4 Days in Tokyo: Explore History & Modernity

Explore the vibrant and eclectic city of Tokyo, Japan.

22 April 2023

Tokyo is an exhilarating city that you won't forget easily, it's an incredible mix of history and modernity. As a tourist, you could start by visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower, wandering the streets of the trendy Shibuya neighborhood, and trying some local cuisine. You could also take a day trip to the nearby city of Kamakura, which is home to spectacular shrines and temples.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival in Tokyo

Check into hotel We recommend the Park Hotel Tokyo, located in the bustling Shimbashi neighborhood.
Explore the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa Make sure to stop by Nakamise-dori, a street filled with tasty snacks and trinkets.
Savor a sushi dinner at Sushi-Bun, located in the trendy Ginza district.
Take in the breathtaking views of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Skytree.
Try a refreshing matcha latte at the peaceful Higashiya Ginza, a traditional Japanese tea house.

Day 2

Modern Tokyo

Visit Tokyo's quirky Harajuku neighborhood, known for its unique fashion trends and street food.
Take a stroll through the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in the heart of Harajuku.
Check out the interactive exhibits and innovative technology at the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Dine at the Michelin-starred Narisawa for a unique dining experience, known for its ecological cuisine.
Get lost in the neon lights and vibrant energy of Shibuya, and make sure to cross the famous Shibuya Crossing.

Day 3

Traditional Tokyo

Step back in time at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, showcasing Tokyo's history and development.
Walk through the scenic gardens of the Imperial Palace, a historic landmark in the city.
Indulge in some tasty street food at Ameya Yokocho Market in Ueno.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony at the peaceful Happo-en garden.
Enjoy a savory shabu-shabu dinner at Kanetanaka, serving up Japanese hot pot with premium Wagyu beef.

Day 4

Surrounding Areas of Tokyo

Take a day trip to Kamakura, a coastal town known for its stunning temples and shrines.
Visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple.
Take a walk through the stunning Hasedera Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and scenic views.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with some tasty warabi mochi at Komachi Street.
End your day with a relaxing soak in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring, at Enospa in nearby Hakone.

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tokyo, Japan by plane is to fly into Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which is located approximately 60 km east of Tokyo city center. Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights to Narita from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Sydney, and Singapore.

Car

Driving from all around Japan to Tokyo can be an option, however, it is not advisable due to heavy traffic during peak hours, as well as limited parking space in the city center. If driving is still the preferred option, highways such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway take you straight to the main attraction sites.

Train

There are several train options for travelling to Tokyo, but the best way is to take the shinkansen, or bullet train. The shinkansen provides high-speed rail service connecting major cities in Japan, including Tokyo. The train departs from Shin-Osaka Station, which is located in southern Osaka.

Boat

While there is no direct sea route to Tokyo, ferries are available from cities such as Osaka and Kobe to Tokyo's Harumi ferry terminal, located about 2 km southeast of Tokyo Bay. The journey by ferry takes around 17 hours from Osaka and 25 hours from Kobe, but offers beautiful oceanic views.