Epic 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary With Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Planning your first trip to Tokyo can feel overwhelming. I get it, Tokyo is massive, fast-paced, and packed with incredible neighborhoods to explore. After visiting twice, I’ve put together this 5-day Tokyo itinerary to help you make the most of your time. 

This 5-day Tokyo itinerary includes a mix of iconic sights, local favorites, and, of course, a day trip to Mount Fuji. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or you’re coming back for more, here’s how you can spend an amazing five days in Tokyo. And keep reading for extra tips to help you plan your trip!

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Tokyo can be a daunting place to plan a trip. It’s is HUGE… one of the largest cities in the world by population and size. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, I recommend 5 full days. This will give you enough time to see the highlights, enjoy lots of yummy food, and take a day trip to see something outside the city. More days allow you to dig deeper beyond the highlights, soak in the culture, and visit some of the less touristy districts of Tokyo.

While it’s possible to see a lot in just a few days if you’re on a time crunch, try to wait to you have that extra time available so you can really immerse yourself in the culture of the city.

There isn’t a bad time to visit Tokyo, but each season offers unique weather, experiences, and attractions. Here’s a summary of the different seasons and what they bring to a Tokyo visit:

Spring (March to May):

• Cherry Blossoms: Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo due to the cherry blossom season (sakura). Parks and gardens throughout the city, such as Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, explode with vibrant shades of pink.
• Mild Weather: The weather during spring is generally mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Throughout spring, you can expect highs between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (12 and 25 Celsius). Lows are between 40 and 60 Fahrenheit (4 and 16 Celsius).

Summer (June to August):

• Warm and Humid: Summer in Tokyo can be hot and humid. This is the least ideal time of the year to spend hours a day exploring the city on foot as the heat drains your energy. However, it’s also a lively time to visit, with festivals and events happening throughout the city. Expect highs between 78 and 88 Fahrenheit (25 and 31 Celsius). Lows are between 66 and 75 Fahrenheit (19 and 25 Celsius).
• Fireworks Festivals: Tokyo hosts numerous fireworks festivals (hanabi taikai) during the summer months, which offer spectacular displays of color against the night sky.

Autumn (September to November):

• Fall Foliage: Autumn brings cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage to Tokyo’s parks and gardens. Places like Yoyogi Park and Rikugien Garden are popular spots for enjoying the colorful scenery. If fall colors are your priority, plan your trip for mid to late November for the best chance of seeing the peak of the colors.
• Comfortable Weather: The weather in autumn is generally mild and with less humidity than in summer, making it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the city on foot. Expect highs between 62 and 81 Fahrenheit (17 and 29 Celsius). Lows are between 49 and 69 Fahrenheit (9 and 21 Celsius).

Winter (December to February):

• Mild Winters: Winter in Tokyo is relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. In Tokyo, you can expect high temperatures of around 50 to 55 Fahrenheit (10 to 13 Celsius). Lows are between 35 and 40 Fahrenheit (2 and 4 Celcius). While snow is rare in the city center, nearby mountainous areas like Hakone and Nikko may experience snowfall. 
• Festivities: Tokyo’s streets and landmarks are decorated with festive lights and holiday decorations during the winter months which brings a magical atmosphere to the city.

If I had to pick one season as my favorite, I would choose fall/autumn. Spring can be overly crowded with the cherry blossom crowds, summer is too humid for my liking, and in winter you are much more likely to experience quite a bit of rain while exploring the city.

Tokyo is a major hub for international travel. You can get a direct flight from most parts of the world. There are two major international airports in Tokyo: Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Airport (NRT). Both are viable options, but if given the choice I prefer to fly to Haneda Airport as it’s closer to Tokyo.

Once arriving at the airport, you have a few options to get into Tokyo.

