5 day Tokyo Itinerary for First Timer’s

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If you’re wondering how to plan spending 5 days in Tokyo but not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Navigating the sights and attractions of the world’s largest metropolis is no easy feat. But after five visits to Tokyo, I’ve crafted the best of the city to see for first timer’s.

From historic corners and centuries old shrines to the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, Tokyo is a dynamic and often enigmatic place. No matter how many times I visit, I find something new and exciting to uncover. Trying to see it all in just a few short days isn’t possible but this 5 day Tokyo itinerary will give you a taste of some of the best the city has to offer visitors.

To help you plan your own adventure in Tokyo, I’ve provided a guide to several of the best attractions and areas across the city. Getting around is easy with the metro, and I’ve included advice on some hotel suggestions and day trips to help make planning your Tokyo itinerary easier.

5 days in Tokyo overview

entrance to sensoji temple asakusa tokyo

5 day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1 | Historic Tokyo - Asakusa and Ueno

Asakusa

Take advantage of any jet lag on your first full day in Tokyo by rising before everyone else and heading to Asakusa, the historic heart of Tokyo. This area is best known as the home of the magnificent Sensoji Temple, the oldest established Buddhist temple in the capital. The complex is open 24 hours, which means arriving before 8am avoids most of the crowds.

Connecting the outer gate to Hozomon, the second gate, is Nakamise shopping street. Around 200 metres long, the street is lined with stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and local goods. Here you’ll find everything from chopsticks to yukatas. The main hall is a must-see and is open from 6:30-17:00 daily.

Take your time exploring the ponds and smaller temples throughout the complex. And of course, don’t forget to pick up your omikuji - which is a piece of paper with your fortune on it. If your fortune is good, take it home with you. If you receive less than expected or poor fortune, leave it behind by tying it to the dedicated strings near the temple.

Just beyond Sensoji Temple’s grounds are streets with local restaurants and cafes, shops, and souvenir stands. For a bird’s eye view over Sensoji Temple, head across the road to the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Head upstairs where there’s an outdoor viewing platform that lets you take in the size of the complex from a totally new perspective.

If you haven’t filled up on too much melon pan or matcha in the streets surrounding Sensoji temple, then I highly recommend taking a walk to a small restaurant called Sometarō. Tucked away behind a traditional wooden facade that feels a little out of place among the multistory buildings that surround it, this okonomiyaki restaurant has a DIY approach to preparing your meal. Choose your ingredients and the team will bring everything you need to your table where you can cook it yourself on the hotplate in front. We had such a lovely time at Sometarō, the staff were incredibly friendly and the meal was great.

Ueno

As you continue from Asakusa towards Ueno, you’ll find yourself on Kappabashi Kitchen Street. This is the place to shop for kitchenware in Tokyo, especially Japanese-style utensils and of course, the knives they’re so famous for. There are so many unique-to-Japan pans and utensils that are hard, if not impossible to come by at home, that we stocked up. It’s also a great place for ceramics, bringing together local artists and traditional ceramic ware such as Kutani ware in Kanazawa.

After you’ve picked up anything you want to take home from Kappabashi street, make your way to Ueno Park. A lovely spacious green park, it is lovely year round, and has several cherry blossoms that bloom in spring. Take time to wander through the park or stop and enjoy the peaceful landscape for a bit. The park is home to Gojoten Shrine, which offers an opportunity to spot some vermilion torii gates as you make your way down to the shrine. Dating back to 1662, the shrine is often visited by those praying to pass their exams or for healing.

Near Ueno Park, you’ll find the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Both are worth a visit, and make for a great rainy day activity in Tokyo. Pokemon fans will also be happy to find two Pokemon lids (manhole covers) out the front of the museums.

When you’re done at the parks and museums, head over to Ameyoko Shopping District where you can grab dinner at an izakaya and pick up some souvenirs. If you are looking for anime and character goods, Yamashiroya right by the station is an excellent place.

