5 Days in Tokyo: The Ultimate Japan Itinerary
Tokyo is where ancient tradition meets futuristic innovation in the most dazzling way possible. Serene temples sit alongside neon-lit skyscrapers, Michelin-starred sushi costs less than a fast-food meal back home, and every neighborhood feels like a different city. Five days gives you time to scratch the surface of the world's most fascinating metropolis.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Shibuya & Harajuku
Meiji Shrine
Start at Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, set in a serene forest in the heart of the city. Walk through the towering torii gates and experience a moment of peace.
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Dive into Tokyo's youth culture capital. Takeshita Street is a riot of colorful fashion, crêpe shops, and quirky stores. Nearby Omotesando is the upscale contrast with designer boutiques.
Shibuya Crossing & Center Gai
Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch from the Starbucks above or Shibuya Sky observation deck, then explore the lively bars and restaurants of Center Gai.
Lunch: Harajuku crêpe & ramen shop
Japanese €
Dinner: Izakaya in Shibuya
Japanese €€
2Asakusa & Akihabara
Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa
Visit Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple. Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon gate, browse Nakamise shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs, and explore the temple grounds.
Akihabara Electric Town
Immerse yourself in otaku culture. Browse multi-story electronics stores, manga shops, gaming arcades, and maid cafés in Tokyo's geek paradise.
Tokyo Skytree
Ascend Japan's tallest structure (634m) for breathtaking night views of the Tokyo skyline stretching to the horizon.
Lunch: Street food in Asakusa
Japanese €
Dinner: Ramen shop in Akihabara
Japanese ramen €
3Shinjuku & Golden Gai
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo's finest parks combining Japanese, English, and French garden styles. Cherry blossoms in spring are magical; autumn leaves equally stunning.
Shinjuku shopping & observation decks
Explore the massive department stores and head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's free observation deck for panoramic views including Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho
Bar-hop through Golden Gai's 200+ tiny bars, each seating 5-10 people. Nearby Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) serves incredible yakitori in atmospheric alley stalls.
Lunch: Tonkatsu restaurant
Japanese €
Dinner: Yakitori at Omoide Yokocho
Japanese €
4Tsukiji & Ginza
Tsukiji Outer Market
While the inner market moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains a foodie paradise. Start with the freshest sushi breakfast you'll ever have, browse tamagoyaki stalls and wagyu skewers.
Ginza district
Tokyo's most upscale shopping district. Even if you're not buying, the architecture of flagship stores (like the Ginza Six mall and Mikimoto building) is worth seeing.
teamLab Borderless
Immerse yourself in this groundbreaking digital art museum where projections flow across rooms, respond to your movement, and blur the boundary between art and viewer.
Roppongi
End the evening in Tokyo's entertainment district. Choose between upscale dining, rooftop bars, or the Mori Art Museum for late-night art viewing with city views.
Breakfast: Sushi breakfast at Tsukiji
Sushi €€
Dinner: Restaurant in Roppongi
Japanese fusion €€€
5Day trip to Kamakura
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Take the train to Kamakura (1 hour) to see the iconic 13-meter bronze Buddha statue dating from 1252. You can even go inside the hollow statue.
Hase-dera & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Visit the beautiful Hase-dera temple with its gardens and sea views, then walk to the grand Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine along Kamakura's traditional Komachi-dōri shopping street.
Ebisu & Daikanyama (back in Tokyo)
Return to Tokyo and explore the sophisticated Ebisu and Daikanyama neighborhoods. Great restaurants, hip cafés, and a more local Tokyo vibe.
Lunch: Soba noodles in Kamakura
Japanese €
Dinner: Izakaya in Ebisu
Japanese €€
Interactive Map
Practical Info
Getting Around
Tokyo's train and metro system is the world's most efficient. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless tap-and-go travel. A 72-hour metro pass (¥1,500/~€10) covers unlimited metro rides. Trains run 5am-midnight. Google Maps works perfectly for navigation.
Where to Stay
Shinjuku is the most connected hub with access to everywhere. Shibuya is vibrant and youthful. Asakusa is traditional and budget-friendly. Ginza is upscale. Consider a night in a capsule hotel or ryokan for the experience.
Money Tips
Japan is still partly cash-based — carry ¥10,000-20,000 daily. 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards. Convenience store food (onigiri, bento) is excellent and cheap (¥200-600). Tipping is not practiced and can be considered rude.
Safety
Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world. Lost items are routinely returned. Trains are safe at all hours. The only 'danger' is getting over-served at all-you-can-drink izakayas. Emergency: 110 (police), 119 (ambulance).
SIM & WiFi
Rent a pocket WiFi device at the airport (~€5/day) or buy a data SIM. Free WiFi is available at most convenience stores, stations, and hotels. Download offline maps as some underground areas have no signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
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