Tokyo, Japan 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Central Tokyo

Places to Go:

  1. Tsukiji Fish Market (Toro-yuki): Start your day early at the Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast. Don’t miss Toro-yuki, famous for its fatty tuna bowls.

  2. Hama-rikyu Gardens: Just a short walk from Tsukiji, enjoy a stroll through this Edo Period garden that overlooks Tokyo Bay.

  3. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower: Visit the Sky Deck for a panoramic view of Tokyo. Also, check out the Mori Art Museum if you’re an art lover.

  4. Shibuya Crossing: Experience the world’s busiest intersection and visit Hachiko Statue nearby.

  5. Harajuku: Explore Takeshita Street for unique fashion, or head to Yoyoji Park for a peaceful walk.

Activities:

  1. Sumo Wrestling Practice (Mornings only): Visit the sumo stable of your chosen wrestler for a glimpse into this traditional Japanese sport.

  2. Robot Restaurant: For an unforgettable, futuristic cabaret experience, head to Shinjuku’s Robot Restaurant.

Where to Eat:

  1. Sushi Zanmai (Tsukiji) for sushi
  2. Ramen Street (Shinjuku Station) for ramen
  3. Tonkatsu Maisen Akasaka for tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet)

Where to Stay:

Hotels in Shinjuku or Roppongi are convenient for transportation and nightlife. Recommendations include Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo, and Tokyu Stay Shinjuku.

Things to Know:

  • Tokyo is a city of etiquette, so be mindful of your surroundings and actions.
  • Taxis can be expensive; consider using the convenient train system instead.
  • Japanese people are generally not accustomed to tipping, so there’s no need to do so in restaurants or taxis.

Day 2: Asakusa and Akihabara

Places to Go:

  1. Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa): Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, followed by a walk through Nakamise Shopping Street.

  2. Tokyo Skytree: Enjoy lunch with a view at the Tembo Gallery.

  3. Akihabara: Explore the mecca of anime and manga, or visit Yodobashi Camera for electronics shopping.

  4. Odaiba: Accessible via the Yurikamome waterfront train, enjoy shopping, dining, and visiting teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba.

Where to Eat:

  1. Kagura (Asakusa) for traditional Japanese cuisine
  2. Maid cafes (Akihabara) for a unique experience
  3. Unagi Ya Takado (Odaiba) for eel dishes

Day 3: Shimokitazawa and Owl Cafe

Places to Go:

  1. Shimokitazawa: A charming district known for its vintage shops, cafes, and live music venues.

  2. Owl Cafe Fukuro no Mise: Visit this unique cafe where you can enjoy a drink while interacting with owls.

  3. Takeshita Street (Harajuku): Return for the evening to experience a different side of Harajuku’s fashion culture.

Where to Eat:

  1. Cafe Koubou (Shimokitazawa) for coffee and pastries
  2. Yakiniku Jumbo Hanare (Harajuku) for grilled meat dishes

Day 4: Takeshita Street (Morning), Meiji Shrine (Afternoon), and Departure

Places to Go:

  1. Meiji Shrine: Visit this peaceful Shinto shrine located within a beautiful forest.

  2. Ginza: Stroll through this upscale shopping district for luxury brands, department stores, and traditional Japanese sweets shops.

Where to Eat (Farewell Meal):

  1. Sushi Zanmai Ginza (Ginza) for a high-end sushi experience
  2. Café de l’Ambassade (Ginza) for French cuisine with a Japanese twist

Tips:

  1. Invest in a Suica or Pasmo train pass for unlimited travel on the JR and subway lines during your stay.
  2. Download a reliable Japan-specific app such as Hyperdia to plan your transit routes easily.
  3. Be mindful of cultural customs, such as removing your shoes indoors, bowing when greeting people, and not blowing your nose in public.
  4. Learn basic Japanese phrases to make interactions with locals easier.