First-Time Tokyo: A 4-Day, 3-Night Travel Diary

Destinations – A balanced city trip through Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno, and Tsukiji Tokyo turned out to be softer and more multidimensional than I had imagined. Despite the short 4-day, 3-night itinerary, I managed to experience the diverse faces of Tokyo without feeling rushed or sluggish. ⸻ 📍Day 1 – First Greetings with Tokyo in Shibuya After arriving at Haneda Airport, I took the airport limousine bus to my accommodation near Shibuya Station. Dropping off my luggage, the first destination was the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Witnessing the bustling crowds crossing paths made me truly feel that I had arrived in Tokyo. I highly recommend visiting the Shibuya Sky Observatory. If you go around sunset, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and even Mount Fuji all at once. For dinner, I wrapped up the day lightly with a bowl of yuzu-flavored shoyu ramen at Afuri, a nearby ramen shop. ⸻ 📍Day 2 – Tradition Meets Modernity in Asakusa & Ueno The second day began with a visit to Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple. Passing through the grand **Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)** leads you to Nakamise Street, lined with shops selling traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs. You can even try on a kimono for a great photo opportunity. A short walk away is Ueno Park, which is a must-visit. If you have time, you can explore Ueno Zoo or the Tokyo National Museum. During the autumn foliage or cherry blossom season, a simple stroll through the park is more than satisfying. Dinner was a casual snack tour at Ueno’s Ameyoko Market. I recommend trying takoyaki, melon bread, and matcha gelato—all delicious options. ⸻ 📍Day 3 – Tsukiji Morning Market & Ginza Shopping Early in the morning, I headed to Tsukiji Outer Market. The market was bustling with stalls offering tuna sushi, tamagoyaki skewers, grilled squid, and other seafood snacks. While the famous tuna auction is no longer held here, the lively atmosphere and food remain vibrant. Afterward, I walked to Ginza for some shopping and café time. I leisurely browsed through the Ginza Uniqlo flagship store, Tokyu Hands, and Tsutaya Bookstore. For coffee, I recommend Blue Bottle Coffee Ginza—both the ambiance and taste were excellent. ⸻ 📍Day 4 – Wrapping Up and Heading Home With my flight scheduled for the afternoon, I spent the morning shopping at nearby drugstores like Don Quijote and Matsumotokiyoshi. Returning the SUICA transportation card and organizing tax refund documents in advance allowed for a smooth trip to the airport. ⸻ ✈️ Final Thoughts Though 4 days and 3 nights is a short time, it was enough to deeply experience the essence of Tokyo. Each day felt like exploring a city with a different personality, and I believe that even if I revisit the same places, they would feel entirely new. For first-time visitors to Tokyo, the Shibuya-Asakusa-Ueno-Tsukiji-Ginza route is a choice you won’t regret.