Add Mt. Takao or see more of the city in five days?
For observation decks, gardens, a shrine and Mt. Takao’s lower slopes, stay four nights in Shinjuku and visit the city and mountain on separate days. For the zoo and two gardens at a slower pace, stay four nights in Ueno. Neither itinerary changes accommodation.
Choose an itinerary for 5 days / 4 nights
Shinjuku and Asakusa, with a day on Mt. Takao
Stay in Shinjuku. Spend separate days on gardens and city streets, eastern temples and viewpoints, and Mt. Takao. Choose the arrival-day government observation room and final-day park only if flight times allow.
Shinjuku and Asakusa, with a day on Mt. Takao →5 days / 4 nights BUeno Zoo and two gardens
Stay in Ueno. Visit the zoo, two gardens, Sensoji and Skytree on separate days. Instead of Mt. Takao, visit a mansion garden on arrival day and make a short Yushima Tenmangu visit on the final day.
Ueno Zoo and two gardens →Shinjuku and Asakusa, with a day on Mt. Takao
Stay in Shinjuku. Spend separate days on gardens and city streets, eastern temples and viewpoints, and Mt. Takao. Choose the arrival-day government observation room and final-day park only if flight times allow.
Day 1 · City views from Shinjuku’s government building
From Narita Airport, check and reserve a Narita Express (N’EX) service that stops at Shinjuku. Get off at JR Shinjuku and use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Airport arrival station → Around Shinjuku station
From Haneda, compare taking Keikyu to Shinagawa, then changing to the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinjuku. At Shinjuku, use your accommodation’s recommended exit.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → South Observation Room and the same accommodation
Walk about ten minutes from JR Shinjuku’s West Exit to Level 1 of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1. Take the dedicated lift to the free South Observation Room. Crowded days may involve entry queues. It opens 09:30–22:00, with last entry at 21:30. Check closures, including the first and third Tuesdays. Return towards the West Exit for dinner, then your accommodation. Leave out this visit if you arrive late or it is closed. Reservations are not accepted.
If the observation room is closed, eat and rest in Shinjuku.
Day 2 · Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya
Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen’s gardens and Meiji Jingu’s forest, then have dinner in Shibuya. Walk about ten minutes from the Shinjuku South Exit area to Shinjuku Gate.
- Shinjuku Gyoen → Same gate and lunch in Shinjuku
After the morning visit, leave through the same gate and have lunch in Shinjuku.
- JR Shinjuku station → Harajuku station, shrine southern entrance and main sanctuary
Take the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinagawa to Harajuku. Walk about one minute to the southern entrance, then at least another ten minutes to the main sanctuary.
- Meiji Jingu and Harajuku station → Finish worship, then Shibuya station
In October, finish worship before the 16:40 gate closure, then take a train in the same direction from Harajuku to Shibuya.
- Shibuya station → Dinner and Shinjuku accommodation
After dinner, take JR towards Shinjuku and Ikebukuro to your Shinjuku accommodation. If the garden is closed, choose a Shinjuku Central Park walk or a meal near your accommodation. Decide whether to walk in the park based on the weather and on-site restrictions. In busy seasons, check whether your date requires a reservation and make any required booking before visiting.
JR Greater Tokyo route mapMinistry of the Environment guideOfficial operationsOfficial access
Day 3 · Sensoji, then Skytree views
Take JR from Shinjuku towards Ikebukuro and Ueno. At Ueno, change to the Ginza line towards Asakusa and get off at G19.
- Asakusa station → Sensoji visit and lunch
Walk about five minutes to the temple, visit and have lunch in Asakusa.
- Tobu Asakusa station → Tokyo Skytree station, entrance and observation deck
Take a regular Tobu train stopping at Tokyo Skytree for about three minutes. Walk about six minutes from the West Exit to the main entrance on Level 4. Visit only the deck or deck-and-galleria combination you have booked.
Official Skytree rail accessRoute to the entrance on Level 4Tickets
- Tokyo Skytree station → Transfers at Asakusa and Ueno, then Shinjuku accommodation
Return via Tobu to Asakusa → Ginza line towards Shibuya to Ueno → JR towards Ikebukuro and Shinjuku → accommodation. Allow for meals and waiting for Tobu trains so you reach the entrance by your observation deck booking time. If you cannot secure a ticket, or official notices suspend entry or operations, finish the temple visit and meal and return to your accommodation via the same Asakusa route. Reduce street walking in heavy rain or outdoor crowds.
