Detailed 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary & Map

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Planning a trip to Tokyo? 🗾 Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this detailed 5-day Tokyo itinerary (plus a super handy pinned Google Map!) is the best way to explore one of the world’s biggest cities without feeling overwhelmed.

Over five jam-packed days, we’ll show you how to fit in all the must-see sights—the bright lights, iconic landmarks, and buzzing neighborhoods that make Tokyo unforgettable.

We’ll also share a few hidden gems, cultural experiences, and easy day trips that are often missed. If you’re wondering what the first thing to plan should be, this blog post and guide is a great place to start.

Gotokuji Temple and Gisha's in Kimonos in Tokyo
Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo (Lucky Cat Temple)

Tokyo – Key Information

✨ Use code TRAVELLIVNLOOK on Klook for 10% off.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Shared Airport Buses from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Private Transfers from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Luggage Delivery Service from the Airport to Hotel

Read our full guide about Airport Transfers to compare your Train options.

WHERE TO STAY – Our Top 6 Choices

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

Hotel Groove Shinjuku 

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla Hotel)

The Millennials Shibuya 

OMO3 Asakusa (Tokyo Tower Views)

Asakusa View Hotel (Tokyo Tower Views)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT / RAIL PASSES

Suica Card (A MUST)

Tokyo Metro Card (This one SAVED us heaps!)

Hakone / Fuji / Kamakura Pass

JR Full Rail PASS (If you plan on taking 3+ shinkansen bullet train)

Read our guide to work out Which Pass do you need?

TICKETS AND ATTRACTIONS

It is ESSENTIAL that you pre purchase your attractions in advance in Japan as many are likely to sell out.

Disneyland

DisneySea

Shibuya Sky

Mario Carts

Teamlab Planets

Teamlab Borderless

Asakusa Sumo Club

Make a Kimono as a Souvenir

Infinity Pool Onsen Facility

Tea Ceremony

Sushi Making Samurai restuarant – Jin Asakusa

ESSENTIAL APPS

Klook app get 10% off with our code TRAVELLIVNKOOK to book your Hotels, Trains, Tours & Attractions

We use a Wise Card for the best Currency exchange rates.

Use either Apple Maps or Google Maps to navigate trains and for directions!

This is our go-to Esim in Japan

Table of Contents
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This will make planning your Japan Trip so much easier!

Make sure you download our clickable 14 Day Itinerary PDF and pinned Google Maps with over 300 pins of iconic sites and hidden Gems

Share you Email here & I’ll send you a copy

📍Day 1 of Your Tokyo Itinerary: Asakusa and Akihabara

Detailed 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary & Map

Start your Tokyo itinerary in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town. You’ll find giant multi story arcades filled with video games, anime stores, maid cafés, and lots of cute souvenirs. This area is fun, bright, and totally unforgettable. PRO TIP: Akihabara is a popular spot on Sundays as they close off the street from 11am

Next, head to Asakusa, one of the city’s more traditional districts. Visit the famous Sensoji Temple, wander down Nakamise-dori Street, and grab traditional snacks as you go.

Enjoy a lunch and a cultural experience at either the Asakusa Sumo Club or a Samurai Sushi Class at Jin Asakusa.

In the afternoon, swing by Tokyo Tower for sunset views and eat at Asakusas eat street, Hoppy street.

I have listed below the highlights in both areas, and you can choose to add or substitute any of the below sites and activities from each area.

👉 Planning your first trip to Japan? Don’t miss my 10-day itinerary for first-timers, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and all the must-see spots in between—plus loads of time-saving tips, hidden gems, and budget-friendly advice.
✨ Click here to make planning easy and your trip unforgettable!

Best things to do in Akihabara

  • Dive into multi-level gaming centers, anime shops, and quirky souvenir stores.
  • Visit an iconic maid café for a uniquely Akihabara experience.
  • Stop by Takakara Akiba for all-you-can-eat karaage (a delicious Japanese fried chicken and local dish of Tokyo)

Akihabara Tokyo

🚅 Akihabara and Asakusa are located only 1 station apart on the Ginza line (orange)

