Itinerary Summary
Base in Shinjuku or central Tokyo and let the JR Yamanote line and metro do the work: arrival and a first night in Shinjuku, then Asakusa, Skytree and Ueno, followed by Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku and…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Shinjuku Check-In and the Neon Canyon of Kabukicho
14:00
2h
Airport train to Shinjuku
Clear immigration and take the airport rail link into central Tokyo, changing once for Shinjuku. Haneda is the faster option at about 40 minutes; Narita takes 75 to 90 minutes, so allow for the longer ride.
📍 Haneda or Narita to Shinjuku
18:00
1.5h
Kabukicho neon street wander
Walk the neon grid of Kabukicho, past arcades, izakaya signs and the Godzilla head above the cinema. It is lively and safe in the main lanes; ignore touts offering bar deals and keep your bag zipped in crowds.
📍 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
20:00
1.5h
Omoide Yokocho izakaya dinner
Pick a tiny counter in the Omoide Yokocho alley for skewers, stewed tofu and a cold beer. Seats are limited and a small otoshi charge is normal; many shops are cash-only and close when ingredients run out.
📍 Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku
💡 Pro Tip: Haneda is the closer airport; from Narita the Narita Express and Keisei Skyliner take about an hour. Tokyo's subway is split between two operators, so an IC card avoids buying separate tickets. Keep phone calls off trains, stand left on Tokyo escalators, and expect last trains around midnight. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Japan visa section.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$58035%
Central business hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$33020%
Sushi, ramen, tonkatsu and izakaya small plates
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly into Haneda or Narita for a Tokyo city trip?+
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, with trains into the city in under 30 minutes, while Narita is cheaper for some long-haul fares but adds an hour or more. Compare total fares and arrival times, then pick the airport that suits your hotel.
Do I need a Suica or IC card to get around Tokyo?+
An IC card makes JR, metro, bus and convenience store payments tap-and-go, and visitors can now add a digital Suica to a phone wallet. Physical cards are also sold at station machines; a one-day metro pass can be cheaper on heavy sightseeing days.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo to avoid heat and crowds?+
March to April and October to November give mild 15-25 C weather and the most comfortable walking. July and August are hot and humid at 30-35 C, and Golden Week in early May plus cherry blossom weeks bring the heaviest domestic crowds.
Do I need to book the Toyosu Market tuna auction in advance?+
Yes. The early-morning tuna auction viewing at Toyosu Market requires a reservation made in advance, usually through a lottery on the market's official site, with limited places each day. Apply well ahead; the sushi restaurants need no booking but fill early.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,350–1,940 (≈ €1,170–1,690), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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