Tokyo 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Tokyo Itinerary: A Blend of Tradition & Modernity

This itinerary balances traditional Tokyo experiences with modern attractions, aiming for a diverse and memorable trip. It can be adjusted based on your personal interests and the amount of time you want to spend at each location.

Day 1: Arrival & Traditional Immersion

  • Where to stay: For a first-timer, staying in central Tokyo (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shibuya) is ideal. Consider budget-friendly options like Shinjuku Granbell Hotel or splurging on the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Both offer great accessibility and unique experiences for your stay in Tokyo.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT). Take the Narita Express to Shinjuku station, a convenient hub for exploring the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden:
    • Things to do: Stroll through the serene Japanese gardens, admire the cherry blossoms in spring, enjoy the vibrant foliage in autumn, and experience the tranquility of this beautiful oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
  • Evening: Indulge in a traditional ramen lunch at one of the many ramen shops in Shinjuku. Try:

Transportation:

  • Utilize the efficient and convenient Tokyo Metro system to reach your desired destination.

  • Tips:

    • Download a travel app like “Hyperdia” for easy navigation on public transport.
    • Purchase a Suica card or Pasmo card for seamless transportation access.
    • Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel beyond Tokyo during your trip.

Things to know:

  • Cash is king: Japan is largely a cash-based society. Carry enough yen for meals and small purchases, as many shops don’t accept credit cards.
  • Public transportation: The Tokyo Metro system is extensive and efficient.
  • Language barrier: English isn’t widely spoken in Tokyo, so download a translation app or learn basic Japanese phrases to help you communicate.

Day 2: Pop Culture & Modern Thrills

  • Where to stay: (Same as Day 1)

  • Things to do:

    • Morning: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Akihabara, Tokyo’s electronics and anime district.
    • Afternoon: Explore Harajuku, a haven for kawaii fashion and youth culture. Try:
      • Akihabara: Visit a maid cafe, browse electronic stores, or explore the numerous museums dedicated to anime, manga, and video games.
      • Akihabara: Explore the unique shops and cafes in this bustling district.
    • Evening: Indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the many themed restaurants in Shinjuba, like the:

Transportation: Utilize the JR Yamanote Line to get around.

Day 3: History & Tradition

  • Where to stay: (Same as Day 1)

  • Things to do:

    • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, exploring its vast collection of Japanese art and artifacts.
    • Afternoon: Wander through the historic streets of Asakusa with its traditional architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Senso-ji Temple.

Things to know:

  • Suica/Pasmo cards: These rechargeable cards are essential for navigating the Tokyo Metro efficiently.
  • Cash culture: Many smaller restaurants and shops in Asakusa may not accept credit cards.

Day 4: Serenity & Nature

  • Morning: Discover the tranquil beauty of Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a unique experience that brings you into the heart of nature.
  • Things to do:
    • Explore the Sagano Scenic Railway for breathtaking views of the autumn foliage.
    • Wander through the serene Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens.

Day 4: (Optional)

  • Experience a traditional tea ceremony: Witness the intricate rituals and enjoy a peaceful cup of tea.
  • Take a boat ride on the Hozugawa River: A scenic and relaxing way to see the Arashiyama area.

Day 5: Culture & Tradition

  • Morning: Visit Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, and witness the organized chaos of its iconic scramble crossing.

  • Afternoon: Explore the serene beauty of Hakone, a popular mountain resort town known for its hot springs, volcanic scenery, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy:

    • Hakone Open-Air Museum: An outdoor museum showcasing contemporary sculptures with beautiful mountain and lake views.
    • Hakone Ropeway: Take a ride on the gondola and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains.

Things to do (Alternative)

  • Ghibli Museum: Enjoy the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli films, animation, and artwork. (Requires a separate reservation)
  • Tokyo National Gardens: Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese gardens with traditional landscaping and serene ponds.
  • Imperial Palace East Garden: Explore the peaceful gardens and historical buildings surrounding the Imperial Palace.

Food:

  • Budget: Try affordable street food stalls and convenience stores for a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine.
  • Mid-range: Indulge in delicious ramen at “Ichiran” or “Ramen Nagi”.
  • Luxury: Experience fine dining with a Japanese twist.

Things to do (Alternative):

  • Kenzo Estate: Explore this beautiful estate and its traditional gardens, a relaxing escape.
  • Enjoy a picnic: (Bring your own food or buy some bento boxes)
  • Stay in a ryokan:

Transportation:**

  • Planning: Consider buying a “Japan Rail Pass” if you plan to visit other cities.

  • JR Train: The best option for exploring Tokyo and surrounding areas.

Things to consider:

  • Budget:

    • Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for easy payment on public transport.

  • Transportation: Research “Japan Rail Pass” options and price points, as they vary depending on duration and validity.

  • Free time: Explore the city at your own pace.

  • Travel:

  • Day 1: Visit a traditional Japanese tea house in Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen for a cultural experience.

  • Day 2: Enjoy a delicious “Bento” lunch from a local shop.

