The Ultimate 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Timers

Fully updated August 2026. Originally published August 2023.

I’ve just returned from my fourth trip to Tokyo, and I’m so excited to share this Tokyo itinerary with fresh finds and confirmed favorites. Breaking down the Tokyo itinerary into five days clustered by neighborhood per day, this itinerary is for those who love everything from modern art to elevated dining, street food to local shops.

After four trips, most recently in February 2026, my 5-day Tokyo itinerary pulls together my favorite places and experiences. From elevated yakitori to corner onigiri restaurants, from craft museums to modern art, from vintage shopping to boutique ceramic stores. The Tokyo Itinerary combines the major hubs like Shibuya and Asakusa, and then weaves in smaller neighborhoods like Kuramae and Nakameguro to give a slower pace.

Tokyo is one of those cities I could never tire of. It’s an endless playground of food, museums, and cultural sights. Tokyo is a natural fit for any Japan itinerary as you’re likely flying in and out of Tokyo. I typically recommend starting with a few nights in Tokyo and then ending with a few nights, especially if your in-and-out flights are there.

I’ve sat down to write all of my notes from over 50 hours of research, and then after exploring the city for a fourth time. I’ve put it into an itinerary that makes geographical sense and lines up with the opening hours for the restaurants and locations within to help create a sensible Tokyo itinerary. No double-backing, and making the most of your vacation days in Tokyo.

I love Tokyo, and getting to go back again this February 2026, I was reminded just why this city is such a joy. And yes, it can be overwhelming to visit, but it doesn’t have to be, which is why I’ve put together this itinerary. As part of my trip, I revisited my top recommended spots (Fuku, I’m looking at you!) to see if I would still recommend them, and most made the list again. In addition, new spots that totally won me over, like a family-owned onigiri shop in Asakusa.

So I hope you’ll find this itinerary helpful to plan your time. For me, it feels like a personal love letter to the city. Practically speaking, the bulk of the best things to do in Tokyo are put over days 1 to 4, leaving day 5 for day trips and the random bits. Read on to plan your visit to Tokyo.

Short on Time? Here’s the Ultimate 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary:

Where to Stay

I recommend basing yourself in a single location for your time in Tokyo, in either Shibuya or Asakusa. When picking accommodations, make sure there is a subway station within 10 minutes of walking distance — you’ll use it a lot. See my full where to stay in Tokyo guide for all my favorite neighborhoods and why:

1. Shibuya, my go-to base for visiting the main sights and neighborhoods
   TRUNK Hotel Cat Street ($$$), TRUNK Hotel Yoyogi Park ($$$), Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya ($$$ / Where I’ve Stayed), Shibuya Granbell Hotel ($$ / Where I Stayed), JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya ($$ / Where I Stayed), or a 1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment
2. Asakusa, for a small neighborhood with cultural sights and ryokan stays
   Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa ($$), Kaminarimon Ryokan ($$ / Where I Stayed), OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts ($), Onyado Nono Asakusa ($), or a 1 Bedroom Japanese-Modern Apartment

Tokyo in 5 Days

Here’s my at-a-glance itinerary showing where to stay, what to book ahead, and how I’d group each day.

Tokyo 5-day itinerary at a glance

Base yourself		Shibuya (Staying at TRUNK Hotel Cat Street) or Asakusa (Staying at Kaminarimon Ryokan), stay within 10-minute walk of a subway station
Book ahead		Shibuya Sky, Butagumi, Fuku Yakitori, Azuki to Kōri, teamLab Planets, Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
Day 1Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama	Coffee and Yoyogi Park	Coffee Supreme and CAMELBACK coffee and breakfast sandwich
		Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine
		Harajuku and Takeshita Dori before the crowds
	Shopping, tonkatsu and art	Omotesando architecture and shops
		Butagumi late lunch, tonkatsu
		Nezu Museum and gardens favorite museum in Tokyo
	Sunset and yakitori	Shibuya Sky optional sunset
		Fuku Yakitori my favorite restaurant in Tokyo, reserve in advance
Day 2Nakameguro, Shimokita­zawa, Shinjuku	Naka­meguro to Daikan­yama	Onibus coffee
		Traveler’s Factory stationery
		Meguro River shops
		Kyu Asakura House historic mansion and garden
	Vintage shops and garden	Shimokitazawa vintage shopping
		Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden late-afternoon stroll
		Omoide Yokocho optional walk-through
	Kakigori and dinner	Azuki to Kōri kakigori, reserve in advance
		Kameya, Hikiniku to Come, or Sakura-tei dinner
Day 3Asakusa, Kitchen Town, Yanaka Ginza	Temple, food crawl and Nakamise	Sensō-ji before the crowds
		Fuglen Asakusa coffee
		Menchi, Chacha Futatsume, IYOSHI Cola and YUKARI
	Kitchen Town to Ueno	Kappabashi Street ceramics and knives
		Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku lunch
		Yanaka Ginza antique shops
		Asakura Museum of Sculpture
		Shinobazu Pond
	Choose your dinner	Kura Sushi, Tonkatsu Tonpachitei, or Ohitsuzen Tanbo dinner
Day 4Tsukiji Market, teamLab Planets, Kuramae	Fish market and teamLab	Tsukiji Outer Market food crawl, 6:30 am
		Kitsuneya beef bowl
		Itadori Bekkan, Ihachi and Maruni nigiri, wagyu, matcha
		teamLab Planets taxi over, book ahead
	Slow afternoon in Kuramae	Yuwaeru lunch, washoku
		Hakujitsu, Kakimori and Iwao Gallery
		Coffee Wrights and Dandelion Chocolate
	Ramen on the way back	Ramen Kai or Menya Hyottoko ramen
Day 5Day trip or loose ends	Option 1: Take a day trip	Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko most popular day trip
		Hakone lake views
		Kamakura coastal temples
		Kawagoe Edo-period town
	Option 2: Loose Ends in Tokyo	Akihabara anime, manga and arcades
		21_21 Design Sight and National Art Center art and architecture
		Yakumo Saryō traditional breakfast
		Ginza wander

Things to Do

1. Street Go-Kart in Shibuya
2. Shinjuku Food Tour
3. Tsukiji Fish Market Food Tour
4. Sushi Making Class
5. Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Trip

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, don’t miss my Tokyo travel guide for first-timers, alternative Tokyo guide, where to stay guide, and recommendations for the best coffee shops! If this is your first time visiting Japan, check out my 2-week Japan itinerary, tips for getting around Japan by rail and important things to know before traveling to Japan.

Travel Tip: Having mobile data is a must when traveling to Japan. We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.

The 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

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Tokyo Travel Tips Before You Arrive

How Many Days Do You Need in Tokyo?

I recommend four full days to see Tokyo properly and a fifth day to do a day trip. Four days gives you ample time to enjoy the vast neighborhoods, art, markets, and food scene of Tokyo. If you only have three days in Tokyo, I recommend doing days 1, 3, and 4. If you have 7 days, then you could do two days of trips and a final day of exploring in Tokyo.

Consider Booking Your Trip Over a Weekend

One of my top tips for Tokyo is to book your trip over a weekend if you can. The main reason is museums and lots of shops and restaurants are closed on Mondays. This itinerary is set up so it can be done in any order. So, if you’re there on Monday, swap in time with things that are open, like Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Sky, teamLab Planets, and Tsukiji Outer Market.

How to Arrive in and Depart from Tokyo

Your two main airports to arrive in Tokyo are either Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport.

• Getting from Haneda Airport into Tokyo: The fastest line into the city is the Keikyu Line into Shinagawa Station (11-20 minutes), and from there you can transfer onto the JR Yamanote Line to your neighborhood. Alternatively, the Tokyo Monorail takes you to the Hamamatsucho Station (13 minutes), where you can switch to the JR Yamanote Line.
• Getting from Narita International Airport into Tokyo: The fastest train option is the Narita Express – JR East line, which is 53 minutes direct to Tokyo Station and continues to Shibuya and Shinjuku without any transfers. From those stations, switch to any local lines if need be.

How to Get Around Tokyo

• By Subway and Trains: I recommend using the subway and local trains with a rechargeable IC Card like the Suica to get through Tokyo. You can add the SUICA Card directly to your Apple Wallet and recharge with Apple Pay, or get a traditional card at a train station and top it up there. I recommend using Google Maps for your routes in Tokyo as it gives very helpful tips for which station exit to use when you’re arriving.
• By Taxis and Ubers: though I mostly use the subway to get around, I do use Uber for longer trips or if the subway route has too many transfers.

Travel Tip: JR vs. Tokyo Metro vs. Toei — As a visitor, there isn’t a meaningful difference between the three. I’d check Google Maps and take whichever line/route is fastest. JR is typically the fastest line between major stops. Tokyo Metro is the largest subway network and will get you to most areas of the city, vs Toei, which is a smaller subway network.

What Should You Book in Advance for Tokyo?

