Tripwith5 days in Tokyo, Japan
Five days in Tokyo for a group: old-town temples, market breakfasts, neon nights and one big art day — paced so nobody burns out.
Best time to go: Late March–April for cherry blossoms, or October–November for mild weather.
Tokyo with friends · Tripwith
Stay
Shinagawa Prince HotelDirect trains to both airports and the Shinkansen.Day 1 · Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara
Senso-ji TempleAsakusa · Tokyo's oldest temple — go early before the crowds.08:30
Nakamise Shopping StreetAsakusa · Snacks and souvenirs on the walk back out.10:00
Ueno ParkUeno · Museums, ponds and a shady lunch break.12:00
Ameyoko MarketUeno · Busy street market under the train tracks.14:00
Akihabara Electric TownAkihabara · Arcades, anime shops and retro games.17:00Day 2 · Markets, Ginza & Tokyo Tower
Tsukiji Outer MarketTsukiji · Tamagoyaki and fresh sushi for breakfast.08:00
Hamarikyu GardensChuo · Matcha at the teahouse on the pond.10:30
Ginza SixGinza · Shopping plus a free rooftop garden.13:30
Tokyo TowerShibakoen · Catch it lighting up at dusk.17:30Day 3 · Art & the bay
teamLab PlanetsToyosu · Book ahead and wear shorts — you wade through water.10:00
Toyosu MarketToyosu · Sushi lunch at the city's main fish market.12:30
Odaiba Marine ParkOdaiba · Rainbow Bridge views at sunset.16:00Day 4 · Harajuku & Shibuya
Meiji JinguHarajuku · Forest walk to the shrine.08:30
Takeshita StreetHarajuku · Crepes and street fashion.10:30
Omotesando HillsOmotesando · Design shops and lunch on Tokyo's prettiest avenue.12:30
Shibuya Scramble CrossingShibuya · Cross it once, then watch from above.16:00
Shibuya SkyShibuya · Rooftop deck — book a sunset slot.17:30Day 5 · Shinjuku nights
Shinjuku GyoenShinjuku · Best picnic spot in the city. Closed Mondays.10:00
Tokyo Metropolitan Government BuildingNishi-Shinjuku · Free observation deck with Fuji views on clear days.14:00
Omoide YokochoShinjuku · Yakitori in tiny smoky alleys.18:30
Golden GaiKabukicho · Bar-hop — many bars only seat six, so split up.21:00Before you go
Getting in from the airport
Haneda is the closer airport — about 30 minutes to central Tokyo by Keikyu train or monorail. From Narita, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner takes roughly an hour.
Getting around
Get a Suica or PASMO IC card (or add one to your phone) and tap through trains, subways and buses. Last trains run around midnight, and morning rush hour (about 7:30–9:30) is best avoided with luggage.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Not for a Tokyo-only trip — local fares are cheap. It only pays off if you add long Shinkansen rides like Kyoto or Osaka.
Where to stay as a group
Shinjuku and Shibuya for nightlife, Asakusa or Ueno for cheaper rooms and old-town charm, Shinagawa or Tokyo Station for easy airport and bullet-train links.
FAQ
Is 5 days enough for Tokyo?
Yes for a first trip — five days covers the main neighbourhoods at a relaxed pace. Add a day if you want a day trip to Kamakura, Hakone or Mt Fuji.
What should we book in advance?
teamLab Planets and Shibuya Sky sunset slots sell out, so book those as soon as your dates are set.
How do we split costs as a group?
Most groups in Tokyo pay for their own train fares with IC cards like Suica or Pasmo, while meals and some smaller shops still take cash. Add this plan as a trip in Tripwith, invite your friends, and log shared costs like dinners and taxis as you go, and Tripwith works out who owes who.