How to Spend 4 Days In Tokyo: FOUR Day Tokyo Itinerary

Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Audrey

Looking for the best guide on how to spend 4 days in Tokyo? I cover the essentials you shouldn't skip in Japan's biggest city!

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Tokyo is one of my absolute favorite cities—vibrant, exciting, and brimming with endless things to see and do!

Having come to Tokyo multiple times, I've seen all the top things to do and have thoroughly explored the neighborhoods, finding little gems I've loved each visit. In the past, I've followed travel guides that took me all over the city in an inefficient manner and wiped me out at the end of the day, so I decided to create my own itinerary.

Given that you only have 4 days in Tokyo, you don't have a ton of time to waste on stuff that isn't worth it. Having explored Tokyo’s main attractions, I know what’s worth your time and what’s better left out, so you can fully enjoy every moment in this incredible city.

This 4 day Tokyo itinerary will only show you the best places while conserving your energy and saving your precious feet from unnecessary walking (because you will be doing a ton of walking). Get ready for a Tokyo adventure without the hassle!

SHORT ON TIME? Use these shortcuts to plan your Tokyo Trip

🏠Book accommodation in Tokyo: My FAVORITE hotel in Tokyo is Tokyu Stay Shinjuku for the in-room washer/dryers and great location!

🏔️Find activities and tours for Tokyo: I LOVE this tour that takes you to see Mount Fuji, Oishi Park, and shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets! It was one of my favorite activities in Japan.

🚌Book the JR Pass and Tokyo Wide pass on JR Pass

See all the resources I use here

4 Days in Tokyo: Overview and Map

1️⃣ Day 1: North Tokyo Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Ueno, Akihabara

2️⃣ Day 2: Central Tokyo TeamLab Planets, Tsukiji Fish Market, Imperial Palace, Ginza

3️⃣ Day 3: West Tokyo Meiji Jingu Omotesando, Harajuku, Shibuya

4️⃣ Day 4: Shinjuku or take a day trip to Nikko, Tokyo Disney, Sanrio Puroland, Ghibli Museum, or Mount Fuji

Tokyo Pre-trip planning

Which airport to fly into?

When you fly to Tokyo, you have two airports that you can fly into, Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Technically, Haneda is better because it's a 30-minute train ride to Tokyo Station versus Narita, which takes an hour.

But overall, I would choose whichever airport has the best flight departure and arrival times that suit your personal preferences.

Train Passes

First, let me state that you don't need a JR Rail Pass unless you will be traveling to other cities like Kyoto or Osaka after Tokyo.

I didn't know this previously, but the main subway lines that you'll use in your day to day activities to navigate around Tokyo are not all JR! JR is just one of the companies that use the subway, and it's usually the Shinkansen bullet train that operates long distances. So if you bought a rail pass, you wouldn't really use it on your day-to-day commute.

A hand is holding two JR Rail Passes, which can be used for the JR Trains in Tokyo and the rest of Japan.

I recommend that you purchase an IC transit card such as a Suica or Pasmo for your day-to-day commuting, and buy a JR Rail Pass if you will be visiting other cities. They're fairly expensive, so calculate if it will be worth it for you to buy the Rail Pass first.

If you decide you will get it, I recommend purchasing it before you arrive in Japan so you can reserve seats on the bullet trains ahead of time.

If you don't grab the rail pass, you can book individual Shinkansen tickets and regular subway tickets easily on Klook instead. You'll receive a QR code to scan and choose your seat ahead of time.

🚄 Book Shinkansen and Train tickets ahead of time! 🚄

Activity Passes

Klook offers a Tokyo pass that can save you a ton of money if you want to visit a lot of Tokyo's attractions like TeamLabs, Tokyo Disney, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji, and more!

You can buy a pass and choose up to 2-8 places that interest you the most. The price starts at $45 for two activities and increases based on the number of activities you want to include.

Overall, it's a great deal! You'll get a discount of up to 48% compared to if you bought the tickets individually.

👉 Book your Klook Activity Tokyo Pass Here! 👈

4 Days in Tokyo: Complete Itinerary

Here's my in-depth Tokyo itinerary to cover 4 days. You'll spend 3 days exploring Tokyo's neighborhood, with the fourth day either in Shinjuku or taking a day trip.

Day 1: Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, ueno, Akihabara

Asakusa

Asakusa is a district in north Tokyo, most well known for being home to Sensoji temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. However, temple aside, there's food, arcades, and shops to explore!

First, we're going to visit the temple and go back to the surrounding Nakamise-dori Street afterward.

visit Sensoji Temple

You'll start at Asakusa Station, and as you start heading to Sensoji Temple you'll notice Kaminarimon (Thundergate), a hallmark temple gate with a huge, bright lantern. It's a famous picture spot and the entrance to Sensoji Temple. Don't forget to take a look at the sides of the lantern, where you'll find the god of thunder and god of wind guarding it!

Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, Tokyo. There is a large red lantern.
Photo Credit: Daboost on Canva

Once you head past Kaminarimon, you'll be on Nakamise-Dori Street, a huge shopping street with street stalls, restaurants, and shops. We'll head to Sensoji Temple first before it gets too crowded, then explore Nakamise-dori Street afterward.

After you move past Nakamise-dori Street, you'll get to walk around the temples main hall and see the five-stories pagoda. Around the temple is a peaceful garden, and it's pleasant to stroll around. You can rent kimonos and take photos, pray for good luck, and pick up some good luck charms to support the temple.

Sensoji Temple (浅草寺, Sensōji)

Opening Hours: Main Hall: 06:00-17:00
Temple grounds: Always open, feel free to wander around at night.
Admission: Free!

shop at Nakamise-Dori

After you finish sightseeing at Sensoji, now it's time to wander Nakamise Street! You can grab lunch here, eat some snacks, and shop to your heart's content!

A souvenir shop in Nakamise-dori street in Asakusa, Tokyo. The store sign says Souvenir Shop Takaishi
There's awesome street food in Nakamise-Dori!

The first time I visited Japan and I went to Nakamise Street, I felt surreal experiencing Japanese culture for the first time. It was my first exposure to visiting the country and was super fun walking around all the street vendors and eating street food.

Now I realize it's quite geared towards tourism and mostly sells souvenirs, but it's a very fun place to walk around regardless and you'll also find great clothing and houseware shops around the surrounding area.

A unagi bowl, tofu, and salad in Torasuzu in Asakusa, Tokyo.

After you finish browsing, you can find a lot of great restaurant options on Rokku Broadway, one street over from Nakamise.

Here are some of my favorite places in Asakusa:

  • Kukurihime Coffee: a sit-down cafe with delicious dessert sets
  • Torasuzu: delicious izakaya, skewers, and seafood. Perfect for lunch!
  • Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa: A steakhouse that sells amazing wagyu-don for an affordable price.
  • Yoroiya Ramen: Tasty ramen shop that also sells vegan options.
  • Hikeshi Spirit: They sell really cool anime clothing and unique souvenirs! My brother picked up a cool Godzilla shirt here.
  • Ginkado: A dessert stall that sells delicious daifuku mochi desserts! I picked one up on my way to Sensoji Temple and it was too good.

head up Tokyo Skytree

If you want to see Tokyo at its highest point, you can head over to Tokyo Skytree while you're in around the area. At its highest, you'll be 450 meters in the air overlooking the entire city.

Tokyo Skytree in Japan during sunset.
Photo Credit: Jaimax from Canva

However, there are a few other sites where you can see stunning views of Tokyo's skyline. Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, and the free observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building are all popular places, so I would just go to whichever fits your schedule best.

🌸 Pro Tip: if you're visiting in late April, you might want to visit Kameido Tenjin after Tokyo Skytree! It's a secret gem that has wisteria trees in full bloom. Peak bloom is usually at the end of April-early May.

Watch the Flowers bloom at Ueno Park

Cherry blossoms blooming in Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan
Photo Credit: Y-studio on Canva

If you have some time to kill, you can check out Ueno. However, it's not an essential must-see. Ueno is well known for Ueno Park, a beautiful park with multiple temples, museums, and a zoo nearby.

You can check out the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, or Ueno Zoo.

The park turns into an incredible site when lotus bloom in mid-July or when cherry blossoms bloom in late March. You can rent a boat at Shinobazu Pond and see the flowers bloom up close. There are food stalls during seasonal months, as well!

Bargain Shop at Ueno Ameyoko

Ueno Ameyoko is a budget shopper's absolute dream. You can find tons of discounted items here, branded pre-loved bags, souvenirs, snacks, cosmetics, and even knick-knacks you probably didn't even know you wanted or needed.

Ueno Ameyoko in Tokyo, Japan. It is a crowded street with lots of bargain shop signs.
Photo Credit: Visualspace on Canva

My favorite shops around here are Daikokuya, a pre-loved luxury bag shop, and Bookoff Plus Ueno Hirokoji, which sells thrifted clothes, manga, books, and shoes.

Most stores are open from 10:00-20:00, so swing by here if you feel like doing some shopping! There's also a local food and drink tour that takes you to hidden gems in Ueno that are loved by locals.

Akihabara

Now, I have to let you know that I am an anime lover. Akihabara is known to be popular for anime-centric items. I've come to Akihabara multiple times, and I found it to be a little lackluster and now usually cross it off my Tokyo itinerary.

