You’ve finally made it to the promised land! Japan has always been a bucket list destination for many around the world. With Tokyo as the crown jewel, you can have a rich experience to last you a lifetime.

4 days is just enough time to see the highlights of Tokyo and get an understanding of the Japanese culture. But you will be having so much fun with so many different experiences the time will fly by and you will just feel like you need to stay longer to really get deeper into what the city can show you.

This was my own chosen itinerary over 4 days. But I know I will have to come back as soon as possible to experience the rest, as you will feel like I do that I missed out on other things as well, because of time.

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Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

As a self-professed “ramen lover”, Japan would be considered the Shangri-La of my foodie universe. And it didn’t disappoint! Sure, you can find a decent ramen place almost anywhere in the world, but being here and getting an intimate experience of this iconic noodle dish will just hit you differently. Maybe it’s the ambiance or nostalgia of having it in the country of its origin.

That is why the Ramen Museum in Tokyo, the first ramen-themed amusement park in the world, is such a fun, interactive place where you can really delve deep into the history, culture, and diversity of this Japanese delight.

On the ground floor, you can get a quick history of ramen from its Chinese origins during the medieval period. See the fascination and appeal through the wall display of Japanese magazine covers and artwork. Walk through the hall of the ramen bowl display cases to the hands-on part of the museum.

This side is where you can take a ramen-making class, where you can use the Chinese method of Aodake-uchi, involving bamboo sticks for the dough and completing your hard work by enjoying the noodles in a hot bowl or taking it with you to be used later. Or have a custom bowl of instant ramen made to bring home with you or to eat later.

The personal highlight to me is the line of classic ramen shops based on a 1950s Tokyo street. Each one showcases the regional differences across Japan. Or maybe it’s the ambiance or nostalgia of being in a retro neighborhood.

Tsukiji Outer Market

For foodies and tourists, this is a must-visit destination in Tokyo. Once the largest wholesale seafood market in the world, the inner market may have been relocated, but you can still enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the entire city in a vibrant atmosphere.

The outer market is lined with street food stalls and souvenir shops. The aroma of grilled seafood on skewers will make your mouth water. Expect large crowds, so come early or be ready to wait in line at some locations.

Its popularity means it will always be packed with walking and food tours. Learn why chefs around the city come here for their restaurants. Get a lesson in the unique qualities of produce and spices that make up your favorite meals.

These are great ways to sample a little bit of everything here and experience a dive into Tokyo’s local food culture.

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane aka Piss Alley)

This alleyway offers the intimate experience of Izakaya culture in Tokyo. It’s history has been traced as far back as post-WWII with the bars and eateries pushed up against each other as tight as possible on this narrow street. People think its lost the retro and authentic charm with the line of tourists pushing through just for nostalgic photos (some places have no photo signs in the front) but I didn’t get that feeling. It’s because you will still find locals in their suits and ties just off of work enjoying the cuisine with the rest of us who decide to eat here, not trying to avoid it.

Don’t expect a table of your own as these places concentrate on communal eating and seating, able to fit 6-8 patrons at a time. Yakitori is the main specialty here, with the smoke and aromas of multiple Izakayas filling the air. Ramen and other Japanese dishes are a close second.

In the evening, the street just lights up with its lanterns and illuminated signs. You’re getting the vibe of old Tokyo here, which is the whole point of being here.

Senso-ji

The oldest temple in Tokyo, it’s a cultural and spiritual landmark in Japan. Which means hundreds of visitors come daily, so it feels a bit touristy. But at the same time, you will feel the traditional significance of where you are. Don’t let the crowds deter you from enjoying the architecture, pagoda, and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate.

Note that photography is prohibited in certain areas, such as the main hall where prayers are performed calmly. It’s best to just observe as it can be difficult to get good visibility with so many people coming and going here. There are plenty of open spaces if you need to take a short break.

Nakamise Shopping Street leads up to the entrance of the temple. The small shops for crafts and snacks add to the overall experience. See people in traditional kimonos (you can purchase or rent) walking the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood. It’s all a whirlwind here of color and spirituality and traditional Japan.

Meiji Jingu

This beautiful Shinto temple was built in the heart of Tokyo in dedication to the Japanese emperor and empress who helped modernize Japan during the late 19th century. The large forest surrounding it makes it seem even more ancient and spiritual, even though the site is not as old as others around the country.

