Tokyo in 5 Days: A Mapped Itinerary
Build five full days around nearby neighbourhoods: temple lanes in Asakusa, lively Shibuya, a western park break, art in Ueno and digital discovery in Azabudai. This 13-stop route leaves time for meals, travel and rest. Swap days to suit your tickets and closure calendars.
Explore the route stops ↓Asakusa and Skytree
From temple lanes to the Sumida riverside and skyline views. If visibility is poor, move the tower visit to another day and enjoy a lighter day in Asakusa and by the river.
Meiji, Harajuku and Shibuya
Pair a forest shrine with fashion streets and Shibuya’s energy. If shopping takes longer in Harajuku, take a train to Shibuya. An extra observation deck is not included; trade some shopping time for it if desired.
Shinjuku to Kichijoji
A garden morning, a train ride and a lakeside neighbourhood afternoon. Swap days if Gyoen is closed. Staying in Shinjuku for an evening walk is an alternative with less travel. The Ghibli Museum is not included in this schedule.
Ueno, Nezu and Yanaka
Begin with Japanese art, then explore quieter shrine and neighbourhood streets. Swap this day to suit the museum calendar. For a long exhibition visit, skip Nezu and continue straight to Yanaka; do not try to cover every gallery in one morning.
Tsukiji, art and Tokyo Tower
From a market breakfast to digital art in Azabudai and the tower neighbourhood. If your Borderless slot is in the morning, visit it first and move Tsukiji to another day. If you visited Skytree, you may prefer to see Tokyo Tower only from outside.
If you only have 3 days
Choose days 1, 2 and 5: Asakusa–Skytree, Meiji–Harajuku–Shibuya and Tsukiji–Borderless–Tokyo Tower. If museums and quiet neighbourhoods matter more, replace day 5 with the Ueno day. Avoid squeezing every stop into three days.
How should you plan transport?
Times are approximate planning ranges allowing for station walks and waits, excluding your hotel connection. Compare metro, JR and walking options; do not assume a single ticket covers every operator. Google Maps links open each place; check live services separately.
Which bookings come first?
Choose an available Borderless slot first, then a Skytree observation ticket if desired. Adjust museum and garden days to official calendars. Importing the itinerary does not book tickets; check hours and closures for your dates. Hours and fees can change; check official links before visiting.
If you have more time
Choose Akihabara, Odaiba, the Imperial Palace East Gardens or Gotokuji instead of another stop according to your interests. Set aside a separate day for Takao. The main plan needs five full sightseeing days; allow separately for flights, hotel transfers and jet lag.
Day 1: Asakusa and Skytree
From temple lanes to the Sumida riverside and skyline views.
5–7 hours · including meals and travel
Senso-ji Temple
1.5–2 hours
Walk from Kaminarimon through Nakamise. After the temple, leave time for side streets and the Sumida riverside, with lunch before heading to the tower.
Start · Asakusa
www.japan.travel · Google MapsTokyo Skytree
1.5–2 hours
Choose your booking with the weather and visibility in mind. This allowance is for the observation decks; adding the aquarium or extensive shopping lengthens the day.
25–35 min on foot from Asakusa, or roughly 15–25 min by public transport
www.tokyo-skytree.jp · Google MapsDay 2: Meiji, Harajuku and Shibuya
Pair a forest shrine with fashion streets and Shibuya’s energy.
6–8 hours · with shopping and breaks
Meiji Jingu
1–1.5 hours
Allow time for the wooded approach. Visit the shrine in the morning and respect photography signs around worship areas.
Start · approach from Harajuku
www.meijijingu.or.jp · Google MapsHarajuku & Omotesando
2–3 hours · with lunch
Continue from the Takeshita area towards Omotesando. Take breaks between the crowded shopping lanes and broad avenue, choosing shops that interest you.
About 20–30 min on foot from the shrine
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsShibuya Crossing
1.5–2 hours
See the crossing at street level, then explore nearby streets for dinner. Paid observation decks require separate time and booking; admission is not assumed here.
About 25–35 min on foot from Omotesando
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsDay 3: Shinjuku to Kichijoji
A garden morning, a train ride and a lakeside neighbourhood afternoon.
6–8 hours · with train travel and lunch
Shinjuku Gyoen
1.5–2 hours
Check the garden calendar before your morning walk. Have lunch in Shinjuku and leave additional time to find your train platform.
Start · Shinjuku Gyoen
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsKichijoji & Inokashira Park
2–3 hours
Walk from Kichijoji to the park lake and browse neighbourhood shops on the way back. This relaxed afternoon does not require a boat or museum ticket.
About 45–60 min including the walk to the station and train
www.japan.travel · Google MapsDay 4: Ueno, Nezu and Yanaka
Begin with Japanese art, then explore quieter shrine and neighbourhood streets.
6–8 hours · with museum time and breaks
Tokyo National Museum
2–3 hours
Choose the collection areas that interest you. Check ticket coverage for special exhibitions separately and leave time for lunch around Ueno afterwards.
Start · Ueno
www.tnm.jp · Google MapsNezu Shrine
45–60 min
Explore the torii path and shrine courtyard at a gentle pace. Azaleas are seasonal, so do not expect the same flower display year-round.
About 25–35 min on foot from the museum
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsYanaka Ginza
1.5–2 hours
Finish around Yanaka Ginza with small shops and side streets. Shop hours vary, so avoid arriving too late if you want to browse.
About 20–25 min on foot from Nezu
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsDay 5: Tsukiji, art and Tokyo Tower
From a market breakfast to digital art in Azabudai and the tower neighbourhood.
6–8 hours · depending on bookings and breaks
Tsukiji Outer Market
1.5–2 hours · with breakfast
Plan breakfast and a short walk through the outer market. This is not Toyosu’s wholesale market or tuna auction; check shop calendars.
Start · Tsukiji Outer Market
www.gotokyo.org · Google MapsteamLab Borderless
2–3 hours
Check timed tickets for Borderless at Azabudai Hills. Do not confuse it with Planets in Toyosu or travel to the former Odaiba location. Leave a meal break after visiting.
About 30–45 min from Tsukiji by public transport and walking
www.teamlab.art · Google MapsTokyo Tower
45–60 min · exterior
Finish with a walk around the tower. If you want to visit an observation deck, allow a ticket and at least an extra hour, leaving time for a relaxed final dinner.
About 15–20 min on foot from Azabudai Hills
www.gotokyo.org · Google Maps