In this guide
Suggested route · adapt to opening days, weather and your arrival time.
Day 1 · Old Tokyo, slowly
Begin with Asakusa, Senso-ji and a walk towards the Sumida River. Keep the rest of the day light, especially after a flight. Choose either a guided introduction or a self-paced walk. Leave time for a meal and a quiet pause rather than trying to cross the whole city on your first afternoon.
Asakusa walking route: Senso-ji, Nakamise and the Sumida River
Day 2 · The city in motion
Use Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku as a starting cluster, then select the places that match your interests. You do not need to explore all three in depth. Book a timed activity only after checking the journey and allow time to find the correct station exit.
Day 3 · Choose one day trip
Choose Fuji for a mountain-view day or Nikko for a combination of architecture and forest. Select one, not both. Compare guided and independent options using the practical details in our guides. Keep your evening flexible in case the return journey takes longer than expected.
Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo: tour, private car or independent travel
Nikko day trip from Tokyo: shrines, Shinkyo Bridge and route planning
Day 4 · Make it your own
Return to a favourite neighbourhood, choose a museum or spend longer in the shops and cafés you passed earlier. Check museum closing days and reserve popular timed entries through the official channel. If you fly home today, work backwards from the airport journey and leave a generous buffer.
Use this as a framework
Swap the day trip if the weather changes, and replace any stop that does not suit your group. One substantial booked experience a day can be enough. Keep addresses and confirmations easy to access, and check the provider’s actual language and meeting location before booking.