Tokyo, Japan-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Shinjuku

Morning

  • Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport
  • Take the train to Shinjuku Station (approximately 60-90 minutes)
  • Check-in at a hotel in the Shinjuku area, such as Park Hyatt Tokyo or Remm Akihabara Hotel
  • Have breakfast at a nearby café or bakery

Afternoon

Evening

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai district, known for its small bars and yakitori restaurants
  • Try some traditional Japanese street food, such as Takoyaki or Okonomiyaki

Things to know:

  • Japan uses a unique train system; buy an IC card (e.g., Suica, Pasmo) for convenient travel
  • Many restaurants and shops in Tokyo have signs in Japanese only; learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you navigate
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions

Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno

Morning

  • Take the train to Ueno Station (approximately 10-20 minutes from Shinjuku)
  • Visit the Tokyo National Museum and its impressive collection of Japanese art
  • Explore the nearby Ueno Zoo and its beautiful botanical garden

Afternoon

  • Take a short walk to Asakusa Station (approximately 10-20 minutes from Ueno)
  • Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Japan
  • Try some traditional Japanese snacks and desserts at a local shop or café

Evening

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant in Asakusa’s Nakamise Shopping Street
  • Take a stroll along the Sumida River and enjoy the city views at night

Things to know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions, especially on weekends
  • Respect temple and shrine rules (e.g., no photography inside some areas)
  • Try some local street food or snacks, such as Kabuki-cho’s famous fried chicken

Day 3: Shibuya

Morning

  • Take the train to Shibuya Station (approximately 20-30 minutes from Asakusa)
  • Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and take a walk around the nearby Shibuya area
  • Explore the trendy shops and cafes in the Nonbei Yokocho district

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Shibuya 109 department store, famous for its fashion and shopping culture
  • Take a stroll along the fashionable Shibuya streets, including Cat Street and Center Gai
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant or café in the Shibuya area

Evening

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant in Shibuya’s fashion district
  • Enjoy some live music or comedy at a nearby club or theater

Things to know:

  • Respect the local customs and rules (e.g., no smoking allowed in many areas)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions, especially on weekends
  • Try some local street food or snacks, such as Shibuya’s famous crepes

Day 4: Harajuku and Omotesando

Morning

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Yoyogi Park, a popular spot for people-watching
  • Take a stroll along the fashionable Omotesando streets, including Tokyo Fashion Street
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant or café in the Harajuku area

Evening

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant in Harajuku’s fashion district
  • Enjoy some live music or comedy at a nearby club or theater

Things to know:

  • Respect the local customs and rules (e.g., no smoking allowed in many areas)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions, especially on weekends
  • Try some local street food or snacks, such as Harajuku’s famous crepes

Other things to know:

  • Japan has a unique public bath culture; try visiting an onsen (hot spring) for a relaxing experience
  • Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you navigate and show respect for the local culture
  • Try some local train or subway lines, such as the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway, for convenient travel

Tips:

  • Respect the local customs and rules (e.g., no smoking allowed in many areas)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions, especially on weekends
  • Try some local street food or snacks, such as Tokyo’s famous crepes

Places to eat:

Places to stay: