4 days in Tokyo: Things to Do and See

A 4-day itinerary for Tokyo is generally enough to give you a great introduction to the city and experience its highlights. Tokyo is a vast metropolis with a wide variety of neighborhoods and attractions, so while 4 days won’t allow you to see everything, it’s enough to enjoy a well-rounded trip. Here’s a detailed 4-day itinerary for your Tokyo sightseeing trip, designed to give you a mix of the city’s history, modern culture, shopping, and food experiences.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Central Tokyo

After arriving in Tokyo, it’s a good idea to settle into your hotel, freshen up, and get a feel for the city by exploring central Tokyo.

Morning: Imperial Palace and East Gardens

• Imperial Palace: Start your day at the Imperial Palace, located in the heart of Tokyo. While the main palace grounds are not open to the public, the East Gardens are accessible and free. The beautifully landscaped gardens are a peaceful introduction to Japan’s history and offer a contrast to the busy urban environment surrounding it.
• Nijubashi Bridge: After visiting the gardens, take a walk around the palace area and photograph the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, a beautiful double-arched bridge that leads to the main palace grounds.

Afternoon: Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

• Asakusa: Head to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods. The area is famous for the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple. As you approach the temple, walk through Nakamise Shopping Street, a bustling street lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. This is a great place to try traditional street foods like taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet bean paste) or senbei (rice crackers).
• Senso-ji Temple: Senso-ji Temple itself is an impressive Buddhist temple, and visiting it gives you a deep sense of Japan’s religious and cultural heritage. Be sure to stop by the large incense burner in front of the temple and waft the smoke over yourself for good health.

Evening: Tokyo Skytree

• Tokyo Skytree: After exploring Asakusa, take a short trip to Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world. Skytree offers a stunning panoramic view of Tokyo, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights up. There are two observation decks: the Tembo Deck (350 meters high) and the Tembo Galleria (450 meters high). You can also explore Tokyo Solamachi, the shopping complex at the base of Skytree, for dining and shopping.

Day 2: Modern Tokyo – Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku

Morning: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

• Meiji Shrine: Begin your second day with a peaceful visit to Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrines, located in a forested area near Harajuku. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and is a symbol of Japan’s modernization. Take a walk through the serene paths leading to the shrine, passing large torii gates and traditional sake barrels on the way.
• Harajuku (Takeshita Street): After visiting the shrine, head over to nearby Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the center of Tokyo’s youth and pop culture. The narrow street is lined with quirky boutiques, colorful shops, and trendy cafes. Be sure to try the famous Harajuku crepes or rainbow-colored cotton candy. You’ll also find vintage clothing stores and shops featuring the latest in Japanese pop fashion.

Afternoon: Omotesando and Shibuya

• Omotesando: Just a short walk from Takeshita Street is Omotesando, a broad tree-lined avenue often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. Omotesando offers a more upscale shopping experience, with luxury brands and designer stores. Take a leisurely stroll, window shop, or stop by one of the stylish cafes for lunch.
• Shibuya: Next, head to Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts. The Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world and a must-see experience. Watch the crowd scramble in all directions as traffic stops. For a great view, head up to the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck or grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks overlooking the crossing.
• Hachiko Statue: While in Shibuya, visit the Hachiko Statue, a tribute to the loyal dog who waited for his owner every day at Shibuya Station, even after his owner passed away. It’s a popular meeting spot and a symbol of loyalty in Japan.

Evening: Shinjuku

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Head to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks. If you're visiting in spring, this is an excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing. In autumn, the garden is equally stunning with vibrant fall foliage.
• Omoide Yokocho: For dinner, venture into Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alleyway filled with small, traditional izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and other delicious street food. The lively atmosphere gives you a true sense of Tokyo’s night culture.
• Golden Gai: If you’re in the mood for nightlife, head to Golden Gai, a unique district in Shinjuku known for its tiny bars, each with its own distinct theme. It’s a great place to end the evening over a drink in a cozy setting.

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko or Mount Fuji and Hakone

• Take a day trip to the Mount Fuji and Hakone area. Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain, is visible from Tokyo on clear days, but the Fuji Five Lakes area or Hakone offers closer views.
• Lake Kawaguchi: At Lake Kawaguchi, enjoy views of Mount Fuji framed by cherry blossoms in spring or colorful leaves in autumn. You can take a boat cruise on the lake or explore the nearby parks and museums.
• Hakone: In Hakone, visit the Hakone Shrine and take a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway, which offers views of the active volcanic area around Owakudani. Afterward, relax in one of Hakone’s famous hot springs (onsen).

Day 4: Akihabara and Odaiba

Morning: Akihabara

• Akihabara: Start your final day in Akihabara, Tokyo’s famous electronics and otaku (anime and manga) culture district. Explore multi-story electronics stores, anime shops, and arcades. Visit Super Potato, a retro gaming store, or stop by one of the many themed cafes, like the famous Maid Cafes, where staff dress up in elaborate costumes.
• Kanda Myojin Shrine: For a quieter moment, visit the nearby Kanda Myojin Shrine, a historic shrine dedicated to the deities of good fortune and business success. It’s a unique blend of tradition and modernity, as many tech workers from Akihabara visit to pray for success.

Afternoon: Odaiba

• Odaiba: End your Tokyo trip with a visit to Odaiba, a futuristic man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is home to unique attractions like the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, where you can see the giant life-sized Gundam Statue.
• TeamLab Borderless: Visit TeamLab Borderless, an interactive digital art museum that offers an immersive, otherworldly experience as you walk through its vibrant, ever-changing displays.
• Rainbow Bridge and Statue of Liberty: Take a walk along the waterfront for views of the Rainbow Bridge and the replica Statue of Liberty. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset over Tokyo Bay.

Evening: Departure

After enjoying Odaiba, return to your hotel or directly to the airport, depending on your departure time.

This 4-day itinerary offers a balanced mix of Tokyo’s historical and cultural landmarks, modern attractions, shopping districts, and day trips to nearby nature spots. You’ll experience Tokyo’s bustling city life, serene temples, cherry blossoms, and some of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Enjoy your trip!