Best Things to do in Asakusa

  • Sensoji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple and a must for first time visitors  – 🔥Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Plus, don’t miss drawing an Omikuji (fortune slip) for just ¥100.  This is a 1,000-year-old Japanese tradition predicting your luck in areas like health, love, work and wealth.
  • Nakamise-dori Street – A lively shopping street leading to Sensoji Temple, lined with traditional souvenir shops and local snacks. 🔥Pro Tip: Try the melon bread or one of the many delicious strawberry desserts.
  • Sumo Experience – This experience is one of the best places to experience Sumo Wrestling, if you arent visitning when there is a tournament on.  You can enjoy a traditional sumo lunch with retired sumo wrestlers, watch a Sumo demonstration and even challenge a wrestler yourself after the meal.
  • Tokyo Tower – A classic Tokyo landmark with stunning skyline views. Also, home to a Pokémon Center and dining options at the base.
  • Jin Asakusa – An interactive, Sengoku Era cultural and culinary experience. Dress as a samurai battle coat and join a fun sushi-making class.
  • Hikifune Takagi Shrine – ‘The Onigiri Shrine’ – A small quirky shrine located close to the Tokyo Skytree.
Sensoji Temple
Asakusa
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skyetree
Asakusa – Tokyo

Where to Eat in Asakusa

  • Sumo Experience – Includes a lunch show with retired wrestlers (book in advance)
  • Jin Asakusa – Sushi-making class as part of the cultural Samurai experience. (book in advance).
  • Takakara Akiba – All-you-can-eat karaage chicken in Akihabara.
  • Nakamise-dori Street – Street food favorites.
  • Hoppy Street – Asakusa’s famous night food alley. A great for local izakaya dishes and a casual, lively atmosphere.

Asakusa Sumo Club Experience

Things to do in Asakusa at night

  • Take in the night views of the Tokyo Tower and Sensoji Temple.
  • Hoppy Street – Asakusa’s Night Food Alley – Located just west of Sensoji Temple, in the Asakusa district and famous for local izakayas. 🔥PRO TIP: Most spots open around 5 PM and stay open late into the night

📍Day 2: Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku in One Day

On day two of your Tokyo itinerary, explore three iconic neighborhoods.

Start in Harajuku. This place is full of cute fashion, crepes, and kawaii vibes. Walk Takeshita Street, shop the boutiques, then take a break from the chaos at Meiji Shrine.

Next, visit Shibuya. Cross the famous Shibuya Scramble, shop till you drop, snap a photo with Hachiko, then head up to Shibuya Sky for sunset.

End your day in Shinjuku. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free city views and a light show on the exterior of the building.

Finally, explore Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, and the buzzing energy of Kabukicho.

Top Things to do in Shibuya

  • Shibuya Crossing – cross the famous Shibuya scramble crossing the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and a Tokyo must-do!
    • 🔥Hot Tip: Get the perfect view from The Share Lounge (above Starbucks) – for a reasonable fee, you’ll get unlimited snacks, drinks OR an unlimited alcohol option). Alternatively, head to the Starbucks above the crossing for a great view. If you want to sit, you’ll need to order a coffee, and seats are hot property and hard to come by.
  • Snap a photo with Hachiko. A statue at the Shibuya crossing of an Akita dog known as the most loyal dog in Shibuya. It’s a sweet, but sad story from the 1920s of man’s best friend going back to the same spot for 9 years to wait for his owner to return, after he had died.
  • Shibuya Sky –is an iconic observation deck with panoramic views of Tokyo.
    • 🔥Hot Tip: The best session is definitely on sunset. However, these tickets sell out fast so be sure to jump online when they become available, which is 2 weeks prior.
  • Shopping – Fashion and Shoe Stores Galore – Shibuya is packed with trendy shops, boutiques, and cafes.
  • NEW: Shibuya Sakura Stage – A modern new shopping mall with boutiques, restaurants & entertainment.

Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Tokyo

AFTERDARK: Things to do in Shibuya at Night

  • Drunkard’s Alley (Nonbei Yokocho) barhop like a local in this lantern-lit alley.
  • Shibuya Yokocho – A lively alley packed with izakayas, food stalls, and buzzing energy.

Best Things to do in Shinjuku

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Head up to the free observatories for stunning panoramic views of the city
    • 🔥Hot Tip: Stick around for the nighttime light show on the side of the building from 7:30pm to 9:45pm
  • Neon Dreams – Shinjuku is famous for its glowing streets and giant LED billboards
    • Don’t misEs the 3D Cat Billboard.
  • Shop, Sip, and explore – One of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment and shopping hubs, from department stores to arcades, dart bars and endless dining spots.

AFTERDARK: Things to do in Shinjuku at Night

  • Tokyu Kabukicho Tower – A massive new entertainment complex in the heart of Tokyo’s wild Kabukicho area (yes, it’s the red-light district… but it’s also packed with nightlife, food, and fun)
  • Golden Gai – Step into another world with this maze of tiny bars, each with its own theme and personality. These bars only fit 5-10 people inside and you need climb up narrow staircases to get inside. It really is a unique experience.
  • Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) – A narrow alleyway filled with traditional local izakayas.