Day 2 | Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya

Harajuku

Most travellers heading to Tokyo for the first time want to visit the famous Takeshita Street in Harajuku. This is the main street that runs through the area and gets busy quickly, so I recommend heading there early to beat the crowds. It’s here you’ll find the iconic crepe stores, the insta-famous rainbow candy floss, and plenty of stores.

On our most recent trip, we popped back here and found there are now two massive gashapon stores filled with hundreds of capsule toy machines with every character and item you could imagine. Make sure you come with plenty of 100 yen coins!

Continue over to Omotesando which is well known for shopping a mixture of local and international brands and boutiques. The area is more upscale than nearby Harajuku and you’ll find a number of lovely cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants in the streets of Omotesando Hills. Coffee fanatics will love Koffee Mameya (slow drip rather than espresso-based), or pop down the road to Higuma Doughnuts x Coffee Wrights for a pick-me-up.

Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine

There’s no better place to find some space in Tokyo than in Yoyogi Park. Located right by Harajuku station, it’s a lush green space with forested sections as well as open areas. On Sunday, you can catch The Strangers, a rockabilly-esque group of dancers, twisting along to retro rock tunes by the likes of Elvis and Chuck Berry.

Continue through the park to Meiji Shrine for a look at one of Tokyo’s best-known Shinto shrines. I personally recommend taking the ten minute walk from the southern entrance near Harajuku Station to enter under the enormous torii gate and through the forested paths to reach the main buildings and complex. The shrine was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, and more than 100,000 trees that make up the surrounding forest were donated from regions across the country.

large torii gate entrance to meiji jingu shrine in yoyogi park tokyo

Shibuya

Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights of Shibuya. No doubt you’ve planned to visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing - the busiest in the world - but there’s a tonne of other things to do here, from shopping and dining to sightseeing. For the best views overlooking the crossing, you can head up MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, Shibuya Tsutaya, Shibuya Mark City for a free view, or Shibuya Sky for a truly sky-high bird’s eye view.

Near the iconic Shibuya Crossing and an exit of Shibuya station is Hachiko Square with the statue dedicated to a loyal dog that would wait for his owner every day near Shibuya Station. He continued to do this even after his owner's death every day until he too passed, and the monument now stands as a reminder of his dedication and loyalty to his owner.

Shibuya is a great place for a bit of shopping as well. Head to Loft for a selection of Japanese speciality items from food and beverages to stationery and beautiful servingware. TokyuHands is great for crafting and DIY items, or pop into Village Vanguard for pop culture and character goods.

There are so many places to eat in Shibuya for dinner, and I recommend trying yakiniku or izakaya-style dining. Every time we’re in Shibuya in the evening, we also pop by OL by Oslo Brewery. It’s a great small bar serving locally produced craft beers and the team working there are super knowledgeable and always willing to help you find the right style for you.

view of Shibuya crossing from magnet by shibuya 109 tokyo

Day 3 | Shimokitazawa and Shinjuku

Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa has been gaining popularity among tourists in recent years, especially those who love thrifting. From vintage clothing to vinyl records, this is one of the best places to pick up some pre-loved items in Tokyo. Set in what was once a sento (public bathhouse) New York Joe Exchange is a popular choice among thrifters. Those in search of secondhand kicks will love Soma Shimokitazawa. Music lovers should try Pianola Records or Record Station.

Shimokitazawa is also home to a tonne of hip coffee shops, bars, and restaurants so it’s worth spending a few hours here between your store visits. Get your caffeine hit from Ogawa Coffee Laboratory or Sidewalk Coffee Roasters. Grab a cheesecake at Cafe Trois Chambres, a 1980s kissaten that feels like time stopped here or grab a tasty bowl of ramen at Ten To Sen.

Shinjuku

Spend the rest of your day exploring the sights of Shinjuku. This is perhaps one of the most photographed pockets of Tokyo and conjures up those iconic neon-tinted street scenes the city has become synonymous with. But, before we get to that, take time to stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. With various areas dedicated to Japanese, French, and English gardens, this is one of Tokyo’s most popular and largest parks.

