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Planning your first trip to Tokyo? What I would do to go back and experience it again for the first time! It’s a city unlike anywhere else, with ancient temples, delicious food, neon-lit districts, and shopping galore. Nowhere else in the world do modernity and history coexist in such a perfect blend. Whether you want to wander through the historic alleys of Asakusa, shop in Shibuya, or indulge in sushi at Tsukiji, there’s something for every traveler. This Tokyo itinerary will guide you through the must-visit spots, local experiences, and essential tips to make the most of your first visit to this magical city.
Tokyo Itinerary: FAQs
Why should I visit Tokyo?
Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world (only tied with Seoul, South Korea) and I’ll always keep going back. But what makes Tokyo so special? The city perfectly blends modernity and technology with culture and tradition. Whether you want to experience shopping and neon lights or museums and temples, this Tokyo itinerary will take you to the best attractions, neighborhoods, and experiences. If you have time, Tokyo is also a great base for taking some amazing day trips to see beaches, mountains, cultural sights, and more. Cities don’t usually impress me when I’m traveling, but Tokyo is a rare exception.
Where to stay in Tokyo?
Deciding where to stay in Tokyo is one of the hardest decisions to make for your trip because there are so many good areas! Here’s a summary of the best places to stay, based on what’s important to you:
| Neighborhood | Best for | Budget | Best mid-range accommodation |
| Shinjuku | First-time visitors, nightlife lovers, shoppers, public transportation | $$ – $$$ | Tokyu Stay Shinjuku |
| Shibuya | Young travelers, nightlife lovers, shoppers, public transportation | $$ – $$$ | Lyf Shibuya Tokyo |
| Tokyo Station/Marunouchi* | Business travelers, luxury travelers, public transportation, those who will take the Shinkansen | $$ – $$$ | Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo |
*Tokyo Station/Marunouchi refers to the area directly next to the station, but there are lots of neighborhoods nearby that are great to stay in if you’re on a budget. I especially recommend CITAN Hostel in Kodemmacho for budget and/or solo travelers who want to be in a great location, just two stops from Tokyo Station, without paying the huge price tag.
How to get around Tokyo?
Tokyo is extremely accessible via public transportation, including the metro, trains, and buses. It’s easy to check accurate navigation on Google Maps, and you can add your transportation card (Suica or Pasmo) to your Apple or Samsung Wallet to pay with ease. If you’ll be using the metro a lot, I highly recommend buying the Tokyo Metro Pass, which is a great deal for unlimited transportation.
Be aware that Tokyo has two metro systems – the Tokyo Metro and JR lines. Both lines are similar, so you only need to pay attention to which is which if you have a Tokyo Metro Pass or a JR Pass. You can only use a Tokyo Metro Pass on the Tokyo Metro, and a JR Pass on the JR lines. JR Passes are great options if you’ll be exploring extensively outside of Tokyo using the Shinkansen (bullet) trains. If you’ll only be taking the Shinkansen a few times, it isn’t worth getting the pass as they recently increased prices. This website is a handy tool for seeing which, if any, JR Pass is worth it for your trip.
When to visit Tokyo?
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Tokyo, when temperatures are mild and the city is covered in colorful foliage and flowers. Spring is the most popular time of year to go, when the famous sakura (cherry blossoms) paint the city pastel pink. However, spring can be crowded and expensive, so don’t underestimate how beautiful it can be in the fall as well. I personally love visiting in the winter, which doesn’t get uncomfortably cold and is the least crowded and expensive time of year. Be wary of visiting in the summer, when temperatures and humidity can be uncomfortable and rain is common.
How long to spend in Tokyo?
Three to five days is a good amount of time to spend in Tokyo for first-timers. Three days is the minimum time I would recommend to see the highlights, while five gives you enough time to explore at a slower pace and take a day trip outside of Tokyo. I’m usually hesitant to spend much time in cities when I travel, but believe me when I say Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world and you won’t regret giving yourself adequate time to explore. This Tokyo itinerary takes you through the best way to spend your time, whether you have three, four, or five days.