An Asian man standing with both arms raised up and a large smile on his face. One leg is kicked up as he danced in Akihabara, Tokyo's electric anime area. There is a large building with anime cartoon girls on the front.
We love Akihabara!

If you intend to purchase some kind of tech like cameras or computer parts, then I would recommend you go. However, I found that the shops were a little boring and didn't have a lot of variety. You can find some maid cafes here though, if that's something that interests you.

They also offer Go-Carting here, which I do recommend checking out! You get to wear a onesie and zoom around the streets of Japan!

🏎️ Book a Go Kart Experience in Asakusa or in Akihabara here! 🏎️

Day 2: TeamLab, Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Market, Ginza

Teamlab Museum

You're going to start off your day 2 Tokyo itinerary at TeamLab! Now, you can choose either TeamLab Borderless or TeamLab planets. Both are equally amazing, and I've done a detailed comparison here if you're having trouble deciding which museum to visit.

A girl standing in a room of light inside of TeamLab Planets, an art exhibit in Tokyo, Japan

Both exhibits feature beautiful art exhibits that change the way you enjoy art, and both are in the central Tokyo area that we will explore today.

It's a great family or date activity for a few hours, and can definitely be enjoyed by solo travelers. After you finish visiting TeamLab, you may see more beauty ever present in the world.

A free guide to the top photo spots in Tokyo. There is a man in Teamlab Planets, surrounded by orchids suspended in air. This is one of the most instagrammable photo locations in Tokyo, along with many others in the guide.

I recommend dressing comfortably, as you'll be moving around quite a bit and taking lots of photos.

Tsukiji market

I hope you're hungry, because our next stop is Tsukiji Market! This is a popular marketplace where you can find fresh seafood, amazing Japanese food, and delicious snacks. I looooooove this place! It's busy, it's fun, and the food is unbelievably delicious!!!

Two small bowls of salmon sashimi and uni from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan.

I'm voting not a tourist trap for this one. Sure, maybe you could find a cheaper lunch somewhere. But I think Tsukiji Fish Market is still quite affordable, the people there can speak pretty good English, and did I mention the food is great?!

While it depends on the shop, most places open as early as 05:00 and close around 14:00. To beat the crowds, I recommend going early in the morning.

My favorite thing about Tsukiji is that you don't have to stick to one place (though there are sit-down restaurants here). You can buy bite-sized portions, and visit all the stalls to try out whatever you like. There's wagyu, fresh toro, uni, candied fruits, you name it!

Toro belly and salmon donburi in a restaurant at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan

I'll include my favorite shops here, but honestly, anywhere you wander into is probably going to taste delicious:

  • Tsukiji Wine Stand 88: Wagyu Burgers
  • Motodane: Sushi
  • Marutama: Serves delicious peach ice cream!
  • Ichifuji: Ceramics store where I bought a teapot and dishware sets. (In case you're curious, I had to haul all that stuff back to America, and it was a nightmare).
  • Solatsuki: A very popular dessert stand known for mochi and fruit with hardened sugar.

💡 Pro Tip: After you purchase food, don't loiter around the shop stands! they need that space for the current customers. They have designated areas where you can stand and eat.


imperial palace

While you're in the area, you can visit the Imperial Palace where the Imperial Family resides!

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan. The Palace is isolated by a moat.
Photo Credit: Pierre Blaché on Canva

The palace itself is closed to the public because the Imperial family lives there, but the meticulously maintained palace gardens are free to walk around, and with a tour you can explore part of the inner palace gardens. 70-minute Tours are available twice a day, either at 10:00 or 13:30. Most likely you booked your TeamLab admission in the morning, so book the 13:30 tour.

You'll get to cross the famous Nijyu Bridge, view the lotus moat, and maybe even get a peek at Mount Fuji on a sunny day. The Nijyu Bridge is the most famous bridge in Japan!

Imperial Palace Visiting Tips:

  • If you book a tour, try to get there at least 30 minutes early. It's only a 10-minute walk from Tokyo station!
  • Keep in mind that in order to see everything, you'll probably want to visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday. The East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays, while the tours do not take place on Mondays or Sundays.

💡 Pro tip: if you want to see the Imperial Family (Ippan Sanga), the palace grounds open on January 2nd for New Year and on the Emperor's birthday, February 23rd.


Shop around Ginza

After you leave the Imperial Palace, you'll be right next to Ginza, Tokyo's luxurious shopping district. I stayed here on my most recent trip to Tokyo and loved it (I'm a bit of a recovering shopaholic, if you can't tell).

The entrance to the Uniqlo Flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo. There is a sign saying UNIQLO Coffee on the 12th floor.

Ginza is the perfect place to buy preloved and new luxury brands, but even if you don't care for luxury, they have tons of other shops too! The flagship Uniqlo store and Muji stores are here as well!

My favorite places in Ginza:

  • Allu: Pre-loved luxury. I bought a Preloved Van Cleef necklace here!
  • Brand Off: Pre-loved luxury
  • Dover Street Market Ginza: if you like brand names, Dover Street has a ton of shops and high-end brands.
  • Chrome Hearts: An upscale streetwear brand that's very popular right now.
  • Uniqlo: With 12 levels, you'll probably spend a couple of hours here.
  • Muji: Flagship store selling stationary, home decor, and apparel.

💡 Pro tip: People recommend visiting Ginza Itoya, a massive stationery store. You can get some terrific fountain pens here, but in general I thought it was overpriced. It was fun to walk around and kill some time here but wasn't to my preference.

Art Aquarium Museum

Another activity you might want to look into while you're in Ginza is the new Art Aquarium Museum. This attraction combines art with an aquarium to bring you a gorgeous fantasy world of Japanese beauty using vibrant colorful goldfish.

Illuminated goldfish display at the Ginza Art Aquarium in Tokyo, featuring glowing tanks and vibrant floral decorations.
Artistic displays at Ginza Art Aquarium

I haven't been here myself but have seen a lot of my friends visit here! It's a nice date option or peaceful way to end the night in Ginza.

Art Aquarium Museum

Address: 三越新館, 8階 9階入場口, 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8212, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00
Admission: $16, Book your Art Aquarium Museum GINZA ticket here


Grab Dinner in Ginza

All you can eat crab in Kanimatsuri Crab in Tokyo, Japan. There is a large assortment of crab legs of different varieties.

Dinner spots in Ginza are going to be closer to the Tsukiji Market area. Here are some places that I recommend:

  • Miyagawa Honten: Unagi
  • Chuka Soba Ginza Hachigo: Soba
  • Kanimatsuri Crab: All-you-can-eat crab

Day 3: Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Sky

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is another very popular shrine well known for its daily ceremonies, beautiful architecture, and scenic landscape. It's a Shinto shrine with a large forest, right in the middle of Japan's biggest city!

Audrey, a girl with magenta pink hair, standing at one of the brown torii gates in Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, Japan.
The brown torii gates in Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji, the first emperor of modern Japan, and his wife Empress Shoken. When you visit, you might get a chance to see wedding processions or a Shinto ritual ceremony. Don't forget to take a peek at the sake and wine barrels at the side as offerings to the temple.

The nearby forest is actually man-made and was planted during the shrine's construction in 1920. The forest consists of donations from regions all around the country! That's why I love Japan so much, they're so technologically advanced and highly civilized but still honor nature and have beautiful, vast forests and religious sites.

Meiji Jingu temple in Tokyo, Japan. There is a large wooden torii gate enveloped by lush green trees.

Nearby is the Meiji Jingu Museum, which showcases the personal belongings of the emperor and empress, and the inner garden that is especially popular in mid-June when irises bloom. The inner garden has a 500 yen fee to enter.

Lastly, you can also swing by Yoyogi Park which has pleasant walking paths for a stroll away from the city.

💡 Pro tip: To pray during your temple visit, place a coin offering in the offering box. Bow deeply twice. Clap twice, and after the second clap put your hands in prayer and make your prayer.

Omotesando and Harajuku

Harajuku and Omotesando are right next to each other and are both really fun shopping districts. Omotesando is another major luxury shopping neighborhood, similar to Ginza. Harajuku is better known for streetware and "kawaii" culture and brings a more loud, vibrant energy!

The entrance to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, Tokyo. This bustling street is filled with people, and a sign with colorful hearts reads the name of the street. Buildings surround the street on both sides on this clear sunny day.

This area is possibly my favorite neighborhood in Tokyo! You can probably tell I love to shop, and Harajuku has so many fun stores and vintage shops. You also see so many fashionable people as you walk along the street. I actually love Lolita-style clothes (though I'm too shy to ever wear them).

Trust me, after you finish visiting Tokyo, you'll return home with some new fashion tips.

💡 Pro tip: After walking through Takeshita Street, walk along Cat Street for lots of fun vintage shops.


