Discover Tokyo’s highlights
Tokyo is unlike any other city in the world and is totally deserving of its own status as a bucket list destination. Being smack bang in the centre of the world means it's also a great stopover destination for Aussies on their way to Europe or America. Or, if you want to maximise time on the Japan ski slopes, perhaps you’ve allocated yourself just a few days to see the highlights of Tokyo. So, if you are short on time you can rest assured that fitting the best of Tokyo into five days is definitely possible.
Here’s how to see the best of Tokyo in five days:
Before Your Flight
1. Pre-buy your transport tickets
Tokyo used to be a small fishing village, but now it’s home to the busiest intersection in the world
First things first—to make sure you don’t waste any time and can hit the ground running, you should pre-purchase your train tickets. There are two main train services in Tokyo, run by two different companies (the train from Narita airport into the city is a different service to the subway which operates from suburb to suburb), a combined ticket will help your travels run smoothly and give you unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, making it super easy for you to tick the best attractions in Tokyo off your list!
2. Organise your data before you arrive
How will anyone know you’re on holiday if you don’t post on IG?
With a short 48 hours in Tokyo, you can’t afford to waste even a second seeking out the right SIM card and data plan. Tokyo is an incredibly Instagrammable city and you are most definitely going to want to share your experiences all over social media, plus you may need good ‘ol Google maps if you make a wrong turn! To this end, organising your data plans before you arrive in Japan will make it easy to simply switch your SIM over at the airport and start ‘gramming. There are packages to suit all durations and needs.
3. Plan your Tokyo itinerary in advance
Choose where you want to go when you want to go! Credit to @olivias.odyssey on Instagram
Plan your activities ahead of schedule to avoid any delays and hassle when you want to visit Tokyo’s most famous attractions. A lot of these experiences can sell out quickly, so it’s important to reserve your spot in advance!
The Klook Pass Tokyo makes travelling around the city much more efficiently, more conveniently and at better prices. Use your pass to enjoy two, three, or four amazing Tokyo attractions during your stay. This way, you won’t have to worry about lining up for long hours and having to reschedule your visit.
Day 1: Modern Japan and the West Side
1. Stroll around Harajuku
How will anyone know you’re on holiday if you don’t post on IG? Credit to @nickpanisara on Instagram
Enjoy the vibrant streets of Harajuku, an area popularly known for being the hub for Japanese pop culture. Refresh your closet with the latest and up-and-coming fashion trends at the wide selection of shops and boutiques. Aside from clothing, they’ve also got cute knick knacks you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
This Harajuku tour also takes you to some historical landmarks, such as Togo Shrine, which was built towards the end of the second World War in memory of one of Japan’s most notable admirals, Heihachiro Togo. The shrine offers a beautiful oasis away from the bustle of the fashion district. Visit unique photo experiences, as well as unique themed-cafes from a micro-pig cafe to a hedgehog cafe, where you won’t be able to resist snapping a bunch of photos.
For some more dining options in Tokyo, check out this food-lover’s guide to add to your Tokyo itinerary!
2. Meet your favourite characters at Tokyo Sanrio Puroland
Make sure to visit Hello Kitty’s house to learn more about her family and her favourite things.
Virtually everyone in the world knows about Hello Kitty and her colourful circle of friends. Explore this indoor theme park that’s brimming with exciting rides and attractions based on the Sanrio characters, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and more. Make sure you’re front row at their musicals and parades as they dance around in elaborate costumes and wonderful sets.
Don’t forget to stop by the park’s gift shops to commemorate your trip, along with the photos you’ve snagged with the roaming characters and of the yummy themed-foods at the restaurants. All in all, Tokyo Sanrio Puroland is one of Japan’s most famous theme parks, so it’s important to get your tickets as soon as you can.
3. Get a new perspective at the Tokyo Tower Observatory
Visit the Tokyo Tower day or night for a totally different viewing experience.
Reaching 332.9 metres into the sky, the Tokyo Tower is Japan’s second tallest structure and is easily one of the best ways to take in the whole city from a height. The Tokyo Tower Observatory’s main deck is 150 metres high, while the top deck is 250 metres high, and both offer unparalleled views of the city landscape. If you have no problem with heights, challenge yourself to standing upon the “Lookdown Window,” a glass floor overlooking the city. Or, try out the Open-air Outdoor Stairs Walk to climb 600 steps towards the main deck. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Gulf of Tokyo and Mount Fuji right from where you’re standing.
Aside from being a popular tourist attraction, the Tokyo Tower is a functioning broadcast antenna. It was first built in 1958 and inspired by the Eiffel Tower’s lattice design. Since then, it has become an iconic symbol of Tokyo, as well as Japan.
Day 2: Traditional Tokyo and the East Side
1. Dress up in lovely kimonos and yukatas
Did you even go to Japan if you didn’t wear a kimono?
One of the best souvenirs you can take away from a country is the perfect photo. With a kimono and yukata styling session, you will be dressed up in a stunning robe, complete with obi, shoes and socks before a professional hair stylist fixes your hair so you look the part. Live out the scenes from your favourite anime with your loved ones.
Once you are dressed to the nines, you will be free to wander the streets, using Asakusa as your backdrop, a town where traditional architecture is on every street. Strike your best pose and get that perfect shot for a moment you will always remember.
