The Perfect 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary (Designed by Your Friend in Japan)
Planning a trip to Tokyo? If you’re staring at a map and 1,000 blog posts feeling overwhelmed… relax. We’ve all been there.
It’s easy to create a Tokyo itinerary that’s just a stressful checklist of temples and train rides.
But as your “Best Friend” in Japan, we won’t let you do that.
We’ve designed a 5-day plan that balances the “Must-See” sights with the “Must-Do” experiences. This is the exact plan we’d give our own friends visiting from overseas.
Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1: Arrival & The Electric Heart (Shinjuku)
Theme: Dive right into the neon jungle.
- Afternoon (Arrival): Land, get your Suica card (your magic train pass), and head to your hotel. Our advice? Stay near Shinjuku or Shibuya to be in the center of the action.
- Evening (Shinjuku): Your first night is for soaking it all in. Go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (it’s free!) for a stunning night view of the city.
- Dinner: Forget fancy reservations. Let’s start with real Tokyo soul food. Head to Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”). It’s a maze of tiny, smoky yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls. It’s loud, it’s cramped, and it’s absolutely perfect.
Day 2: Tradition Meets Trend (Asakusa, Ueno & Harajuku)
Theme: A tale of two (or three) cities.
- Morning (Asakusa): Start your day with history. Walk through the giant Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple. It will be crowded, but it’s a must. Grab a ningyo-yaki (a small, sweet cake) from a stall.
- Lunch (Ueno): Take a short train ride to Ueno. Explore Ameyoko Market, a bustling open-air market under the train tracks. Grab cheap, delicious street food for lunch.
- Afternoon (Harajuku): Time to jump forward 100 years. Go to Harajuku. Witness the colorful, wild fashion on Takeshita Street, then immediately find peace and quiet at the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine right next to it. The contrast is what makes Tokyo amazing.
Day 3: The Insider’s Deep Dive (Your “Friend’s” Choice!)
Theme: Let us show you the real Tokyo.
Here’s our “best friend” advice: Today, you plan nothing.
A lot of the best places in Tokyo—the hidden restaurants, the secret bars, the truly local markets—are hard to find on your own. You could spend half the day lost on Google Maps.
This is the perfect day to let a local friend take the lead.
Our tour is designed for exactly this. We’ll skip the tourist traps and spend the day…
- …navigating the inner market of Tsukiji.
- …eating ramen at a shop only locals know.
- …showing you our favorite side of the city.
Book Your Day 3 Adventure with Us!
Day 4: Pop Culture, Art & High-End (Akihabara & Ginza)
Theme: From otaku culture to chic avenues.
- Morning (Akihabara): Welcome to “Electric Town.” Even if you’re not an anime or gaming fan, the sheer energy, towering buildings covered in characters, and noisy arcades are a unique cultural experience.
- Afternoon (Ginza): Let’s get fancy. Head to Ginza, Tokyo’s high-end shopping district. You don’t have to buy anything. On weekend afternoons, the main street (Chuo Dori) becomes a “pedestrian paradise,” closed to cars. It’s a great place to people-watch.
- Evening (Optional): Feeling artistic? Check out the teamLab Planets (in Toyosu) for an immersive digital art experience you will never forget. (Book tickets way in advance!).
Day 5: The Grand Finale (Shibuya) & Departure
Theme: One last iconic moment.
- Morning (Shibuya): You’ve seen it in movies, now it’s time to do it. Go to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Watch the organized chaos from the Starbucks window, then walk it yourself.
- Lunch: Find a classic “conveyor belt sushi” (Kaiten-sushi) restaurant in Shibuya for a fun, fast, and delicious final meal.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight, do some last-minute souvenir shopping (Don Quijote is a crazy, chaotic, must-visit) before heading to the airport.
A Final Note from Your Friend…
How does that sound? This is just a start. The most important “rule” in Tokyo is to get lost, be curious, and say “yes” to new experiences.
We’re so excited for you to visit. And if Day 3 sounds like a good idea, you know where to find us.
Welcome to our city!