• Accommodations: at least 2 months in advance if possible
• Restaurants: For most popular, at least 4 weeks in advance, with most being around 2 weeks in advance.
• Specific Attractions: teamLab Planets (2-4 weeks), Shibuya Sky (2 weeks in advance when slots are released), Ghibli Museum (1 month before when released), Tokyo Disney Resort (1-2 months), and Sumo Tickets (1 month before each tournament).
• Guided Tours: At least two weeks in advance

Helpful Quick Tips

• Get a Prepaid SIM Card — I highly recommend getting a data eSIM for your trip. I use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel. For more on my experience with Holafly, read my review on why Holafly is the best eSIM for Asia.
• Download the Suica App or add a Suica Card to your Apple Wallet for easy touch pay at subway stations.
• Carry cash — Though most places take credit cards, I always recommend having a few hundred yen in cash, as you’ll likely come across a few smaller restaurants and stores that are cash-only.
• Carry a small trash bag. There are very limited trash cans in public areas; carry a small bag and bring it back to your accommodations.
• For more tips — Read important things to know before visiting Japan
• Download Offline Google Maps — One of the most helpful things you can do is to have your Google Maps downloaded offline for the Tokyo region. In addition to having Google Maps on your phone, there is a feature for offline maps that allows you to have the map accessible without data, which will allow you to easily explore the city.

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Where to Stay in Tokyo

After four trips to Tokyo, I recommend staying in a single location if you’re there for under 3 nights and staying in either Shibuya or Asakusa. I would only consider switching if you have 4+ nights. I believe Shibuya is the best located neighborhood for exploring all of Tokyo, second to that, Asakusa. Shibuya is more energetic, and Asakusa feels like it’s in the heart of historic and cultural sights. Both are lovely, and both give you access to different parts of the city — first-time trip? I’d stay in or near Shibuya.

Where I’ve Stayed

1. Most Recent Shibuya Stay: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya ($$) — On my most recent trip to Tokyo, I spent a few nights in Shibuya, and this time decided to splurge a bit and chose the Hotel Indigo. I usually do a more economical hotel (like the two below), but wanted to try something a touch more elevated. Hotel Indigo was lovely as it sits up on the 12th floor and higher than a high-rise. The views are absolutely fantastic, the staff was welcoming and lovely, and the location was perfect. I found the value here to be worth the extra spend, with amenities like the Nespresso machine, comfortable beds, and rooftop terrace.
2. Most Recent Asakusa Stay: Kaminarimon Ryokan ($$) — As part of my recent trip, I began my time in Tokyo in the neighborhood of Asakusa, opting for a ryokan-style hotel. Kaminarimon Ryokan was just lovely, sitting at the base of Senso-ji temple and in the footsteps of the bustling Asakusa neighborhood. The room was spacious, had lovely views, and a wonderful team who helped with reservations. I loved staying in Asakusa to explore more neighborhoods like Yanaka Ginza and Kuramae — it’s much more of a traditional feel than, say, Shibuya.
3. Cheap and Convenient: JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya ($$) — There is absolutely nothing fancy about this hotel, but it does the job, which is what I love. Hotel Mets is purely a logistical choice for accommodations, and the location is one of the best. You’re practically inside the Shibuya Train Station, making it very easy to explore Tokyo. The rooms are clean and simple, providing everything you need for a visit.
4. Best Location: Shibuya Granbell Hotel ($$ / Best Location) — I have stayed twice at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel, an incredible location again inside the Shibuya Train Station. The rooms are a bit more elevated than the Hotel Mets, but not by much. It’s a great second option depending on which style you prefer.
5. Best Airbnb: Designer Flat in Shibuya ($$) — One of my favorite stays in Tokyo was this Designer Flat in Shibuya. Sleek, cement walls in a modern building, this was a great stay. It was a bit further from the train station however, we had a more “neighborhood” experience which I personally enjoyed.

Other Shibuya and Asakusa Hotels to Consider

• Shibuya
  TRUNK Hotel Cat Street ($$$), TRUNK Hotel Yoyogi Park ($$$), Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya ($$, Where I’ve Stayed), Shibuya Granbell Hotel ($$, Where I Stayed), JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya ($$, Where I Stayed), or a 1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment
• Asakusa
  Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa ($$), Kaminarimon Ryokan ($$, Where I Stayed), OMO3 Asakusa by Hoshino Resorts ($), Onyado Nono Asakusa ($), or a 1 Bedroom Japanese-Modern Apartment

See my guide to where to stay in Tokyo for my full list of area and hotel recommendations.

Why I Don’t Recommend Staying in Shinjuku

I cover this in more detail in my where to stay in Tokyo guide, but despite Shinjuku being a common recommendation, I don’t find Shinjuku worth it. You get massive crowds and packed subways during rush hours, all to be very far north in terms of reaching other parts of Tokyo. Two hotels in exception to this are the famous Park Hyatt Tokyo and the newer Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo.