• Bus: This is my favorite method of transportation from the airport to the city. While the train is a little faster, the bus allows you to store your luggage underneath the bus while you travel instead of dragging it between trains. You also won’t have to transfer trains with all of your luggage. The bus goes directly to most of Tokyo’s most popular tourist areas. You can pre-book a ticket on the bus here.
• Train: The train or monorail is the fastest way to get into the city from the airport. Tickets can be purchased easily once you arrive. Trains leave at regular intervals so you will not be waiting long. You will have to connect with another train to reach most of the popular tourist hubs, so maybe skip this if you have a lot of luggage to carry around.
• Taxi: A taxi will be the most convenient option, but also the most expensive by far. 

Choosing where to stay for your 5-day Tokyo itinerary can be overwhelming. There are many neighborhoods in Tokyo, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions. The good news is that they are all easily connected by public transport. You can’t go wrong with any of the popular choices below. I always book my hotels on Expedia because they offer the widest range of options, the best prices, and an amazing rewards program called One Key (it’s free to join!)

Shinjuku is one of the most popular places for tourists in Tokyo. One of Tokyo’s major commercial and entertainment districts, Shinjuku is known for its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife. It is a convenient base for exploring Tokyo due to its excellent transportation connections (the busiest train station on earth), abundant shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options. 

• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku 
• Hotel Groove Shinjuku
• Hotel Amanek Shinjuku-Kabukicho

Shibuya is famous for its iconic “Shibuya Scramble” crossing and trendy shopping streets like Takeshita Street and Center Gai. It’s a youthful, lively area with many restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife options. Shibuya is also well-connected to other parts of Tokyo by train and subway.

• Shibuya Excel Hotel
• Shibuya Stream Hotel
• Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya 
• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
• Sequence Miyashita Park

Ginza is the main downtown area of Tokyo. It’s home to many luxury boutiques, department stores, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants. Ginza is a great area for upscale shopping and dining experiences, and it’s well-connected to other parts of Tokyo by subway.

• Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu
• Hotel Grand Bach Tokyo Ginza
• The Tokyo Edition Ginza
• Karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza

Asakusa is a historic district in Tokyo known for its traditional atmosphere, stunning temples such as the famous Senso-ji, and bustling Nakamise shopping street. It’s a great place to experience more traditional Japanese culture and cuisine and offers a more relaxed pace than the other areas on this list.

• Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa
• The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
• Hotel Gracery Asakusa

On my previous two trips to Tokyo, I stayed once in Shibuya and once in Shinjuku. Both were great and are the two districts I recommend most visitors base themselves in. With that said, if more of a luxury/downtown vibe is more your thing and you intend to visit lots of museums, Ginza may be better for you. Similarly, if a more traditional and slow-paced vibe sounds good to you, look into Asakusa.

Tokyo is gigantic, not only in size but also in the range of activities, cultural sites, and restaurants. During my two visits to Tokyo, I’ve learned a lot about the most efficient way to get around and see the highlights of the city. Here is how I would do a 5-day Tokyo itinerary to best take advantage of your time:

For the first morning in Tokyo, I recommend first-time visitors (especially those from United States time zones) to start their day very early. This is mostly because jet lag can be quite bad once arriving, and I’ll typically be awake early anyway. This is a good day to get the earliest start out of the way with a visit to one of my favorite places in Tokyo, the Senso-Ji Temple. To get here, you will want to catch the train to Asakusa Station (about 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station). The temple is just a 5-minute walk from here.

Senso-Ji is a particularly good place to visit early in the morning, as the crowds can be overwhelming once everyone starts arriving around 9 am or so. We got there right at sunrise, and it was such a beautiful time of day. The colors of the temples were so vibrant mixed with the colors of sunrise. And it was a lot of fun seeing the locals doing their morning walks and prayer here. It was also quiet, with mostly locals around and just a few other tourists willing to get up as early as we did.

Note: the line of stores leading up to Senso-Ji will not be open this early, but they are super touristy and you won’t be missing much.

Next, jump on the train at Asakusa Station and get off at Higashi Ginza Station. This should take about 20 minutes. If you need a caffeine hit, try out either Glitch Coffee and Roasters Ginza (be prepared for a line) or Turret Coffee Tsukiji. From here, walk to the Tsukiji Outer Market (AKA Tsukiji Fish Market). Again, we’re aiming to get here early, as crowds can become quite large later in the morning. 