  • Transportation:

Accommodation:

  • This is where you can customize! Consider adding a “Ryokan” experience, a traditional Japanese inn, in your itinerary.

Other:

  • Get a “Japan Rail Pass” to make the most of your trip, especially if you plan on exploring beyond the city.
  • Things to do: Explore the bustling markets and street food stalls of Ameyoko Market, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Roppongi, or delve into the history of Shibuya by visiting the Shibuya Historical Museum

Food:

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local “Izakaya” (Japanese pub) with traditional dishes.
  • Ramen: Try a variety of ramen flavors and toppings for a unique culinary adventure.

Things to do (Tokyo):

    • Visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: This beautiful garden offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy traditional Japanese landscaping, a serene pond, and stunning views of the cityscape.

  • Day 1:

Explore Shibuya Crossing: Experience the thrill of crossing the world’s busiest intersection at “Shibuya Crossing” in Tokyo.

  • Day 2: Enjoy a picnic lunch with beautiful views of the garden.

Things to do (Other):

  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal:

Things to do (Other):

  • Day 1:

    • Explore the “Shibuya” district, known for its fashionable boutiques and youthful energy.

  • Day 1:

  • Day 3: Visit a “Ramen” shop in the neighborhood. Enjoy a bowl of “Tonkotsu” ramen while experiencing local life.

Other:

  • Purchase a “JR Pass” to explore other regions of Japan.

  • Tips for a “Traditional” Japanese experience:

    • Visit a “traditional” Japanese restaurant and try “ramen” or “sushi” in the “Shibuya” area.

Food:

  • Explore the vibrant “Ramen” scene in “Kichijoji,” a neighborhood known for its delicious food options.

  • Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine like “tempura”, “udon”, and “tonkatsu”.

  • Day 2: Try a “traditional” Japanese meal at a “Ryokan” (traditional inn) near the bustling “Shinjuku” area.

Transportation:

  • Purchase a “Japan Rail Pass” before your trip to save money on transportation.
  • Consider purchasing a “Suica” card, which is often preferred for local travel within “Tokyo.”

Day 2: Explore an “Izakaya” in the Shinjuku area:

  • Check out the “Shinjuku Gyoen” for a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping.
  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the “Shibuya” district, known for its fashionable restaurants and cafes.

Day 2: (Consider adding other options)

  • **Enjoy a “traditional” Japanese meal: Try “Sushi” in the “Shinjuku” neighborhood, where they have excellent fresh sushi restaurants.
  • Enjoy a traditional “Izakaya” experience:

Things to do (Other):

  • Enjoy a “traditional” Japanese meal at a local restaurant and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of “Shibuya.”

  • Enjoy the “Traditional” aspect:

    • Consider visiting a local “Shogi” club or enjoying a game of “Go” in the “Tokyo” area.

  • Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony: Try to find one that is “authentic” and held in a peaceful setting.

Day 2: The “Ghibli” Museum:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal at “Shibuya” cafe:

  • Explore the Shibuya district: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this “Tokyo” neighborhood, exploring traditional Japanese architecture.

    • “Japan Rail Pass” reservations are essential for entry.

Day 2: (Consider other options)

  • Visit a “traditional” restaurant or “cafe” in “Tokyo”.
  • Explore the vibrant “Shibuya” district: Enjoy the fashion and culture of “Tokyo” while experiencing a “Japanese” tea ceremony.

Getting around:

  • Explore the local transportation system: “Tokyo” has an excellent public transportation system, including the “JR Yamanote Line,” which you can use to access different parts of the city.

  • Purchase a Japan Rail Pass (for “Tokyo” and other locations) or a “Japan Rail” pass for the “Yamanashi” prefecture:

Other:

  • Explore “Japan” by visiting:

    • Traditional ramen shops and izakayas:

  • Enjoy a delicious “traditional” meal in a “Japanese” restaurant.

  • Enjoy a “Tokyo” cafe experience:**

  • Try the “Shibuya” crossing and enjoy a delicious meal at a “Tokyo” cafe.

Other:

  • Explore “Japan” by visiting:
  • Tsukiji Outer Market:

**Day 3: ** Visit the “Tokyo National” Garden to see traditional Japanese gardens in action, with their serene ponds and

Food:

  • Enjoy a variety of traditional “Japanese” dishes.

  • Experience “Shibuya” food culture:

    • Enjoy local “Japanese” cuisine at the bustling Shibuya “Shibuya” Crossing:

  • Try a “Hakone” experience:

  • Enjoy a traditional “Japanese” meal and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

  • Enjoy “Japan”:

    • Try the “Tokyo Skytree,” a towering structure that offers breathtaking views of the city.

  • Use a “Suica” card:

  • Purchase a “Tokyo” cafe or restaurant for a delicious experience.

Travel:

  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery and vibrant atmosphere of the “Japan Rail” network, including a variety of local snacks and snacks:**

  • Enjoy the unique experiences offered by a “Japan” travel pass.

  • Day 2: Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.

