Travel guide
Tokyo in 4 days
Explore the essentials with room to breathe, balancing traditional temples, modern districts, and exceptional food culture.
Tokyo by numbers
13.9M
Residents in the metro area
23
Special wards across the city
160,000+
Restaurants and food establishments
2,000+
Temples and shrines
The plan for these 4 days in Tokyo
| Day | Focus | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modern Tokyo | Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Square | Harajuku and Takeshita Street | Shibuya Sky or neighborhood dinner |
| 2 | Traditional culture | Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street | Ueno Park and museums | Traditional dinner in Asakusa |
| 3 | Imperial and shopping | Imperial Palace East Gardens | Ginza district and shopping | Tsukiji Outer Market area |
| 4 | Neighborhoods and food | Shinjuku Gyoen or Meiji Shrine | Shinjuku neighborhood exploration | Izakaya dinner and Golden Gai |
Is this travel guide for you?
Great fit if you want
- Traditional temple visits
- Modern district exploration
- Exceptional food scenes
- Efficient public transit
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods
Not ideal if you want
- A packed schedule of only temples
- Day trips outside Tokyo
- Late-night party focus
- Beach time
- Budget backpacker style
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1
Modern Tokyo
Shibuya, Harajuku, and modern energy.
Morning
Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Square
Afternoon
Harajuku and Takeshita Street
Evening
Shibuya Sky or neighborhood dinner
How to enjoy Tokyo in 4 days
Tokyo rewards a calm pace across its diverse neighborhoods. Focus each day on one major area, then leave time for temple visits, local markets, and spontaneous food discoveries.
Group your time by district clusters. Pair Shibuya with Harajuku for modern energy, dedicate another day to Asakusa and Ueno for traditional culture, then explore Shinjuku and Ginza for contrast.
Save unhurried time for neighborhood walks, local izakaya dinners, and the quiet moments that reveal Tokyo's character beyond the main sights.
Logistics & practical tips for Tokyo
| Best time | March to May or September to November |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | Narita Express or Skyliner to city center |
| Transit tips | Get a JR Pass or IC card for easy transit |
| Ticketing | Book major attractions like Tokyo Skytree in advance |
| Neighborhood stay | Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza areas |
Good to know before you go
| Crowd timing | Start by 8:30–9:00 for headline sights |
|---|---|
| Seasonal notes | Plan shade or indoor stops on hot afternoons |
| Museum booking advice | Reserve timed slots 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season |
| Common mistakes | Overbooking too many sights in one day |
| Dress code | Bring a light layer for church and basilica entry |
Checklist before you go to Tokyo
Tap items as you prepare. No sign-in needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is 4 days enough for Tokyo?
Yes for the core highlights. This plan balances traditional and modern Tokyo with enough breathing room for food discoveries, neighborhood walks, and unplanned stops. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need a JR Pass?
For city travel, an IC card is more practical. JR Passes are better for longer Japan trips. Both offer easy access to Tokyo's excellent transit system. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is Tokyo walkable?
Neighborhoods are walkable, but Tokyo is vast. Use the efficient subway and train system to move between districts, then explore on foot within each area. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Where should I stay?
Shibuya or Shinjuku offer good transit connections and central locations. Ginza provides a more upscale base with easy access to shopping and dining. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
What time should I start each day?
Start early for temple visits to avoid crowds. Markets like Tsukiji are best in the morning. Afternoons can be slower with neighborhood exploration. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need to book restaurants in advance?
For high-end restaurants, yes—especially for sushi or kaiseki. For izakaya and casual spots, walk-ins are common, though popular places may have waits. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is English widely spoken?
In tourist areas, yes. Many restaurants have English menus, and transit signs are bilingual. Learning basic Japanese phrases helps, especially outside central areas. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
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