Is Tokyo good for solo travelers?
Tokyo is great for solo travelers, as long as you’re the type of solo traveler who doesn’t mind taking initiative and doing things on your own. As opposed to Asia’s most popular backpacking destinations such as Southeast Asia, there isn’t as big of a solo travel scene in Japan. Tokyo is very easily accessible, safe, and solo-friendly, but it isn’t very social among travelers. It’s easy to find hostels, but most travelers at these hostels keep to themselves. This isn’t to say that you can’t make friends, because you definitely can, but it will be a bigger effort than in countries where solo traveling and backpacking are super common. I love solo traveling in Tokyo, I just have to mentally prepare that it will be a less social experience!
Read my full guide to solo travel in Japan for safety, tips, and what to expect.
I loved my stay at CITAN Hostel: affordable, great location for public transportation, comfortable and clean rooms, both dorms and privates available, social events, and a kitchen and common area.
3-day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1: Asakusa & Ueno
This Tokyo itinerary doesn’t waste any time, and this morning you’ll be up bright and early to see Tokyo’s most iconic temple before the crowds. Senso-ji is the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo, with a colorful main hall, five-story pagoda, and large gates. Nakamise-dori Street, which leads visitors to the temple, is lined with countless souvenir shops and street food stands. The temple is popular for good reason, but you can avoid the crowds by visiting early in the day. I also love visiting this temple at night when it’s less crowded and lit up, but all of the vendors on Nakamise-dori Street are closed by dark.
The main draw to Asakusa is Senso-ji, but there’s more to explore beyond the temple. Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street is bustling with restaurants, shops, and street food, along with views of Tokyo Skytree framed by the curved roof. Nearby Sumida Park is especially pretty during cherry blossom season but offers pretty river and city views year-round.
A short walk or metro ride away Ueno, a district known for Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum. Anyone interested in Japanese culture and history will love Tokyo National Museum, Japan’s largest museum. There are over 100,000 objects, nearly 100 of which are national treasures, making it one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan. After your dose of history and culture, Ueno Park is a great place to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. It’s especially colorful in the spring and fall, when autumn leaves and spring flowers bring the park to life.
I’m always exhausted after my first big day in Tokyo, so I recommend getting dinner near your hotel and recharging for the rest of this Tokyo itinerary.
Day 2: Shinjuku, Shibuya, & Harajuku*
*Note: Harajuku is on this itinerary for the 5th day as well because you could easily spend more time in all of these areas. If you’re lucky enough to have 5 days in Tokyo, I recommend fitting only Shinjuku and Shibuya into today’s schedule and doing Harajuku on day 5 to allow for more time.
When you think of Tokyo, you probably think of the neon lights of Shinjuku, the vibrant streets of Harajuku, or the world’s busiest street crossing in Shibuya. These neighborhoods are quintessential stops on your Tokyo itinerary. Shibuya is a great place to start your day, with lots of shopping including a Mega Don Quijote where you can stock up on any Japanese products you can think of. Of course, you have to stop by Shibuya Scramble Crossing to see the world’s busiest crossing in action. There’s a Starbucks on the corner with a great view of the scramble, if you can manage to find a seat. If you’re a dog lover, don’t miss visiting the Hachiko Memorial Statue to see the best boy.
If you’re visiting Harajuku on today’s itinerary, it’s only one metro stop away from Shibuya. Harajuku is a trendy neighborhood among young people known for its fashion and shopping. Takeshita Street is the most famous place in Harajuku, with street fashion shops, crepe stands, cosplay shops, and animal cafes lining the street. For a dose of Japanese culture, explore the nearby Meiji Shrine for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can easily spend hours shopping, eating, and wandering around Harajuku.
Ethical Tourist Tip: As hard as it is to resist the cuteness, please don’t visit the animal cafes in Harajuku, as most don’t treat their animals well.
