Things to do in Tokyo in 4 days
A friend told me recently that Japan is a whole different planet, and I couldn’t agree more. Tokyo is one of the most impressive, different and amazing cities in the world. Let's see the city’s highlights:
Tokyo Imperial Palace and Gardens
From an historical perspective you can’t miss the Imperial Palace and its fabulous gardens. Admire the Japanese architecture and wander around the marvelous Japanese gardens at a very tranquil and peaceful environment.
Asakusa
Asakusa is not only a fabulous area to visit but also a great option for your stay in Tokyo. It is a very vivid neighborhood that combines shopping, delicious food, temples, and walks by the river. Enter the Kaminarimon Gate and admire the huge lantern that guides to Nakamise-dori street, a pedestrian street full of little stores with souvenirs and Japanese sweets. The same road is also interesting when the stores are closed during night as at the shop’s rolls there are colorful drawings which transform the road into an art gallery. At the end of the road stands the impressive Senso-ji Hozomon Gate with a Buddhist temple and a beautiful pagoda. The whole zone next to Nakamise-dori street is full of little pedestrian roads with any type of shops, restaurants and street food. My personal favorites are Chome street and Kappabashi Hondōri Shopping Street but wandering around the area there are many gems to be discovered. Finally, don’t miss the chance to have a walk at Sumida River Walk, especially at night. You will be able to enjoy a perfect walk next to the river and the view of the impressive, illuminated Tokyo Sky Tree.
Tokyo SkyTree
The world’s tallest tower is visible from almost every part of Tokyo, giving you the feeling of following you at your every step. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and admire an impressive view from its observation deck. There are many events from time to time that you can enjoy. Check them on its official site: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko statue
One of the first images that comes to our minds when thinking of Tokyo is the Shibuya crossing. Shibuya station is one of the busiest stations of the city and over 2.4 million people cross Shibuya every day. Be one of them and feel the pulse of the city by crossing the street or/and observe the crowd crossing from the first floor of the metro station. Pay a visit to the statue of the most loyal dog in the world, Hachiko which became famous for waiting every day at the station for his owner, even after the owner had passed away. The whole Shibuya zone is also fascinating for shopping and good quality delicious food (mouthwatering traditional sushi restaurant Tsukijisushisei Shibuyaten is hidden at a little mall nearby the station).
Takeshita street
Takeshita street, next to Harajuku station, is a big commercial pedestrian road full of fancy fashion stores with trendy clothes, shoes, accessories typical of Tokyo’s current trends and street food (the sweet crepes were my favorites).
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a great opportunity to dissociate yourself from the city’s buzz. A marvelous national garden in which you can enter by paying a little fee is ideal for relaxation. You can enjoy its Japanese gardens, the little ponds and its lovely pavilion while you can chill at the park’s green landscape. There is also a cherry tree area if you are lucky enough to visit Japan during cherry blossoms time.
Omoide Yokocho-Shinjuku Golden Gai and Kabukicho
Another zone that is worth visiting combines a variety of shops, malls, nightclubs, bars and little pubs. It is no other than Shinjuku Golden Gai with its narrow streets and Kabukicho area which during the night is transformed into Tokyo’s Red-light district. Huge 3D screens and Godzilla’s Head above the skyscrapers complete the image of this area. A little bit more isolated from the above image stands Omoide Yokocho, a complex of extremely narrow little roads full of tiny bar-restaurants (like the ones shown in the Midnight Dinner Serie) with extremely yummy food and great atmosphere which you cannot afford to miss.
Tokyo Tower and Zojo-ji Temple
You can’t be in Tokyo without visiting one of its more popular landmarks, the Tokyo Tower. If you have time, you may also visit its observatory deck and enjoy its view. On your way to the tower make sure to make a stop at Zojo-ji Temple, a beautiful complex of Buddhist temples surrounded by a nice park.
Day trip to Nikko
About 1:40 minutes by JR train from Tokyo is located Nikko, a green landscape full of impressive and breathtaking Buddhist temples and shrines, including the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Toshogu Shrine. Nevertheless, the area offers more than just temples. There are also waterfalls like Kegon Falls, lakes such as Lake Chuzenji, and hot springs to enjoy. Shinkyō Bridge is also a must visit during your stay at the city which completes this culturally rich experience in Japan.
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