How to Plan a 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary (2025)

Spending 5 full days in Tokyo would allow you to travel the city's highlights without rushing. You could explore the historical and modern must-visits, enjoy authentic activities, and take day trips outside the city to see Mount Fuji.

In this article, we provide practical suggestions and insights. We hope our experiences will help you make the most of your time in Tokyo, avoiding unnecessary distractions and minimizing time spent on the road.

What to Do in Tokyo for 5 Days?

Tokyo is the perfect mix of past and present, giving you a wonderful introduction to Japan. From historical buildings to modern districts, from cultural experiences to the iconic natural scenery of Mount Fuji, Tokyo satisfies a diverse range of interests.

Although seeing everything in Tokyo in just 5 days is not possible, you could explore the major highlights in Tokyo at your own pace. Based on our personal experiences, here are seven carefully selected top things to do in and around Tokyo that you shouldn't miss.

1) Explore Traditional Culture at Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji

Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji are Tokyo's top two historical highlights. Vising them would allow you to get a representative overview of Japanese history and religious culture.

Meiji Shrine is a wooden shrine surrounded by 100,000 tall trees. As it is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his empress, the Japanese believe the gods bless the shrine. Locals often go there to pray for luck or hold traditional Japanese weddings. You might have a chance to witness a wedding ceremony if you're lucky.

Senso-ji is Tokyo's most spiritual temple and the symbol of Japanese religious culture. It is famous for its giant red lantern at the gate and the 400-year-old shopping street of Nakamise-dori. The entire temple exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868).

2) Immerse Yourself in Modern Shibuya

Lively Shibuya is a showpiece modern district and shopping paradise in Tokyo. It's filled with modern buildings, distinctive Japanese shops, a variety of restaurants, and a fashion vibe.

Furthermore, Shibuya Crossing is the district's top highlight — the most famous crossing in the world sees thousands of pedestrians crossing every minute! The scene is bustling yet organized — a truly enthralling sight.

3) Indulge in the High-Tech teamLab Borderless

teamLab Borderless is an interactive museum, blending natural elements and digital art. There are no direct signs or fixed tour orders, making your exploration more interesting and free-flowing. Some rooms even take more time to find.

The same room changes at different times and the exhibition items interact with each other, creating a dynamic and immersive experience.

4) Enjoy a Full View of Tokyo at Tokyo Skytree or Roppongi Hills

You could enjoy bird's-eye views of Tokyo from both Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills. Besides taking in the view, these buildings offer other experiences as well.

Tokyo Skytree is Japan's tallest tower, with its two observation decks offering the highest vantage points in Tokyo, making it possible to spot Mount Fuji in the distance. You would enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.

Roppongi Hills is the perfect place to view Tokyo Tower and a full view of the city. This building complex also hosts various art exhibitions, a shopping district, and dining options, catering to many interests in one place.

If you mainly want to enjoy a panoramic view, Tokyo Skytree is the better option. It provides a wider view and an enhanced viewing experience.

5) Engage in Unique Japanese Experiences

You could try a range of authentic Japanese activities in Tokyo, such as making sushi, a tea ceremony, and watching a sumo performance. These activities offer a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, learn more about local traditions, and make your trip more memorable.

6) Stay a Night at a Ryokan with an Onsen in Hakone

Hakone is a popular destination near Tokyo, known for its ryokan (traditional inns) and onsen (hot spring bath) experiences. As Hakone is home to abundant hot springs, many ryokans there offer public or private onsens for you to relax in.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style accommodation, where you could enjoy sleeping on comfortable tatami mats. Each room accommodates 3–5 people, making it a great option for most families looking to stay together in one room.

7) Appreciate Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi

Admiring iconic Mount Fuji is top on the list for many Japan travelers. It's worthwhile to take a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi to view it, as it is only a 2-hour drive from Tokyo.

Lake Kawaguchi is the perfect place to admire Mount Fuji. With better visibility and plenty of viewing spots, you would have a great chance to see a full view of the celebrated mountain. Mount Fuji is exceptionally beautiful during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April.

If you have any preferences or places you're interested in, feel free to contact us. Our Japan travel advisors will tailor your itinerary to fit your ideas.

A 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for First-Timers

This itinerary offers a great overview of Tokyo city and day trips out of the city and into nature. You would explore Tokyo's must-visits, gaining insights into Japanese history, its unique culture, food, and Mount Fuji's beauty.

To make the most of your time without feeling rushed, you're recommended to explore 3–4 highlights each day. Some attractions have shopping streets nearby, so you may want to take some time to leisurely wander around and shop.

When exploring the city highlights of Tokyo, we advise splitting 5 days between five different areas for sightseeing. This would help you to focus on experiencing the attractions and save time on transfers.

Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

• Day 1: West Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, sushi-making, and teamLab Borderless)
• Day 2: East Tokyo (Senso-ji, a sumo performance, and Tokyo Skytree)
• Day 3: Modern Tokyo (Roppongi Hills, a tea ceremony, and Shibuya)
• Day 4: Hakone (a ryokan stay)
• Day 5: Day trip to Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji)

Day 1: West Tokyo

Your Tokyo adventure would start at Meiji Shrine. Next, enjoy making sushi for lunch, and then explore interactive teamLab Borderless.

Stop 1: Meiji Shrine

Kick off at Meiji Shrine, a century-old shrine that holds great significance in Tokyo. You would spend about 2 hours there, as it takes about 30 minutes to walk from the gate to the shrine along a wide stone path lined with towering trees.

It's best to visit Meiji Shrine in the morning. You would encounter fewer visitors, have a quieter experience, and get a better chance to see a traditional Japanese wedding.

The shrine frequently hosts blessing ceremonies, with the most popular ones happening during New Year and Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th), drawing millions of visitors. If you're planning to visit during these times, you're highly recommended to visit after the ceremonies to avoid the large crowds.

The modern districts of Harajuku and Omotesando are just a 10–20-minute walk from Meiji Shrine. There, you could enjoy delicious meals and shopping.

Stop 2: Sushi Making

Next, try making sushi with expert guidance just before lunchtime so that you could taste a delicious meal made with your new knowledge. You could try it at a sushi restaurant or a local home as both experiences would be similar. This experience would last about 2 hours.

You would be guided by a professional chef throughout the entire process. First, he would introduce you to the ingredients commonly used to make sushi. Then, he would teach you how to shape the rice. Finally, you would have the opportunity to try making about 10 pieces of sushi.

We would assist you in selecting a suitable place to make sushi based on your itinerary, making it easier for you by handling the process of choosing and booking.

Stop 3: teamLab Borderless

Finally, visit the interactive digital art museum of teamLab Borderless. Take 2–3 hours to fully immerse yourself in the exhibitions that blend natural elements and light shows.

The Tea House is the must-see highlight. It's incredibly interactive — you could watch flowers bloom in your ice cream cup or tea cup.

teamLab Borderless makes taking great photos easy. It is highly recommended to wear light-colored clothes for better photos. However, avoid wearing dresses or skirts as the floor is made of glass.

Day 2: East Tokyo

Delve into traditional Japanese culture by visiting Senso-ji and watching a sumo performance. Additionally, enjoy a bird's-eye view of Tokyo at Tokyo Skytree.

Stop 1: Senso-ji

Senso-ji is a landmark in Tokyo that attracts many travelers each year. It represents Japanese religious culture and history. You would need about 2 hours to explore it and its surroundings.

Senso-ji is usually busy from 9am to 5pm, particularly on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the large crowds, it's best to visit early, such as 7–8am. However, the shops along the old shopping street of Nakamise-dori are closed during these early hours.

For an effortless way to explore Senso-ji's surroundings, you could take a rickshaw ride. Choose between a 10-minute, 30-minute, or hour-long ride. Along the way, the rickshaw-puller would provide explanations about nearby buildings in English and take photos for you.

Stop 2: Watch a Sumo Performance

Watch a sumo performance and savor a traditional sumo dish at noon. During this 2-hour experience, you would gain a better understanding of wrestlers' daily lives and the sumo culture.

Watch a sumo wrestling performance and even have the rare chance to engage in a friendly sumo contest with retired professional wrestlers. Plus, you could sample chanko-nabe, a special sumo dish that you wouldn't find easily anywhere else.

Stop 3: Tokyo Skytree

Conclude your day at Japan's tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree. It usually takes 2–3 hours to enjoy Tokyo's skyline and explore other experiences at the tower.

The tower has two observation decks: the 350-meter (1,150-foot) Tembo Deck and the 450-meter (1,480-foot) Tembo Galleria. It's recommended to visit Tembo Deck, as it offers a comparable view to the higher deck, but with better photo opportunities. Tembo Galleria is less crowded but has poor lighting, making it a challenge to take good photos.

As well as admiring the Tokyo views, at Tokyo Skytree you could visit its indoor aquarium, explore its gallery to discover stories of the tower, and shop at Pokémon Center.

Day 3: Modern Tokyo

Take in the view of Tokyo Tower from a perfect spot at Roppongi Hills, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony, and explore the vibrant city life of Shibuya.

Stop 1: Roppongi Hills

Start your day at Roppongi Hills, the perfect spot to get a close-up view of Tokyo Tower and enjoy the cityscape. You could spend 1–2 hours there taking in the sights and capturing photos to your heart's content.

Roppongi Hills has two observation decks: the indoor Tokyo City View and the outdoor Sky Deck.

• Tokyo City View: Admire the scenery through the wide, clean windows, offering a clear view of the scenery.
• Sky Deck: Located on the roof, it offers an unrestricted view. For security, only mobile phones and cameras are allowed on this deck. You can leave other belongings securely at the entrance of the observation deck.