TicketsOpening hoursOfficial Skytree rail accessAsakusa station timetableJR Greater Tokyo route map
Day 4 · Mt. Takao cable car and mountainside walk
Ride the cable car for a mountainside walk, then return to the same Shinjuku accommodation.
- Keio Shinjuku station → Takaosanguchi station
Take a regular Keio train towards Takaosanguchi. If it is not direct, change at Kitano to the Takao line. Check trains and cable car operations before setting out, and leave out the mountain visit if services are suspended.
Cable car fares and hoursKeio fare tableOfficial cable railway access
- Takaosanguchi station → Kiyotaki station and cable car
After getting off the train, walk about five minutes to Kiyotaki and ride the cable car for about six minutes.
- Cable car Takaosan station → Viewpoint near the station
Follow the signs from the cable car to the nearby viewpoint and look at the scenery. This is separate from the summit viewpoint. Cloud or rain may obscure distant views.
- Viewpoint near the station → The same cable car Takaosan station
Return along the same path to the cable car station. This short walk excludes the mountain paths to Yakuoin or the summit. Descend by cable car if the viewpoint path is restricted or rain and strong winds make walking difficult. Before eating on the mountainside, check descending services and queue times.
Takao Tozan Railway viewpoint near the stationCable car fares and hours
- Optional meal near mountainside Takaosan station → Return to the cable car station after eating
Check the restaurant’s location, hours and queues. If eating would leave too little time to return for your descending cable car, go down first and eat at the foot of the mountain.
Confirm your chosen restaurant’s location, hours and queues, and the descending cable car service.
- Cable car Takaosan station → Descend to Kiyotaki station
Check descending services for your date and take the cable car. The official one-way ride time is about six minutes, excluding queues and waiting. Finish your meal and walk in time to descend before the last service.
- Kiyotaki station → Keio Takaosanguchi station
Follow the same path back from Kiyotaki to Takaosanguchi. The walk takes about five minutes. Allow extra time for meals, cable car queues and reaching the Keio platform.
- Keio Takaosanguchi station → Keio Shinjuku station
Take a regular train towards Shinjuku. If it is not direct, change towards Shinjuku at the actual interchange shown in the journey search for your date, such as Kitano. Waiting and transfers take extra time. Reserved-seat train charges are excluded from the existing subtotal.
- Keio Shinjuku station → Return to the same Shinjuku accommodation
Use the gates, exit and walking route recommended by your booked accommodation. Confirm the route and time from Keio station in your booking information.
Walking route and time from Keio Shinjuku station to your booked accommodation entrance.
Day 5 · A short Shinjuku Central Park walk
Explore Shinjuku Central Park and return to the same accommodation. This is an optional light morning walk if airport travel time allows.
- Shinjuku station West Exit → Shinjuku Central Park
Walk about ten minutes from JR’s West Exit to the free Central Park. In the morning, walk the shaded and waterside paths. This is separate from day 2’s Shinjuku Gyoen; you do not re-enter that garden. Leave out the walk in rain, during works or under restrictions.
Official operationsOfficial accessTourism association admission guide
- Shinjuku Central Park → The same Shinjuku accommodation
Return for about ten minutes towards the West Exit and collect luggage from the same accommodation. Have lunch only if time allows before airport travel, then go to your reserved departure station or stop.
- Shinjuku accommodation → Your reserved airport train’s departure station and terminal
For Narita, board your reserved airport-bound Narita Express at JR Shinjuku. Get off at Narita Airport station for Terminal 1, or Airport Terminal 2 station for Terminals 2 and 3. For Haneda, take the JR Yamanote line towards Shibuya and Shinagawa, change at Shinagawa to an airport-bound Keikyu service and confirm that it stops at your terminal. Allow for walking from your accommodation to each platform and for Terminal 3 access. Sightsee only if you can still reach the airport by the time your airline specifies.
N’EX stopsNarita Airport railway guideJR Greater Tokyo route mapKeikyu airport accessJR works and service suspension notices
This is an optional light morning walk if airport travel time allows.
Included: Garden and Tembo Deck admission from JPY 2,300 + return Ginza line travel + Mt. Takao return transport JPY 1,840. Mt. Takao uses regular train fares of JPY 860 and cable car fares of JPY 980.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport transport, station-to-hotel travel, meals and accommodation are excluded from this subtotal.
Ministry of the Environment guideTicketsCable car fares and hoursKeio fare tableGinza line journey fares
Ueno Zoo and two gardens
Stay in Ueno. Visit the zoo, two gardens, Sensoji and Skytree on separate days. Instead of Mt. Takao, visit a mansion garden on arrival day and make a short Yushima Tenmangu visit on the final day.
