Japan’s capital city and major cultural center, Tokyo, is home to ultramodern and traditional attractions. From visiting the gorgeous Meiji shrine to playing in the world-famous Disneyland, this city offers a myriad of experiences to visitors. And let’s not forget Tokyo’s gastronomic culinary scene, which is more than just about food; it also includes dining etiquette.
This perfect four-day Tokyo Itinerary will take you through the city’s major tourist attractions, provide recommendations for things to do, and help you make the most of your trip. All you need to do is pack your bag and make reservations according to this detailed plan.
Also Read:
- Ultimate Japan Travel Guide
- Top 15 Must-do Activities in Tokyo, Japan
- Things to Do in Kyoto: Top Attractions
Things To Know Before Four Days in Tokyo Itinerary
Is Four Days Enough In Tokyo?
Tokyo is a beautiful city with a lot more to explore. So, inquiries like whether four days are enough to visit this magnificent town are common. Well, guess what? With proper planning, you can make the most of your four-day trip.
Japan’s capital city is 5,233.87 square miles long and has 23 special wards. While you can’t travel to all districts within four days, you can visit the most popular neighborhoods of Tokyo. For instance, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Harajuku are famous tourist hubs. They mix traditional and modern attractions and provide a wealth of experience.
How Much Money Do I Need for 4 Days in Tokyo, Japan?
Tourism in Japan is increasing, with inbound visitors amounting to 25.07 million in 2023. Likewise, according to JNTO, 2.688,100 international tourists traveled to Japan in January 2024. The surge in tourism is due to Japanese people’s hospitality, the country’s rich culinary culture, scenic beauty, and easy accessibility.
Tokyo ranks among the most visited cities in the world, and it saw 3.3 million international tourists in 2022. Considering its popularity, this town is a bit expensive to travel to. Visitors should plan to spend an average of $160 to $200 (¥24,203.84 – ¥30,254.8) per day, depending on the places they want to visit and the activities they choose.
On average, you might spend,
- $152(¥22,994.1) on meals
- $72 (¥10,891.94) on transportation
- $620 (¥93,791.74) on hotels
In conclusion, you might need to spend between $640 and $900 for four days in Tokyo, Japan.
How To Travel in Tokyo on a Budget?
Often, people hesitate to travel due to high expenses. Fret not; careful planning allows you to enjoy traveling without worrying about money. Although Tokyo is expensive, budgeting can reduce prices, allowing you to do many things cheaply.
- Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons: Visit Tokyo in summer, autumn, and winter, and avoid the spring months.
- Switch To Public Transportation: Tokyo Metro and Japan Railways are the cheapest means of transportation. Avoid tour buses and taxis that charge more than ¥700.
- Cheap Accommodation: 4-5 star hotels cost $177 – $226 per night. Change to 3-star ($106 – $120) or 1-2-star ($52 – $79) accommodations.
- Explore Free Things To Do: Public parks, temples, and shrines don’t require entry fees. Visit budget-friendly Tokyo museums and attractions.
- Dine At Local Eateries: Instead of expensive establishments, choose local ramen shops, convenience stores, katsu shops, and izakayas.
- Shop At Thrift Stores: You can buy quality items and souvenirs at thrift stores and flea markets.
4 Days Itinerary For Tokyo: Day 1 (Visit West Side)
After arriving in Tokyo from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport, you begin your 4-day itinerary with a visit to the city’s west side. This area has many modern tourist attractions with neon lights, skyscrapers, and fashionista people.
Start Your Morning At Meiji Jingu
- Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Google Map
- Opening Hours: From Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
Let’s start our trip with a bang at the gorgeous Meiji Jingu, open from sunrise to sunset. This historic building was built in 1920 to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s virtue. Morning is the perfect time to visit this shrine, as few people are around. You can enjoy a stroll around the temple and its garden.
The shrine is surrounded by lush forests that give it an air of tranquility. Enjoy your ten-minute walk from the train station in green surroundings. You can also visit the adjacent Yoyogi Park and take photographs. Finally, you can visit the Meiji Jingu Museum and partake in ongoing rites and festivities.
Learn About Kawaii Culture at Harajuku
- Address: Jingumae, Located Between Shibuya and Shinjuku; Google Map
- Opening Hours: Early Morning to 11 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Watch Cosplay
Have you heard about Kawaii? This cute culture is popular among Japanese people and is widely seen on Harajuku Street. At every turn on Takeshita Dori, you will see one or two people donning cosplay-influenced street style.
