5 Days in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary
Five days gives you a genuine taste of Tokyo's extraordinary variety — ancient temples, high-tech pop culture, world-class food markets, and the frenetic energy of Shibuya. You'll barely scratch the surface, but you'll understand why people keep coming back.
Build my personalized Tokyo plan
This 5-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.
Your 5-day Tokyo itinerary, day by day
- Day1
Old Tokyo: Asakusa
Begin at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, at dawn — the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street are magical before the crowds arrive. Explore the Asakusa backstreets for traditional crafts, rickshaw rides, and views of the Sky Tree. Evening in Akihabara for the sensory overload of electronics stores and maid cafés.
- Day2
Shibuya and Harajuku
Shibuya Crossing is best experienced from the Starbucks window at street level — stand in the middle of it too. Walk up Omotesando (Tokyo's answer to the Champs-Élysées) to Harajuku, then into Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine for a complete change of pace. The forested approach to the shrine feels impossibly calm given you're in the middle of a megacity.
- Day3
Shinjuku by Day and Night
Shinjuku is Tokyo's most intense neighbourhood — start in the east (Kabukicho entertainment district, Golden Gai's impossibly narrow bar alleys) and explore the west side's skyscraper district, where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a free observation deck. Stay for the evening: Golden Gai's 200+ tiny bars, each seating 6–8 people, are an unmissable experience.
- Day4
teamLab and Odaiba
teamLab Planets in Toyosu is one of the world's most extraordinary art experiences — immersive digital art installations that feel genuinely otherworldly. Book well in advance. Take the Yurikamome monorail to Odaiba for the afternoon: the artificial island has great views of the Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline, plus the massive Diver City mall.
- Day5
Tsukiji and Ginza
The outer Tsukiji Market (the inner market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market remains) is the best place in Tokyo for sushi breakfast — tuna nigiri at 8am is a non-negotiable Tokyo experience. Walk south to Ginza for window-shopping at the flagship stores of every major luxury brand, then up to the Roppongi arts district for the evening.
Tips for your Tokyo trip
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport — it works on all trains, subways, and buses across the country, and you can use it to pay at convenience stores and vending machines.
- Convenience stores (konbini) — 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — are genuinely excellent for breakfast and lunch: onigiri, sandwiches, and hot foods at the counter, all under ¥500.
- Book popular restaurants weeks in advance, especially ramen spots, sushi counters, and izakayas in Shinjuku or Shibuya — many have English-language online booking via Tableall or Omakase.
- The JR Pass is only worth it if you're doing multiple bullet-train journeys to other cities; for Tokyo alone, a Suica card covers everything you need.
Other Tokyo trip lengths
FAQ: 5 days in Tokyo
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Five days gives you a genuine taste of Tokyo's extraordinary variety — ancient temples, high-tech pop culture, world-class food markets, and the frenetic energy of Shibuya. If you have more or less time, see our 7 and 10-day Tokyo itineraries.
What should I do on day 1 in Tokyo?
Old Tokyo: Asakusa: Begin at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, at dawn — the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise shopping street are magical before the crowds arrive. Explore the Asakusa backstreets for traditional crafts, rickshaw rides, and views of the Sky Tree. Evening in Akihabara for the sensory overload of electronics stores and maid cafés.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is March–May (cherry blossoms) and October–November.
Can I customize this 5-day Tokyo itinerary?
Yes. Open it in Planawai and the AI rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and interests. You can then drag stops, change times or ask for changes like "less walking" or "more food".
Build my personalized Tokyo plan
This 5-day itinerary is a starting point. Planawai's AI trip planner rebuilds it around your dates, budget, pace and who you travel with, with a map and cost estimate for every day. Free to start.