My favorite stores in Harajuku and Omotesando

A white Celine shoulder bag with the Celine symbol on the front.
The Celine bag I bought for a huge discount in Harajuku (Plus the pants!)
  • WEGO: A youth clothing store that has trendy pieces (think Y2K) for an affordable price.
  • Cosme: The Japan equivalent of Sephora with tons of cosmetics, hair products, and skincare. My favorite part are the walls that promote the most popular products in the country.
  • X-Girl: A women's clothing shop that is a little pricey, but really good quality. It's definitely popular as I saw a bartender in Harlem wearing their shirt, and I bought some super soft cargo pants here.
  • Kindal: A pre-loved luxury store that also sells a lot of thrifted clothing. I bought my pre-loved Celine bag here for less than $700!
  • 2nd Street: Pre-loved luxury and casual thrift store.
  • Charles & Keith: Really nice shoes and bags for an affordable price. I bought some black wedges here that I wear every week.
  • Laforet: A huge shopping mall that has really unique stores with alternative fashion and unusual boutique stores (think "kawaii" and streetwear).
  • The Shel'tter Tokyu Plaza: A really big department store that has very trendy Japanese brands loved by locals such as Moussy and Sly!
  • Tokyu Plaza Harajuku: This building just opened in 2024. The interesting silver architecture and beautiful garden on the top floor will catch your eye. I didn't get a chance to go in, but I hear the food court is great.

See the famous Shibuya crossing

After you finish shopping your heart out, stick your bags in a train locker and head on over to Shibuya! Shibuya is one of the busiest districts in Tokyo and is well known for its famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. You'll see what I mean by "busy" once you try to cross the street, it's pretty crazy!

The view of the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing from the Starbucks in Shibuya, Tokyo. Many people are crossing during the daytime.
The view from the Shibuya Starbucks isn't too bad!

It's best to head on above to get to see the scramble from a bird's eye view, so you can really see just how insane it is. But before you go, don't forget to visit the famous loyal Hachiko dog statue here!

Shibuya sky

Head over to Shibuya Scramble Square and grab a ticket to Shibuya Sky, a 229-meter-high open-air deck observatory on the 47th floor.

At Shibuya Sky, you'll get a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo, and it's the perfect place to see the famous Shibuya crossing!

Audrey with pink hair smiling during sunset in Shibuya Sky, Tokyo. The Tokyo city skyline can be seen in the background.
Photo Credit: Kanzilyou on Canva

There are two widely Instagram-famous photo spots, the glass escalator to the rooftop and the Sky Edge, which is a glass corner with a beautiful view.

You'll purchase a timed-entry ticket, but once you're inside, there's no time limit. Estimate to spend around an hour to an hour and a half here.


💡 Pro tip: The best time to go is right before sunset, and I recommend booking 1 hour before sunset to leave room for waiting in line. For example, if sunset is at 18:00, purchase tickets for 17:00.


Shibuya Sky

Address: Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−12 14階・45階・46階・屋上
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:30 (Last admission 21:20)
Admission: Adults 2,200 yen (online), 2,500 (in-person) Children: Discounted
Book Shibuya Sky tickets here


After you see the famous crossing why not get lost and wander around Shibuya for a little bit? You can go around on your own or book a fun activity.

Rows of Pikachu stuffed animals
Photo Credit: Voltordu on Canva

My favorite places in Shibuya:

  • Nintendo Tokyo: If you love Pokemon, Donkey Kong, Animal Crossing, or anything from Nintendo, this official store is worth a visit.
  • Pokemon Center Shibuya: While it's not the biggest pokemon store, this pokemon center is in a very convenient location and is also right next to the Nintendo store.
  • Mega Don Quijote: Don Quijote is the biggest discount store in Japan, and you can find anything and everything here. All I can say is don't go at the very beginning of your trip, because you'll buy so much you won't be able to fill your suitcase with anything else!
  • Komehyo: A pre-loved vintage thrift store with some great finds!
  • Porter Exchange Shibuya: Super high-quality bags. The founder Yoshida survived war and destruction to make the brand what it is today. One of Porter's bags was even worn by Empress Michiko!

🏙️ Best Shibuya tours 🏙️

A man in a green go kart, racing on a track
Photo Credit: Creatas Images on Canva

Shibuya Cycling Cruise

Visit the key attractions around Shibuya while getting some exercise in! Along with famous spots, you'll get to traverse backstreets and fully immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere from a local's perspective.

Street Go-Kart Experience in Shibuya

Dress up in character and drive go-karts through the famous Shibuya Crossing! This guided tour is so much fun and you'll have a wonderful memory of zipping go-karts through the streets of tokyo.

6-Hour Private Tokyo Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

This highly-rated customizable walking tour will take you all over Tokyo's top attractions with the expertise of a licensed guide. You can choose which places interest you, such as the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Golden Gai, whatever your heart desires, and the guide will plan it all for you!


For dinner, you have an abundance of options. Shibuya has tons of new, trendy restaurants that you can try. But if you're up for a cultural experience, you can go to Nonbei Yokocho instead.