Stop 2: A Japanese Tea Ceremony

Next, experience a traditional hour-long tea ceremony. A professional staff member in a kimono would guide you through grinding, brewing, and savoring matcha using classical Japanese implements. While it's usually done on your knees, you could also sit comfortably if you prefer.

Stop 3: Shibuya

Finish your day in flourishing Shibuya district. Besides shopping and dining, don't miss the chance to experience Shibuya Crossing, known as the world's busiest intersection. For one of the best views of the crossing, head to Starbucks on the second floor.

If you have time to view Tokyo's skyline at sunset, consider adding Shibuya Sky to your itinerary. As the view is more beautiful in the evening and at night, the tickets during these times are hard to get. You could book it at the official website.

Day 4: Transfer to Hakone

Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone by Japan Railways takes about 2 hours. Hakone is known for its onsens and picturesque rural scenery. You could explore Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents, and wander around to enjoy the beautiful countryside views.

Staying at a Japanese-style ryokan is an exclusive experience in Hakone. You could sleep on tatamis, wear yukata (Japanese clothing), slide open old-style wooden doors, and enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal.

We recommend booking a package at the ryokan that includes breakfast and dinner. The breakfast offers a mix of Western and Japanese cuisines, while dinner is a kaiseki feast. Since restaurants in Hakone close at about 6pm, it might be difficult to find a late dinner spot, so it's best to enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Day Trip to Lake Kawaguchi

A private car would take you from Hakone to Lake Kawaguchi in about 1½ hours.

There are four main ways to admire Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi: boating on the lake, taking a ropeway to a high observation deck, hiking, and biking around the lake. You could choose 1–2 ways based on your preferences. Boating is the top recommendation, as it provides an interesting and effortless way to admire the mountain from mid-distance.

Having a private car to visit Lake Kawaguchi is strongly suggested. Public transportation is not very convenient there, so you might waste lots of time on the road without a private car.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

To minimize the hassle of switching hotels and return journeys during your 5-day stay in Tokyo, it's wise to stay at two hotels: one in Tokyo city and another in Hakone. Tokyo's comprehensive transport system makes getting around the city easy.

When in Tokyo, we recommend staying in the Shinjuku area. It's convenient for visiting the major attractions we mentioned earlier, is close to the station, and is surrounded by a variety of restaurants. You could easily explore on your own and enjoy plenty of shopping options.

Below are two handpicked 4-star hotels in Shinjuku that we recommend. They are conveniently located and provide triple/quadruple rooms.

• The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

In Hakone, you're recommended to stay near the station for easy access to attractions. Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is a great 4-star hotel choice, offering both Japanese-style rooms and Western standard rooms.

Expect clean and well-equipped rooms, along with high-quality services at most star-rated hotels in Tokyo. Nearly all hotels in Tokyo have a check-in time after 2pm and a check-out time before 10am.

See hotel recommendations in each area at Where to Stay in Tokyo.

How to Get Around in Tokyo

Due to the extensive metro network, it is convenient to reach most attractions in Tokyo by subway. However, you may spend more time when using public transportation. In our experience, some of Tokyo's major train stations, such as Shinjuku, are large with multiple entrances, and Google Maps may lose its ability to navigate underground.

You are strongly advised to have a private car during your 5-day stay in Tokyo. This would help you save time and energy by allowing you to reach attractions directly, maximizing your experiences there.

How Much Does 5 Days in Tokyo Cost?

As Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, travel costs in Tokyo are 30% to 50% more expensive than in Kyoto and Osaka.

Accommodation in Tokyo could take up a big portion of your travel budget. Generally, a standard room in a Tokyo 4-star hotel costs from US$250–320 and a Japanese-style room is US$300–450 per night. Prices may double during peak seasons, such as the cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Christmas, and New Year.

For a comfortable 5-day exploration of Tokyo, a private tour is the way to go. For US$350 per person daily, you would enjoy a well-selected 4-star hotel, private guide, private car, and attractions booked and optimized for you. Our Tokyo private-tour prices for 5 days are from US$1,800.

What Is the Best Time to Travel to Tokyo?

Tokyo is a year-round destination. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, both offering mild weather and attractive scenery. You could enjoy cherry blossoms in late March to early April and autumn foliage in late October to November.

Tokyo's summer (June to August) is hot and crowded, with daily highs sometimes exceeding 35°C (95°F). It's also the rainy season, but rain doesn't fall every day (averaging about 12 days per month). June is a slightly cooler summer month with fewer crowds.

Tokyo's winter (December to February) is the coldest and driest time, but it's not too cold to travel, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F). You could enjoy admiring the charming Christmas lighting or relaxing in the onsens, which are especially enjoyable when it snows.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip to Tokyo

We understand that everyone has their unique preferences when it comes to visiting Tokyo. Our Japan travel advisors would create your own personalized itinerary based on your needs and interests. Contact us to inquire.

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