4 Days in Tokyo

Day 2 started with an immediate trip to 7/11, because if you know, you know. 7/11 in Japan is on another level. It’s full of fresh, delicious, and even healthy options, and we ended up eating there for breakfast almost every day. I loved the banana soy smoothie and the maple syrup pancakes, and the rice balls were perfect for quick snacks. Even their desserts were fun to try.

Since my husband and I are big coffee lovers, our next stop was a specialty espresso shop called Glitch Coffee & Roasters in Chiyoda. The coffee was incredible and definitely worth the stop.

After that, we headed to the Imperial Palace gardens. It was such a beautiful and peaceful place to walk around, or even just sit and relax. We were lucky enough to be there during cherry blossom season, which made it even more special. If you can, I highly recommend visiting Japan in the spring for the blooms.

Next, we made our way to Jimbocho, which is basically a dream if you love books. There’s an entire street dedicated to bookstores, with a mix of English and Japanese shops. It felt like every turn led to another hidden gem, and you could easily spend hours exploring.

By that point, we were ready for lunch, so we found a local ramen spot. One thing we learned quickly is that you really can’t go wrong. You can walk into almost any ramen shop in Tokyo and it will be amazing. Many of them are small and feel like you’re eating in someone’s home kitchen, which makes the experience even better. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable. A full ramen meal usually costs around 500 to 900 yen, which is roughly $3 to $6.

We started Day 3 in Shinjuku with coffee at Covert Coffee. It was another amazing specialty coffee spot and such a great way to start the day.

It ended up being quite rainy, but honestly, Japan is so vibey in the rain. We spent the morning wandering the streets of Shinjuku, popping into shops and just taking it all in.

I stopped by Don Quijote, which is an absolute must if you’re into makeup, skincare, or haircare. It’s incredible… and a little overwhelming in the best way. They have so many high-quality Japanese beauty products, and it’s all tax-free for tourists. Just make sure to bring your passport. I could have easily spent hours in there.

Next, we headed to Sensō-ji and stumbled upon this beautiful temple complex. There are so many stunning temples throughout Tokyo, and each one feels special in its own way.

Later that night, we made our way to Golden Gai for a drink. It’s such a unique area, with tiny bars packed closely together, each with its own vibe. Later that night, we made our way to Golden Gai for a drink. It’s such a unique area made up of a maze of tiny alleyways lined with over 200 miniature bars. Most of them only seat a handful of people, sometimes as few as 5 to 10, which makes the whole experience feel really intimate and personal. Each bar has its own distinct theme or vibe, from cozy and laid-back to quirky and eclectic. Some are even known for welcoming tourists, while others are more local-focused. It’s definitely not your typical nightlife scene, and that’s what makes it so special. The perfect, slightly offbeat way to end the day.

On Day 4, our last day in Tokyo, we started the morning at Meiji Shrine. This is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It’s set in a huge forested area right in the middle of the city, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and almost hidden away from the busy streets. Walking through the towering torii gates and along the gravel paths felt really grounding and calm, especially compared to the fast pace of the rest of Tokyo.

Then, right outside that area, we went to a coffee shop/cafe called Flip Flip Coffee supply. Great coffee!

After that, we spent some time shopping for cute little trinkets and souvenirs, which Japan is honestly the best place for. There’s a whole culture around small, collectible items. You’ll see things like keychains, mini plushies, and tiny character goods everywhere. A lot of it is tied to “kawaii” culture, which is all about cuteness and charm, and also to things like gachapon machines (those capsule toy dispensers where you get a surprise item). It’s super common to collect these as little memories from different places, and each area or store often has its own unique designs. It makes souvenir shopping really fun… and very hard not to overdo.