Tokyo wears its history lightly—once called Edo, it rose from a castle town to the world’s largest metropolis, where wooden shrines and neon billboards coexist. You’ll hear temple bells in Asakusa, then cross Shibuya’s scramble among giant screens minutes later. It’s this friction—old and new, hushed and hyper—that makes the city unforgettable.

Across four days, you’ll sample markets, serene gardens, design-forward neighborhoods, and Tokyo’s dynamic dining—from counter sushi and slurped ramen to smoky izakaya alleys. We’ve woven in can’t-miss icons and local favorites, plus a day trip to see Mt. Fuji and the volcanic drama of Hakone.

Practical notes: Pick up a Suica/PASMO IC card for subways and convenience stores; tipping isn’t customary; many smaller spots are cash-preferred. Consider a 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket (~¥800) on heavy transit days. Always check if tattoos are allowed before visiting baths, and book popular restaurants/attractions (like teamLab) in advance.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a mosaic of micro-neighborhoods. Asakusa preserves Edo-era charm around the vermilion Senso-ji Temple. Harajuku’s Takeshita Street brims with youth fashion, while nearby Omotesando is an open-air architecture museum. Shibuya pulses with pop culture and late-night eats; Nihonbashi and Marunouchi tuck in quiet traditional shops and sleek galleries.

Highlights include Meiji Shrine’s forested paths, the city panorama from Tokyo Skytree, retro arcades in Akihabara, and immersive digital art at teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) or teamLab Planets (Toyosu). Food-wise, think: breakfast bakeries, standing sushi bars, wagyu or yakitori counters, and ramen from shio-light to tonkotsu-rich.

• Where to stay (curated picks):
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (Roppongi, sky-high views, sophisticated dining and a stellar spa).
  • Aman Tokyo (Otemachi; serene minimalist rooms, onsen-style baths, a sanctuary above the skyline).
  • The Peninsula Tokyo (Marunouchi; polished service, Imperial Palace views, easy Ginza access).
  • Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (value-friendly, steps from JR lines—fantastic base for first-timers).
  • Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (fun Godzilla-head terrace; central to nightlife and food).
  • Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (Shinjuku; spacious rooms and family-oriented amenities).
  • Hilton Tokyo Bay (for Tokyo Disney days; resort-style convenience by the park).
  Search more stays: Hotels.com Tokyo | VRBO Tokyo
• How to get there and around:
  • Book flights: Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. Haneda (HND) is ~20–30 minutes to central Tokyo; Narita (NRT) is ~60 minutes by express train.
  • Airport into the city: Haneda Monorail to Hamamatsucho (~20 min, ~¥500–¥660) or Keikyu Line to Shinagawa. From Narita, take JR Narita Express to Tokyo/Shinjuku (~53–75 min, ~¥3,070) or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (~41 min, ~¥2,570). Private transfer option: Narita Airport(NRT) Private Transfer.
  • Trains in Japan: If connecting to other cities, check Trip.com trains for Shinkansen times/fares.

Day 1: Arrival, Asakusa Charms, and Shinjuku by Night

Afternoon: Land, drop bags, and head to Asakusa. Stroll the lantern-framed Kaminarimon Gate into Nakamise-dori for traditional snacks (ningyo-yaki sponge cakes; fresh senbei crackers). Explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and peek at Asakusa Culture Tourist Info Center’s free rooftop for a view over the pagoda and Sumida River. Coffee break: Turret Coffee Tsukiji (short hop by subway) for a robust espresso or a silky latte inspired by market porters.

Evening: Ride to Shinjuku for a guided food crawl—an easy way to unlock tiny locals-only eateries on night one. Book the Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries) (about 3 hours; from ~¥13,000–¥16,000). Expect yakitori skewers, gyoza, wagyu bites, and regional sake while learning izakaya etiquette and ordering tips.

Nightcap: Wander Omoide Yokocho (postwar alley of tiny grill joints) and Golden Gai (shoebox bars with themed interiors). For a sit-down late bite, try Fuunji (famous tsukemen dipping ramen; rich chicken/seafood broth) or Ichiran Shinjuku Central East (tonkotsu ramen in private booths—great if jet-lagged).

Day 2: Tokyo Icons in One Go (Coach Tour, Skytree, Shrine, Bay)

Cover classic sights without navigating transfers. Book the 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour (full day; from ~¥12,000–¥18,000). Typical highlights: Meiji Shrine (Shinto rituals in a cedar forest), Imperial Palace photo stops, Asakusa walk, a matcha experience, admission to Tokyo Skytree for sweeping views, and sometimes a short bay cruise. It’s a time-smart primer with context from a guide.

