Planning a Tokyo itinerary? I’m sharing every single detail of my 5 days in Tokyo, including best things to do in Tokyo, where to stay and eat!
Tokyo is like nowhere else on Earth. It is ultra modern yet traditional in its essence, and highly urbanized yet filled with lush green spaces. It has a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and state-of-the-art technology, futuristic fashions and centuries-old art. 500-year-old temples stand next to looming skyscrapers, while geisha teahouses are tucked between anime shops and themed cafes.
As crazy and busy as Tokyo can be, it makes for a great introduction to Japan. I’m not usually a fan of big cities, but I have a soft spot for Tokyo. Here is my detailed 5-day Tokyo itinerary for those looking to see the best of Tokyo.
My 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
I recommend spending at least 5 days in Tokyo as there’s so much to see and do. If you have just 3 days, you can still follow this itinerary and simply skip the last two days.
This 5-day Tokyo itinerary will help you make the most of your time there and see as much as possible. I’ve included the best of the city, as well as the best places to eat and stay in Tokyo.
Summary of my Tokyo Itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Central Tokyo
- Day 2: Experience Quirky Harajuku
- Day 3: See the Asakusa and Akihabara Areas
- Day 4: Go on a Food Tour in Tsukiji
- Day 5: Discover the Shinjuku Area
More Information on Tokyo:
- How to Get to Tokyo
- Getting from the Airport to Tokyo
- Day Trips from Tokyo
- Where to Stay in Tokyo
- Where to Eat in Tokyo
- Best Time to Visit Tokyo
- How to Get Around Tokyo
- Internet in Tokyo
- Cost of Travel in Tokyo
How to Get to Tokyo
The main gateway to Tokyo is the Tokyo Narita Airport, about 60km from central Tokyo. The second busiest airport is the Tokyo Haneda Airport, 14km south of Tokyo train station. You can find surprisingly cheap flights to Tokyo from many major cities like Singapore, Sydney, London, and New York.
Japan Airlines is Japan’s national airline and the largest carrier to fly there. The cheapest flights from US to Japan are usually on Japan Airlines. You can find direct flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo (11 hours) from as low as $700 return. Flights from New York to Tokyo on Japan Airlines are direct (14 hours), and cost around $1500 return usually.
London is usually the main hub if you’re flying from Europe. Direct flights from London to Tokyo on Japan Airlines usually cost around US$1050 return.
Getting from the Airport to Tokyo
You’ll most probably start your journey from Tokyo’s Narita Airport. It takes an hour to get to the city by bus or taxi. The train is the best option: Narita Express can get you to the city centre in just 30 minutes. It’s not cheap though, at 3000 Yen ($27) for a one-way ticket and 4000 Yen ($36) for a round-trip ticket.
If you’re arriving at Haneda Airport, you can catch the Tokyo Monorail or the train (Keikyo airport line) into Tokyo. It takes around 1 hour to get there. Alternatively, you can book a shared transfer that will bring you straight to your hotel.
How to Get around Tokyo
Within major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, I would recommend taking the underground subway and buses. You would need to get the Pasmo / Suico pass. It’s a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail) in Japan.
The card also functions as an electronic wallet. You can buy things on trains, in vending machines, convenience stores and restaurants that accept the card. Suica and Pasmo cards can be purchased through ticket machines at any JR stations. More info here.
Tokyo Itinerary Day 1: Explore Central Tokyo
Widely considered the beating heart of the capital, Shibuya district is the place to start your adventures in Tokyo. I recommend staying in a hotel here, as it’s a convenient spot to explore the city. Otherwise, take the subway to the Shibuya station to start exploring!
See the Shibuya Crossing
First order of the day: head straight to Shibuya Crossing, the world’s biggest traffic intersection! An iconic landmark in Tokyo, head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing to see upwards of 1,000 people crossing the multi-cornered intersection at a time.
There’s an excellent viewpoint that not many people seem to know (at least when we were there): the rooftop terrace at Mag’s Park, on the top floor of the Shibuya 109 building, has excellent views of the Shibuya Crossing and it’s free to enter! It’s much less crowded than the famous Starbucks and the views from here are much better.
Wander along Shibuya Center-Gai
Walk across the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and head into the narrow streets of Center-Gai, the central hub for youth culture in Tokyo. Jostle with young Japanese as you strut along the neon-lit streets and pass fast-fashion shops, niche sub-culture and sushi shops.
Once the sun goes down, Center-Gai fills with the frenetic energy of late-night partiers and drinking companions who tuck into the surrounding nightlife entertainment.
Go to the Robot Restaurant
From there, take the Yamanote subway line to Shinjuku station and head over to the Robot Restaurant for one of the craziest and loudest entertainment shows you’ll ever see. The show is over-the-top, chaotic and downright bizarre but it encapsulates the multi-faceted nature of Tokyo.
We’re not usually the kinda people who like shows, but we were absolutely blown away by the Robot Restaurant. Even our 4-year-old liked it despite the loud noises. It’s not cheap though (around US$60 at the counter), so book online in advance for cheaper prices. Food comes at an extra charge (and it ain’t great).
Get Your Tickets here!
Tokyo Itinerary Day 2: Experience Quirky Harajuku
Stroll around Yoyogi Park
Start your morning by taking the subway to Harajuku station and taking a stroll around the green lungs of the city, Yoyogi Park. The lush greenery provides a relaxing escape from the rush of the city. It’s particularly attractive during the cherry blossom season (though expect to be jostling with the crowds!)
Visit Meiji Jingu
From Yoyogi Park it’s just a 10-minute walk to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920.
Entry into the shrine grounds is marked by a massive torii gate, after which you’ll find yourself in a tranquil forest. The approximately 100,000 trees that make up Meiji Jingu’s forest were planted during the shrine’s construction. If you’re lucky, you might even see a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony here.
Go Crazy on Takeshita Street
From there, stroll over to Takeshita Street in Harajuku to find a whole different side to Japan. Harajuku is Tokyo’s wacky playground for those who love alternative stuff and Takeshita Street is its palpitating heart. The pedestrianised Takeshita street (or Jingumae) is flanked by cutesy Japanese fashion stalls, themed cafes, and cosplay shops. Prepare to spend the whole afternoon scouring through the endless row of quirky shops and restaurants.
Try Colorful, Quirky Street Food
At Takeshita Street, you’ll find the famous Totti Cotton Factory, well known for its eye-catching rainbow-colored cotton candy. On the street across Totti is Le Shinier, a simple shack selling psychedelic snacks. We tried the neon-colored rainbow grilled cheese sandwich, which was definitely not as tasty as it looked.
Eat Lunch at the Kawaii Monster Cafe
For lunch, we went to the famous Kawaii Monster Cafe and it sure was an experience. The interiors are bright, psychedelic and over-the-top. But honestly, I would recommend this place only for those traveling Japan with with kids, unless you’re into cutesy things. The entry fee is only 500 yen (US$4.40), but you have to order at least 1 food and 1 drink per person (which adds up to a expensive lunch). Get your entry ticket here in advance otherwise you will have to wait in line.
Visit the Owl Cafe
Tokyo has no shortage of quirky, themed cafes: from hedgehog cafes to pokemon cafes and madi restaurants. We stumbled upon an owl cafe in Harajuku and decided to check it out, but I was dismayed to find that the owls were chained. That said, my daughter really enjoyed it as you could actually touch the owls and interact with them. Before you visit an owl cafe, be sure to check if the animals are treated right.