We really enjoyed strolling around the market and trying out all the different kinds of local street food. Our favorites were a delicious egg on a stick, sugar-coated local strawberries, some local sugared beans, and an incredible vanilla and banana shake. We even bought a few souvenirs to take home from a Japanese ceramic store in the market.

With the market done, it’s time to explore more of Tokyo’s bustling downtown area, specifically the Ginza district. The Ginza district of Tokyo is known for its upscale shopping boutiques and malls. Here you will find everything fashionable, local and international. There are also a lot of great dining options in this area and many different museums. 

This is your chance to get some more shopping in. Walk around and pop into whatever stores catch your eye. It’s worth checking out the Ginza 6 mall while in the area. We had a quick look around, and while we weren’t in the market for anything, there were a lot of options for those looking to spend some money. There was also a food court on the basement level with lots of great options.

The Art Aquarium Museum is a popular tourist attraction and is also located in Ginza. This is an art display featuring fish in tanks of all different colors, shapes, and sizes. The tanks are often lit up with dazzling lighting and it was a pretty neat experience. If this sounds interesting to you, book ahead here to avoid missing out. It will take most people around 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the whole thing.

Grab some lunch in Ginza. There are endless options for just about any craving. Some highly recommended places nearby include Tempura Kondo, Ramen Takahashi, and Sushi Ya. Another option is to try one of Japan’s popular sweet treats, the soft, fluffy souffle-style pancake at Happy Pancake Ginza.

Train to Akabanebashi Station, then walk 5 minutes to Zojo-Ji Temple, a 17th century buddhist temple. This is a great spot to explore because not only do you get to walk around the beautiful temple, but you also get great views of the iconic Tokyo Tower, Tokyo’s own Eiffel Tower-inspired structure. Don’t forget to snap some photos!

Next, a 20-minute walk to the Mori Building to check out the teamLab Borderless digital art exhibition. We visited the previous teamLab digital art exhibition which is now closed during our last visit to Tokyo, and it was one of the best things we did. This new exhibit is supposed to be just as incredible! Make sure to reserve this ahead of time, because slots do fill up quickly. Tickets can be purchased here. A visit to teamLab Borderless will take most people around 3 hours.

Your final activity of the day will be to take the elevator up to the Mori Tower Sky Deck. It is in the very same building as teamLab Borderless. The Mori Tower Sky Deck offers incredible 360 views of Tokyo, with excellent angles of Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and beyond. You can reserve tickets for the sky deck here.

Ok, after all of that adventuring, you’ve most likely worked up an appetite again. Time for dinner. You can head back into downtown Tokyo if somewhere in particular caught your eye, or choose to eat back closer to your accommodation.

Note: if you happen to end up near the Intermediatheque natural history museum, I highly recommend checking it out. There’s no entrance fee, and it’s definitely worth the hour or so it will take to walk through.

On the second day of your 5-day Tokyo itinerary, pick up a coffee to-go (we liked Eight Coffee) and then a quick bite from 7-11. Their “onigiri” are fantastic, and so cheap! They are also open early when many other stores are not. 

Next, walk on over to the impressive 144-acre Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. We spent about 2 hours exploring this beautiful park located in the heart of Shinjuku. It’s incredible how peaceful it was considering the park is in the middle of one of the busiest cities on earth. We loved checking out all the different ponds, forests, and viewpoints spread throughout the park. If you are visiting during spring, this is also a great place to see a lot of stunning cherry blossoms (sakura).

Once you’ve had enough of walking Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, jump on a train at Sendagaya Station and head to Akihabara Station. Akihabara is famous for being the electronics center of Tokyo. My husband enjoyed checking out retro game stores such as Super Potato and Retro Game Camp, and gigantic camera stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera. 

Akihabara is also home to many of the largest anime and manga stores in Tokyo. A huge amount of them are located within just a couple of blocks. Some of the most popular include Animate and Akihabara Radio Kaikan. And, if musical instruments are more your speed, there are also a couple of blocks full of stores selling new and used guitars and other instruments. You can find some unique gear not sold in other parts of the world.

