Tokyo began as Edo, a riverside castle town that became the shogunate’s seat and, in 1868, Japan’s capital. Today it’s a metropolis of ancient shrines tucked behind skyscrapers, quiet alleys blooming with lanterns, and trains that run to the minute. You’ll sense the city’s rhythm in its markets and micro-bars as much as in its museums and towers.

Adventure here means plunging into neighborhoods: steam rising from ramen counters in Shinjuku, vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, and riverfront strolls in Nakameguro. Food is the throughline—sushi mornings, yakitori nights, and sweet-creamy soft serve between. Expect spotless streets, friendly staff, and an urban playground that rewards curiosity.

Practical notes: Tap in and out with a Suica/PASMO IC card; most places accept cards, but small bars and markets prefer cash. Cherry blossoms bloom late March–early April; summer is humid; typhoon season peaks late summer. Book popular attractions and restaurants in advance, and wear comfy shoes—you’ll happily clock 15,000 steps a day.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a mosaic of “villages,” each with its own mood. Senso-ji in Asakusa glows at dusk; Meiji Shrine is a cedar-scented calm; Shibuya’s scramble is a neon river; Akihabara hums with retro arcades; and Kichijoji and Yanaka feel blissfully local.

• Sights you shouldn’t miss: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree views, and the ultra-immersive teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
• Eat and drink: Tsukiji Outer Market bites, ramen at Nagi Golden Gai or Afuri, grilled skewers in Omoide Yokocho, conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei, and third-wave coffee at Onibus or Glitch.
• Fun fact: Tokyo has thousands of tiny “pocket bars”—some seat fewer than eight people. They’re perfect for chatting with owners and fellow travelers.

Where to Stay (curated picks):

• Mid-range favorites for a budget score ~51: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (near JR lines, compact but comfy), Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla-head landmark, lively area), Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (spacious rooms, great value in skyscraper district).
• Premium picks if you splurge a night: The Peninsula Tokyo (imperial garden views), The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (sky-high vistas), Aman Tokyo (serene design, standout spa), Hilton Tokyo Bay (great if adding Disney).
• Browse more stays: VRBO Tokyo | Hotels.com Tokyo

Getting In & Around:

• Flights: Compare fares and routes to HND (closest) or NRT on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Airport to city: From NRT, Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (~41 min, ~¥2,570); JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station (~60 min, ~¥3,070). From HND, Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (~20 min, ~¥500–700). Check schedules on Trip.com Trains.
• Transit: Grab a Suica/PASMO IC card for subways/JR lines; taxis are reliable but pricier. Trains are fast and frequent—plan for lots of exploring on foot once you’re in each neighborhood.

Day 1: Arrival, Asakusa at Dusk, and Lantern-Lit Alleys

Afternoon: Land and check in. Shake off jet lag with a gentle first wander through Asakusa. Walk Nakamise-dori’s snack stalls (try ningyo-yaki cakes and senbei rice crackers) toward Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. The Kaminarimon Gate lantern glows beautifully near sunset.

Evening: Dinner nearby: Tempura Daikokuya (historic tempura bowls, light batter), Sometaro (DIY okonomiyaki cooked on a griddle at your table, rustic ambiance), or Asakusa Imahan (splurge-worthy sukiyaki). Cap with a soft serve at Asakusa Kagetsudo or custard-filled melon-pan.

Night (Optional Adventure): Join a guided bar hop to dive straight into izakaya culture—tiny counters, sizzling yakitori, and local sake—perfect for an engaged, social first night.

Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner) – Book here

Pre-bar coffee: swing by Fuglen Asakusa for Nordic-style brews, or a classic kissaten like Angelus for retro cakes and siphon coffee.

Day 2: Tsukiji Bites, Ginza to Roppongi, and Shibuya Street Go-Karts

Morning: Fuel up at Tsukiji Outer Market—tamagoyaki at Yamachō, tuna skewers, uni cups, and fresh oysters. For sit-down sushi, try Sushi Zanmai Honten or counter-style Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (stand-and-savor, fast and affordable). Coffee at Turret Coffee Tsukiji (rich lattes) before walking to elegant Ginza for window-shopping and a dip into a department store depachika food hall.

Afternoon: Head to Azabudai Hills for the reimagined teamLab Borderless—an immersive art playground where rooms flow and react to your movement (prebook tickets). If you prefer classic art and views, visit Mori Art Museum and the rooftop deck in Roppongi. Lunch ideas: Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen) or Udon Shin (handmade, springy noodles) if you’ll be near Shinjuku later.

