Tokyo’s not a city you “see” — it’s a network of neighborhoods, each with their own personality. Here’s the 4-day plan that works.
Last verified: May 6, 2026.
Day 1 — West Tokyo (Shinjuku + Shibuya)
- Morning: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (free, beats Tokyo Tower)
- Lunch: Omoide Yokocho (“Memory Lane”) for grilled chicken skewers
- Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing + Hachiko + Shibuya Sky observation
- Evening: Golden Gai for tiny-bar hopping (most charge ¥500–¥1,000 cover)
Day 2 — East Tokyo (Asakusa + Akihabara)
- Morning: Sensō-ji Temple early (before 9am for no crowds)
- Late morning: Walk along Sumida River to Tokyo Skytree
- Lunch: Tempura at Daikokuya (Asakusa)
- Afternoon: Akihabara — anime, electronics, retro arcades
Day 3 — Day trip (Hakone or Kamakura)
- Hakone: Mount Fuji views, hot springs. JR Hakone Pass simplifies
- Kamakura: Great Buddha + temples + beach. Easier than Hakone
Day 4 — Harajuku + Roppongi + traditional
- Morning: Meiji Shrine + Yoyogi Park
- Late morning: Harajuku — Takeshita Street + back streets
- Lunch: Ichiran ramen or conveyor sushi
- Afternoon: teamLab Borderless or Tokyo National Museum
Reservations you must book
- teamLab Borderless / Planets: 2–3 weeks ahead
- Sushi Saito, Sukiyabashi Jiro: 1+ month ahead via concierge
- Robot Restaurant replacement (Samurai Restaurant): 2 weeks
- Studio Ghibli Museum: 1+ month — buy via Lawson
What to skip
- Tokyo Tower (Shibuya Sky views are better)
- Tsukiji outer market is fine but inner has moved to Toyosu — and Toyosu is awkward to access
- “Ninja restaurant” tourist traps
Tour bookings: GetYourGuide Tokyo for tea ceremony, sake tasting, sumo. Related: Japan 10-day itinerary.
✓ Last verified: May 6, 2026.
Practical tips that make the difference
- Plan in advance: book major attractions + restaurants 4-8 weeks ahead in peak season
- Use the local apps: country-specific transport, payment, and food delivery apps work better than generic international ones
- Carry small cash: card acceptance varies; €20-50 in local currency saves moments
- Travel insurance: even a $50 policy saves you from $5,000+ medical bills
- Photograph everything important: passport, BRP, important addresses, emergency numbers
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking too tight: build 30-50% buffer between commitments. Strikes, weather, jet lag all cause delays
- Skipping local etiquette: brief research on greetings, tipping, and dress codes saves embarrassment
- Eating at tourist-trap restaurants near monuments: walk 2-5 minutes off main squares for better food + better prices
- Underestimating walking: most European + Asian cities are walked, not driven. Comfortable shoes essential
- Ignoring transit cards: city travel cards (Oyster, Suica, Navigo, etc.) are 30-50% cheaper than single tickets
When to consider professional help
For more complex situations — multi-country tax planning, complicated visa applications, or substantial property purchases — engaging a regulated professional saves money and stress in the long term. Look for: OISC-registered immigration advisers (UK), Spanish gestores (Spain), German Steuerberater (Germany), or cross-border tax specialists (any country).
Practical tips that make the difference
- Plan in advance: book major attractions + restaurants 4-8 weeks ahead in peak season. Cancellation is usually free up to 24-48 hours before arrival
- Use the local apps: country-specific transport, payment, and food delivery apps work better than generic international ones. Examples: Grab in SE Asia, Bolt in Europe, DiDi in China, MTR app in Hong Kong
- Carry small cash: card acceptance varies; small amounts in local currency saves moments. Always have $50-100 equivalent in cash for emergencies
- Travel insurance: even a $50 policy saves you from $5,000+ medical bills. Doctor visits abroad average $30-150; emergency rooms can run $1,500-15,000 for serious cases
- Photograph everything important: passport, BRP, important addresses, emergency numbers, insurance policy, contact details. Store in cloud + offline
- Get an eSIM before you fly: avoid paying $10-15/day in roaming charges. Airalo and Holafly start at $4 for short trips
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking too tight: build 30-50% buffer between commitments. Strikes, weather, jet lag all cause delays
- Skipping local etiquette: brief research on greetings, tipping, and dress codes saves embarrassment
- Eating at tourist-trap restaurants near monuments: walk 2-5 minutes off main squares for better food at lower prices
- Underestimating walking: most European + Asian cities are walked, not driven. Comfortable shoes essential. Plan for 15,000-25,000 steps per day on active travel
- Ignoring transit cards: city travel cards (Oyster, Suica, Navigo, etc.) are 30-50% cheaper than single tickets
- Booking accommodation by stars rating only: read reviews from past 6 months specifically. Old reviews can mislead about current state
Money-saving strategies
- Free walking tours: most major cities have tip-based walking tours. Excellent way to orient yourself + learn history. Sandeman, Free Tour brand operate in 30+ cities
- Lunch menus vs dinner: many restaurants offer lunch fixed-price menus 30-50% cheaper than equivalent dinner
- Public transport day passes: usually 2-3x cheaper than 4 single tickets
- Book flights mid-week, fly Tuesday/Wednesday: typically cheapest days. Avoid Friday and Sunday flights
- Hostel private rooms: 20-30% cheaper than hotels for similar quality. Many have great social common areas
- Local SIM cards in 3+ week stays: cheaper than eSIM for longer stays in single country
When to consider a guide or local expert
For more complex situations — multi-country tax planning, complicated visa applications, or substantial property purchases — engaging a regulated professional saves money and stress in the long term. Look for: OISC-registered immigration advisers (UK), Spanish gestores (Spain), German Steuerberater (Germany), or cross-border tax specialists (any country). For travel-specific questions, local certified tour guides offer expertise generic guides can’t match.