Let’s be real: Tokyo is massive. Many travel blogs try to narrow you down to the “top 3 hotels” or “best restaurants,” but Tokyo has dozens of great places to stay and hundreds of incredible food spots. Instead of ranking favorites, this itinerary focuses on showing you where the main neighborhoods and attractions are—and how to explore them in logical, nearby groupings. By spending each half day in one area, you avoid wasting time zigzagging across town and get to understand the city.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo + Shinjuku: The City’s Central Hub

Shinjuku is the perfect place to start a Tokyo adventure — it’s central, lively, and full of neon lights. Shinjuku Station connects you to almost anywhere in Tokyo by train, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Most travelers arrive at either Narita or Haneda airports. Narita is farther from central Tokyo but has more international flights, while Haneda is closer but offers fewer international options. After a long flight, focus on settling in first. Don’t worry about dinner reservations — just grab some of the best comfort food from one of Tokyo’s famous 7-Eleven stores.

Arrive at Narita Airport (Afternoon)
After customs, visitors should activate WiFi or a local eSIM and set up a virtual Suica card for easy transit throughout the city.
Transfer to Shinjuku
The Narita Express is the fastest option to reach Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, the Airport Limousine Bus offers a more direct route to your hotel’s doorstep. Both are among the most cost-effective and convenient options.
Check-in at your hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya
Evening in Shinjuku
- Stroll through the area to take in Shinjuku’s iconic lights, dense crowds, and pop-up food stalls.
- Grab a quick dinner at 7-Eleven — Japan’s convenience stores are famous for their quality bento, noodles, and onigiri.
- End the night with the hourly Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building light show, a calm (and free) way to enjoy a panoramic city view.

Day 2: Shibuya + Shimokitazawa + Shinjuku Night Out

Day 2 captures Tokyo’s dynamic energy and eclectic charm by combining the bustling, neon-lit streets of Shibuya with the laid-back, artsy vibe of Shimokitazawa. Start your morning navigating the famous Shibuya Crossing and exploring trendy shops and cafés. In the afternoon, slow down in Shimokitazawa’s vintage stores, cozy bookstores, and indie music shops. As night falls, return to Shinjuku to experience its vibrant nightlife in iconic areas like Omoide Yokocho, known for its smoky yakitori stalls, and Golden Gai, famous for its tiny themed bars serving whiskey and cocktails.

Morning in Shinjuku
Begin the day at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo’s most tranquil green spaces. Its blend of Japanese, English, and French garden styles offers a relaxing start to the day.
Late Morning to Afternoon in Shibuya
- Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian scrambles.
- Visit Shibuya Parco, home to flagship Nintendo and Pokémon stores.
- Grab lunch in or near the complex — plenty of cafés and food halls are nearby.
- Head up to Shibuya Sky, an open-air observatory offering breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline. **Book in advance via Klook or the official website.**
Evening in Shimokitazawa
Known for its vintage shops, coffee roasters, and relaxed pace, Shimokitazawa is a hipster haven. It’s a great place to unwind, explore at a slower pace, and enjoy a unique side of Tokyo’s youth culture.
Night in Shinjuku
- Eat like a local at Omoide Yokocho (aka "Memory Lane"), filled with tiny yakitori stalls under glowing lanterns.
- Wrap up with drinks in Golden Gai, where tiny themed bars each offer a completely different vibe — karaoke, jazz, gothic horror, you name it.

Day 3: Harajuku, Omotesando & Roppongi

Day 3 offers a mix of Tokyo’s serene cultural spots and its trendiest shopping districts. Begin with the serene and spiritual atmosphere of Meiji Shrine nestled in a lush forest. From there, wander through Yoyogi Park’s lively weekend gatherings before diving into Harajuku’s vibrant Takeshita Street — a hotspot for youth fashion, quirky boutiques, and irresistible street snacks like Japanese crepes. In the afternoon, experience the stylish elegance of Omotesando and Aoyama, where architecturally stunning flagship stores and upscale cafés blend culture with cutting-edge design. This day perfectly captures Tokyo’s blend of tradition, youth culture, and luxury.

