I love how Tokyo combines ancient traditions with a futuristic aesthetic. During my time in Japan‘s capital, I visited serene shrines hidden among skyscrapers and danced in underground nightclubs. I got to walk over the world-famous Shibuya crossing. A day trip to the nearby Mount Fuji was another highlight. I’ve put together this 5 day Tokyo itinerary with all my tips so you can experience everything that makes this city so extraordinary.
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Quick overview of your 5 day Tokyo itinerary
- Day 1: Tsukiji Market, futuristic Odaiba and Tokyo’s hidden shrine
- Day 2: Tokyo Tower, the colourful Akihabara anime district and a cute cat cafe
- Day 3: Explore Shibuya and its famous crossing, dinner and dancing at a nightclub
- Day 4: Mount Fuji day trip with stunning views
- Day 5: Visit the famous Sensō-ji temple and enjoy a final evening in Shibuya
Arriving in Tokyo
Many international travellers like us will fly into Tokyo, so it’s the perfect starting point for your Japan adventure.
My first top tip is if you land at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, like us, make sure you head to the Air BicCamera store on the third floor of arrivals. Here you can buy a B-Mobile 21 Days Visitor SIM card. It will mean you can access mobile internet whenever you need (it doesn’t allow you to make calls though).
Haneda airport is 10 miles (16 km) from Tokyo city centre, whilst Narita is 40 miles (64 km) away. We took a taxi from Haneda. We liked how clean the taxis were, their automatic doors and lace seat covers.
My next tip is to make sure you have your accommodation address printed in Japanese kanji characters, as some drivers won’t understand addresses written in English.
Limousine shuttle buses are a comfortable, cost-effective option between the airports and Tokyo areas. We used these for the rest of our trip around Japan. Ask at the airport information desk for routes and timetables.
Book a private transfer from Haneda airport to your Tokyo accommodation in advance here.
Where to stay in Tokyo
When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, transport links are absolutely crucial – this massive city can take hours to cross. Areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku are popular but can be overwhelming, while Ginza is great if you’re looking for luxury shopping and dining. We chose Akasaka because it has excellent metro connections to all the major attractions, plus it’s central without being touristy.
The best budget accommodation in Tokyo
Accommodation in Tokyo is relatively expensive and the rooms are smaller than usual Western hotel standards. You may find there’s barely enough room to put your luggage anywhere. That said, we found the ensuite bathrooms to be well-designed to optimise their small size.
If you’re looking for a hostel, try the top-rated UNPLAN Kagurazaka which has air-conditioned rooms and an on-site bar and cafe. Alternatively, UNPLAN Shinjuku is conveniently located close to Shinjuku station and tourist attractions.
Our favourite budget hotel in Tokyo was the fabulous Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka. It has friendly staff and is in an ideal location with a 7-11 supermarket right next door. The hotel even has its own dreamy onsen public bath, with specific times for men and women. Perfect after a long day of sightseeing.
Find more great accommodation deals in Tokyo for your dates by exploring the map below:
Getting around on your 5 day Tokyo itinerary
Tokyo’s transport system looks overwhelming but it’s incredibly efficient. Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at any station – it works on all trains, metros, and buses.
Most journeys within central Tokyo take 20-45 minutes, though stations can be massive. Avoid rush hour (7-9am and 5-7pm) when the crowds are intense.
One pleasant surprise is how walkable Tokyo is between nearby attractions. We often walked between areas rather than taking multiple connections, which gave us a better feel for the neighbourhoods.
Buy a 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour Tokyo subway ticket in advance here.
Day 1: Tsukiji Market, Odaiba and hidden shrines
The first day of your 5 day Tokyo itinerary takes you from a historic fish market to the futuristic waterfront district of Odaiba.
Morning: Explore Tsukiji Market
Start your day at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, which contains a maze of shops and restaurants. Arrive early to watch vendors prepare fresh seafood, enjoy the atmosphere and taste some of their top-quality sushi.
Afternoon: Explore futuristic Odaiba
After the market, head to Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic waterfront district built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Take the automated Yurikamome train for stunning views as it crosses Rainbow Bridge.
At Odaiba Marine Park, you can walk along the beach with views of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline. The beach is artificial but it’s a peaceful spot to relax. Nearby stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty, created as a symbol of friendship between Japan and France.
The highlight of Odaiba is the life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue standing outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. This 19.7-metre (65-foot) tall robot transforms throughout the day, with its panels opening and lights changing. The shopping mall itself has plenty of restaurants and shops if you need a break.
Evening: Discover Tokyo’s hidden shrine
If you’re staying in Akasaka like us, make sure you find the peaceful Hie Shrine. It’s known as Tokyo’s hidden shrine and has a tunnel of red torii gates marking its entrance. We saw local business people come here to pray and make offerings. It’s an oasis among the modern skyscrapers.
For dinner, we discovered one of Akasaka’s many local restaurants. The menu wasn’t in English and the staff didn’t speak English either, so we planned to point at something and hope for the best! Luckily, a friendly local guy at the next table gave us his recommendations of the best dishes.
