Bright lights, small alleyways and people. Loads of people. Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis that is a must do for a first time traveller in Japan. Yet there is an endless array of things to do in Tokyo. We’ve curated this itinerary to help you have the most amazing 4 days in Tokyo. You’ll see a lot of the main highlights, get a little off the beaten path, and enjoy some of the best Tokyo cuisine.
Why should I spend 4 days in Tokyo?
Concrete jungle or nature? A food lover or couldn’t care less? Shopping addict or prefer an adventure? Modern or traditional culture? The good news is, Tokyo (in my view) has something for everyone.
We’ve been lucky enough to spend a fair amount of time in Tokyo over the course of 2 separate trips. We’ve seen Tokyo in different seasons. Each time, we’ve left with so many surprises and the feeling that we’ve only scratched the surface. There’s just way too much to do here.
There are loads of different ways we could curate a 4 day Tokyo itinerary. We understand there’s no “one size fits all” approach. But the below is what I would do if I had 4 days in Tokyo as a first time visitor.
So, “what type of traveller are you then”, you may be asking? First and foremost, I like variety. I enjoy seeing the major highlights, the stuff everyone tells you about. But I also like to mix in a few less-well explored areas or activities. Food is a major part of my travel experience. I often plan my day around restaurants I want to eat at. I don’t really enjoy shopping and I like to take photos. If this sounds like you, this itinerary is for you! If not, hopefully some ideas in here will help you curate your own perfect itinerary.
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A few notes about this 4 day Tokyo itinerary
This itinerary aims to minimise travel times and criss-crossing back and forth across town too much. As I mentioned earlier, Tokyo is a massive city and the key places to visit are spread wide and far. Even with a super efficient transport system, you’ll be spending some time commuting to your destination.
However, there’s one key challenge with creating a Tokyo itinerary. Some attractions in a specific location are best visited at very different times of the day. We’ve tried to balance the tension between best times to visit vs. less commute times.
This itinerary will work most effectively if you base yourself in the Shinjuku area. This area is the entertainment hub of Tokyo, and most well-known for its nightlife. It’s serviced by a massive train station and there are loads of accommodation options in the area. Two hotels that are well located with great ratings are Hotel Century Southern Tower and Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. We’ve provided more in depth details on accommodation at the end of this article.
Finally, be prepared for lots of walking! During our trips to Tokyo, it was rare to do less than 20k steps in a day. If you’re reading this before you leave on your trip, consider how prepared you are for a large amount of walking. Do you need comfier shoes or to get “match fit”? Also, our itinerary may not meet your needs if you have mobility issues. I’d recommend checking out this guide to accessible travel before you leave.
At a glance – 4 days in Tokyo itinerary
Day 1 Shibuya and Harajuku highlights || Cocktails with a view
Day 2 Explore one of Tokyo’s best gardens || See the home of the beckoning cat || Experience the world-renowned Tokyo nightlife
Day 3 Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple || View Tokyo from the tallest building || Indulge in ramen goodness
Day 4 Be spellbound at a digital art museum || Tick off anything from your list you haven’t done
Day 1 – Morning
For your first morning of your 4 days in Tokyo, you’ll be treated with an eclectic mix of attractions. Some nature, traditional and modern Japan all within a few hours.
Head to Harajuku station on the JR Yamanote Line. Alight from the station and look for the signs for the Meiji Shrine. This shrine is one of the most popular in Tokyo, and dates back to 1920. It’s dedicated to Emperor Meiji, the first Emperor of modern Japan. The area with the shrines is about a 10 minute walk from the train station. Take your time wandering through the beautiful grounds. It feels like you’re in the middle of the countryside, not in a major city! The shrine is adjacent to Yoyogi Park, a peaceful spot to walk about. If you’re visiting in autumn, this park is a wonderful place to admire the changing colours of the leaves.
When you’re finished, head back towards Harajuku station. You’ll now be exploring the more modern parts of the city.
Harajuku is the best spot to admire Japan’s pop culture and cosplay. It’s a colourful, youthful and very popular area of the city.
My favourite thing to do in the area is to walk up and down the main streets, taking in the vibe of the place. But, make sure you go for a walk down Takeshita Dori. Native English speakers will need to get past the humour of this street name. Once you do, you’ll find an array of shopping outlets, cosplay stores and restaurants to lose your yen at. It’s a popular street for souvenirs and outrageous Harajuku outfits.
