Tokyo

Tokyo is a city that perfectly blends traditional depth with trendsetting culture. Whether you want to eat, shop, explore anime and pop culture, or experience Japanese hot springs, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Here is a classic 5-day, 4-night Tokyo travel guide to help you plan your trip with ease!

Classic 5-Day, 4-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: First Impressions of Tokyo, Old Town & Night Views
  • Morning: Head to Senso-ji Temple, check in at Kaminarimon Gate, sample Japanese snacks along Nakamise-dori Shopping Street, and try a kimono travel photoshoot.

• Afternoon: Walk to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over Tokyo, or take a water bus to Odaiba.

• Evening: Go to Roppongi Hills or Tokyo Tower to admire stunning city night views, then have a casual drink at a nearby izakaya.

• Day 2: Trendy Shopping & the Pulse of the City
  • Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine and feel the calm within the city, then stroll through Takeshita Street in Harajuku and Omotesando to browse streetwear brands and designer boutiques.

• Afternoon: Head to Shibuya PARCO to check in at the Nintendo and Pokémon specialty stores, then experience the world’s busiest crossing at Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

• Evening: Book the SHIBUYA SKY observation deck to watch the sunset and night views. Late at night, go to Kabukicho in Shinjuku or Omoide Yokocho to experience izakaya culture.

• Day 3: Day Trip Nearby — Mount Fuji or Kamakura
  • Option A (Mount Fuji): Take a bus or limited express train from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi, check in at the popular Lawson convenience store photo spot, visit Oshino Hakkai, and return to Tokyo in the evening.

• Option B (Kamakura): Ride the Enoden and experience the seaside train made famous by Slam Dunk, take photos at Kamakurakokomae Station, then go to Enoshima in the evening to watch the sunset.

• Day 4: Dream Theme Park or Anime Culture Tour
  • Option A (Disney): Spend the full day at Tokyo DisneySea or Tokyo Disneyland, try exclusive attractions, sample limited-edition snacks, and watch the fireworks at night.

• Option B (Anime Culture): In the morning, check in at Akihabara, browse anime merchandise shops, and experience a maid café; in the afternoon, head to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter for an immersive journey into the magical world.

• Day 5: Artsy Finale & Shopping Before Departure
  • Morning: Visit Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum to enjoy culture and art, then shop for souvenirs and cosmetics at Ameyoko.

• Afternoon: Head to Ginza to browse high-end department stores such as Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi, enjoy tax-free shopping, then leave for the airport for your return journey.

Where to Stay

• Shinjuku: The ultimate transport hub, with subway connections everywhere and a cluster of late-night izakayas and bars. Great for travelers who like a lively atmosphere and want easy access to nearby destinations such as Kamakura and Hakone.

• Ginza/Tokyo Station: Located in the city center, convenient for shopping, and close to upscale department stores and food streets. Best for travelers with a higher budget who enjoy refined shopping.

• Asakusa/Ueno: More affordable, rich in traditional atmosphere, and close to airport express routes. Suitable for families, first-time visitors to Tokyo, or travelers looking for good value.

• Shibuya/Roppongi: A hub for streetwear brands or upscale light-luxury areas, with rich nightlife and top-tier night views. Ideal for young travelers and couples.

Transportation & Travel Tips

• Suica Card: iPhone users can add it directly to Apple Wallet. It works for subways, JR trains, and convenience store shopping — one card takes you everywhere.
• Tokyo Subway Ticket: If you plan to shop and move around the city frequently, consider buying a Tokyo Subway 72-hour ticket for excellent value.
• Navigation & Translation: Google Maps is essential for route planning, and translation apps are useful for Japanese menus.
• Cash Preparation: Although electronic payments are becoming more common, many traditional small shops and izakayas still accept cash only. It is recommended to prepare 30,000–50,000 yen.

Must-Try Food Recommendations

• Sukiyaki: Recommended spots include Jojoen or Shabushabu Niimura. Dip simmered wagyu beef in raw egg for a silky, melt-in-your-mouth taste.

• Sushi: Try Sushidai at Tsukiji Outer Market or Midori Sushi in Ginza, where fresh seafood is made to order for a pure umami experience.

• Ramen: Try Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku or Ganso Aburado, which has multiple branches around the city. The broth is rich and the noodles are satisfyingly chewy.

• Japanese Tonkatsu: HANARE in Nihonbashi serves pork cutlet that is crispy on the outside and tender inside, excellent with wasabi salt or plum salt.
• Oden: Toridashioden Samon in Nakameguro is known for deeply flavorful simmered daikon and potato salad, perfect for a late-night drink.

Pitfalls to Avoid & Practical Tips

• Itinerary Planning: Try not to cover more than two areas per day in Tokyo. Subway transfers and walking inside stations can be very tiring, especially in summer.
• Ticket Reservations: For popular attractions such as SHIBUYA SKY, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter, be sure to book in advance via the official website or Klook.
• Shopping Tax Refunds: Large department stores in Ginza and similar areas usually close at 8 p.m. If you want to shop tax-free, go earlier. For cosmetics and drugstore items, compare prices between Ameyoko and Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
• Etiquette Details: Keep quiet on the subway and do not make phone calls. Garbage sorting is strict, and street trash cans are limited, so it is best to carry a small trash bag with you.