Day 2: Tokyo Tower, Akihabara anime district and cat cafe
Day two of this 5 day Tokyo itinerary packs in three completely different experiences – from city views from the top of the iconic Tokyo Tower to the electric energy of anime culture and the cutest cat cafe.
Morning: See the views from the top of Tokyo Tower
One of Tokyo’s best-known attractions is the famous Tokyo Tower. From the summit there are incredible views over the city. If it’s your birthday, they will give you free entry and a drink or snack.
The tower is 333 metres tall and was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. The main observation deck sits at 150 metres, while the special observation deck at 250 metres has even more spectacular panoramic views.
Buy your tickets to Tokyo Tower in advance here.
Afternoon: Enjoy the colourful Akihabara anime district
Some Japanese friends recommended we visit Akihabara. Here, there’s a shopping hub full of electronics retailers, manga memorabilia shops and the Tokyo Anime Center. It is 30 minutes north of Akasaka via the city’s metro system.
This was one of my favourite areas of Tokyo as it’s so colourful and lively. Neon signs flash from every building, and the streets are lined with shops selling everything from vintage video games to the latest anime figures.
Afternoon: Cuddle with furry friends at a cute cat cafe
We stopped for a drink and a cuddle with the cats at the nearby MoCHA cat cafe.
The cats roam freely throughout the space, and you can settle into comfortable seating while they decide whether to grace you with their presence. You can buy treats to attract the cats to eat from your hand. It’s the perfect way to relax after all the walking.
Cat lovers will adore this tour of Tokyo’s Cat Temple, giant 3D cat and Japan’s largest cat cafe – book it here.
Day 3: Shibuya crossing and nightlife
The third day of your 5 day Tokyo itinerary celebrates Tokyo’s style, energy and nightlife. On our trip, it also happened to be my birthday, making it extra special.
Morning: Aoyama Flower Market brunch
We started the day with a birthday brunch. A beautiful place for brunch is the Aoyama Flower Market teahouse. Located at the base of the Akasaka Business Tower, here you can have breakfast surrounded by stunning plants and flowers.
The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients and the presentation is as beautiful as the surroundings. Such a treat.
Afternoon: The famous Shibuya crossing
Not far from Aoyama is Shibuya. On the way, you’ll pass through fashionable Harajuku, known for its youth culture. Why not take a detour to check out the quirky fashion boutiques and street food on Takeshita Street or the peaceful Meiji Shrine.
In Shibuya, you will find great shopping and the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the world’s busiest intersection. When the lights change, up to 3,000 people cross from all directions at once – it’s controlled chaos that somehow works perfectly. Many people go to the nearby Starbucks to photograph all the people scuttling across the road. Even though it’s only a pedestrian crossing, it’s a lot of fun, with people posing for shots along the way.
The Shibuya area itself deserves plenty of exploration time. The fashion stores, department stores like Shibuya 109, and countless restaurants make it easy to spend hours here. Don’t miss the Hachiko statue outside Shibuya Station, dedicated to the loyal dog who waited for his owner every day. I treated myself to a massage at ARONA Spa.
Nintendo fans can book a tour where you don a onesie and drive in a convoy of Mario Karts. We saw one of these groups go past in Shibuya.
Book your Shibuya street kart experience here.
Evening: Izakaya dinner and dancing
For my birthday dinner, we headed to Omotenashi Toriyoshi Aoyama, a traditional izakaya restaurant. An izakaya is a Japanese-style gastropub where people gather after work to eat small plates and drink. We were invited by the Japanese guy we’d met at the restaurant in Akasaka to join him and his friends. We sat on cushions around a big, low wooden table.
The food was great – we shared small dishes including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and edamame, washed down with pink rosé sake.
After dinner, we celebrated by dancing at the Vent club next door. Here, they cover your phone cameras to make sure everyone stays enjoying the moment. The music was excellent and the crowd was cool. It was the perfect way to conclude my birthday in Tokyo.
Discover the hidden izakaya restaurants of Akasaka on this tour.
Day 4: Mount Fuji day trip
About 1.5 hours from central Tokyo by train or bus is the famous Mount Fuji. This special place is well worth a day trip from Tokyo to enjoy the views. We travelled by train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station and caught the Red Line bus to Oishi Park.
Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet) and is visible from various vantage points around the Fuji Five Lakes area. We were fortunate to have perfect weather to see this magnificent mountain, as sometimes the summit is obscured by clouds.
The views across Lake Kawaguchiko with Mount Fuji reflected in the water are outstanding – we took so many photos. The area also has plenty of restaurants and shops selling Mount Fuji themed souvenirs and their famous purple ice cream.
Check out this highly popular day trip to all the best scenic spots at Mount Fuji – book here.
Day 5: Historic temples and Tokyo Skytree
The last day of your 5 day Tokyo itinerary takes you through Tokyo’s historic east side, from ancient temples to the world’s tallest tower, ending with an evening back in Shibuya.
Morning: Kameido Tenjin Shrine
If you’re visiting Japan in the spring, check out the Kameido Tenjin Shrine, a beautiful Shinto temple that is full of purple wisteria instead of the traditional cherry blossom.
