Tokyo is a city of thrilling contrasts—5th-century temples beside glass towers, lantern-lit alleys a block from Michelin-star kitchens, arcade crescendos echoing near mossy shrines. Once Edo, the shoguns’ capital, it grew into the world’s largest metropolis while keeping pocket neighborhoods that feel like time capsules.

From Asakusa’s incense to Shibuya’s neon, you’ll sample markets, izakaya culture, and serene gardens, then swap it all for the crisp air of Mt. Fuji and Hakone’s volcanic valleys. Expect world-class sushi, rich ramen, wagyu yakiniku, and wagashi sweets—paired with exceptional coffee (Tokyo takes beans seriously).

Practical notes: Tap-to-pay with Suica/PASMO (including Apple/Google Wallet) makes trains effortless. Etiquette matters—quiet voices on trains, cash still handy in small shops, and no street eating around shrines. Spring and autumn are peak seasons; book marquee restaurants and tours early.

Tokyo

Tokyo’s “musts” span Senso-ji Temple, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the forested Meiji Shrine, and viewpoints like Tokyo Skytree. Foodies should plan time for Tsukiji’s outer market tastings and a night of izakaya hopping in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.

• Top sights: Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Imperial Palace East Gardens, teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills), Hama-rikyu Garden.
• Neighborhood vibes: Asakusa’s old Tokyo, Shibuya’s youth culture, Shinjuku’s skyscrapers and nightlife, Ginza’s refined shopping, Nakameguro’s indie cafes and canal strolls.
• Dine & drink: Sushi counters (Kyubey in Ginza), wagyu yakiniku (Han no Daidokoro in Shibuya), tonkatsu (Maisen Aoyama), craft cocktails (Bar Benfiddich), third-wave coffee (Fuglen, Onibus).
• Fun facts: Sumo’s heart beats in Ryogoku; vending machines outnumber convenience stores; and Shibuya’s crossing can see 2,000+ pedestrians in a single light cycle.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• The Peninsula Tokyo – Classic service, Hibiya Park views; walkable to Ginza.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – Sky-high Midtown Tower address; sweeping city panoramas.
• Aman Tokyo – Minimalist sanctuary with iconic onsen-style baths and a hushed spa.
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – In the lively Godzilla-head tower; steps to nightlife.
• Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku – Reliable, great transport links, value location.
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – Big rooms by Tokyo standards; family-friendly and convenient.
• Hilton Tokyo Bay – Best for Disney days with resort vibes.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Tokyo or apartment-style options on VRBO Tokyo.

Getting there & around:

• Flights: Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Typical roundtrip from the U.S. West Coast is ~10–11 hours nonstop; fares often range $700–1,200 depending on season.
• Airport transfers: From Haneda, Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (~20 min, ¥500/~$3.50) or Keikyu to Shinagawa. From Narita, Narita Express to Tokyo/Shinjuku (~60–90 min, ~¥3,070/~$21). Taxis from Haneda run ~¥6,000–9,000; Narita ~¥25,000+ depending on traffic.
• Trains/metros: Consider a 24–72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket if you’ll ride heavily, or just load a Suica/PASMO in your phone. Regional train planning in Japan is easy with Trip.com (Trains).

Day 1: Arrival, Asakusa Traditions, and Sumida River Glow

Morning: Fly into Haneda or Narita. Pick up a Suica/PASMO and head to your hotel via Monorail/Keikyu (Haneda) or Narita Express. Drop bags and hydrate—Tokyo days run long in the best way.

Afternoon: Start in Asakusa. Walk Nakamise-dori’s snack-lined lane into Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. For a sweet bite, try warm melonpan at Asakusa Kagetsudo or a custard-filled taiyaki from Naniwaya’s stall if available.

Evening: Sunset along the Sumida River promenade frames Skytree in pink and gold. Dinner at Tempura Daikokuya (since 1887; crisp, sesame oil aroma) or grill-your-own okonomiyaki at Sometarō (tatami mats, Showa-era charm). Sip a highball on Hoppy Street or slide into a tiny Golden Gai bar in Shinjuku for a nightcap.

