trip to Mt. Fuji from Tokyo.
Day 5 in Tokyo: Ginza & Minato
- Tsukiji Market
- Ginza
- Minato – Tokyo Tower
- Teamlab Borderless
- Ginza
Ginza is known for being the luxurious and elegant district of Tokyo. Here you’ll find all the stores of major fashion brands, design, art, and many high-end restaurants. For free views of the neighborhood, you can go up to the rooftop terrace of the Ginza Six shopping center.
- Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market is the old fish market of Tokyo where the famous tuna auctions used to take place. Nowadays, the auctions are held at the new Toyosu Market, but the Tsukiji Outer Market keeps the tradition alive with its open-air shops where you can find fresh food. It’s ideal for going and trying various typical Japanese dishes like tuna sushi, wagyu beef, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), etc. Many stalls close around 1 or 2 p.m., so I recommend going for an early lunch.
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Minato – Tokyo Tower
Minato is one of the most important neighborhoods in Tokyo, known for being home to one of the city’s icons: Tokyo Tower. It has an observation deck where you can enjoy views of the city, and at night it lights up with colors that change according to the season.
If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli movies, in this neighborhood you’ll find the Ghibli Clock – Ni-Tele Big Clock, designed by Hayao Miyazaki, the studio’s director. It moves several times a day with a small show.
- TeamLab Borderless
TeamLab is an impressive digital art museum. In the Minato neighborhood, you’ll find TeamLab Borderless, which is an incredible experience where the art moves and changes according to your presence. I loved visiting it. You need to book tickets in advance (about 1 month ahead) because they usually sell out. You can reserve them through Klook.
5 days in Tokyo map
Where to stay in Tokyo
If you’re going to spend 5 days in Tokyo, I recommend choosing a central area close to a metro station to easily reach all the places in this itinerary. Here are some recommended hotels:
- THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku: a hotel located steps from Shinjuku Station, ideal for being well connected to the whole city and nearby places. Small but clean and modern rooms. Everything you need to rest each night in Tokyo. Check prices for THE KNOT TOKYO.
- Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi-Kanda: during my first days in Tokyo, I stayed at this hotel located in the Higashi-Kanda neighborhood, very close to Akihabara and Asakusa. It’s a basic hotel but perfect if you’re looking for affordable and well-located accommodation. The area is very quiet but has restaurants and cafés nearby. Check prices for Comfort Hotel Tokyo.
- Shiba Park Hotel: for the last days of the trip, I stayed at this amazing hotel, steps from Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park. A very elegant and comfortable hotel-library. The rooms are huge compared to other hotels in Tokyo. Check prices for Shiba Park Hotel.
Need more tips for visiting Asia? Check out these posts:
- Where to stay in Tokyo: best areas and hotels
- Tips for visiting Japan for the first time
- Things to do in Osaka in 3 days
- What to wear in Japan in summer
- How much does a trip to Japan cost? Budget breakdown
- What to do in 3 days in Bangkok
- Tips for planning a trip to Thailand
- Info & Tips to plan a trip to Singapore
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