Inside one of the bars in the Golden Gai area, Shinjuku - Tokyo

Things to do in Harajuku

  • Takeshita Street – A buzzing, colorful street packed with quirky fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and the best people-watching in Tokyo. You’ll find many locals and visitors dressing in cosplay here.
  • Meiji Shrine / Meiji Jingu is a Shinto Shrine – steps away from the chaos, you find this beautiful shrine surrounded by the lush forest of Yoyogi Park.
  • Cosplay Culture – Spot locals (and visitors!) dressed in playful, over-the-top fashion – Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo’s cosplay culture.
  • Sweet Treats & Cute Cafes – From the paw in the wall cafe to the highest soufflé pancakes ive ever see. Harajuku is rich in its cafe culture.
  • Rooftop Garden at Tokyu Plaza – Escape the crowds and relax with a coffee or something to eat, at this stylish rooftop space with gardens and expansive views.

📍Day 3: Full Day Excursions From Tokyo

Now it’s time for a day trip! A great Tokyo itinerary should include a full-day escape from the city to experience a quieter side of Tokyo.

Here are some top our favorite organized Day Tour options for your 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary:

  • Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes this tour visits all the best spots to view Mt Fuji in one day. We have personally done this tour and can highly recommend it.
  • Hakone offers another great opportunity to see Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi, plus ride the ropeway to Owakudani and eat a black egg for a 7+ years longer life.
  • Kamakura and Enoshima a coastal town with an iconic local railway line that hugs the coast. Plus, beautiful temples and caves, that can’t be missed in Enoshima.
  • Nikko for its breathtaking waterfall and temples.
  • Nagano for snow monkeys and mountain vibes.

🔥Hot tip…. use Klook and the discount code TRAVELLIVNLOOK for up to 10% off day tours, attractions, rail and hotels. OR you can use our discount Code for GetYourGuide for 5% off your first purchase on the app – TRAVELLIVN5

Combination Day Tour Suggestions – Double the fun

If you are more of a DIY style traveller, you can also consider these rail passes to save yourself some money… for Hakone Free Pass 2 Days, Mt Fuji Hakone 3 Day Pass and or Hakone & Kamakura 3 Day Ticket

These are a variety of 1-3 day Rail Passes that include different combinations to explore these regions and offer a cheaper way to travel! Each include unlimited transport, activities and discounts. See Rail all pass options

[DIY Details] Day trips from Tokyo:

Mount Fuji

A Japan Itinerary is NOT COMPLETE without a visit to view the ICONIC Mount Fuji.

Lake Kawaguchi and the Fuji Five Lakes Regions offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji and is a popular destination for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and hot spring resorts. You can also visit nearby attractions like the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway or the Chureito Pagoda.

Detailed guide to visiting Mt Fuji

We have put together a complete guide of how to get there, day tours, self guided tours and a pinned Map for Mt Fuji which you can read here: Top 15 BEST Views and things to do in Mt Fuji + Map

Mount Fuji day trip ideas from Tokyo for your 10 day japan itinerary for first time travellers

Hakone

Hakone, renowned for its onsens, stunning views of Mount Fuji, the Hakone Lake and Tori Gates over the Lake, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

You can also ride the ropeway up to Owakundani and see the Volcanic vents, take in the views, and eat anything and everything black, including black eggs that are said to prolong your life by 7 years.

Getting to Hakone takes 1.5 hours from Tokyo by train. You can take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku station, and the Hakone Free Pass 2 Days is covered on this train. It also cover the cable car, ropeway, sightseeing buses as well.

Things to do in Hakone
  • Take the Hakone Ropeway
  • Ride the Pirate Ship across Lake Ashi
  • Soak in an onsen (hot spring) – see our suggestion below!
  • Eat a black egg at Owakudani
  • Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • See Hakone Shrine and Red Tori Gates on Lake Ashi
  • Stay overnight- see our suggestion below

Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring
Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring
Hakone – Owakudani, the Ropeway and Hakone Shrine

For something very VERY unique checkout Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring You’ll find a variety of different themed onsens here, including their wine onsen, sake onsen and ramen noodle onsen. It also has a great kid’s water playground area. Plus, outdoor slides and onsens. Watch here

Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring Tokyo
Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring

Where to stay in Hakone

Hotel Suggestions in Hakone – Tenseien Hotel: Is a Hot Spring Onsen Hotel located at the stunning Hein Waterfall. It also has a convenient location to the main Station and street. Watch here

Hein Waterfall in Hakone, day trip idea from Tokyo to add to your 10 day Japan itienrary for first time travellers
Tenseien onsen hotel in Hakone Japan

Search more Hakone Hotels

Kamakura and Enoshima

Combining a visit to Kamakura with nearby Enoshima Island, known for its beachside railway lines, beaches, shrines, and caves.

