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Tokyo in 5 days: an itinerary by neighbourhood

Five days gives you time to see Tokyo's best-known districts, slow down in quieter areas and take a day trip out of the city. Each day focuses on one or two neighbourhoods connected by train, so you spend more time exploring and less time in transit.

5 daysFirst visitsFood loversMixing city and day trips

New to Tokyo? Start with our Tokyo travel planning guide for when to go and how to get around.

Day-by-day plan

  1. Day 1

    Historic Asakusa and Ueno

    Morning
    Begin early at Senso-ji in Asakusa before the crowds, then walk the shopping street leading to the temple and the quieter lanes around it.
    Afternoon
    Head to Ueno for the park and a museum such as the Tokyo National Museum, or browse the Ameyoko market street nearby.
    Evening
    Take a river walk or a short boat ride, or go up a tower for city views, then have dinner back in Asakusa.

    Tip: Arrive at Senso-ji early in the morning for a calmer visit and softer light for photos.

  2. Day 2

    Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya

    Morning
    Visit Meiji Jingu, a forested shrine that feels far from the city, then walk into Harajuku.
    Afternoon
    Stroll Omotesando's tree-lined avenue and its side streets of cafés and design shops, then continue to Shibuya.
    Evening
    Cross the Shibuya scramble at dusk and see the city lights from an observation deck, then try a casual izakaya for dinner.

  3. Day 3

    Day trip to Kamakura or Hakone

    Morning
    Take the train to Kamakura for its Great Buddha and temples, or to Hakone for hot springs and lakes.
    Afternoon
    In Kamakura, walk between temples and visit the coast; in Hakone, follow the loop of trains, cable cars and boats and look for views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
    Evening
    Return to Tokyo for dinner, or stay overnight at a traditional inn in Hakone if your schedule allows.

    Tip: Check the weather before choosing: Mount Fuji views from Hakone depend on clear skies.

  4. Day 4

    Food markets, Ginza and Tokyo Station

    Morning
    Graze through the food stalls of Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast and snacks.
    Afternoon
    Walk to Ginza for department-store food halls and galleries, then on to the Imperial Palace East Gardens near Tokyo Station.
    Evening
    Explore the restaurant floors of a department store or station complex for dinner; they are a great way to sample many cuisines.

  5. Day 5

    Shinjuku and a neighbourhood of your choice

    Morning
    Relax in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the city's most beautiful gardens.
    Afternoon
    Choose a neighbourhood that matches your interests: Akihabara for electronics and anime, Shimokitazawa for vintage shops, or Yanaka for an older, quieter Tokyo.
    Evening
    End in Shinjuku, where tiny bars and restaurants fill the alleys around the station.

Practical notes

Where to stay for this itinerary
A base near Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station or Ueno works well, as each is on or near the JR Yamanote Line and has direct services to the areas in this plan. Shinjuku and Shibuya suit travellers who want nightlife close by, while Tokyo Station and Ueno are convenient for day trips and airport transfers.
What to book before you go
Book any observation decks or popular restaurants you have your heart set on, as some sell out. For the day trip, check train options and, for Hakone, consider a regional pass that covers local transport; compare the current price with individual tickets for your route.
Getting between stops
Load an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo when you arrive and use it on trains, subways and buses throughout this itinerary. Big stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya have many exits, so look up the exit closest to your destination before you leave the platform.
Pacing the days
Tokyo involves a lot of walking inside stations as well as on the streets. Plan a café or garden break in the middle of each day, and don't be afraid to drop an evening activity if you are still adjusting to the time difference.

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Ways to adapt this itinerary

Continuing to Kyoto
If Tokyo is the start of a longer trip, swap the day trip for an extra Tokyo day and take the shinkansen to Kyoto on day six.
Travelling with children
Add a science museum or a theme park, keep days to one neighbourhood each and plan regular breaks; Tokyo is very family-friendly.
Seasonal swaps
In cherry blossom season, add a park such as Ueno or Shinjuku Gyoen early in the morning. In summer, plan indoor stops for the hottest part of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Is five days enough for Tokyo?

Five days is a good amount for a first visit. It covers the best-known neighbourhoods, leaves time for food and quieter areas, and allows one day trip. If Tokyo is part of a wider Japan trip, four days plus your onward travel also works well.

Should I choose Kamakura or Hakone for the day trip?

Choose Kamakura for temples, the Great Buddha and the coast, with a short train journey. Choose Hakone for hot springs, lakes and possible Mount Fuji views, which takes longer to reach and is best on a clear day or with an overnight stay.

Do I need a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary?

Usually not, because this itinerary stays in and around Tokyo. A rechargeable IC card covers most local trains and subways. A rail pass may only make sense if you are also making long shinkansen journeys elsewhere in Japan.

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Travel planning guides

Official sources and further reading

Practical details such as entry requirements, prices, timetables and opening days change. Always confirm them with the official sources below before you travel. Last reviewed by the AIFlyTrip editorial team on .