5 Days in Tokyo: A Perfect Trip Itinerary

Experience the vibrant and electric energy of Tokyo, where tradition meets modernity.

22 April 2023

As a tourist visiting Tokyo, Japan, you can expect to experience a city that is both modern and steeped in tradition. You can explore historic sites such as the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple or experience the futuristic streets of Shibuya and Harajuku. From tasting traditional sushi to indulging in modern cuisine, the city offers a unique and exciting trip for any traveler.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival and Exploration:

  • Check into the funky, modern Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
  • Explore the vibrant Shinjuku district and its endless shopping, dining and entertainment options.
  • Visit the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful break from the bustling city.
  • Try some authentic ramen at Ichiran, where you can customize your bowl to perfection.
  • Catch the view of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck.
Day 2

Culture and Tradition:

  • Get a glimpse of Japan’s ancient past at the historic Asakusa district and its famous Senso-ji temple.
  • Browse the colorful stalls of Nakamise shopping street and try some traditional snacks.
  • Attend a tea ceremony and learn about the art and philosophy of Japanese tea.
  • Visit the scenic Hamarikyu Gardens and have a relaxing boat ride on its pond.
  • Have a romantic dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay with stunning views of the city skyline.
Day 3

Modernity and Technology:

  • Check out Tokyo’s futuristic side at the iconic Tokyo Skytree tower, the tallest tower in the world.
  • Visit the immersive teamLab Borderless digital art museum and let your senses be delighted.
  • Explore the quirky and colorful streets of Harajuku and its avant-garde fashion and culture.
  • Drop by the samurai-themed Gundam Café for some themed food and drinks.
  • End the day with a thrilling robot show and dance party at Robot Restaurant.
Day 4

Food and Nightlife:

  • Do a food crawl in the vibrant Shibuya district and sample some of Japan’s most famous dishes.
  • Have some fun at the playful, neon-lit arcade halls and karaoke rooms of Shibuya’s entertainment centers.
  • Take a break at Tokyo’s renowned Golden Gai, a cluster of tiny, atmospheric bars and pubs.
  • Watch a live performance or movie at the historic Kabuki-za theatre.
  • Stop by the lively Piss Alley and try some local delicacies and drinks.
Day 5

Relaxation and Farewell:

  • Take a day trip to the traditional mountain town of Nikko, with its majestic shrines and temples.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Toshogu Shrine and its elegant carvings and details.
  • Take a calming bath in one of Nikko’s famous hot springs and indulge in some local cuisine.
  • Return to Tokyo for a farewell meal at the legendary Yakitori restaurant Toriki.
  • Say sayonara to Tokyo with a night view of the Tokyo Tower or Rainbow Bridge.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tokyo, Japan by plane is to fly into Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which is located approximately 60 km east of Tokyo city center. Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights to Narita from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Sydney, and Singapore.

Car

Driving from all around Japan to Tokyo can be an option, however, it is not advisable due to heavy traffic during peak hours, as well as limited parking space in the city center. If driving is still the preferred option, highways such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway take you straight to the main attraction sites.

Train

There are several train options for travelling to Tokyo, but the best way is to take the shinkansen, or bullet train. The shinkansen provides high-speed rail service connecting major cities in Japan, including Tokyo. The train departs from Shin-Osaka Station, which is located in southern Osaka.

Boat

While there is no direct sea route to Tokyo, ferries are available from cities such as Osaka and Kobe to Tokyo's Harumi ferry terminal, located about 2 km southeast of Tokyo Bay. The journey by ferry takes around 17 hours from Osaka and 25 hours from Kobe, but offers beautiful oceanic views.

Bus

The best way to get to Tokyo by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. The bus journey from these cities takes around 6-9 hours to reach Tokyo. The buses usually depart from the main bus terminal in each city.

Destination

Tokyo

Welcome to a land where neon lights shine brighter than your future, and the trains run faster than your ability to keep up with them. Get ready to explore Tokyo, where chaos meets tranquility, in a city filled with quirky fashion, scrumptious food, and fascinating culture.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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