Take the escalators up to the stores inside Tokyu Plaza Omotesando. The mirrored entrance is a popular Instagram photography spot. Also, don’t miss the rooftop garden, particularly good if you’re in need of a rest.
Day 1 – Lunch
When you’re ready to grab some lunch, I’d recommend a visit to Harajuku Gyoza Lou. A crowd favourite, this restaurant sells gyoza only. You can get it in a few different types and flavours. At the very least you should get a batch of 6 steamed and 6 fried of dumpling goodness. For ¥290 for half a dozen, eating here is about as cheap as you get in Japan for a cooked meal.
Day 1 – Afternoon
Once you’ve finished up in Harajuku, jump back on the subway and make your way to Shibuya station. It’s one stop away from Harajuku on the JR Yamanote Line. But, depending on where you’ve ended up in Harajuku, there are some other stations you can depart from. Check with Google Maps first so you don’t do any unnecessary steps!
At the station, follow the signs for the Shibuya Crossing. This iconic crossing is a must do in Tokyo! Every few minutes hundreds (if not thousands) of people cross this intersection in all manner of directions. It’s ordered chaos at its best. Who said crossing the road isn’t a fun activity?!
Have your go at the crossing yourself, and then make your way up to some of the vantage points to get a birds eye view. One of the most popular, and free, options is to grab a seat at the Starbucks. It’s right on top of the crossing, so impossible to miss. Due to its popularity, it can be hard to get a well sought after window seat. But if you stick around long enough, you should get an opportunity. This was my favourite viewpoint.
There are a few paid options for viewing the crossing in a more relaxed atmosphere. Another that we tried, and would recommend, is the rooftop of the Magnet Tower. You should see the signs from the street. Head up in the lift and you’ll find a ticket office. It was ¥600 per person for entry. It’s a small platform and whilst the view isn’t unobstructed, it was a much higher vantage point to see most of the crossing.
Whilst you’re in the Shibuya area, take some time to walk through the streets. If you’re into shopping, there are some great department stores here, such as Tokyu Hands.
Shibuya is littered with pachinko outlets. What’s pachinko? Well, In Japan gambling is illegal, so traditional poker/slot machines don’t exist. Pachinko is their way around this, but the machines are also more like an arcade machine. The sound inside can be deafening. But well worth a walk through at least once, to see something truly unique.
If you’re buggered and in need of a break by now (I don’t blame you!) head back to your hotel for a well-earned break before the evening activities.
If you have some more energy and want to visit a local gem, get your walking shoes ready. About a 15 minute stroll away is a wonderful sweet treat for your troubles. Nata de Cristiano sells the most amazing Portugese tarts. It’s unlikely you came all the way to Japan to eat Portuguese tarts, but boy these are good. We’ve enjoyed arguably the best in Belém, Portugal, but these tarts are delish. Smaller than usual and a little crispier, they’re a reflection perhaps of Japan’s small size. And like any Japanese dish, they still pack lots of flavour.
Aside from the amazing treats, the walk up to the shop is through one of my favourite neighbourhoods of Tokyo. Make sure you walk along Tomigaya 1-chome street, which is filled with quirky shops, cute cafes and trendy stores. We didn’t see many other tourists around here, and it felt like a true Tokyo gem.
Day 1 – Evening
A fan of Lost in Translation? Or stunning city skyline views? Or cocktails? Or, like me, all of these? If so, a visit to the New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a must do on your 4 day itinerary.
Located on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt hotel, this bar is full of sophistication and charm. The views alone are worth the effort to dress up. Then there’s the extensive cocktail list. If you can, time your visit for sunset.
Views over Tokyo from New York Bar and Grill
A visit to this bar is not however, a cheap experience. The drinks are a lot pricier than a standard bar. If you visit after 8pm, a cover charge of ¥2,500 per person applies. For a more budget friendly experience, my recommendation is to arrive just before opening (5pm, but check the website for updated times). Try and grab a window seat and order a cocktail or two. That way, you’re in before the cover charge applies, and you can find some wonderful Tokyo bites elsewhere afterwards. Do note that a strict dress code applies.
