Five days, five neighbourhoods. This itinerary groups Tokyo by geography so you spend less time on trains and more time eating, exploring, and getting lost in the right way.
Five days in Tokyo is the sweet spot. Enough time to cover the major sights without sprint-walking between them, and enough slack to sit in a park, queue for ramen, or follow a backstreet that looks interesting. This itinerary groups the city by neighbourhood so you're not zig-zagging on trains all day. Expect 8-12 km of walking per day, which sounds like a lot but doesn't feel like it when there's something to eat or photograph every hundred metres.
A Suica or Pasmo IC card (buy at any station, load with ¥2,000-3,000 to start) covers all trains, buses, and convenience store purchases. The JR Yamanote line loops around central Tokyo and connects almost everything on this itinerary. Google Maps is reliable for train routing.
Start on the east side of the city, where old Tokyo meets the skyline. This day pairs the city's oldest temple with its tallest tower, connected by a pleasant 20-minute walk along the Sumida River.
Get to Senso-ji before 8 AM if you can. The Kaminarimon gate and the temple grounds are practically empty at that hour, and the light through the incense smoke is worth losing sleep over. The five-storey pagoda, the main hall, the fortune sticks (shake the silver canister, draw a stick, match the number to a drawer of paper fortunes). It's all free and it all takes about an hour at a relaxed pace.
Arrive before 7 AM for an empty temple. The incense smoke and morning light are worth the early alarm.
Known for its extraordinary atmosphere and stunning architecture. Early morning visits before crowds are recommended.
On the walk back from the temple, Nakamise Shopping Street will be waking up. The stalls sell ningyoyaki (small custard-filled cakes), beef croquettes, rice crackers, and matcha soft serve. The two side streets that branch off Nakamise are quieter and have better crafts.
The ningyoyaki and beef croquettes are the best snacks. Explore the quieter side streets too.
A lively historic shopping street with street food, souvenirs, and traditional crafts leading to Senso-ji.
Grab a quick bite at Asakusa Chicken on the way (the karaage and crab cream croquettes are fantastic), then walk along the Sumida River toward Skytree. The walk takes about 20 minutes and the tower gets bigger with every block.
Opens at 9 AM. The karaage and crab cream croquettes are the move.
Award-winning chicken karaage near Senso-ji. Made to order from a family recipe.
Tokyo Skytree's observation decks give you the full eastward and westward panorama. The glass floor section on the lower deck is a good adrenaline hit. Book tickets online to avoid the queue.
Book observation deck tickets online. The glass floor section on the lower deck is thrilling.
Japan's tallest structure with breathtaking panoramic views and efficient ticket purchasing.
Lunch at Tokyo Solamachi, the shopping complex at the base of Skytree. Over 300 shops and restaurants. The food court on the upper floors has good options, or grab souvenirs before heading back.
Over 300 shops and restaurants at the base of Skytree. Good for lunch and souvenir shopping.
A shopping complex at the base of Tokyo Skytree with diverse dining options and unique Japanese souvenirs.
Today is west Tokyo: forest, fashion, and the crossing. Start early at Meiji Shrine, spend the middle of the day in Harajuku and Yoyogi Park, and end at Shibuya for sunset views.
Meiji Jingu is a 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station. The moment you pass through the first torii gate, the city disappears behind a wall of trees. The forest walk to the shrine takes about 15 minutes and sets the mood. If you visit on a weekend, you might see a traditional Shinto wedding procession.
Enter through the main torii gate for the full forest walk experience.
Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine surrounded by a 170-acre forest. A serene escape minutes from Harajuku.
From the shrine, walk south through Yoyogi Park. On Sundays this is where Tokyo's subcultures come out: cosplayers, rockabilly dancers, drum circles, and hip-hop dance groups near the entrance. Even on weekdays, it's a pleasant green space for a coffee break.
On Sundays, cosplayers, dancers, and musicians take over the park entrance.
A large urban park next to Meiji Shrine, popular for picnics, jogging, and weekend cultural performances.
Spend the middle of the day exploring Harajuku. Takeshita Street is chaotic and fun (crepes, capsule toy machines, streetwear). Cat Street, running parallel, is more relaxed with independent boutiques and cafes. Omotesando, the tree-lined boulevard, has the high-end architecture and flagship stores.
In the late afternoon, head to Shibuya. Watch the Crossing from the Starbucks above, then walk through it yourself. The energy at rush hour (5-7 PM) is something else.
Watch from the Starbucks above, then cross it yourself at street level.
The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Up to 3,000 people cross simultaneously at peak times.
End the day at Shibuya Sky for sunset. The open-air rooftop 230 metres up is the best sunset viewing spot in Tokyo. Book the slot closest to golden hour. The rooftop bar means you can stay for the transition from daylight to city lights.
Book the sunset or evening slot for the best views.
360-degree views from 230 metres above Shibuya. Open-air rooftop with a bar.
Snap a photo with Hachiko on the way out. The loyal dog's statue is right outside Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit.
The statue is outside Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit. Quick photo stop.
The famous statue of the loyal dog Hachiko, Tokyo's most popular meeting spot.
A slower day. Start with the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, eat the best ramen in the city, then explore the Imperial Palace grounds before ending with yakitori in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Gyoen opens at 9 AM. Pay the ¥500, leave the city behind, and walk through three garden styles: a serene Japanese garden with koi ponds, a symmetrical French garden, and a wide English lawn. If you're visiting during cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April), this is the single best spot in Tokyo. Budget 90 minutes minimum.