Day 1 · Kyu-Iwasaki-tei mansion and gardens
Visit the former Iwasaki mansion and gardens on day 1. From Narita Airport, reserve a Keisei Ueno-bound Skyliner from your terminal’s railway station and get off at the terminus.
- Airport arrival station → Around Ueno station
Keisei Ueno and JR Ueno are different stations. Follow your accommodation’s station and exit directions. From Haneda, compare taking Keikyu to Shinagawa and changing to a JR service that stops at Ueno. At Haneda Terminal 3, follow the “Keikyu Railways” signs from arrivals to the gates and platform. At other terminals, follow that terminal’s railway directions.
Skyliner stopsJR Greater Tokyo route mapKeikyu airport accessHaneda Terminal 3 arrivals-to-station guide
- Ueno station → Okachimachi station and garden entrance
Take the JR Yamanote line towards Tokyo from Ueno to Okachimachi, then walk about 15 minutes to the garden entrance.
- Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens → Mansion and garden visit
Enter before last admission to see the Western-style mansion and gardens. Standard admission is JPY 400. Wear socks inside to help protect the historic building. The gardens open from 09:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30. They close from 29 December to 1 January. Skip this visit if you cannot arrive by 16:30 with enough viewing time. Separate guided visits to the underground passage and billiard room are excluded.
- Garden entrance → Okachimachi and Ueno stations
Walk about 15 minutes back to the same station and take a JR train towards Ueno.
If you cannot visit before the garden closes, leave it out on day 1 and eat in Ueno.
Day 2 · Ueno Zoo with time for breaks
Spend the day seeing your chosen animals, such as elephants and giraffes. From your Ueno accommodation, reach street level at JR’s Park Exit and walk about five minutes to the main entrance.
- Ueno Zoo → Animal viewing
Visit after 09:30. If the zoo is closed, check opening calendars to see whether you can swap this with another sightseeing day. If no other day works, reduce the plan to a Ueno Park walk and meal when weather and restrictions permit. Allow for entry queues, see your preferred animals first and take breaks.
Official operating informationZoo main entrance accessOfficial guide
- Zoo main entrance → A meal and rest in the park
Leave through the main entrance after your visit and eat and rest in the park.
Official operating informationZoo main entrance accessOfficial guide
- Ueno Park → The same Ueno accommodation
After sightseeing and your meal, walk back to your Ueno accommodation to rest.
Day 3 · Sensoji and Skytree
Take the Ginza line from G16 Ueno towards Asakusa to G19. Walk about five minutes to the temple, visit and have lunch.
- Tobu Asakusa station → Tokyo Skytree station
Take a regular train stopping at Tokyo Skytree from Tobu Asakusa; the ride takes about three minutes.
- Tokyo Skytree station West Exit → Main entrance on Level 4 and observation deck
Walk about six minutes from the West Exit to the main entrance on Level 4, then enter your booked observation deck.
- Tokyo Skytree station → Transfer at Asakusa and return to Ueno accommodation
Return from the same station towards Asakusa, then change to the Ginza line towards Shibuya to Ueno and your accommodation. Allow for meals and waiting for Tobu trains so you reach the entrance by your observation deck booking time. If you cannot secure a ticket, or official notices suspend entry or operations, finish the temple visit and meal and return to your accommodation via the same Asakusa route. Reduce street walking in heavy rain or outdoor crowds.
TicketsOpening hoursOfficial Skytree rail accessAsakusa station timetable
Day 4 · Shinjuku Gyoen, then return to Ueno
Take the JR Yamanote line from Ueno towards Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. After the garden, you can have lunch and rest in Shinjuku before returning to Ueno. To return directly, go to JR Shinjuku station.
- JR Shinjuku station South Exit → Shinjuku Gate
Walk about ten minutes from the South Exit to Shinjuku Gyoen’s Shinjuku Gate. If the garden is closed, choose a Shinjuku Central Park walk or a meal near your accommodation. Decide whether to walk in the park based on the weather and on-site restrictions. In busy seasons, check whether your date requires a reservation and make any required booking before visiting.
Ministry of the Environment guideAccess to each garden gateJR Greater Tokyo route mapOfficial operationsOfficial access
- Shinjuku Gate → Garden visit and the same gate
Explore the garden and return to the same Shinjuku Gate.
