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Experience the Best of Tokyo on This 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

When I was doing research for our most recent Tokyo trip, I found many blog posts recommending 1- or 2-day Tokyo itineraries.

Tokyo – the world’s biggest city and one of its most exciting, in just one or two days? That sounded crazy to me.

There is so much to see and do in Tokyo that two days seemed hardly enough time to cover it. Traveling between neighborhoods on the Tokyo subway alone will take up a good chunk of your time. While I understand that some people may not have as much time to play with, one or two days simply won’t do Tokyo justice.

If you have the flexibility, then I think a 5-day Tokyo itinerary is ideal. You can spend four days exploring Tokyo’s top attractions and restaurants, then on the fifth day, you can go beyond the city as there are many fascinating places you can visit on a day trip from Tokyo.

If you’re visiting Japan and Tokyo for the first time and want to truly experience the city, then this 5-day Tokyo itinerary will be helpful to you. It’s a realistic itinerary that features all the best restaurants and places to visit for first-time travelers to Tokyo.

TOKYO ITINERARY QUICK LINKS

This Tokyo itinerary is long. For your convenience, I’ve compiled links to hotels, tours, and other services here.

HOTELS

Top-rated hotels in Shinjuku, one of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors to Tokyo.

TOURS

OTHER SERVICES

TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE

Before you visit Tokyo, be sure to check out our detailed Tokyo travel guide. It’ll have all the information you need – like when to go, what to do, which restaurants and markets to visit, etc. – to help you plan your Japan trip.

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Odaiba in Tokyo

WHAT TO DO IN TOKYO IN 5 DAYS

Listed below are Tokyo’s top attractions and a few recommended restaurants. You can jump to the location map to see exactly where they are in the city.

TOKYO ITINERARY QUICK GLANCE

DAY ONE
• Meiji Shrine
• Yoyogi Park
• Harajuku Area
• Harajuku Gyoza Lou (lunch)
• Omotesando
• Rainbow Pancake (snack)
• Takeshita Dori
• Shibuya Area
• Shibuya Crossing
• Hachiko Statue
• Oreryu Shio Ramen (dinner)
DAY TWO
• Ginza Area
• UNIQLO Flagship Ginza Store
• Nakagin Capsule Tower
• Tsukiji Outer Market
• Nisshin Tasuke (snack)
• Sushi Katsura (lunch)
• Odaiba Area
• teamLab Borderless
• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
• 好美家 (dinner)
• Shinjuku Area
• Omoide Yokocho
• Golden Gai
• Godzilla Head
DAY THREE
• Yayoi Kusama Museum
• Koishikawa Korakuen
• Kisaburo Nojo (lunch)
• MOMAT
• Tokyo Imperial Palace
• Akihabara Area
• Ueno 500 Bar (dinner)
DAY FOUR
• Senso-ji Temple
• Tokyo Skytree
• Edo-Tokyo Museum
• Miyako (lunch)
• Hie Shrine
• Tokyo Tower
• Zozo-ji
• Savoy (dinner)
DAY FIVE
• Day Trip

TOKYO ITINERARY: DAY 1

Meiji Shrine

Located right next to Harajuku Train Station, Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. It’s located within a 70-hectare forested area adjacent to Yoyogi Park.

Pictured below is the torii gate at the southern entrance to Meiji Shrine, near Harajuku Station. The shrine’s main buildings are located deep inside the forest, so you’ll need to walk about ten minutes from the southern or northern entrances (near Yoyogi Station) to get there. It’s a pleasant walk with a dense forest of trees on either side.

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

This is the shrine’s main hall. Walk through the gate and you’ll find a large central courtyard inside. I didn’t go but within the forested area is a museum and inner garden that you may want to visit as well.

Meiji Shrine was built in 1920, eight years after the passing of Emperor Meiji who was the first emperor of modern Japan. It’s one of the city’s most visited religious landmarks and a key cultural attraction to add to your itinerary in Tokyo.

I went to Meiji Shrine on my own but if you’d like to go on a guided tour, then you can book one through Klook or Get Your Guide. They offer several tours that include a stop at Meiji Shrine.

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

Operating Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Harajuku or Yoyogi Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 – 1.5 hrs

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park (Yoyogi Koen) is one of Tokyo’s biggest public parks. It’s located in Shibuya, near Meiji Shrine and Harajuku. It’s a peaceful area with lots of trees, ponds, benches, and grassy open spaces.

