Tokyo 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1 - Exploring Central Tokyo

Morning

  • Start your day at the Tsukiji Fish Market (Toyosu Market now) for a sushi breakfast at Sushidai or Daiwa Sushi.
  • Head to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, followed by a walk through Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Afternoon

  • Take the river cruise (Yurikamome) to Odaiba for a visit to teamLab Borderless, a unique digital art museum. Don’t forget to check out Rainbow Bridge and Palette Town.
  • Grab lunch at Yakatabune Kounoriya, a yakatabune (traditional Japanese boat restaurant) overlooking Rainbow Bridge.

Evening

  • Explore Akihabara, the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture, with its many maid cafes, anime stores, and gaming arcades.
  • Have dinner at Kagurazaka Ishikawa, a traditional kappou-style restaurant serving seasonal kaiseki cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Tokyo Metro (Tokyo Subway) is the best way to navigate the city. Get a Pasmo or Suica rechargeable card for convenience.
  • Japanese people are generally polite and quiet, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions.

Day 2 - Modern Tokyo & Shibuya

Morning

  • Visit the Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi Park and stroll through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for unique fashion and crepes.
  • Head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful escape amidst Tokyo’s skyscrapers.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku, the famous ramen chain known for its slurp-worthy tonkotsu ramen and individual booths.
  • Explore Shinjuku’s business district, Kabukicho, Golden Gai (small alleys with bars), and Omoide Yokocho (retro yakitori bars).

Evening

  • Experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko statue. Visit the nearby love shrine, Hikarie Observation Deck, or Scramble Square for a bird’s eye view of the intersection.
  • Dinner at Izakaya Wappa in Ebisu, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese izakaya dishes and yakitori.

Things to Know

  • Shibuya is famous for its nightlife; find a themed bar or club that suits your style.
  • Shinjuku’s Yodobashi Camera is a great place for electronics, while Loft is perfect for stationery and home goods enthusiasts.

Day 3 - Traditional Tokyo & Temples

Morning

  • Visit Ueno Park, home to numerous museums like the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo. Don’t miss the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
  • Grab a coffee or snack at Acafe, a popular cafe housed in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Tempura Kondo in Asakusa for an unforgettable tempura experience.
  • Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about Tokyo’s history and culture.

Evening

  • Head to the Skytree Tembo Deck or Musashino Farmers Stadium for a stunning view of the sunset over Tokyo.
  • Dinner at Soba Yoshimura in Ueno, known for its delicious buckwheat noodles.

Things to Know

  • The Sumida River Cruise is a great way to see Tokyo Skytree and other landmarks from a different perspective.
  • Tokyo has many onsen (hot springs) spas; Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba is popular with tourists.