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Best 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

ByRoseanne Ducut

Before visiting Tokyo, I did as much research (like you’re doing now!) on the best sites to visit.

I’m a super tourist and try to visit as many places as I could.

For my first trip to Tokyo, I went to 21 sites in less than 4 days.

For Tokyo, I definitely recommend pacing yourself, because it’s true what visitors say: you will be walking A LOT.

Here’s the ideal Tokyo itinerary for 5 days with the top sites that won’t leave you burnt out while still seeing the best of Tokyo.

I also include tips and which sites are best seen at night.

Summary: 5 day Tokyo itinerary

Day 1: Asakusa, Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori Street, Tokyo Skytree

Day 2: Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shinjuku at night

Day 3: Choose from day trips

Day 4: Akihabara, Ginza, TeamLab Planets (optional), Odaiba Seaside Park, Rainbow Bridge

Day 5: Ueno Park, Shopping at Asakusa, Imperial Palace

Tips for 5 day Tokyo itinerary

Here are Tokyo travel tips to help you save time and make the most of your 5-day Tokyo Itinerary:

Kanda Myoujin Shrine, Tokyo: The entrance of Kanda Myoujin Shrine in Tokyo, featuring a traditional red gate (torii) with intricate details, framed by blooming cherry blossoms.
  • You must group areas together. Tokyo is very big with lots of districts. To save time, combine sites that are near each other or consider hiring a driver for a day or two.
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. But in general, start the day early.
  • Many sites are especially worth visiting at night. To avoid going commuting back and forth, try to visit a place that’s best seen at night like Shinjuku.
  • The area I do recommend visiting during day and night is Asakusa. Many stalls are only open during the day, but Senso-ji in Asakusa is absolutely beautiful at night.
  • To beat jet lag, explore places at night in Tokyo on your first day.
  • If you’re visiting Tokyo during spring or winter, add more parks to your itinerary for best views.
  • Bring good walking shoes and be prepared to walk a lot!

Tokyo Travel Essentials: book before you go

Book before your Japan trip:

▢ Local sim card or Japan eSIM card

▢ Ride from the airport: prebook a ride | airport train

▢ Book discounted hotels in Tokyo on Agoda (what I use)

▢ Book the most popular Tokyo tours

Full 5 day Tokyo itinerary

Day 1 of 5 Tokyo itinerary

On your first day in Tokyo you want to take it easy. It also depends when you arrive in Tokyo, so I mainly included sites that can be explored during the day and night to beat jet lag.

Day #1 Itinerary:
– Asakusa
– Senso-ji
– Sumida Riverwalk
– Tokyo Skytree

Asakusa

Senso-ji Temple at Night, Tokyo: The brightly illuminated red gate of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo at night, with a few visitors walking towards the entrance under the dark sky.

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods and where you can experience the traditional side of the city.

It’s located in more northeastern Tokyo, and about an hour train ride from Shinjuku, but closer to Narita Airport.

Senso-ji

Pagoda at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo: The iconic five-story pagoda at Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, beautifully illuminated at night, with trees framing the scene.

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic temple, dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. I’ve visited both during the day and at night, and I personally find the night views better. This is a perfect site to beat jetlag.

Sumida River

Tokyo Skytree at Night, Sumida River: A night view of the Tokyo Skytree brightly lit in pink and white, reflecting off the Sumida River with surrounding city lights creating a vibrant urban scene.

Sumida Riverwalk a scenic path along the Sumida River and Sumida Park, offering great views of the Tokyo skyline. At night, the Tokyo Skytree lights up, cruise boats pass by, and the water reflects the city’s glow. You can also relax at one of the seating areas along the river or go up the Tokyo Skytree (closes at 10pm).

Day 2 of 5 Tokyo itinerary

On your second day you’ll visit some of the most popular sites in Tokyo. You’ll get a mix of sites that won’t require too much walking with some that do, plus locations for relaxing.

Day #2 Itinerary:
– Harajuku
– Shibuya Crossing
– Meiji Shrine
– Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
– Shinjuku at night

Harajuku

Takeshita Street, Harajuku during Golden Week: A busy scene on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo, crowded with people and lined with colorful signs and shops, capturing the lively atmosphere of Golden Week.

