Discover where you can go in 5 days in Tokyo
Tokyo is unlike any other city in the world and is totally deserving of its own status as a bucket list destination. Or, if you want to maximize time on the Japan ski slopes, perhaps you’ve allocated yourself just a few days to see the highlights of Tokyo. So, if you are short on time, rest assured that fitting your Tokyo itinerary into five days is definitely possible.
Here’s your guide to 5 days in Tokyo:
Before Your Flight
1. Pre-buy your transport tickets
Tokyo used to be a small fishing village, but now it’s home to the busiest intersection in the world
First things first—to make sure you don’t waste any time on your 5 days in Tokyo itinerary and can hit the ground running, you should pre-purchase your train tickets. One option is this Keisei Skyliner Narita Airport Express. Do note that there are two main train services in Tokyo — the train from Narita airport into the city is a different service from the subway, which operates from suburb to suburb.
A combined ticket will help your travels run smoothly and give you unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, making it super easy for you to tick the best attractions in Tokyo off your list!
2. Organise your SIM card and data before you arrive
View of the Tokyo Sky Tree Image Alt: View of the Tokyo Sky Tree
With only 5 days in Tokyo, you can’t afford to waste even a second seeking out the right SIM card and data plan. Tokyo is an incredibly Instagrammable city, and you are most definitely going to want to share your experiences all over social media. Plus, you may need good ‘ol Google Maps if you make a wrong turn!
To this end, organizing your data plans before you arrive in Japan will make it easy to simply switch your SIM over at the airport and start ‘gramming. There are packages available to suit all durations and needs.
For the best experience, we highly recommend getting a Japan eSIM, as it is much more convenient than a physical SIM card. With an eSIM, you simply scan a QR code, activate it, and you’re good to go! Physical SIM cards, however, require you to pick them up at the airport and swap out your original SIM card before you can start using them.
3. Plan your 5 days in Tokyo in advance
Credit to @olivias.odyssey on Instagram
Plan your activities ahead of schedule to avoid any delays and hassle when you want to visit Tokyo’s most famous attractions. A lot of these experiences can sell out quickly, so it’s important to reserve your spot in advance!
The Klook Pass Tokyo makes traveling around the city much more efficient, more convenient, and more budget-friendly. Use your pass to enjoy two, three, or four amazing Tokyo attractions during your stay. This way, you won’t have to worry about lining up for long hours and having to reschedule your visit.
Another pass you can book is the Have Fun in Tokyo Pass! This pass gives you one week of admission to three attractions, such as LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SMALL WORLDS Tokyo, Moominvalley Park, and more.
Day 1: Modern Japan and the West Side
1. Stroll around Harajuku
Credit to @nickpanisara on Instagram
Enjoy the vibrant streets of Harajuku, an area popularly known for being the hub for Japanese pop culture. Refresh your closet with the latest and up-and-coming fashion trends at the wide selection of shops and boutiques. Aside from clothing, they’ve also got cute knickknacks you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
This Harajuku Fun Food Tour also takes you to Takeshita Dori, which is where many of Japan’s fashion trends began, and the Meiji Jingu, which is one of Tokyo’s most renowned shrines. You’ll also visit attractions like the NHK Studio park, where you can see for yourself what happens behind the scenes in broadcasting shows, or visit the famous Cat Street. It’s definitely a place you should add to your itinerary of 5 days in Tokyo!
Apart from the fun food tour, there are many more Harajuku tours to choose from, such as cultural tours, bike tours, private tours, and night tours.
2. Meet your favorite characters at Tokyo Sanrio Puroland
Make sure to visit Hello Kitty’s house to learn more about her family and her favourite things
Most people in the world know about Hello Kitty and her colorful circle of friends. Explore this indoor theme park that’s brimming with exciting rides and attractions based on the Sanrio characters, such as My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and more. Make sure you’re front row at their musicals and parades as they dance around in elaborate costumes and wonderful sets.
Don’t forget to stop by the park’s gift shops to commemorate your trip, along with the photos you’ve snagged with the roaming characters and of the yummy themed foods at the restaurants. All in all, Tokyo Sanrio Puroland is one of Japan’s most famous theme parks, so it’s important to get your tickets as soon as you can for your itinerary of 5 days in Tokyo.
3. Get a new perspective at the Tokyo Tower Observatory
Visit the Tokyo Tower day or night for a totally different viewing experience.