This narrow, crowded street is filled with fashionistas, fashion stores, cafes, and restaurants. Shops like IKEA and Uniqlo usually are open until 8 PM or 10 PM; you can shop to your heart’s content. This place is crowded during weekends, so try not to get lost from your team. Also, enjoy your lunch in one of Takeshita Dori’s excellent restaurants.
Shop at Luxurious Omotesando Shops
- Address: Aoyama District, Google Map
- Opening Hours: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping, Street Photography, Street Fashion Photography
If kawaii is not your style, you may like to explore branded stores in Omotesando. This street has luxurious and haute couture shops and boutiques. Here, you will find trending and latest-season fashion items. You name it, they have it.
Omotesando’s stores primarily cater to an older and wealthier clientele. They are less crowded than Takeshita Dori’s and more expensive, too. You can also do street and fashion photography in this area. Local teens often appear wearing trendy clothing.
Watch Neon Lights at Shibuya Crossing
- Address: Shibuya City, Tokyo; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Walking, Sightseeing, Food Tour
The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing, is crowded all day. However, the busiest and best time to visit is dusk, between 6 and 7 PM. You can see neon lights, advertisements, and a lively evening atmosphere at that time. And let’s not forget the people coming from all directions to cross the roads.
Shibuya Crossing is surrounded by cafes and restaurants with window seats. You can watch this hustle and bustle, sitting and sipping a coffee from a coffee house. In addition, this city has many bars and clubs that are perfect for memorable nightlife.
Dance the Night Away at Shinjuku Clubs
If there is one thing Shinjuku takes great pride in, it is its rich nightlife. The entertainment district’s Golden Gai has over 200 tiny bars, eateries, and clubs. These establishments are usually open from 8 PM and busy all night. There are too many options, so go for bar-hopping with your friends.
Next, head to nightclubs to bust dance moves. The floor is all yours, and you can perform for as long as you want.
If bars and clubs are not your scene, you can choose karaoke as your night activity. Karaoke houses offer private rooms for guests to sing to their heart’s content. Don’t be shy about your voice; karaoke is about letting go and singing regardless of your musical ability.
Day 2: Explore The East Side
Our second day in Tokyo will be about exploring traditional sites and learning Japanese culture. Enjoy a relaxed day, hopping from one attraction to another and making new memories.
Have a Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market
- Address: Chuo City, Tsukiji, Tokyo; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 2 PM
- Things To Do: Dining, Shopping
You should not start your journey with an empty stomach. Hence, let’s first have a fresh sushi breakfast at one of Tsukiji Fish Market’s restaurants. The shops around that area serve the best seafood with fresh ingredients. In addition, they open from 5 AM, so you can start your day early with a piping hot breakfast.
After your meal, stroll around Tsukiji Outer Market. You can buy cheap fish, sashimi, sushi, and other products from wholesale and retail shops. You will also find food-related items like knives.
Pray at Asakusa’s Sensō-ji Temple
- Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
Our next destination is Tokyo’s oldest shrine, Sensō-ji, Asakusa Kannon. This Buddhist temple houses Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Legends say two brothers fished Kannon’s statue out of the Sumida River in 628. Later, priest Shokai built the temple for the goddess in 645.
This shrine has ten places to visit, including halls, gates, a pagoda temple, a garden, and a shopping street. You will enter through the Main Hall and travel down Yogodo Hall, Awashimado Hall, Five-Storied Pagoda, Denboin Garden, Niten-mon Gate, Hozo-mon Gate, and Kaminari-mon Gate. You can also buy Japanese souvenirs at the Namakise Shopping Street.
Finally, you will exit through Bentendo Hall and end the trip.
Have a Picnic at Ueno Park
- Address: Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
After visiting Sensō-ji temple, our next destination will be Tokyo’s public park, Ueno Park in Taito City. Kaneiji Temple was initially erected in that area. After its demolition, the area was converted into the present park. It is the perfect spot for viewing cherry blossoms in late March and early April.
Ueno Park houses many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and National Museum for Western Art. You can also visit Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo, which is open between 9:30 AM and 5 PM. The entry fee is only ¥600 ($3.96).
Step Back in Time at Yanaka Neighborhood
- Address: Taito City, Tokyo; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Things To Do: Food Tour, Sightseeing
Would you like to experience Tokyo’s old-town ambiance? Yanaka neighborhood allows visitors to experience the Shitamachi atmosphere, taking them back a few decades. This rustic neighborhood is only a few minutes walk from Ueno Park and is easily accessible.
