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How many days in Tokyo is enough? A 5-day itinerary
Five days in Tokyo are enough time to explore the city's most iconic landmarks. Learn how to plan your itinerary and what to do during each day.
Tokyo blends tradition and innovation in a way few cities can. One moment admiring Japanese temples, and the next you’re walking neon lit streets, past unique vending machines. Tokyo has it all.
If you’re wondering how many days in Tokyo are enough to experience it all, this guide will help you decide and show you how to make every day count. We’ll break down the ideal itinerary to explore Tokyo and enjoy your trip.
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How many days in Tokyo do you need?
Five days in Tokyo is enough for your trip. It gives you time to explore major landmarks, try popular Tokyo street food like yakitori and takoyaki, and soak up the culture without feeling rushed.
Moreover, five days give you enough time to extend your Japan trip beyond Tokyo. Yokohama, Kawagoe, and Chichibu are only two hours away by train.
5-Day Tokyo itinerary: What to see?
To build a five-day Tokyo itinerary, the best approach is to divide the city by area and group nearby attractions together. This will save time and help you be more efficient.
Each day in this plan focuses on a different part of the city, covering must-see spots, local culture, and fun things to do in Tokyo. You can follow it as is or tweak this Tokyo itinerary based on your interests, area your staying at, or simply your mood.
Day 1: Start in the heart of central Tokyo
Begin your Tokyo itinerary by exploring Tokyo’s cultural variety. It’s a mix of temples, shrines, gardens, but also modern landmarks, and bustling streets. Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo to start your trip strong:
- Imperial Palace and Gardens: Located in a large park and surrounded by water, the former home of the Imperial Family is an ideal first stop in Tokyo. You can learn about the shogunate history, and enjoy a peaceful walk through its beautifully kept gardens.
- Sensō-ji (Asakusa): Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, famous for its striking five-story pagoda and incense-lined walkways. A great place to experience traditional Tokyo.
- Yasukuni Shrine: This historic Shinto shrine honors those who helped shape modern Japan. The peaceful grounds and classic architecture make it a meaningful stop.
- Tokyo Tower: After exploring the ancient sites, end your day by going to the tallest tower in the city. It’s a great photo spot, especially around sunset.
- Shinjuku: Head here for dinner, drinks, or a stroll through the buzzing streets. Don’t miss the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden or the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Day 2: Explore temples and museums in eastern Tokyo
Start your second day in Tokyo by diving deeper into the city’s traditions and local culture. Eastern Tokyo is rich in spiritual sites and historical neighborhoods — plus, it’s home to some of the best street bites and hidden gems in the city.
Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo on day two:
- Fukagawa Fudō-dō: Unlike other temples, the Fukagawa Fudō-dō is owned by the Shingon, an esoteric Japanese sect. It is known for its fire rituals accompanied by taiko drumming. After visiting, you’ll find cozy cafés and food stalls perfect for a quick local bite.
- Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine: Located close to Fukagawa, this Shinto shrine often hosts antique markets and is a great place to explore before lunch. It’s a peaceful spot tucked away from the busier train stations and tourist hubs.
- Ōtori Jinja: Situated near Asakusa, this Edo-era shrine is popular among locals who pray here for household peace. Browse the outdoor markets to buy kumade (bamboo rakes) as souvenirs before stepping inside.
- Tsukiji Fish Market: No Tokyo itinerary is complete without visiting this iconic market. While the wholesale auctions have moved, Tsukiji’s outer market is still bustling with fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and classic Tokyo street food.
- Tobacco and Salt Museum: A quirky but fascinating museum that showcases the cultural history of these everyday items. It’s a quiet stop that adds a unique twist to your day of exploring.
- Sumo Museum: Located near Ryōgoku Station, this small museum offers a fascinating look at Japan’s national sport. It’s a great stop to learn how sumo evolved from shrine rituals to stadium events.
Day 3: Stand on the Shibuya crossing and visit other western Tokyo landmarks
Your stop for day three is western Tokyo. Leave the temples and cultural landmarks aside for a bit and embark on a day of connecting with contemporary Japanese culture.
- Shibuya Crossing: Start your day at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It’s a must-visit Tokyo landmark that gives you a feel for the city’s fast pace and rushed street life. Snap a photo from the second floor of Shibuya Station for a great aerial view.
- Hachikō Statue: Close to the Shibuya crossing, you can visit the statue of a very good boy. This famous statue honors the loyal dog Hachikō. It’s quick to visit and makes a great photo op.
- Harajuku Station: Harajuku was remodeled in 2020, and thanks to its proximity to the train stations of Shibuya and Shinjuku, it’s very easy to reach. You’ll find high-end stores, quirky fashion, and plenty of Japanese food lining Takeshita Street.
- Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park: Escape the crowds by visiting the Shrine, nestled in a tranquil forest right next to Harajuku. Then, relax or picnic in Yoyogi Park, a local favorite.
- Daikanyama: Once you’re done walking, Daikanyama is a great place to relax. You can either go for brunch or even prepare a picnic. Saigoyama Park is an excellent spot for that.
