5-day Tokyo first-timer
Hit the highlights: Shibuya, Asakusa, teamLab, and great food.
5 daysFirst-timersBest: March–May, October–November
Last updated: 2025-03-10
Day 1 – Shibuya & Harajuku
- Shibuya Crossing
- Meiji Shrine
- Harajuku Takeshita Street
Start at Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding area. Walk to Meiji Shrine for a calm contrast. Then Harajuku: Takeshita Street and optional Omotesando. Dinner in Shibuya.
Tips:
Shibuya Sky or a café above the crossing for the best view. Weekdays = fewer crowds.
Day 2 – Asakusa & Skytree
- Senso-ji Temple
- Nakamise shopping street
- Tokyo Skytree (optional)
Morning at Senso-ji and Nakamise. Lunch in Asakusa. Afternoon: Skytree for views or a river cruise. Evening in Asakusa or back to your base.
Tips:
Go to Senso-ji early. Skytree: book tickets online to skip lines.
Day 3 – teamLab & Odaiba
- teamLab Borderless or Planets
- Odaiba views and mall
Book teamLab in advance (Borderless in Azabudai or Planets in Toyosu). Spend 2–3 hours there. Then Odaiba: Palette Town, Gundam, or waterfront. Dinner in Odaiba or return to central Tokyo.
Tips:
teamLab is popular; book morning slots. Wear comfortable shoes.
Day 4 – Tsukiji & Ginza
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Ginza shopping and food
Early visit to Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast and snacks. Walk to Ginza: department stores, galleries, or lunch. Afternoon shopping or a café. Evening in Ginza or nearby.
Tips:
Tsukiji: go before 10am. Ginza: some stores closed on Sundays or weekdays; check.
Day 5 – Shinjuku or your choice
- Shinjuku gardens or Metropolitan Building
- Last-minute shopping or food
Shinjuku Gyoen or free observatory at the Metropolitan Government Building. Last shopping or a favourite neighbourhood. Transfer to airport or station.
Tips:
Narita: allow 1–1.5 hours from central Tokyo by train. Haneda: about 30–45 minutes.
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