Tokyo 5-Day Classic
The five-day sweet spot: the east–west core, a neighborhoods day, and one flex day — Tokyo at the pace where it stops being a blur.
Trip overview
- One core area per day — no heroic crossings
- Tsukiji market-morning breakfast
- A real neighborhoods day most itineraries skip
Best time to visit
Aim for March–May or October–November for mild weather and clear skies. Summer is humid; winter is dry and cool with the best views.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Old East: Asakusa & Ueno
- 🏯08:30Senso-ji & Nakamise-dori market
- 🖼️11:00Ueno Park museums
- 🍡15:00Yanaka Ginza street-food stroll
- 🍶19:00Early izakaya dinner, early night
- 🏯
Day 2 · Modern West: Meiji & Shibuya
- ⛩️09:00Meiji Shrine
- 🛍️11:00Harajuku & Omotesando
- 🌆15:00Shibuya Sky viewpoint
- 🏮19:00Izakaya hopping in Shinjuku
- ⛩️
Day 3 · Center: Tsukiji & Ginza
- 🍣08:30Tsukiji Outer Market grazing breakfast
- 🛍️11:00Ginza department stores & depachika
- 🌳15:00Imperial Palace East Gardens
- 🎨19:00Ginza dinner or teamLab digital art
- 🍣
Day 4 · Neighborhood Tokyo
- 👕10:00Shimokitazawa vintage & coffee crawl
- ☕14:00Nakameguro canal-side cafés
- 📚16:30Daikanyama bookshops & boutiques
- 🍢19:30Neighborhood izakaya dinner
- 👕
Day 5 · Flex Day
- ☕09:00Slow morning in your favorite district
- 🛕12:00Kamakura day trip — or the museum you skipped
- 🎁17:00Souvenir logistics in Tokyo Station's Character Street
- 🍣20:00Farewell dinner: Omoide Yokocho or a sushi counter
- ☕
Budget
Estimated total cost: 600 USD for 5 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- Aim for March–May or October–November for mild weather and clear skies. Summer is humid; winter is dry and cool with the best views.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Tokyo are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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