Start your Tokyo adventure in Shinjuku, one of the busiest and most exciting neighborhoods in the city. Begin at the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a beautiful forest. Next, visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city for free. Head to Golden Gai, a small alleyway of unique bars and restaurants. End your day at the Kabukicho, Asia's largest red-light district, where you can experience a blend of Japanese culture, entertainment and cuisine.
Day 2 is all about Japan's world-renowned technology and arts. In Akihabara, Tokyo's "Electric Town", you can visit numerous electronics and anime shops. After lunch, visit the Ueno Zoo, home to giant pandas and a wide range of animals. Then head to the National Museum of Nature and Science, one of the largest science museums in Japan. Wrap your day at Ameya Yokocho, a vibrant street market where you can experience Japanese street food and souvenirs.
On day 3, get ready for stunning views and modern architecture. Starting with the Tokyo Tower, a famous 333-meter tall radio tower reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, visit both its main observatory and special observatory. After lunch, head to Odaiba which has a lot of attractions. Visit the Palette Town, a modern shopping center that includes the Toyota Mega Web car exhibition and the impressively large Ferris wheel at the "Daikanransha". Take a picture at the beach sand bridge and take a walk around the coastline and snap some great views of Rainbow Bridge and statue of liberty.
On your last day, explore two of Tokyo's central and most exciting neighborhoods. Start with Harajuku, a center of youth and street fashion where you can visit the famous Takeshita Street. Visit the iconic Meiji Jingu Stadium, a ball field that is home to the baseball team Tokyo Yakult Swallows. After lunch, head to Shibuya, known for its trendy shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment. Don't leave Japan until you've snapped a photo of the legendary Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
If you have more time, consider a day trip outside of Tokyo to places like Mount Fuji, Kamakura, or Nikko. But if you have less time, you can modify your itinerary by eliminating some sights or activities. You may consider skipping Kabukicho and visit the Tokyo Skytree instead for panoramic views. Alternatively, skip Harajuku and Shibuya so you can have more time at the Ueno Zoo and National Museum of Nature and Science as they have a lot of exhibits to explore.