Looking for an even more budget friendly experience? Consider a visit to the free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. There are two towers, North and South. We visited the South observatory, as the North was shut when we visited. As they’re completely free, lines can be long in peak times. There are some facilities on the observation decks, including a café. The views from the deck over Tokyo were fantastic, and worth a visit if you’re nearby. At least one of the decks is open late, but check opening times here.
By now you’ve had a super long day. The good news is that there are a huge amount of options for dining out in Shinjuku.
If you’re after a low-key, yet delicious meal, consider stopping by Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku. Or just about any other suburb, given they are almost as proliferate as convenience stores!
A visit to Ichiran is a must do at least once in Japan! The ordering and dining experience here is very unique. First, you order via a vending machine at the front (all stores we visited had English language machines). Just choose a ramen and any side orders, such as a boiled egg. You then take a seat. Most stores have the option of table or counter. Definitely take the counter! You’ll get a booth to yourself, designed for one with your own water spout. There’s paper and a pen and you choose how you’d like your ramen, such as how much garlic, noodle softness etc. Hand your order to an anonymous person on the other side of the booth (you can only see their hands).
Minutes later, a piping hot bowl of ramen goodness is placed in front of you. Slurp it down in absolute peace! A wonderful way to end your first day in Tokyo.
Day 2 – Morning
Start the second of your 4 days in Tokyo in the stunning Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A short walk from Shinjuku station, it’s amazing to see such a tranquil garden in the middle of the busy city.
Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most popular parks in Tokyo. If you’re visiting in spring, you may be lucky enough to walk amongst the beautiful cherry blossom trees. We just missed the season on our first visit. I can’t even imagine how much more stunning it would have been to see the trees in full bloom. In Autumn, you’ll also be blessed with orange and red hues from the many maple trees that are within the park.
There are multiple different gardens within the complex, but don’t miss the traditional Japanese Garden. Take your time wandering about – the constant rush that you feel elsewhere in Tokyo is not present here.
There’s a small entry fee to enter the gardens. You can check opening hours and current pricing here.
Day 2 – Lunch
Once you’ve finished up at the gardens, walk back towards Shinjuku station and stop by a few department stores in the area. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, like me, you still might be interested in having a peek. Some of the best ones include Takashimaya, Isetan and Odakyu. If you do visit one (or a few), make sure you head towards the food halls. There’s so many different Japanese foods on offer, and it makes a great pit stop for an early lunch.
Day 2 – Afternoon
After lunch, you’ll be heading out of Shinjuku to visit the impressive Gotokuji temple. Do you know those cute little cat statues where the cat is holding up one paw? They’re called the ‘beckoning cat’ statues and are believed to have originated from this temple.
To reach the temple, head to Gotokuji station. The journey takes about 16 minutes on the Odakyu line from Shinjuku station. Once you reach Gotokuji, it will take about 10 minutes to walk to the temple entrance. The central street of this town is small and ridiculously cute. Lined with restaurants, convenience stores and some small homes, you’ll find old ladies wandering about, bicycles being ridden and the odd car patiently making its way through them all.
Once you reach the temple grounds, have a wander around until you reach the section with the cat statues. You can’t miss them. This small area has cats everywhere. Neatly lined up, it’s difficult to believe these live outside. Various sizes from the tiny to the much larger (about a foot high) are stacked delicately in rows.
If you’d like to grab a souvenir, the shop on site has cat statues for sale for a few hundred yen.
Once you’re finished, head back to Shinjuku for an evening of fun!
Day 2 – Evening
I hope you’re in a fun mood, because this evening is all about bright lights and entertainment.
Make a booking this evening for the show at The Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. The show here has been a popular spot for tourists for years. We finally got there on our last visit to Tokyo and we had a blast!
If I can try and summarise the Robot Restaurant: it’s 90 minutes of utter craziness and joy. It’s chaotic. It’s colourful. And its hard not to break a smile at the spectacle before you.
The name if probably slightly misleading though because #1) it’s not really a restaurant and #2) there aren’t many (or any) robots. But don’t let that put you off. You just need to know what you’re in for.
There are multiple shows a day, starting from 3pm. For this itinerary, I’d recommend aiming for either a 5pm or 7pm seating. It really depends on how much of an early riser you are and how quickly you can get through the days activities. I’m a night owl, so I’d go for a 7pm booking and have a late dinner afterwards. Note that you need to arrive 30 minutes before the show starts too.
