Tokyo 5-Day Trip Itinerary

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Tokyo, travel to your accommodation, and check in.

Settle into your hotel and prepare for an afternoon of exploration.

Utilize the efficient Tokyo Metro or Narita Express/Keisei Skyliner from the airport.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Escape the city bustle in this expansive park featuring traditional Japanese, French, and English landscape gardens.

It's a peaceful retreat perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Entry fee is typically around JPY 500. Free Wi-Fi is available in some areas. The greenhouses are also worth a visit.

Tokyo Gov't Building Observation Deck

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo, including Mount Fuji on a clear day, from the free observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Perfect for sunset views.

Admission is free. There are two observation decks (North and South), offering slightly different perspectives.

Dinner in Shinjuku

Explore the myriad dining options in Shinjuku, from casual izakayas to more upscale restaurants.

Try some local Japanese cuisine.

Asakusa Senso-ji Temple & Old Town Walking Tour

Step into Tokyo’s past on this immersive Asakusa walking tour.

Visit Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, and stroll Nakamise Street lined with shops, lanterns, and local snacks.

This guided tour offers great insights into Asakusa's history and culture. Remember to respect temple customs.

Traditional Asakusa Lunch

Enjoy lunch in Asakusa, known for its traditional Japanese eateries.

You might try tempura, soba, or monjayaki.

Sumida River Cruise

Take a relaxing cruise on the Sumida River, offering unique scenic views of Tokyo's skyline and landmarks from the water, including the Tokyo Skytree and bridges.

Several companies operate cruises with different types of boats. The Himiko futuristic boat is popular. Check schedules in advance.

Tokyo Skytree Observation Decks

Ascend to the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city.

It's an unparalleled scenic viewpoint to grasp the scale of Tokyo.

Book tickets in advance online to save time. There are two observation decks: Tembo Deck (350m) and Tembo Galleria (450m).

Ramen & Dumpling Cooking Class

Learn to make authentic Japanese ramen and crispy gyoza from a professional chef.

A fun and delicious cultural experience.

Vegan options are possible. This is a highly-rated, hands-on activity.

Imperial Palace East Garden

Explore the beautiful and expansive East Garden, part of the inner palace area, featuring meticulously maintained traditional Japanese landscapes, historical ruins, and impressive stone walls.

Free admission. Closed on Mondays and Fridays, but as this is a Sunday, it will be open. A calm and historically rich area.

Lunch near Tokyo Station

Enjoy lunch in the Marunouchi district, an upscale business area near Tokyo Station, offering a wide array of dining options.

Explore Yanaka Ginza & Temples

Wander through Yanaka Ginza, a charming old Tokyo shopping street, and the surrounding Yanaka district. This area maintains an atmosphere of old Japan with traditional wooden houses, small shops, and numerous temples. It’s a peaceful contrast to modern Tokyo.

Perfect for experiencing a slower pace of life. Look out for the many cats that reside in the area! Enjoy local snacks and browse unique shops. Visit some of the smaller, serene temples.

Chill Out in Tokyo: Private Tour with Local

Enjoy a personalized tour with a local friend, focusing on discovering more hidden serene spots or revisiting areas you enjoyed, tailored to your interests for a relaxed evening.

This tour is perfect for a relaxed exploration, allowing you to discover unique places away from the typical tourist paths. @howzit_japan is the provider.

Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Tokyo, perhaps trying a different Japanese cuisine or revisiting a favorite spot.

Travel to Hakone

Depart from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Odawara via the Odakyu Romancecar, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach your accommodation in Hakone.

The scenic journey offers views of the countryside.

Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of most public transport in the area, including trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and boats. This will save money and hassle.

Check-in at Accommodation

Check into your chosen hotel or ryokan in Hakone to drop off your luggage and settle in before beginning your exploration.

Many ryokans offer luggage forwarding services, allowing you to send your bags directly from Tokyo to your Hakone accommodation.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore Japan's first open-air museum, featuring a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculpture set against the backdrop of Hakone's beautiful mountains.

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved. Enjoy the Picasso Pavilion and various interactive art pieces.

Lunch in Hakone

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant near the Open-Air Museum or in the Gora area, sampling local delicacies.

Lake Ashi Cruise & Ropeway

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship, offering stunning views of Mt.

Fuji (weather permitting) and the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, ascend the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic vistas of the lake and volcanic valley.

The Hakone Ropeway offers some of the best views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Be prepared for potential sulfurous smells at Owakudani, a volcanic hot spring area along the ropeway route.

Relaxing Onsen & Dinner

Experience a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) at your ryokan or a public onsen facility.

Followed by a delicious dinner, perhaps a kaiseki (multi-course traditional dinner) if staying at a ryokan.

Remember onsen etiquette, such as showering thoroughly before entering the baths. Some onsen may require reservations for private baths.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your accommodation before checking out.

You can leave your luggage at the front desk or use a luggage forwarding service if needed for easier travel.

Hakone Shrine & Peace Gate

Visit the serene Hakone Shrine, nestled at the foot of Mount Hakone on the shores of Lake Ashi.

Walk through its beautiful grounds and capture photos at the iconic 'Peace Gate' torii floating in the lake.

The shrine is quite popular; try to arrive earlier to experience more tranquility. The red torii gate in Lake Ashi is a particularly picturesque spot.

Owakudani Volcanic Valley

Explore Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs.

Try the famous 'black eggs' (kuro-tamago), which are hard-boiled in the natural hot springs and said to prolong one's life by seven years.

Access to certain areas may be restricted depending on volcanic activity levels. The views of Mt. Fuji from here can be magnificent on a clear day.

Lunch at Owakudani

Grab a quick and casual lunch at one of the eateries in the Owakudani area, offering stunning views and local snacks.

Return Travel to Tokyo

Begin your journey back to Tokyo from Hakone, concluding your tranquil escape to the Mount Fuji area.

Use your Hakone Free Pass for the return trip to Shinjuku. Be mindful of rush hour if traveling during peak times.

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Enjoy a final dinner in Tokyo, reflecting on your trip.

Choose a restaurant based on your preferred cuisine or explore a new neighborhood for a memorable last meal.

Tokyo offers an endless array of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy izakayas. Consider trying a local specialty you haven't yet.