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Day 1: Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, and Omotesando/Aoyama

Early Morning: Yoyogi Park and Harajuku (8 am to 11:30 am)

Day one is all about combing quiet corners of Shibuya with a walking route that takes you through green spaces and into happening neighborhoods (know this will be your biggest walking day in Tokyo). I feel like I’ve lived this day a thousand times, and truth is, I’ve done this exact one-day itinerary every single trip to Tokyo because it hits all of my favorites. So let’s begin the day with an early morning walk through a quiet Shibuya over to the south part of Yoyogi Park.

The first stop is for a coffee at Coffee Supreme Tokyo, and then a breakfast sandwich (order the tamago or the shiso prosciutto) at CAMELBACK Sandwich next door (both open at 8 am). I went for a fourth time, and they are both still as good as I remembered. If coffee isn’t your thing, I peeked into Hatoya across the street for matcha as well, which looked as good as the Asakusa location.

From here, you’ll walk up into Yoyogi Park with your maps set for the Meiji Shrine. It should be around 9 am at this point, and you’ll see how few people are here in the park. While I’m here, I always stop by the picturesque Consecrated Sake Barrels for a classic Tokyo photo. From there, continue to Meiji Jingu to visit the famous shrine surrounded by forest. As you walk out of the temple, head towards Harajuku.

The only way I can describe Harajuku and Takeshita Dori Street is that it’s a whirlwind of a neighborhood. It really doesn’t come to life until after 10 am, but when it does, it gets jam-packed, so I prefer to come before the crowds and food shop lines start. One of my favorite stops here is this biggest gashapon store, CAPSULE LAB.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Omotesando  and Aoyama (11:30 am to 3:30 pm)

As you continue, you’ll enter Omotesando and pass by Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, the famous mirrored escalator. It’s such a trip and I always make a point to ride it when I come. Omotesando is where I go for all things shopping, from vintage shops to luxury malls. A few of my favorites here are AMORE Vintage, Paradise Vintage, and CASANOVA VINTAGE Y2K.

If you need a second coffee at this point in the day, there are three options in this area. My first choice, if there isn’t a massive line, would be to get a specialty coffee at KOFFEE MAMEYA. My second choice would be stopping by Higuma Doughnuts × Coffee Wrights Omotesando for a coffee/matcha with a freshly made donut. And then my third choice would be Blue Bottle Coffee, Aoyama.

For a late lunch today, book a table at least a week in advance at Butagumi. You can walk all the way there (though I’d hop in a quick Uber for the hills), which will get you there faster. This is one of my favorite tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo, one of those life-changing meals, I might say. I went for a second time in February, and it was still as good as it was the previous time, with endless cabbage and pickles on the side.

After lunch, take a well-needed stroll over to the Nezu Museum (closed Mondays) in Aoyama. Nezu is my favorite museum in Tokyo. The architecture and gardens are incredible, as is the collection of pre-modern art. It’s worth an hour or two to experience the building and gardens.

Late Afternoon to Evening: More Omotesando and the Best Yakitori (3:30 pm and on)

While you’re still in the Omotesando and Aoyama area, my suggestion is to explore a few more stores. If I were to pick one, it’d be the ceramic store, Pejite 青山. And if you didn’t get that second coffee from the list above, now is the time to do so, as you’re so close.

For the rest of the late afternoon, my two recommendations are either to go back to Shibuya or take a taxi over to the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. In Shibuya, you could get tickets for sunset from Shibuya Sky, one of the tallest observation decks in the city, and see the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing if you haven’t yet. The Japan Folk Crafts Museum is a more slow-going, neighborhood museum that offers a deep dive into traditional Japanese art, not close to much, so rely on Uber for this.

Travel Tip for Booking Shibuya Sky: Book tickets here 2 weeks in advance when tickets are released (the evening slots sell out the fastest). If you’d like to catch sunset, I’d book an entry slot 30–60 minutes before sunset.

Come dinner, reserve at least two weeks in advance at my favorite restaurant in Japan — Fuku Yakitori. I begin and end every trip in Japan at this neighborhood, reservation-only yakitori spot. I dined there for my 9th time this trip, and it’s an incredible experience to taste the mastered art of charcoal cooking. Order the house-smoked cheese, any of the mushrooms, the cheese-stuffed pepper wrapped in bacon, and the onigiri.

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Day 2: Nakameguro to Daikanyama, Shimokitazawa, and Shinjuku

Morning: Nakameguro to Daikanyama (8 am to Noon)

To start the day, take a quick train down to the Naka-Meguro Station where you’ll be a quick walk to a favorite coffee shop, Onibus Coffee. You’re in the Meguro City area, where two very fun neighborhoods of Nakameguro and Daikanyama blend over the Meguro River. If you’re here during spring, the cherry blossoms are some of the most famous in Tokyo along the Meguro River.

