4 days in Tokyo with locals? Enjoy an authentic visit.

Are you planning to visit Tokyo? This vibrant city is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation. In this blog, we share our personal experience of exploring Tokyo with locals. From temple visits and food tours to arcades and hidden gardens, you'll find our tips and insights to make your Tokyo trip unforgettable. Plus, practical travel tips on using the Suica card, the JR Pass, and where to stay.

Getting around Tokyo in 4 days: Suica Card and JR Pass tips

Tokyo's public transportation system is incredibly efficient. The best way to get around is by using a Suica card. This prepaid smart card works on JR lines, subways, buses, and even in convenience stores. For those planning to explore other cities like Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, the JR Pass is a cost-effective option. Make sure to order it before you arrive in Japan and activate it at a major station such as Tokyo Station or at the airport upon arrival.

Staying in Minato: a peaceful base in the heart of Tokyo

We stayed in Minato, a quiet and refined neighborhood ideal for travelers who want to relax after a busy day of exploring. Our accommodations:

Park Hotel Tokyo

A beautifully designed hotel near Hamarikyu Gardens. All rooms are decorated by local artists and have a unique name. During springtime a delicious afternoon tea is served at the restaurant, the food is prepared by chefs that are real artists. After a good sleep in the comfortable beds you will enjoy an amazing breakfast looking over the park and Hamarikyu gardens.

Shiba Park Hotel

A centrally located hotel with great service and breakfast, very close to Tokyo tower. The rooms are comfortable and every floor has it's own theme. The hotel is inspired on libraries and books. In the lounge you can find many books and comfortable chairs to read. The themes on the different floors provide books about fashion, travel, architecture and more. We enjoyed an amazing Japanese Izakaya dinner at the restaurant and breakfast was very good as well, offering fresh regional products.

Both hotels offered easy access to Tokyo's public transportation network and major attractions.

As we started and ended our trip in Tokyo and spended 4 days, we have chosen to stay in two different hotels.

From Minato to Asakusa by Tokyo Cruise Boat

One of the highlights of our trip was taking a Tokyo Cruise boat from Hinode Pier in Minato to Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest district. Here we visited the iconic Senso-ji Temple and began collecting temple stamps, known as Goshuin. You can buy a decorative stamp book at most temples and collect unique hand-written stamps at each one you visit throughout Japan. A small amount will be asked to maintain the temples.

Tip: The Nakamise Shopping Street near Senso-ji is perfect for picking up souvenirs and tasting local snacks like Dorayaki and Taiyaki. Be sure to bring cash, as many stalls don't accept cards.

Akihabara: from electronics to Anime culture

Once famous for electronics, Akihabara is now a hub for anime, manga, and video games. You'll find multi-level arcades, themed shops, and plenty of entertainment. We passed several maid cafes, where young women in costume invite you in for themed dining experiences. These can be expensive and might feel awkward for some, so it's good to read reviews before visiting.

Chiyoda: serenity in the heart of the city

Located near Tokyo Station, Chiyoda is home to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. These gardens are free to enter and are especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season or autumn.

For dinner, we highly recommend Torokin Hamamatsucho, a traditional Izakaya serving delicious small plates. We found this restaurant thanks to our local friends who invited us. We had dinner together there in a separate private dining room enjoying different shared Izakaya dishes.

Shinjuku: food, nightlife, and landmarks

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's busiest and most exciting areas. We joined a local food tour and started with Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a narrow alley filled with small, atmospheric restaurants. A must visit in this area. We tasted a whopping 13 different dishes!

Other highlights:

• Shinjuku Cat Billboard: A massive 3D screen featuring animated scenes, visible daily from 7 PM to 1 AM

• Godzilla Head: Located at the Shinjuku Gracery Hotel, a fun stop for fans

Ginza and Tsukiji: tradition meets luxury

Ginza is Tokyo's luxury shopping district, with designer boutiques and elegant cafes. Nearby is the Kabukiza Theatre, where you can watch traditional kabuki performances.

Just a short walk away lies Tsukiji Market, the old fish market known for its incredible street food. Here, we sampled fresh sushi, Japanese omelet, and wagyu beef. While Toyosu Market is now the official wholesale fish market, (the biggest one in the world) Tsukiji still offers a more authentic and lively atmosphere for visitors.

Shibuya: crosswalks and city views

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. The best view is from the Hikarie Building. Take the elevator to the top floor for a panoramic view — it's free and less crowded than other viewpoints.

Near Shibuya Station, you’ll also find the statue of Hachikō, Japan’s most loyal dog. Hachikō waited every day at the station for his owner to return from work, even for years after his owner's death. The statue is a beloved symbol of loyalty in Japan.

Teamlab Planets: an interesting digital art museum

Teamlab Planets is a very unique museum where you become part of the art and can experience 5 different artwork rooms based on themes like:

• Water: walk through water and enjoy the swimming Koi, their movement is influenced by the presence of the people and other koi. When you collide with one it will turn into a flower!

• Garden: wander around in the garden, where flowers float above you. While walking into the flowers they will create space around you.

• Athletics Forest: jump onto a planet or star and experience the lifecycle of a star

• Future Park: color in an object of your choice, like an airplane, dolphin or butterfly and watch it fly

• Catching and Collecting Forest: meet some extinct animals, when you move closer or touch them, they will either run away or turn to face you!

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

How to Get There. teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM is a 1-minute walk from Shin-Toyosu station on the Yurikamome line, and a 10-minute walk from the Toyosu station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line. Book your tickets.

Final thoughts

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where historic temples stand alongside skyscrapers, and serene gardens are just steps away from bustling shopping streets. Exploring it with locals gave us a deeper appreciation for each district's unique character. Whether you're planning your first visit or a return trip, Tokyo will surprise you in the best ways.

Planning to travel around Japan? Don’t forget to check out our Japan FAQ guide for essential travel tips including the JESTA document, eSIM discounts, and more.

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