Reaching 332.9 meters into the sky, the Tokyo Tower is Japan’s second tallest structure and is easily one of the best ways to take in the whole city from a height. The Tokyo Tower’s main deck is 150 meters high, while the top deck is 250 meters high, and both offer unparalleled views of the city landscape. If you have no problem with heights, challenge yourself to standing upon the “Lookdown Window,” a glass floor overlooking the city.
Or, try out the Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk to climb 600 steps towards the main deck. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Gulf of Tokyo and Mount Fuji right from where you’re standing.
Aside from being a popular tourist attraction, the Tokyo Tower is a functioning broadcast antenna. It was first built in 1958 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s lattice design. Since then, it has become an iconic symbol of Tokyo, as well as Japan.
If you’re looking to explore more attractions in Tokyo in just one tour, a great option is the Tokyo Private City Exploration Tour! This tour takes you to some of the city’s highlights, such as Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dori Street, Shibuya Crossing, and the Hachikō Memorial Statue. With this private guided tour, you no longer have to worry about transportation or navigating your way around on your own.
Day 2: Traditional Tokyo and the East Side
1. Dress up in lovely kimonos and yukatas
Did you even go to Japan if you didn’t wear a kimono?
One of the best souvenirs you can take away from a country is the perfect photo. With a kimono and yukata styling session, you will be dressed up in a stunning robe, complete with obi, shoes, and socks before a professional hair stylist fixes your hair so you look the part. Live out the scenes from your favorite anime with your loved ones.
Once you are dressed to the nines, you will be free to wander the streets, using Asakusa as your backdrop, a town where traditional architecture is on every street. Strike your best pose and get that perfect shot for a moment you will always remember in your Tokyo itinerary.
2. Race the streets in this Go-Karting experience in Akihabara
The speediest way to see the best sights in the city is to go Go-Karting!
Gear up for the speediest way to see the best sights in the city! For drivers with a need for speed, this Go-Karting Experience in Akihabara is the best way to tour one of the most interesting areas in Tokyo. It’s basically Mario Kart, but in real life! You can even dress up in your cosplay costume of choice as you drive around the streets in your very own kart. This is surely one of the most interesting experiences on your Tokyo itinerary, so make sure to snap a lot of photos, which bystanders will probably be doing as well.
Akihabara is a street known for all things otaku. This includes anime, manga, cosplay culture, electronics, and more. The area boasts a large variety of shops selling merchandise and costumes, as well as being a great spot to visit a maid cafe.
See what else you can add to your second day in Tokyo with these other tour options:
3. Immerse yourself in modern art
An immersive and completely stunning display in teamLab Planets TOKYO!
teamLab is producing the kind of modern art that even the most novice art enthusiast can enjoy. In fully immersive experiences, the teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless exhibitions allow patrons to become one with the art installations that focus on light, mirrors, and visual effects.
Undoubtedly, you have seen the ultra-cool photos that visitors have posted on social media, with seemingly endless rooms full of color, making it appear that the ceilings are as absent as the floor. Do note that teamLab Borderless is a permanent exhibition, while teamLab Planets is only open until 2027. But hey, both are equally well worth a visit!
A magical and Insta-worthy must-see display in Tokyo
As these exhibitions are extremely popular, we highly recommend pre-booking your tickets before visiting.
Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Tour
You’ll need at least a whole day to take on this quintessential Japanese attraction.
Going on a trip to Mount Fuji is a whole-day affair in your Tokyo itinerary, not only because of the distance but also because of the various attractions you’ll be able to visit and experience along the way. You will be able to view the dormant volcano in all its glory from Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, where you will be busting to get the perfect shot of this World Heritage-listed cultural site.
There are plenty of ways to spend your time out at Mount Fuji, including appreciating the sparkling waters and grabbing lunch by Lake Kawaguchi, trying some of Japan’s best spring water at Oshino Hakkai village, and even some designer shopping. Yes, you read that correctly. Save some cash for a visit to Gotemba Premium Outlets, where you can pick up some fashionable souvenirs from well-known designer stores at the outlet.
Another way to view Mount Fuji is while riding some of the most exhilarating rides on the planet at Fuji-Q Highland—though if you want to do this as well as the Mount Fuji day trip, you’ll want to stay overnight so you have maximum fun time at Fuji-Q!
Fuji-Q Highland is the home of two record-breaking roller coasters—the fastest accelerating roller coaster in the world and also the steepest—which means you get one of the best views of Mount Fuji right from the top!
