5-Day Tokyo Itinerary
Tokyo is one of the world's largest metropolises, holding the traditional and the futuristic side by side. In the morning hours you can explore deserted tea gardens and ancient temples, and in the afternoon get swept up in the flow of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings. Reachable from Istanbul with connecting flights of around 12–14 hours, Tokyo is deep enough that a planned 5-day trip is enough to get to know its main districts — while still leaving new layers to discover each time.
Day 1: Shibuya & Shinjuku
Start your first day in Tokyo at the legendary Shibuya Crossing. This pedestrian crossing, where hundreds of people flow in different directions every second, sums up the city's speed and order in a single frame. The view from the nearby Shibuya Sky observation deck is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
In the afternoon, move on to Shinjuku. While the east side overflows with shopping and fast-food corridors, the west side is home to Tokyo's most modern cluster of skyscrapers. Access to the observation floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free. In the evening, do some Japanese-style small bar-hopping in Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku's labyrinth of izakaya alleys.
Day 2: Asakusa & Traditional Tokyo
The Asakusa district preserves the most historic face of Tokyo. Senso-ji Temple, rising at the end of the Nakamise shopping street, is the city's oldest and most important Buddhist site; in the early morning hours it offers an enchanting atmosphere amid incense smoke and the sound of bells.
The surrounding traditional handicraft shops, old workshops and rows of lanterns inscribed in Japanese make this area visually very rich. From the nearby banks of the Sumida River, you can photograph the Tokyo Skytree.
Day 3: Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Omotesando
Harajuku is where you can encounter the most exaggerated forms of Japan's pop culture. The colourful clothing shops and crêpe stands of Takeshita Street entertain visitors of all ages. Just a few minutes' walk away, the Meiji Shrine is the complete opposite of all this energy; this Shinto shrine within a forested area is an island of peace in the city.
The Omotesando boulevard is referred to as Japan's Champs-Élysées; it's pleasant to stroll along with its luxury brand stores and distinctive architecture. The adjacent Omotesando Hills shopping centre stands out with its interior designed by Tadao Ando.
Day 4: Akihabara, Ueno & Museums
Akihabara is the world centre of anime, manga and electronics. Multi-storey shops that open onto a different cultural universe on each floor, retro arcade halls and maid cafés make this district an essential stop, especially for those interested in otaku culture.
Ueno Park, meanwhile, is Tokyo's cultural hub; the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and Ueno Zoo are all within the park. During cherry-blossom season (late March–April), Ueno Park turns into a hanami (flower-viewing) gathering point for all of Japan.
Day 5: Odaiba & Modern Tokyo
Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment and shopping district located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. The view of the Rainbow Bridge and the city skyline on the opposite shore are the best spots for photos. The teamLab Borderless digital art museum — tickets sell out fast, so buy in advance — is one of Tokyo's most popular museum experiences.
Practical Tips: JR Pass, Transport & Budget
Public transport in Tokyo is at the level of an engineering marvel; combining the metro and JR lines, it's possible to reach almost any point. The 7-day JR Pass can be used nationwide, including the shinkansen (bullet train), and offers serious savings for those planning distant day trips. An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) can be used on every form of public transport and in many shops.
Accommodation in Tokyo spans a wide range, from capsule hotels to ultra-luxury hotels. The areas around Shinjuku, Shibuya and Asakusa stand out for their location and ease of transport. For food, the ramen and soba shops on street corners are both delicious and surprisingly affordable.
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