Quick answer: Tokyo in 5 days hits modern Shibuya + traditional Asakusa + day trip to Hakone/Mt. Fuji + iconic shopping + foodie crawls.
5-Day Tokyo Itinerary Overview
| Day | Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival + Shibuya/Shinjuku | Morning · Get IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at station · Lunch |
| Day 2 | Traditional Tokyo — Asakusa + Akihabara | Morning · Nakamise shopping street (traditional snacks) · Lunch |
| Day 3 | Mt. Fuji + Hakone Day Trip | Morning · Hakone Tozan Railway + cable car + ropeway (Hakone loop) · View Mt. Fuji from Owakudani volcanic area |
| Day 4 | Foodie + Shopping Day | Morning · Walk · Lunch |
| Day 5 | Modern + Final Day | Morning · Or · Lunch |
Day 1: Arrival + Shibuya/Shinjuku
- Morning: Arrive Narita/Haneda, take train to hotel
- Get IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at station
- Lunch: Tsukemen at Rokurinsha or ramen near hotel
- Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing (iconic intersection)
- Shop: Shibuya Sky observation deck for sunset
- Walk: Shinjuku Gyoen garden (relaxing)
- Dinner: Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) yakitori alley
- Late night: Drinks in Golden Gai (tiny bars)
Day 2: Traditional Tokyo — Asakusa + Akihabara
- Morning: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (oldest temple in Tokyo)
- Nakamise shopping street (traditional snacks)
- Lunch: Hand-cut soba in Asakusa
- Afternoon: Akihabara (electronics + manga + maid cafes)
- Snack: Crepe in Harajuku Takeshita Street
- Walk: Yoyogi Park + Meiji Shrine (peaceful)
- Dinner: Sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in Roppongi
Day 3: Mt. Fuji + Hakone Day Trip
- Morning: Bullet train to Odawara (45 min)
- Hakone Tozan Railway + cable car + ropeway (Hakone loop)
- View Mt. Fuji from Owakudani volcanic area
- Lunch: Mt. Fuji ramen at Hakone
- Afternoon: Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Optional: Onsen (hot spring) experience
- Return to Tokyo in evening
- Dinner: Tonkatsu at Maisen (best katsu in Tokyo)
Day 4: Foodie + Shopping Day
- Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market (sushi breakfast)
- Walk: Imperial Palace gardens
- Lunch: Tempura at Inaki Tempura
- Afternoon: Ginza (luxury shopping) or Ueno (museums)
- Tokyo National Museum
- Dinner: Omakase sushi (book 1+ month ahead)
- Or: Conveyor belt sushi for casual
Day 5: Modern + Final Day
- Morning: TeamLab Borderless (book online ahead)
- Or: Pokemon Cafe (book 1 month ahead for Pikachu)
- Lunch: Best ramen at Ichiran or Ippudo
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping in Daiso or Don Quijote
- Visit: Senso-ji or local shrine you missed
- Snack: Mochi or matcha sweets at Suzukien
- Dinner: Izakaya for casual final meal
- Return to airport
📊 Plan Your Trip
FAQ
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Just enough for first-timers. Add Kyoto (1-2 days bullet train away) for full Japan experience.
Where to stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku (transport hub, nightlife), Shibuya (energy), Asakusa (traditional + cheaper). Avoid: too far from train station.
Do I need a JR Pass for 5 days in Tokyo?
Probably not unless you’re going outside Tokyo (Kyoto, Hakone). Tokyo subway day passes ($5) work better in-city.
Is Tokyo expensive?
$150-300/day mid-range. Hotels $100-200, food $40-80, transit $10-20. Cheaper than NYC or London.
Should I tip in Tokyo?
NEVER. Tipping is considered insulting. Service is included.
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