Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Panoramica
This active-paced 5-day itinerary uses 1 base — Tokyo (5 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Tokyo. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥24,000 per person including accommodation.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.
Tokyo: Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset
Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza and teamLab Planets
Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, Omoide Yokocho and the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatory
Flexible day in Tokyo · depart
Free day in Tokyo: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara; Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset; Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza and teamLab Planets; Shinjuku Gyoen, Omoide Yokocho and the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatory. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Come Arrivare e Muoversi
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Point-to-point tickets are usually cheaper than a JR Pass for this route.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Yes — this plan gives Tokyo (5 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a active pace.
How much does this 5-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥120,000 per person for 5 days (≈¥24,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.