Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the world’s major metropolises. Located at the mouth of the Sumida River, it features ultramodern skyscrapers, historical and cultural sites, vast green parks, and a unique atmosphere. Tokyo is rich in tourist attractions and is home to over two million things to see and do, making it an unmissable destination for travelers.
A trip to Tokyo offers a rich and varied experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern cultures, discover the dynamic culinary scene, admire breathtaking urban panoramas, and enjoy an efficient and affordable public transport network. Moreover, with adequate planning, it is possible to discover the main tourist attractions in 4 days. This comprehensive guide will help you optimize your time and maximize your experience during your trip to Tokyo.
Day 1: Explore the Shibuya District and Its Surroundings
The Shibuya district is one of the most popular and iconic in Japan. With its lively streets, fashionable shops, trendy restaurants, and stunning urban vistas, Shibuya is the perfect place to start your exploration of Tokyo. Here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of a full day in this area:
Start your day at the famous Shibuya crossing. This emblem of Japan is known for its massive crowd crossing in all directions at once. Don’t miss spotting locals dressed in Harajuku fashion (you may see cosplayers and anime fans), especially on Saturday afternoons.
Next, head to Yoyogi Park for a pleasant stroll in a soothing green space. You can also admire the public monuments surrounding the park, including the Yoyogi National Olympic Stadium and the NHK television tower.
Along the shopping streets of Shibuya, you will find all kinds of stores offering trendy clothing, tech gadgets, and unique souvenirs. Don’t miss Japan’s largest shopping center: Shibuya 109!
When you get hungry, try one of the many local restaurants serving authentic Japanese dishes like ramen, soba, or sushi. Fun karaoke boxes are also available if you’d like to have some entertainment with friends.
Finally, end the day with a stop at Hachiko Square to see the statue of the famous loyal dog Hachiko and enjoy the vibrant nightlife that characterizes Shibuya.
Day 2: Discover Traditional Culture in Asakusa and Ueno
This day will be dedicated to must-see cultural sites around Asakusa and Ueno. Here is a suggested itinerary to explore these interesting neighborhoods in a day:
Start your day with a visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan dating back to the 7th century! You can admire the beautiful walls adorned with Shinto oracles that grace the main entrance, Kaminarimon Gate, wander through Nakamise Shopping Street, and stop at colorful stalls selling local souvenirs.
Next, head over to Ueno Park: a vast green space packed with attractions such as the Ueno National Museum (the first national museum in Japan), the impressive Toshogu Shrine, the beautiful Shinobazu Pond waterfalls, and more. Besides the major tourist attractions, Ueno also houses several interesting small museums (including the natural history museum) where you can spend a few extra hours if time permits.
Then, move onto Ameyoko Shopping Street; a bustling market offering an incredible variety of local fresh food (including whole freshly caught fish), cheap household goods, and a myriad of other exotic products such as traditional Japanese food and rare local souvenirs.
Finally, end your day with a tea ceremony at the Utokyo-an Tea House or attend a free sumo demonstration at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall to fully experience Japanese culture!
Day 3: Dive into Modernity in Shinjuku and Roppongi
If you’re looking for a dose of modernity during your trip to Tokyo, don’t miss the lively neighborhoods of Shinjuku and Roppongi! Here is a suggested itinerary to optimize your time:
Start your day at Shinjuku Gyoen Park; a large peaceful green space located in the heart of the city that offers a soothing refuge from the incessant noise and air pollution typical of downtown. The park is primarily composed of three distinct styles: English, French, and Japanese, making it an interesting destination for landscape architecture enthusiasts!
Next, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: a surprising structure that offers a magnificent panoramic view of Tokyo from its free terrace located on the 45th floor! You can also visit some interior sections to learn more about local political operations.
Roppongi is also favored by travelers looking for extra entertainment after dark. Art lovers will be delighted by the many modern museums (including the Mori Art Museum) located around the Roppongi Hills shopping complex; while fans of a good night out will find satisfaction at the crowded night bars and trendy clubs serving colorful cocktails!
Day 4: Explore Diversity in Harajuku and Odaiba
The fourth day will be dedicated to modern attractions around Harajuku and Odaiba. Here is a suggested itinerary to discover this area in a day:
Start your day at the Meiji Shrine: a Shinto religious site built in the 19th century that now houses the tomb of the Meiji imperial couple while offering a tranquil forest sanctuary to rest away from the incessant urban noises. Near the shrine is Takeshita Street; a busy pedestrian street lined with funky vintage shops selling all types of trendy clothing and a unique variety of street food to taste!
Then, head to Odaiba; a futuristic artificial island located in Tokyo Bay featuring modern attractions such as the VenusFort shopping center (spacious yet luxurious), the Miraikan museum (dive into technological futures), or the Fuji Tower (a beautifully designed miniature model). Finally, end your visit with a scenic boat ride on Tokyo Bay before heading home!
Practical Tips for Getting Around Tokyo
When you’re on your way to explore Tokyo for 4 days, you’ll undoubtedly need practical options to move efficiently between the key tourist attractions that make up your itinerary! Fortunately, Tokyo has a very convenient public transport system that allows international travelers easy access to the main tourist areas through rechargeable Pasmo/Suica cards that can be used on most trains of the JR Railways network or Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway Lines. Many useful mobile apps can also be used to plan your itinerary, including Google Maps or Hyperdia (a mobile app specifically designed to navigate easily through the complex Japanese railway network). Alternatively, if you prefer to travel alone without sticking to a strict itinerary; Uber or Lyft can be used if you don’t want to take a regular taxi!
General Recommendations to Fully Enjoy Your Experience in Tokyo
To make the most of your experience in Tokyo; there are a few important tips that can greatly facilitate your overall experience! The first is that although it may be tempting to fill every available minute; try instead to take some time each day to leisurely stroll around the local neighborhoods to fully appreciate the subtle beauty of lesser-known places (for instance: quietly admire the blooming cherry blossoms in spring or simply enjoy the enticing aromas emanating from street food stalls). Secondly; try as much as possible to venture off the beaten tourist path by exploring some unusual places suggested by locals! You can find a lot of information on this via local guides available on Tripadvisor or Airbnb Experiences; which can provide an interesting variety of guided activities with a local guide who knows this beautiful part of the country very well! Lastly; always ensure that your personal safety remains a priority throughout the trip by scrupulously adhering to local health guidelines while remaining vigilant against potential scams / malicious pickpockets!
Traveling to Tokyo is always exciting because there is so much to see and do!