I’d highly recommend booking ahead via Klook. You’ll get a guaranteed seat, and the prices are generally cheaper online. Also, Klook has a VIP entry and first access to seats (as they’re assigned when you arrive). It’s a no-brainer!
Now, I do think it is important to give a balanced recommendation. There are a few things you need to understand before you go. First, the Robot Restaurant is not very accessible. There are about 6 flights of stairs you need to descend to the show. I did spot a lift, but I didn’t see it offered to any patrons. The area of the show is quite small, with just 3 rows of chairs on either side. All the action happens in the middle. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you may struggle here. Finally, the drinks and snacks are a little overpriced, and there’s a few breaks where they try and get additional sales. I guess I am used to overpriced food and beverages at musicals in Australia, so this aspect didn’t bother me, but it’s worthwhile going in fully aware.
Your experience of the Tokyo nightlife doesn’t end here! You’ll of course be wanting some dinner. Spend some time exploring the area of the Golden Gai. This area has a few tiny laneways packed together with small bars and pubs. I loved just walking through here to get a vibe for the area.
Nearby also is a must-do street known as “Piss Alley”. We understand it gets its name from people heading here to drink rather than it being a place that people relieve themselves! Its other name (and the one you’ll need to enter into Google Maps) is Omoide Yokocho. This is the best spot for some late night eats and beers. Easy to miss, it’s tucked in behind Shinjuku station. Take a stool at one of the many establishments, order some yakitori and wash it down with an Asahi. It’s hard not to admire the tight laneway decorated with red and white lanterns throughout.
Looking further afield for your Japan trip? Check out:
Our one day in Osaka itinerary
A day trip from Osaka to Nara
Day 3 – Morning
Today you’ll start out at an area a little further from Shinjuku, the traditional district of Asakusa. The star attraction of Asakusa is without a doubt Senso-Ji temple, one of the top places to visit in Tokyo. We missed this spot on our first visit to Tokyo, and ensured it made the second trip by staying in the area.
From Shinjuku it will take about 40 minutes to travel to Asakusa by the metro. Make sure you check your journey in Google Maps to determine the best path. Asakusa is a large area, so enter Senso-ji temple in as your destination.
When you arrive in Asakusa, the first thing you’ll probably notice are the hoards of people. It’s one of the most visited attractions for tourists and locals, so the area is buzzing with activity. If you’re there on a weekend, it will be even busier. A lot of the locals will visit in traditional dress. And a lot of tourists will also wear something traditional. So whilst it is busy, we loved the buzz on the weekend.
Senso-Ji temple is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Its origins go back as far as 628AD. The whole temple area is stunning, and worthy of at least an hour or two of your time to explore.
On arrival, head towards the Kaminarimon Gate. This gate with statues and a giant red lantern is my favourite entrance into the complex. It’s a spectacular spot to grab a photo.
As you walk towards the main temple complex, you’ll be on Nakimise Shopping Street. This pedestrianised area is filled with loads of little stores selling souvenirs and sweet treats. If you’re hungry, I highly recommend grabbing some melon pan here.
Just off the main street is Kagetsudo Kaminarimon. We first spotted it due to the very long line, so knew it would be good! For only ¥220 you’ll be served up a delicious sugary bun. You can top it up with some ice cream in various flavours. For us, it was sweet enough in its plain form.
Once you’ve got your sweet treat, continue following the shopping street up to the main temple area. Pass under the Hozomon Gate and admire the stunning 5 storey pagoda to your left. You can then make your way up to the Senso-Ji temple and admire it from the inside. You can partake in the tradition of getting your fortune, for a ¥100 donation. There are instructions in English around the temple.
Once you’ve finished at the temple, take some time to explore the side streets and the areas around the temple. We found some wonderful boutique stores close to the temple. There’s also a wonderful photo opportunity where you can get the Skytree and Senso-ji in the same frame. See if you can get the shot of old and new Tokyo in one!
Day 3 – Lunch
Asakusa has some fantastic options for lunch. We’ve got two recommendations for you on places we tried and enjoyed. But if you’re after something different, you won’t need to go far to find something good.
