Tokyo 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Shinjuku

  • Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport and take a train or bus to your hotel
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel (recommended: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Tokyo Marriott Hotel)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a free observation deck with great views of the city
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the busy streets of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district and try some street food
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, a renowned restaurant for tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art to learn about Japan’s modern art history
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Sushi-no-Midori, a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant
  • 8:00 PM: Enjoy the lively nightlife in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district

Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno

  • 9:00 AM: Take the subway to Asakusa Station and visit Senso-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous temples
  • 10:30 AM: Explore Nakamise Shopping Street, a historic shopping street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at Imahan, a popular restaurant for gyudon (beef bowl)
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Ueno Zoo to see the giant pandas and other animals
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Tokyo National Museum, which features a collection of Japanese art and artifacts
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner at Tofuya Ukai, a renowned restaurant for tofu dishes

Day 3: Shibuya

  • 9:30 AM: Take the subway to Shibuya Station and visit the famous Shibuya Crossing
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto shrine located in a peaceful forested area
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Nonbei Yokocho, a small alley filled with tiny bars and restaurants
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Shibuya 109 department store, a legendary shopping destination for Tokyo’s youth culture
  • 3:30 PM: Visit the famous statue of Hachiko, a loyal dog who waited for his owner at this spot every day
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Ichiran Shibuya, a popular restaurant for tonkotsu ramen

Day 4: Akihabara and Asakusa

  • 9:30 AM: Take the subway to Akihabara Station and visit the famous electronic district
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Yodobashi Camera electronics store, one of the largest in Japan
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Maido, a popular restaurant for maid cafes (where girls dress up as maids)
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Tokyo Anime Center to learn about Japan’s anime and manga culture
  • 3:30 PM: Return to Asakusa and visit the nearby Ryokaginsha Theatre, a historic theater that hosts traditional Japanese plays
  • 6:00 PM: Dinner at Sushi-ya, a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant

Day 5: Tokyo Skytree

  • 9:30 AM: Take the subway to Asakusa Station and visit the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan
  • 10:00 AM: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 350th floor
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Kappou Nakamura, a popular restaurant for kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Tokyo Skytree Solamachi shopping district, which features a variety of shops and restaurants
  • 3:00 PM: Return to your hotel and pack up for departure

Other Things to Know

  • Language: Japanese is the primary language spoken in Tokyo. However, many signs are translated into English, and some people speak English fluently.
  • Currency: The Japanese yen (JPY) is the official currency of Japan. Credit cards and cash are widely accepted at most restaurants, shops, and hotels.
  • Weather: Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Japan, as service charges are usually included in the bill.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Respect local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a traditional home or temple.
  • Try new foods and drinks, such as sushi, ramen, and sake.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist destinations.
  • Take your time and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo.

Getting Around

  • Subway: The subway is a convenient way to get around Tokyo. You can use an IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, to ride the subway.
  • Bus: Buses are another option for getting around Tokyo. You can pay with cash or use an IC card.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Tokyo. Make sure to have your hotel’s address written down in Japanese to show the driver.

Recommended Accommodations

Recommended Restaurants

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may want to customize it based on your interests and preferences. Additionally, be sure to check the opening hours and availability of each location before heading out.