Once you’ve finished shopping, stop by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and take the elevator up to the South Observatory. The observatory is free to enter and the views from the top are amazing. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. I recommend going just before sunset so you can watch the city light up.

In the evening, make your way to Omoide Yokocho, which is just a short walk from Shinjuku Station. This narrow alleyway is packed with tiny izakayas (Japanese pubs), smoky yakitori stands and cozy noodle spots, all lit up with glowing lanterns. It can get crowded, but that’s part of the charm. Grab some food and squeeze into a seat for some top tier people watching. This is a fun way to experience a more nostalgic, old-school side of Tokyo. 

If you’re up for one more adventure before calling it a night, make your way to the Golden Gai, just a few minutes from Omoide Yokocho. This small neighborhood is made up of a handful of narrow alleys packed with more than 200 bars, most with just a few seats. In typical Tokyo style, each one has its own theme and personality, from punk rock to jazz and retro movies. It’s quirky, gritty and totally worth the experience.

After a couple of busy days in the city, I recommend taking a day trip to get up close and personal with one of the crown jewels of Japan, Mount Fuji. This is an easy day trip from Tokyo. It’s the perfect addition to a 5-day Tokyo itinerary. Multiple transportation options will take you directly to Kawaguchiko Station from Shinjuku Station. I recommend departing as early as possible from Tokyo so that you have the most time to explore before it gets dark. This way you will be able to visit the most busy sights before the majority of tourists arrive for the day as well.

The most direct and fastest way to get to Lake Kawaguchiko is to catch the express train that departs from Shinjuku Station and goes directly to Lake Kawaguchiko. This takes about 1.5 hours, but only runs twice per day and reservations typically sell out well in advance.

The second best option is the Kawaguchiko Eki Bus which leaves from the bus terminal at Shinjuku Station. This will take you directly there and you will not have to do any transfers. The journey takes around 2 hours, but the ride is smooth and the bus is clean. Tickets can be purchased here and will cost you around 4,500 YEN (25 USD) round-trip.

The potential problem with a day trip to Mount Fuji is that it may be obscured by cloud cover. So, you have two options:

1. Book ahead – this will secure your spot on the train or bus, but you run the risk of traveling on a bad weather day and not seeing Fuji at all.
2. Book closer to your travel date – once you get an idea of the weather for your trip (usually a few days before you fly), you can secure a reservation for the clearest weather day. This way you have a better chance of seeing the mountain, but the downside is you will run the risk of the bus or train being fully booked. This is the option we took, and we were able to get a reservation for the bus, though a couple hours later than we had hoped for.

Once you arrive at Kawaguchiko Station, you’re probably ready for some food before departing on your adventures. We ate lunch at Shaw’s Sushi which was right across the street from the station and it was delicious. There are plenty of other options within walking distance of the station including Beef Cutlet Restaurant and Tetsuyaki. If these places aren’t open (most open around 11 am), there’s also a 7-11 across the street for you to stock up on snacks.

Next, jump on the Omni Bus line from Kawaguchiko Station which departs every 15 minutes. This will take you to the north side of the lake. You can hop off near places such as Oishi Park and Nagasaki Park which offer incredible views across Lake Kawaguchiko to Mount Fuji. These spots are breathtaking during cherry blossom season (around mid-April) and peak autumn colors (early to mid-November). 

Another option is to take the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway from the eastern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko up to an observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo. This deck provides sweeping views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. The red Omni Bus line will take you right to the Yuransen Ropeway Iriguchi station. You can also walk there in about 20 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station.

No trip to the Kawaguchiko region would be complete without a visit to the Churieto Pagoda. Built as a peace symbol in 1963, this beautiful pagoda has become world famous for its incredible view of Mount Fuji. Photographers and travelers from all over the world come here to snap a beautiful photo of the red pagoda with Mount Fuji looming behind. These are sure to be some of your best photos of the trip! Be warned, you do have to work for the view. 398 steps lead you up the hill from the base of the road to the pagoda.

