Tokyo: plan day by day

How many millions of people have written about Tokyo?

Exactly, millions.

Here, I’ll share my personal experience from a longer journey, which I’ll detail below.

Tokyo was my first encounter with Japan, and like for everyone, it was a dazzling start! With its unique rhythms and customs, here are some tips for exploring this megacity intelligently and thoroughly.

Accommodations

As with all major cities, it’s best to stay close to a metro station. The further you move from renowned neighborhoods, the more you save while still getting similar or even better services. I stayed just 50 meters from Hamamatsucho Station and was very happy with my choice!

Itinerary and Tips

I visited Japan in early April, right during cherry blossom season, which, along with autumn, is perhaps the best time to avoid extreme temperatures.

Day 1

Upon arriving in Japan, there are a few things to handle based on your needs. Since I was on a tour, I activated my JR Pass (for Japan rail travel with advance reservations), exchanged some yen for small expenses, and activated my international Holafly SIM card.

From Narita Airport to the city center, it's just an hour on the Narita Express, and with a quick metro transfer on the Yamanote Line, I was at my hotel. It was late evening, so I took a brief stroll to Tokyo Tower, a surprising Eiffel Tower replica!

Day 2

Visiting Japan during sakura (cherry blossom) season can be unpredictable. Maps suggest probable bloom dates, but nature has its own schedule! I was lucky enough to head straight to Yoyogi Park and first visit Meiji Shrine, where I experienced the Shinto rituals and admired the impressive wall of sake barrels.

Despite the rain, locals were picnicking in Yoyogi Park, and the sakura was breathtaking against the gray sky.

I then wandered to Harajuku, exploring Takeshita Dori and Omotesando, where hundreds of youngsters flaunt eye-catching cosplay outfits. These streets are known for their youthful and trendy vibe. I lost hours in the bustling streets, visiting Togo Shrine and stopping by the Monster Café, highly recommended.

As evening approached, I walked through the stylish Cat Street and then Yasakusa Dori, also known as the street of a hundred lights—self-explanatory! The neon lights are almost as bright as Shibuya’s famous crossing, which you can reach by metro.

Don’t miss the iconic crosswalk; after crossing, head to the Starbucks at the intersection for a fantastic photo op.

Dinner featured okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake!

Day 3

It was a busy day, so I started early, taking the metro to the Imperial Palace. The station was packed with businesspeople moving in perfect unison, often crossing paths with surgical precision!

After paying for the entry ticket, I explored the tourist area, including the tower and gardens.

The interior isn’t open to the public, so the exterior views are sufficient.

A stroll through Kitanomaru Park, formerly the Tokugawa clan’s residence, is well worth it, especially with many cherry blossoms and beautiful moat views.

I walked 3 km to Akihabara, the electronics paradise, full of stalls and stores, themed cafes, and manga shops—perfect for hours of exploration!

I enjoyed my first sushi of the trip, which was much larger than what I’m used to.

Another 3 km walk led me to Tokyo Skytree, a 634-meter observation tower offering a 360-degree view of the city. I hoped to see Mount Fuji but was disappointed due to the weather. The view was still stunning.

The evening ended near Shinjuku at Golden Gai, a street with incredibly small bars serving just a few customers at a time. I managed to get into one of these mini-bars where the atmosphere was cheerful and friendly, and everyone was curious about where I was from.

A few beers work better than any translator here!

Day 4

I started my morning by taking the metro to Rainbow Bridge and the replica of the Statue of Liberty.

It’s small and honestly didn’t add much to my trip, and I spent quite some time getting there.

I quickly recovered from the disappointment by heading to Asakusa! Here, the ancient atmosphere is palpable.

Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic district, is famous for the iconic Sensō-ji Temple, the city’s oldest temple, with its vibrant red lantern and bustling Nakamise Street market.

I wandered through the stalls and the incense smoke from the faithful.

Despite the strong presence of tourists, it blends well with the daily routine of this magical place.

My next stop was Sengakuji Temple, where the 47 Ronin, the samurai of Ako, are buried. The temple is accessible from Shinagawa Station.

In the evening, I returned to Akihabara to enjoy the neon lights.

The shops were still open, so visit after sunset to experience the neon explosion.

I ended the day with a visit to Tokyo Tower, which didn’t add much beyond what the SkyTree had already offered.

Day 5

The day started very early—4:00 AM early! By 5:00, I was at the fish market.

Watching the tuna auction and the market’s hustle and bustle was fascinating, but I’m not entirely convinced it’s worth such an early wake-up. It seems more interesting to see this in a smaller city.

After a breakfast of fresh fish, I grabbed a good coffee. With a short metro ride, I visited Roppongi and Ginza, two glamorous and elegant districts that didn’t fully satisfy me.

Maybe they’re better visited in the evening, but I didn’t catch the vibe I felt in other neighborhoods.

Before dusk, I headed to Ueno Park, where more cherry blossoms awaited, and many locals spread blankets for post-work picnics. This is what I love!

 decided to end my last evening in Harajuku among the cosplay-filled streets!

Food

Here’s a straightforward list of must-try foods in Tokyo: Yakitori (grilled chicken and pork skewers), Ramen (in non-touristy restaurants where businesspeople dine), Tendon (rice with seafood and often fried vegetables), Monjayaki (a savory pancake with meat, vegetables, and eggs), Sushi, Tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet), Soba (buckwheat noodles), and for dessert, Dango (sweet rice dumplings covered in sweet soy sauce or red bean paste)!

My impressions

Five days in Tokyo is barely enough to get a sense of this city. Despite its size, it maintains an atmosphere unique to Japan. The city is well-served by the metro, making it easy to explore. The safety is exceptional; I’ve never felt so secure! Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the must-visit capitals.

Complete itinerary

Tokyo, Nikko, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

Top Picks:

-Asakusa

-Golden Gai

-Akihabara