5 days in Tokyo: neon nights, temple mornings and Fuji views
This itinerary is for first-timers who want the classic Tokyo mix—skyscraper skylines, historic alleys, world-class food and enough nightlife to keep you buzzing. Tokyo rewards curiosity: one minute you’re queuing for the cheapest Michelin-star ramen, the next you’re riding the Yamanote Line to a 24-hour karaoke bar. Five days is enough to see the highlights without rushing, and with a JR Pass you can bolt to Mt Fuji or Hakone for a taste of Japan’s iconic mountain scenery. Bring cash, a Suica card, and a willingness to get lost—you’ll always find something worth photographing.
The day-by-day plan
Day 1 — Shibuya & Shinjuku: neon and nightlife
Start at Shibuya Crossing, then ride the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku for Takeshita Street’s crepes and quirky fashion. After lunch in Omotesando’s cafés, head to Shinjuku: drop bags at your hotel, explore Golden Gai’s tiny bars, then dine at Omoide Yokocho before the real nightlife begins. Shinjuku Station’s east exit bars stay open until 4 a.m.; Shibuya’s nonbei-yokochō (Drunkard’s Alley) opens around 8 p.m. and fills fast.
- Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky observation deck
- Harajuku – Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine
- Shinjuku – Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, Don Quijote flagship store
Day 2 — Asakusa & Ueno: old Tokyo and cherry blossoms
Morning in Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, then a river cruise to Hama-rikyu Gardens for matcha with skyline views. After lunch, take the Ginza Line to Ueno Park—museums, street food stalls, and late-afternoon sakura if it’s season. End with Ameya-Yokocho’s market vibe and a cheap but excellent izakaya dinner near Ueno Station.
- Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori
- Sumida River cruise to Hama-rikyoteien
- Ueno Park, Ameya-Yokocho, Ueno Station izakayas
Day 3 — Day trip to Hakone or Mt Fuji
Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone (90 min, ~¥2,200 one-way). Spend the day on the Hakone Loop: pirate ship across Lake Ashi, ropeway to Owakudani sulfur vents, then open-air museum before soaking in an onsen ryokan. If you prefer Fuji, book a 1-day Fuji Five Lakes tour from Shinjuku; you’ll hit Chureito Pagoda, Arakurayama Sengen Park, and a lakeside lunch before returning by evening.
- Hakone Loop: Hakone-Yumoto → Pirate Ship → Ropeway → Open-Air Museum → Onsen
- Mt Fuji day tour: Chureito Pagoda, Kawaguchiko, lakeside ramen
Day 4 — Ginza & Tsukiji: luxury and breakfast tuna
Morning at Toyosu Market for the tuna auction (arrive by 7:30 a.m.) then sushi breakfast at Sushi Dai or Daiwa. Ride the Hibiya Line to Ginza: window-shop at Wako, browse Uniqlo flagship, and lunch at Kyubey. Afternoon in Akihabara for retro games and anime shops. Cap the night with a themed café in Ikebukuro or a jazz set in Shinjuku Pit Inn.
- Toyosu Market tuna auction & sushi breakfast
- Ginza – Wako, Uniqlo GT, Kyubey tempura
- Akihabara – Super Potato, Mandarake, themed cafés
Day 5 — Odaiba & Roppongi: futuristic views and sunset cocktails
Take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba: teamLab Planets digital art museum, Gundam statue, and Rainbow Bridge walk. Lunch at DiverCity’s food court. Late afternoon in Roppongi: Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View for sunset, then rooftop cocktails at New York Bar or Gonpachi’s “Kill Bill” setting. End with a final stroll through Roppongi Hills’ illuminated gardens.
- Odaiba – teamLab Planets, Gundam Base, Palette Town
- Roppongi – Mori Art Museum, Tokyo City View, New York Bar
Where to stay
- Shinjuku/Shibuya – Budget: $35–$65/night (hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki or UNPLAN Shinjuku). Mid-range: $110–$180 (Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Trunk Hotel Shibuya). Premium: $250–$450 (Park Hotel Tokyo, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel).
- Asakusa/Ueno – Budget: $30–$55 (Khaosan Tokyo Asakusa, Andon Ryokan). Mid-range: $90–$160 (Richmond Hotel Asakusa, Mimaru Tokyo Ueno). Premium: $220–$380 (The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon, Hotel Niwa Tokyo).
- Ginza/Tokyo Station – Budget: $45–$80 (Nine Hours Tokyo-Nihonbashi). Mid-range: $130–$220 (Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier). Premium: $300–$500 (Imperial Hotel Tokyo, Conrad Tokyo).
Budget
| Category | Budget (USD) | Mid-range (USD) | Premium (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | $140–$260 | $440–$720 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Food (per day) | $25–$45 | $50–$90 | $100–$180 |
| Local transit (per day) | $5–$10 | $5–$10 | $5–$10 |
| Attractions & day trip | $30–$50 | $40–$70 | $60–$100 |
| Total 5 days | $350–$600 | $700–$1,200 | $1,500–$2,600 |
Practical tips
- Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for trains and buses; tap in/out and load via Apple/Google Pay or at station machines.
- Carry ¥10,000–¥15,000 cash daily—many small bars, temples, and izakayas only accept cash.
- If you plan a Mt Fuji day trip, book the Romancecar or a tour (¥8,000–¥12,000) in advance via Trip.com or Klook; seats sell out.
- Best seasons: late March–early April for sakura, October for mild weather and autumn colors; avoid Golden Week and New Year if you dislike crowds.
- Skip the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku—it’s permanently closed and replaced by cheaper, better shows like the Samurai Museum Experience.
Five days in Tokyo is a sprint through a city that rewards repeat visits. You’ll leave with photos of neon reflections in rain puddles, the quiet dignity of a 1,400-year-old temple gate, and at least one story about getting lost in a back alley izakaya. The budget table above keeps costs realistic, the itinerary balances iconic sights with local flavor, and the nightlife options ensure you’ll sleep on the plane home. Tokyo doesn’t give up its secrets easily, but these five days will give you enough to crave the next trip.