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Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Tower and Shibuya cover photo

5-Day Tokyo Spring Exploration for Relaxed Culture & Food Lovers

🏛️Culture & History🍽️Authentic FoodRelaxed Pace
5 daysspring

A laid-back 5-day spring itinerary through Tokyo covering key historic sites, scenic walks, cultural experiences, and food markets with leisurely pacing and local charm.

Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

A local guide takes you around for 2-3 hours covering all the main sights and hidden gems. It's 100% tip-based. Guides only earn what you give them at the end, so they bring their absolute best every time. Passionate storytelling, insider tips, restaurant recommendations you won't find online.

Do this on your first day. You'll get your bearings, learn the history, and get personal recommendations from a local for the rest of your stay.

Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Historic Tokyo & Free Walking Tour
Morning
Free Walking Tour

Estimated time: 3h

Start with a guided walk to get oriented with historic districts and cultural highlights.

A free walking tour in Tokyo offers a lively way to explore neon-lit neighborhoods and serene temple precincts, sampling street snacks and seeing contrasts between ultramodern architecture and centuries-old sites. You'll typically hear local guides explain historical context, cultural customs, and practical tips, making the stroll both educational and enjoyable.

Book FREE walking tour
Late Morning
Senso-ji Temple

Estimated time: 1.5h

Arrive early to enjoy the temple grounds and Nakamise Street with fewer crowds.

4.5(91,592 reviews)
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Afternoon
Nakamise Street

Estimated time: 1h

Sample traditional snacks and shop for souvenirs.

4.3(14,815 reviews)
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Late Afternoon
Nezu Shrine

Estimated time: 1h

Enjoy peaceful walks and spring blossoms if available.

4.4(8,821 reviews)
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Evening
Local Izakaya Dinner

Estimated time: 1.5h

Try local dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

You'll typically settle into a lively, casual spot where small plates, charcoal-grilled skewers, and seasonal dishes encourage sharing and conversation, creating a relaxed evening of tasting and socializing. Local guides often explain ordering customs and recommend pairings with local drinks, helping you discover flavors rooted in tradition alongside inventive modern twists. The city's mix of narrow alleys, historic neighborhoods, and neon-lit nightlife makes every stop feel like a cultural snapshot, ideal for travelers who want an authentic, sociable food experience.

Meals

LunchStreet Food at Nakamise Street7 USD
DinnerIzakaya local cuisine15 USD
Use Tokyo Metro day pass for convenient travel.
Day 2Imperial History and Traditional Culture
Morning
Imperial Palace East Gardens

Estimated time: 2h

Stroll around historic gardens and castle ruins.

4.4(29,893 reviews)
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Late Morning
Meiji Shrine

Estimated time: 1.5h

Visit this peaceful shrine in a forested setting.

4.6(48,259 reviews)
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Afternoon
Omotesando Street

Estimated time: 2h

Explore upmarket shopping and architecture.

4(8,348 reviews)
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Evening
Kabuki Theatre Performance

Estimated time: 2h

Experience traditional Japanese performing arts.

4.3(10,294 reviews)
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Meals

LunchCafe on Omotesando offering local dishes15 USD
DinnerJapanese cuisine near Kabuki Theatre20 USD
Use Metro and JR lines, consider a taxi if running late.
Day 3Museums and Art
Morning
Tokyo National Museum

Estimated time: 3h

View Japan’s largest collection of art and antiquities.

4.5(29,630 reviews)
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Afternoon
Edo-Tokyo Museum

Estimated time: 2h

Learn about Tokyo’s history from Edo to modern day.

4.4(12,685 reviews)
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Late Afternoon
Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street

Estimated time: 1.5h

Browse local shops and try snacks from small vendors.

4.1(10,946 reviews)
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Meals

LunchCasual local restaurant near museums15 USD
DinnerTraditional Japanese meal in Yanaka20 USD
Public transport with occasional taxis for comfort.
Day 4Scenic Walks and Food Markets
Morning
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Estimated time: 2h

Enjoy cherry blossoms and peaceful garden paths.

4.6(43,156 reviews)
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Late Morning
Tsukiji Outer Market

Estimated time: 2h

Sample fresh seafood and explore food stalls.

4.2(55,310 reviews)
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Afternoon
Coffee in a Cozy Cafe

Estimated time: 1h

Relax in a local café with quality coffee.

A relaxed cafe visit offers a peaceful pause from bustling urban life, where carefully brewed coffee and attention to detail turn a simple drink into a sensory ritual. You'll typically encounter meticulous pour-over methods and seasonal single-origin beans, and local baristas often explain brewing choices and tasting notes, making the experience a wonderful way to enjoy both tradition and contemporary flavor.

Late Afternoon
Sumida Park

Estimated time: 1.5h

Walk along the river, good for spring views.

4.2(4,337 reviews)
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Meals

LunchSeafood dishes at Tsukiji Outer Market20 USD
DinnerLocal seasonal cuisine restaurant20 USD
Walking to markets, short taxi rides if needed.
Day 5Modern Tokyo and Leisure
Morning
teamLab Planets TOKYO

Estimated time: 2h

Experience immersive digital art exhibits.

4.5(49,065 reviews)
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Late Morning
Cat Street

Estimated time: 1.5h

Stroll through trendy shops and cafes.

4.5(66 reviews)
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Afternoon
Cooking Class for Regional Cuisine

Estimated time: 3h

Learn to prepare and enjoy regional Japanese dishes.

Hands-on sessions let you learn regional techniques and flavors, and you'll typically prepare several classic dishes from scratch while tasting seasonal, market-fresh ingredients. Local guides often explain cultural context and food history, and most classes include step-by-step instruction, demonstrations, and a communal meal where you can enjoy your creations. The city's long culinary traditions, world-class markets, and emphasis on seasonality make it an especially rewarding place to explore regional cooking.

Meals

LunchLight lunch near teamLab Planets15 USD
DinnerUse cooking class mealIncluded
Public transport plus short taxis for convenience.

Additional popular things to do in Tokyo, Japan

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$80
Food / day$22
Transport / day$7
Activities / day$10
Daily total$119
Trip total$595

Accommodation standard hotel, food includes street food and izakaya, activities mostly free or low cost tours and visits.

Pre-Trip Checklist

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