By Dan Forteza
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Deciding what to do and what to see in Tokyo depends on how much time you have (and your budget as well.) If you only have 5 days in Tokyo (like me…) but surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in the megacity, this is for you. In this blog, I’ve put together the perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Tokyo’s top attractions.
Read also: My 7-day Japan itinerary with cost breakdown
Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines .
WHERE IS TOKYO?
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. It is a 3-hour flight away from Shanghai, 4½ hours away from Manila, and 12 hours away from Los Angeles.
Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Airport: NRT, HND
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro Train / Subway
Time Zone: GMT +9
HOW I GOT THERE:
Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tokyo, Japan from Southeast and East Asia is relatively easy (and cheap, too!) I booked mine coming from Manila, Philippines.
I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE ) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
- Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo.
- As I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog — “walk as much as you can!“
- A prepaid Suica card is the BEST way to pay for transport. You can buy a Suica card online at GoVoyagin.com for pickup at Narita or Haneda airport.
- Buses aren’t recommended for short-term visitors.
- Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.
TIP: Your navigation would be much easier if you are using Google Maps. In Japan, it is very reliable and accurate. If you’re looking for travel directions, it will give you all different options and how much it will cost for each option. You can either buy a sim card here or rent a pocket wifi here for pick-up at various airports across Japan.
WHERE DID I STAY?
I arrived at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) at around 7:30 PM from a 4-hour flight from Manila. The first thing I looked for at the airport was the ATM to withdraw some Yen and then a sim card with internet to help me navigate the city.
- Sim Card with internet – 3,300 JPY (30.22 USD)
Next, I bought a train ticket to Nippori station where my hostel is only a 5-minute walk.
- Train ticket from Narita airport to Nippori – 1,030 JPY (9.43 USD)
- Hotel Owl Tokyo Nippori: 4-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 755 PHP (14.8 USD) per night
- Hostel Waqwaq Tokyo Ueno Asakusa: 1-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 652 PHP (12.8 USD) per night
You can book a room at any Tokyo hotel through Agoda or Booking.com . I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
If Tokyo hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!
If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link .
MY 5-DAY TOKYO ITINERARY
DAY 1:
1st Stop: Tokyo Skytree
Starting off at Tokyo Skytree! It is a great place to see the view of Tokyo from its observation deck. You can even see Mt. Fuji from miles on a clear day. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Tokyo. You can buy your ticket here in advance.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Tokyo Skytree station
2nd Stop: Sumida Park
I then walked towards Sumida Park and Kototoi bridge. Once you approach the bridge, you will find the park on both the left and right sides of the bridge and also both sides of the river. There is a good spot here to view the Tokyo Skytree across the river!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
- Nearest train station: Asakusa station
3rd Stop: Sensoji Temple
Beautiful temple with traditional small shops and long street towards it. It does get very crowded so be sure to visit early in the morning. Great shops nearby to buy some souvenirs. I bought some Japan-designed keychains here.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Asakusa station
4th Stop: Shibuya Crossing
The only place I’ve come across where 7 crossroads come together and the lights all turn red at the same time. Thousands of pedestrians then all cross at the same time. Just amazing! My Japanese friend took me to the nearby Starbucks, 2nd floor, where you can actually see those people crossing in action!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Shibuya station
5th Stop: Tokyo Tower
It looks just like the Eiffel Tower, and is located near Shiba Park. I went here with my friend during night and though I didn’t go up to see the great view from the very top, it was definitely a fantastic evening with all such amazing sights. You can buy your ticket here in advance.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Onarimon station
DAY 3:
11th Stop: Odaiba Seaside Park
Actually, you can spend a day here as there are many great attractions. It was also fun watching some local entertainers and jugglers in the area. If you’ve never been to New York but desperately wanted to have a selfie with the Statue of Liberty — you are welcome here in Odaiba!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 3 hours
- Nearest train station: Daiba Station
12th Stop: Gundam Statue
One of the reasons that made me want to go to Japan is because of this Gundam statue. This huge 60-ft Gundam statue was constructed in 2017, replacing an older previous statue. What is new about this one is that it can switch between two modes, Unicorn and Destroyer. This transformation happens four times a day at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. This is located near the DiverCity Mall in Odaiba.
