This is a suggested itinerary on how to spend your time in Tokyo when you are planning to visit
There is no doubt that Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. There is something for everyone in this city, from serene temples and historic sites to vibrant districts filled with neon lights and quirky cafes, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. As a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it can be challenging planning your time in Tokyo, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. There is no need to worry! You can make the most of your time in this fascinating city by following this comprehensive five-day itinerary that will help you make the most out of your stay.
Here are some key takeaways that you need to consider:
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The perfect blend of tradition and modernity can be found in Tokyo.
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The city of Singapore has a lot to offer its visitors, so prepare to explore, taste, and experience all of it.
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Take full advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and make the most of every day!
On day one, we went to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and more!
Visiting the outer market of Tsukiji in the morning
Tsukiji Outer Market is a paradise for food enthusiasts and the perfect place to start your Tokyo adventure. In spite of the fact that the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, the outer market continues to thrive with vendors offering fresh seafood, produce, and culinary delights at reasonable prices.
“Wandering through the stalls at Tsukiji was like stepping into a foodie wonderland. The vibrant colors of fresh fish, the tantalizing smells of street food, and the hustle and bustle of vendors create an electric atmosphere.”
What to Do:
- Sample Fresh Sushi: Don’t miss the chance to try a sushi breakfast. Look for Sushi Zanmai, where you can indulge in a variety of sushi at reasonable prices (around ¥1,500 – ¥3,000).
- Try Local Snacks: Try grilled seafood skewers and tamago (Japanese omelette) from vendors lining the streets.
Travel Tips:
- Get There Early: Arrive by 8 AM to beat the crowds and experience the market at its liveliest.
Late Morning: Imperial Palace
After your seafood feast, make your way to the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. The palace grounds are stunning, with meticulously manicured gardens and impressive moats.
What to Do:
- Visit the East Gardens: The East Gardens are open to the public and feature beautiful landscapes, historical ruins, and serene walking paths.
- Take a Guided Tour: Although the inner grounds are not open to the public, you can book a guided tour for a more in-depth experience (reservations required).
Travel Tips:
- Free Admission: Entry to the East Gardens is free, and guided tours are relatively inexpensive at around ¥1,000.
Afternoon: Harajuku
Next, head to Harajuku, the hub of youth culture and fashion. Take a stroll down Takeshita Street, lined with quirky shops, trendy boutiques, and themed cafes.
“Harajuku was a feast for the senses. The energy of the crowd, the kaleidoscope of fashion, and the creativity on display made it a memorable stop.”
What to Do:
- Shop at Unique Boutiques: Explore shops like WEGO for affordable street fashion and Kiddy Land for cute character goods.
- Visit the Meiji Shrine: Just a short walk from Takeshita Street, this serene Shinto shrine is a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets. The entrance features a beautiful torii gate surrounded by lush greenery.
Travel Tips:
- Grab a Crepe: Don’t leave Harajuku without trying a sweet crepe from one of the many stands. Expect to pay around ¥500.
Evening: Dinner in Shibuya
Wrap up your first day in Tokyo with dinner in Shibuya, home to one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
Where to Eat:
- Ichiran Ramen: A famous ramen chain known for its tonkotsu ramen and unique dining experience. Expect to pay around ¥1,000 – ¥1,500.
“Slurping down a bowl of ramen at Ichiran was the perfect end to an exciting first day. The rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles warmed my soul.”
Key Takeaways for Day 1:
- Start your day at Tsukiji Outer Market for a taste of fresh seafood.
- Explore the tranquility of the Imperial Palace and its gardens.
- Experience the vibrant youth culture in Harajuku.
- Finish the day with delicious ramen in Shibuya.
The second day of our trip to Tokyo took us to Asakusa, Ueno Park, Sento, and more!
In the morning, we visited Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple
It is a must to head to Asakusa on your second day in order to see the famed Senso-ji Temple on your second day. There are millions of visitors to this ancient Buddhist temple every year, and it is the oldest in Tokyo.
What to Do:
- Explore Nakamise Street: As you approach Senso-ji, stroll through Nakamise Street, where you’ll find traditional snacks and souvenirs.
- Visit Senso-ji: Spend time at the temple, observing the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
“Walking through Nakamise Street was like stepping back in time, with traditional snacks and crafts lining the path to the temple.”
Travel Tips:
- Free Admission: Entry to Senso-ji is free, making it an excellent start to your day.
Late Morning: Ueno Park
Next, head to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s largest public parks, which is home to museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
What to Do:
- Visit Ueno Zoo: If you’re an animal lover, consider visiting Ueno Zoo (admission around ¥600).
- Explore Museums: Check out the Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Nature and Science (entrance fees around ¥620 – ¥1,000).
Travel Tips:
- Pack a Picnic: Grab some snacks from a local konbini (convenience store) and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Afternoon: Relaxing in a Sento
After a busy morning, it’s time to unwind at a sento, a traditional Japanese public bath. Thermae-yu in Shinjuku is a popular option.
What to Do:
- Enjoy a Soothing Bath: Immerse yourself in the healing waters and let your worries wash away (entrance fee around ¥2,000).
“The sento experience was incredibly relaxing. Soaking in the hot water felt like a rejuvenating escape from the city’s hustle.”
Evening: Dinner in Akihabara
End your day in Akihabara, the mecca for anime, manga, and electronics.
Where to Eat:
- Maid Café: Experience a quirky maid café, where waitresses dressed in maid costumes serve food and drinks with a side of entertainment. Expect to spend around ¥2,000 – ¥4,000.
Key Takeaways for Day 2:
- Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple for a taste of traditional Tokyo.