If you haven’t tried Soba Noodles in Japan yet, head to Namiki Yabusoba. A restaurant that has been in place for over a century serving up some of the very best soba noodles around. You wouldn’t know it’s a restaurant from the outside, but the long line on one occasion sparked our curiosity. It’s extremely popular with locals and on our visit we were the only westerners in there.
You can take a small chair at a table or sit on the floor traditionally. There are hot and cold soba noodles to choose from. We went for the hot on a cold winter night and it was perfect.
The ladies serving here are lovely, and it’s a wonderful traditional experience right in the beating heart of Asakusa.
Another restaurant we enjoyed was Tonkatsu Toyama. It’s a great spot for some Tonkatsu, which is a breaded deep fried pork cutlet. You can sit at the counter and the chef cooks it up right in front of you. A set menu comes with rice, cabbage and miso soup.
Day 3 – Afternoon
From Asakusa, you’re just a very short subway ride away from Japan’s tallest building. The Tokyo Skytree is a fairly new tower, having been completed in 2012. At 634m it’s the second tallest structure in the world, behind the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
The purpose of a visit here is to ride the lifts up to the observation decks for a stunning view over Tokyo. I would say it’s only worth coming up here on a clear enough day, given you’re up so high.
To skip the queue, you can buy tickets online in advance here (and they’re often slighter cheaper). There are a few tickets to choose from: the observation decks at either the 350m floor, 450m floor, or a combo ticket for both.
We went for a combo ticket. But in fairness, whilst you’re another 100m up, the views aren’t altogether that different. The 350m floor has a larger viewing deck and it’s easier to get photos on this floor too. If we did it again, we’d probably just go for the cheaper ticket. However, we completely understand if you want to get up as high as possible for the experience.
If you’re lucky you may even be able to see all the way to Mount Fuji. We had a bright blue sky but haze kept Mount Fuji hidden from view. We could make out its outline, but that was about it. Also look out for the cool shadow of the tower that is cast during the day. It’s amazing to see from high above.
Day 3 – Evening
Once you’ve finished up at Tokyo Skytree, head to the Ginza area. You’ll need to head back to Asakusa station to take the Ginza line to Ginza station.
Ginza is a very upmarket area that reminds me of shopping around 5th Avenue in New York. It’s a great place to walk around and just people watch. If you’re into shopping, there are loads of boutique and high street stores too.
The real purpose of your visit though is for an early dinner at Ginza Kagari. This tiny ramen place in upmarket Ginza is a special treat. Specialising in chicken ramen (not a well known or done thing in Japan), the best ramen to try would be the chicken broth with truffle.
When we visited the restaurant re-opened for dinner at 5.30pm. We lined up at 5pm with two people ahead of us. A line will build, and they’ll only take the dozen or so people who can fit around the benches to start. There is an unspoken expectation that you’ll enjoy your food, but not loiter. There are others excitedly waiting for their bowl. Despite this, we were amazed to watch two locals (the first in line) leave at 5.42pm. 12 minutes from entering, sitting, being served and out the door. Remarkable.
Payment is taken as you order and there is a delay of no more than 2 minutes to get your bowl of ramen goodness.
A creamy, delightful ramen not like any other you’ll have, we can promise you that!
Once you’ve finished up in Ginza, consider heading to Akihabara. An anime or manga fan? Or wanting to do some electronics shopping? This is the place for you! I’ve never before seen so many electronic stores in such a small radius. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, there are so many places you can go and play some video games or arcade machines.
If you’re looking for some easy treats to take home, consider stopping by the Don Quijote store. We found they had the best selection of random Kit Kat flavours we’d seen on our Japan travels. They made a very easy and interesting gift for our friends and family at home!
Don’t stay out too late tonight, because the last day of your 4 days in Tokyo is sure to be a packed one!
Day 4 – Morning
Today you’re in for an early start as you’re headed to TeamLab Borderless. Never heard of it? It’s a world famous digital art museum that’s a must do in Tokyo!
TeamLab Borderless is a sensory overload. Once you enter the museum you’ll be confronted with colourful lights, amazing projections and intoxicating music. It’s a large space filled with multiple exhibition areas. But there’s no map and no one way to explore the museum. Often you’ll need to peek behind a curtain to find a space you’ve not yet explored.