Nonbei Yokocho

A narrow, bustling alleyway filled with people walking through a vibrant and cozy night scene in Tokyo, Japan. The area is illuminated by numerous colorful paper lanterns with Japanese characters, hanging from the buildings on both sides. Cherry blossom decorations add a warm touch to the ambiance. People are dressed in casual clothing, with the crowd giving the scene a lively, inviting feel. The signs, lanterns, and warm lighting create an authentic Japanese street market atmosphere in Nonbei Yokocho.
Photo Credit: He Who Walks Alone on Canva

Nonbei Yokocho, also known as "Drunkard's Alley", is a narrow alleyway near Shibuya Station filled with tiny, intimate bars and restaurants that only fit up to 4-6 people. With a certain nostalgic charm and ambiance reminiscent of Old Japan, it's like a smaller version of Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, but a lot less crowded.

This area is a perfect place to experience old-fashioned izakaya, but keep in mind there aren't many English speakers here. If you get nervous with language barriers like I do, I recommend this tour to go with a Japanese guide who will take you to an izakaya dinner and a bar crawl afterward!

🍺 Book the Shibuya Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Evening Tour 🍺

Want to go Clubbing in Tokyo?

If you want to visit a club while you're in Tokyo, you're in luck, because I am a clubbing extraordinaire. Okay, not really, but I have been to a couple of clubs in Tokyo, and the winners are Atom and Harlem, the most popular clubs in the city.

A street view with a line of people waiting to go into Atom Club in Tokyo, Japan

Harlem plays rap music while Atom plays more EDM-style club music. Both are equally popular, so you can decide which one you want to go to when you get there. They play a lot of current hits (21 Savage, anybody?). I've been to clubs in Japan where they play American music that was 5-10 years old (cough, cough, Sapporo...) so I know when the vibe is off.

I read online that you have to cover tattoos so I was a little worried, but once you're inside, no one really cares. The drinks are pretty affordable (around $7-8), and shots are quite cheap as well. There are go-go dancers, too! Overall, it was a fun experience.

Harlem

Address: Japan, 〒150-0044 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Maruyamacho, 2−4, Dr.ジーカンス
Opening Hours: 22:00-05:00
Admission: Not sure, but I paid a $40 cover fee.

Day 4: Shinjuku or Take a Day Trip

Alright, it's your last day in Tokyo! Didn't the days just seem to fly by? There's so much to do and see here, hopefully, you loved everything you saw so far.

Now that it's your last day, I'd like to give you a choice. This is a free-for-all day where you can either explore Shinjuku, or you can take a day trip out from Tokyo that will take most of the day.

Option 1: Explore Shinjuku

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

You'll start the day by visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo's most popular parks. It's a short walk from Shinjuku Station and is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms when they bloom.

A serene view of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, featuring a peaceful pond surrounded by lush greenery, blooming pink azaleas, and a traditional stone lantern. The vibrant landscape is set under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, creating a tranquil, scenic atmosphere.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Photo Credit: Daboost on Canva

There are three different gardens in Shinjuku Gyoen. The first is a traditional Japanese landscape garden, with bridges and many flower displays. The second is a French garden and an English landscape garden, as well as a luscious greenhouse with tropical flowers.

I recommend visiting here if you visit during late March when the cherry blossoms bloom, or in autumn when the leaves change color around mid-November.

Samurai Restaurant Time

You may have heard about the Robot Restaurant that was a big hit in Shinjuku before it closed in 2020. Now, it's been replaced by Samurai Restaurant Time, a bright neon, thrilling production that brings exciting samurai battles to accompany a delicious meal.

A dramatic silhouette of a samurai kneeling with a katana against a bold red moon with falling leaves, creating an intense atmosphere reminiscent of Samurai Restaurant Time in Tokyo. The red reflection on the water enhances the traditional and mysterious ambiance associated with the restaurant's unique, immersive dining experience.

If you book tickets online, you get two free drinks along with your entry ticket. The food here is pretty good too, with bento, udon, ramen, and sushi choices.

The most exciting part is the samurai shows, which include tons of dancing, crazy colorful visuals, and some action-packed sword fights.

Omoide Yokocho

If you stay in Shinjuku around dinner time, you may want to check out Omoide Yokocho (coined "Piss Alley" by tourists), a famous atmospheric alleyway that is known for its old-world Japan charm.

This smokey alleyway is comprised of small restaurants and bars that serve yakitori and izakaya dishes. Each stall only fits up to 4-6 people, so it's very cozy.

Omoide Yokocho, or "Piss Alley" in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Warm yellow lanterns and bright restaurant signs illuminate the busy crowded street during nighttime.