Things to do in Kamakura and Enoshima

  • Kamakura-Mae Station
  • Enoshima Iwaya Cave & Enoshima Shrine (make sure you get the escalator tickets!!)
  • Eno Spa (Onsen facility that overlooks Mt Fuji)
  • Eat at Nakamise Dori Street
  • Hokokuji Temple & Bamboo forest
  • Meigetsu-in (Temple with incredible Hydrangeas in June)

Getting to Kamakura is easy, and only a 1 hour train from Tokyo.

Enoshima Iwaya Cave & Shrine, day trip idea from Tokyo to add to your 10 day Japan itinerary for first time travellers
Iwaya Cave Enoshima
Enoshima Iwaya Cave & Shrine
Iwaya Cave Enoshima
Kamakura Mae Railway Station
Kamakura-Mae Station

Snow Monkeys Nagano

Head to Nagano to visit the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. The best time to visit is in winter when the Monkeys are at their liveliest and when you will likely have fresh snow.

You can find out everything you need to know about this day trip and how to get there in our Japan Winter Guide

snow monkeys nagano japan itinerary
snow monkeys nagano day tour from tokyo idea for a japan itinerary 10 days
snow monkeys day tour (from Tokyo) in nagano Japan,
Snow Monkeys in Nagano

Izu Peninsula

Known for its beautiful coastline, beaches, hot springs, and outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling.

You can book an 2 day tour, inclusive of transport and 2 full days of activities through Klook and a local guide. Click to find out more about the Izu 2 day Tour (Use our code TRAVELLIVNKLOOK to get up to 10% off)

📍Day 4 of the Tokyo Itinerary: Ginza, Ueno and Toyosu

Let’s mix things up on day four of your Tokyo itinerary.

Start in Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury shopping and fashion hub known for its high-end shopping. Even if you’re not buying, the window shopping is world-class.

Next, visit Ueno Park. This area has museums, temples, a zoo and is a great place during cherry blossum season. Next, you’ll visit nearby Ameyoko Shopping Street which offers great street food and local vibes.

Finally, head to Toyosu. Don’t miss the new Toyosu Fish Market, where you can try fresh seafood, and traditional Japanese street food in the edo district. Visit Teamlabs Planets for an unforgettable art and light experience and wind down at Tokyo Manyo Onsen a multistory luxury onsen facility with an open-air onsen overlooking the Tokyo skyline.

Things to Do in Ginza

  • Shop at Ginza Six, Tokyo’s largest luxury shopping complex, featuring designer brands, restaurants, and a rooftop garden.
  • Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or experience Tokyo’s cafe culture at a coffee shop.

Things to Do in Ueno

  • Stroll through Ueno Park, a cultural hub and one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom spots in spring.
  • Visit Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo and home to beloved giant pandas and over 3,000 animals.
  • Explore world-class museums like the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Ueno Royal Museum.
  • Discover the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
  • Shop and eat your way down Ameyoko Shopping Street, a lively market strip known for street food, snacks, quirky souvenirs, and bargain fashion. (Great for a night-time visit as well)

Things to do in Toyosu

  • Visit Toyosu Fish Market, Tokyo’s state-of-the-art seafood market. Watch the famous early morning tuna auctions.
  • Explore Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, a brand-new Edo-period-themed entertainment district. Try some classic Japanese street food, local seafoods and stroll through beautifully recreated historical street.
  • Immerse yourself in digital art at Teamlabs Planets TOKYO, a one-of-a-kind art and light museum.
  • Unwind at Tokyo Manyo Onsen, offering sweeping views of the waterfront, and the Tokyo skyline.

📍Day 5: Another Tokyo Day Trip or Local Experience

You’ve seen a lot…. but Tokyo still has more to offer.

For your final day, choose another Tokyo day trip that we listed earlier or spend time exploring local and cultural experiences you might’ve missed.

