Want to maximise your time in Japan’s captivating capital? This adaptable 5-day Tokyo itinerary will help you do just that.
There are so many unique places and things to see in Japan that deciding how to spend your time is one of the biggest struggles of travelling there.
The capital city, Tokyo, is the first stop for most travellers who fly in to one it two major airports, Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport.
Therefore, it makes a logical place to spend the first part of your trip – especially if it’s your first time in Japan.
But how many days should you spend in Tokyo? And what should you prioritise on your Tokyo itinerary? Is it even worth spending some days in Tokyo?
In short: yes!
While some countries’ capital cities can definitely be skipped, Tokyo simply isn’t one of them.
From the eclectic Tokyo nightlife and unique daytime fun, to its heart-warming traditions and mouth-watering foodie spots, there are simply too many things to do in Tokyo to miss out on.
Whether you have one week in Japan, one month to explore or more, Tokyo is always a fantastic stop for your Japan itinerary.
This adaptable 5-day Tokyo itinerary will make sure you leave with no regrets.
I’ve also included some tips on how to make the most of your trip, whether you have more or fewer days (or exactly 5 days in Tokyo!).
Just to let you know… This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. I may receive a small commission from them at no extra cost to you.
Tips for planning your Tokyo itinerary
Tokyo is big, bright and busy, but peacefully so. It’s a weird contrast and one of many contrasts you’ll discover when you first visit Tokyo.
It’s always hard to judge how much time to spend in the capital – which is usually your landing point and first stop – versus the rest of the country when visiting any new country for the first time.
And while I would usually recommend just a day or two to see the best bits before moving on – especially with places such as Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and the many other places Japan has to offer – Tokyo is a little different.
Yes, Tokyo is huge, but it’s mesmerising and it’s quietly chaotic – the kind of city that even city-haters who shy away from shopping malls, department stores and neon lights can get on board with.
The 5-day Tokyo itinerary that I’ve provided below can be adapted based on your own personal interests and the number of days you plan to spend in Tokyo.
How many days in Tokyo do I need?
If you want to scratch more than the surface of Tokyo, first-time visitors should consider spending at least 4-5 days there.
Even if you only have one week in Japan in total, 5 days in Tokyo is a good amount of time to spend exploring, soaking up the sights and sounds of this buzzing capital.
And, in that case, you can follow this 5-day Tokyo itinerary exactly as it is, if you wish!
If you have a little less time on your hands, I’d still recommend spending at least a couple of days getting to understand this special city.
Is 5 days in Tokyo enough?
Like many of the popular places in Japan, you could easily spend an entire month (or more!) exploring Tokyo.
As much as I love and recommend Tokyo, however, I wouldn’t recommend staying only in Tokyo if it will be at the expense of missing the many other beautiful places in Japan.
Japan is a country that needs to be travelled to be fully appreciated, and you’ll be missing out on some of the most special parts of Japanese culture if you stick to one city.
For that reason, I decided to condense everything into a 5-day Tokyo itinerary in order to find a balance that I think works well.
Of course, how many days you spend in Tokyo will depend on your own trip length and interests, but 5 days in Tokyo is a good amount of time to explore this city if you have at least 10 days in Japan.
And if you have more? Well, Tokyo makes a fantastic base for exploring most of Japan thanks to the Shinkansen bullet trains that connect the country.
With a Japan Rail Pass, you may just be surprised at how many incredible places you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo.
For that reason, making Tokyo your base doesn’t limit you to the city itself. Far from it, with a JR Pass, it makes an ideal base given how easy to take bullet train day trips from Tokyo.
The one time you might want to cancel your Tokyo accommodation is if you plan to visit Hokkaido or some of the more northern parts of Japan.
The Japan Rail Pass
If one thing becomes abundantly clear when planning any itinerary for Japan, it is that the Japan Rail Pass is essential.
This handy little card gives you access to the entire network of high-speed trains (and some non-high-speed local trains) across the country, making it possible to squeeze much more into your time in Japan.
It will also save you a small fortune on the cost of travel in Japan!
It’s best to order your pass before you leave because it’s much cheaper than buying it once you arrive. Plus, it’s also much easier.
You can buy your pass on this official website and get free delivery to almost any country in 24-48 hours. If you prefer, you can also do as I did and pick your pass up when you arrive, but you’ll save time by getting it delivered.
What to do in Tokyo in 5 days
The 5-day Tokyo itinerary that I’ve put together below incorporates a little bit of everything that makes this city unique.
That includes:
- Food to try in Tokyo, including street food, sushi trains and the quirky maid cafe
- Famous spots such as Shibuya crossing
- Cultural hubs including Tsukiji Fish Market
- The bright and wacky Harajuku district
- Local nightlife spots in the narrow streets of Golden Gai
- and more!