¥500 entry. No alcohol. Three garden styles: Japanese, French, English.
A serene garden oasis in Shinjuku with Japanese, French, and English garden styles. Stunning during cherry blossom season.
For lunch, walk to Soba House Konjiki-Hototogisu. The seafood broth (red sea bream and clams) is unlike any ramen you've had. Get a numbered ticket around 11 AM and come back at your assigned time. The shio version is the order. ¥900 for what might be the cheapest former Michelin-star meal on the planet.
Get a numbered ticket at 9:30 AM for lunch. The shio ramen is the one to order.
Former Michelin-starred ramen with unique sea bream and clam broth. ¥900 per bowl.
After ramen, take the train to the Imperial Palace (about 20 minutes from Shinjuku). The free East Gardens have remnants of Edo Castle, manicured lawns, and seasonal flowers. The Nijubashi Bridge photo with the palace reflected in the moat is the postcard shot. Allow 90 minutes to walk the grounds comfortably.
The East Gardens are free. The Nijubashi Bridge photo is the money shot.
Serene grounds with Edo Castle remnants and beautiful gardens. The East Gardens are the highlight.
A day of food, art, and views. Start with the best street food in Tokyo, continue to a digital art museum, and finish at Tokyo Tower.
Get to Tsukiji Outer Market early (before 9 AM). Walk the full circuit first: the grilled scallops, the tamagoyaki sticks, the fresh sushi stands. Then loop back for the stalls that caught your eye. Most food is eaten standing.
Arrive before 9 AM. Grilled scallops and tamagoyaki on a stick are the top picks.
Street food paradise with fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and dozens of stalls. Visit early for the best experience.
If you're still hungry (you will be), Tsukiji Ihachi is steps away. A5 wagyu steak, grilled on a hot stone at your table. The lunch sets are the value play.
A5 wagyu steak grilled on a hot stone at your table. Go for the lunch set.
Exceptional wagyu steak near Tsukiji market with theatrical hot-stone preparation.
After lunch, take the metro to teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills. Two to three hours in the shifting, interactive digital art rooms. Wear light colours. Book an early afternoon slot.
Book early morning slots. Wear light-coloured clothing for the projections.
Immersive digital art museum with constantly shifting installations. Relocated to Azabudai Hills in 2023.
Walk from Azabudai Hills to Tokyo Tower (about 20 minutes). The main deck at 150m is enough. Visit at dusk for the transition from afternoon haze to glittering city lights.
The main deck at 150m is sufficient. Visit at dusk for the best light.
Tokyo's iconic red-and-white tower with observation decks offering city views. More intimate than Skytree.
End the evening at Roppongi Hills. The Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor shows cutting-edge contemporary art, and the observation deck offers a different angle on the city. Dinner options abound in the complex and surrounding streets.
The Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor has the best contemporary art in Tokyo.
A massive complex with the Mori Art Museum, dining, shopping, and an observation deck.
The final day has a flexible structure. The morning is set (teamLab Planets), and the afternoon gives you three options depending on your interests.
teamLab Planets is the physical counterpart to Borderless. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot through knee-deep water, across soft sand, and through rooms of infinite light. The crystal mirror room is the photo everyone posts. It's closing permanently in 2027, so this is your window. Book an early morning slot and allow 2-3 hours.
Wear shorts. You walk barefoot through knee-deep water. Closing 2027.
Immersive barefoot art experience with water installations and light projections.
From Planets, it's a short ride to Odaiba. DiverCity Tokyo Plaza has the life-size Gundam statue (even if you're not an anime fan, it's impressively engineered), waterfront views, and decent shopping.
The life-size Gundam statue out front is a photo stop even if you don't shop.
Odaiba shopping mall with a life-size Gundam statue, diverse dining, and waterfront views.
Afternoon: Choose your own adventure.
Option A: Yanaka & Nezu Shrine. If you want one last dose of old Tokyo, head to the Yanaka district. Nezu Shrine has a tunnel of vermillion torii gates and (in late April) 3,000 azalea bushes in bloom. The surrounding neighbourhood has narrow lanes, independent shops, and cats. Lots of cats. End at Yanaka Ginza shopping street for a sunset beer.
The torii gate tunnel rivals Kyoto's Fushimi Inari. Late April for azalea festival.
Peaceful shrine with stunning azalea gardens and a vermillion torii gate tunnel in old-town Yanaka.
Option B: Ghibli Museum. If you're a Studio Ghibli fan, the museum in Mitaka is a pilgrimage. Concept art from every Miyazaki film, exclusive short films, and a building that feels like walking into Spirited Away. Tickets must be bought weeks in advance.
Buy tickets weeks ahead. No photos inside. Allow 2-3 hours.
A dream for Ghibli fans with concept art, exclusive short films, and a building that feels like a Miyazaki movie.
Option C: Harry Potter Studio Tour. Asia's only Warner Bros. studio tour has authentic film sets, interactive wand experiences, and Butterbeer. Budget a full day if you go this route.
Book morning slots. Pack a power bank. Budget a full day.
Asia's only Harry Potter studio tour with authentic sets, interactive experiences, and Butterbeer.
Each day's neighbourhood has solid food options:
For the full breakdown, see our best restaurants in Tokyo guide.
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