Just one more station away is Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. After successfully finding your way out of the station (use Google Maps!), you’ll be in one of the most exciting and bustling neighborhoods in Tokyo. I recommend timing it so you arrive in Shinjuku for sunset, and you can take advantage of the free observation tower in the Tokyo Metropolitan Office Building. Instead of paying for Tokyo’s many other observation decks, this one is completely free and provides 360° views of Tokyo’s cityscape and beyond. It’s especially pretty at sunset and as the city comes alive with lights.
If you didn’t go to Harajuku today or arrive in Shinjuku earlier than sunset, check out Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s a beautiful, big Japanese garden with flowers, ponds, city views, and many diverse gardens.
Shinjuku is fun to explore at nighttime, as it’s one of Tokyo’s liveliest and brightest areas. As you walk around to shops, restaurants, bars, and more, you’ll feel the buzzing atmosphere that makes Tokyo so unique. If you’re up for a drink, head to Golden Gai, a district known for its narrow alleys lined by tiny bars. Each bar can only hold a few people, guaranteeing a unique experience and delicious cocktails.
Day 3: TeamLab, Tsukiji, Ginza, & Akihabara
No country does digital art exhibits like Japan. TeamLab Planets is an immersive art museum with exhibits that are a full sensory experience. You’ll walk through water, play with responsive projections, and take some amazing pictures. Book your tickets in advance here, as they sell out, especially in high season.
After a fun morning playing with art, Tsukiji Outer Market is just two stops away. Tokyo’s most famous market, Tsukiji is one of the best places to try fresh seafood, including sushi and sashimi. There are hundreds of vendors lining the market with different kinds of fresh seafood waiting for you to haggle with them.
Full on fresh seafood, head to Ginza to walk it off by exploring this upscale shopping district. There are many famous department stores, including Seiko House Ginza, Ginza Six, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Mitsukoshi, and Matusya, just to name a few. If you can visit on a weekend, the central street is closed to cars, giving you lots of space to wander around.
End your day in Akihabara, the center of Japanese otaku culture, including video games, anime, manga, and electronics. From towering arcades to maid cafes, Akihabara is a unique place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and technology. Even if you aren’t a fan of anime or arcades, it’s entertaining to walk around the shops and get a better sense of the otaku culture. You can play with the claw machines or arcade games, try your luck at a capsule toy machine, or go shopping for your next souvenir.
4-day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 4: Day trip
Today, you’ll explore outside of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle to the day trip of your choice. From cultural heritage and mountains to beaches and hot springs, there’s an exciting trip within just a couple of hours for whatever your interests are. Here are some of the best day trips from Tokyo:
Kamakura
How to get there: Rent a car, take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station or the Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station, or join a guided tour.
Kamakura is a seaside town full of temples and shrines, just over an hour outside of Tokyo. Hasadera Temple, a stunning black and white temple with ocean views, is my favorite I’ve visited in all of Japan. You can also see the Giant Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple, Mt. Fuji views (if you’re lucky) at Kencho-ji Temple, stroll through the colorful Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine, and go shopping for souvenirs and street food on Komachi-dori Street. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kamakura has gorgeous beaches, serene temples, and tranquil shrines.
Nikko
How to get there: Rent a car, take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station to Tobu-Nikko Station, or join a guided tour.
If you love a good mix of nature, history, and culture, Nikko is a great place for a day trip. The shrines and temples of Nikko are a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they’re considered architectural and decorative masterpieces. They’re set against the beautiful rivers, mountains, and forests of Nikko, making them even more scenic. Toshogu Shrine is the most impressive and famous place, but be sure to also visit Rinnoji Temple, Shinkyo Bridge, Tamozawa Imperial Villa, and Kanmangafuchi Abyss. These attractions are all within walking distance or a short bus ride, making Nikko easily accessible if you don’t have a car.
Mt. Fuji Scenic Spots
How to get there: Rent a car or join a guided tour that shuttles you between the major scenic spots (I joined this one and had an amazing experience for a very low price tag). You can do it via public transportation, but it requires many transfers and long wait times, not allowing you to visit many spots in just one day.
