First time in Tokyo: 5-Day Itinerary & Travel Tips

Tokyo can feel overwhelming on your first visit — it’s a dazzling mix of neon lights, centuries-old traditions, and endless attractions. When we spent 5 days in Tokyo as a family, I learned a lot about how to make the trip smoother, more affordable, and stress-free (especially with kids in tow!). In this guide, I’ll walk you through our exact 5-day Tokyo itinerary, share practical tips for first-time travelers, and point out where you can save time and money by booking ahead.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Shinjuku

Coming from Narita Airport to our Airbnb with kids and luggage was an adventure on its own. Here’s what helped us:

Tokyo Subway Ticket via Klook – We booked the unlimited subway pass for 3 days, which turned out to be a lifesaver.
Taxis in Tokyo are very expensive, so the subway is your best friend. We stayed in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest districts.
It’s the perfect base for first-timers — packed with restaurants, shops, neon signs, and entertainment.

Tip: Take it easy on your first night. Wander through the streets, snap photos of the famous neon signs, and grab dinner. Even a simple hot meal from 7-Eleven (yes, 7-Eleven in Japan is amazing!) can be cozy and budget-friendly.

Day 2: Shibuya Crossing & Beyond

people gathered outside buildings and vehicles

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing Shibuya Crossing — the busiest intersection in the world. The moment the lights turn green, hundreds of people surge from every direction. Standing in the middle of it all felt surreal.

In Shibuya we also:

Visited a cat cafe!
Tokyo has tons of themed cafes!

Shopped at a 12-story department store filled with fashion, electronics, and souvenirs

Day 3: Kimono Experience & Asakusa

This was one of the highlights of our trip. My daughter and I rented kimonos through Klook, which included hairstyling and help with dressing. Walking around Asakusa, especially near Senso-ji Temple, felt like stepping back in time.

Yes, it was 35°C that day, but the experience was so worth it. The streets around Asakusa are full of traditional shops, street food, and souvenirs — I instantly thought, “Next time, I’d love to stay here.

Day 4: Tokyo DisneySea

If you’re visiting Tokyo with family, DisneySea is a must. Unlike Disneyland, which you can find in several countries, Tokyo DisneySea is one-of-a-kind — it only exists in Japan.

We booked our tickets via Klook - https://bit.ly/3IvNLdW for our family of six, which saved both money and time. Since we only had one day, I’m glad we chose DisneySea over Disneyland. The nautical theme, unique rides, and magical atmosphere completely exceeded my expectations.

👉 Get DisneySea tickets here (Klook): https://bit.ly/3VxA3dv

Day 5: Akihabara Before Flying Home

man in blue top facing two women standing on concrete floor

On our last day, before catching our flight, we explored Akihabara — Tokyo’s tech and anime paradise. Even if you’re not into gaming or anime, this neighborhood is fascinating. From neon-lit arcades to manga shops and quirky themed cafés, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

We even tried a maid café, which was fun for the whole family — something totally new for us.

Watch our YouTube Tokyo Vlog

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