In spring, cherry blossoms create canopies of soft pink and white blossoms from late March to mid-April, while autumn is great for leaf peeping in the city. Head to the eastern side of the garden to Momijiyama where the leaves change colour typically from mid-November to mid-December.

Shinjuku has been home to tourists hotspots in the past including the Robot Restaurant among several other themed eateries. More recently, Tokyu Kabukicho Tower opened in April 2023 and is a dining and entertainment hotspot. From a level full of arcade games to yokocho-style dining and a cinema, theatre, and club, there’s plenty to keep you busy here.

Lit up neon interior of kabukicho tower with lanterns and disco balls

Nearby, you can spot Godzilla on the top of the Gracery Hotel in Kabukicho. If you want to head up for a free view over Tokyo, you can head 202 metres high at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory and look out across the whole city.

When it’s time for dinner, head over to Omoide Yokocho. This laneway full of small izakayas is best known for serving yakitori in bars that often seat no more than 6-8 people. It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists, so best to head there earlier to nab a seat for dinner - though you can often find a spot if you wait a little longer. With wooden buildings and paper lanterns, the laneway had an Old-Tokyo feel to it.

Before you call it a night, head to Golden Gai. This is an area full of ultra-tiny bars that feel like a step back in time. As metal music lovers, we especially enjoyed spending time drinking umeshu (Japanese plum liquor) and whiskey at a little bar called Deathmatch in Hell. But not to worry if that isn’t your scene, there are plenty of different bars to choose from, you just need to find your favourite!

Many bars will charge a cover charge, but there are still some that don’t. Therefore, it is usually cheaper to stick with one bar, but half the fun is in bar hopping to experience a few.

Day 4 | Tsukiji Market, TeamLab Planets, Ginza

Foodies will love the selection at Tsukiji Outer Market. It’s best to get an early start here as lines get long. With an extensive selection of fish and seafood on offer, it’s a great place to sample catch-of-the-day sushi as fresh as it gets.

While fish is the first choice for foodies here, there are plenty of other snacks and dishes to try, including tamagoyaki from Tsukiji Shouro Honten, Matsuzaka beef minced meat cakes from Yoshizawa Shoten, or onigiri from Marutoyo. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee, you can’t beat Mejicafe roastery in the market.

From Tsukiji Market, head over to TeamLab Planets. This digital art installation is an interactive museum that is a sensory experience from beginning to end. The TeamLab exhibitions are one of my favourite things to do in Tokyo and I could easily lose hours to my day here.

Planets, opposed to the more recently opened Borderless, has a focus on water-based exhibition rooms and garden-like spaces. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions and you’ll need to buy a ticket in advance. If you want to avoid the busiest times, aim for first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

If you want to do some shopping, then Ginza is a great place to pick up local brands, high-end goods, or pieces you may not be able to get at home. You’ll find Uniqlo’s flagship store here with a whopping 12 floors including several other brands including GU, a cafe, and a space to create your own customisable apparel including shirts and tote bags. I always love picking up some stationery from Itoya when I’m in Tokyo, and a stop at Sanrio World is a top choice for lovers of Hello Kitty and friends.

Finish the day with dinner at Yurakucho Sanchoku Yokocho. There are loads of restaurants to choose from in the laneways underneath Yurakucho station. Alternatively, you can head to nearby Shimbashi which is a popular dinner hotspot among salarymen with great izakaya options. We stayed here on our first trip in Japan and ate around Shimbashi most evenings.