All of these can be accessed by public transport, are worth exploring and could fill an entire 5-day Tokyo itinerary on their own.
My advice is to try to fit in a little bit of everything if you can.
Of course, there are plenty of popular tourists spots that I’ve skipped, including Tokyo Disneyland (and Tokyo DisneySea) and Tokyo National Museum.
In other cities, these attractions may top the list of things to do.
In case it wasn’t evident already, Tokyo has so many wonderful things to explore that I chose to focus on the more unique travel experiences.
If you plan to add any of the many other things to do in Tokyo to your own 5-day Tokyo itinerary, then of course you will want to keep that in mind when using this one to plan your Japan trip.
About this Tokyo Itinerary
This 5-day Tokyo itinerary has been designed to show you the best things in Tokyo while giving you a taste of just how eclectic the city is.
You can either follow it step-by-step or pick and mix the bits that suit you best.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you allow at least a little time for spontaneity.
Tokyo is the kind of city where you’ll find yourself full of inspiration and your bucket list will only grow as you explore.
If you happen to be visiting Tokyo in the springtime, you’ll also want to make sure you allow plenty of time for hanami – the Japanese traditional of viewing the blooming cherry blossoms (sakura).
If you are visiting at any other time of year, there are still plenty of traditional, unique and adventurous things to fill your Tokyo itinerary with.
Summertime visits are perfect for the one-of-a-kind Mario Kart go-kart tour experience or strolling around the mesmerising Yoyogi Park.
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Visiting Japan in winter gives you the perfect excuse to warm up inside a 23-hour karaoke, visit the famous Tokyo Tower or take a dip in an onsen (check out the best ones here).
Since Tokyo is a great city to visit all year round, I’ve chosen to leave the more seasonal activities off of this 5-day Tokyo itinerary, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t add them to your final plan!
DON’T TRAVEL TO JAPAN WITHOUT INSURANCE!
If you only do one thing before your trip to Japan, please make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers you for healthcare and cancellations, as well as any activities you plan to do because Japan has some of the most expensive healthcare in the world!
As of 2023, I use and recommend Heymondo because they offer greater cover – they cover things that most insurers won’t – and 24/7 assistance no matter where you’re going (or where you’re from!).
They offer options for single trips, long stays and annual coverage, so they’re a great budget-friendly (yet sufficient) option for digital nomads and frequent travellers, too.
How to spend 4 days in Tokyo (or less)
If you’re pushed for time, you could probably fit this 5-day Tokyo itinerary into just 4 days if you don’t mind rushing a little.
Alternatively, you could choose the skip the day trip part, especially if you are planning on travelling more of Japan.
More than 5 days in Tokyo?
If you have more than 5 days in Tokyo, don’t worry!
You will never be stuck for things to do in Tokyo because the city is absolutely bursting with new experiences.
You can still follow this 5-day Tokyo itinerary, adding more of the suggested activities to your list (rather than having to choose between them!).
Alternatively, you could add in an extra day trip or two since there are no shortage of places to visit with the Japan Rail Pass.
An Adaptable 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
This Tokyo itinerary assumes that you have four nights to explore the city, allowing you to tailor the first and last days depending on your arrival and departure times.
If you have more (or less) than five days in Tokyo, make sure you check out the guidance above.
Day 1: Check in to Shinjuku or Shibuya
Tokyo has two main airports, but most international visitors will arrive at Narita International Airport.
The easiest way to get into central Tokyo from Narita Airport is on the high-speed – and aptly named – Narita Express.
A one-way ticket costs around 3,000 Yen (about £20 or $27) and the journey takes just under an hour.
The journey is also included with the Japan Rail Pass (which is even more reason to buy your pass before you travel!).
Just like most of Japan’s bullet trains, the Narita Express is one of the most comfortable trains I’ve ever travelled on.
There are plug sockets and free WiFi on board, too, so you can download maps, check your reservations and add to your plans while you ride.
Or you could just look out the window and take in your first view of the country – it’s a pretty special sight if it’s your first time visiting Japan!
The exact calling points can vary on each train, but staying near Shinjuku or Shibuya Station will make it easy to get to your hotel and provide a great base for exploring Tokyo and beyond.
Tokyo accommodation doesn’t always come cheap and you’ll save both time and money by staying as close as possible to one of these stations.
Where to stay in Tokyo
- Like a little luxury? The Keio Plaza Hotel is one of the finest in the city, and is also a sustainable choice
- Experience one of Japan’s popular capsule hotels at Anshin Oyado and wake up right next to Shinjuku Station
- Staying at quirky hostel Book and Bed is more like sleeping in a library
- Enjoy the most authentic experience (and save some money!) by staying in a local apartment such as this stylish and central studio.
Immerse yourself in the Tokyo (night)life
Depending on what time you arrive, I recommend throwing yourself straight into everything the city has to offer.