It's worth doing if you've never visited one of these alleyways before, but given that it's the most famous alleyway, it's a bit of a tourist trap. If you didn't get a chance to Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya then I still recommend checking it out and seeing if you like it.

It's a unique experience to sit in a small stall with friends, meet strangers, and enjoy authentic izakaya under the hazy sky illuminated by warm lantern light. I remember the first time I came here 5 years ago, thinking it was absolutely magical!

Golden Gai for drinks

A quiet, narrow alleyway in Golden Gai, Tokyo, illuminated by rows of warm yellow lanterns and decorated with hanging red maple leaves. Small bars and izakayas line both sides of the alley, each adorned with Japanese signs and lanterns, creating an intimate, nostalgic atmosphere typical of this famous nightlife district.
Photo Credit: Ryutaro Tsukata on Canva

After enjoying dinner, one more place in Shinjuku you may want to visit is Golden Gai. This narrow alleyway consists of small bars with traces from the Showa Era. While it's similar to Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai is more drinking-focused. It's the best way to end your 4 days in Tokyo, sharing a drink with a local in an intimate alleyway!

There's a unique bar I remember visiting called Deathmatch in Hell that plays horror movies all night. While I wasn't super fond of the horror theme (being a scaredy-cat and all), the vibes are spot on, and the owner Wayne is just a really cool guy.

Best Shinjuku Tours

Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes and 4 Eateries)

Foodies will love this tour! On this small-group tour, you get to explore Tokyo's nightlife like a local. You'll get to enjoy 13 traditional dishes from an izakaya, gastro bar, and food stalls!

Tokyo West-Side Cycling & Food Tour

Explore parts of Tokyo that most visitors miss on this all-inclusive cycling tour! You'll get to visit the eclectic local neighborhoods of Nakano, Koenji, and Asagaya, and lunch and snacks are included. This highly-rated tour is a few minutes away from Shinjuku Station.

Option 2: Take a Day Trip From Tokyo

Four days in Tokyo is just enough to take a day trip to explore around the area if you want. I'll list the most popular day trips below, but if you want to see more ideas click here for the best day trips from Tokyo. And if you're visiting around winter, click here for the best winter day trips.

Nikko (日光, Nikkō) 

Nikko is a great day trip for those who want to escape the bustling city life of Tokyo for a day. It's a beautiful paradise, with dramatic waterfalls, hot springs, and the most impressive shrine in Japan.

It's only 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Tokyo if you take the Shinkansen, or you can go with a guided tour for convenient transportation.

The ornate entrance of Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan, showcasing intricate carvings, detailed woodwork, and golden accents. Surrounded by lush greenery, this historic Shinto shrine exudes a majestic and spiritual ambiance, with its elaborate architecture reflecting the craftsmanship and cultural significance dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Toshogu Shrine in Nikko

Nikko is home to the impressive Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Japan's most lavishly embellished shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Even if you're unfamiliar with Ieyasu, Toshogu's intricate carvings and gilded halls will impress you for sure.

Nikko is also at the entrance of Nikko National Park, home to scenic mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, and wild monkeys. You can easily view Kegon falls here, known to be one of Japan's three most beautiful falls.


Tokyo Disney, Sanrio Puroland, or Ghibli Museum

A crowd gathers in front of Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland, with people excitedly taking photos and enjoying the magical atmosphere. The iconic castle stands tall with its blue and gold spires, set against a cloudy sky, as fountains and decorations add to the enchantment of the scene in this popular theme park.
Photo Credit: Joseph Costa on Unsplash

Here are some other full-day excursions that are in Tokyo, but may very will take up your whole day (especially Tokyo Disney!) You could also do one of these activities then swing by Shinjuku in the evening!

Tokyo Disney

Tokyo Disney is super, super fun, and a very popular attraction. If you're a Disney lover, you probably shouldn't miss visiting here. It's one of the world's largest theme parks, and it's only 15 minutes away from Tokyo Station.

There's an incredible nighttime parade and a bright, fantastic projection show. You'll also get to meet Duffy and Friends, who are exclusive to Tokyo Sea and not seen anywhere else in the world!


Lake Kawaguchi & Mt Fuji

My favorite day trip from Tokyo is to Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes around Mount Fuji. Catching a view of Fuji can be elusive due to weather conditions, but it’s worth the effort to make a trip out!

The area around Mount Fuji is dotted with five beautiful lakes, including Lake Kawaguchi, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and get some unbelievable photos. Visit Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight crystal-clear ponds nearby formed by Mount Fuji’s ancient eruptions.

A girl in a white shirt and jeans looking at Mount Fuji across Lake Kawaguchi on a clear sunny day.