- JR Shinjuku station → Ueno station and the same accommodation
Take JR towards Ikebukuro and Ueno, get off at Ueno and return to your accommodation.
After the garden, you can have lunch and rest in Shinjuku before returning to Ueno. To return directly, go to JR Shinjuku station.
Day 5 · Yushima Tenmangu, then the airport
Walk from Okachimachi to Yushima Tenmangu for a short visit. Allow the necessary time for airport travel and departure procedures first.
- Ueno and Okachimachi North Exit → Yushima Tenmangu
Take JR from Ueno towards Tokyo to Okachimachi and walk about eight minutes from the North Exit to the shrine. In the morning, see the bronze torii and shrine front in the free grounds, and worship. Gates open 06:00–20:00. The treasure exhibition, prayer services and charms are excluded. The shrine is on a slope; to avoid stairs, choose the sloping route from Kasuga-dori on the official access map.
Yushima Tenmangu access by stationTokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau Bunkyo guide PDF
- Yushima Tenmangu → Okachimachi and Ueno accommodation
Walk about eight minutes back to the same North Exit and take JR towards Ueno to collect luggage from your accommodation. JR Ueno and Keisei Ueno are different stations. Go to the departure station and platform for your reserved airport service. Eat only if time allows before travel.
Yushima Tenmangu access by stationJR Greater Tokyo route mapSkyliner stops
- Ueno accommodation → Your reserved airport train’s departure station and terminal
For the Skyliner to Narita, go to Keisei Ueno and board your reserved service. Get off at Narita Airport station for Terminal 1, or Airport Terminal 2 station for Terminals 2 and 3. Allow additional time from the station to Terminal 3. For Haneda, compare taking JR from Ueno to Shinagawa and changing to a Keikyu service that stops at your terminal. Work backwards from your required airport arrival time, and sightsee only if time allows.
Skyliner stopsNarita Airport railway guideJR Greater Tokyo route mapKeikyu airport access
Allow the necessary time for airport travel and departure procedures first.
Included: Ueno Zoo, Tembo Deck, Shinjuku Gyoen and Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens admission from JPY 3,300 + return Ginza line travel. Skipping the arrival-day garden removes JPY 400 admission.
Extra costs and conditions: JR, Tobu, airport transport, station-to-hotel travel, meals and accommodation are excluded from this subtotal.
Official operating informationTicketsMinistry of the Environment guideOfficial operationsGinza line journey fares
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mt. Takao itinerary stay overnight on the mountain?
No. Take Keio and the cable car to the mountainside, then return to the same Shinjuku accommodation that day. Local accommodation and summit hiking are excluded. Check descending cable cars and Shinjuku-bound trains for your date first.
Cable car fares and hoursOfficial cable railway accessKeio fare table
Does the Tokyo Wide Pass cover all travel on a five-day trip?
It lasts only three consecutive days from your chosen date. Tokyo Metro, Toei subways, Keio, JR buses to Kusatsu and local Karuizawa buses cost extra. Choose regional travel dates and covered rail sections, then compare individual fares. Displayed itinerary amounts are subtotals for some admission and transport, not total regional trip costs or totals after buying a pass.
Official sources and dates checked
- Asakusa station timetable ·
- Official operating information ·
- Ginza line journey fares ·
- Sensoji rail and walking access ·
- Zoo main entrance access ·
- Ministry of the Environment guide ·
- Access to each garden gate ·
- Shrine access ·
- Official Skytree rail access ·
- Route to the entrance on Level 4 ·
- Official cable railway access ·
- Temple guide ·
- Tickets ·
- Opening hours ·
- Gate-opening information ·
- Cable car fares and hours ·
- Keio fare table ·
- Official guide ·
- Official operations ·
- Additional official information ·
- Official operations ·
- Official access ·
- Tourism association admission guide ·
- Official operations ·
- Additional official information ·
- Yushima Tenmangu access by station ·
- Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau Bunkyo guide PDF ·
- Skyliner stops ·
- JR Greater Tokyo route map ·
- Keikyu airport access ·
- Haneda Terminal 3 arrivals-to-station guide ·
- Narita Airport railway guide ·
- N’EX stops ·
- JR works and service suspension notices ·
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass routes, price and three consecutive days ·
- Karuizawa Tourism Association access and local buses ·
- Echigo-Yuzawa tourism authority Shinkansen access ·
- Kusakaru Kotsu 2026 buses, crowds, delays and service periods ·
- JR East Kusatsu Onsen access and Yubatake ·
- Takao Tozan Railway viewpoint near the station ·