Visiting Tokyo for the first time and don’t know where to begin?
This 5-day itinerary takes you through the perfect mix of modern culture, ancient temples, aesthetic neighborhoods, and delicious food—crafted for those who want to explore Tokyo intentionally, not frantically.
Let’s dive into the best Tokyo has to offer, day by day.
🗓️ Day 1: Shibuya & Harajuku – Street Style & City Energy
🕒 Morning: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue
Start your Tokyo trip in Shibuya, home to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. Don’t miss the famous Hachiko statue nearby.
Pro Tip 🐕: Head to Starbucks on the 2nd floor at Shibuya Crossing for a top-down view perfect for photos.
🛍️ Afternoon: Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Explore Tokyo’s street fashion capital. Takeshita Street is packed with quirky boutiques, themed cafés, and “only in Japan” aesthetics.
🍣 Evening: Dinner at Uobei Sushi
A high-tech sushi spot with conveyor belts and touchscreen ordering—fun, fast, and delicious.
🗓️ Day 2: Asakusa & Ueno – Tradition Meets Nature
🕒 Morning: Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street
Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and browse the charming souvenir shops of Nakamise-dori.
Pro Tip 📸: Arrive early for less crowds and dreamy morning light for your photos.
🏞️ Afternoon: Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum
Enjoy a peaceful walk in Ueno Park, especially during sakura (cherry blossom) season, then dive into culture at the museum.
🍜 Evening: Try Local Ramen in Ameya-Yokocho
This vibrant market street is full of food stalls, izakayas, and vintage fashion shops.
🗓️ Day 3: Akihabara & Ginza – Neon Lights & Luxury Vibes
🎮 Morning: Akihabara Electronics & Anime Culture
Welcome to otaku heaven—explore multi-story shops packed with gadgets, manga, and arcade games.
🛍️ Afternoon: Ginza for High-End Shopping & Aesthetic Cafés
Check out flagship stores like Uniqlo’s Ginza tower, then relax at minimal, Instagrammable cafés like %Arabica or Aoyama Flower Market Tea House.
Pro Tip ☕: Plan a mid-day recharge; Tokyo days can be long.
🏮 Evening: Tokyo Tower View or TeamLab Planets
Choose between the iconic Tokyo Tower at night, or the interactive, dreamlike world of TeamLab Planets for peak Japan aesthetic.
🗓️ Day 4: Shinjuku & Omoide Yokocho – City Chaos & Retro Charm
🌇 Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks—perfect for quiet morning moments.
🎥 Afternoon: Explore Kabukicho & Godzilla Street
Walk through Tokyo’s “city that never sleeps,” full of neon and chaos.
🍢 Evening: Eat Yakitori at Omoide Yokocho
This alleyway of tiny bars and grills captures the soul of Showa-era Tokyo.
Pro Tip 🔥: Try yakitori and sake at Izakaya in “Memory Lane” for a true Tokyo night out.
🗓️ Day 5: Day Trip or Slow Tokyo
🚅 Option 1: Day Trip to Hakone or Mt. Fuji Viewpoint
If you want nature and hot springs, take a quick trip to Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi for iconic Mt. Fuji views.
🧘 Option 2: Tokyo Slow Day – Daikanyama or Nakameguro
Stroll through Daikanyama’s bookstores and cafés or Nakameguro’s canal-side boutiques—perfect for slow, aesthetic travel.
Pro Tip 🎒: Use your final day for meaningful souvenirs, café hopping, and photo memories.
🧳 Final Tips Before You Go
- 🎫 Get a Suica Card for easy public transport
- 🧴 Always carry cash—not all places take cards
- 🍙 Try convenience store snacks—yes, even 7-Eleven is good
- 📱 Rent portable WiFi or get an eSIM for navigation
- 📷 Bring your best camera: Tokyo is visual paradise