Tokyo is a city that has it all – modern excitement and traditional charm. The best time to visit is during cherry blossom season when the city’s parks and streets come alive with a sea of delicate pink and white blooms. These beautiful flowers symbolize renewal in Japan, and people flock to popular spots like Ueno Park and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for hanami (flower viewing) picnics under the trees.
For thrill-seekers, Tokyo has a variety of exciting activities. Imagine zooming through the busy streets of Akihabara, dressed in fun costumes, as part of a go-karting tour. It’s an exhilarating way to explore Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods while enjoying the rush of racing in a go-kart. Whether you’re a speed demon or just looking for a unique experience, go-karting in Tokyo is sure to give you a heart-pounding adrenaline rush.
No trip to Tokyo is complete without visiting the Tokyo Tower, a landmark that stands tall in the city’s skyline. Inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower reaches an impressive height of 333 meters and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It’s especially stunning at night when it lights up, creating a magical backdrop for photos. During your visit, be sure to check out the observation decks and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city’s neon lights and surrounding landmarks.
To experience a more peaceful side of Tokyo, explore its ancient temples. The Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is one of the most famous and offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Surrounded by traditional shops and historical sites, visiting the temples is a perfect way to learn about Japan’s spiritual heritage. Whether you’re admiring the intricate architecture or participating in a traditional prayer ritual, the temples in Tokyo provide a peaceful retreat in the heart of the metropolis.
Tokyo 5 Day Itinerary
Day 1 – arajuku & Shibuya
– Starbucks Coffee Roastery
– Meiji Shrine
Take a quick subway ride or a leisurely walk to Harajuku and visit the serene **Meiji Shrine**, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
– Takeshita Street
Explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku for unique shops, vibrant fashion, and delicious snacks like crepes and bubble tea.
– Omotesando
Take a stroll along Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue famous for its high-end boutiques and modern architecture.
– Go Kart Adventure
– Shibuya Crossing
Start your day at the famous Shibuya Crossing. Watch the lively chaos from one of the nearby cafes or the Shibuya Scramble Square observatory.
– Hachiko Statue
Right near the Shibuya Crossing, visit the statue of Hachiko, the famous loyal Akita dog.
– Shibuya Sky
Head to the Shibuya Sky rooftop observation deck for breathtaking views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Day 2 – Shinjuku
– Tokyo Tower
– Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Begin your day with free panoramic views from the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-Shinjuku.
– Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Head to Shinjuku Gyoen for a peaceful escape. It’s one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, with traditional Japanese, English, and French gardens.
– Lunch – For an authentic experience, head to **Omoide Yokocho**, an alley near Shinjuku Station filled with tiny izakayas serving yakitori and other traditional Japanese dishes.
– Robot Restaurant (Shinjuku)
For something fun and kitschy, visit the **Robot Restaurant** for a high-energy robot performance and neon extravaganza.
– Kabukicho
Explore Kabukicho, Tokyo’s entertainment district, known for neon lights, host bars, and themed cafés. You can also visit **Golden Gai**, a famous drinking district with tiny themed bars.
Day 3 – Asakusa & Ueno
– Senso-ji Temple
Start with a visit to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple. Don’t forget to walk through the Nakamise Street for traditional souvenirs and street food.
– Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center
Visit this modern building for a quick introduction to the Asakusa area, and if you’re interested in learning more about local history, the exhibits are worth a look.
– Ueno Park & Museums
Take the subway to Ueno and visit Ueno Park, which is home to museums, zoos, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Explore the Tokyo National Museum or the Ueno Zoo.
– Ameya Yokocho (Ameyoko)
Wander through this lively market street, which sells everything from fresh seafood to clothes, snacks, and souvenirs. Great for picking up quirky gifts and enjoying street food.
Day 4 – Akihabara & Ochanomizu
– Akihabara Electric TownÂ
 Spend the morning in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electronics and anime mecca. Explore the multi-story stores like Yodobashi Camera, Manga/Anime shops, and themed cafĂ©s (like maid cafĂ©s or animal cafĂ©s). Our favorite was the Owl cafe.Â
– Kanda Myojin ShrineÂ
 A beautiful shrine nestled between the modern tech shops of Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is known for its colorful architecture and its association with technology companies.
– Radio KaikanÂ
 Visit Radio Kaikan, a famous multi-floor shopping complex in Akihabara that’s full of anime figurines, gadgets, and collectibles.
– Super Potato
 If you’re a fan of retro video games, check out Super Potato—an iconic store for old-school video games and consoles.
– Ochanomizu Â
 Explore Ochanomizu for more traditional Japanese experiences, including local shopping and cafes.
Day 5 – Mitaka & Odaiba
– Ghibli Museum
– Odaiba Seaside Park Â
 Begin your day with a walk along Odaiba Seaside Park for scenic views of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo Bay area. Visit the giant Gundam Statue at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza.
– TeamLab Borderless Â
 Explore the immersive digital art museum **TeamLab Borderless** (advance tickets recommended). It’s a fascinating, ever-changing exhibit where art interacts with you and your surroundings.
– Palette Town & Toyota Mega WebÂ
 Head to Palette Town, home to a giant Ferris wheel, and check out the Toyota Mega Web showroom for a fun look at the latest car technology (you can even test drive cars in some cases).
– Odaiba Shopping Â
 Explore Odaiba’s shopping malls, such as Aqua City Odaiba, for a unique selection of shops, or visit Venus Fort, a mall that’s designed to resemble an 18th-century European town.