I spent a morning at Yoyogi Park just sitting and enjoying the atmosphere before walking to Meiji Shrine. I was there in winter so many of the trees were bereft of leaves, but I read that it’s a great place to visit during cherry blossom season in Japan.

Yoyogi Park in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 24 hours
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Harajuku or Yoyogi-Hachiman Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 30 mins – 1 hr

HARAJUKU

Harajuku needs little introduction. It’s the heart of Tokyo’s kawaii culture (culture of cuteness) with its cutting edge fashion boutiques, trendy food outlets, and outlandishly dressed Japanese teenagers. Though the area has largely been associated with Tokyo’s kawaii culture, Harajuku isn’t only for the young.

The name Harajuku refers to a district in Shibuya, with two of its most famous areas being Takeshita Dori and Omotesando. Takeshita Dori caters to the youth while Omotesando draws in a more adult clientele.

You can easily explore Harajuku on your own, but if you’d like to have a guide take you to its best spots, then you may be interested in this tour from Klook.

Harajuku Gyoza Lou

You’re probably hungry at this point so before exploring Harajuku, you may want to have lunch first at Harajuku Gyoza Lou. It’s a popular restaurant that specializes in gyoza, which are Japanese dumplings filled with ground meat and vegetables.

At Harajuku Gyoza Lou, you can get them either pan-fried or steamed.

Pan-fried gyoza at Harajuku Gyoza Lou in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Operating Hours: 11:30AM-4:30AM, Mon-Sat / 11:30AM-10:30PM, Sun
Closest Subway Station: Omote-Sando Station
What to Order: Pan-fried or steamed gyoza
What We Paid: JPY 638 for one order each of pan-fried and steamed gyoza

Omotesando

Omotesando is a wide tree-lined avenue that’s often referred to as Tokyo’s version of Champs-Elysees. It’s a one-kilometer stretch of brand name shops, high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that cater to a more adult crowd.

Omotesando is easy enough to explore on your own, but if you’d like to go with a guide, then this food tour takes you to both Omotesando and Harajuku.

Pictured below is the mirrored entryway into Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, a shopping mall featuring a mix of Japanese and international brands. Take the elevator to the top and you’ll find Omohara Forest, an open-air terrace offering bird’s eye views of Harajuku.

Tokyu Plaza

Closest Subway Station: Omote-Sando or Harajuku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

Rainbow Pancake

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, then Rainbow Pancakes is a great place to go. They specialize in these ultra fluffy souffle pancakes which were all the rage on social media.

Souffle pancakes contain the same ingredients as typical American pancakes, except they’re made with extra egg whites to give them added height and fluffiness. They’re absolutely delicious and a perfect dessert to have in trendy Harajuku.

Souffle pancakes at Rainbow Pancake in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 4 Chome-28-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001
Operating Hours: 11AM-7PM, Thurs-Sat / 11AM-6PM, Sun-Wed
Closest Subway Station: Omote-Sando Station
What to Order: Souffle pancakes
What We Paid: JPY 1,450 for the souffle pancake and coffee set

Takeshita Dori

When people who’ve never been to Tokyo think of Harajuku, they’re probably thinking of Takeshita Dori. It’s a narrow walking street that’s become a symbol of Harajuku with its trendy boutiques, quirky cafes, and fast food outlets geared towards Tokyo’s youth. Chances are, if there’s a fashion trend raging in Tokyo, then it started here at Takeshita Dori.

Kawaii culture has become such an important part of Japanese pop culture that a visit to colorful Takeshita Dori is something you need to add to your Tokyo itinerary, regardless of your age. Just know that it’s a popular area so it will be crowded, especially on weekends.

This picture was taken at around 3PM on a Saturday. It was easily the busiest area we visited in Tokyo.

Takeshita Dori in Tokyo

Takeshita Dori is dominated by boutiques and souvenir shops selling cute items like these colorful socks. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gift items that truly represent Tokyo’s youth culture, then you should definitely get them here at Takeshita Dori.

Takeshita Dori in Tokyo

Closest Subway Station: Harajuku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

SHIBUYA

Shibuya is one of the liveliest and most well-known areas in Tokyo. It’s a popular entertainment district known for its seemingly endless array of shopping and dining options. Like Harajuku, it’s a hotbed for the latest fashion and entertainment trends and a must-add to your Tokyo itinerary.

We aren’t as into shopping so we didn’t stay too long in Shibuya, but if you’re interested in doing some serious shopping, then you can refer to this Shibuya guide for a list of the area’s most popular shopping complexes and department stores. You can also check out Klook and Get Your Guide for a list of attraction and restaurant deals in Shibuya.

Shibuya Crossing

One of the area’s most famous features is Shibuya crossing, a large intersection fronting Shibuya Station. It’s a popular tourist spot that’s often referred to as the world’s busiest intersection.

For the best view of the crossing, I suggest ordering coffee and sitting by the window on the second floor of Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya.

Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Closest Subway Station: Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
Estimated Time to Spend: About 15 mins

Hachiko Statue

Just outside Shibuya Station and next to the crossing is this statue of one of the world’s most famous dogs – Hachiko. Popularized by the Hollywood movie starring Richard Gere, Hachiko was a Japanese Akita who remained steadfastly loyal to his owner, even until death.

Hachiko statue in Tokyo

Closest Subway Station: Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
Estimated Time to Spend: About 15 mins

Oreryu Shio Ramen 俺流塩らーめん 円山町店

There are plenty of restaurants in Shibuya but if you’re in the mood for ramen, then Oreryu Shio Ramen is a great place to go. It was recommended to us by a local so we knew their ramen would be delicious.

We got the special roasted pork ramen and the shio butter corn ramen, both of which were excellent.

Special roasted pork ramen at Oreryu Shio Ramen in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 〒150-0044 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Maruyamacho, 3−3 SSD IIビル1階
Operating Hours: 11AM-12MN, Mon-Sat / 11AM-9PM, Sun
Closest Subway Station: Shibuya Station
What to Order: Special roasted pork ramen, shio butter corn ramen
What We Paid: JPY 960 per bowl of ramen

TOKYO ITINERARY: DAY 2

GINZA

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier shopping and dining district. Similar to Fifth Avenue in New York City, it features a wealth of big brand names, upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

If you’re looking for the best in name brand shopping and cosmetics in Tokyo, then Ginza needs to be on your Tokyo itinerary. It’s estimated that one square meter in the most prime areas of Ginza is worth about ten million yen, making it one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Japan.

If you’d like to have lunch or dinner in Ginza, then you can check out Klook for a list of restaurant deals.

UNIQLO Ginza Store

We aren’t that into shopping but there was one place we definitely wanted to go to in Ginza – UNIQLO. Occupying twelve floors with a total retail space of 4,959 square meters, it’s the brand’s ninth flagship store and their biggest one to date.

If you’ve never heard of UNIQLO, it’s a popular Japanese casual clothing brand similar to Gap, ZARA, or Benetton.

Uniqlo in Ginza, Tokyo

Operating Hours: 11AM-9PM, daily
Closest Subway Station: Ginza Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

Nakagin Capsule Tower

Fans of architecture may want to pay a visit to this building – Nakagin Capsule Tower. Built in 1972, it’s considered the first capsule building in Japan and a masterpiece in architectural design. It consists of two towers with 140 self-contained capsule apartments.

Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo

Closest Subway Station: Shimbashi or Shiodome Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 15 mins

Tsukiji Outer Market

Within walking distance from Ginza Station is one of Tokyo’s top attractions – the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. It became famous for the tuna auctions that used to be held at its inner market, before it was moved to Toyosu. The outer market with its many seafood shops and restaurants remains open and is definitely deserving of a spot on your Tokyo travel itinerary.

Tsukiji Outer Market gets pretty crowded during the day so it’s best to go early. Many restaurants and Japanese street food stalls open at 5AM and will close at noon or early in the afternoon.

Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo

Check out these golden orange blooms of uni. The seafood at Tsukiji Fish Market is as fresh as it gets.

You can explore the outer market on your own and try whatever catches your eye, or you can book a Tsukiji Fish Market tour through Klook or Get Your Guide.

Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo

Operating Hours: Varies per shop, but typically from 5AM till about 2PM (closed on Sundays)
Closest Subway Station: Tsukiji or Tsukijishijo Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

Nisshin Tasuke

There is so much delicious seafood to be had at Tsukiji Outer Market, but if you’re in the mood for unagi (barbecued eel), then head straight to Nisshin Tasuke. They’re known for relatively cheap unagi donburi bowls and these grilled seafood skewers.