Many people don’t realize that you can still take an amazing day trip to Mt. Fuji without having to do any hiking at all! Climbing Mt. Fuji is a huge feat, but it’s not for everyone. If you want to see the beauty and power of Mt. Fuji without all the hard work, there are many scenic spots around its base where you can soak in the gorgeous views. The most notable scenic spots are Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, Hikawa Watch Store, Lake Yamanaka, and Lake Kawaguchi. Mt. Fuji is only visible 20-30% of the year, mostly in December and February. To check the chances of seeing Mt. Fuji before your visit, check this Mt. Fuji visibility forecast. This is a day trip that I highly recommend doing with a rental car or guided tour, as public transportation is complicated and inconvenient.
Hakone
How to get there: Rent a car, take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, or join a guided tour.
Hakone, a mountainous town neighboring Mt. Fuji, is best known for its hot springs and stunning views of Fuji. It’s an easy two-hour journey from Tokyo via train, which can be reached with the Hakone FreePass. This pass is a smart option for any visitor, as it includes the return journey from Tokyo to Hakone, as well as unlimited use of certain trains, cable cars, ropeways, boats, and buses around the Hakone area. While you’re there, be sure to take a dip in the hot springs, go on a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, see modern sculptures at the Hakone Open Air Museum, and go hiking at Old Tokaido Highway Cedar Avenue.
5-day Tokyo Itinerary
Day 5: Gotokuji, Shimo-Kitazawa, & Harajuku*
*Note: Harajuku is on this itinerary for the 2nd day as well for those who only have 3-4 days in Tokyo. If you’re lucky enough to have 5 days in Tokyo, I recommend doing Harajuku in today’s schedule and doing only Shinjuku and Shibuya on day 2 to allow for more time.
Cat lovers, this is your time to shine. Gotokuji is a temple on the outskirts of Tokyo more than worth the visit. Known as the “Cat Temple”, it’s adorned with many maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figures. These cat figures are good luck charms, said to bring fortune. At the temple, you can buy a cat to leave behind for good fortune. On the way to the temple from Gotokuji Station, there are many cute souvenir shops and even lucky cat taiyaki (a Japanese street food cake with fillings of your choice).
Just a few stops away from Gotokuji on your way back towards Tokyo is Shimo-Kitazawa. This up-and-coming neighborhood is known for its thrifting scene, with unique second-hand shops on every corner. Thrifting in Shimo-Kitazawa was an interesting experience as an American, because all of the shops are obsessed with American sweatshirts and t-shirts! It was like walking through a Goodwill at home, but overpriced for the novelty. It’s funny and interesting to see, even if you don’t buy anything. Shimo-Kitazawa is also known for its Japanese soup curry, so stop by a local restaurant like Rojiura Curry if you’re hungry.
If you didn’t make it to Harajuku on day 2, today’s the day to explore this trendy neighborhood known for its fashion and shopping. Takeshita Street is the most famous place in Harajuku, with street fashion shops, crepe stands, cosplay shops, and animal cafes lining the street. For a dose of Japanese culture, explore the nearby Meiji Shrine for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can easily spend hours shopping, eating, and wandering around Harajuku.
Even if you have five days in Tokyo and do everything on this Tokyo itinerary, you’ll be planning your next trip to this captivating city as soon as possible. From the modernity of Akihabara and Shinjuku to the tradition of Asakusa and Ueno, you’ll experience the diversity of Tokyo that makes it so special. No matter what you value as a traveler, Tokyo truly has it all.
Keep reading:
- 2 week Japan itinerary and travel guide
- Solo travel in Japan: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- The survival guide to being vegetarian (& vegan) in Japan
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- 20 best things to do in Seoul, South Korea
- Hong Kong itinerary: 4 perfect days for first-timers
- 7 day Taiwan itinerary & travel guide
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