Tokyo: 4 Day Itinerary

4 Days in Tokyo: Ultimate Itinerary for Unforgettable Experiences

Tokyo is a city full of contrasts—where tradition meets cutting-edge technology, tranquil temples blend with bustling shopping districts, and rich history is intertwined with modern lifestyle. Our 4-day Tokyo adventure was packed with incredible experiences, delicious food, and unforgettable sights. Here's a rundown of our trip, including some of the best moments that made this journey so special!

Booking Our Trip

For this trip, we booked a direct flight from Vancouver to Haneda via ANA (All Nippon Airways). This was my third visit to Japan, and I have to say, it’s still my top travel destination. I absolutely love everything about this country—from its rich culture to its modern attractions. Even though this is my third time exploring Japan, I know I’ll never tire of it!

We spent 3 days in Tokyo as a stopover before heading to the Philippines for the remainder of our trip.

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for Every Traveler

Toyosu

A peaceful area near Tokyo Bay, Toyosu offers a serene environment, perfect for those seeking quiet. It’s well-connected to major spots like Odaiba and Shibuya. We stayed at La Vista Tokyo Bay Hotel and loved the stunning views and relaxing atmosphere.

Ginza

For luxury shopping, fine dining, and elegance, Ginza is ideal. It’s quieter and centrally located, perfect for a refined stay. We stayed at Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel, which was close to high-end restaurants and shops.

Nearby Attractions: Kabuki-za Theatre, upscale shopping malls, and Tokyo International Forum.

Shibuya

Known for its vibrant nightlife, iconic Shibuya Crossing, and trendy shopping streets, Shibuya is perfect for those seeking energy and excitement.

Nearby Attractions: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, and easy access to Harajuku and Shinjuku.

Shinjuku

A bustling hub of shopping, entertainment, and dining, Shinjuku offers great public transport access and is one of Tokyo's most dynamic areas.

Nearby Attractions: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Kabukicho, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Asakusa

For a more traditional experience, Asakusa is ideal with its temples and old-style shopping streets.

Nearby Attractions: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, and Sumida Aquarium.

Akihabara

For anime, manga, and tech lovers, Akihabara is the place to be, full of electronics stores, gaming centers, and themed cafes.

Nearby Attractions: Akihabara Electric Town, manga shops, and themed cafes.

Roppongi

Famous for its nightlife, fine dining, and art museums, Roppongi is popular with expats.

Nearby Attractions: Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, and Tokyo Tower.

Ikebukuro

A great alternative to tourist-heavy districts, Ikebukuro offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Nearby Attractions: Sunshine City, Otome Road (anime shops), and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space.

Ueno

For a more relaxed stay, Ueno offers parks, museums, and culture. It’s quieter than Shibuya or Shinjuku.

Nearby Attractions: Ueno Zoo, Ueno Park, and Tokyo National Museum.

Getting Around Tokyo

Buses
Tokyo has an extensive bus system, useful for areas not served by trains. While slower due to traffic, buses are reliable and easy to use with a Suica/Pasmo card.

Airport Limousine Buses
These buses provide convenient access from the airport to major districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.

Taxis
Taxis are reliable but more expensive than public transport. You can hail them on the street, use a taxi app, or book at a stand. They accept cash and credit cards, but it’s good to have cash on hand.

Walking
Tokyo is very pedestrian-friendly, especially in areas like Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa, where exploring on foot uncovers hidden gems.

Water Bus (Sumida River Cruise)
For a unique experience, try the water bus to see the city from the Sumida River, with stops at Asakusa, Odaiba, and Hamarikyu Gardens.

Airport Transfers

• Narita Airport (NRT): Take the Narita Express (N'EX) or an airport limousine bus for direct access to Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Station.

• Haneda Airport (HND): The Tokyo Monorail offers a fast connection to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to other parts of Tokyo.

Our 4-Day Tokyo Itinerary: A Perfect Tokyo Adventure

Day 1: Arrival at La Vista Tokyo Bay Hotel

Our second day began with a visit to teamLab Planets TOKYO—an immersive digital art museum full of interactive exhibits. Afterward, we had lunch at Toyosu Market, famous for its fresh sushi. We explored the market's seafood stalls and picked up some unique snacks and souvenirs.

We arrived in Tokyo at night and checked into La Vista Tokyo Bay Hotel, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Tokyo Bay. After dinner and drinks at the hotel bar, we relaxed in the Natural Hot Spring on the top floor, taking in beautiful city views.

Day 2: Planet Labs Tokyo and Toyosu Market

Day 3: Shopping in Ginza and Shibuya

We moved to Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel and spent the day exploring Ginza. I visited the largest Uniqlo store in the world, then headed to Shibuya Crossing for photos. We also stopped by the Don Quijote Mega Store, picking up quirky items. To end the day, we enjoyed a delicious Wagyu steak dinner at a local steakhouse.

Day 4: Departure

On our last day, we had a relaxing morning at the hotel before heading to the airport for our flight to Manila. Reflecting on our trip, we realized how much we had experienced in just 4 days—Tokyo truly has something for everyone!

Reflecting on Our Journey

From immersive art to fresh sushi and stylish shopping, Tokyo offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a city that never gets old, with something new to discover at every corner. What’s your favorite Tokyo spot? Or is there something you’ve been dreaming of doing in the city? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your experiences and tips for my next visit!

How Much Does a Flight from Vancouver to Tokyo Cost?

For this trip, we booked a multi-city flight. Here's the breakdown:

• Vancouver to Haneda (3 nights in Tokyo)

• Haneda to Manila (12 days in the Philippines)

• Manila to Vancouver (direct flight home)

The total cost of this multi-city flight was $1,722.57, booked in September 2024, for travel between the end of November and the first week of December 2024. If you're considering flying to Japan, I highly recommend ANA Airlines. The service was excellent, and I was impressed with their efficiency and attention to detail.