Credit to @heartpatrick on Instagram
If you are looking for a more family-friendly pace, this theme park contains something for everyone, including cloud-shaped cable cars, row boats, an old-timey carousel and an ice-skating rink during the winter months. This is a great option for killing two birds with one stone if you want to see Mount Fuji but prefer theme parks over national parks.
Day 4: The Imperial Palace and Shinjuku
1. Get to know the Imperial Family
The Imperial Palace is situated right where Edo Castle used to be. Credit to @japan.via.viv on Instagram
Before the Imperial Palace, the Edo Castle was once the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who governed over Japan from the early 1600s to the late 1800s. When the shogunate was overthrown, Japan’s capital and imperial residence moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The palace was completed in 1888, but was mostly destroyed during World War II; only the moats and towering stone walls are left of the original castle.
Most of the palace is actually closed off from the public because it’s the emperor’s residence, except on January 2nd and the Emperor’s Birthday. However, guided tours throughout public areas are available, including the national garden, the East Gardens, and museums.
2. Go on a sake tour
![There are only four ingredients needed to make sake!]](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1666690580/blog/bpi0q01weraif6ag2o6c.jpg)
There are only four ingredients needed to make sake!]
Did you even go to Tokyo if you didn’t sip some sake while you were there? Top off your day of adventure by unwinding with a drink. Fortunately, sake is readily available all over Japan in a range of different varieties and price points. It has both cultural and historical significance, so it’s definitely worth a spot in your Tokyo itinerary.
If you are traveling in a group, your best bet (and a ton of fun) is an all-you-can-drink sake tour. Alternatively, these tours also provide a fun and casual way of meeting people if you are traveling solo. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them trying out 100 different types of sake, so you’re bound to make some new friends!
Level up your trip and itinerary with this Tokyo Private Chartered Car Day Tour! This 10-hour private charter service offers flexibility, allowing you to visit several attractions in a day. You can go to Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree, and more without having to worry about getting around.
Day 5: Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to open outside of the United States! Credit to @jeanniemutiara on Instagram
Spend a day (or two!) at the happiest place on earth—at Tokyo Disney Resort. The massive resort boasts two theme parks, one being the popular Tokyo Disneyland, and the other being the one-of-a-kind Tokyo DisneySea. Experience your favorite fairytales come to life with immersive attractions, thrilling rides, and awesome sets that are prime for photo opportunities.
Tokyo DisneySea is a must-visit for a fanta-sea adventure unlike any other! Immerse yourself in the myths and legends of the sea with several themed areas in the park. There are attractions available for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from a wide selection of delicious food to interactive exhibits. Adding a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort to your itinerary is definitely a must for your vacation.
FAQs
1. Is 5 days long enough in Tokyo?
Because of the organized transportation system in the city and the many sights close to each other, you can definitely get the most you can in 5 days in Tokyo with a well-planned itinerary. If you find yourself wanting more, you can always extend your stay or come back in the future to discover even more places!
2. Should I spend more time in Tokyo or Kyoto?
For a balanced Japan trip, staying in Kyoto for 4 days and 2 in Tokyo is recommended, as Kyoto offers more cultural sights and things to do, while Tokyo is best for modern experiences.
3. How much does a 5-day trip to Tokyo cost?
For a 5-day trip to Tokyo, expect to spend between USD1,000 and USD2,000 in total (including flights). However, if you’re already in Asia or find a great flight deal, you can expect to spend around USD700 to USD900.
4. What should first-time visitors not miss in Tokyo in 5 days?
For first-time visitors, focus on balancing famous landmarks with neighborhood visits, such as Shibuya Scramble, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Tsukiji Outer Market, and more.
5. What are the best day trips from Tokyo for a short itinerary?
For a short itinerary, the best day trips are those within 1 to 2 hours by train, including Kamakura (coastal temples), Yokohama (port city dining), Mt. Fuji/Kawaguchiko (amazing views), Nikko (shrines and nature), and Kawagoe (historic 'Little Edo').
6. Where is the best place to stay in Tokyo for first-time tourists?
If you plan on really exploring Tokyo, it would be best to stay in hotels close to train stations so you can go anywhere with ease. Almost every part of Tokyo has something to offer, so no matter where you stay—whether it's Akihabara, Ikebukuro, etc—there will be something for you to explore.
7. What are must-dos in Tokyo?
Some of the must-dos in Tokyo are a mix of modern and historical experiences because, as advanced as Tokyo is, Japan never fails to recognize its roots. Make sure to visit sites like the Tokyo Tower, and experience tradition by wearing a Kimono.
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