The perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary: what to eat, see, and do

Deciding to spend five days in Tokyo was one of the best travel decisions we ever made. We were a bit nervous about planning our trip to such a huge city, but once we got started, we were hooked. From getting lost in the neon glow of Shibuya to taking in the views from Tokyo Skytree, every moment was a new adventure. In this post, we’ll guide you through our favorite experiences, giving you the perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary to make the most of your time in this incredible city!

5-day Tokyo itinerary overview

Day 1: Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree
Day 2: teamLab Planets, Tokyo Tower, and Shinjuku
Day 3: Ginza, Kokyo, and Akihabara
Day 4: Shibuya
Day 5: Day trip to Tokyo DisneySea

Short on time? Here are our top picks for the best hotels in Tokyo:

Plat hostel Asakusa — plat hostel keikyu asakusa station | €

UNPLAN Kagurazaka — plat hostel keikyu asakusa station | €

For more helpful guides on Tokyo read our:

If you’re making frequent train journeys during your Japan trip, you might save money with the JR Pass. Read our comprehensive JR Pass guide to see if it’s worth it for you.

Day 1: Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree

Explore Asakusa

There’s no better way to get to know Tokyo than by exploring the traditional neighborhood of Asakusa. First of all, it’s home to Senso-ji which is Tokyo’s oldest and most important temple. Right next to the temple, Nakamise Street is perfect for souvenir shopping with its many shops and food stalls. And a stone’s throw away from Senso-ji you’ll find Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street. Here you can find a variety of delicious local specialties, we tried almost all of them! Our favorites were the unagi yaki onigiri (grilled rice ball topped with eel) at Asakusa Unana, the pumpkin tempura chips at Asakusa Seisakusho, and the curry bread with truffle and cheese at Tokyo Curry Pan. Last but not least, be sure to visit the free observation deck at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center for stunning views over Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree.

Lunch at Tokichiro

Just a 10-minute walk from Asakusa Nishi-sandō Shopping Street is Tokichiro, the best ramen spot in town. And what’s more, it’s a total hidden gem! However, there are only a few seats available so we still think it’s best to visit after peak hours. We went at 2 PM and got seated right away! The menu is simple with just four options, and you can choose your spice level for most dishes too. We tried the premium and rich noodles, both bursting with flavor. The broth is so complex and delicious, we still dream about it. Lastly, try to get seated at the counter. These are the best seats in the house, as you can watch the chef prepare your dishes right in front of you!

City views at Tokyo Skytree

End your day with a visit to Tokyo Skytree, about a 25-minute walk from Tokichiro. At 634 meters, it’s the tallest freestanding tower in the world. The structure itself is very impressive, but the views from the observation deck are even more spectacular. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji! Be sure to buy your tickets at least a week in advance. We recommend getting a combo ticket for both the lower deck (Tembo Deck) on the 350th floor and the upper deck (Tembo Galleria) on the 450th floor. The combo ticket costs 2700 yen (just over € 15).

Book your Tokyo Skytree tickets (including the Tembo Galleria) in advance.

Day 2: teamLab Planets, Tokyo Tower, and Shinjuku

Start your day at teamLab Planets

Start your day at teamLab Planets, an interactive digital art museum. Book your tickets at least a month in advance to snag the first time slot between 9:00 and 9:30. Also, arrive at least 15 minutes early because the queue can get long. You’ll walk through various rooms and experience art with all your senses. We don’t want to give away too much, but expect flowers, water, mirrors, and more! One last tip: wear shorts or loose pants, and avoid skirts or dresses.

See if there’s availability to visit teamLab Planets on your dates.

Admire the iconic Tokyo Tower

Next up on this 5-day Tokyo itinerary is the iconic Tokyo Tower. The journey to get there takes some time, but is pretty straightforward nonetheless. From teamLab Planets, it’s a 15-minute walk to Toyosu Station. Then, take the Yurakucho Line to Tsukishima Station, which takes about 40 minutes. Finally, it’s just a short walk from Tsukishima Station to Tokyo Tower.

You can go to the top for amazing city views, but since your next stop is also an observation deck (and a free one!), we suggest admiring Tokyo Tower from down low. For the best view, head to ‘Tokyo Tower Station Parking Lot’ on Google Maps. This spot is perfect for taking a stunning picture of the beautiful red and white Tokyo Tower. It used to be a hidden gem, but it’s quite popular nowadays. You might have to wait a bit for that perfect shot, but trust us when we say it’s worth it!

If you do want to check out Tokyo Tower from up high, buy your Tokyo Tower tickets here.

More city views at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

From Tokyo Tower, take the Oedo Line from Akabanebashi Station to Tochomae Station. Then, it’s a 5-minute walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. You can visit its two observatories for stunning views of downtown Tokyo from 202 meters up, all for free. The observatories are open from 9 AM to 10 PM, with the last entry at 9:30 PM.

