Tokyo in 4 Days: What It Was Really Like Exploring Japan for the First Time |

Tokyo had been living in my head for a long time before I finally arrived. I imagined the lights, the crowds, the food, the order, the chaos, and somehow, the real thing felt even more intense. Exciting, overwhelming, calming, and inspiring all at once.

This post is a reflection of how I spent 4 days in Tokyo, what made my trip easier, and the moments that stayed with me. If you’re planning a trip to Japan or dreaming about visiting Tokyo one day, I hope this helps, or at least makes you want to go.

Landing in Tokyo & Staying Connected

One thing I’ve learned from travelling is that landing in a new country already connected makes everything feel less intimidating. Before flying to Japan, I topped up my Japan eSIM so I could use data and my phone as soon as I landed.

I use Airalo, and I’ve used it on many trips you’ll see on my website, including South Africa and Indonesia. It worked perfectly in Tokyo, for Google Maps, translations, transport, and bookings.

If it’s your first time using Airalo, you can use my code: DANIEL22410

Being able to step off the plane and immediately know where I was going gave me such peace of mind.

Where I Stayed in Tokyo: Ikebukuro

I stayed at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Ikebukuro, and it turned out to be a really good choice. The hotel is part of the Sunshine City complex, which includes a large shopping mall, restaurants, and even a Pokémon Centre.

Ikebukuro felt lively but not overwhelming, which I appreciated after long days of walking and exploring. Having everything so close made evenings easy, especially when you’re tired and just want good food without travelling far.

One evening, we ate at Tonkatsu Wako inside the mall and had a crunchy tonkatsu set that was comforting and delicious. Sometimes simple food really hits the spot when you’re travelling.

Tokyo Shopping & Learning About Japanese Sizes

Before going to Japan, I kept hearing about Onitsuka Tiger, so of course I had to go. I visited the Ginza store, where you can customise your shoes. Be prepared to register in-store (there will be a queue before openingshours) and wait, they’ll email you when it’s your turn. (System works perfectly)

Nearby is the Uniqlo Flagship Store in Ginza, spread across 12 floors and the GU store. It’s impressive, but also a good reminder of one important thing:

Japanese clothing sizes run small.

I normally wear an S in Europe, but in Japan, I often need a Medium or even a Large, especially for trousers. My biggest advice is to always try things on before buying.

Getting Around Tokyo (Easier Than I Expected)

I was surprised by how easy it was to get around Tokyo. The transport system is incredibly well organised.

What really helped me:

Station names in Japanese and English
Stations also have numbers, which makes navigating easier
Google Maps tells you exactly which train, platform, and exit to use

Even though Tokyo is busy, everything flows. People queue, follow rules, and move with purpose. Somehow, even with so many people, it feels calm.

Eating in Tokyo: From Ramen to Omakase

Simple, Affordable Ramen in Shibuya

One of my favourite casual meals was at IFUU RAMEN in Shibuya. It’s simple, good-quality ramen for under £10, and exactly what you want after walking all day.

A Special Omakase Experience

One experience I really wanted in Japan was an omakase sushi dinner. I booked Sushi Toiro in Kichijoji via Tabelog before travelling.

I chose this restaurant because I wanted to try sea urchin, which I’ve found very difficult to get in Europe. The omakase included lots of uni and fatty tuna, and it was genuinely one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

The chef and staff didn’t speak much English, but they were incredibly kind. At the end, the chef gave us a pair of chopsticks to take home.

I had brought a small gift from London to give him; I’d heard people in Japan appreciate small gestures, but I completely forgot. I still regret it, and if I ever go back, I’ll definitely bring something.

Seeing Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku & City Views

Of course, I went to see Shibuya Crossing. It’s iconic, but honestly, many crossings in Tokyo feel similar: people crossing from all sides, surrounded by lights and movement. What really stayed with me was the energy of the city itself.

For a free panoramic view, we went to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. It’s a working building, so opening hours aren’t late, but the view is beautiful and comp

letely free. There’s also a small souvenir shop inside.

While in Shinjuku, we also saw:

The Godzilla Head
The huge Don Quijote (very overwhelming, narrow aisles and crowds)
The 3D cat billboard near Shinjuku Station

If you’re shopping for beauty products, I found that drugstores are cheaper than Don Quijote.

Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo

Since becoming a Pokémon fan (quite recently), I had to visit Pokémon Centre Mega Tokyo, located in Sunshine City. It gets busy from opening time, but everything is very organised.

One thing I regret is not paying more attention to limited edition Pikachus, something I only fully appreciated after leaving Japan.

A Day Trip from Tokyo: Kamakura

We also took a day trip to Kamakura, which was easy to reach by train and such a nice break from the city. Temples, nature, and a slower pace made it feel very different from Tokyo.

I’ll share more about Kamakura in a separate blog post.

Final Thoughts on Tokyo

Tokyo left a strong impression on me. It’s busy, bright, structured, emotional, and inspiring all at once. From quiet acts of kindness to unforgettable meals, it’s a city that rewards curiosity.

In total, I spent 11 days in Japan and 10 days in South Korea with Djoser (group travel organiser), so the next few blog posts will continue this journey.

If Tokyo is on your list, go.
And if you’re already planning your trip, I hope this helped you imagine it a little more clearly.

✨ Planning Your Trip?

If you’re planning a trip to Japan (or already counting down the days), here are a few things I personally used and genuinely recommend to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:

📱 Stay connected from the moment you land. I always top up my eSIM in advance so I can use maps, translations, and transport apps straight away. I use Airalo for all my trips, and it’s been reliable every time. (You can find my discount here: DANIEL22410.)
🏨 Where I stayed. I’ve linked the hotels I stayed at in this post for their great locations and comfort after long walking days.
🎟️ Experiences worth booking ahead. Some tours, cultural experiences, and attractions sell out quickly, especially in Japan, so I always book a few key ones in advance.

I’ll keep updating my Japan travel guides in the Japan Travel Hub, so feel free to explore the other posts on Japan, and what’s coming next ✨

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.

With love 🤍

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