This neighborhood’s top attraction is the shopping street Yanaka Ginza. Here, you can buy anything from groceries to clothes. In addition, you can taste shitamachi-flavored Japanese cuisine. Other attractions are the YANESEN Tourist Information & Culture Center and Yanaka Cemetery. Many historical figures and local people’s bodies rest at the cemetery.
Watch Tokyo Night View from Tokyo Skytree
- Address: Sumida, Tokyo; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Entry Fee: Combo Ticket: ¥2,700 ($17.84)
Let’s close our second day with a trip to the magnificent Tokyo Skytree. If you thought this gigantic broadcasting tower looked beautiful during the day, wait until you visit it at night. You will see 360-degree night views of Tokyo City from the observation deck. Watching the busy city submerged in twinkling lights will be a fascinating sight.
Tokyo Skytree is the third tallest structure in the world, at 634 meters. Visitors can take a break from sightseeing and order a drink from Skytree Cafe 340. They can also enjoy a romantic dinner at Sky Restaurant 634 (Musashi).
Day 3: Trip Outside of Tokyo to Nearby Cities
Take a break from the bustling Tokyo city and explore nearby attractions. These beautiful tourist spots are within driving distance from the capital city and are worth visiting.
Visit Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine
- Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1431, Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Entry Fee: ¥1300 ($8.59)
Begin day 3 with a quick trip to Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine. This historic landmark was built in the first half of the 17th Century to memorialize Tokugawa Shogunate’s founder, Tokugawa Ieyasu. It is located in a peaceful environment with lush forests as a backdrop.
Toshogu’s main attraction is its five-story pagoda, whose main pillar hangs 10 cm above ground. You need to pay an entrance fee to see the temple’s interior. Another visiting area is Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum atop a long flight of stairs from the Sakashitamon Gate. Finally, the Nikko Toshogu Museum is open for those interested in learning about Ieyasu’s armor and swords.
Go Sightseeing at Mt. Fuji
- Address: Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112; Google Map
- Climbing Season: From Early July To Mid-September
- Things To Do: Hiking, Mountain Climbing, Sightseeing
People travel from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous Mount Fuji. You can include a trip to this famous tourist spot on the third day of your Tokyo Tour. Fuji is 100 km from Tokyo and is easily accessible by bus or train. You can reach it within two to three hours and have plenty of time to explore.
While you might not have time for hiking or climbing, you can stroll around the area and take snaps. You can explore restaurants and shops at Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station and have a Japanese lunch. In addition, Fuji Five Lakes is available for fishing, sightseeing, and cruising. You can also enjoy an animal safari at Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Japa Itinerary 4 Days with Disneyland
- Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Entry Fee: ¥7,900 – ¥10,900 ($52.17 – $71.99)
A Tokyo trip is incomplete without visiting the iconic Disneyland. Reaching the theme park takes about 20 minutes by train and 35 minutes by bus from the Tokyo Station. Furthermore, it has seven themed lands and always hosts parades and shows. You will be so occupied and won’t even realize when the time flies.
Visitors start their journey from the World Bazaar at the main entrance. Next is outer space-themed Tomorrowland with Space Mountain, Nyzz Lightyear’s AstroBlasters, etc. Continue exploring the Toontown, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Westernland, and Adventureland. You can also buy souvenirs from the stores and dine at restaurants.
Bring Out Your Inner Child at Tokyo Disney Sea
- Address: 1-13 Maihama Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511, Japan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Entry Fee: ¥10,900 ($71.99)
Although Tokyo Disney Sea is located in the Tokyo Disney Resort, it is a separate themed park with diverse features. As its name suggests, Disney Sea is inspired by sea myths and legends. Its seven themed ports of call appeal to adult visitors.
Tourists will enter through the Mediterranean Harbor with Venice-style canals and gondolas. Next is the science-fiction-themed Mysterious Island, where you can board Captain Nemo’s submarines. Also, explore the Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, and American Waterfront.
Day 4: Visit Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Roppongi
Our final four days in Tokyo Itinerary will involve exploring the city’s central attractions. Before shopping in Tokyo’s trendy hotspot, we will travel to a historic landmark. Finally, we will end our day by exploring the rich nightlife in Roppongi.
Learn a Thing or Two at Imperial Palace
- Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 11:15 AM; 1:30 – 2:45 PM
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
Tucked away behind thick stone walls and moats, the Imperial Palace is a sight. This historic landmark is located in central Tokyo and is open year-round. Visitors can roam around the outer gardens, while the innermost grounds are not public. But if you want to see the palace’s interior, visit on January 2nd and February 23rd, when visitors are allowed inside the building.