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Just a 15-minute walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, you’ll find Omoide Yokocho. This cozy, narrow alley is packed with bars and izakayas, perfect for enjoying small dishes and drinks in a lively atmosphere. No matter which spot you choose, you’re in for a great time. The limited seating makes it an intimate dinner spot and the perfect ending of your second day in Tokyo! We were seated on the second floor of a traditional izakaya, where we had to take our shoes off and eat cross-legged. A fun experience for sure!

Day 3: Ginza, Kokyo, and Akihabara

Explore Ginza

Start day 3 in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping and entertainment districts. It’s home to the world’s largest Uniqlo, with 12 floors of everything you could want, including a department for personalizing items. We definitely spent more time than initially planned here, but no regrets! 😉 Besides shopping, we recommend visiting Hama-Rikyu Gardens and Tsukiji Outer Market. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a few hours!

Lunch at Kura Sushi

For lunch, we suggest checking out Kura Sushi in Marronnier Gate Ginza 2 shopping center. It’s a conveyor belt sushi spot where plates of delicious sushi roll past you. You can grab what you like directly from the belt or order using a tablet. Your bill is calculated based on how many plates you took. The atmosphere is modern, and with delicious and affordable sushi, it’s a top choice for sushi fans! Furthermore, you’ll be able to win a prize after every fifth plate.

Visit Kokyo, the Tokyo Imperial Palace

About a 20-minute walk from Kura Sushi is the Tokyo Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Imperial Family. While the Emperor’s residence is private, you can explore much of the beautiful grounds. The East Gardens, or Higashi Gyoen, are a peaceful escape with traditional Japanese gardens, lawns, and remnants of Edo Castle. And don’t miss the Nijubashi Bridge, a double-arched stone bridge perfect for photos. You can definitely spend a couple of hours here, just strolling around.

Explore Akihabara

The last stop for today is Akihabara, about a 30-minute walk from the Tokyo Imperial Palace. If you prefer not to walk, you can take the Keihin-Tohoku Line from Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station. Akihabara, known as Tokyo’s electronic town, is a lively neighborhood with a unique culture. It’s filled with electronics stores, arcades, merchandise shops, themed cafes, maid cafes, and more. Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have fun! We recommend visiting the GiGo and HEY arcades.

Day 4: Shibuya

Stroll through Yoyogi Park

Start your fourth day with a lovely stroll through Yoyogi Park. Make sure to visit Meiji Jingu, a serene Shinto shrine honoring Emperor Meiji. The path leading to the shrine is adorned with sake barrels, perfect for capturing beautiful photos! If you’re there on a Sunday, keep an eye out for the Tokyo Rockabilly Club. This lively group of Japanese rock and roll enthusiasts gather near the clock tower in Yoyogi Park around 1 PM to dance and party! But don’t be disappointed if you miss them, you’ll find tons of other performers giving it their all in the park.

Dive into the buzz of Takeshita Street

Just a 5-minute walk from Yoyogi Park lies Takeshita Street, Tokyo’s liveliest and quirkiest street. Known for its vibrant shops selling colorful clothing and accessories, it’s a bustling place that might overwhelm you – in a good way!

Don’t miss the chance to spot yourself on the huge billboard suspended in the air at the street’s entrance. This is the reason that all those people are looking up, you included. 😉 And if you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to one of the famous crepes or strawberry tanghulu (sugar-coated strawberries) while you’re there!

Dinner at Ichiran

Next up on this 5-day Tokyo itinerary is Ichiran, just a 20-minute walk from Takeshita Street. It’s renowned as one of Japan’s most famous ramen spots, and we believe it’s a must-try for everyone! Their menu is simple: they specialize in one type of ramen that you can customize to your taste. You can adjust the spice level, garlic amount, noodle texture, and more. Flavor wise, they’re very good too! Since Ichiran is incredibly popular, we recommend visiting between traditional meal times to avoid long waits. Aim for off-peak hours like 3 PM to enjoy your ramen with minimal wait time!

Pro tip
For the true local experience, ask for a seat at the counter. This will give you full privacy, we highly recommend doing it at least once!

Check out the iconic Shibuya crossing

Last but not least: the iconic Shibuya crossing. You’ve likely seen it in many movies and videos, but being there in person is truly something special! Hundreds, maybe even thousands of people cross from all directions simultaneously. Imagine all that action, right in the middle of towering skyscrapers and vibrant billboards. It’s quite a sight! For the best view, head to the rooftop MAGNET by SHIBUYA109. Admission is 1800 yen (just over € 10) and includes a drink.

Day 5: Day trip to Tokyo DisneySea

5-day Tokyo itinerary: day trip to Tokyo DisneySea

Spend your last day in Tokyo at Tokyo DisneySea, the only one of its kind in the world with a unique water-themed twist on Disney magic. Depending on where you’re staying in Tokyo, it takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Tokyo DisneySea. For all the tips you need, from the best arrival time to top attractions and snacks, check out our ultimate guide to Tokyo DisneySea. Be sure to book your Tokyo DisneySea tickets in advance!

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