If it’s still light outside, Shinjuku is one of the most fun districts to explore.
It’s the perfect place to explore in the best way I know: by getting lost. Shinjuku is a popular area with both locals and visitors, so there’s no shortage of sights and smells to get lost in.
More than that, it will give you a great feel for Tokyo and for Japanese life in general.
Once night falls, Shinjuku really comes to life. Even if you’re exhausted, it’s worth at least taking a short walk to try some delicious food and experience a different side to Tokyo.
You’ll probably want to save the full Shinjuku nightlife experience for another night, but there are plenty of ways to fill your 5-day Tokyo itinerary if you’re a night owl who’s keen to fit in as much as possible!
Check out this list for more ideas of things to do in Shinjuku.
Day 2: Head to Harajuku
Even if your Japan knowledge is lacking, you’ve probably heard of Harajuku.
This bright and eclectic district is the home of harajuku fashion and it’s one of the most fun parts of the entire city.
While the rest of Tokyo adopts a much more reserved, neutral style that wouldn’t look out of place in Scandinavia, style in Harajuku is loud and proud.
Japan is one of the most eclectic countries I’ve travelled to, but the Harajuku district is on a whole new level. It’s eccentric, it’s colourful and it kind of doesn’t feel like real life.
You’ll know when you reach Harajuku because you’ll feel like you’re stepping onto the pages of a very cute (or kawaii, as the Japanese might say) comic book.
Anything goes in Harajuku and one of the best things to do there is to simply wander around and attempt to take it all in.
Don’t underestimate how long you can spend simply observing all the buzz and activity here!
People watchers will be in their element, sweet-toothed travellers won’t know which colourful candy to try first and fashion-lovers could spend an entire day trying on Japan’s least conservative clothing.
Harajuku Highlights
- Want to learn more about Japan’s Harajuku culture? Learn all about its history and significance on this guided tour of Harajuku.
- Takeshita-dori (or Takeshita Street) is the main shopping street in Harajuku. It’s right outside the Harajuku station and full of colourful shops selling clothing, accessories, sweets and more.
- If you need a break from Harajuku’s lively streets, step inside Reissue Cafe for a 3D coffee. The talented coffee artists take coffee art to a whole new level, creating any image in 2D or 3D on your latte. I showed them a photo of my bunny, Binky, and the resemblance was almost too close for me to drink it.
- Try the local udon noodles at Hanamaru Udon. Chunkier than your average ramen, these noodles may be even more delicious too. This underground restaurant was a real gem of a find, with fast service, affordable prices and lots of locals inside.
- For a plant-based and vegan-friendly foodie tour of Harajuku, this vegan food tour will take you to the area’s best spots.
- Or, for the ultimate Harajuku experience, this on-brand tour will show you the district’s most impressive – and most photogenic! – food!
Day 3: Get out of the city
Tokyo isn’t just a great city to explore, but also a great base for exploring Japan.
Japan is one of the most well-connected countries in the world, and it’s possible to travel halfway across its land in just a couple of hours.
Take advantage of the Shinkansen – and get the bullet train experience! – by taking one of the many possible day trips from Tokyo.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass, many of these trains are free to ride and can be booked in advance.
Whether you want to see the unique Japanese snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, visit Mt Fuji or check out one of the many other unique towns closer, it’s all possible from Tokyo.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer day with a 3-hour trip each way, it’s also possible to visit Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo!
Day 4: Have a quintessentially Tokyo experience
There are so many things to do in Tokyo and, now you’ve seen the main parts, it’s time to explore your passions.
I can’t tell you what that is, so here are some fun ways to see the city this morning before the action-packed night we have ahead of us:
Art-lovers will enjoy learning about Tokyo’s history and modern life in this private tour of the city’s neighbourhoods.
Get a truly local experience by hiring a private guide to show you the city.
See the best views and appreciate Tokyo from above at the world’s tallest freestanding tower, Skytree.
TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to visit multiple attractions around the city, Klook has an exclusive pass that allows you to save on entry (and skip the queues!). Click here to check it out.
Explore the Tokyo nightlife
One of the things we quickly noticed about Tokyo is that it’s a night city.
Sure, the streets are bustling all day long, but Tokyo really comes into its own once the sun goes down… and sometimes that means things can get a bit unexpected.
Start your evening with a drink – or a full guided tour – in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district.
This small area of winding alleyways is home to over 200 “tiny bars”, most of which can fit no more than 5 or 6 patrons at any one time.
Try a local whiskey and strike up a conversation with the bartender. You never know what might happen.
Once you have a little liquid courage inside you, it’s time to face the music…
I usually stay away from super touristy attractions (even if I am all for visiting touristy destinations) but the Robot Show was one of my favourite experiences in Japan.
Sadly, it closed permanently in July 2020, but there are still plenty of other options including sumo wrestling, stand-up comedy (in English) and traditional music shows.
