Tokyo Itinerary: Best Things to Do on a 3-Day & 5-Day Trip

Traveling in Tokyo is an adventure filled with exciting contrasts—futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside ancient temples, and bustling shopping districts give way to serene gardens. The city’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to explore, whether you’re hopping between vibrant neighborhoods, visiting world-famous landmarks, or discovering hidden gems. From high-tech experiences to rich cultural traditions, there’s something for everyone. With so much to see and do, each visit to Tokyo offers a new and unforgettable experience.

It might not be possible to see everything in one trip, but with a little planning, you can create a three- or five-day Tokyo itinerary that’s sure to satisfy your sightseeing dreams. As one of the world’s top tourist destinations, there’s no shortage of amazing attractions in Tokyo!

3-Day Tokyo Itinerary

With only three short days to explore Tokyo for the first time, you’ll want to fit in as many of the city’s best sights as possible. While it’s important to see the city’s historical and cultural attractions, you should also build some time in your 3-day itinerary for shopping and nightlife activities.

Day One – Morning

Experience the Imperial Palace

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, start your 3-day trip to Tokyo by visiting one of the city’s must-see attractions, the Imperial Palace. The Palace is located on the former site of the historically significant Edo Castle and is the current home of Japan’s Imperial Family. There are two main areas to explore:

The Imperial Palace: The inner grounds of the Palace can only be visited with an Imperial Household Agency guide. Tours are available in English and Japanese most days of the year (closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays) and can be booked up to one week in advance. Booking a tour will give you a close-up look at the historic landmarks and a thorough overview of the Palace’s history. Morning tours start at 10:00 AM and take 75 minutes.

The East Gardens: The Gardens are open to the public without a tour guide (except on Mondays, Fridays, and holidays) and can be explored at your own pace. Plan to spend at least a couple hours here exploring the gardens to see the gorgeous landscaping and incredible native plants and flowers.

Check In to Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier, Step Out to the Imperial Palace

Day One – Afternoon

Go Shopping in Ginza

Once you’ve thoroughly explored the East Gardens, exit through the Otemon Gate then walk for about two minutes to Otemachi Station. From there, take the Marunouchi Subway Line to connect to Ginza Station. Ginza is known as Tokyo’s premier shopping district and is filled with upscale department stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and plenty of popular cafes and restaurants. Head to one of the district’s major shopping centers, like the Ginza Six, the Tokyu Plaza Ginza, or the Ginza Mitsukoshi to spend a low-key afternoon shopping, dining, and exploring Ginza.

Check In to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza, Step Out to Ginza Six

Day One – Evening

Let Loose in Roppongi

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing the city’s legendary nightlife. Start your first night out in Tokyo by using the Hibiya Subway Line to travel from Higashi-Ginza Station to Roppongi Station. The Roppongi district is one of the city’s most popular nightlife hotspots, filled with everything from casual izakaya (Japanese pubs) to loud and busy nightclubs. Explore some of the district’s best bars and clubs, like Geronimo Shot Bar, a Western-themed bar; Odeon Tokyo, an all-night dance club; and Sonidos Bar Roppongi, a nightclub with a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Check In to Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Roppongi, Step Out to Roppongi Station

Day Two – Morning

Explore Shibuya and Harajuku

Start the second day of your Tokyo itinerary by experiencing one of the city’s most iconic sights, the Shibuya Crossing. Also known informally as the “Scramble Crossing”, this famous intersection can accommodate thousands of people crossing at once at peak times. The crossing is located just minutes from Shibuya Station. If you can get a window seat at the nearby Starbucks, you can enjoy your morning coffee while watching the scramble from above.

Another of the most popular attractions in Shibuya is the Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to a Japanese emperor from the 19th century. The main entrance is located about ten minutes by foot from Harajuku Station. Visitors to the shrine can walk the tranquil grounds, say prayers and make religious offerings, and take pictures of the beautiful main temple. The Meiji Jingu Treasure House, a building which displays the late Emperor’s personal effects, will be closed for renovations until August 2019 in preparation for the Temple’s 100th anniversary in 2020.

After seeing the Meiji Shrine, walk ten minutes to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a district in the Shibuya ward. This popular pedestrian shopping street is known for its colorful displays and unique fashion boutiques. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants located along the street where you can enjoy an early lunch.

