Tokyo Essentials: 4 Days from Ancient Temples to Neon Alleys

2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

💡 Arrive early to photograph the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and the sprawling main temple grounds before the dense mid-morning crowds arrive.

1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

💡 Snack on freshly made ningyo-yaki (sweet bean cakes) and warm melon pan as you browse traditional souvenirs along this historic shopping approach.

4 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

💡 Stroll around the lotus-filled Shinobazu Pond; if you have extra time, admire the grand exterior architecture of the nearby Tokyo National Museum.

6-chōme-10-7 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan

💡 Schedule a casual, sit-down lunch break amidst the vibrant chaos of this open-air market street; look for stalls serving fresh kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) or takoyaki.

Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo, Japan

💡 Immerse yourself in Tokyo's undisputed anime and tech capital by exploring the multi-story retro gaming arcades, collectible figure shops, and sprawling electronics megastores

1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

💡 Enter through the massive wooden torii gate near Harajuku Station to enjoy the serene, towering cedar forest walk before the surrounding city wakes up.

Takeshita St, 1-chōme Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

💡 Grab a famous, elaborately decorated Harajuku crêpe from one of the colourful stands and browse the eccentric youth fashion boutiques.

6-chōme-20-10 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

💡 Head up to the rooftop park for a fantastic urban green space, then grab lunch from the diverse, modern food hall located on the lower levels of the complex.

21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

💡 To capture the iconic perspective made famous by the film Lost in Translation, head to the Magnet by Shibuya 109 rooftop viewing deck.

Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ スクランブルスクエア 14階・45階 46階・屋上

💡 Book your tickets weeks in advance to secure entry; the open-air rooftop observation deck offers sweeping 360-degree panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis.

5-6 Sugachō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0018, Japan

💡 Walk up the red-railed staircase leading to the shrine—this is the exact real-world inspiration for the emotional final scene of the hit anime film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa).

11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan

💡 Enter via the Shinjuku Gate and explore the serene Japanese traditional garden, which serves as a perfect, quiet contrast to the bustling city centre just outside the walls.

2-chōme-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan

💡 Head straight to the South Observation Deck on the 45th floor for entirely free, spectacular views; on a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji on the horizon.

1-chōme-2-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

💡 After taking a break in the afternoon, return to this narrow, atmospheric alleyway in the evening for a memorable, sit-down dinner; grab a seat at a tiny counter for authentic yakitori and a cold beer.

1-chōme-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan

💡 Explore the meticulously preserved historical bathhouse and traditional shops that directly inspired the architectural aesthetic of Spirited Away.

1-chōme-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan

💡 Tickets are strictly advance-purchase only and sell out months ahead; do not arrive without a pre-booked time slot or you will be turned away.

2-chōme-7-5 Kichijōji Minamichō, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0003, Japan

💡 Pick up the official, Studio Ghibli-approved Totoro-shaped cream puffs here; arrive early as the most popular flavours often sell out by the mid-afternoon.