Tourism in Tokyo: How to Spend 5 Perfect Days

Tokyo has quietly turned into one of the most searched destinations for Saudi and Gulf travelers over the past couple of years, and it is easy to see why. The city pairs centuries-old temples with neon-lit skyscrapers, a Shibuya crossing that looks different every time you glance at it, and a level of calm that is hard to believe in a city of over thirteen million people.

Five days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Tokyo: enough time to cover its main districts and fit in a full day at Mount Fuji, without feeling like you are sprinting between landmarks. This guide walks you through the trip day by day, starting with how to get there from Riyadh, and ending with where to stay in each neighborhood.

Riyadh to Tokyo: Flight Options and Flight Time

Saudia has announced direct flights between Riyadh and Tokyo, running three times a week from King Khalid International Airport starting November 2026, in partnership with the National Air Connectivity Program and the Saudi Tourism Authority. This marks the end of long, multi-stop journeys and gives Riyadh a direct link to Japan’s capital for the first time.

Until those flights begin, there are still solid options for getting from Riyadh to Tokyo, usually with a single layover: Qatar Airways via Doha, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, or Emirates and Etihad via Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Riyadh to Tokyo flight time on these routes typically runs between 14 and 18 hours depending on the layover length and which Tokyo airport you land at, either Haneda, closer to central Tokyo, or Narita, a bit further out.

Don’t forget that Saudi nationals and residents need an electronic visa to enter Japan. It is a fully online process through the official JAPAN eVISA portal, and it is best to apply at least three to four weeks before you travel.

Day 1: Getting to Know Old Tokyo in Asakusa

Start your trip in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods. Walk through Nakamise Street, lined with souvenir shops and Japanese snacks, before reaching Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple. Afterward, take a short break to enjoy the view from Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world, just a few minutes’ walk from the temple.

In the evening, try one of the halal restaurants scattered around the area. Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s best neighborhoods for certified halal food and a quieter pace, away from the busier parts of the city center.

Recommended hotel: Palace Japan Hotel sits just a few minutes’ walk from Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree, making it a great pick for your first night.

Day 2: Tokyo’s Best Attractions, Shibuya and Harajuku

Dedicate day two to Tokyo’s modern side. Start at the famous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, then head up to the Shibuya Sky observation deck for a panoramic view of the entire city.

From there, move on to Harajuku and stroll down Takeshita Street, known for its bold fashion and colorful shops, before taking a calmer break at Yoyogi Park and the adjoining Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines, tucked inside a dense forest right in the middle of the city.

End your day in Shinjuku, the neighborhood that never sleeps, with a wide range of halal restaurants and a nearby Islamic cultural center, plus Shinjuku Gyoen if you have time for one last stop before sunset.

Recommended hotels: Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel and Tokyu Stay Shibuya both sit a few minutes from the crossing, while The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku is a practical choice thanks to its proximity to the bus terminal you will use later for Mount Fuji.

Day 3: Futuristic Tokyo in Odaiba and Akihabara

Head to the artificial island of Odaiba in the morning, crossing Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay. The highlight of the day is teamLab, one of the most interactive and photogenic digital art museums in Tokyo, along with a replica of the Statue of Liberty overlooking the bridge.

If time allows, stop by Toyosu Fish Market early in the morning for fresh sushi, then end your day in Akihabara, Japan’s capital of electronics and anime culture, where game shops and themed cafes line the main street.

Day 4: A Full Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic natural landmark, deserves a full day of your trip. Direct buses run from Shinjuku Station to the Kawaguchiko area in around two hours, the easiest way to get there without switching trains.

Once you arrive, ride the Mount Tenjo cable car for a panoramic view of both the mountain and the lake, and snap the iconic shot at Chureito Pagoda in Fujiyoshida, where the red, five-story pagoda frames Mount Fuji in the background.

If the sky looks clear, get there early. Mount Fuji is famously shy and only shows itself in full on a limited number of days each year.

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping and Ueno Before You Leave

Spend the morning of your last day at Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks, which also sits next to Ameyoko Market, a great spot for souvenirs and affordable snacks.

In the afternoon, head to Ginza for upscale shopping, or head back to Shinjuku or Shibuya for one last look around before heading to the airport, depending on your return flight time.

Where to Stay in Tokyo for This Trip

Where you stay depends on which days you are spending in which neighborhood. Here are a few solid options:

• Asakusa (Day 1): Palace Japan Hotel, close to Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree.
• Shibuya (Day 2): Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel and Tokyu Stay Shibuya, a few minutes from the famous crossing.
• Shinjuku: The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku, convenient thanks to its proximity to the Mount Fuji bus terminal.
• Shinagawa: Super Hotel Shinagawa Aomono Yokocho, handy if your trip includes the Shinkansen or easy airport access.

For more options across every Tokyo neighborhood, browse the full list of Tokyo hotels on almatar.

Practical Tips for a 5-Day Tokyo Trip

• Get a transit card: pick up a Suica or Pasmo card as soon as you land; it works on nearly every train, subway, and bus.
• Cash still matters: Japan still relies heavily on cash in smaller restaurants and temples, so carry enough yen with you.
• Halal food: use a halal restaurant finder app, especially in Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Shin-Okubo.
• Best time to visit: spring for cherry blossoms, or autumn for quieter, cooler weather and better views around Mount Fuji.
• Plan for distances: Tokyo is bigger than it looks on the map, so group nearby attractions together on the same day to save time.

Book Your Trip Now

Now that you have a full 5-day Tokyo itinerary, use almatar’s flight search feature to compare fares from Riyadh, whether on a direct flight after November 2026 or via one of the current layover routes.

You can also book your stay for every stop on your trip in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5 days enough to visit Tokyo?

Yes. Five days is enough to cover Tokyo’s main attractions, including Asakusa, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Odaiba, while still leaving a full day for a Mount Fuji trip.

How long is the flight from Riyadh to Tokyo?

Once Saudia’s direct flights launch in November 2026, the trip will be nonstop. Right now, flying via a single layover takes between 14 and 18 hours depending on the airport and airline.

How can I find cheap flights to Tokyo?

Book a few months in advance, fly midweek, and avoid peak periods like cherry blossom season and Japan’s Golden Week. Comparing fares across airlines with almatar’s flight search tool also helps you catch better deals.

Can Mount Fuji be visited in a single day from Tokyo?

Yes. Direct buses from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko take about two hours each way, making a day trip straightforward to plan.

Do Saudi travelers need a visa for Tokyo?

Yes, Saudi nationals and residents need an electronic visa issued through the official JAPAN eVISA portal before traveling.