Check In to Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Step Out to the Meiji Shrine

Day Two – Afternoon

See the Two Sides of Shinjuku

In the afternoon, it’s time to visit one of Tokyo’s best sightseeing wards: Shinjuku. The first can’t-miss attraction in the ward is the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of the biggest and best parks in Tokyo. Surrounded by skyscrapers and busy streets, this park offers a tranquil escape for locals and tourists. The Gyoen National Garden features traditional Japanese gardens, an expansive greenhouse, winding walking paths, an art gallery, and a restaurant. The park is an especially beautiful place to visit between mid-March and late April when the hundreds of cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Exit the park via the Shinjuku gate, then walk or take public transit to the heart of the skyscraper district for the next attraction. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a building in downtown Shinjuku made up of a North and South tower. There is a free panoramic observation deck on the 45th floor of each building offering sweeping views of Tokyo from above. As Shinjuku’s tallest tower, you’ll get a great view of the entire ward as well as nearby buildings and landmarks. In good weather, you can even see as far as Mount Fuji. Each tower also features a gift shop and a cafe so you can grab a coffee or a light snack while you take in the sweeping city views.

Check In to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, Step Out to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Day Two – Evening

Tour the Golden Gai

Shinjuku is another Tokyo district with an incredible nightlife scene. Take the train to Seibu Shinjuku Station, then walk five minutes to Robot Restaurant to enjoy a bento meal and a unique dinner show. The show, which features robots, dancing performers, and lasers, is very popular with tourists so book in advance to ensure a spot at one of the early evening shows.

With the night still young, it’s time to find somewhere to enjoy a cold drink. Finish the night by exploring the Golden Gai, a street filled with casual bars. Each bar along the strip offers something unique: some are known for their special mixed cocktails or late-night karaoke parties while others have wacky themed decor that you’ll have to see to believe. To get the most out of the experience, stop by at least a few bars before settling in at one spot for the night.

Check In to Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku, Step Out to Robot Restaurant

Day Three – Morning

Try Some Traditional Tokyo Street Food

After a late night out on day two, take it easy on day three and spend a quiet morning exploring the gorgeous Asakusa neighborhood. Take the train to Asakusa Station, then walk about six minutes to Nakamise Shopping Street, a busy shopping district. Browse the shops and pick up a few unique souvenirs from local artisans. There are also plenty of food stalls on the street where tourists can take in a quick breakfast or lunch, or just watch the chefs at work creating Japanese delicacies.

The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is about two minutes away by foot and is another key stop on your tour of the district. The friendly staff can advise on any free events or tours available during your stay. There is also a free observation deck at the top of the building that offers a gorgeous view of Tokyo from above.

Check In to the Hotel WBF Tokyo Asakusa, Step Out to Nakamise Shopping Street

Day Three – Afternoon

Pay Your Respects at the Sensoji Temple

In the afternoon, stop by the Hanayashiki Amusement Park to enjoy the small park’s rides and attractions. Hanayashiki is Japan’s oldest theme park, with over 160 years of history. Though the park is designed for a younger audience, it is still fun to experience this historic theme park built within the city. If amusement parks aren’t your thing, head to the Asahi Beer Hall instead to take pictures and enjoy a cold drink. The building is designed to look like a beer glass topped with a large golden flame.

The next stop is the Sensoji Temple, the neighborhood’s most popular tourist attraction. Founded in 645 AD, it is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and draws millions of tourists each year. In the temple’s main hall, tourists can take photos of the gorgeous architecture and have questions answered by the oracle. Having your fortune told at the omikuji station will cost 100 yen. The grounds around the temple are also beautifully landscaped and feature gorgeous greenery, a small river, and Tokyo’s oldest stone bridge.

Check In to Asakusa View Hotel, Step Out to Sensoji Temple

Day Three – Evening

Relax and Recharge in Asakusa

After a long day of sightseeing, enjoy a great meal at one of the district’s best restaurants, like Daikokuya Tempura or Asakusa Mugitoro. Then, end your night at Jakotsuyu Public Bath, a traditional Tokyo bathhouse with hot springs. Relaxing in the warm spa and sauna is a great way to end any 3-day Tokyo trip.

Check In to Via Inn Asakusa, Step Out to Asakusa Station near Jakotsuyu Public Bath.

5 Day Tokyo Itinerary

If 3 days of sightseeing in Tokyo isn’t enough, create the ultimate 5 day Tokyo itinerary with the following additional excursions:

Day Four – Morning

Rise and Shine for the Fish Market

Be sure to get a good night’s rest on day three, as you’ll need to be up quite early to see all there is to see at the Toyosu Fish Market. This seafood market is the largest seafood market in the world and one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions. Aim to arrive via taxi by about 5:00 AM when the market opens, then head directly to the Fish Wholesale Market Building to watch the famous tuna auction. You can also walk to the other viewing galleries to see other seafood products being auctioned. To observe other produce being bought and sold, head to the Fruit and Vegetable Market Building.

Once the auction excitement has died down, walk to the Fish Market’s third building, the Intermediate Wholesale Market Building. Here, you can spend an hour or so browsing the 60+ shops at the Uogashi Yokocho Market which sell everything from snacks to housewares. The Intermediate Building also houses many of the best restaurants. Sampling sushi and sashimi at beloved restaurants like Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi may require waiting in line, but the fresh flavors and great experience will be worth it.

