Tokyo is an interesting cat. It’s modern, yet traditional. Manic yet calm. Its size can be intimidating but its people are some of the nicest and friendliest in the world, which makes spending time here an absolute joy.
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo on its own or featuring it as the first or final stop on a broader Japanese itinerary, four days is probably an ideal amount of time to scratch its surface and get a taste for the capital.
And although it’s downright impossible to squeeze a mega city like Tokyo into a four-day itinerary, we’ve done our best to highlight some of the must-sees, dos and go tos in this crazy city.
Enjoy!
Day 1: Where old meets new
Start your Tokyo experience by visiting the spiritual and historical centre of the city, Asakusa. The Senso-ji Temple is an absolute must-see and insta post worthy photograph. The surrounding old lanes and alleyways will transport you back to the time of geishas and samurais.
In the evening, go all modern and high-tech by having dinner in colourfully chaotic Shibuya and Shinjuku. From karaoke, restaurants and unlimited watering holes, this is where locals come to party and enjoy an evening away with friends and co-workers.
Day 2: Food glorious food
Wake up mega early and visit the Tsukiji Fish Outer Market for a dose of Japanese manic tuna auctions and colourful stalls of seafood, fish and unnameables.
Have your fresh sushi breakfast here before continuing on to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace and SkyTree tower before heading to weird and wacky Harajuku for lunch.
After a short rest back at your hotel, head to neon-lit Akihabara (electric town) and transport yourself into the world of anime. Duck down an alleyway for a bowl of miso ramen based on a centuries-old recipe and top it off with some green tea ice-cream before calling it a day.
Day 3: Sumos, hedgehogs & Sanrio Puroland
Another early start, but this time head to sumo practice at one of the stables in Ryogoku and get up close and personal with real sumo wrestlers. You’ll need to book a tour to do this, but it’s totally worth it.
Afterwards, if you fancy, continue along this traditional Japanese line and get a geisha or samurai makeover at Studio Geisha Café.
For a quirky afternoon and evening, head to an owl or hedgehog café (the clue is in the name) for a coffee or snack.
Is your Tokyo experience even complete without visiting Sanrio Puroland? We think not! only 60 min train ride from Tokyo station the Hello Kitty themed attraction park will have both adults and kids amused with rides, shows, gift shops and the opportunity to meet everyone’s favourite Sanrio characters.
Day 4: Ain’t no mountain high enough
Head a little out of Tokyo today and make way to an iconic Japanese landmark. Mount Fuji is an easy day trip from the city and an absolute must-see.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site (and Japanese tallest peak) can actually be climbed during the summer months, although to be perfectly honest, the best part about visiting this active volcano just 100km southwest of Tokyo is getting out in the surrounding nature and getting your Zen-on amongst the pine trees and cherry blossoms.
SO what are you waiting for?
If you can do all that in 4 days, imagine what you can do in 8! For all your Tokyo adventures Viva! Holidays has packages including hotels, touring and transfers in Tokyo as well as Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Circumnavigation cruise around Japan and family Tokyo packages.
PLUS, Viva! Holidays are also giving away 2 x free tickets to Sanrio Puroland for the first 100 bookings!
Get in touch with them today for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan!
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Where’s your favourite place to visit in Tokyo?
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