Pre-tour breakfast: VIRON Shibuya (butter-forward croissants, country breads) or Onibus Coffee Nakameguro (single-origin pour-overs by the tracks). After the tour, dine near Shibuya: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing sushi; quick and excellent), Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (grilled yakitori and soba in a dramatic wooden hall), or Afuri Harajuku (yuzu-shio ramen—light, citrusy broth).

Day 3: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Adventure (Lake, Ropeway, Bullet Train Return)

Trade city lights for mountain air on the Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train (10–11 hours; from ~¥17,000–¥22,000). Typical stops include Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting), the Hakone Ropeway over sulfurous vents at Owakudani, and a Lake Ashi cruise. You’ll zip back to Tokyo by Shinkansen—a fun taste of bullet-train speed.

Pack layers—mountain weather changes quickly—and bring a small power bank. Back in Tokyo, eat near Tokyo Station: Rokurinsha (thick, smoky tsukemen at Tokyo Ramen Street), T’s Tantan (vegan-friendly tantanmen inside JR gates), or Grill Manten-Boshi Marunouchi (omurice with demi-glace, a nostalgic Japanese-Western classic).

Day 4: Sumo Morning, Old-Town Stroll, Departure

Morning: Get as close as it gets to the dohyo at a stable practice in Ryogoku. Reserve the Tokyo Sumo Morning Practice Tour at Stable (2–3 hours; from ~¥9,000–¥12,000). You’ll watch wrestlers train, learn rules and rituals, and grasp the sport’s deep Shinto roots. Dress modestly and keep quiet—this is a genuine practice, not a performance.

Afternoon (pre-departure): Swing back to nearby Asakusa or Kuramae for a fast, fantastic meal: Sushi Zanmai Asakusa (speedy nigiri sets), Tempura Daikokuya (light, sesame-oil tempura; arrive early), or Coffee Mameya Kakeru (Shibuya) if you’d rather do a final specialty-coffee tasting flight. Souvenir sweep: hand-cut glassware (Edo Kiriko), incense, Japanese knives, and local confections along Nakamise.

Departure: Aim for the airport about 3 hours before an international flight. Haneda: Monorail (~20 min) or Keikyu Line; Narita: JR Narita Express (~1 hour) or Keisei Skyliner (~41 min). Prefer door-to-door? Book a private transfer (especially with bulky luggage or kids).

Extra Ideas if You Have Time

• teamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) or teamLab Planets (Toyosu): immersive digital art—reserve ahead.
• Shinjuku Gyoen: a tranquil mix of Japanese, French, and English gardens—magical in cherry blossom or foliage seasons.
• Akihabara: retro arcades, model shops, and anime culture; try a multi-story arcade like Hey or Taito Station.
• Yanaka Ginza: low-rise old-town lanes; snack on menchi-katsu (fried minced-meat cutlets) as you wander.

Dining Cheat Sheet (Bookmark-worthy)

• Breakfast/Coffee: VIRON (Shibuya) for French pastries; Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro) for pour-overs; Blue Bottle (Aoyama/Shinjuku area) for consistent espresso; A Happy Pancake (Omotesando) for cloud-like souffle pancakes.
• Sushi (varied budgets): Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (standing, fast); Midori Sushi (popular, generous cuts); Kyubey (classic counter, book ahead).
• Ramen: Fuunji (tsukemen), Afuri (yuzu-shio), Ippudo (porky tonkotsu), Kagari (toripaitan chicken broth).
• Izakaya & grills: Torikizoku (casual, budget-friendly yakitori), Gonpachi (atmospheric), Nabezo (all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu/sukiyaki with quality beef).

Practical Tips

• Money: IC cards work for transit and convenience stores; many small eateries prefer cash. No tipping; a polite thank-you goes far.
• Connectivity: Consider an eSIM or pocket Wi‑Fi; stations are well signed in English.
• Etiquette: Queue for trains, keep voices low, and eat while stationary (not while walking) in traditional areas.

Optional private touring: If you’d rather customize sightseeing with hotel pickup, consider a driver-guide for a day: Customizable Private Tokyo Tour with an English-speaking Driver (full-day; flexible route).

In four days, you’ll feel Tokyo’s rhythm—from shrine incense to skyscraper sunsets and the hiss of a ramen ladle. The Fuji day trip crowns it with mountain drama, while sumo practice grounds you in living tradition. You’ll leave with a full camera roll and, more importantly, a mental map of a city you’ll want to revisit.