During a few short weeks there is a special festival when the gardens bloom with hundreds of wisteria. They hang over a tranquil turtle pond with cute bridges, paths and wisteria tunnels you can walk through.
It was crowded here when we came, but with more Japanese rather than international tourists, which gave it a more authentic feel
Late morning: Tokyo Skytree
A 15 minute walk from this temple is another of the city’s famous towers, the Tokyo Skytree. At 634 metres (over 2,000 feet) tall, it’s one of the tallest towers in the world. The Skytree is Tokyo’s broadcasting tower and its observation decks are at 350 and 450 metres.
When we visited, it was too busy so we didn’t go to the top, but it was great to see from outside. The surrounding Solamachi shopping complex has over 300 shops and restaurants if you want to explore.
Book your admission ticket to the Tokyo Skytree in advance here.
Afternoon: Asakusa and Sensō-ji temple
In nearby Asakusa you can visit Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Amazingly, it dates back to the year 645. The approach to the temple takes you through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with its massive red lantern, then along Nakamise-dori, a shopping street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Be warned, it gets incredibly crowded here, as it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions. The temple complex is beautiful though, with its five-story pagoda and main hall where worshippers burn incense and pray.
Book a guided walking tour of Asakusa including Sensō-ji temple here.
Late afternoon: Ueno Park
After the temples, head to Ueno Park, Tokyo’s most popular public park. The park is home to several museums including the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and a large pond with lotus flowers. It’s a lovely place to walk and watch locals relaxing. During cherry blossom season, Ueno Park becomes one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami (flower viewing) spots.
Evening: Return to Shibuya
For your final evening, return to Shibuya for dinner at Takumi (Shibuya branch), known for its excellent ramen. The rich, flavourful broth and perfectly cooked noodles make it a favourite among locals.
After dinner, head to Shibuya Oiran for drinks. We were lucky enough to see some friends DJing there, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
It’s the perfect way to end your 5 day Tokyo itinerary – back in one of the city’s most energetic neighbourhoods, surrounded by the buzz and excitement that makes Tokyo so special.
What should I pack for Tokyo?
I’ve written a full guide to what to wear in Japan. In Tokyo, you’ll be walking a lot, so pack comfortable shoes and dress in layers as buildings can be heated or air-conditioned. Tokyo is generally casual so you can wear jeans. That said, Tokyo is quite fashion-conscious, so well-fitted jeans work better than overly distressed or baggy styles. Make sure you are covered up when visiting temples. A portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card is essential for navigation (see my tip in the arriving in Tokyo section above).
Read my complete guide to what to wear in Japan in the cherry blossom season here.
Frequently asked questions about Tokyo
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Yes, five days gives you a solid introduction to Tokyo’s highlights while allowing time to experience the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. You’ll see the major attractions, enjoy authentic local experiences and even take a day trip to Mount Fuji. Some travellers prefer a week or more to explore at a more leisurely pace, but five days is ideal for most visitors.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best times to visit Tokyo are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September to November) for comfortable weather and fall colours. Avoid summer (June to August) when it’s hot and humid and winter (December to February) which gets very cold. We visited in late April to May and found the weather perfect for walking around the city.
Do I need to speak Japanese in Tokyo?
No, you don’t need to speak Japanese to visit Tokyo, though learning basic phrases helps. Make sure you have your accommodation address printed in Japanese kanji characters, as some drivers won’t understand addresses written in English. Restaurants and shops may have staff who don’t speak English, so a translation app on your phone is incredibly useful.
Is Tokyo safe for solo travellers?
Tokyo is one of the safest major cities in the world for solo travellers. Crime rates are low and the city is clean and well-organised. Solo female travellers generally feel comfortable exploring day or night. The main concerns are getting lost in the massive station complexes and the language barrier in some areas.
Should I go to Tokyo or Kyoto?
Tokyo is better for a modern city experience, thanks to its diverse neighbourhoods, anime centres and cool nightlife. Kyoto is better for traditional culture, historic temples, geisha districts, peaceful gardens and a more relaxed pace. Ideally, visit both – they’re only 2-3 hours apart by bullet train. Check out my 2 day Kyoto itinerary.
Final thoughts on this 5 day Tokyo itinerary
Tokyo is a city that constantly surprises you. One moment you’re standing in a 1,400-year-old temple, the next you’re watching a giant robot statue transform in front of a shopping mall. You can eat the freshest sushi for at a historic market, then dance until dawn in an underground club.
This 5 day Tokyo itinerary captures what makes the city so special – the blend of ancient and modern, the attention to detail in everything from flower-filled tea houses to perfectly engineered metros, and the way Tokyo somehow balances 14 million people without losing its soul.
The city taught me that the best places can honour tradition while embracing the future, and that sometimes the best travel moments come from getting slightly lost and trusting friendly strangers to guide you.
Five days gives you just enough time to fall in love with Tokyo while leaving you eager to return. And trust me, you will want to come back.
Next up, see more of the country on this amazing 3 week Japan itinerary including Okinawa.