For a bit of variety, head to Yamanashi or Oishi Park for seasonal flower viewing, or shop to your heart’s content at the popular Gotemba Premium Outlets. This day trip is the perfect chance to get a breath of fresh air away from the city and experience the natural beauty of one of Japan's icons!

Mount Fuji is around 2 hours away from Tokyo by car, and it's not the most accessible by public transportation. While you can make the trip independently, you could also join a guided tour or hire a private car to arrange for convenient transportation.

Best Food Spots and Restaurants in Tokyo

Let's be honest, all the food here is amazing... you'd be hard-pressed to find something that tastes below average. You can't really go wrong with any restaurant here, but here are some places I've tried and loved.

A dessert shop with rows of mochi daifuku with strawberries on top.

Best cafes

Tully's Coffee, Haute Couture, Meikyoku Kissa Lion, Kojo (Ueno)

Best Lunch

Tsukiji Fish Market, Oniyanma Udon, Motodane, Chuka Soba Ginza Hachigo

Best Restaurants

Saito, Wagyu Ichinoya Asakusa, Mizuguchi, Ten

Best Bars

New York Bar, Sky Lounge Stellar Garden, Tir an nOg, Bar TRENCH, Ginza Music Bar

Where to Stay in Tokyo

There are a couple of different neighborhoods that are good choices to stay in Tokyo. I've made a detailed post on the best areas to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors, but here's the down and dirty version for you.

1. Ginza

A view of a shopping street in Ginza, Tokyo.
There's always something to do in Ginza.

I prefer Ginza the most because it's pretty central.

If it's your first time in Japan, you'll probably want to go to Asakusa and Shinjuku, which are on opposite ends. Ginza is near the middle, so it's close to everything.

Plus it's next to the Tsukiji Fish Market so you can have delicious breakfast and lunch every day without hassle! It's next to a ton of shopping as well, and easy walking distance to the main subway train lines.

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Ginza

Pick #1
This is a hotel room of Hotel Gracery Ginza in Tokyo, Japan. There are two double beds with a TV and large window with lots of sunlight.

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Hotel Gracery Ginza

✔️ Perfect Location

✔️ On-site Breakfast

Pick #1
This is the lobby of Agora Hotel Ginza in Tokyo, Japan. The lobby has ambient warm lighting and straight geometric lines to feature pleasing architectural designs.

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Agora Hotel Ginza

✔️ Rooftop Deck

✔️ Close to Train Station

2. Shibuya or Shinjuku

Shibuya and Shinjuku will probably be similar. They are both busy areas that are always alive. If you want to be around most of the things to do in the city, either of these neighborhoods will work.

These areas are on the West Side of Tokyo, so it will take you a bit longer to get to Asakusa and TeamLab Planets.

I'll include my top hotel picks for Shibuya and Shinjuku here, but for a bigger list of the best hotels in Shibuya, click here.

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Shibuya and Shinjuku

Pick #1
A large Godzilla head right next to Gracery Hotel Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan.

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Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

✔️ Near Gyoen National Garden

✔️ Unique Decor

Pick #1
The rooftop terrance of Tokyu Stay Shibuya. There are large glowing cubes, luscious greenery and a beautiful rooftop view.

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Tokyu Stay Shibuya

✔️ Rooftop Terrance

✔️ In-Room Washer/Dryer

3. Ueno

I would prefer to stay in Ueno over Asakusa. Asakusa has Sensoji Temple, but Ueno is a bit more central to other areas of the city and you can still easily get to the main attractions of Tokyo by hopping on a train.

It is a little more quiet and relaxing here, with the beautiful Ueno Park and many museums to visit. There are often street vendors in the park too!

Top 2 Hotel Picks in Ueno

Pick #1
This is a hotel room of Hotel Gracery Ginza in Tokyo, Japan. There are two double beds with a TV and large window with lots of sunlight.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

MIMARU Tokyo Ueno North

✔️ Groups and Families

✔️ Kitchen

Pick #1
The private onsen available in APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae. There are two private onsen tubs with flowing water and natural accents from plants and wood.

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APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae

✔️ Onsen

✔️ On-Site Restaurant

Tokyo Travel FAQs

Conclusion: 4 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

There you have it, your perfect 4 day itinerary for Tokyo! I hope that you love Tokyo and Japan just as much as I did. Tokyo is busy, but is so fun and has so much character packed into one city. I love Tokyo with my whole heart and hope you will too.

Have a question, have any feedback, or need help planning your trip? I'm always available to help. Feel free to contact me at audrey@getlostinjapan.com!

Other Tokyo posts:

Where to Stay in Tokyo

The Best Tokyo Ryokan and Hotels with Private Onsen

The Most Complete 6 Day Tokyo Itinerary For First-Timers

5 comments

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