Harajuku is the hub of Tokyo’s youth culture and fashion, and reminds me of Hongdae in Seoul. To find it easily, use Google Maps and search for Takeshita Street rather than just Harajuku.

While there, explore the packed boutiques and cafes on Takeshita Street and shop for luxury brands on Omotesando Avenue.

Shibuya

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo: A bustling Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, with crowds of people walking in all directions amidst large digital billboards and advertisements on surrounding buildings. Top things to do in Tokyo

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts, famous for its busy Shibuya Crossing, where you can watch from cafes in buildings overlooking it.

Be prepared, it is smaller than it looks online and movies!

You can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the Shibuya Sky observation deck (be sure to reserve tickets online during peak seasons), and snap a photo with the statue of Hachiko the dog.

Meiji Shrine

Torii Gate Entrance at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo: A large wooden Torii gate marking the entrance to Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, surrounded by towering trees and a few visitors holding umbrellas on a rainy day. Perfect for 5 day tokyo itinerary

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Shibuya, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a peaceful forested area.

Walk through the grand Torii gate and along the path to the shrine (about 15-minutes walk), where you can offer prayers and observe traditional rituals and go to the gardens for a small entrance fee.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Cherry Blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo: A serene view of cherry blossoms in full bloom around a peaceful pond in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, with a paved path and visitors enjoying the scenery.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a beautifully landscaped park that combines Japanese, English, and French garden styles. While there, explore the peaceful Japanese Garden with ponds, bridges, and teahouses, and don’t miss the greenhouse, which has variety of tropical and subtropical plants.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku at Night, Tokyo: A vibrant nighttime view of Shinjuku, Tokyo, with neon signs illuminating the streets filled with people, showcasing the area’s energetic nightlife. Most popular place for 5 day tokyo itinerary

Shinjuku is known for its vibrant nightlife and bright lights, which I found best enjoyed at night. Explore Kabukicho Street to Tokyo’s famous bright lights, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free panoramic city view, and wander through Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with izakayas.

Day 3 of 5 Tokyo itinerary

Allocate day 3 for a day trip from Tokyo. Choose from popular day trips from Tokyo or activities that will take up the whole day. These can easily be done with a tour.

Day #3 Options:
– Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-day tour
– Ghibli Museum
– Tokyo Disneysea

If you’d like to stay in Tokyo, choose sites from my Tokyo Attractions post.

#1. Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-day tour

Mt. Fuji and Hakone are the two most popular destinations near Tokyo. Mt. Fuji is Japan’s iconic mountain, perfect for hiking and scenic views, while Hakone is known for its hot springs, lakes, and views of Mt. Fuji.

#2. Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum in Tokyo is a must-visit for fans of the Studio Ghibli world and animated films. The museum features immersive displays and replicas from the films.

🎫 Prebook your tickets online (sells out very fast!)

#3. Tokyo Disneysea

Tokyo DisneySea is a unique Disney theme park in Japan, inspired by nautical myths and legends. If you like to experience different Disney attractions when traveling, try this one!

🎫 Prebook your tickets online.

Explore more popular Tokyo tours.

Day 4 of 5 Tokyo itinerary

Day 4 will explore popular shopping areas in Tokyo in more southern Tokyo, plus one of my favorite places in Tokyo, Odaiba Seaside Park for beautiful sunset and night views.

Day #4 Itinerary:
– Akihabara
– Ginza
– teamLab Planets (optional)
– Odaiba Seaside Park
– Rainbow Bridge

Akihabara

Colorful Buildings in Akihabara, Tokyo: A street view in Akihabara, Tokyo, showcasing tall buildings adorned with colorful advertisements and anime characters, with cars driving by on the wet road.

Akihabara is Tokyo’s prime district for electronics, anime, and manga fans. You can purchase electronics tax-free. (I bought an inexpensive used laptop when mines broke.)

While in Akihabara, explore themed cafes and visit Akihabara Radio Kaikan, a multi-story building filled with shops offering everything from electronics to anime merchandise.

Ginza

UNIQLO Building in Ginza, Tokyo: A multi-story UNIQLO store in Ginza, Tokyo, with a glass facade displaying mannequins on several floors, crowded with shoppers and a yellow taxi in front.

Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, famous for its luxury boutiques and high-end dining. While in Ginza, shop along Chuo-dori street at top brand stores, visit Ginza Six for a wide range of shops and a rooftop garden, and experience traditional Japanese Kabuki at the Kabuki-za Theatre, which is also beautifully lit up at night.

Optional: TeamLab Planets

Located in between Ginza and the next site is teamLab Planets.

TeamLab Planets is an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo where visitors become part of the interactive exhibits that combines art, technology, and nature to create a surreal and engaging environment.

🎫 Prebook your tickets online (especially during peak seasons!)

Odaiba Seaside Park

Sunset at Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo: A tranquil sunset view over the water at Odaiba Seaside Park in Tokyo, with a glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge in the distance and the city skyline under a soft, glowing sky.

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay and was one of my favorite spots in Tokyo. Enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, especially at sunset or when the bridge is lit up at night.

Take a stroll through Odaiba Seaside Park with its beach and replica Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo: A replica of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba Seaside Park, Tokyo, standing tall against a cloudy sky with a view of the bay and distant city skyline in the background.

There’s also many malls like DiverCity Tokyo Plaza with its life-sized Gundam statue, or take a relaxing cruise around Tokyo Bay for views of the city’s skyline and waterfront.

Day 5 of 5 Tokyo itinerary

For Day 5 you’ll head back to northern Tokyo for shopping and parks and explore more historical and relaxing sites for a break from the bustling side of Tokyo.

Day #5 Itinerary:
– Ueno Park
– Shopping at Asakusa
– Imperial Gardens

Ueno Park

Cherry Blossom in Ueno Park, Tokyo: A close-up view of cherry blossom trees in full bloom along a walking path in Ueno Park, Tokyo, with a pond and distant trees in the background.

Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved parks with museums and historical sites. I visited both day and night, and the lit-up cherry blossom trees along the pathway were especially pretty.

While at Ueno Park, explore the Tokyo National Museum with an extensive collection of Japanese art, stroll around Shinobazu Pond and rent a paddle boat, visit Ueno Toshogu Shrine and Kaneiji Temple, or consider taking a walking tour of the park.

Nakamise-dori Street in Asakusa

The image shows a bustling street scene in Asakusa, Tokyo, with a crowd of people, some of whom have blue hearts obscuring their faces for privacy. The street is lined with traditional Japanese architecture, including a red-roofed building with a sign in Japanese characters, likely a temple entrance. To the right, there is a modern black sign with gold lettering advertising Kobe beef. The scene captures the vibrant atmosphere of Nakamise-dori Street, a popular shopping area near Senso-ji Temple.

Head back to Asakusa during the day to explore Nakamise-dori Street, a lively shopping street leading to Senso-ji Temple. It’s lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts that are mostly open during the day.

Other sites in Asakusa:

Imperial Palace Gardens

Imperial Gardens, Tokyo: A traditional Japanese building surrounded by lush greenery and cherry blossoms, located within the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo, Japan.

The Imperial Gardens are home to Japan’s Imperial Family, but the East Gardens are open to the public and free to visit.

While there, stroll through the Japanese gardens with ponds and historic ruins of the Edo Castle and walk along the moats and stone walls that surround the gardens.

Tours to Explore Tokyo:

To make it easier, join a day tour that provides transportation to and from the sites. It would lessen some travel burnout and allow you to enjoy the sites more.

Where to stay in Tokyo

These are the main areas where tourists stay in Tokyo. (Either way, you will have to take public transit to get to the most popular areas in Tokyo!)

NeighborhoodHighlightsFind a Hotel
AsakusaTraditionalTop Asakusa hotels
ShinjukuNight lifeTop Shinjuku hotels
ShibuyaBustlingTop Shibuya hotels
AkihabaraAnime CentralTop Akihabara hotels

Final Thoughts on a Perfect 5 day Tokyo itinerary

There’s so many things to do in Tokyo, which can get overwhelming! In this itinerary, I included the most popular and most visited sites (and for a reason).

Tokyo is a bustling city, but with historic and nature sites for some down time.

Remember to take your time and enjoy each site!

Hope you have the best time in Tokyo!

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Roseanne Ducut is a solo female traveler and Filipina from the Bay Area, California. She writes practical and culture-rich travel guides and lives a not-so-secret double life as a fangirl. A veghead for over 15 years, Roseanne also writes vegan guides to help others plan their trips.