After coffee, make your way into the neighborhood to one of my favorite souvenirs in the city, Traveler’s Factory Nakameguro. I became obsessed with their customizable traveler’s notebooks during my research for my recent trip, and couldn’t wait to visit and design my own and shop their fun selection of Japanese stationery items. Afterward, if you continue down the street along the Meguro River you’ll find several great stores and coffee shops worth visiting. My favorites here are Little Cloud Coffee NAKAMEGURO (one of my favorite coffee shops in Tokyo) and Visvim and Coverchord Nakameguro clothing stores. The ceramic selections at SML were also one of my favorite finds on this most recent trip.

If you head up the hill and cross over the river, you’ll eventually end up in Daikanyama. I would visit the Kyu Asakura House while here, a 2-floor Taisho-era mansion with a traditional garden behind it. It’s one of the most stunning traditional homes that has been well preserved in Tokyo.

For lunch, some ideas in this neighborhood would be all things bread at Flour + Water (literally have a bread course), Udatsu Sushi for omakase, and the very popular URARA cafe if you can get in.

Early Afternoon: Shimokitazawa (Noon to 2 pm)

I’ve included Shimokitazawa on this day as I find you’ll go through Nakameguro and Meguro quite quickly, as it’s mostly stores, and Shimokitazawa is always a bit out of the way to get to anyway. From Nakameguro, it is most convenient to go by car or take the train, which is 1 switch. If you’re feeling behind in the day, Shimokitazawa is what I would cut first on this day!

Once in Shimokitazawa, I love how quaint and local this neighborhood feels, and it can be seen in 2 hours or so. A few favorites from our past trips have been Bear Pond Espresso for coffee to start our time. Afterward, I love to stroll through the main shopping area called Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Shopping Street, which is pedestrian-only (right out of the train station). And do make sure to stop into Fog Linen Work for the best home goods store around!

Late Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (3 pm and on)

By 3 pm, I’d hop on a quick direct train up to Shinjuku from Shimokitazawa to visit the famous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens, and in the summer months is a perfect place to catch the sunset. The gardens are very easy to stroll around, with the main focal point being the Japanese Garden.

Afterward, though I’m not a huge fan of the Shinjuku area, you can walk over to the famous Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane, which is worth a quick peek since you’re here. Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane has become quite touristy, but there is one gem here called Kameya Shinjuku that does incredible soba noodles. This area is much calmer than its rowdy cousin up the street, Golden Gai, an area known for its small late-night bars.

In Shinjuku, the other spot I love, just near Yoyogi Station, is Azuki to Kōri, for kakigori or Japanese shaved ice. Azuki to Kōri is done by a Michelin-starred chef, who creates fantastic combinations in an elevated way. Azuki to Kōri is by reservation, and has just 6 seats.

Late Dinner: A Few Options

For dinner this night, you have a few options. Here’s what I would recommend (all places I love):

• Get the soba noodles at Kameya Shinjuku
• Return to Shibuya, and eat Hikiniku to Come (Shibuya) for the famous hamburger
• Return to Shibuya, and get soba at the local Fukudaya
• Stop in Harajuku, and make your own okonomiyaki at Sakura-tei

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Day 3: Asakusa, Kitchen Town, and Yanaka Ginza

Early Morning: Sensō-ji and Asakusa (7:30 am to Noon)

Start the very early morning off with a visit to Sensō-ji before the crowds come. Asakusa is such a fun neighborhood to spend time in; it’s bustling and one of the busiest for good reason. Sensō-ji is a beautiful temple, and Tokyo’s oldest, dating back to 645. This part of Tokyo feels the most old-world. When I’m here, I like to wander the quieter side streets and try some of the classic street food.

After the temple, I’d head over to FUGLEN ASAKUSA if you need coffee and breakfast; they open at 8 am, and their Norwegian waffles are amazing. For the rest of the mid-morning, I’d kick off on a self-led food tour because there are several standout spots to try, and you can easily share everything to try more! Know that this is the day you’ll probably eat the most, so pace yourself. Here’s where I’d go:

• Asakusa Menchi, for fried pork bites (get there early)
• Chacha Futatsume, for the famous matcha mont blanc in a cone
• Tokyo Curry Pan, for curry pan, so good!
• Asakusa Soratsuki, for sugared strawberries
• IYOSHI COLA Asakusa Rokku, for craft cola (favorite from this trip)
• YUKARI, for the best fried chicken I’ve had in Japan
• Imo Pippi, for sweet potato brulee