Day 5 | Azabudai Hills and Akihabara

Azabudai Hills

Spend your final day in Tokyo visiting a few more areas and taking in some of the city’s best sights. Azabudai Hills is an upscale area of Tokyo consisting of three towers that soar high above the sights below. It’s here you’ll find the newest viewing area at Sky Lobby JP Mori Tower. Enjoy views across Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, and even Mt Fuji on a clear day.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to visit Tokyo Tower, this is nearby and offers similar views above Tokyo, choosing from the main desk at 150 metres high, or the top deck at 250 metres. You can also visit a Shinto Shrine at the highest elevation in Tokyo on the second floor of the main deck which is often visited by those praying for good results in their exams. If you’re collecting goshuin while in Japan, they sometimes offer special editions for New Year and other special occasions throughout the year.

Nearby in Azabudai Hills is the new TeamLabs Borderless. Previously, the exhibition was housed near the existing TeamLab Planets, but has reopened in 2024 at the new site with a host of new rooms and updated projections. Unlike Planets, this exhibit is not based around water, so might be a better fit for some travellers. Due to popularity, tickets should be purchased in advance.

For an alternative view of Tokyo Tower, pay a visit to Zōjō-ji Temple. While the view from the lower aspect is delightful, it’s also worth visiting the temple in its own right. Founded in the late 14th century, many of the buildings onsite now are reconstructions following destruction of many of them due to natural disaster and air raids during WWII. Be sure to visit the Treasure Gallery where works by famous Buddhist scroll painter, Kano Kazunobu and a model of the Taitoku-in Mausoleum are displayed.

view across tokyo and tokyo tower on a sunny day from Sky Lobby Jp Mori Tower

Akihabara

Nicknamed ‘Electric Town’, Akihabara is popular with fans of gaming and anime. Formerly a hub of electronic shops, it’s since become one of the best areas to explore the nerdier side of Tokyo. This is one of the best places to pick up retro games from stores like Super Potato and Suragaya, or dabble in anime and manga figurine shopping. Don Quijote tends to carry a bigger range of character items than other stores too, so it’s worth stopping by.

On Sundays, Chuo Dori, the main shopping street running through Akihabara is closed to traffic and pedestrianised from 1-6pm (5pm in winter) which makes it even easier to zigzag your way through the stores.

While the iconic Sega logo may no longer be a sign on Akihabara’s main street, the Gigo multistorey gaming and arcade complex has been rebranded and it is worth a visit. Across seven floors, you’ll find claw machines, arcade games, and even purikura (photo booths), but my favourite is RetroG on level six. This floor is full of old school games from the 80s and 90s that revive a sense of nostalgia you can’t beat.

Finish the evening with sake tasting at SAKE MARKET Akihabaraten. The concept is self-guided sake tasting where you can purchase timed packages such as 30 minutes, 90 minutes, or unlimited. In that time, it’s all you can drink - but take it easy, as sake really creeps up on you! In addition to sake, you can also sample various fruit liqueurs, fermented milk drinks, beers, and highballs. The best part is that you can also grab some snacks to bring with you and make a night of it.

Where to stay in Tokyo

When anyone asks me where to stay in Tokyo, my number one tip is to choose a neighbourhood located on the Yamanote Line. The circular route runs in a ring around Tokyo and makes it great for travelling in either direction. With connections to major stations including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ueno, it also makes any day trips outside of Tokyo easier as well.

Depending on your personal preferences, there are several key areas I recommend first-timers in Tokyo base themselves. You can read my complete guide on neighbourhoods and where to stay here.

Ueno

Hotel Resol | We stayed here on our most recent trip and it was super convenient. Less than 5 minutes walk from Ueno station, it was also close to restaurants and made the perfect place to easily visit numerous areas across Tokyo.

Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North | Mimaru is a great hotel chain for families with rooms offering space for up to six people. Many rooms also include a kitchen space, which is helpful when trying to reduce costs on eating out.

Nohga Hotel Ueno Tokyo | This contemporary hotel is a short walk from Ueno station and offers larger-than-usual size rooms for Tokyo. In a quiet corner of the area, some rooms offer balconies with plants and there are large communal spaces to be enjoyed.

Shibuya

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park | This is my top pick near Shibuya, with excellent views over Yoyogi Park, an outdoor swimming pool (great for those hot summer months), and free bike rental, it has everything you could want.

