Japan · 5-day itinerary
5 days in Tokyo
Neon, nature and the best food city on earth. Here's a 5-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into Tokyo
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in Tokyo
Check in at your stay in Shinjuku.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. · Yanaka
Yanaka old town walk
Pre-war Tokyo: wooden houses, craft shops and temple cats.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · A conveyor-belt sushi lunch
Day 2
A taste of the city
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. · Asakusa
Senso-ji and Nakamise-dori
Tokyo's oldest temple, with street snacks along the approach.
Arrive before 8am for a calm visit.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. · Tsukiji · ~$50
Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast
Tamagoyaki, fresh uni and the best tuna you'll ever eat.
Day 3
Icons & culture
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. · Harajuku
Meiji Shrine and Harajuku
A forested shrine, then the creative chaos of Takeshita Street.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. · Shinjuku · ~$71
Golden Gai bar crawl
Six alleys and some 200 tiny bars, each seating about eight people.
Day 4
Into the green
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. · Hachioji · ~$14
Hike Mount Takao
An easy mountain hike an hour from the city, with Fuji views on clear days.
- 2:15 p.m. Lunch
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. · Akihabara · ~$28
Akihabara
Retro game shops, anime culture and multi-floor arcades.
- 6:15 p.m. Dinner · A depachika (department-store food hall) grazing session
7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. · Odaiba · ~$36
Onsen and sento soak
Unwind at a traditional bathhouse or a modern onsen complex.
Day 5
Farewell, Tokyo
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. · Shinjuku · ~$6
Shinjuku Gyoen
Japanese, English and French gardens, best in cherry-blossom season.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart Tokyo
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Monjayaki on Tsukishima's Monja Street
Where to stay in Tokyo
Shoestring
Asakusa
Traditional streets, good-value hotels and hostels, and easy airport trains.
Hotels in AsakusaComfort
Shinjuku
Tokyo's transport hub, with endless dining and nightlife on your doorstep.
Hotels in ShinjukuLuxury
Marunouchi / Ginza
Refined hotels, flagship shopping and quick bullet-train access.
Hotels in Marunouchi / Ginza
What to eat in Tokyo
Sushi
Edomae-style nigiri was born here; try a counter breakfast at Toyosu.
Ramen
Shoyu, shio, tonkotsu or tsukemen: every neighbourhood has a cult shop.
Tonkatsu
Panko-crusted pork cutlet with shredded cabbage and tangy sauce.
Tempura
Seafood and vegetables in the lightest batter, best at a counter.
Yakitori
Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers with a cold beer under the train tracks.
Monjayaki
Tsukishima's runny griddle pancake you cook at the table.
Where locals send visitors
Sushi Dai $$$
Sushi counter · Toyosu Market · Best for breakfast
The famous market sushi counter; queues start before dawn, so go early.
ReviewsAfuri $
Ramen · Ebisu · Best for lunch
Light yuzu shio ramen that converts even ramen sceptics.
ReviewsIchiran $
Ramen · Shibuya · Best for dinner
Tonkotsu ramen in solo booths, open late. A fun first ramen experience.
ReviewsTonkatsu Maisen $$
Tonkatsu · Omotesando · Best for lunch
Crisp, tender cutlets in a former bathhouse near Omotesando.
ReviewsOmoide Yokocho $$
Yakitori alley · Shinjuku · Best for dinner
A smoky lane of tiny yakitori bars by Shinjuku Station.
ReviewsGonpachi Nishi-Azabu $$
Izakaya · Nishi-Azabu · Best for dinner · Reserve ahead
The theatrical izakaya that inspired a scene in Kill Bill.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Scam: In Kabukichō and Roppongi, street touts lead visitors to bars that run up huge bills, and drink spiking has been reported. Don't follow touts; choose bars yourself.
- Local rules: Smoking on the street is banned in much of central Tokyo outside marked smoking areas, and fines apply.
- Safety: Learn your hotel's earthquake procedure. Most phones get Japan's emergency alerts automatically.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Load a Suica or Pasmo card onto your phone for trains, convenience stores and vending machines.
- Tipping isn't expected and can cause confusion.
- Many smaller restaurants are cash-only, so keep some yen on hand.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$121 |
| Comfort | ~$270 |
| Luxury | ~$804 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this Tokyo trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.