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
- Nearest train station: Daiba Station
13th Stop: Ueno Park & Gardens
Before going back to my hostel, I stopped by Ueno Station (one station away from Nippori where my hostel is located) to see Ueno Park. Though it was late February, I was fortunate to see cherry blossoms in this park!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1.5 hours
- Nearest train station: Ueno Station
14th Stop: Torii Gates at Nezu Shrine
Adjacent to Ueno Park, this beautiful shrine is a hidden gem in Tokyo. You’ll find the tunnel of Torii gates which are picture-perfect — especially if you arrive early in the morning. Better if you come here early so you’ll get more picturesque photos!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
- Nearest train station: Ueno Station
DAY 4:
I grabbed a strolling map pamphlet for the Nippori area at my hostel lounge. I really didn’t expect to see much in my hostel area at first, but by following the recommended places in the pamphlet — there was actually a lot to see!
- Duration (getting there + visiting): Whole day
- Nearest train station: Nippori Station
15th Stop: Hongyogi Temple
16th Stop: Kyooji Temple
17th Stop: Fujimi-Zaka Slope
Here, people can often be seen stopping to gaze to the west — something not so surprising atop a street named Fujimizaka, which means “Mount Fuji Viewing Slope.”
18th Stop: Jokoji Temple
19th Stop: Suwa-Jinja Shrine
20th Stop: Nishi Nippori Park
21st Stop: Seinji Temple
22nd Stop: Shushoin Temple
DAY 5:
At around 6:00 in the morning, I took two train lines (Yamanote & Keihin-Tohoku) from Nippori to Yokohama City! The transit took me almost an hour to arrive in Yokohama.
23rd Stop: Minato Mirai 21 (YOKOHAMA)
Unlike Tokyo, Yokohama has a more centralized downtown district called Minato Mirai 21. “Minato Mirai” literally means “Harbor of the Future,” and honestly, the place truly feels futuristic. This waterfront urban area was redeveloped in the 1980s from a former shipyard into one of the most modern and beautiful districts in Japan.
The area is packed with magnificent hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, convention centers, and even an amusement park with a giant Ferris wheel. I definitely enjoyed spending a couple of hours simply strolling around the seaside and admiring the skyline.
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- Duration (getting there + visiting): 4 hours
- Nearest train station: Yokohama Station / Minatomirai Station
24th Stop: Chinatown (YOKOHAMA)
Apparently, Yokohama Chinatown is one of the largest and cleanest Chinatowns in the world. The place is colorful, lively, and filled with amazing food stalls and restaurants serving delicious Chinese cuisine.
Even if you are not planning to eat much, the atmosphere alone makes this place worth visiting.
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- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Motomachi-Chukagai Station
25th Stop: AKIHABARA DISTRICT
After returning to Tokyo, I headed to Akihabara — Japan’s famous electronic and anime district. This neon-lit neighborhood is packed with gadget stores, gaming arcades, anime shops, manga stores, and endless rows of electronics.
Whether you are a fan of anime culture or not, Akihabara is still one of the most unique places to experience in Japan. It truly feels like stepping into another world.
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- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train station: Akihabara Station
What do you think about this 5-day TOKYO itinerary?
I hope you found this 5-DAY TOKYO ITINERARY helpful for planning your own Japan adventure!
If you have more time in Tokyo, you can also add these amazing tours, travel experiences, and discounted activities to your itinerary:
- Mt. Fuji & Hakone day tours
- Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea
- Kimono experiences in Shibuya or Asakusa
- Tokyo subway unlimited passes
- Food tours and sushi experiences
- Robot Restaurant and themed cafés
- Tokyo Skytree observation deck tickets
- Overnight Mt. Fuji climbing tours
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below!
BOOKING ESSENTIALS
- Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com is usually my go-to platform when booking hostels and hotels in Tokyo. They offer budget hostels, luxury hotels, free cancellation, and pay-at-the-property options.
- Agoda is also a great option for finding affordable accommodations across Japan.
- Airbnb is another excellent alternative if you want a more local and cozy experience during your stay in Tokyo.
Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up using my referral link and get travel credit for your first stay.
- Flights
- KAYAK is one of my favorite flight search engines because it compares prices across multiple airline and travel booking websites.
I highly recommend checking KAYAK for cheap flights to Japan and other destinations.
- Tokyo Package Tours
- Viator is one of the best platforms for booking tours, attraction tickets, and unique travel experiences around Tokyo and Japan.
You can browse various Tokyo tours including Mt. Fuji trips, cultural experiences, and city tours through Viator.
Dan Travels 