A 3-night, 4-day trip to Tokyo that was even better because it was my first time

Travel Destinations

– A balanced city trip from Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno, to Tsukiji

Tokyo was softer and much more three-dimensional than I had imagined.
Although it was a short 3-night, 4-day trip,
I experienced various faces of Tokyo at a pace that was neither too busy nor too slow.

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📍Day 1 – First greetings with Tokyo in Shibuya

After arriving at Haneda Airport, I checked into accommodation near Shibuya Station by airport limousine bus.
The first place I headed to after dropping off my luggage was the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Seeing the countless crowds crossing in all directions made me truly feel that I had arrived in Tokyo.

I highly recommend the Shibuya Sky observation deck as well.
If you visit around sunset, the overwhelming view includes Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and Mount Fuji all at once.
In the evening, I wrapped up lightly with yuzu-scented shoyu ramen at Afuri, a nearby ramen shop.

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📍Day 2 – Asakusa & Ueno where tradition meets modernity

The second day started at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple.
Passing through the large **Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate)** at the entrance, you’ll find Nakamise Street filled with traditional Japanese snacks and souvenir shops.
You can also try on a kimono, which is great for taking photos.

Ueno Park, which is within walking distance, is a must-visit.
If you have time, visiting Ueno Zoo or the Tokyo National Museum is recommended,
and if it’s autumn foliage or cherry blossom season, just strolling around will be very satisfying.

For dinner, I did a simple snack tour at Ueno’s Ameyoko Market.
I recommend everything from takoyaki, melon bread, to matcha gelato.

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📍Day 3 – Tsukiji Morning Market & Ginza Shopping

I left the accommodation early in the morning and headed to Tsukiji Outer Market.
There were various seafood snacks like tuna sushi, tamagoyaki skewers, and grilled squid.
Although there was no large tuna cutting show, the market’s unique energy and food were still vibrant.

Afterwards, I walked to Ginza for shopping and café time.
I slowly explored Ginza Uniqlo flagship store, Tokyu Hands, and Tsutaya Bookstore.
For a café, I recommend Blue Bottle Coffee Ginza! Both the atmosphere and taste were highly satisfying.

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📍Day 4 – Light packing and returning home

Since my flight was in the afternoon, I did some last-minute shopping in the morning at nearby Don Quijote or Matsumoto Kiyoshi drugstores.
Returning the SUICA transportation card and organizing tax refund documents in advance allowed me to head to the airport with ease.

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✈️ Closing thoughts

Though 3 nights and 4 days is short,
it was enough to deeply feel the core of Tokyo.
Each day was a city with a different color,
and if I come again, even walking the same places will feel completely different.

If it’s your first time in Tokyo,
the Shibuya-Asakusa-Ueno-Tsukiji-Ginza route will be a truly regret-free choice.