Evening (Adrenaline Hit): Suit up for a one-hour street go-kart drive around Shibuya—yes, you’ll roll through the scramble more than once. You’ll need a valid passport and the appropriate international driving permit for Japan; costumes provided.

Shibuya Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya Annex – Book here

Post-ride eats: Han no Daidokoro Kadochika (A5 wagyu yakiniku you grill yourself), Uobei (high-speed conveyor sushi), or Nagi Shibuya (niboshi-anchovy ramen, bold and savory). Nightcap in Nonbei Yokocho, a cluster of tiny bars that feel like time capsules.

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

Trade neon for nature with a guided day trip that bundles all the logistics. You’ll reach Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting), sample sulfur-cooked “black eggs” in Owakudani, cruise Lake Ashi, and zip back to Tokyo by bullet train. Expect an early start and a late afternoon return.

Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train – Book here

Dinner back in Tokyo: near your hotel, keep it easy—try Torikizoku (budget-friendly yakitori chain loved by locals), or Rokurinsha inside Tokyo Station’s “Ramen Street” (famous tsukemen; expect a line). If you have energy, stroll KITTE rooftop garden for a night view of Tokyo Station’s brick facade.

Day 4: Cool Neighborhoods, Meiji Shrine, and a Shinjuku Food Safari

Morning: Ride to Nakameguro for coffee at Onibus (tiny roastery tucked by the tracks) and a canal-side walk. Browse Daikanyama T-Site (Japan’s most stylish bookstore complex) and indie boutiques. Brunch options: Ivy Place (pancakes, terrace seating) or head to Ebisu for Afuri yuzu ramen.

Afternoon: Cross to Harajuku and Omotesando: peek down Takeshita-dori for pop fashion, then reset in the tranquil forest leading to Meiji Shrine. Architecture fans will love Omotesando’s flagship stores by Tadao Ando and Herzog & de Meuron. Snack on Luke’s Lobster rolls or a crepe from Santa Monica Crepes for pure Harajuku nostalgia.

Evening (Eat Adventurously): Join a small-group feast in Shinjuku—four local eateries, 13+ dishes, and stories behind each bite. It’s a delicious shortcut to the city’s hidden corners.

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

Late Night: Thread through Omoide Yokocho (lantern-lit yakitori alleys) and Golden Gai (post-war micro-bars, each with a theme). If you skipped Day 1’s nightlife, tonight’s another chance for a guided hop.

Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner) – Book here

Day 5: Old-Tokyo Strolls and Departure

Morning: Explore Yanaka Ginza, one of Tokyo’s best-preserved “shitamachi” streets. Try fresh croquettes from Niku no Suzuki, taiyaki fish-shaped cakes, and browse mom-and-pop shops. Coffee at Kayaba Coffee, a 100-year-old townhouse cafe pouring classic kissaten brews and thick-cut toast.

Afternoon: If time allows, swing through Ueno Park for a quick museum peek (Tokyo National Museum is a winner) or down to Akihabara for retro arcades and a spin through a multi-floor gachapon shop. Grab a final bowl at Ippudo or a quick Gyukatsu Motomura set before heading to the airport.

Depart for HND/NRT via Monorail, Skyliner, or Narita Express. Check live times and fares on Trip.com Trains, and compare flight options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Extra Local Gems (if you have wiggle room)

• Kichijoji: Inokashira Park boats, Harmonica Yokocho food stalls, and indie shops.
• Shimokitazawa: Vintage racks, record stores, and mellow cafes—great for an unhurried afternoon.
• Tsukishima: Tokyo’s “monja street” for griddled savory pancakes with a DIY twist.

Budget & Practical Tips

• Lunch deals shine: many spots offer set menus for ¥1,000–¥1,500. Save splurges for dinners.
• Convenience stores (konbini) are your friend: excellent onigiri, sandos, salads, and coffee.
• Cash matters in older bars/food stalls; ATMs at 7-Eleven are foreign-card friendly.
• If you’ll drive go-karts, confirm your IDP type matches Japan’s requirements before travel.

At-a-Glance Viator Experiences Used

• Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train

  

• Shibuya Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya Annex

  

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

  

• Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner)

  

Five days in Tokyo will fill your camera roll and your appetite: serene temples at golden hour, crackling yakitori alleys, arcade buzz, and a day beneath Fuji’s snow crown. With this adventurous, food-forward route, you’ll cover icons and hidden corners—and still leave plenty to discover next time.