4 Days in Tokyo: First-Timer's Itinerary

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji, Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple, entered through the giant red lantern of Kaminarimon and the souvenir stalls of Nakamise-dori.

Tip: Lit up and nearly empty after dark — worth a second look at night.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, Sumida

At 634 m, the tallest tower in Japan, with observation decks at 350 m and 450 m. On clear winter mornings you can see Mount Fuji.

Tip: Book a time slot online to skip the ticket line.

Ueno Park & Ameyoko

Ueno Park, Taito

A big park with the Tokyo National Museum, a pond full of lotuses, and the busy Ameyoko market street under the train tracks.

Akihabara

Akihabara, Chiyoda

Electronics, anime, manga and retro games across multi-story shops. Super Potato is the classic stop for vintage consoles.

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu, Shibuya

A Shinto shrine in a forest of 100,000 trees, minutes from the crowds of Harajuku. Enter under the huge wooden torii from Harajuku station.

Takeshita Street & Omotesando

Takeshita-dori, Harajuku

Takeshita Street is youth fashion and crepes; walk on to Omotesando's tree-lined avenue of designer architecture.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch it from above at Shibuya Sky, the open-air rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square.

Tip: Shibuya Sky sunset slots sell out — book a few days ahead.

Ebisu Yokocho

Ebisu Yokocho, Shibuya

A covered alley of tiny bars and food stalls, lively and casual — a good first izakaya experience.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market, Chuo

The tuna auction moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji's outer market still has sushi counters, tamagoyaki and street snacks.

Tip: Go for breakfast; many shops close by early afternoon and some on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens, Chuo

A former shogun's garden on Tokyo Bay with a teahouse on a tidal pond, framed by skyscrapers.

Tip: Water buses run from here up the Sumida River to Asakusa.

Ginza

Ginza, Chuo

Tokyo's upscale shopping district. On weekend afternoons Chuo-dori closes to traffic for walking.

teamLab Planets

teamLab Planets, Toyosu

An immersive digital-art museum where you walk barefoot through water and light installations.

Tip: Timed tickets only and they sell out; wear shorts or trousers that roll up.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A large garden mixing Japanese, English and French styles — one of the best cherry-blossom spots in spring.

Tip: Alcohol is not allowed inside; closed most Mondays.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku

Free observation decks on the 45th floor with views across Tokyo, and of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

"Memory Lane": a smoky alley of tiny yakitori counters by Shinjuku station, little changed since the postwar years.

Golden Gai

Shinjuku Golden Gai

Six narrow lanes of around 200 bars that seat only a handful of people each. Some charge a cover; look for signs welcoming visitors.