- Okubo: Another mix of cultures in Tokyo. This area is known for its Koreatown but is also home to Tokyo’s Muslim community. You’ll find K-pop shops, Korean food, Halal restaurants, and small markets selling imported spices.
- Golden Gai: If you’re up for one more stop, head to Golden Gai. This cluster of tiny bars in East Shinjuku is a unique place to wind down your day. Each bar has its own theme and regulars. It’s one of Tokyo’s most memorable nightlife experiences.
Day 4: Spend a day in northern Tokyo visiting Ikebukuro and Ueno
Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo in a single day around Ikebukuro and Ueno. You can reach them easily from Tokyo Station or any major train station on the Yamanote Line without any transfers.
- Ikebukuro: Start your day here, a district known for its mix of shopping, pop culture, and city views. Visit the observation deck at Sunshine City, explore Japanese street art, or shop at underground department stores. You’ll also find local food spots like Gyukatsu Motomura, which are perfect for lunch.
- Ueno: After Ikebukuro, take a quick ride to Ueno Station. The park here is home to shrines, museums, and even a zoo. If you’re visiting in spring, don’t miss the cherry blossoms. It’s a peaceful break from busier parts of Tokyo.
- Ameyoko Market: Right outside Ueno Station, this lively market street is great for picking up souvenirs or trying local snacks. It’s less polished than other shopping streets, which makes it more authentic.
- Tokyo National Museum or National Museum of Nature and Science: If you’re into history or science, either of these museums near Ueno will round out your afternoon.
Day 5: Dive into the Japanese pop culture at Akihabara
For your final day in Tokyo, head to Akihabara, the city’s pop culture capital. This district is packed with electronics shops, anime stores, arcades, and themed cafés — ideal for travelers who want to experience modern Japan at its quirkiest.
Here are some of the best things to do in Akihabara:
- Akihabara Radio Kaikan: Looking for a Gojo t-shirt or a Pikachu plushy? Radio Kaikan is the ideal first stop, as it’s a hub for every anime lover looking for souvenirs.
- Akiba Culture Zone: If Radio Kaikan wasn’t enough, you can head to the Akiba Culture Zone, where, aside from the anime and manga, you’ll dive into the gaming culture, where stores create shrines dedicated to their dream setups.
- Tokyo Leisure Land: Feeling like traveling back in time? Leisure Land is home to floors of entertainment where the iconic arcade games are the protagonists of the fun happening in every corner.
- Themed cafes: Whether it’s a Naruto, Pokémon, or Hello Kitty café, themed cafés in Akihabara combine food and fandom. Some even allow you to snap photos with the staff or murals.
Before you wrap up your trip, stop by an observation deck like Tokyo Skytree for a final view of the Tokyo skyline. It’s a perfect way to reflect on the city from above.
Bonus: Plan a day trip from Tokyo
You’re right if you feel there’s more to see and do in Tokyo. But instead of staying in the city, you can explore the countryside on a short trip. The Japanese excellent transport system makes it easy.
Here are some of your best options for a day trip from Tokyo:
- Visit Lake Kawaguchi: About 1 hour and 40 minutes from the city, this lake offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji. Walk the shoreline, hike nearby trails, or just relax in the fresh mountain air.
- Spend a day in Kawagoe: Often called “Little Edo,” this town is known for its well-preserved streets and architecture from Japan’s Edo period. It’s less than an hour away and perfect for a half-day trip.
- Relax at Chichibu: Surrounded by valleys and seasonal flower parks, Chichibu offers a quieter, nature-rich experience. It’s great for a slower-paced escape from the city.
Other popular options include Nikko, Hakone, and Yokohama. The last of these sits along Tokyo Bay and is known for its waterfront parks, ramen museum, and skyline views.
Tips for an unforgettable experience in Tokyo
Having some tips is extremely useful for everyone visiting Tokyo, especially if you’re solo traveling in Japan.
- Plan where to stay in Tokyo in advance: Tokyo is a year-round tourist destination. Ensure you rent an Airbnb or a capsule hotel room in advance, as that’s the perfect way to find a reasonable price before your trip.
- Make your airport transfer count: If you’re heading to Haneda Airport later, consider taking the Tokyo Monorail. It’s a fast, scenic ride that gives you one last look at Tokyo Bay before you leave.
- Get an Integrated Circuit Card: Also known as IC Cards in Japan, these are extremely useful for saving money on transportation tickets. Whether you’re using buses, trains, or Shinkansen trains at some point, a Suica or Pasmo card will carry you through your five-day trip. Optionally, a JR Rail Pass also works.
- Prepare your translator: Less than 30% of Japanese speak English, meaning a translator will be your best friend during your Tokyo trip. Use an eSIM for Tokyo as you’ll get unlimited data to break the language barrier.
- Book tickets in advance: To avoid a sold-out situation, it is advisable to book tickets in advance when visiting museums or getting Shinkansen tickets. Getting an eSIM for Japan or using a service like Holafly Connect can give you all the data you need during your five-day trip to Tokyo.
- Pack appropriately for your trip: Japan can be pretty cold or hot. Ensure you pack fresh clothes for summer or a nice coat for winter!
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