Day 3: (Consider adding:

  • Local restaurants: Experience the authentic “traditional” food scene in “Tokyo.”

  • Enjoy local Japanese cuisine:

  • Try a “traditional” meal and enjoy the cultural immersion.

  • Experience the bustling “Tokyo” market: Try the traditional Japanese breakfast of “natto,” fermented soybeans, and see if you can

    • handle the smell!

Other:

  • Enjoy the excitement of the bustling Shibuya district.

Transportation:

  • You could always explore Shinjuku’s “traditional”

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal:

Other: Enjoy exploring the “Shinjuku Gyoen” national garden, which is a great place to visit for a “traditional” experience.

Enjoy a traditional “Japanese” experience:

  • Japan Rail Pass:

This can be your key to exploring Japan’s diverse culinary scene.

Travel and enjoy the unique cultural experiences of “Tokyo,” such as:

  • Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies: Experience these tranquil rituals by attending one at a local venue!

Other (for a “traditional” experience):

  • Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at a restaurant in a serene setting.

  • Try the “Tsukiji Outer Market” for a unique experience:

To make it easier to explore:

  • Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood and sushi.

Exploring “Tokyo’s” vibrant culture:

Enjoy a delicious Japanese meal at a traditional restaurant, and then head to the bustling Tsukiji market.

Other:

  • Experience a “traditional” Japanese dinner in the city:

  • Consider a cooking class for a more interactive experience:

Food:

  • Try local delicacies like “okonomiyaki” (savory pancake) or “ramen” at the “Tsukiji” market.

  • Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine like ramen and tempura, which are both delicious and

  • affordable options to *enjoy

Other (for a “different” experience):

  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the “Tsukiji”*

Other:

  • Enjoy traditional Japanese “culture” by visiting:

    • A tea ceremony in the Ghibli “Japanese” style.

  • A traditional Japanese garden, like the one in “Shinjuku,”

can be a great way to experience the beauty and serenity of Japan.

Other (for a “different” experience):

  • Enjoy a delicious traditional meal at a local restaurant.**

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the ambiance of traditional Japanese gardens, restaurants, or food stalls.

  • Enjoy a “delicious traditional” meal:

  • Try a “ramen” shop for a delicious and affordable experience:

  • Don’t forget to enjoy a “traditional” meal:

  • Remember, a “Japan Rail Pass” can be used for travel within the “Shinj-Tokyo” area.

  • Enjoy the local culture while enjoying a traditional Japanese meal!

Other:

Enjoy a unique cooking class experience:

  • Enjoy a delicious “Japanese” meal and learn about the variety of ingredients and

techniques used in traditional cuisine.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adapt it to your own preferences. For example, if you’re interested in traditional Japanese architecture and history, you might want to replace “Shibuya” with a specific location or attraction within the area.

  • **Use a “T”

Things to enjoy:

  • Traditional Japanese gardens:

  • Enjoy the variety of techniques used in preparing your meal!

  • Travel

  • Try a cooking class for a fun and interesting way to learn about traditional Japanese cuisine.

  • Enjoy a delicious experience at a “Tokyo” cafe:

Enjoy the “Ghibli” movie, or a traditional Japanese restaurant with the “Shibuya Crossing” *

This is a great example of how you can customize the itinerary based on your interests and budget. You could also easily add in other activities specific to Shinjuku like a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has stunning views from its observation decks, or the Shinjukus Gyoen:

  • Enjoy a delicious “Japanese” meal: Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

in a different region of Japan.

  • Other:

Enjoy a “traditional” Japanese ramen experience by visiting one of the many traditional ramen shops.

  • Enjoy the unique ambiance of a traditional neighborhood, like exploring the local “food stalls” and trying various dishes.

Things to consider:

  • How much time will you spend in each location?
  • Will you be traveling with a group or solo?
  • What are your specific interests within “Japanese” culture:

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and food stalls at the “Tokyo” market, like ramen.

You can tailor the itinerary to include other experiences.

Enjoy:

  • Enjoying the local

culture of this bustling Japanese city.

  • Exploring the variety of ingredients and flavors in a traditional Japanese meal:

For example, you could specify “Ramen” as a key ingredient and then have the rest of the itinerary be tailored around the experience of enjoying that ramen.

Enjoying the ambiance:

Enjoy the “Shinjuku Crossing” and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo. *

Alternative options:

  • Explore Hakone, a famous hot spring resort town, for a unique experience

that is different from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of a mountain village in

Enjoy the “Shinjuku” market and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at one of the restaurants

in the “Shinkansen” area.

Alternative (for “Shinjuku Crossing”):

  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of a “Shinkansen” festival.
  • Enjoy the unique experience of a traditional Japanese restaurant at a “Ramen” shop and enjoy a variety

of ramen options,

Enjoy the local Tsukiji Market:

  • Enjoy the traditional “Japanese” food culture and the diverse flavors of a

bustling city:

Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes like *

Enjoying the ambiance:

  • Consider visiting a traditional Japanese restaurant