Tokyo is a city of contrasts: ancient shrines breathe beside neon billboards; serene gardens sit a subway stop from arcades. Founded as Edo, it became Tokyo in 1868 and grew into the world’s largest metropolis, where Michelin ramen counters, design-forward coffee bars, and tiny izakaya hide down lantern-lit alleys.

Travelers come for icons like Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, and the SkyTree, but the real magic lives in neighborhoods—Nakameguro’s riverbank cafés, Shimokitazawa’s vintage racks, and Koenji’s record stores. Don’t miss contemporary art at teamLab Borderless, reborn in Azabudai Hills with immersive rooms that change as you move.

Practical notes: Pick up a Suica/PASMO IC card for trains and convenience stores. A Tokyo Subway Ticket (24h/48h/72h) can be cost-effective if you’ll ride often. Cash still matters in mom-and-pop spots, though cards are widely accepted; lines move fast, so have small coins ready and queue on the left for escalators.

Tokyo

Tokyo rewards curiosity. Start with Edo-era Asakusa, then ride the JR Yamanote loop through hubs like Ueno, Akihabara, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. Explore side streets for tachinomi (standing bars), kissaten (retro coffeehouses), and depachika (gourmet basement food halls) bursting with bento, wagyu croquettes, and seasonal sweets.

Top sights include Senso-ji’s thunder gate, the panoramic Shibuya Sky, and digital art at teamLab Borderless. For “only-in-Tokyo” shopping, hit Kappabashi (kitchen street), Nakano Broadway (collectibles), and Harajuku/Omotesando (streetwear to high fashion).

• Where to stay (mid-range friendly): Base near Shibuya/Daikanyama for nightlife and cafés, Asakusa for old-town vibes and value, or Ginza for walkable dining and easy transit.
• Book accommodations: Browse apartments and homes on VRBO Tokyo or find hotels on Hotels.com Tokyo. Good-value picks to aim for include Hotel Niwa Tokyo (quiet, well-connected), Tokyu Stay Shinjuku (kitchenettes, washer-dryers), and Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (night views).
• Getting in: Fly into Haneda (closest) or Narita. Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From Haneda, take the Tokyo Monorail (13 min to Hamamatsucho, ~¥500) or Keikyu Line to Shinagawa; from Narita, ride the Keisei Skyliner (~41 min to Ueno, ~¥2,570) or Narita Express (~60 min to Shinjuku/Shibuya, ~¥3,000). Check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Asakusa Heritage, and Tokyo Skies

Morning: Land in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. If you’re early, drop bags and grab a pick-me-up at Glitch Coffee (bright, fruity single-origin pours) or Sarutahiko Coffee Ebisu (nutty espresso and seasonal lattes). Pick up a Suica/PASMO and consider a 24-hour subway ticket if you plan multiple rides today.

Afternoon: Head to Asakusa for Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Walk through Kaminarimon’s giant lantern to Nakamise-dori for artisan fans, rice crackers, and warm melon-pan from Asakusa Kagetsudo. For lunch, try Daikokuya (legendary tendon—tempura over rice) or a comforting bowl at Ramen Yoroiya (classic shoyu with a citrusy yuzu note).

Evening: Stroll to the Tokyo Skytree area for twilight views; if you prefer open-air vibes, save observatories for Shibuya Sky later in the trip and dine nearby. Seek out a local izakaya like Torishige (yakitori and sake) or warm up with monjayaki in close-by Tsukishima. Turn in early—big day tomorrow.

Day 2: Tsukiji Tastes, Ginza Shopping, teamLab Borderless, Shibuya Night

Morning: Hit the Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast. Slurp miso soup and tamagoyaki on a stick at Marutake, then choose a donburi piled with tuna and uni at Tsukiji Donburi Ichiba or go for reliable nigiri at Sushi Zanmai Honten. Coffee after? Turret Coffee pours robust lattes in homage to the old market’s turret trucks.

Afternoon: Walk to Ginza for refined shopping and food-hall grazing. Sample bento, wagashi, and croquettes in Mitsukoshi or Matsuya depachika; try Ginza Kagari for silky tori-paitan ramen or Ginza Bairin for crisp tonkatsu. Then head to teamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills (time-slot tickets book out; adults ~¥3,800). The museum’s interactive light worlds reward wandering—leave time to get lost.

Evening: Make for Shibuya. Watch the city surge across Shibuya Crossing, then ride up to Shibuya Sky for a 360° sunset (advance tickets recommended; ~¥2,200). Dinner options: stand-and-go at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (fast, high-quality sushi), creative skewers at Birdland-style yakitori spots, or a casual izakaya crawl in Nonbei Yokocho (tiny bars, friendly pours; expect cover charges).

Day 3: Sumo Spirit, Knife Street, and Golden Gai

Morning: Immerse in sumo culture in Ryogoku. If available, book a guided morning training visit at a stable (typically ¥8,000–12,000; strict etiquette: no flash, no talking). If not, explore the neighborhood’s sumo statues and arena exterior, then try a wrestler’s stew at Chanko Tomoegata or Chanko Kirishima (hearty, protein-rich).

Afternoon: Walk or subway to Kappabashi (Kitchen Town). Browse pro-grade knives at Kamata Hakensha and KAMA-ASA (ask about same-day engraving), plus iron pans, ramen bowls, and the famous plastic food replicas. Coffee break at Little Nap Coffee Stand near Yoyogi Park or hop to Fuglen Tokyo (Scandi-Japanese design, natural-leaning brews).

Evening: Dive into Shinjuku. Snack your way through Omoide Yokocho (tiny yakitori counters; order negima and tsukune) before slipping into Golden Gai—a warren of minuscule themed bars. Friendly picks include spots with English menus; expect a modest cover (¥500–1,000). Prefer a sit-down dinner? Nabezo offers excellent-value shabu-shabu sets.

Day 4: Coffee Crawl, Boutique Streets, and Departure

Morning: Savor a slow start in Nakameguro/Daikanyama. Begin at Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro) for a sweet, clean espresso; then try the tasting-style experience at KOFFEE MAMEYA KAKERU (reservations/time slots often needed; educational and fun). Wander the cherry-lined Meguro River, browse indie shops, then cut through Cat Street into Harajuku for vintage and streetwear—check New York Joe Exchange, Kinji Used, and curated boutiques.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. From central Tokyo, budget 60–90 minutes to Narita (Skyliner or N’EX) and 30–60 minutes to Haneda (Monorail/Keikyu). Check live options and book seats on Trip.com Trains, or browse last-minute flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Extra Ideas For Your Free Windows

• Shimokitazawa & Koenji thrifting: Endless vintage racks, vinyl, and cozy cafés; great for unique souvenirs.
• Nakano Broadway: Retro games, manga, and rare collectibles; pop into arcades reminiscent of 90s Tokyo.
• Todoroki Valley stroll: A surprising green ravine inside the city—refreshing if you need nature without a day trip.
• Rooftop views: Besides Shibuya Sky, try free city vistas from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku (check current opening hours).

Dining short list (mid-budget wins): Ramen: Ginza Kagari (creamy chicken), Afuri (yuzu shio). Sushi: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing), Sushi Zanmai branches. Izakaya: Harmonica Yokocho (Kichijoji), Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku). Coffee: Onibus, Glitch, Fuglen, Koffee Mameya Kakeru, Little Nap, Sarutahiko.

With four days in Tokyo you’ll taste centuries of culture, cutting-edge art, and the city’s playful, caffeinated soul. This itinerary balances big icons with local pockets—ideal for adventurous travelers on a smart mid-range budget. You’ll leave plotting your return, with favorite cafés and alleyway bars already bookmarked.