Over 14 million people call this massive jungle of a city their home. In fact, around 4 million people commute through it daily—that’s nearly the entire population of New Zealand. Tokyo might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—once you understand how things work, it’s actually pretty simple.
Here’s how I’d spend five unforgettable days in Tokyo:
Day 1: Temples, Towers & Shibuya Scramble
Getting around Tokyo might seem like a nightmare after seeing the spaghetti-like train lines, but it’s actually quite efficient. Most major sights are well-connected—it all depends on what you want to see.
Start your day early at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple. Try to visit either early morning or late at night to avoid heavy crowds. The walk through Nakamise-dori, lined with shops, leading to the temple, is an unforgettable introduction to Japan.
After visiting the temple, explore the surrounding old-fashioned neighborhood and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal. If you want to escape the crowds, walk 10 minutes to the nearby Sumida River, especially beautiful in spring.
From here, you can admire the Tokyo Skytree and the quirky Asahi Beer Hall, famous for its 360-ton golden monument, often called the “golden turd.” At 2,080 feet, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world. Going to the top costs about $20, so save this for a clear day—you might even see Mount Fuji.
As evening falls, head to Shibuya for dinner and check off the bucket-list experience: crossing the Shibuya Scramble, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, with around 3,000 people crossing every two minutes. Stick around for bar-hopping, shopping, or just soaking in the nightlife.
Day 2: Nature, Culture & Akihabara
After a busy first day, it’s time to slow down. Start your morning at the Tokyo Imperial Gardens, open from 9 AM. These peaceful, traditional gardens in the middle of the modern city are perfect if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
From Tokyo Station, it’s just a short walk to the East Garden, leading to Kokyo Gaien National Garden, one of the best cherry blossom spots in spring. You can even rent a rowboat here for about $4—no reservations allowed, so line up early.
Right across the street is the Yasukuni Shrine. Despite its controversial history, it’s undeniably one of Tokyo’s most beautiful locations. Visit in summer to see the lantern festival, where over 30,000 lanterns cover the shrine grounds.
Next, take a 20-minute train ride to Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town and anime capital. Pro tip: get off at Ochanomizu Station, walk up the hill past the green bridge to a spot where three train lines converge—a great place for iconic Tokyo photos.
Afterward, dive into the chaotic and colorful world of Akihabara’s shops—you never know what gems you’ll find.
Day 3: Forests, Fashion & Tokyo Tower
Feeling the need for some spiritual calm? Head to Meiji Shrine, connected to Yoyogi Park. This massive forest in the heart of the city has over 100,000 trees. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station through a peaceful path to the main shrine building. You might even see a traditional Japanese wedding.
In spring, bring a picnic and enjoy the cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park.
Afterward, explore Takeshita Street, a 400-meter-long lane full of boutiques, food stalls, and cafes. Try the famous jiggly happy pancakes—though they might not be too happy once eaten!
Then, walk down Omotesando, a tree-lined street known for luxury brands and elegant architecture, often compared to Paris.
Wrap up your day with an evening visit to Tokyo Tower, which is actually 3 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. The tower looks stunning when illuminated at night. The base also features a high-tech VR gaming center—perfect for indoor fun or rainy evenings.
Day 4: Day Trips from Tokyo
Tokyo is a perfect base for day trips using the Tokyo Wide Pass (which includes bullet train access at no extra cost).
Some recommended day trips:
- Nikko – A historic town and one of Japan’s most scenic destinations.
- Mount Fuji – Unmatched natural beauty and breathtaking views.
- Yokohama – Japan’s second-largest city, just an hour away. Relaxed vibes, great harbor views, and a vibrant Chinatown.
- Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea – Right next to each other, but they require separate tickets. Personally, I prefer Universal Studios Japan, but if you’re a Disney fan, these parks are iconic.
Day 5: TeamLab, Fish Markets & Farewell
Save something truly magical for your final day—visit the TeamLab art installation. It’s a mind-blowing fusion of light, sound, and motion that reacts to your presence.
Note:
- Some rooms require wading through water up to 1.5 feet deep—wear appropriate clothes or rent on-site.
- Skirts aren’t ideal due to glass floors.
- Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance—it sells out fast.
- The new TeamLab Borderless reopened in 2024 at a new location.
After TeamLab, head to Toyosu Fish Market, just 10 minutes away. This man-made island and entertainment district replaced the old Tsukiji Market and offers delicious seafood and lots to explore.
End your trip your way—revisit any spot you missed or just relax. Tokyo has something for everyone.
Bonus: IC Cards & Transportation Tips
You might’ve heard about the IC card shortage in Japan. Here’s what to do:
- Use Apple Pay: Register your card and just tap to enter train gates.
- Welcome Suica Card: Good for 28 days but not refundable—great for short stays.
- ICOCA Card (from Osaka): Works perfectly in Tokyo and is often easier to find.
- Reuse old IC cards: If you or a friend has one from a previous trip, it still works!