Its main complex showcases the Shinto architecture with plenty of open space. Hanging at the shrine on the side are wooden racks used in Shinto practices known as ema. This is where visitors can write prayers and wishes. You then attach them to be burned at a later time as an offering. Visitors can also purchase a variety of charms here for good luck, protection against evil, looking for love and wealth, and health.

The shrine is also popular for traditional Japanese weddings. You may be fortunate during your visit to see part of the event, such as the Shinto priests leading the wedding procession through the main part of the complex to the shrine. It’s all very serene and enjoyable, even with the crowds.

Tokyo National Museum

Japan’s oldest and largest museum, the collection housed here includes national treasures and cultural properties among the thousands of artifacts. Consisting of 3 separate buildings, the exhibitions are rotated constantly, so you will always find something new here. Historical pieces include traditional Japanese artwork on scrolls, samurai armor and metalworks, clothing, and ceramics.

There is also a focus on other Asian cultures that have had an impact on Japan such as China and Korea, among other countries, in the third building. For history and museum lovers, you will find it worthwhile to spend part of your day here. Others might not find it as exciting but luckily you can also enjoy some street food by the entrance and enjoy sitting in the pavilion in front of the main building.

Ueno Park

This public park is spacious and another significant cultural center of Tokyo. Its grounds contain multiple museums (including the previously mentioned national museum), shrines, a zoo, a performing theatre, and the University of Tokyo’s main campus. Its main walking paths also contain one of the top popular spots in Tokyo for cherry blossom trees and parties, so it’s perfect scenery for photography when they are in bloom.

Tokyo Observation Deck

Most may not know this, but you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo for free during your visit. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has observation decks open to all visitors. It’s less crowded as well because they allow only a certain number of people on the observation deck at a time.

Once you are done seeing the incredible views, you can enjoy the cafe before heading back down. Check weather reports so you can enjoy the clearest views, possibly seeing sites such as Mount Fuji and Tokyo Tower. Compared to the other observation decks that require paid entry, this is a bargain you should take.

Imperial Palace & East Gardens

The primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, access to this site is nearly non-existent. The inner grounds are only open twice a year to the public, so you have to resign yourself to only seeing the outside walls, guard towers, and moat. It’s nice, but not necessarily something you have to go out of your way to see unless you want to.

The best you can do is take a tour of the East Gardens. The free guided tours are limited to only a few hundred visitors a day, so if you plan on going, come early. The flowers are colorful, and the paths well well-maintained, but it won’t feel any different from the other gardens you can visit in Tokyo and across Japan. Yes, its an iconic and historical location but if you are on a time crunch you can skip over this particular stop.

Akihabara

The Akihabara neighborhood is Tokyo’s anime, manga, electronic, and gaming center. The whole place is one big sensory overload of neon lights and displays packed with crowds all focused on the otaku culture. Even if it’s not your particular thing, it is still worth a visit here.

The streets have multi-floor megastores in between the smaller electronics, with each level focused on a particular item. One level has dozens of display cases with collectible figures from notable anime and manga series. Another will have retro video games for different gaming systems. The third will have large collections of different manga series and comics. And so on and so on.

You can also find several Gachapon halls filled with dozens of vending machines for capsule toys, one of the most collectible items in Japan. These offer multiple collectibles involving anime and manga characters, animals, food, etc. Mixed in with these are the ever-popular crane games as well. These uniquely Japanese items are a small and fun souvenir to have or give to others.

Mount Fuji Day Trip

Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, you don’t need to be a professional mountaineer to enjoy this iconic landmark. The views are breathtaking, and the mountain’s fresh air and outdoors are a nice break from the city. It’s easy to travel here, whether you are going by train or bus. We suggest you take a guided tour of Mount Fuji since the local guides will have better knowledge of other photography spots around it to give you the best opportunities for scenic landscape pictures, both up close and at a distance.

The Mount Fuji 5th Station is a visitor center and starting point for people actually climbing the mountain during the official season. You can purchase souvenirs, see the pack horses, have some food at the restaurant, stop at the Komitake Shrine which is a good observation spot, and see the surrounding lakes and city below on a clear day.

The only drawback is it’s weather contingent. It can be shrouded by clouds, and you’ll barely be able to see a tiny part of the mountain. Weather can also close down the roads, making you miss your opportunity to visit. But it’s well worth the effort to plan and come see this for yourself.

Conclusion

Tokyo has a perfect balance of old and new. Depending on your type of travel and interests, choose what best works for you. There is honestly no wrong way to spend your time here.