5 Days in Tokyo: The Ultimate First-Timer's Itinerary

Tokyo can feel overwhelming on a first visit, but five days is enough to see the big sights and still leave room to wander. This itinerary keeps each day focused on one or two neighbourhoods so you spend less time on trains and more time soaking in the city's astonishing energy.

Travellers from the Gulf will find direct flights from Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, with most landing at Haneda or Narita. Pick up a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card at the airport and you will glide through the metro for the rest of the trip without buying a single paper ticket.

Day one: Asakusa and the old city

Start in Asakusa, the most traditional pocket of central Tokyo. The Senso-ji temple, with its giant red lantern at the Kaminarimon gate, is the oldest in the city and a wonderful place to find your bearings. Walk the Nakamise shopping street for snacks and souvenirs before the crowds build, then duck into the quieter side lanes where artisans still work.

• Visit Senso-ji early, ideally before 9am, to enjoy the temple in calm
• Cross the river to the Tokyo Skytree for a sweeping view of the sprawl
• End the evening in nearby Ueno for cheap izakaya dining and a stroll in the park

Day two: Shibuya and Harajuku

This is the Tokyo of postcards. The Shibuya Scramble crossing is a spectacle in itself, with thousands of people flowing across in every direction. The Hachiko statue beside the station is the city's classic meeting point, named after a famously loyal dog. From there walk north into Harajuku.

Takeshita Street is the heart of youth fashion, loud, colourful and crammed with crepe stands. A short stroll away sits Meiji Shrine, a forested sanctuary that feels a world apart from the surrounding shops. Experiencing that contrast in a single afternoon is exactly what makes Tokyo special. Finish with a coffee in the stylish backstreets of Omotesando.

Day three: Shinjuku and the gardens

Spend the morning in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the finest gardens in the city and stunning during cherry blossom season. In the afternoon, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where the observation decks are free and the views stretch to Mount Fuji on clear days.

• Shinjuku Gyoen charges a small entry fee but is worth every yen
• The free observation decks beat many paid towers for value
• Golden Gai is a maze of tiny atmospheric bars worth seeing after dark

Day four: a day trip to Hakone or Kamakura

Break up the city pace with a day trip. Hakone offers hot springs, an open-air art museum and, on clear days, postcard views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Kamakura is closer and home to the Great Buddha, a serene bronze statue that has sat outdoors for centuries, along with charming temples and a beach.

Both are reachable within roughly an hour or two by train. If you bought a Japan Rail Pass, Kamakura is easy to reach on the JR line. Pack light, carry water, and wear comfortable shoes, as both involve a fair amount of walking up gentle hills.

Day five: Ginza, the imperial grounds and food

Spend your last day at a gentler rhythm. Stroll the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the green heart of the city, then explore Ginza for elegant department stores and basement food halls known as depachika. These food halls are a feast for the eyes and a great spot for edible gifts to carry home.

For lunch, consider the Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood, then a final ramen bowl in the evening. End your trip with a quiet drink overlooking the skyline, reflecting on how much ground five days can cover.

Practical tips for Gulf travellers

Tokyo is exceptionally safe and clean, and getting lost is rarely a problem since signage is bilingual. Cash is still widely used, so carry some yen even though cards are increasingly accepted. Pocket Wi-Fi or a travel eSIM keeps you navigating with ease.

• Halal options are growing, with dedicated restaurants in Shinjuku and Asakusa
• Many convenience stores stock vegetarian and seafood choices for quick meals
• Spring from March to May and autumn from October to November are the best months
• Tipping is not expected anywhere, and trying to tip can cause confusion

Frequently asked questions

Is five days enough for Tokyo?

Yes, for a first visit. Five days lets you cover the major neighbourhoods, fit in a day trip, and still enjoy meals without rushing. You will not see everything, but you will leave with a strong feel for the city and a list of reasons to return.

Do I need a Japan Rail Pass for Tokyo?

Not for the city itself, where a Suica or Pasmo card is more practical and flexible. A rail pass only pays off if you plan longer trips to other regions such as Kyoto or Osaka during the same journey.

Can I find halal food easily?

It takes a little planning but is increasingly possible. Look for certified restaurants in Shinjuku and Asakusa, and use apps that map halal eateries across the city. Seafood and vegetarian options also fill many gaps.

With a Suica card in your pocket and a loose plan in hand, Tokyo rewards curiosity at every turn. Leave space for the unexpected alleyway, the tiny noodle counter and the quiet shrine, and you will understand why so many visitors return again and again.