City guides東京
Tokyo for first-timers
How to split up the world's biggest city: which neighbourhoods to base in and what to see in 3–4 days.
Last reviewed · Sep 2026
Tokyo is less one city than a cluster of towns joined by the Yamanote loop line. First-timers do best picking a base with direct train links and exploring one or two areas per day.
Where to base yourself
| Area | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Busy, neon, huge station | Nightlife, day trips to Hakone & Fuji |
| Shibuya | Young, fashion, crossing | Shopping, cafés, easy airport links |
| Ginza / Tokyo Station | Polished, central | Shinkansen departures, department stores |
| Asakusa / Ueno | Traditional, better value | Temples, museums, Narita access |
The first-visit essentials
- Senso-ji temple in Asakusa — go before 8am
- Meiji Jingu shrine and Harajuku
- Shibuya Crossing, then Shibuya Sky at sunset (book ahead)
- Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast
- An evening in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
- teamLab Planets or Borderless (timed tickets)