To get to the pagoda, we caught a taxi from Kawaguchiko Station. But, for a cheaper ride, you can also take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Shimoyoshida Station from Kawaguchiko Station. Or, take the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop Bus to the Chureito Iriguchi bus stop. This runs every 90 minutes. The Shrine and Pagoda are a short walk from either the station or the bus stop.

Pro tip: sunset is particularly stunning here, and likely to be a little less busy than the middle of the day.

Now it’s time to head back to Kawaguchiko Station and catch your ride back into Tokyo. Depending on how hungry you are, either have dinner here in Kawaguchiko, or back near your accommodation in Tokyo.

Start your day by walking to Baggage Coffee. This cafe was a favorite of mine, as it opened at 8 am when many others didn’t open till 10 am. The coffee was also delicious, and baked treats were a perfect way to fill up for some morning exploring! The walk here is also quite cool. You’ll pass a lot of interesting stores which are worth returning to a little later when they open.

Walk to the Meiji Jingu Ichino Torii gates, snap some photos, and then continue down the path toward the Meiji Shrine. Be sure to stop at the sake barrels on the way as they are another great photo opp! Meiji Shrine was completed in 1926 and dedicated to the namesake Emperor Meiji, destroyed in air raids during WW2, and then rebuilt in 1958. It is now the site of many local festivals, and during your visit, you will see locals doing their morning prayers. It’s a beautiful spot in the forest and definitely worth checking out!

By now shops should be opening, so take the short walk across the road to Harajuku. Harajuku is known for its eclectic atmosphere, unique stores, and youth culture. Takeshita Street is the main road through Harajuku and is open to foot traffic only. This is where you will find interesting things to explore including themed cafes, unique food, fashion stores, gift stores, and much more. We went to a delicious shave-ice place called PAP Coffee which I highly recommend!

If you didn’t fill up on giant fairy floss, shave ice, boba, or similar on Takeshita Street, then you’ll probably be ready for lunch. Our favorite spot in this area is Vegan Bistro Jangara. Finding vegetarian ramen in Tokyo isn’t always the easiest, and this was our favorite of the whole trip! It was SO good. They offer fake meat options so that you can get some protein with your veggies. If you prefer meat, there are other great options in the area like Oreryu Gyoza Meshi Harajuku, Bassa Nova Harajuku, and Sama Curry Meijijingumae.

With a full belly, it’s time to check out the famous Shibuya Crossing (AKA Shibuya Scramble). Located right outside Shibuya Station, the Shibuya Scramble has become a photographic icon in Tokyo. It is known as one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. During busy times, thousands of people can cross this crosswalk during the 45 seconds between traffic lights. 

Continue into the heart of Shibuya for some retail therapy. People often consider Shibuya one of Tokyo’s main fashion hubs. Home to countless boutiques, department stores, and malls that cater to a wide variety of Japanese and international styles. Shibuya is also a cultural and entertainment hub, popular for its nightlife and entertainment options. Spend the afternoon shopping at places such as Parco Shibuya. We really liked this mall for its huge variety of clothing, homeware, gifts, beauty, and pop culture stores. There’s even a Pokemon Center inside! Shibuya has something for everyone, so once you’re finished in Parco Shibuya, head outside and have a wander. You’re bound to find some other cool stores worth popping into!

Not far away from the main shipping area of Shibuya is Shibuya Sky, an observation deck located on the top floors of the Shibuya Scramble Square building. Shibuya Sky offers some of the best views in the city. We strongly recommend booking in advance. Sunset slots are booked out weeks or months in advance, so if you want to catch the sunset, plan accordingly.

After a beautiful sunset, it’s time for some dinner. I’ve visited Uobei twice now, and it’s one of my favorite spots in Shibuya. It’s a conveyor belt sushi restaurant with exceptionally cheap prices compared to what you pay in the US. If you don’t feel like sushi, here are some other highly-rated dinner options in the area: Izakaya Masaka (vegetarian/vegan), Vegeater (vegetarian), Ichiran Shibuya (ramen), and Yakitori Tsukada Shibuya (yakitori). 

