Your complete day-by-day Tokyo travel guide with all the best spots, hidden gems, and essential tips
Quick Info
Where to stay: I chose Ginza for my Tokyo base because it's the perfect blend of luxury and relaxing - far from the chaotic energy of Shinjuku or the overwhelming crowds of Akihabara. Ginza is Tokyo's most upscale district, where you'll find world-class department stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautifully manicured streets that feel peaceful even during rush hour. It's the area where you can slow down after a long day of sightseeing and actually breathe.
But luxury doesn't mean inconvenience. Ginza has easy access everywhere - you're on the metro line to all major Tokyo attractions, and you're literally steps from Tokyo Station, which is crucial for your day trips. Want to visit Hakone? Fuji? Kyoto? Osaka? You can hop on the bullet train without dragging yourself across the city first. This saved me hours over my trip.
And yes, Ginza has better hotels. The competition here is fierce, so the quality is consistently higher than in other Tokyo neighborhoods.
My hotel pick: Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8
Excellent location - Right next to the metro station and a 5-minute walk to Tokyo Station. No navigating confusing streets with heavy bags.
Attentive staff - They remembered my name, helped with luggage, and gave me spot-on metro directions. Japanese hospitality at its finest.
Decent room size by Japanese standards - Tokyo hotels are notoriously tiny. This one actually feels spacious. I could open my suitcase without tripping over furniture.
Lovely breakfast - Think fresh Japanese options, quality coffee, and plenty of seating. Worth every yen.
Best Airport: Haneda Over Narita ✈️
Here's why: Haneda is 20 minutes from central Tokyo vs. Narita's 1+ hour. That's not just "a bit faster" - that's 40 minutes to an hour of your life you're saving per trip. When you land after a 12-hour flight, you don't want to be staring at another hour of countryside. You want to be at your hotel, unpacked, and rested.
Haneda also means:
Less stress - Shorter transfer = less chance of delays, missed trains, or getting lost
More sleep - You'll actually make it to bed faster
Better value - Taxi from Haneda is ~€50. Narita taxi is €200+. Even the train costs less from Haneda
Transport Tip: Pre-book taxi (~€50) from airport to hotel
Don't waste time figuring out trains with heavy luggage. Pre-book your taxi through Klook or your hotel. You'll be met at arrivals, helped with bags, and driven straight to your door. For €50, it's the best investment you'll make for Day 1.
DAY 1: Ginza, Tsukiji & Tokyo Tower at Night
Morning: Ginza Exploration
Start your Tokyo adventure in Ginza, Tokyo's upscale shopping district.
Seiko Building - The iconic Ginza landmark to spot
Ginza Main Boulevard - Perfect for shopping. Note: Sneaker stores have a 3-hour ticketing system, so plan accordingly
Kabuki Theatre - Located on Ginza main street, a traditional Japanese theater experience
Lunch: Tsukiji Outer Market
- The fatty tuna here is exceptional
- Note: Food is generally more expensive and average compared to other areas
- But don't miss the experience of this historic market
Evening: Hidden Alleys & Tokyo Tower
Hibiya Okuroji - A moody arcade under railway arches with boutique restaurants and bars. Perfect for dinner and drinks.
Tokyo Tower - End your day watching the tower glowing orange at night. One of Tokyo's most iconic views.
DAY 2: Imperial Palace, Shinjuku & Free Panoramic Views
Morning: Imperial Palace East Gardens
Serene and beautifully maintained. A peaceful escape from the city.
Chidorigafuchi - Scenic waterway path perfect for walking. Rowboat rental available if you want to add an activity.
Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen & Shrine
Shinjuku Gyoen - Features Japanese, French, and English gardens. These are the finest parks in Japan.
Hanazono-jinja Shrine - Located between skyscrapers, a perfect example of Tokyo's blend of old and new.
Evening: Kabukicho & Entertainment District
Kabukicho - Tokyo's famous entertainment district, vibrant and energetic.
Memory Lane/Omoide Yokocho - Smoky yakitori stalls under red lanterns. Sit at the counter for the authentic experience. This is soul food Tokyo.
Golden Gai - A maze of tiny bars. Perfect for experiencing Tokyo's unique bar culture.
Godzilla Head - Located on the Toho Cinema rooftop.
Shinjuku Cat - Giant 3D calico cat on My Lord building's LED screen. Another unique Tokyo moment. Keep in mind that it only appears every 15 minutes.
Night: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has two observation decks on the 45th floor, both 100% FREE with no ticket or reservation needed. You're going up 202 meters above the ground, offering a 360-degree panoramic view where on clear days you can see Mount Fuji silhouetted against sunset, plus Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and the entire glittering cityscape at night. The best part? Stay until after dark for "TOKYO Night & Light" - a Guinness World Record-certified world's largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display using 40 solar-powered projectors on the east-facing tower, showing soaring birds, traditional Japanese patterns, landmarks like Mount Fuji, anime art, and special Godzilla performances on weekends and holidays. Shows run every 30 minutes from 7:00 PM to 9:45 PM (5 shows nightly), completely free with open-air viewing in the Shinjuku plaza.
