Tokyois the capital of Japan and ranks among the most popular destinations for travelers from all over the world. It is a city full of modern technology and development, yet it is also rich in traditional culture, from its attractions to its food and way of life. Life here may seem fast-paced, but the city has a unique charm you won't find anywhere else. Even though 4 days and 3 nights may seem too short for many people, don't worry — we've put together the best, most popular highlights so you can make the most of your limited time and get a taste of both Tokyo and Japan. Importantly, this itinerary is meant to be relaxed and not too packed, because for first-time visitors, we recommend taking your time walking and observing. You'll notice that even the small details of Japan hide a lot of careful thought, giving you more to talk about and share with others afterward.
The entrance gate to Asakusa Temple
Start Day 1 at a must-visit spot when coming to Tokyo: Asakusa Temple, also known as Sensoji Temple. The spot everyone photographs is the giant red lantern at the temple entrance, the temple's best-known symbol. Besides praying for good fortune, you can also walk around eating snacks and doing some light shopping along Nakamise Street. It's very easy to get there — just a 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
In the afternoon, head to Tokyo Skytree Town, home to the Sumida Aquarium on the 5th and 6th floors. It features many kinds of aquatic life, plus adorable penguins and seals in the indoor zone, and Japan's largest open pool where you can get an up-close view. There's also the Pokemon Center Skytree Town in Tokyo Solamachi, catering to Pokemon fans with many original and limited-edition items found only here. After enjoying all the sights, you can also head up for the best night views, taking in the whole cityscape of Tokyo — and on a clear day, you might even spot the famous Mount Fuji from here. It's easy to reach: just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree Station. This one spot has everything, and you can stay until late at night.
If you want to taste fresh seafood, head over to Tsukiji Fish Market, once famous as the largest in Japan and ranked number one in the world. Coming in the early morning lets you see the lively, colorful trading atmosphere. Outside, there are many seafood restaurants serving fresh fish, crab, shellfish, squid, and more, with plenty of shops to choose from, and prices are cheaper than at regular retailers. The shops open at 5 a.m. and start closing in the early afternoon. This market closed on October 8, 2018, and moved to the Toyosu area on October 11, 2018. The most convenient way to get there is by subway, getting off at Tsukiji Station and walking about 5 minutes.
Change the mood with some history at the Imperial Palace, also known to many as Edo Castle, which has a history of over a thousand years as the residence of shoguns and other important figures. Besides the palace itself, with its eye-catching traditional architecture, the surrounding area also has shady gardens perfect for a relaxing stroll. It's about a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station, and from here you can walk to the Marunouchi district within 15 minutes — an area with shops and cafes worth exploring. You can also take the Tokyo Sky Bus for a sightseeing tour of the surrounding area, which takes about 1 hour.
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Photo: Nick Gray [CC BY-sa 2.0] from flickr.com/photos/nickgray/4534715504
Photo: ElHeineken [CC BY-sa 2.0] from commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akihabara_Night.jpg
Wrap up with morning views of Tokyo at Japan's number one landmark, Tokyo Tower, where you can enjoy what might be the most beautiful elevated view of the city. You can walk there from Akabanebashi Station in about 5 minutes. If you still have time and want to do a little shopping, we recommend heading to Shibuya, which has plenty of souvenir shops to choose from. Be sure not to miss the famous Shibuya Crossing — just a short walk from Shibuya Station — and stop to take a photo with the statue of Hachiko the dog.