If you’re feeling energetic, Shibuya’s cozy Izakayas (bars) and nightclubs can keep you partying well into the night. We walked around Shibuya with jet lag at 6 AM and saw many partygoers walking home after a long night out. Otherwise, head back to your accommodation and enjoy a well-earned rest before another busy day tomorrow.

Now that you have seen many of the classic highlights around Tokyo, the final day of your 5-day Tokyo itinerary is a little more flexible. Today is the day to do things a little more personal to you. For the sake of this itinerary, I’ve had to appeal to the broadest audience possible, but today you’re going to do something just for you. I’m sure you also skipped some things during this busy itinerary to stay on schedule. Today is the day for all of these things! I’ve made some suggestions below:

• Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter – This is the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo. Opening in late 2023, this inside look into the making of the Harry Potter movies is a wondrous experience for Harry Potter lovers. Even my husband, who isn’t a fan, enjoyed it! 
  
  It had interactive displays, sets, photo opportunities, a Harry Potter-inspired food court, a huge gift store, and many replica (and real) items from the sets of the Harry Potter movies. Allow 3-4 hours here, it’s huge and you won’t want to feel rushed. It’s easy to get here, with trains running to Toshimaen Station, just a few minutes walk from the entrance.

• Tokyo Disneyland – If you are a Disney fan, Tokyo Disneyland may be for you. The train from Tokyo Station to Disneyland takes around 15-20 minutes. It will drop you off near the entrance at Maihama Station. Allow a full day to explore this park as there is so much to see and do. This is an especially great activity if you have kids!

• Personalized shopping – We all have hobbies, and with Tokyo being such a huge city, you’re sure to find some impressive stores that cater to your interests. For example, my husband is a big music fan. He spent an entire day visiting guitar stores, some of which had instruments not found in the US. His favorite was the Fender Flagship Store, the only dedicated official Fender store in the world. 

• Make your final meals count – This is your last chance to satiate those cravings. Visit restaurants or cafes that may have caught your eye while traveling around the city. 

• Visit more shrines – If you really enjoyed the Senso-Ji and Meiji Shrines, there are so many more throughout Tokyo to explore. A couple of my other favorites included Nezu Shrine and Hie Shrine.

Like any country, Japan has some unique little things worth knowing before you visit. Here are a few of my top tips:

• If you want a smoother immigration process, fill out the questions here at home before arriving in Tokyo. This way, when you arrive in Tokyo, you will save time at immigration by showing them a QR code (provided after completing the questions) rather than having to answer them all at the airport. Don’t forget to screenshot it so you have it offline.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You will likely be doing a lot of walking on this 5-day Tokyo itinerary. Favoring more comfortable clothing over a slightly cuter fit will be something you won’t regret, I promise!
• In Japan, it is common courtesy not to stand in the middle of the path, or walk around while eating your food. If you buy something to-go, it’s respectful to find a bench or quiet corner to eat your food.
• Speak quietly, or not at all when traveling on public transport. Unlike the US, public transport is treated more as quiet downtime in Japan.
• The Japanese people seem to be way more picky with their Google reviews. Not that this is a bad thing, but just keep it in mind. I’ve had a lot of bad meals at 4.5+ rated places in the US, but here in Japan, even places rated 3.8 can be really good. You will find it’s pretty rare to find a restaurant rated above a 4.4.
• Many stores in Tokyo don’t open until 10-11 am, even coffee shops. Keep this in mind when exploring the city. Plan to visit the spots which open earlier, or have no open hours, early in the morning before everything else opens. This is typically a good time to visit these places anyway, as they will be less busy than in the middle of the day. 7-11 stores are everywhere in Tokyo, and always a reliable spot for a good snack if nothing else is open yet.
• Always carry your passport with you. Japanese law requires you to carry this at all times. Also, some tax-free stores and other stores may use it for identification.
• A good tip is to bring some plastic bags with you. We found trash cans almost non-existent in Tokyo, and often had to walk around with trash in our hands for long periods of time until we found one somewhere. If you have a plastic bag with you, you can put your trash inside and stuff it in a backpack until it can be disposed of.
• Bring a small, travel-style umbrella that will easily fit inside a backpack. You’ll curse yourself for not bringing one when you get your first downpour!

