Tokyo 5-day itinerary

This trip covers old and new Tokyo. We will see traditions and modern life. Expect busy days and nights. The cherry blossoms should be out.

How many days do you need in Tokyo?

5 days is enough for Tokyo. This plan fits 19 stops, about 4 a day, so nothing feels rushed.

Day 1 in Tokyo: City Lights

Start at Mori Building Digital Art Museum: EPSON teamLab Borderless, then Meguro River (Nakameguro), finish at Tokyo Tower.

  • 1:30 PM Mori Building Digital Art Museum: EPSON teamLab Borderless
    Go for the interactive light rooms. The displays shift as you move through them. It is a different kind of art.
  • 5:10 PM Meguro River (Nakameguro)
    Walk by the canal. Cherry trees line the water. Cafes sit nearby. The mood is calm.
  • 5:15 PM Tokyo Tower
    Ascend this classic landmark for panoramic views of the city as it lights up.

Day 2 in Tokyo: Asakusa's Ancient Heart

Start at Tsukiji Outer Market, then Akihabara Electric Town, Senso-ji Temple, finish at Tokyo Skytree.

  • 9:30 AM Tsukiji Outer Market
    Still a fantastic place for fresh seafood and local market atmosphere. Go early to catch the best energy and freshest catches.
  • 11:40 AM Akihabara Electric Town
    This is the centre for anime and games. Go to the arcades. Look for unique goods. The area is busy.
  • 3:10 PM Senso-ji Temple
    Tokyo's oldest temple, a grand introduction to its spiritual side. The Nakamise-dori street leading up to it is perfect for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
  • 5:30 PM Tokyo Skytree
    Offers unparalleled panoramic views of the sprawling city, especially at dusk. The city lights begin to twinkle as the sun sets.

Day 3 in Tokyo: Gardens & Grandeur

Start at Imperial Palace East Garden, then Ameya-Yokocho Market, Ueno Park, finish at Tokyo National Museum.

  • 9:30 AM Imperial Palace East Garden
    Walk the grounds of the old Edo Castle. It is a quiet park. Old stone walls remain.
  • 11:40 AM Ameya-Yokocho Market
    Get stuck into the lively chaos of this street market. Find everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing and souvenirs.
  • 2:10 PM Ueno Park
    Stroll through this expansive park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. It's home to several museums and a zoo, offering a mix of nature and culture.
  • 4:10 PM Tokyo National Museum
    See Japan's largest art collection. The Honkan gallery shows Japanese art. It is the most complete overview.

Day 4 in Tokyo: Neon & Nature

Start at Shibuya Crossing, then Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, finish at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).

  • 10:00 AM Shibuya Crossing
    Witness the organised chaos of Tokyo's most famous scramble. The Starbucks overlook is popular, but the view from the station's east exit is just as good.
  • 1:30 PM Meiji Jingu Shrine
    Step from the city's buzz into this calm oasis. The massive torii gates and wide gravel paths offer a moment of calm reflection.
  • 3:00 PM Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
    See the English, French, and Japanese garden styles. It is a large, pretty space. Good for a quiet walk.
  • 5:15 PM Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
    Head up to the observation decks for sweeping views of Tokyo as the city lights begin to twinkle. Aim to arrive about 45 minutes before sunset.
  • 6:25 PM Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
    Walk down the narrow street. Lanterns light the way. Small yakitori places are here. Eat and drink casually.

Day 5 in Tokyo: Pop Culture Pilgrimage

Start at Nakano Broadway, then Edo-Tokyo Museum, finish at Radio Kaikan.

  • 1:40 PM Nakano Broadway
    A paradise for anime, manga, and retro game collectors. Explore the many shops filled with unique finds.
  • 3:40 PM Edo-Tokyo Museum
    Recreates Tokyo's history from the Edo period to modern times with life-size models. A fascinating look at the city's evolution.
  • 5:40 PM Radio Kaikan
    This building has many floors. It is full of anime figures and models. Fans will like it.

Where to eat in Tokyo?

Start with Tsuta in Sugamo, then work down this list.

  • Tsuta, Sugamo
    The first ramen joint to get a Michelin star. Their truffle shoyu ramen is next level.
  • Afuri Ramen, Shinjuku
    Known for its refreshing yuzu shio ramen. It's lighter than most ramen.
  • Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, Shibuya
    The pork is very tender. The coating is crisp. It is good tonkatsu.
  • Sushi Dai, Tsukiji Outer Market
    Famous for its incredibly fresh sushi. You'll wait, but it's worth it.
  • Tempura Kondo, Ginza
    High-end tempura that's light and perfectly fried. A real treat.
  • Ichiran Shibuya, Shibuya
    A solo dining experience for ramen lovers. Customise your broth and toppings.

Can Vouched plan my own Tokyo trip?

Yes. Pick your dates and what you're into, and Vouched builds a plan like this one, every venue checked.