Some of my favourite rooms in TeamLab Borderless include:
#1 Forest of Resonating Lamps – this is one of only a few spaces you need to line up for. Here you’ll enter a mirrored room that is full of lamps that continually change colour. It’s an insta-famous spot that is well worth a visit.
#2 Crystal World – in this room there are thousands of lights hanging down from the roof. You can walk through the maze and be surrounded by the light.
#3 – En Tea House – order some tea (at an extra cost to your entry fee) and be seated in a darkened room. Once you’re served your tea, a projection will light up your mug and a flower appears to blossom. It will keep happening as long as there is some tea left in your mug!
These are just a few of the many special displays at TeamLab Borderless. Now for the important bits. As it is one of the top things to do in Tokyo, it can get very crowded. The first thing you should do is buy your tickets online here. This will save valuable time when you arrive.
The museum opens up at 10am (double check the website for opening times, as it is shut a few days a month). I would highly recommend arriving no later than 9:30am. The museum is located in Odaiba. It’s a 5 minute walk from Aomi Station on the Yurikamome Line. If you’re travelling from Shinjuku, allow at least 45 minutes.
There are lockers at entry, and you should leave all your belongings in there. It requires a ¥100 coin, which is returned to you once you’re finished.
Once you’re inside, try and find the spaces that require lining up to enter. These are the Forest of Resonating Lamps, the Nest and the En tea house. Leave them towards the end of your stay and you risk needing to line up for 30-60 minutes.
There’s no real opportunity to eat during your visit, so make sure you have a good breakfast before you arrive. You don’t want to be hangry! Most people generally stay around 3 hours, so you can grab lunch afterwards.
You can purchase your ticket for TeamLab Borderless via the ever reliable Klook here.
Day 4 – Lunch
You’ve likely worked up an appetite following your morning at TeamLab Borderless. If you’re starving, you might want to hit up a nearby convenience store like 7/11 or Family Mart. If you’re yet to have a meal from one during your time in Japan, you’re missing out! These stores sell high quality meals, ranging from sushi, sandwiches and fried chicken. I absolutely love the egg salad sandwiches, and they’re a great value option if you’re feeling peckish.
Given you’re in Odaiba, you’re very near some shopping malls. If you’re a ramen fan, you might like to try out Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai in the Aqua City shopping mall. If you visit here, check out the Statue of Liberty replica along the bay.
Day 4 – Afternoon and Evening
After a full morning at TeamLab Borderless, you’ll likely be very very tired! I’d suggest leaving the afternoon and evening free. That way you can decide how you feel, and what you’d like to do on your last day of your 4 day itinerary.
One suggestion for the afternoon is to go back to your hotel for a break, and then head out again in the early evening to make the most of your last night in Tokyo.
If you’re up for more exploring, consider heading to Tokyo Midtown or Roppongi. These areas have been re-developed in the last 15-20 years. They are known for almost being a “city within a city”. To be honest, they are not my favourite areas of Tokyo. But you might find it interesting to see a more modern development. Roppongi Hills is also the home to the famed Mori Art Museum.
You may also consider heading to that themed restaurant you were hoping to get to in Tokyo. One of our favourites is the Pokemon Café. We’re both Pokemon Go addicts and a visit to the themed café was on the top of our Tokyo to do list! Do note that it does require a booking a few weeks in advance. If you’re not already aware, Japan is a very Pokemon obsessed nation (just another reason why we love it so much!).
Whatever you decide to do on your last of 4 days in Tokyo, we hope you have an amazing time.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is a massive, sprawling city. It’s important to get your base right, because otherwise you could spend a lot of time on the commute.
Shinjuku
As I mentioned earlier, my recommendation is to base yourself in Shinjuku for your 4 days in Tokyo. Shinjuku has fantastic transportation links through the massive Shinjuku station. Given it is a large tourist and entertainment hub, you can enjoy the nightlife without needing to make a long commute in the evening.
There are so many accommodation options in the area. Two places we have stayed and would recommend are:
Hotel Century Southern Tower: this hotel is located super close to Shinjuku station. In fact, it’s just a 3 minute walk from the South Exit. Our room was a very decent size by Tokyo standards.
Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku: this small hotel is located a little further from the station (approx. 10-15 minute walk). However, the key benefit of Oakwood is that you get full apartment facilities. This includes a washing machine and kitchenette. If you’re travelling through Japan for a long period, these facilities can really come in handy!
A few other well reviewed hotels in Shinjuku include:
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: it’s not hard to miss this hotel, it’s the one with the giant gorilla hanging off the building. Set in the heart of the Kabukicho district, this is a great option if you’re interested in the Shinjuku nightlife. Hotel Gracery is a good chain hotel we’ve stayed with in other parts of Japan.
Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku: are you a literary lover who is looking for a budget hostel option? This place is for you! It’s covered with books and you’ll get a small space to sleep. But with so much to do with your 4 days in Tokyo, you won’t be in your hotel for long anyway!
Shibuya
Super close to Shinjuku on the JR Yamanote Line, Shibuya is another great option to base your Tokyo stay. You’ll be able to cross the Shibuya Crossing multiple times, and in an area with good nightlife and lots of shopping.
Shibuya is another location with no shortage of hotel options.
Asakusa
We based ourselves in Asakusa for the majority of our last visit in Tokyo. We really loved it here, but it comes with some caveats.
Asakusa is the traditional area of Tokyo, and the home of the Senso-Ji temple. It’s a lovely area that has a great blend of old and new. It’s well connected with multiple subway lines.
However, it’s not a hub of nightlife activity like Shinjuku or Shibuya. In fact, this area is incredibly quiet in the evening. It was crazy walking through the Senso-Ji temple complex after 9pm and getting photos with absolutely no one in them. This was a stark contrast to earlier in the day when it was teeming with people.
The hotels around Asakusa are often much cheaper than comparable properties around Shinjuku or Shibuya. If budget is a concern, and you’d prefer to not stay in a hostel or capsule hotel, this could be a good option.
However, Asakusa is a fair distance to Shinjuku. You’ll need to allow at least 45 minutes to commute to many places in this itinerary. For this reason, I think Asakusa makes a great base for your second, subsequent or a split visit in Tokyo.
If you’d like to stay here, we’d recommend Hotel Gracery Asakusa. A super short walk to the main area of Asakusa and subway stations with a decent sized room. We even had a great view of the Tokyo Skytree. Winning!
Other things to consider for your 4 days in Tokyo
After your 4 days in Tokyo, you’ll probably feel like you’ve just scratched the surface. There are just so many things to do in this amazing city. And so many different areas to explore. Below are some other suggestions for other things to do if you want to try and squeeze into your 4 day itinerary (or drop something on our list):
See a sumo training session
Sumo is something of a religion in Japan. And whilst it’s easy for westerners to suggest that they’re simply large men with big appetites, let me tell you they surprisingly have flexibility, strength and agility. With only a handful of sumo tournaments a year, the wrestlers spend a lot of time perfecting their art.
Jeff visited a sumo stable one morning to watch them train. He was mesmerised by them performing the splits and bending into poses any yoga goer would admire. And at the end of the session, they’ll even have some fights. It might be training, but they still go quite hard. You can book your sumo training via Klook. Spaces each day are limited and do book out.
Visit the fish markets
After a few days in Japan you’ll know one thing for certain, the Japanese absolutely love seafood. A really interesting thing to do is watch the live fish auctions at the markets. You’ll need to wake up very early to do this, as the auctions take place around 5:30am to 6:30am. The fish markets are now located in the Toyosu Market. I haven’t visited here, as we went to the old location a few years ago at Tsukiji Market.
Visit more of Tokyo’s amazing parks
One of my favourite things about Tokyo is the large amount of green space throughout the city. They are lovely to walk through, and even more so if you’re visiting during spring (for cherry blossoms) or autumn (for the fall foliage). Two other parks that I’d recommend are Ueno Park and Rikugien Gardens.
That concludes our 4 days in Tokyo itinerary! If you’re heading off to Japan soon, we hope you have an amazing stay. If you have any comments or questions about this itinerary, please do let us know in the comments below.
If you enjoyed our 4 days in Tokyo itinerary, be sure to check out our other articles about Japan. A good one to start is 25 things to know before travelling to Japan.
Love this!! I have never ever been to Japan and the thought of planning a trip is quite overwhelming. Love this long and comprehensive post to pick and choose from.