We had the grilled unagi and hotate (scallop) skewers, both of which were outstanding. They were super tender, smokey, savory-sweet, and just delicious. Best of all, they went for just JPY 200 a stick.

Unagi and hotate skewers at Nisshin Tasuke, Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome−13−15 築地吉澤ビル 18
Operating Hours: 6AM-3PM, Mon-Sat (closed Sun)
Closest Subway Station: Higashi-Ginza Station
What to Order: Barbecued seafood skewers, unagi donburi
What We Paid: JPY 200 per stick

Sushi Katsura

If you’d rather sit down to a proper lunch, then a great place to go is Sushi Katsura. They’re located just a couple of blocks from Tsukiji Outer Market and offer good sushi at affordable prices.

I got the lunch sushi set with nine pieces of nigiri, six pieces of maki, and one tamago for just JPY 1,280. They get their seafood from Tsukiji so you know their fish is of the highest quality.

Lunch sushi set at Sushi Katsura in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 2 Chome-15-4 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
Operating Hours: 11:30AM-2PM, 5-9:30PM, Mon-Sat (closed Sun)
Closest Subway Station: Higashi-Ginza Station
What to Order: Sushi
What We Paid: JPY 1,280 for the lunch sushi set, JPY 1,080 for the lunch chirashi set

ODAIBA

Odaiba is interesting. It’s a popular shopping and entertainment district on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It started off as a set of smaller man-made islands built towards the end of the Edo Period as a form of naval defense.

Over a century later, the islands were joined together via landfills in an ambitious project that aimed to turn Odaiba into a futuristic shopping and entertainment district. Clearly, they’ve succeeded.

Characterized by fascinating museums, exhibits, shopping centers, and buildings, Odaiba was far and away the most futuristic area we visited in Tokyo. There is so much to see and do in Odaiba that you could easily spend the entire day there.

If you’re visiting Tokyo with kids, then a day or more at Odaiba definitely needs to be on your Tokyo itinerary.

teamLab Borderless – CLOSED

The Borderless exhibit by the teamLab art collective is one of the most popular attractions in Odaiba. You may have seen it on social media. It’s a multimedia exhibit featuring interactive digital displays spread out over a 100,000 square meter space.

Tickets are available at the gate, but teamLab Borderless is still one of the hottest exhibits in Tokyo so you may want to purchase them in advance through Klook, especially if you plan on visiting on a weekend.

teamLab Borderless in Tokyo

The Crystal World – an exhibit featuring floor to ceiling LED rope lights – is one of the most popular and visually striking exhibits at teamLab Borderless.

We haven’t been but teamLab has another multimedia museum in Tokyo called Planets. Located in Toyosu, it isn’t as popular as Borderless but it’s just as spectacular. It features an exhibit that requires visitors to wade barefoot in knee-deep water. Tickets to teamLab Planets can also be purchased through Klook or Get Your Guide.

If you’re active on Instagram, then a visit to either multimedia exhibit definitely merits a spot on your itinerary in Tokyo.

teamLab Borderless in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 10AM-7PM, Mon-Fri / 10AM-9PM, Sat-Sun
Admission: JPY 3,200
Closest Subway Station: Tokyo Teleport Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 2-3 hrs

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

I didn’t go inside but DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is a shopping and entertainment complex that features attractions related to the Gundam anime series.

Towering in front of the complex is a 19.7 meter tall replica of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam robot. It’s an impressive sight and worth a quick visit, even if you aren’t a fan of the show.

I didn’t stick around to see it but the statue lights up and transforms from “Unicorn mode” to “Destroy mode” at specific times of the day – 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, and 5PM.

Unicorn Gundam Statue in Tokyo

Mall Hours: 10AM-9PM, daily
Closest Subway Station: Tokyo Teleport Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

好美家

About seven kilometers north of Odaiba is the Tsukushima area. It’s one of the best places in Tokyo to have monjayaki, which is like a runnier version of okonomiyaki. It’s a quintessential Tokyo dish and something you should have while you’re there.

I don’t know the English name of 好美家 but it was recommended to me by the same local who suggested Oreryu Shio Ramen.