Morning in Harajuku
- Start your morning at Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto sites, tucked inside a peaceful forest. Arrive early before the crowds and you might catch a traditional wedding procession if it’s a weekend.
- Stroll through nearby Yoyogi Park, a spacious green space perfect for a relaxed walk and people-watching.
Late Morning
- Head to Takeshita Street, the epicenter of Harajuku’s teen culture. Colorful fashion, kawaii stores, and crepes with every topping imaginable await.
Afternoon to Evening
- Stroll through Omotesando and Aoyama, Tokyo’s most architecturally impressive shopping areas. Here, flagship stores double as design showcases.
- Cap off the day in Roppongi, Tokyo’s international nightlife hub, known for upscale bars, lounges, and the Mori Art Museum.

Day 4: Asakusa & Akihabara

Day 4 is where Tokyo’s past and future come face to face. Start in Asakusa, where centuries-old temples and traditional street stalls offer a glimpse into Edo-era Tokyo. Then head to Akihabara, the city’s electric playground of anime, gaming, and gadget culture. From incense-filled shrines to multi-story arcades, this day delivers a full-spectrum experience of Tokyo’s timeless traditions and high-tech obsessions.

Morning in Asakusa
- Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, best experienced early before the crowds arrive and on the weekend.
- Walk along Nakamise Street, a traditional shopping street leading to the temple, filled with souvenir shops and street snacks like melonpan and ningyo-yaki.
Afternoon in Ueno Park
- Visit Ueno Park or the Tokyo National Museum, both within a short ride from Asakusa, especially if you're interested in art or nature.
Evening in Akihabara
- Dive into Akihabara, Japan’s tech and anime capital. Explore floors of collectibles at Radio Kaikan, retro video games at Super Potato, and multi-story arcades like Taito Game Station.
- Whether you're into gaming or just curious, it’s an unforgettable stop for understanding Tokyo’s futuristic side.

Day 5: Tsukiji Market, teamLab Borderless & Ginza

Day 5 is a whirlwind of Tokyo’s boldest flavors, sights, and styles — from the mouthwatering chaos of seafood stalls to mind-blowing digital art experiences, finishing off with a stroll through some of the city’s most stylish shopping streets. It’s a high-energy finale that captures everything that makes Tokyo endlessly fascinating.

Morning at Tsukiji Outer Market
Get an early start at Tsukiji, where dozens of vendors offer fresh sushi, grilled seafood skewers, tamagoyaki, and more. While the wholesale market has moved, the outer market remains a lively hub for street food and kitchen goods. **Come early to avoid crowds. Not open on Sundays.**
Midday Attractions
- Visit teamLab Borderless, one of Tokyo’s most Instagrammed experiences. The digital art museum features glowing forests, moving light sculptures, and interactive projections — book tickets at least two months in advance.
- Stop by nearby Zojoji Temple, a peaceful counterpoint framed by views of Tokyo Tower.
- Walk around the Imperial Palace grounds, especially the East Garden, to reflect on the city’s historical roots.
Evening in Ginza
Tokyo’s premier shopping and dining district, Ginza is a polished place to end your trip. Browse flagship stores like Uniqlo Ginza, discover high-end fashion at Ginza Six, and pick up thoughtful souvenirs before heading home.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Tokyo itinerary is crafted for a seamless and immersive experience, focusing on exploring neighborhoods in thoughtful clusters to minimize transit and maximize discovery. From tranquil ancient shrines and lush gardens to vibrant shopping streets and cutting-edge digital art, Tokyo offers layers of culture and excitement for those who take the time to delve deep. Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning to uncover more, this itinerary provides a well-rounded and unforgettable glimpse into the city’s many captivating faces.

5-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Explore Japan’s Capital by Area for a Smarter, Smoother Trip