Before you leave the Market, be sure to stop by the rooftop garden. This grassy garden space on the roof of the Intermediate Building offers fresh air and a great view of Tokyo Bay and the Tokyo skyline.

Check In to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Ariake, Step Out to the Toyosu Fish Market

Day Four – Afternoon

Go Shopping in Toyosu

If you’re not too tired from the morning’s early wake-up call, you can continue onto some of the district’s other great attractions. First, walk about 15 minutes to Toyosu Park, a beautiful green space located along the Harumi Canal. Bring a snack from the market and enjoy a quiet walk around the park. Next, head to LaLaport Toyosu, a large shopping center filled with stores, a kid’s play zone, and a movie theatre. With over a hundred stores to choose from, you can spend the afternoon window shopping and choosing some fun souvenirs to bring home. The mall also has dozens of fast food and restaurant options available.

You may also opt to head back to your hotel for a quick nap.

Check In to Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside, Step out to LaLaport Toyosu

Day Four – Evening

Explore Tokyo’s Artificial Island

In the early evening, travel from Toyosu to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. The suspension bridge you will cross to reach this island is called the Rainbow Bridge, an especially impressive structure at night when it is lit up in rainbow colors. During your visit, be sure to take a fantastic tourist picture of the district’s Statue of Liberty replica with the Rainbow Bridge in the background.

Some of the best places to visit in Odaiba include Tokyo Joypolis, a large indoor amusement park; TeamLab Borderless, a complex and immersive digital art museum; and Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari, a thermal spa complete with hot spring baths, restaurants and bars, and a gift shop. No matter how you choose to spend your night, make sure you save time to ride Daikanransha, a giant Ferris wheel that sits close to the water and offers a gorgeous night view of the city.

Check In to Hilton Tokyo Odaiba, Step Out to Tokyo Joypolis

Day Five – Morning

Enjoy Nature & Japanese Culture at Ueno Park

On the last day of your Tokyo itinerary, spend a busy morning exploring everything that Ueno Park has to offer. With over eight thousand trees (including many cherry blossom varieties), gorgeous flowers, and shimmering ponds, the park is a wonderland of natural beauty. The park also houses the Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan. Use the Ueno Zoo Monorail to navigate around the zoo and see all 400 animal species (please note that the monorail will suspend operation from November 2019 until further notice). Some of the most popular animal exhibits include giant pandas, western lowland gorillas, and Sumatran tigers.

In addition to the zoo, there are also many museums, temples, and shrines located within the park’s vast grounds. There is also a lovely Japanese restaurant called Innsyoutei near the middle of the park. Some of the best spots to visit include:

The Tokyo National Museum: This museum is not only the oldest museum in Japan but also one of the largest art museums worldwide. In addition to artwork, the museum’s collection includes sculptures, clothing, artifacts, and many other important cultural items.

The National Museum of Nature and Science: This museum teaches about science and natural history through interactive exhibits and audio guides (available in English).

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum: With an ever-changing lineup of art exhibits, there’s always something new to see at this amazing art museum. Most of the paintings, sculptures, and ceramic art on display were created by Japanese artists.

The Kaneiji Temple: Located on the outer edge of the park, this beautiful Buddhist temple is an important piece of Tokyo’s history. It was first built in 1625 and was the site of various battles.

Bentendo: Shrines dedicated to Benten, the goddess of wealth and happiness, are common in Japan, but the one in Ueno is really something special. This temple is instantly recognizable due to its unique hexagonal tower and is located in the middle of a large lake in the park.

Check In to APA Hotel TKP Nippori Ekimae, Step Out to Ueno Park

Day Five – Afternoon

Experience Tokyo Dome City

Once you’ve explored Ueno Park, walk to Ueno-Okachimachi Station and take the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kasuga Station. From there, walk for about 7 minutes to the next attraction, the Tokyo Dome. The Tokyo Dome is a large stadium that hosts various concerts and sporting events throughout the year. Even if you don’t have the time to catch a game, it is still an impressive structure to see from the outside. The Dome also houses the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.

The area surrounding the Tokyo Dome is a bustling entertainment district, complete with restaurants, shops, a spa, and an amusement park. The LaQua Spa features real hot springs, massage baths, and refreshing saunas and is open 22 hours a day most days of the year.

The Tokyo Dome City Amusement Park is fun for people of all ages. The park features dozens of rides and attractions including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, water shows, and a haunted house. Since admission is free, you can spend as long or as little time in the park as your schedule allows.