Historically, the palace grounds housed Edo Castle in the 1600s and 1800s. Later, the imperial residence was moved to Tokyo, and a new Imperial Palace was built in 1888. However, it was demolished during the Second World War and later rebuilt in the same style.
Shop Till You Drop at Ginza
- Address: Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 11 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Sightseeing
Japan’s premier shopping district, Ginza, houses numerous upmarket boutiques, department stores, museums, restaurants, and art galleries. It is also one of the most expensive real estate in the nation. Moreover, this entertainment district is famous for its sushi bars and nightlife activities. You can enjoy everything from fine dining to shopping.
Ginza’s shops are usually open seven days a week and are more crowded on weekends. Seiko House Ginza, Ginza Six, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, and Marronnier Gate are top shopping hubs. You can also explore The Seiko Museum Ginza, the Police Museum, and the Kabukiza Theater. Finally, end your day with a delicious meal at one of Yurakucho’s restaurants.
Experience Wild Nightlife at Roppongi
- Address: Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032; Google Map
- Opening Hours: Clubs are open from 9 PM onwards
- Things To Do: Museum & Art Galleries Visits, Nightlife, Fine Dining
While it looks serene and peaceful in the daytime, Roppongi becomes a raucous party neighborhood at night. It houses numerous foreigner-friendly nightclubs and bars, such as V2 Tokyo, 1OAK Tokyo, Odeon Tokyo, Mogambo Tokyo, and Hobgoblin Roppongi. You can enjoy a drink, groove on the beats, and relax in these establishments.
Other things to do in this entertainment district include visiting Roppongi Hills. Visitors can explore restaurants, cafes, shops, and a movie theater. They can also watch exhibitions at The National Art Center Tokyo, open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Other Notable Places To Visit in Tokyo
Aside from the above attractions, Tokyo has several more famous tourist destinations. You can include the following areas in your travel plan if you have free time during your tour.
Travel Back To the Edo Period at Edo Wonderland
- Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524, Japan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: ¥5,800 ($38.3)
Travel back to the Edo period, when ninjas, samurais, courtesans, and the royal family lived at Edo Wonderland. This theme park has recreated a realistic Edo town, including minor details. You will also interact with actors and actresses cosplaying the Edo era’s princesses and villagers.
You can also wear costumes and transform into samurai or any other members of the Edo village. Don’t forget to catch the fascinating ninja action. This 30-minute drama shows ninjas speed fighting and performances with high-quality sound and lighting effects.
Akihabara: City of Anime
- Address: Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006; Google Map
- Opening Hours: Shops are open from 10 AM – 8 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping for anime-related goods
Are you an otaku or anime fan? If you are, you must have heard of the City of Anime, Akihabara. This entertainment district is Japan’s anime, gaming, and manga culture epicenter. Here, you can shop for video games, manga, anime, and electronics-related goods.
The main street, Chuo Dori, is closed to traffic from 1 PM to 6 PM on Sundays. This street has hundreds of electronic shops selling computers, phones, cameras, electronic parts, and second-hand goods. You can also buy figurines and retro video games at otaku stores. Finally, don’t forget to explore Akihabara’s maid cafes and manga cafes.
Shop for Kitchen Appliances at Kappabashi Street
- Address: 3 Chome-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0036, Japan; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
- Things To Do: Shopping for kitchen-related items
Visit Japan’s biggest shopping street for kitchen implements, Kappabashi Street. Here, you will find kitchen-related goods, from tableware, pots, pans, stoves, cooking utensils, and dishes to tables and chairs. While you may not find fresh food, you can buy plastic food samples from stores. They look so realistic that others may not find out they are fake.
Kappabashi Street has over 170 shops selling diverse items. For instance, if you want baking utensils, head to Yokoyama. Likewise, Kama-Asa sells the best kitchen knives, and Komatsuya offers high-quality ceramics. Other most-visit shops are Dengama, Seisuke Knife, Sato Sample, Kanaya Brush, and Utuwazoshi.
Alas, our blog has come to an end. While this is a four-day Tokyo Itinerary, you can stretch your trip to five or six days or accumulate it within three days. Whatever you decide, do it at your own pace.
Tokyo is a beautiful city with many things to explore. Although it is a year-long destination, the best time to visit is spring and autumn, between March and April, and September and November. You can have an excellent time in the off-season, too. Overall, enjoy your trip and make unforgettable memories.
