Tokyo 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1 - Exploring Central Tokyo

  • Start your day at the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market. Try sushi breakfast at Sushidai or Daiwa Sushi. (Transportation: Take the Hibiya Subway Line from Hamamatsucho Station.)

  • Visit Hama-rikyu Gardens, a beautiful Edo period garden with a traditional teahouse. (Walking distance or take a short taxi ride from Tsukiji.)

  • Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, followed by a stroll along Nakamise Shopping Street. Have lunch at a local izakaya in Asakusa. (Transportation: Take the Oedo Subway Line from Shimbashi Station to Asakusa Station.)

  • In the evening, head to Shibuya and cross the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Dine at an affordable yakiniku restaurant like Yakiniku Jumbo Hanare or enjoy crepes at Angel’s Heart Crepe. (Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line from Asakusa Station to Shibuya Station.)

Day 2 - Modern Tokyo

  • Spend the morning in Harajuku. Visit Takeshita Street for unique fashion, Meiji Shrine for peace and tranquility, and Omotesando for high-end shopping. (Transportation: Take the Yurikamome Waterfront Train from Shimbashi Station to Shiodome Station, then JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.)

  • In the afternoon, visit Odaiba. Check out the teamLab Borderless digital museum, enjoy shopping at DiverCity, and take a leisurely boat ride on the Rainbow Bridge. (Transportation: Take the Yurikamome Waterfront Train from Shimbashi Station to Telecom Center Station.)

  • For dinner, dine at one of Odaiba’s many restaurants, or try out Aqua City’s food court. (In Odaiba, Aqua City is a popular choice.)

Day 3 - Historic Tokyo

  • Begin your day in Ueno. Visit Ueno Park and its museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. Have lunch at Ameya Yokocho Market nearby. (Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shibuya Station to Ueno Station.)

  • In the afternoon, head to Yanaka and Yanaka Cemetery, followed by a visit to Nezu Shrine. Dinner can be at a local izakaya or Ramen Kanreitou in Yanaka. (Transportation: Take the Chiyoda Subway Line from Ueno Station to Nezu Station.)

Day 4 - Aoyama, Roppongi, and Nightlife

  • Spend the morning in Aoyama. Visit Omotesando Hills for shopping, then walk to the nearby National Art Center, Tokyo. Have lunch at a cafĂ© or restaurant in Aoyama. (Transportation: Take the Ginza Subway Line from Roppongi Station to Meiji-Jingumae Station.)

  • In the afternoon, visit Roppongi Hills for Mori Art Museum and an observation deck view of Tokyo. Grab dinner at one of Roppongi’s many restaurants or bars. (Transportation: Take the Toei Oedo Line from Roppongi Station to Roppongi Station.)

  • Experience Tokyo’s nightlife in Shinjuku. Visit Kabukicho and Golden Gai, then end your day at Robot Restaurant for a unique show. (Transportation: Take the JR Yamanote Line from Roppongi Station to Shinjuku Station.)

**Day 5 - Day Trip to Nikko

  • For your last day, take a day trip to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Toshogu Shrine, Nikko National Park, and Lake Chuzenji. (Transportation: Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station or the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Utsunomiya Station.)

Things to Know

  • Tokyo has a vast public transportation network. Get a Pasmo or Suica card for easy and convenient travel.
  • English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or learn some basic Japanese phrases.
  • Tipping is not customary in Japan.
  • Respect cultural norms, such as removing shoes when entering someone’s home or temple, and avoiding pointing with your index finger.
  • Be prepared for crowds, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and fall foliage season (mid-November to late November).

Enjoy your Tokyo adventure!