All of these food stands and spots are mostly takeaway, so eat right in front of the restaurant and pay close attention to signage as to where you’re allowed to eat. After eating, I’d go for a stroll down the historic Nakamise Shopping Street that leads into the temple — lots of stores selling things, and worth a perusal.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Kappabashi Kitchen Town (Noon to 2 pm)

After visiting Asakusa itself, I’d go for a long stroll down the main Kappabashi Street. Also known as the “kitchen town,” this is where to go to shop for all things Japanese knives and ceramics. Kappabashi Street is one long street, with the cheaper shops beginning at the Dengama store (where I’d start), and then they get progressively more expensive as you walk towards the northern end.

I went into about a half dozen stores, and had full hands with fun kitchen supplies and ceramics. Here’s what I loved:

• Dengama, for very affordable ceramics
• Tokyo Biken, a novelty store worth just looking at!
• MUSASHI JAPAN Knife store, if you’re only visiting Tokyo, buy a knife here
• Kama-Asa, the best kitchen store I’ve found in Tokyo, a trove of containers, pans, and so much more
• 器 まえさか, for very high-end ceramics
• Mikura, for high-end chopsticks

After visiting Kappabashi, I’d make a beeline for one of my favorite local restaurants called Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku. Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku has about a dozen seats, a long-standing family-run restaurant specializing in handmade onigiri, rice wrapped with seaweed and stuffed with a variety of things. The owners are incredibly sweet, and the food was delicious and quite affordable.

Late Afternoon to Evening: Yanaka Ginza to Ueno (2 pm to 6 pm)

For the mid-afternoon, I usually take an Uber over to the Yanaka Ginza neighborhood. It’s one of the newer, happening neighborhoods in the city and is known for its antique stores, small shops, and cafes along Yanaka Ginza Street.

After, I’d walk over to the three-story Asakura Museum of Sculpture, a former studio of sculptor Fumio Asakura. His work is incredible, the studio itself is worth a gander, and an amazing rooftop overlooking Tokyo.

From there, I’d walk down the outer edge of the Yanaka Cemetery or walk through; there is a really lovely paved path that a lot of locals use to go for a walk. You’ll run into a small area that has a few cafes, both the famous pastry store called Think (worth it) and the Yanaka Beer Hall that specializes in craft beer. Down the street is also Kayaba Coffee, one of my favorites that also has a spot in Kyoto.

As the afternoon comes to an end, I’d finish out with a walk through Ueno Park. I like coming here for a stroll as it’s a beautiful break from the city and feels more local. There are a few gems here, too, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the Ueno Zoo, if you’re traveling as a family. The real highlight here for me, though, is the Shinobazu Pond, full of incredible lotus plants in the water, looking back to Gojo Ten and Hanazono Inari shrines.

If you walk all the way through, eventually you’ll hit Ameyoko Market, one of the busiest streets for street food in Tokyo.

Dinner: A Few Options

As you end up in Ameyoko, there are a few options here and nearby; I would consider:

• Finding something in Ameyoko Market, Minatoya is what I recommend in the market
• Near Ameyoko Market, eating at Tonkatsu Tonpachitei
• If staying near Asakusa, I’d walk in for the elevated sushi train at Kura Sushi
• If staying near Shibuya, I’d have a later dinner at Ohitsuzen Tanbo Omotesando Branch for cozy syokudo food

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Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market, teamLab Planets, and Kuramae

Early Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market (6:30 am to 9:30 am)

The early bird gets the worm here, or, in this case, the best tuna. If you want to watch the tuna auctions, you need to go to the newer Toyosu Market (I haven’t been, as it’s really only for watching the auctions at 5 am). But if you’re not doing that, the Tsukiji Outer Market is where to go to stroll around and eat, and I have my shortlist of where to eat in the market.

Travel Tip: Tsukiji Outer Market vs Toyosu Market — Tsukiji Outer Market is where you go to each and shop through the market, whereas Toyosu Market is where you go to see the tuna auctions at the crack of dawn. If you’re looking to just eat, then head straight to Tsukiji.

