Exploring Tokyo in 5 Days

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Advisor - Anderson Orlandi
Curated By

Anderson Orlandi

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Couples Travel

  • Tokyo

  • Japan

  • Local Food

  • Local Culture

  • Shopping

A street view at nighttime.
Curator’s statement

Tokyo is one of the world's most vibrant cities, making it a wonderful place to explore and experience. From its buzzing streets to its neon-lit skyscrapers, Tokyo is a city that never sleeps. Not only is it the largest city in Japan, but its bustling urban sprawl is home to over 30 million people.

In Tokyo, you can find a thrilling variety of foods, cultures and entertainment.

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Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo!

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On your first day here, make sure to stop by some of the city's iconic sights. Start your day off with a visit to the Meiji Shrine. Located in the center of Shibuya, this shrine serves as a symbol of the emperor and empress and is a beautiful spot for capturing photos.

Next, make your way to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This garden is home to over 1,500 species of trees and it's a great place to soak in the natural beauty of the city. Visit the pagodas, bonsai trees and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Then take a stroll through the Kaiseki food stalls. These stalls serve up amazing traditional Japanese fare like sushi and tempura. You'll want to try all of the delicious snacks and drinks available here.

Finally, end your day with a nighttime stroll through Tokyo's vibrant nightlife. Head over to Roppongi or Shibuya for some of the best bars and clubs.

Day 2: Tokyo's Imperial Palace & sumptuous dinner

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Welcome to day two in Tokyo, Japan! Today, we’ll make the most of our time here by exploring the cultural and historical attractions of this amazing city. Start your day off by exploring Pasona 02 Underground Farm is large-scale agriculture even possible in a metropolis like Tokyo? Endeavors to say yes. Afterwards, stop by nearby Asakusa to shop for souvenirs and traditional Japanese snacks.

Next up is Tokyo's Imperial Palace – make sure to bring your camera along for a series of breathtaking photographs. Finish the day at the Tokyo Skytree, the highest tower and second-tallest structure in the world. Enjoy an unforgettable view of Tokyo from the tower’s observation deck before heading off to dinner.

End your day with a sumptuous Japanese dinner such as sushi or try a unique mix of Japanese and Western food in one of the city's trendy restaurants. There are plenty of attractions to explore on your second day in Tokyo – you won’t want to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Restaurants:

Day 3: Areas near Mount Fuji

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Welcome to day three of our visit to Japan! On this day, we have a packed schedule – first up we are visiting some beautiful lakes close to Mount Fuji. As the highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji looms majestically over the countryside, its iconic symmetrical shape creating a stunning backdrop to the natural wonders that surround it.

From here, we drove to Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Sai. During our trip, we could admire views of the clouds and the terraced fields that dot the gentle slopes, providing the perfect opportunity to take some photos. We could take a walk around the lakes and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this tranquil spot.

At Lake Kawaguchiko, you can learn a bit of local history at the Sengenjinya shrine – the traditional location offering prayers of protection against the drifts of Mount Fuji.

Finally, we made a quick stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park, where you can take in mesmerizing views of Mount Fuji while surrounded by beautifully cultivated Japanese gardens with stunning views of mount FIJI, I had been in Tokyo 5 times, is kind of easy to drive, but you need drive license issue to use International, most the rental car could be done with Toyota locations; another way is by train or bus or a tour cover all the lakes

Day 4: Museum and art day

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Today, we are going to explore the amazing art and museums of Tokyo. This vibrant city offers many unique opportunities to explore and discover some of the most impressive artworks, from traditional Japanese art to modern masterpieces.

The Tokyo National Museum, located in Ueno Park, has the largest collection of Japanese art and artifacts in the world, including paintings, pottery, statues and calligraphy. It also houses a variety of Buddhist statues and sculptures. The museum provides an insight into the history and culture of Japan.

The Mori Art Museum is one of the most popular contemporary art spaces in Tokyo. It includes art from both Japanese and international artists, such as sculptures, digital media works, paintings and more. There’s something for everyone here – from modern themes to traditional compositions.

The National Art Center in Roppongi is a great way to experience the wide range of Japanese art and culture. The center showcases works by impressive Japanese artists, as well as works by international artists from around the world.

These places are essential if you are looking to explore the art and culture of Tokyo.

Day 5: Shibuya exploration

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Find ourselves in the heart of Shibuya. Known as the center of youth culture and fashion, Shibuya offers a plethora of shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Lastly, take a short journey to the nearby Shinjuku district. Here we can witness the hustle and bustle of city life, including rows of neon lights that serve as an impressive testament to Japan's bright culture.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief overview of Tokyo's many things to see and do. Additional if you like to have amazing dinner experience try Sézanne chef Calvert is a culinary genius.

Advisor - Anderson Orlandi

Travel Advisor

Anderson Orlandi

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, Art and Cuisine.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan.