Tokyo 5-Day Itinerary - Markets, Classic Restaurants & Pro Tips

Slow down with a walk through Shinjuku Gyoen’s Japanese, English, and French gardens. Arrive early for quieter paths, bring a picnic, and don’t miss the greenhouse for a quick escape from the city buzz.

Enter through the giant torii gate and follow the forest paths to Meiji Jingu’s main shrine. Visit in the morning for softer light, and pause at the purification fountain to rinse your hands like the locals.

Dive into Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for colorful fashion, crepes, and quirky photo booths. Go on a weekday to avoid shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and keep small coins handy for quick street snacks.

Enter through Kaminarimon Gate toward Senso-ji’s main hall, then loop around the side streets of Asakusa. Visit earlier in the day for calmer prayers, and step behind the temple for quieter photo spots.

Walk Nakamise Shopping Street from Kaminarimon to Senso-ji, sampling senbei crackers, ningyo-yaki cakes, and matcha treats. Bring a small tote for easy souvenir shopping and keep cash ready for quick bites.

Cruise from Asakusa Pier past bridges and riverside districts, watching Tokyo’s skyline shift from old to new. Sit on the open deck if available and time your trip around sunset for golden reflections on the water.

Ride up Tokyo Skytree for sweeping city views that stretch to the horizon. Book tickets in advance, aim for clear days, and linger as the city lights switch on for a dramatic before-and-after skyline.

Start early at Tsukiji Outer Market, weaving between stalls of seafood, knives, and tea before sitting down for a sushi breakfast. Go with an empty stomach and follow the shortest queues for fresher, faster plates.

Stroll Hamarikyu’s tidal ponds and pause at the on-the-water teahouse for matcha with a view. Combine this visit with a Sumida River boat ride and come in the morning for softer light and fewer tour groups.

Walk the long Togoshi Ginza shopping street, grazing on freshly fried korokke, skewers, and local sweets from family-run shops. Visit in the late afternoon when stalls are busiest and grab-and-go snacks feel like a progressive dinner.

Settle into Kabuki-za in Ginza for a classic Kabuki performance with dramatic costumes and live music. Consider renting an audio guide and arriving a bit early to explore the lobby and pick up themed snacks.

Wander Akihabara’s neon streets, browsing electronics megastores, retro game shops, and anime merch floors. Plan a rough budget before you go and snap photos of shop signs to find your way back later.

Use Ueno Park as your cultural hub, choosing a couple of museums instead of trying to see them all. Start at the park entrance closest to your first museum and give yourself time to wander under the trees between visits.

Walk under the train tracks at Ameyoko, weaving between stalls selling snacks, spices, and bargain fashion. Go with a rough list of what you want, but stay flexible—haggling is rare, yet prices are already friendly.

Explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens, mixing stone ruins, manicured lawns, and city views in one loop. Enter with light luggage only and take a quick look at closing times so you’re not rushed at the end.