- Explore the beauty of Ueno Park and its museums.
- Relax in a sento for a unique cultural experience.
- Dive into Akihabara’s vibrant otaku culture over dinner.
The third day of our trip took us to Shinjuku, Shibuya, quirky cafes, and more.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in the morning
Get your day started at Shinjuku Gyoen, a sprawling national garden that blends traditional Japanese landscaping with French and English elements.
What to Do:
- Stroll Through the Gardens: Take a leisurely walk, especially during cherry blossom season when the park is a sight to behold (entrance fee around ¥500).
“Shinjuku Gyoen was a breath of fresh air. The tranquil gardens provided a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.”
Late Morning: Shibuya Crossing
Next, head to Shibuya to experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. The chaos of pedestrians navigating the intersection is a quintessential Tokyo experience.
What to Do:
- View from Starbucks: Grab a coffee at the Starbucks overlooking the crossing for the perfect view of the organized chaos.
Afternoon: Quirky Cafes
Tokyo is known for its unique and themed cafes. Spend your afternoon hopping between some of the city’s quirkiest cafes.
Suggested Cafes:
- Cat Café MoCHA: Enjoy the company of adorable cats while sipping your coffee (entrance fee around ¥1,000).
- Moomin House Café: A charming café themed around the beloved Moomin characters (expect to spend around ¥1,500 – ¥2,500).
“Sipping coffee in a cat café while surrounded by playful felines was an unforgettable experience—definitely a highlight of my trip!”
Evening: Dinner in Roppongi
Finish your day in Roppongi, known for its nightlife and international cuisine.
Where to Eat:
- Ramen Nagi: Indulge in a bowl of rich, flavorful ramen (around ¥1,000).
Key Takeaways for Day 3:
- Start the day with a peaceful stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen.
- Experience the excitement of Shibuya Crossing.
- Discover quirky cafes that showcase Tokyo’s unique culture.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner in the vibrant Roppongi district.
Day 4: Take a Day Trip
On your fourth day, venture outside of Tokyo for a day trip. Here are two fantastic options:
Option 1: Nikko
Nikko is known for its stunning shrines and beautiful natural scenery.
What to Do:
- Visit Toshogu Shrine: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ornate shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (entrance fee around ¥1,300).
- Enjoy Kegon Falls: Marvel at one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls (entrance fee around ¥550).
Travel Tips:
- Getting There: Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa (around ¥2,800 round trip).
Option 2: Hakone
Hakone is famous for its hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and art museums.
What to Do:
- Relax in an Onsen: Experience a traditional Japanese hot spring at Yunessun (entrance fee around ¥2,900).
- Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum: Discover impressive sculptures set against stunning natural backdrops (entrance fee around ¥1,600).
Travel Tips:
- Getting There: Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku (around ¥3,000 round trip).
Evening: Return to Tokyo
After a day of exploration, return to Tokyo for dinner.
Where to Eat:
- Yakitori: Try some delicious skewered chicken at Torikizoku (around ¥2,000).
Key Takeaways for Day 4:
- Choose between a day trip to Nikko or Hakone for breathtaking sights.
- Immerse yourself in culture and nature outside of Tokyo.
- Enjoy local cuisine on your return to the city.
Day 5: Sumo, Samurai, Meguro River, and More!
Morning: Sumo Experience
Begin your final day with a unique cultural experience—sumo wrestling. If you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo during a tournament, catch a live match; otherwise, visit a sumo training stable.
What to Do:
- Visit a Sumo Stable: Watch a morning practice session (typically free but donations are appreciated).
“Witnessing the power and skill of sumo wrestlers during practice was an incredible experience—something I’ll never forget!”
Late Morning: Samurai Museum
Next, head to the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku, where you can learn about Japan’s fascinating warrior history.
What to Do:
- Explore Samurai Artifacts: Discover armor, swords, and exhibits showcasing the life of samurai (entrance fee around ¥1,800).
Afternoon: Stroll Along Meguro River
After the museum, take a leisurely walk along the Meguro River, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
What to Do:
- Enjoy the Scenery: The riverside path is lined with cherry trees and cafes—perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Travel Tips:
- Cafés Along the River: Stop for coffee or a snack at one of the riverside cafes.
Evening: Farewell Dinner in Ginza
Conclude your Tokyo adventure with a farewell dinner in Ginza, known for its luxury shopping and fine dining.
Where to Eat:
- Sukiyabashi Jiro: If you can secure a reservation, enjoy a meal at this world-renowned sushi restaurant (dinner can cost upwards of ¥30,000).
“Dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro was a culinary experience of a lifetime. Each piece of sushi was a work of art!”
Key Takeaways for Day 5:
- Immerse yourself in the world of sumo and samurai.
- Enjoy a scenic walk along the Meguro River.
- Celebrate your Tokyo experience with a memorable farewell dinner.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. From its rich history and culture to its vibrant food scene and unique neighborhoods, every corner of Tokyo has something special to offer. This five-day itinerary is just the beginning—there’s so much more to experience in this incredible city.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Tokyo?
The best time to visit Tokyo is during the spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (September to November) for beautiful foliage.
2. How do I get around Tokyo?
Tokyo has an extensive public transportation system, including trains and subways. A prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is recommended for convenience.
3. Is English widely spoken in Tokyo?
While many signs are in English, not all locals speak it fluently. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.
4. What is the currency used in Japan?
The currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry cash for smaller shops and eateries.
5. Are there any customs to be aware of in Japan?
Yes, it’s essential to respect local customs, such as removing your shoes before entering homes and being quiet on public transport.