Check In to Tokyo Dome Hotel, Step Out to Tokyo Dome City

Day Five – Evening

Indulge with a Michelin Star Meal

Since Tokyo is home to over 230 Michelin star-rated restaurants, it would be a real shame to end any trip to the city without trying at least one. Treat yourself on your last night in Tokyo to a fancy night out at one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Be sure to scan a few menu options then make a reservation before your trip to ensure availability on your requested night.

Michelin star restaurants not only offer incredible food, but also a fantastic overall guest experience. Some great restaurant choices in Tokyo include Sushi Yoshitake and Sushi Saito for incredible sushi; Quintessence for French cuisine; Narisawa for innovative French and Japanese fusion; and Kadowaki for a traditional multi-course Japanese meal.

Check In to Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi, Step Out to Roppongi Station near Sushi Saito

Other Great Tokyo Attractions

There are also plenty of other amazing Tokyo attractions that may not fit in your 3-day or 5-day Tokyo itinerary. If you happen to find extra time in your schedule, try to see the following sights:

The Tokyo Skytree: Located in the Sumida ward, the Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world. Though you’ll be able to see the tower from other parts of Tokyo, you should also see it up close if time permits. There are also cafes and restaurants at the top of the tower with panoramic city views.

The Tokyo Tower: Inspired by France’s Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower is the second-tallest structure in Japan. At the base of the tower is a building filled with museums, gift shops, and cafes. There are also observation decks at the top of the tower.

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Tokyo is home to not one, but two amazing Disney theme parks. Each features Disney-themed rides, parades, and stage shows that kids will love and offer day passes for those short on time. While Tokyo Disneyland is more traditional, the Tokyo DisneySea park has a nautical theme.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation: Also known as the Miraikan Museum, this museum offers a window into modern science and emerging technology. One of the museum’s most popular features is Asimo, a one-of-a-kind humanoid robot.

The Edo-Tokyo Museum: As the name suggests, the Edo-Tokyo Museum focuses on the history of Tokyo during the Edo period. The museum is known for its life-sized replica of a famous bridge and theatre from the time period as well as scale models of other homes and buildings.

The Ghibli Museum: Fans of Studio Ghibli works like My Neighbor Totoro won’t want to skip a visit to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. The museum includes exhibits dedicated to specific Ghibli works as well as to the history of animation. Tickets to this whimsical museum often sell out months in advance so be sure to book early.

The Kabuki-za Theatre: Located in Ginza, the Kabuki-za Theatre is Tokyo’s premier theatre for traditional Kabuki performances. These Japanese dance-drama performances are incredibly unique and beautiful to watch. Most days, there is a matinee and an evening show available to watch at this theatre.

Yoyogi Park: While many of Tokyo’s other parks are tranquil spots with cultural and historical significance, Yoyogi Park is a fun and modern spot for locals and tourists to hang out. This park is always bustling with activity, especially on the weekends when events are often held. Yoyogi Park is also a popular spot for street performers to sing, dance, and put on a show.

Day Trips from Tokyo

If it’s not your first trip to Tokyo, you may have already seen many of the city’s best attractions. Make your next trip to Tokyo just as exciting as your first by including a day trip to a nearby city or attraction. Some great spots for day trips from Tokyo include:

The Mount Fuji Area (about two hours from Tokyo by car): Not only is Mount Fuji the highest mountain in Japan, but it is also one of the top ten highest island peaks in the world. On clear days, you can see this beautiful mountain from Tokyo, but it’s much different up close. One of the best ways to see the mountain is to travel to Lake Kawaguchiko in the Mount Fuji area. Once there, take the cable car to the amazing observatory deck.

Yokohama (about an hour from Tokyo by car): As the second largest city in Japan (by population), the nearby Yokohama is an extremely popular place to go for a day trip from Tokyo. Stop by the gorgeous Sankeien Garden to walk the trails amidst ponds and rivers, trees, and flowers and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the historic teahouses. Yokohama Chinatown is the country’s largest Chinatown and is a great place to sample Chinese favorites like steamed buns, chop suey, and spicy chili shrimp.

Kamakura (about an hour and 15 minutes from Tokyo by car): The nearby city of Kamakura has so much to offer tourists, from tranquil temples and shrines to beautiful sandy beaches. Be sure to stop by the Buddhist Kotoku Temple to view the incredible bronze Buddha statue located just outside. At over 40 feet tall and a weight of over 120 tons, the statue is truly something to behold. The nearby Yuigahama Beach is another great spot in Kamakura to visit for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.

Hakone (about an hour and a half from Tokyo by car): A getaway to Hakone will feature fun attractions and gorgeous scenery. Stop by the iconic Torii gate at the edge of Lake Ashinoko, then go for a hike in the nearby forest to see lush trees and ancient teahouses. From Lake Ashinoko, you can also book a sightseeing cruise on a quirky pirate ship replica.