Interested in some more cultural things to do in Tokyo? Here are some more interesting ways to experience modern and traditional Japanese culture in Tokyo.
2. Race the streets in this Go Karting experience in Akihabara
The speediest way to see the best sights in the city!
The speediest way to see the best sights in the city!
For drivers with a need for speed, this Go-Karting Experience in Akihabara is the best way to tour one of the most interesting areas in Tokyo. It’s basically Mario Kart, but in real life! You can even dress up in your cosplay costume of choice as you drive around the streets in your very own kart. This is surely one of the most interesting experiences on your Tokyo itinerary, so make sure to snap a lot of photos, which bystanders will probably be doing as well.
Akihabara is a street known for all things otaku. This includes anime, manga, cosplay culture, electronics, and more. The area boasts a large variety of shops selling merchandise and costumes, as well as being a great spot to visit a maid cafe.
3. Immerse yourself in modern art
Immersive and completely stunning!
teamLab is producing the kind of modern art that even the most novice art enthusiast can enjoy. In fully immersive experiences, the teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless exhibitions allow patrons to become one with the art installations that focus on light, mirrors and visual effects. Undoubtedly, you have seen the ultra-cool photos that visitors have posted to social media, with seemingly endless rooms full of colour, making it appear that the ceilings are as absent as the floor. While teamLab Borderless (reopening 2023) is a permanent exhibition, the Planets offering is only showing for a limited time, but both are equally well worth a visit!
A magical and Insta-worthy must-see in Toky
As these exhibitions are extremely popular it is highly recommended that you pre-book your ticket before visiting.
Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Tour
You’ll need at least a whole day to take on this quintessential Japanese attraction.
Going on a trip to Mount Fuji is a whole-day affair on your Tokyo itinerary, not only because of the distance, but also because of the various attractions you’ll be able to visit and experience along the way. You will be able to view the dormant volcano in all its glory from Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, where you will be busting to get the perfect shot of this World Heritage listed cultural site.
There are plenty of ways to spend your time out at Mount Fuji, including appreciating the sparkling waters and grabbing lunch by Lake Kawaguchi, trying some of Japan’s best spring water at Oshino Hakkai village, and even some designer shopping. Yes, you read that correctly. Save some cash for a visit to Gotemba Premium Outlets, where you can pick up some fashionable souvenirs from well-known designer stores at the outlet.
Another way to view Mount Fuji is while riding some of the most exhilarating rides on the planet at Fuji-Q Highland—though if you want to do this as well as the Mount Fuji day trip, you’ll want to stay overnight so you have maximum fun-time at Fuji-Q!
Fuji-Q Highland is the home of two record-breaking roller coasters—the fastest accelerating roller coaster in the world and also the steepest—which means you get one of the best views of Mount Fuji right from the top!
This is fun and sight-seeing you can’t get anywhere else! Credit to @heartpatrick on Instagram
If you are looking for a more family-friendly pace, this theme park contains something for everyone, including cloud-shaped cable cars, row boats, an old timey carousel and an ice-skating rink during the winter months. This is a great option for killing two birds with one stone if you want to see Mount Fuji but prefer theme parks over national parks.
Day 4: The Imperial Palace and Shinjuku
1. Get to know the Imperial Family
The Imperial Palace is situated right where Edo Castle used to be. Credit to @japan.via.viv on Instagram
Before the Imperial Palace, the Edo Castle was once the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who governed over Japan from the early 1600s to the late 1800s. When the shogunate was overthrown, Japan’s capital and imperial residence moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The palace was completed in 1888, but was mostly destroyed during World War II; only the moats and towering stone walls are left of the original castle.
Most of the palace is actually closed off from the public because it’s the emperor’s residence, except on January 2nd and the Emperor’s Birthday. However, guided tours throughout public areas are available, including the national garden, the East Gardens, and museums.
2. Go on a saké tour
![There are only four ingredients needed to make sake!]](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1666690580/blog/bpi0q01weraif6ag2o6c.jpg)
There are only four ingredients needed to make sake!]
Did you even go to Tokyo if you didn’t sip some saké while you were there? Top off your day of adventure by unwinding with a drink. Fortunately, saké is readily available all over Japan in a range of different varieties and price points. It has both cultural and historical significance, so it’s definitely worth a spot in your Tokyo itinerary.
If you are travelling in a group, your best bet (and a tonne of fun) is an all you can drink saké tour. Alternatively, these tours also provide a fun and casual way of meeting people if you are travelling solo. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them trying out 100 different types of saké, so you’re bound to make some new friends!
Don’t worry about the hangover trouble for the next day. You can still make the most out of your trip with this hungover guide to Tokyo.
Day 5: Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to open outside of the United States! Credit to @jeanniemutiara on Instagram
Spend a day (or two!) at the happiest place on earth—at Tokyo Disney Resort. The massive resort boasts two theme parks, one being the popular Tokyo Disneyland, and the other being the one-of-a-kind Tokyo DisneySea. Experience your favourite fairytales come to life with immersive attractions, thrilling rides, and awesome sets that are prime for photo opportunities.
Tokyo DisneySea is a must-visit for a fanta-sea adventure unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the myths and legends of the sea with seven themed areas in the park. There are attractions available for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from a wide selection of delicious food to interactive exhibits. A trip to Tokyo Disney Resort is definitely a must on your things to do in Tokyo.
Updated by: Gabby Mendoza
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