Monjayaki at 好美家 in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 3 Chome-15-10 Tsukishima, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0052
Operating Hours: 5-10PM, Mon, Wed-Fri / 4-10PM, Sat-Sun (closed Tue)
Closest Subway Station: Tsukushima Station
What to Order: Monjayaki
What We Paid: JPY 1,890 for one mixed monjayaki and one beer

SHINJUKU

Like Shibuya, Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods and a must-add to your Tokyo itinerary. It refers to the large shopping, dining, and entertainment areas surrounding Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway station.

There’s a lot to see and do in Shinjuku so you can refer to this Shinjuku guide for more information. You can also check out Klook and Get Your Guide for a list of attraction and restaurant deals in Shinjuku.

If you’re as passionate about food as we are, then you may be interested in this Shinjuku food tour as well. It’s a fun Tokyo food tour that takes you to three food stops in Shinjuku.

Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)

Omoide Yokocho is a popular watering hole located just outside Shinjuku Station. It consists of about sixty tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs), one after the other on either side of a tight alleyway.

Omoide Yokocho literally means “memory lane” though it’s more commonly referred to as Piss Alley. This harkens back to the late 1940s, during the early days of the strip when public restrooms weren’t available and drunk patrons had little choice but to relieve themselves in the alleyway.

Facilities have improved greatly since then, with Omoide Yokocho now being one of most frequented areas to get a drink and bar food in Shinjuku. Popular dishes include yakitori, ramen, kushiyaki, and nikomi, a type of beef tendon stew.

If you’d like to experience Omoide Yokocho on a guided tour, then you can book one through Get Your Guide or byFood.

Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo

Operating Hours: Varies per izakaya, but typically from around 4PM till 5AM
Closest Subway Station: Shinjuku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

Golden Gai

Golden Gai is another great place to get a drink in Shinjuku. Located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s red light district, Golden Gai is a network of six narrow alleyways with over 200 tiny izakayas and restaurants.

The tour guide from our Shinjuku food tour took us to Golden Gai and told us that it’s a favorite meeting place for Tokyo’s creatives like musicians, photographers, artists, and writers. I can definitely see that.

It’s an interesting neighborhood and somewhat of a time capsule. It’s said to provide a glimpse of what Tokyo used to look like, back when entire neighborhoods were comprised of narrow alleyways and two-story buildings. Check out Get Your Guide or byFood for a list of tours that take you to Golden Gai.

Golden Gai in Tokyo

If you’re a fan of the Ramen Nagi chain, then you’ll be pleased to know that the very first branch is located here in Golden Gai. According to our tour guide Nori, it’s still considered one of the best ramen shops in Shinjuku.

What’s funny is that Nori didn’t even know that Ramen Nagi is now an international chain with branches in the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. He was just as surprised to learn that as we were to see the original shop!

I would have loved to eat here with more time.

Ramen Nagi at Golden Gai in Tokyo

Operating Hours: Varies per bar, but typically from around 5:30PM till 5AM
Closest Subway Station: Shinjuku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

Godzilla Head

Can you see Godzilla? We passed this giant Godzilla head on our way to Golden Gai.

Weighing eighty tons, this giant Godzilla head peering over Kabukicho is a landmark and famous tourist attraction in Shinjuku. We weren’t there at the right time but I read that it can sometimes be seen with glowing red eyes and smoke emanating from its mouth.

Godzilla head in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Closest Subway Station: Shinjuku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 15 mins

TOKYO ITINERARY: DAY 3

Yayoi Kusama Museum

I really wanted to go to this museum. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the notice on their website advising guests that all tickets must be purchased in advance. They don’t sell tickets at the door so we couldn’t get in. Bummer.

Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who shot to fame in recent years thanks to social media. She works primarily in sculpture and installation but dabbles in other creative disciplines as well, like painting, film, and fashion. She’s best known for her work with brightly colored polka dots which according to her, helps keep her mental health issues at bay.

Luckily, I was able to see one of her paintings at the MOMAT and a few of her outdoor sculptures at the City Art Museum in Matsumoto, where she’s originally from.

If you’d like to visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo, then you absolutely need to purchase tickets online. They’re known to sell out so it’s best to buy them weeks in advance.

Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 11AM-5:30PM, Thurs-Sun (closed Mon-Wed)
Admission: JPY 1,100 (buy tickets)
Closest Subway Station: Ushigome-Yanagicho Station
Estimated Time to Spend: Maximum of 1.5 hrs

Koishikawa Korakuen

I love Japanese landscaped gardens. They’re an oasis in frenzied Japanese cities like Tokyo.

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest and best gardens. It’s beautiful throughout the year though it’s best viewed during the fall and spring seasons. Maple and gingko leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn, while February through March is a great time to see plum and cherry blossoms.

Koishikawa Korakuen was built during the Edo period and was named after a poem that encouraged emperors and shoguns to seek pleasure only after achieving happiness for their people. What a great name for a public garden.

If you enjoy Japanese landscaped gardens as much as I do, then you need to add Koishikawa Korakuen to your itinerary in Tokyo.

Korakuen in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 9AM-5PM, daily
Admission: JPY 300
Closest Subway Station: Iidabashi or Suidobashi Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 – 1.5 hrs

Kisaburo Nojo

If you like eggs, then I suggest having lunch at Kisaburo Nojo. It’s about two stops north of Koishikawa Korakuen. They specialize in tamago kake gohan, a popular comfort food in Japanese cuisine consisting of steamed rice topped with raw egg and soy sauce.

Kisaburo Nojo offers all-you-can-eat tamago kake gohan buffets using different types of premium eggs sourced from farms throughout Japan. I didn’t feel like having that much egg so I went with this tamago kake gohan with chicken set meal instead. It was delicious.

Tamago kake gohan with chicken at Kisaburo Nojo in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 1 Chome-23-11 Sengoku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0011
Operating Hours: 11AM-2:30PM, 5-11PM, Mon-Fri / 11:30AM-11PM, Sat-Sun
Closest Subway Station: Sengoku Station
What to Order: Tamago kake gohan
What We Paid: JPY 960 for a tamago kake gohan with chicken set

MOMAT

MOMAT refers to the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art. As its name suggests, it’s a modern art museum dedicated to the works of Japanese artists from the Meiji period onwards. It’s a good-sized museum with an interesting selection of Japanese art.

MOMAT in Tokyo

This was a relaxing zen-like exhibit that seemed to invite museum-goers to sit for a few moments of quiet reflection.

Aside from the art, I enjoyed the museum’s size. It isn’t too big to be overwhelming or too small to not be worth the effort.

MOMAT in Tokyo

Can you guess whose painting this is? It was done by Yayoi Kusama.

What you’re seeing below is just a small section of a massive painting that takes up almost an entire museum wall. It’s incredibly striking but a bit difficult to look at in person. The stark contrast of yellow and red against the black made it look almost three-dimensional.

Close-up of Yayoi Kusama painting in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 10AM-5PM, Tue-Thurs, Sun / 10AM-8PM, Fri-Sat (closed Mondays)
Admission: JPY 500
Closest Subway Station: Takebashi Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1.5 – 2 hrs

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Located near Tokyo Station, at the former site of Edo Castle, it’s just a short walk from MOMAT. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day I tried to go.

From what I understand, visitors can’t enter the inner grounds of the palace. Only certain areas may be visited but entrance to any buildings is prohibited. The Imperial Palace East Gardens are also open to the public.

75-minute English and Japanese tours are offered for free at 10AM and 1:30PM from Tuesday to Saturday. You can register online or on the same day at Kikyomon Gate. Klook and Get Your Guide also offer a few tours that make stops at the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Photo by Tooykrub via Shutterstock

Operating Hours: 9-11:15AM, 1:30-2:45PM, Tue-Sat (closed Sun-Mon)
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Takebashi or Tokyo Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

AKIHABARA

When you think of electronics, arcades, or anime in Tokyo, the first place that comes to mind is Akihabara. It’s a neon-lit orgy for the senses that’s recognized as the heart of otaku culture (diehard fan) in Tokyo.

Hundreds of electronic shops and arcades can be explored in Akihabara. They range from tiny one-man stalls to entire buildings with six or seven floors of gadgets and video games.

This red building with the SEGA logo is probably an arcade. Not just one or two floors, but the entire building. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of all things geeky in Japan, the you need to add Akihabara to your itinerary in Tokyo.

Akihabara in Tokyo

Being the heart of otaku culture in Tokyo, you’ll find plenty of anime and manga shops throughout Akihabara. Many of the claw machine games offer collectible figurines as prizes. I almost lost all my money trying to win the one below.