The thing to do here is to eat sushi for breakfast — there are several famous stalls, but my favorite is Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan. Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan is a bit hard to find, but use Google Maps to find this dozen-seat sushi bar tucked inside for a set menu. But before that, there are a few other stops, so this is where I’d go in the market, and at what times to beat the crowds:

• Stop 1 6:45 am: Kitsuneya, for beef bowls, add the poached egg, cash-only
• Stop 2 7:30 am: Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan, the best counter nigiri spot in the market
• Stop 3 8:15 am: Tsukiji Ihachi honten / A5 Wagyu Steak, get one skewer of wagyu
• Stop 4 8:30 am: Matcha Stand Maruni TOKYO TSUKIJI, for a matcha
• Stop 5 9 am: Tsukiji Hitachiya, to shop for kitchen supplies
• Stop 6 9:30 am: Solatsuki, for strawberry mochi

You likely haven’t had a coffee by this point, so if you need caffeine, my two spots I’d recommend are Glitch Coffee and Roasters GINZA if the line isn’t a mile long (it’s a thing), and Turret Coffee Tsukiji for a quick cup of coffee.

Late Morning: Visit teamLab Planets (9:30 to 11 am)

One of my favorite things was visiting teamLab’s exhibit, teamLab Planets, and it’s not terribly hard to get to from Tsukiji, as it’s a 10-minute taxi ride, the closest you’ll ever be to it. The teamLab Planets exhibit is worth a few hours of experience (the original Borderless is available in Midtown), and you’ll need tickets to get in. It’s an interactive space; know that you will step in water and be barefoot (but you don’t get wet; there are towels). Get tickets here at least 2-4 weeks in advance.

Travel Tip: teamLab Borderless vs teamLab Planets — The two teamLab exhibits are separate experiences in different locations. teamLab Borderless is the original exhibit and feels like a living gallery. teamLab Planets is more sensory and has interactive water elements. I’ve done and enjoyed both, and my recommendation is to check out both and pick whichever one looks most interesting to you!

Early to Late Afternoon: Kuramae (Noon to 5 pm)

I’ve kept the very local Kuramae neighborhood for this afternoon, because it’s a breath of fresh air after a busy market morning. I love Kuramae because it feels like somewhere travelers haven’t found yet. There are some great small galleries here, as well as cafes and restaurants.

If you want a late lunch (closes 2 pm), I’d head straight to Yuwaeru | Main Store, which I can best describe as a warm hug. Yuwaeru specializes in classic washoku meals with small dishes and fermented rice, and feels very old-fashioned yet cool. From there, head out into the neighborhood to check out some galleries and cafes. The short list that I went and checked out in February is:

• Fuzuki 文月, for apothecary
• Tool Shop Nobori, for beautiful ceramics and glassware
• proto 器とタカラモノ, for a rotating ceramic art gallery
• Mizukiya Baba Shoten, for all things made of wicker and bamboo
• Iwao Gallery, for a local gallery
• Kissa Hangetsu, for traditional desserts
• Coffee Wrights Kuramae, for coffee
• Dandelion Chocolate, Factory & Cafe Kuramae, for chocolate
• ARC, for coffee
• Kakimori, for stationery
• SyuRo, for home goods
• Hakujitsu, for a high-end antique store

Late Dinner: A Few Options

As always, there are endless options for food in Tokyo, so I like to give a few ideas for a day that had a heavy food crawl in the morning. My recommendations would be:

1. Stay in Kuramae, and get ramen at Ramen Kai or Genraku
2. If staying in Shibuya, could stop in Ginza on the way back at Menya Hyottoko Yurakucho or Hashigo Ginza Hon-ten for ramen.
3. If staying in Asakusa, I’d book in at Asakusa Hirayama for specialty soba.

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Day 5: Day Trips and Other Spots to Consider

I always save day 5 in Tokyo for the last bits to either consider taking a day trip, or add in a few things in the city that you didn’t get to. There is so much to do in Tokyo, and you really could do another full day of exploring, but there are also other great spots to visit nearby.

Option 1: A Full Day Trip: Mt. Fuji or Hakone

Taking a Day Trip to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko

The most popular day trip to take from Tokyo is to seen Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. You’ll want good visibility if you plan to go and see Mt. Fuji, as it does get seasonally covered by clouds. If you go, I’d check out the views from Oishi Park on the north side of the lake and Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, which is part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting to Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko from Tokyo

• By Train: This is the best option if you’d rather visit on your own. The Fuji Excursion Limited Express from Shinjuku is the fastest route and takes about 2 hours. There are four round trips per day, so you’ll have some flexibility. This line will also get you all the way to Lake Kawaguchiko, too. Note: You do need to pre-reserve seats as it is a limited express. Tickets for a round trip from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko cost 4,200 yen for adults and 2,060 yen for kids.
• By Tour: There is a major ease in booking a tour to go see this region, as the bus or shuttle van will have more personalized stops. The Mount Fuji tours I recommend are:
  • Full-day Mount Fuji Tour
  • Full-day Mt.Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour w/ Optional Lunch
  • Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo with English Speaking Driver Guide

Taking a Day Trip to Hakone

The next best option for a day trip from Tokyo is the onsen town of Hakone, famous for hot springs set with stunning views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a very easy area to reach, and often combined with Lake Ashinoko’s Boat Tours, as you’re right there. There are also some fantastic museums here, really a wonderful combination of spa, art, and nature.