If you prefer to take centre stage yourself, good news: Most karaoke bars are open 24 hours and you won’t have to venture far to find one.
My favourite is Karaoke World, where private rooms come with the option of unlimited drinks for just a couple of dollars more.
Tokyo’s emphasis on night time adventures means you can enjoy the city at any time of year.
It also offers a totally different experience to the Kyoto nightlife, so don’t skip it just because you’re visiting Kyoto too!
Day 5: Pick up souvenirs and (reluctantly) say goodbye
Whatever your usual travel style, there’s a very good chance you’ll be sad to leave Tokyo.
5 days just isn’t enough to see the city – and I’m not sure 5 months would even be enough.
Depending on your flight time, use your final day in Tokyo to binge on whatever it is you love most.
Whether it’s the carousel sushi bars, cute souvenirs shops, quirky coffee stops, impressive temples or beautiful open parks, Tokyo has a lot to fall in love with and everyone leaves with completely different memories.
It’s also a great time to hit the shops and pick up some souvenirs to take home.
Even if, like me, you’re not usually big on souvenirs, it’s impossible to resist when Tokyo has too many cute and unique things. They also make great gifts!
Tokyo Travel Planning
Even though I found Japan surprisingly easy to travel, it still pays to be prepared.
In fact, it’s one country where you’ll really save yourself some time and money (not to mention stress!) by having as much prepped in advance as possible.
Here is a checklist of things to have prepared before you go:
Shinkansen Tickets
The Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer for anybody who wants to see more than one part of Japan.
Booking in advance is super simple – much simpler than buying in Japan – AND comes with free 24-48 hour delivery.
I booked through JRailPass.com and can’t recommend them more for their price, efficiency and customer service.
Travel Insurance
The good news: things generally run smoothly in Japan and, when they don’t, the healthcare is some of the best in the world.
The bad news: when things don’t go to plan, it can be very expensive.
That’s why travel insurance is a must in Japan.
Since moving to Portugal, I use and recommend True Traveller because they cover a wide range of activities and circumstances.
If you’re resident outside of Europe, EKTA travel insurance offers affordable, transparent and extensive coverage all over the world.
WiFi/Sim Card
Getting a sim card in Japan is tricky (and expensive!). Unfortunately, I waited until I was there and learned the hard way, so I highly recommend arranging your WiFi situation before you go.
The best way to stay connected while travelling Japan is with an eSim that you can use right away or this local sim with unlimited data that you can pick up on arrival.
Save on flights to Japan
Did you know that you can save up to 10% on flights with a cashback service?
With WayAway Plus, you can find the cheapest flights, transfers and other travel services and receive part of your purchase back in cash. It goes straight to your Paypal account!
I use WayAway to book all my flights so that I can save extra and have secured an exclusive discount for Alajode readers to do the same.
Use this link and the code ‘ALAJODE’ to save a massive 55% on your yearly membership plan and start saving. That mean you’ll get up to 10% off all travel services for less than $4 per month. In just one trip to Japan, that could save you hundreds of dollars!
VPN
Not only does a VPN help protect you and your data while travelling, it can also help you access geo-locked content.
That’s something that comes in really handy in a place like Japan, especially if you don’t speak the local language!
NordVPN is the one I use and trust, and currently has this great deal available.
Airport Transfers
If you’ll be arriving late or staying somewhere fairly remote, consider booking an airport transfer on arrival.
This will take a whole lot of stress out of an already confusing situation when you land in Japan, especially after a long flight.
I’ve found this website has the best prices and the widest availability (sometimes in places where there aren’t even taxis!).
How to make the most of your 5 days in Tokyo
A little bit of organisation will go a long one when visiting Japan, and that’s especially true for Tokyo. Here’s how to make the most of your time there.
Stay near a station
Tokyo is a BIG city and getting round can be time-consuming.
Staying near one of the main stations will save you a lot of stress and help you squeeze more in, especially if you only have 5 days in Tokyo (or less).
Get a Suica card
Suica is a pre-paid card that can be used to pay for travel, as well as in a lot of stores and at vending machines.
You just top it up and use it like a contactless debit card, and you can return it to get any remaining balance back at the end.
Having a Suica saves carrying lots of cash around (Yen isn’t the easy currency to figure out!) and will save you on a hefty bill back home.
Click here to buy yours online.
Make use of grocery stores and vending machines
Speaking of grocery stores and vending machines, these super convenient spots can be found on every single street and come in really useful.
The vending machines in Japan stock both hot drinks and cold drinks and the convenience stores always have plenty of fresh food, hot and cold.
Buy a metro pass
If you want to make the most of your short time in Tokyo and see as much of the city as possible, a 24-, 48- or 72-hour metro pass will be your best friend and save you lots of money.