Manga cafes and maid cafes are popular in Akihabara as well. Manga cafes are internet cafes that let you read comics and watch DVDs, while maid cafes are establishments with waitresses dressed up to look like maids or anime characters.

Klook and Get Your Guide offer vouchers to maid cafes and other otaku experiences in Akihabara.

Anime collectible from a shop in Akihabara, Tokyo

Closest Subway Station: Akihabara Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 2-3 hrs

Ueno 500 Bar

About a kilometer north of Akihabara is the Ueno area with this intriguing “one coin bar” called Uneo 500 Bar. One coin bars are establishments that offer everything on their menu for JPY 500 or less.

Located near Ueno Park, Ueno 500 Bar offers many different types of thin crust pizzas and tapas. All you have to do is order one drink and you can have as many JPY 500 pizzas as you want. This would be a great place to wind down with pizza and beer after exploring Akihabara.

Japan probably makes some of the best pizzas outside of Italy so there’s no shame in satisfying your pizza cravings in Tokyo.

Pizza and beer at Ueno 500 Bar in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 4 Chome−9−15 地下1階 三橋ビル
Operating Hours: 5PM-2AM, Mon-Thurs / 5PM-5AM, Fri / 11:30AM-5AM, Sat / 11:30AM-2AM, Sun
Closest Subway Station: Ueno Station
What to Order: Pizza, tapas
What We Paid: JPY 1,100 for one pizza and one beer

TOKYO ITINERARY: DAY 4

Senso-ji

Sensoji in Asakusa isn’t just one of Tokyo’s most popular temples, it’s also its oldest. Completed in 645, legend has it that this Buddhist temple was built after two brothers fished a statue of Kannon – the Goddess of Mercy – out of the Sumida River. Whenever they tried to put it back in the river, it would always return to them.

To get to the temple, visitors will need to go through Kaminarimon which is the outer gate of Sensoji. It’s recognized as the symbol of both Asakusa and the city of Tokyo.

Between Kaminarimon and Hozomon, the temple’s second gate, is a stretch of shops selling different types of snacks and souvenirs. Just beyond Hozomon is Senoji’s main hall and its five-storied pagoda.

The temple area gets gets pretty crowded but there’s lots to see and eat at Sensoji. It’s one of the more fun temples to visit and a must-add to your itinerary in Tokyo. Check out Klook and Get Your Guide for a list of Sensoji tours and attraction deals in Asakusa.

Sensoji in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 6AM-5PM, daily
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Asakusa Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 30 mins – 1 hr

Tokyo Skytree

Our hotel was in the Sumida area so we’d walk by Tokyo Skytree everyday. It’s a television broadcasting tower that’s recognized as a symbol of Tokyo.

Measuring 634 meters in height, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan. To appreciate its height, you can go up to its two observation decks for a bird’s eye view of Tokyo. The first observation deck is 350 meters above the ground while the second is 100 meters higher.

You can purchase tickets to Tokyo Skytree at the gate or in advance through Klook.

Tokyo Sky Tree

Operating Hours: 8AM-10PM, daily
Admission: Ticketing information
Closest Subway Station: Oshiage Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

Edo-Tokyo Museum

If you’d like to learn about Japan’s Edo Period in a fun way, then the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a great place to visit. It’s known for its elaborate and highly detailed miniature replicas depicting life in Japan during the Edo or Tokugawa Period.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Photo by jumoobo via Shutterstock

Operating Hours: 9:30AM-5:30PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mondays)
Admission: JPY 600
Closest Subway Station: Ryogoku Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1-2 hrs

Miyako

Like 好美家, Miyako is known for serving a core Tokyo dish. They specialize in fukugawa meshi which is a dish of clam and long onion cooked in miso and topped over rice. It’s named after the area in Tokyo where it originated from – Fukugawa.

Miyako is about a 20-minute walk south of Edo-Tokyo Museum. It’s an interesting place to have lunch before moving on to your next stop.

Fukagawa meshi at Miyako in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 2 Chome-7-1 Tokiwa, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0006
Operating Hours: 11:30AM-2PM, 4:30-8:30PM, Tue-Sun (closed Mon)
Closest Subway Station: Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station
What to Order: Fukagawa meshi
What We Paid: JPY 1,760 for the fukagawa meshi set

Hie Shrine

Hie Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of urban Tokyo. Unlike Meiji Shrine which is nestled within a forested area, Hie Shrine is located on a hill in a busy commercial and business district.