All Day Place Shibuya | This modern hotel features a contemporary minimalist style throughout, but doesn’t skip any of the amenities you’d expect. There’s an onsite restaurant, coffee shop, and bar. Super close to Shibuya station, it’s very conveniently located too.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya | Rooms are spacious and come with extra amenities including a small kitchen space and washing machine. Most rooms can also accommodate up to four people, making it great for families.

Shinjuku

THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku | We stayed at the Hiroshima branch of this modern hotel, and the Tokyo location offers the same value in a central location. There’s a bakery and restaurant on site, so you can start your day off before heading out to explore as well.

Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower | A good mid-range option close to the station but away from the crowds of Kabukicho. Rooms are typically more spacious than is standard in Tokyo and some offer amazing views across the city.

Bespoke Hotel Shinjuku | Dark, moody interiors make way for minimalist decor and clean line design features throughout the property. Great for couples or friends, it’s central to most of Shinjuku’s attractions as well as a short walk from the train station.

Tokyo skyline at dusk with high rise buildings

How to get around Tokyo

Tokyo is well connected by public transport, especially the metro system. As I’ve already mentioned, staying in an area on the Yamanote Line will give you access to the train system that runs circular around central Tokyo and means you can get to most places on this 5 day Tokyo itinerary.

While exploring specific areas of Tokyo on foot is possible, you will absolutely need to use public transport to get around the city - it’s huge! Grab a SUICA or PASMO card, which is a top-up transport card that you can use to tap on and off for your journeys.

Google Maps is great for navigating your way around the city, and it will tell you which stations to change at it you need to on your journey, as well as the best carriage and exit to use for your destination. The Tokyo metro lines are all colour coded too, so this makes it easier to identify them.

For those wondering whether the JR Pass is necessary for Tokyo? Absolutely not! If you’re travelling further afield, you can check out my complete guide to the JR Pass.

Is five days in Tokyo enough?

I’ve been to Tokyo five times across three trips to Japan now, and I still like there’s so much I haven’t uncovered yet. But, we don’t always have the luxury of endless vacation days, so allocating five days in your Tokyo itinerary is a great start. It is long enough to cover off the major sights and get a feel for many of the city’s different neighbourhoods.

If you’re visiting Japan on a two week trip which is the most popular option for tourists, then five days is the right balance to give you enough time in other destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima.

kawaguchiko maple tunnel in red and yellow autumn leaves — Kawaguchiko Maple Tunnel in autumn

Day trips from Tokyo

This itinerary is designed to be a starting point for your own planning and there’s absolutely a tonne more to see and do in the city. Tokyo is also well-placed for several day trips beyond the city, which is a great way to explore the surrounding countryside. Here are a few of the best day trips to take from Tokyo if you have more time or want to swap any of the above days for a change of scenery.

Kamakura | Just over an hour from Tokyo, this coastal destination is full of amazing temples, cafes, and a beachside vibe that makes you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s capital. Make the most of the day by riding the Enoden Electric Railway to hop between temples and scenic spots in both Kamakura and Enoshima. I adored Kamakura and will be returning on our next trip to Japan for at least an overnight stay!

Kawaguchiko | While I do recommend people stay at least one night in Kawaguchiko, it can definitely be done as a day trip, albeit a long one. This is especially beautiful in autumn when there are various celebrations including a momiji festival and stunning views of Mt Fuji contrasted against the turning autumn leaves.

Nikko | In the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikko is a lush, outdoorsy sort of day trip for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Shinkyo Bridge and various temples are some of the highlights in the area. If you’re visiting for autumn leaves, they tend to change earlier than in Tokyo, so aim for late October to early November.

Hakone | Known for its mountainous outlooks and hot springs, Hakone is a popular choice of day trip from Tokyo. The area does offer views of Mt Fuji on a clear day, but Kawaguchiko is better if that’s your main objective. Sights are quite spread out around Hakone, so an overnight trip is recommended.