Day 1: Historic Charms
Morning: Start your journey at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, where the grand Kaminarimon Gate welcomes you with its vibrant red lantern. Stroll through Nakamise Street, lined with traditional stalls offering sweet ningyo-yaki cakes and freshly made melonpan. After exploring the temple grounds, head to the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, a modern building with a free observation deck that provides stunning views of Tokyo Skytree
Afternoon: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Sumida River, which is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season. Nearby, visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum, where life-size Edo-period recreations transport you to Japan’s historic past. Interactive exhibits make it an excellent introduction to Tokyo’s evolution over the centuries.e languages.
Evening: Take a Tokyo Bay Dinner Cruise, where you can admire the glittering skyline, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Tower while enjoying a meal. For a luxurious touch, opt for a private boat with a multi-course meal.
Save Tip: Enjoy cheap and authentic street food like melonpan (sweet bread) and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) on Nakamise Street.
Splurge Tip: Upgrade to a luxury private cruise for an exclusive view of Tokyo’s nightscape. They usually come with multi-course meals.
Day 2: Walk on the Modern Side
Morning: Begin your morning at Shibuya Crossing, the bustling intersection where hundreds of people cross simultaneously. For a unique perspective, grab a coffee at the Starbucks above Tsutaya, offering a perfect view of the chaos below. Then, ascend to the Shibuya Sky observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square, where you can take in panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape.
Afternoon: Make your way to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a hub of colorful fashion and quirky shops. Don’t miss the chance to try Harajuku’s famous rainbow cotton candy or deliciously filled crepes. Afterward, walk to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, where you can pass through massive torii gates and write a wish on an ema (wooden plaque) to leave in the shrine’s sacred grounds.
Evening: Venture into Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, known for its vibrant nightlife. Grab a drink in Golden Gai, a maze of tiny, themed bars, or catch a dazzling performance at the Robot Restaurant. End your day with free nighttime views of the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck.
Save Tip: Try a gyudon (beef bowl) at Sukiya or Yoshinoya for lunch, filling and under ¥500.
Splurge Tip: Dine at Robot Restaurant for a dazzling dinner and memorable only-in-Tokyo kind of experience.
Day 3: Culture and Tech
Morning: Spend your morning in Ueno Park, a cultural hotspot housing the Tokyo National Museum, where you can marvel at samurai armor, ancient ceramics, and ukiyo-e prints. Nearby, the Ameya-Yokocho Market offers a lively shopping experience where you can snack on takoyaki (octopus balls) or find unique souvenirs.
Afternoon: Head to Akihabara, the heart of Tokyo’s anime and tech scene. Explore massive electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera, browse rare manga at Mandarake, and test your gaming skills at SEGA arcade. For an unforgettable experience, visit a maid café where servers dressed in whimsical maid costumes perform light-hearted routines.
Evening: Soak your tired feet at Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a traditional onsen facility with Edo-period-inspired décor. Enjoy multiple indoor and outdoor baths, try a relaxing massage, and wear a yukata (casual kimono) for a complete Japanese spa experience.
Save Tip: Opt for free museum entry days or combo passes to access multiple Ueno attractions at a discount.
Splurge Tip: Invest in a limited-edition anime figure or high-end tech gadget from Akihabara for a unique keepsake.
Day 4: Scenic Escape
Day Trip: Take the train to Hakone and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an outdoor art gallery featuring striking sculptures and a Picasso pavilion. Hop on the Hakone Ropeway to glide over steaming volcanic vents with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Complete your visit with a Lake Ashi cruise on a replica pirate ship, offering serene views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Alternatively, opt for a Mt. Fuji tour. Start at Chureito Pagoda, where you can capture postcard-perfect views of the iconic mountain framed by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Visit Oshino Hakkai, a quaint village known for its crystal-clear ponds and traditional thatched-roof houses, and enjoy lunch by Lake Kawaguchi while soaking in the mountain scenery.
Save Tip: Use regional passes like the Hakone Free Pass (¥6,100 for two days) for unlimited transport and discounts.
Splurge Tip: Stay overnight at a luxury ryokan with a private onsen and multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Day 5: Elegance and Futurism
Morning: Begin your day in Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Visit flagship stores like Uniqlo Ginza or Ginza Six for luxury brands. Stop by a depachika (department store basement) for a gourmet bento box or sample treats like matcha-flavored desserts and wagashi (Japanese sweets)
Afternoon: Cross the iconic Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, a man-made island brimming with futuristic attractions. Explore TeamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum where lights and colors react to your movements. Outside, admire the life-sized Gundam statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, and browse shops catering to pop culture enthusiasts.
Evening: End your Tokyo adventure with dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Odaiba, such as The Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.
Save Tip: Enjoy Ginza’s hidden sushi gems during lunch hours when prices are significantly lower
Splurge Tip: Treat yourself to an omakase (chef’s choice) sushi dinner at a high-end restaurant in Ginza
Transportation can be expensive in Tokyo. Factor in the travel cost and time when choosing accommodation. A more centrally located albeit more expensive hotel could end up being more cost-efficient in the end.