Hie Shrine in Tokyo

The best part about Hie Shrine is the set of orange torii gates towards the back of the temple. I’ve been to temples with torii gates before but they’re usually in a wooded area away from the city. It was interesting to find them here in the middle of Tokyo’s concrete jungle.

Hie Shrine in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 6AM-5PM, daily
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Akasaka-Mitsuke Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 30 mins

Tokyo Tower

When I first saw pictures of Tokyo Tower, I didn’t understand its appeal. It just looked like a red version of the Eiffel Tower. What was so interesting about that?

Only when I saw it in person, juxtaposed against the crisp blue sky, did I finally understand. It’s a marvelous sight and well worth a visit in Tokyo.

Measuring 333 meters high, Tokyo Tower is a broadcast antenna which at one point was Japan’s tallest structure, until Tokyo Skytree was built. Like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower has two observation decks offering sweeping views of the city, though at more modest heights of 150 and 250 meters.

I’m not familiar with it, but directly below Tokyo Tower is the Foot Town building which houses One Piece Tower, an indoor amusement park based on the popular manga series. You can get admission tickets to Tokyo Tower on Klook.

Tokyo Tower

Operating Hours: 9AM-11PM, daily
Admission: Ticketing information
Closest Subway Station: Akabanebashi, Onarimon, or Kamiyacho Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 1 hr

Zozo-ji

Zozoji is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism in the Kanto region. Located near Tokyo Tower, it’s an easy place to visit after a trip to the tower’s observation decks.

Zozoji Temple in Tokyo

This balance between old and new is what makes Tokyo so fascinating. It’s an ultramodern city that keeps pushing forward whilst preserving its traditions and culture.

Zozoji Temple in Tokyo

Operating Hours: 9AM-5PM, daily
Admission: FREE
Closest Subway Station: Akabanebashi, Onarimon, or Hamamatsucho Station
Estimated Time to Spend: About 30 mins

Savoy

Do you watch Chef David Chang’s Netflix series Ugly Delicious? This is the pizzeria he featured in one of the show’s episodes.

As described, Tokyo makes great pizzas. In fact, they’re so good that some people claim they’re even better than the pizzas in Italy. We haven’t been to Italy so we can’t offer an opinion on that, but the Neapolitan-style pizzas at Savoy are the best damn pizzas we’ve ever had in our lives. Seriously, wow.

Savoy has several outlets in Tokyo so be sure to go to the original branch in Azabu-Jūban.

Pizza at Savoy in Tokyo, Japan

Address: 〒106-0046 Tokyo, Minato City, Motoazabu, 3 Chome−10−1 中岡ビル201
Operating Hours: 11:30AM-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM, daily
Closest Subway Station: Azabu-juban Station
What to Order: Pizza
What We Paid: JPY 1,500 per pizza

TOKYO ITINERARY: DAY 5

There are more than enough interesting attractions and neighborhoods to fill up your itinerary in Tokyo. But if you have the time, then you may want to go on a day trip as well.

The Tokyo Metro is so efficient that places like Hakone (pictured below), Kamakura, Kawagoe, and Nikko are just a train ride away. If you’d like to go on a day trip, then check out my article on 12 of the best day trips you can make from Tokyo. It includes Tokyo Disneyland which is a must when traveling with kids.

Hakone in Tokyo

Photo by Pasu Ratprasert via Shutterstock

TOKYO LOCATION MAP

To help you understand where these attractions are in relation to one another in Tokyo, I’ve pinned them all on a map. Click on the link to open the interactive map in a new window.

Map of Tokyo with pins

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THIS TOKYO ITINERARY

As described at the top of this post, there are many articles online recommending 1- or 2-day Tokyo itineraries, which I think is crazy. As you can probably tell from this guide, there’s so much ground to cover in Tokyo that you’ll need several days to do it justice.

Personally, I think 4 or 5 days in Tokyo is ideal for first-time visitors. It’ll give you enough time to visit Tokyo’s top tourist attractions without feeling rushed.

In any case, I hope this 5-day Tokyo itinerary helps you plan your trip to one of the world’s most unique and exciting cities. If you have any questions, then please let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and have an amazing time in Japan!

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