DAY 3: Sumida River, Asakusa, Skytree & Akihabara
Morning: Sumida River Cruise
From Hinode Pier to Asakusa Pier, 40 minutes. BOOK AHEAD especially during spring! The cherry blossom season fills up fast.
Asakusa & Traditional Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple. A must-visit for traditional Tokyo.
Nakamise Street - Traditional snack stalls and souvenir shops leading to Senso-ji. BUY STRAWBERRY MOCHI HERE - This is the place for it! Don't miss this iconic Tokyo snack.
Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree & Solamachi Mall
- Pokemon Centre inside
- One Piece store
- Onitsuka Tiger shop - NO QUEUE - You can get in without waiting!
Ueno Park - Nearby, perfect for a stroll and see the cherry blossoms during Sakura
Ameyoko Street - Street market with great energy and local vibes.
Evening: Akihabara (Anime & Electronics Town)
The ultimate destination for anime, electronics, and arcades.
- Best place to buy an extra suitcase if you're planning to shop a lot in Tokyo
- Pure energy and colorful atmosphere
DAY 4: Harajuku, Shibuya & Shibuga Sky
Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine
A vast forested Shinto shrine that feels completely removed from the city. The contrast with Tokyo's skyscrapers is incredible. Perfect for morning peace.
Harajuku Fashion & Omotesando
Takeshita Street/Harajuku - Colorful street fashion district.
- Get a crepe - Classic Harajuku experience
- Instagram-worthy everywhere
Omotesando - Tree-lined elegant boulevard perfect for window shopping and people watching. More upscale than Harajuku.
Evening: Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Crossing - The world's busiest pedestrian crossing.
- Watch from the Starbucks window for the best view
- Pure Tokyo energy
Shibuya Sky - 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo.
- PREBOOK 2 WEEKS BEFORE - Sunset slots book out within hours. Book here
Shibuya Parco - Multi-floor concept mall with:
- Art installations
- Nintendo store
- Designer collaborations
- Modern Tokyo shopping experience
DAY 5: Day Trip to Hakone for Mt Fuji
The Hakone Loop: Book an organized guided tour (Klook) vs. independent - Takes out all the logistics and makes the day stressless. Book here
Hakone Loop includes:
- Cable car
- Ropeway
- Lake cruise
Owakudani - Volcanic vents where you can buy black eggs.
- Said to add 7 years to your life
- Unique geological experience
Lake Ashi - Classic Mt Fuji view on a clear day.
IMPORTANT: Weather Check
Check weather forecast night before - Mt Fuji is notoriously shy. Be flexible and swap your itinerary to a clear day. Don't waste your Hakone day if it's cloudy.
Essential Tokyo Tips 💡
Transportation
- Stay near metro station in every city - This changes everything
- Download Apple Maps - Gives platform-specific metro guidance
- Load Suica card onto Apple Wallet - Makes transit seamless
Money & Shopping
- Carry passport everywhere - Required for tax-free shopping
- Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs - Best rates and availability
- Use Revolut for card payments - No foreign transaction fees
Food
- Konbini (convenience store) food is extraordinary value - Skip the €20-25/person hotel breakfast
- Tsukiji fatty tuna is exceptional - Worth the higher price
- Strawberry mochi at Nakamise Street - The best place for it
Booking Ahead (Non-Negotiable!)
- Shibuya Sky: Prebook tickets 2 weeks before visiting. Sunset slots fill within hours.
- Sumida River Cruise: Book ahead during popular seasons (spring cherry blossom fills fast)
- Hakone tours: Book ASAP - they fill up quickly especially during cherry blossom/autumn. Prices rise closer to date.
Weather Flexibility
- Check weather forecast night before Hakone - Mt Fuji is notoriously shy
- Be flexible and swap itinerary to clear day - Don't waste your day trip on cloudy weather
Why This Tokyo Guide Works
This 5-day Tokyo itinerary balances:
- Iconic landmarks (Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji)
- Hidden corners (Hibiya Okuroji, Memory Lane, Golden Gai)
- Traditional Tokyo (Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, Asakusa)
- Modern Tokyo (Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya Parco)
- Natural beauty (Shinjuku Gyoen, Sumida River, Lake Ashi)
- FREE experiences (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building views)
- Day trip option (Hakone for Mt Fuji)
Ready for Your Tokyo Trip?
This guide uses my exact recommendations from my 10-day Japan itinerary.
Full blog post with tons of free resources: the perfect Japan Itinerary
Save this Tokyo guide for your Japan trip planning! 💕
*All recommendations based on personal experience. Tokyo is incredible - you're going to love it!*