5-Day Ultimate Tokyo Travel Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Day 1: Explore Shinjuku and Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth's Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy a classic American breakfast with fluffy pancakes and fresh eggs at Sarabeth's, open from 8am, perfect for a hearty start near Shinjuku station.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Stroll through this serene and spacious park, ideal for enjoying seasonal flowers and traditional Japanese garden landscapes. Open 9am-4:30pm.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Savor a famous tonkotsu ramen in a unique solo dining booth experience, located in Shibuya, open 10am-midnight.
JPY900, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Witness the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, then visit the nearby Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Visit this tranquil and historic Shinto shrine surrounded by a forested area, open from 6am to sunset.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Experience traditional Japanese izakaya-style dining with small grilled skewers and local flavors in this nostalgic alleyway, best visited in the evening when lively.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno Culture

Tokyo, Japan on April 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Start your day with famous melonpan buns from this popular bakery near Senso-ji, open from 8am.
JPY400, 30m

9:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest and most colorful Buddhist temple complex, including shopping along Nakamise Street. Open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Take Sumida River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 40-minute cruise from Asakusa down the Sumida River towards Odaiba, featuring views of Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge. Departures every 40 minutes, 9am-4pm.
JPY1200, 40m

12:45pm

Lunch at Innsyoutei, Ueno Park

Dine on traditional Japanese set meals in a quiet spot inside Ueno Park, open 11:30am-9pm.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ueno Zoo and Tokyo National Museum

Walk through Japan’s oldest zoo showcasing pandas, then explore the National Museum for incredible art and artifacts. Zoo opens 9:30am-5pm, Museum 9:30am-5pm.
JPY600 combo ticket, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ameyoko Market

Browse this lively open-air market and enjoy street food like takoyaki and yakitori, ideal for an informal dinner experience.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 3: Trendy Harajuku and Omotesando

Tokyo, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a stylish breakfast spot famous for fluffy pancakes and fresh juices, open from 8am.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Walk Takeshita Street

Immerse yourself in vibrant youth culture with eclectic street fashion shops and crepe stands on this iconic pedestrian lane.
Free, 1.5h

11:15am

Visit Nezu Shrine

Discover a stunning shrine known for its torii gates and azalea garden, a hidden gem in Tokyo, open from 6am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Afuri Harajuku

Savor yuzu-flavored ramen combining zesty citrus with traditional broth, open 11am-10pm.
JPY1100, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Omotesando Hills & Design Shops

Wander through this elegant shopping complex and admire cutting-edge architecture along Omotesando Avenue.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo (Nearby)

Enjoy an immersive digital art museum blending light and water, tickets must be booked in advance; open 10am-7pm.
JPY3200, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience conveyor-belt sushi with affordable pricing and fast service, open until midnight.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 4: Future & Nightlife: Odaiba & Roppongi

Tokyo, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Odaiba

Start your day with a seaside breakfast featuring classic Australian dishes, open from 9am (arrive early as it opens later).
JPY2200, 1h

9:45am

Explore teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Dive into a futuristic immersive art experience in Odaiba; open 10am-7pm, reservation recommended.
JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Food Court

Try a variety of Japanese fast foods like ramen, curry, and sushi in the vibrant mall food court.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Odaiba Seaside Park & Statue of Liberty Replica

Relax at this waterfront park with views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Travel to Roppongi Hills and Mori Tower Observation Deck

Head to Roppongi for panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck; open 10am-11pm.
JPY1800, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous izakaya that inspired Kill Bill’s fight scene, offering classic Japanese dishes, open until late.
JPY4000, 2h

8:30pm

Explore Roppongi nightlife

Enjoy evening entertainment at stylish bars and clubs in Roppongi, many open late into the night.
Varies, Flexible
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Day 5: Tsukiji Market & Ginza Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at stalls that open early daily.
JPY2000, 1h

9:00am

Explore Tsukiji Market Shops

Browse specialty food shops selling seafood, knives, and Japanese culinary items.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Walk and shop in Ginza district

Discover upscale department stores, flagship shops, and trendy boutiques in Tokyo’s luxury shopping district.
Free (shopping extra), 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ginza Ukai-Tei Steakhouse

Enjoy premium Wagyu beef in an elegant setting for a memorable final Tokyo meal, reservations recommended.
JPY12000, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Kabukiza Theatre

Catch a short Kabuki performance or explore the theatre museum to experience traditional Japanese theatrical arts, open 10am-6pm.
JPY2000, 1h

5:00pm

Depart or continue leisure shopping

Use remaining time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departure.
Varies, Flexible
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