Getting to Hakone from Tokyo

• By Train: The very popular route and the most convenient is the Romancecar, a limited express that is direct to Hakone-Yumoto with stunning panoramic windows and reserved seating only. It takes 85 minutes and is 2,470–2,570 yen for adults. Other train lines connect to Hakone, with the fastest being the bullet train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line to Odawara Station, where you switch to the Hakone Tozan Train to get off at Hakone-Itabashi Station (takes 2 hours).
• By Tour: One benefit of joining a tour would be having transport done, and pre-arranged activities. The tours I’d consider are:
  • Hakone Private One Day Tour From Tokyo: Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi, Hakone National Park
  • Mt. Fuji 5th, Oshino Hakkai, Onsen Full-Day Trip From Tokyo
  • Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide

Other Day Trips to Consider

• Nikko National Park, for time in nature (2 hours)
• Kawagoe, for a traditional Edo-period town (1 hour)
• Kamakura, for coastal temples and the Great Buddha (1 hour)

Option 2: Deeper Dive into Tokyo

If you want to explore more of Tokyo, these are some of the spots I haven’t intertwined into the itinerary above, and would be great to do on this day.

A Morning of Art At

• 21_21 Design Sight — 21_21 Design Sight is one of my favorite museums in Tokyo for architecture and design. The building is stunning, and they exhibit everything from architectural masters to famous modern artists. Check directly to see what the current exhibit is, as it changes seasonally. You could pair this museum with the National Art Center, Tokyo.
• The National Art Center, Tokyo — A fantastic architectural building that is free to enter and walk around. You’ll need to pay to enter the exhibits.

A Traditional Breakfast and Tea Ceremony

• Traditional Breakfast at Yakumo Saryō — South of Tokyo, about 30 minutes by transport, is a magical restaurant called Yakumo Saryō. I had wanted to go years ago, but never had the time to get down there. It’s a 2-hour breakfast, with a traditional tea ceremony and seasonal plates, served at two different seating times. It’s an entire experience; the space is beautiful and well worth it if you’re into it.

An Afternoon of Odds and Ends

• Akihabara — For those into the famous arcade game stores and all things manga and anime, this is where to go. It’s a very bright and energetic area, home to Radio Kaikan, which has 10 floors of toys, trading cards, and figures.
• Imperial Palace & East Gardens — You can walk through the former Edo Castle, and more specifically, the east gardens. If you’re not spending time in Kyoto or Osaka, this may be of interest since you won’t see Edo castles elsewhere.
• Ginza — This is Tokyo’s most polished and luxurious shopping district. The architecture alone is reason enough to visit, and there are some great galleries and department store food halls tucked in here.
• Roppongi Hills & Mori Art Museum — For modern art and a sky deck with panoramic views.

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FAQs: Tokyo Itinerary

How do I get around Tokyo?

The Tokyo subway is amazing here and my favorite way to get around the city. You pay using a Suica card, which you can add to your phone’s wallet or get a physical card at any station. Then you simply tap in and out. Google Maps is the best way to get directions and train schedules.

Is a JR Rail Pass worth it for Tokyo?

For just a Tokyo-centric trip, the JR Rail Pass is not worth the cost. The JR Rail Pass can be used on several lines in Tokyo, which can have cost savings if combined with other journeys in Japan. Within Tokyo, it is good for the Narita Express Line, which takes you from Narita Airport to the Shibuya/Shinjuku area. Purchase your JR Rail Pass here.

Travel Tip: Read my top transportation tips for Japan for a more in-depth guide on getting around Japan.

What is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Autumn is my favorite time to visit Tokyo. The Spring cherry blossoms in late March to early April are beautiful, but bring large crowds. I also really enjoyed the cooler weather in February on my most recent trip. In terms of times to avoid, I personally try to avoid the summer heat and humidity, and the crowds of Golden Week in early May.

What is the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-timers?

Shibuya or Asakusa are my top picks for a first-time visit. I would choose Shibuya if you want to base in a single place, then split between there and Asakusa if you’re staying for 4-5+ nights. My guide to where to stay in Tokyo shares my favorite neighborhoods and hotels in each.

Can you use credit cards in Tokyo?

More places accept credit cards now than when I first visited Japan, but I found that a lot of smaller restaurants and shops are still cash-only. I usually use the 7-Eleven ATMs to pull out cash and keep ¥10,000–20,000 in cash.

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