Ideas for day five of your icnonic Japan or Cultural Traditional experience. Tokyo itinerary:

  • Make a Kimono as a Souvenir
  • Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo (Lucky Cat Temple)
  • Pokémon Café for themed food and fun
  • Experience the Japanese culture and attend a Tea Ceremony in a traditional setting
  • Tokyo Infinity Pool Onsen Facility for relaxation with a view, and the edo period street with amazing street food!
  • Samurai Experience and Museum
  • Sushi Making Class – Jin Asakusa
  • Mario Carts street tour through the city
  • Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea for fun and magic
  • Imperial Palace (Tokyo Station)
  • Tsukiji Fish Market 
  • Tokyo National Museum
  • Visit a vending machine

Or…. revisit your favorite neighborhood. Sometimes the best part of a Tokyo itinerary is simply wandering soaking it all in.

Don’t miss our full guide to Tokyo’s best traditional experiences It’s packed with loads more ideas and information. Plus, must-dos that go beyond the usual tourist spots.

Tips for visiting Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea

If you’re a Disney fan and heading to Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are 100% worth adding to your itinerary

🎟️ Book your tickets online in advance as they often sell out, especially during weekends and holidays.
🗓️ Avoid weekends and public holidays as it gets packed.
🎢 And if you’re choosing just one, go for DisneySea it’s unlike any other Disney park in the world!

🏨 Where to Stay for This 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary

When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, it’s smart to pick a location along the JR Yamanote Line. This is Tokyo’s main loop trainline that connects major attractions and suburbs. Staying near stations like Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ueno puts you right in the heart of the action, with easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife, and top sights.

Asakusa is another good option on Ginza line which is another main line within Tokyo. It offers a more traditional Tokyo vibe with lots of local attractions

These areas also make day trips a breeze and help you cut down on transit time (and cost!). Look for hotels or accommodations within walking distance to a JR OR metro station so you can explore the city efficiently and comfortably.

We have put together a full guide and our hotel recommendations here –here to stay in Tokyo. As well as one for Tokyo Family Hotels with quad or connecting rooms that cater perfectly for families

Lastly, if you are looking for something with an Onsen, look no further than this: Onsen Hotels in Tokyo

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku in Tokyo
CLICK: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

🚉 Tokyo Transport Made Simple

You’ll ride local trains a lot in central Tokyo. But don’t stress…. it’s easy with the right tools and the rail network connects all of the major cities in the city center and is easiest way to get around.

  • Suica Card is essential. Tap in and out without buying tickets each time.
  • Tokyo Metro Card can save money on daily metro rides.
  • JR Full Rail PASS only makes sense if you’re planning 3+ shinkansen train trips over the 7 days pass.
  • Trains will finish around midnight

Use Google Maps for train routes…. it’s accurate and detailed.

🎟️Attractions You Should Pre-Book

Many popular Tokyo Attractions sell out…and sell out fast. So if you want to include these in your Tokyo itinerary you will have to book early!

✨ Use code TRAVELLIVNLOOK on Klook for 10% off.

Toyosu Manyo Onsen in Tokyo
Mario Cart Experience in Tokyo an Itinerary must

Final Tips for the Perfect Tokyo Itinerary

Here’s my final tips to make your 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary even better:

  • Create a pinned Google Map before your trip, this will make life much easier!
  • By an Esim before you leave home.
  • Use Google Translate…. it’s a lifesaver
  • Convenience stores are awesome for snacks and meals
  • Tipping isn’t expected, so don’t worry about it
  • Hotels have tons of amenities…. even face masks and pj’s
  • Use a Luggage Delivery Servicel to save lugging your suitcase through the city and trains.

📌BONUS: Get My Full Japan Map with 300+ Pins!

Want to make your Tokyo itinerary even easier?

Tap into my Japan map with over 300+ pins including iconic sites, hidden gems and Insta spots.

Join our Facebook Group [Japan Travel Forum & Q & A] and you’ll find (pined to the top) my PDF Itinerary and access our Japan Map with over 300+ saved pins of Iconic landmarks & hidden gems!

PS – You can also ask ALL your questions here about Japan travel and get some itinerary advice from me and fellow travelers! Or just share your experiences.

Other useful resources to help you plan your Ultimate Japan Itinerary:

Where to next?

Philippines
Vietnam
Japan
Mexico
Egypt
Greece

About me

Hey, nice to meet you, I’m Shannon Thomson and I am a Diploma Qualified Photographer and Social Media / Marketing graduate with a passion and love for Travel.

I have been lucky enough to be working in the field of Travel, and as a successful Social Media Manager, Content Creator and Blogger for the past 6 years. Throughout this time, I have been lucky enough to travel to some of the most sought out destinations around the world.

Within this Blog you will find all my best travel tips, guides and itineraries.

MY Top 5 favorite countries: Japan, China, Egypt, Tanzania, Philippines!

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