Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?

5 days covers the major neighborhoods and experiences but won't feel rushed. You'll get a good taste of Tokyo's variety. Plan a return trip if you fall in love with specific areas.

Should I get a JR Pass for 5 days?

Only if you're taking airport express trains both ways plus planning day trips. For staying within Tokyo, individual tickets or IC cards are cheaper and more flexible.

What if I don't speak Japanese?

Most signs have English. Google Translate camera function works well for menus. Point and gesture works in restaurants. Younger people often speak some English.

How much cash should I carry?

Bring 10000-15000 yen per day in small bills. Many restaurants, temples, and small shops are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.

How to Plan a 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

A 5-day Tokyo itinerary should cover 2-3 neighborhoods per day, mixing major attractions with local experiences. Focus on Shibuya/Harajuku, Asakusa/Ueno, Ginza/Tsukiji, Shinjuku, and either Akihabara or day trip options. Book accommodations in Shibuya or Shinjuku for easy transit access.

Choose your base location. Stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku for best train access. Both connect to all major lines and have plenty of food options. Shibuya is better for younger crowds, Shinjuku for business travelers.
Map your neighborhoods by day. Group nearby areas together. Day 1: Shibuya and Harajuku. Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno. Day 3: Ginza and Tsukiji. Day 4: Shinjuku and surrounding areas. Day 5: Akihabara or day trip to Kamakura/Nikko.
Book time-sensitive activities first. Reserve Tsukiji Outer Market for early morning (6-9 AM). Book teamLab Borderless or Planets tickets online 1 month ahead. Get Ghibli Museum tickets exactly 1 month before your visit date.
Plan around train schedules. Last trains run around 11:30 PM-midnight. If you're out late in Shibuya or Shinjuku, plan to stay until first trains at 5 AM or budget for expensive taxis (3000-5000 yen).
Build in flexibility. Leave 2-3 hours unscheduled each day. Tokyo moves fast and you'll discover things you want to explore longer. Don't overschedule temples and shrines - temple fatigue is real.

Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?: 5 days covers the major neighborhoods and experiences but won't feel rushed. You'll get a good taste of Tokyo's variety. Plan a return trip if you fall in love with specific areas.
Should I get a JR Pass for 5 days?: Only if you're taking airport express trains both ways plus planning day trips. For staying within Tokyo, individual tickets or IC cards are cheaper and more flexible.
What if I don't speak Japanese?: Most signs have English. Google Translate camera function works well for menus. Point and gesture works in restaurants. Younger people often speak some English.
How much cash should I carry?: Bring 10000-15000 yen per day in small bills. Many restaurants, temples, and small shops are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.