Tokyo is one of the easiest cities to explore as a tourist. The public transportation options are very well set up, clean, and safe, and apps like Google Maps integrate seamlessly into your travel within the city. Here are the different ways you can get yourself around the city:

Subway: Tokyo has an impressive subway system. The subway covers most parts of the city and is a fast and efficient way to travel large distances between neighborhoods and attractions. You can purchase tickets at ticket machines, or use a prepaid IC card like Suica for seamless travel like we did. Simply add it to your smartphone wallet before arriving in Japan and top as you go with your credit card.

Trains: Tokyo is served by several JR (Japan Railways) train lines. JR trains are especially useful for traveling to destinations outside central Tokyo and for day trips to nearby cities. Your Suica card will work when paying for JR train journeys as well.

Buses: Tokyo has an excellent bus network that fills the gaps of the train and subway lines. You can easily jump on and pay for them with your Suica card. We used buses when traveling shorter distances and we wanted a break from walking.

Taxis: Taxis are another way of getting around Tokyo. They are abundant and convenient but are more expensive than a bus or train ticket. We only used a couple of taxis during our time in Tokyo because it was almost always just as convenient to catch the subway, bus, or walk. They can be useful if you need to transfer between hotels and don’t want to drag your luggage around.

Walking: This was our favorite way to explore the city. Many of Tokyo’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in touristy areas like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku. Walking allowed us to take in more of the city than we would flying by in a vehicle. We also discovered a lot of cute little stores and sights that we definitely would have missed by taking other modes of transport. Keep in mind, all those short walks quickly add up. It was common for us to end each day and see that we had covered more than 10 miles on foot.

Google Maps works incredibly well in Tokyo and helped us tremendously when traveling around this huge city. Enter your destination, select your mode of transportation, and you will be given a reliable estimate of how long the journey will take. When catching a train or subway, Google Maps will show you the exact station, platform, connections, price, and even which carriage number to enter to ensure the most efficient exit from your departure station.

In Tokyo, and throughout Japan, the local currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Most places in Tokyo, especially major tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards. You should carry some cash for smaller purchases, local markets, or places that may not accept cards. 

Additionally, some ATMs in Japan may not accept foreign cards, so I recommend you withdraw cash from ATMs at major banks or convenience stores that explicitly state they accept international cards. 7-11 stores are a great place to do this as they are plentiful and usually allow international withdrawals.

English isn’t as widely spoken in Tokyo as in many other major tourist cities. That being said, many people in Tokyo, especially those working in touristy areas, speak at least basic English. Signs and public transportation announcements often have English translations as well. However, you may encounter some language barriers, particularly when interacting with locals outside the touristy areas.

To navigate potential language barriers, here are some tips:

• Learn Some Basic Japanese Words: Knowing a few simple phrases like “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) shows respect for their culture and will be appreciated by the locals.
• Use Translation Apps: Translation apps like Google Translate or Papago can be very helpful for translating text or having basic conversations. Download the translations on these apps for offline use before arriving in Japan.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need directions or assistance. Many locals will do their best to help you, and people in Tokyo take pride in showing hospitality to visitors.

You will want internet access during your visit to Tokyo. Relying on updated transport schedules is paramount to moving efficiently throughout the city, and the easiest way to access this information is online Google Maps. Pre-purchase an eSIM (we like to use Airalo) and download all of your maps offline on Google just in case you lose service somewhere. If you can’t use an eSIM, you can buy a physical SIM card at the airport or rent a wifi device instead.

Tokyo can feel like a lot at first, but once you get your bearings, it’s such a lively and rewarding city to explore. Hopefully this itinerary gives you the perfect balance of sightseeing, incredible food and downtime. If you’ve got any questions or want to share your favorite Tokyo finds, feel free to drop them in the comments.