Day 2: Tokyo Essentials in One Day (Coach Tour + Shibuya Night)

Cover the city’s marquee sights efficiently on this full-day experience—ideal for first-timers and jet-lagged explorers.

1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour — includes Meiji Shrine’s cedar-scented forest, a matcha experience, admission to Tokyo Skytree, and a Tokyo Bay cruise (when operating). Hotel pickup available on select routes; expect ~8–9 hours total.

Pre-tour coffee: Grab a flat white at Fuglen Asakusa or house-roast at Onibus Coffee (Naka-Meguro) if you’re nearby. Dinner afterward (Shibuya): Celebrate at Han no Daidokoro Bettei (A5 wagyu yakiniku; book ahead), or slurp late-night bowls at Ichiran Ramen (individual booths, tonkotsu profile). Between bites, experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and pay Hachiko a visit.

Day 3: Full-Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone Escape

Trade neon for nature on a classic day trip. Ride to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting), explore Hakone’s Owakudani volcanic valley, and return by Shinkansen for a quick, cinematic glide back into Tokyo.

Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train — efficient logistics, iconic viewpoints, and lake vistas in one go.

Post-tour bites (Shinjuku): Duck into Omoide Yokocho for smoky yakitori at Toriyoshi Shoten or choose a cozy shabu-shabu at Nabezo Shinjuku 3-chome (great for groups). Cocktail aficionados should consider Bar Benfiddich (reservations recommended; herb-forward, inventive drinks).

Day 4: Market-to-Ginza Flavors, Art, and a Shinjuku Night Food Tour

Morning: Feast through the legendary market district on a guided tasting walk. Expect tamagoyaki, skewered seafood, and a primer on Japanese knives and tea culture.

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Afternoon: Stroll to Hama-rikyu Gardens for tidal ponds and a teahouse stop, or head to teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) for immersive digital art. Prefer classic Tokyo? Window-shop Ginza boulevards and detour to the Imperial Palace East Gardens for stone walls and seasonal blooms.

Evening: Cap the day with an izakaya crawl guided by a local—plenty of tastings, stories, and tucked-away counters in Tokyo’s buzziest district.

Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries)

Coffee & sweets today: Start with an espresso at Turret Coffee (Tsukiji) and reward yourself later with fluffy pancakes at A Happy Pancake (Omotesando).

Day 5: Old-Town Yanaka, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Wander Yanaka, one of the few districts that survived WWII bombings—wooden houses, artisanal shops, and cat-themed curios along Yanaka Ginza. Breakfast at the retro Kayaba Coffee (kissaten-style toast and eggs) or pick up onigiri at a local convenience store for the train.

Afternoon: Squeeze in one final Tokyo flavor: head to Maisen Aoyama Honten for golden, fork-tender tonkatsu or grab a refined sushi lunch at Kyubey Ginza (bookings advised). Return to your hotel, collect bags, and ride to Haneda/Narita for your flight.

Evening: Flying late? Fit in a serene pause at the Nezu Museum garden (Aoyama) or a breezy walk along Naka-Meguro’s canal with a final pour-over from Onibus Coffee. Toast your trip with matcha soft-serve on Omotesando.

Optional upgrade: Private city day with driver if you prefer tailored pacing and hotel pickup: Customizable Private Tokyo Tour with an English-speaking Driver

Local logistics tips: Peak subway crush is ~7:30–9:00 a.m.; plan around it when possible. Many small eateries are cash-preferred; ATMs in 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards. For luggage, coin lockers at major stations and same-day delivery services make sightseeing lighter.

Estimated daily budget (per person): Local transport ¥800–1,200; casual meals ¥1,200–2,500; mid-range dinner ¥3,000–6,000; cafe/coffee ¥500–900; attractions/tours per selection. Splurge meals and cocktail bars vary widely.

In five days you’ll trace Tokyo’s story from incense and woodblock streets to LED-lit intersections, tasting the city’s range along the way. Add a Mt. Fuji day, and you’ll carry home skyline memories and mountain air in equal measure—proof that Tokyo can be both exhilarating and restorative.