3 Days Tokyo, Japan Itinerary
A high-energy 3-day journey through Tokyo's most iconic neighborhoods, balancing the neon rush of Shinjuku and Shibuya with the historical charm of Asakusa. This itinerary maximizes time by grouping geographically close districts and includes essential modern art and food experiences.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$850-1150 (excluding flights)
Best Time
Late March to April for cherry blossoms (Sakura) or October to November for pleasant autumn weather and foliage
Activities
18
Daily Avg
$160/day (excluding accommodation)
Pace
Fast
Tokyo is a dazzling paradox where futuristic neon skyscrapers coexist with ancient temples and serene gardens. It offers a culinary landscape ranging from world-class Michelin dining to incredible convenience store eats, alongside a culture deeply rooted in hospitality (omotenashi).
Your itinerary covers 8 of 10 must-have experiences
Ancient Temple
Day 1: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Futuristic View
Day 1: Shibuya Sky
Izakaya Dining
Day 1: Dinner & Drinks at Omoide Yokocho
Otaku Culture
Day 2: Akihabara Electric Town
Digital Art
Day 3: TeamLab Planets
Chaos Crossing
Day 1: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko
Market Food
Day 2: Ueno Park & Ameyoko Market
Theme Park
Day 2: Ueno Park & Ameyoko Market
Onsen/Sento
e.g., LaQua, Local Sento
Gachapon
Day 2: Akihabara (Radio Kaikan)
Tokyo is the food capital of the world, holding more Michelin stars than any other city. However, the real magic lies in its specialization—most restaurants perfect just one type of dish (e.g., only Ramen, only Tempura).
Must-Try Dishes
Fresh raw fish on vinegared rice. Try a conveyor belt (kaiten) for budget or a lunch course for value.
📍 Tsukiji or Ginza
Wheat noodles in broth (Shoyu, Miso, or Tonkotsu). The ultimate comfort food.
📍 Shinjuku or Tokyo Station Ramen Street
Breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet served with cabbage and rice.
📍 Maisen (Omotesando) or chain 'Wako'
Grilled chicken skewers, best enjoyed with beer.
📍 Omoide Yokocho (Shinjuku)
Food Neighborhoods
Seafood & Street Snacks
Yakitori & Izakayas
High-end Dining & Sweets
Korean Street Food
Vegetarianism is tough in Japan as dashi (fish stock) is in everything. Look for 'Shojin Ryori' (Buddhist cuisine) or Indian curry shops for safe veg options. Use the 'HappyCow' app.
Slurping noodles is encouraged (shows enjoyment). Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice (funeral rite). Say 'Itadakimasu' before eating.
Cherry Blossom Season
HanamiPeak cherry blossom viewing season with picnics under blooming trees.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead - hotels sell out quickly
Golden Week
Japan's longest holiday period with multiple national holidays. Domestic travel surge.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead or avoid entirely
Gion Matsuri
One of Japan's most famous festivals with elaborate floats and traditional performances.
Note: Book 2 months ahead for mid-July
Autumn Leaves Season
KoyoPeak autumn foliage viewing with stunning red and gold colors across Japan.
Note: Book 2 months ahead for Kyoto
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.FREE
9:00 AM - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Start with serenity at Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine located in a massive forest. Write a wish on an 'Ema' (wooden plaque).
Book on Klook - 🚶5 min walk from Meiji Jingu entrance.$10-15 (for snacks)
11:00 AM - Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Walk down the chaotic center of kawaii (cute) culture. Grab a crepe or rainbow cotton candy.
Book on Klook - 🚶5 min walk from Takeshita Street.$10-15
1:00 PM - Lunch: Harajuku Gyoza Lou
Famous, cheap, and delicious dumplings. Expect a line, but it moves fast.
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- 🚆15 min walk from Harajuku (Cat Street route recommended) or 2 min train ride.FREE
3:00 PM - Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko
Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Visit the loyal dog statue, Hachiko, outside the station.
Book on Klook - 🚶Directly connected to Shibuya Station.$18 (Book in advance)
5:00 PM - Shibuya Sky
Open-air observation deck offering 360-degree views. The best vantage point in Tokyo.
Book on Klook - 🚆7 min train (Yamanote Line) from Shibuya to Shinjuku.$25-40
7:30 PM - Dinner & Drinks at Omoide Yokocho
Head to Shinjuku's 'Memory Lane' (Piss Alley) for yakitori (grilled chicken) in tiny, atmospheric alleyway stalls.
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Shinjuku
Best connectivity for day trips and unbeatable nightlife/dining options right outside your door.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Late March to April for cherry blossoms (Sakura) or October to November for pleasant autumn weather and foliage.
Pleasant days perfect for walking, though carrying a light jacket for evenings is recommended. Rain is possible but usually passing.
Late Autumn (Nov) or Late Spring (May) offers comfortable walking weather without the extreme crowds of Cherry Blossom season.
Avoid 'Golden Week' (April 29 - May 5) as domestic travel spikes prices and crowds significantly.
Getting Around
World-class public transport with punctual trains and buses
Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA
Get a Japan Rail Pass for multi-city travel. Trains stop around midnight.
Travel
Local Transport: $30-40 (Subway passes + IC card)Accommodation
$350-500 (3 nights at moderate business hotel)Food
$200-300 (Mix of street food, casual dining, and one nice meal)Activities
$100-150 (Entrance fees for TeamLab, Shibuya Sky, temples)Eat lunch sets ('Teishoku') at high-end restaurants. You can get a $100 dinner quality meal for $15-20 at lunch.
Konbini (Convenience Stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) offer high-quality meals (onigiri, bento, fried chicken) for under $5.
Purchase the 'Tokyo Subway Ticket' (24/48/72 hours) for unlimited Metro rides. It saves money if you take the subway more than 3-4 times a day.
Use 7-Eleven ATMs to withdraw cash. They accept international cards and usually have the best exchange rates.
Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for a free observation deck view instead of paid towers like Skytree.
Bring your passport when shopping. Purchases over ¥5,500 (approx $37) are tax-free (10% discount) at many stores.
- Trains stop running around midnight. If you miss the last train, taxis are very expensive.
- Carry a small plastic bag for trash. Public trash cans are extremely rare in Japan.
- Don't talk on the phone while on the train; it is considered rude. Keep voice volume low.
- Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (stand on the right in Osaka).
- Vending machines are everywhere and serve both hot and cold drinks—great for cheap hydration.
- Google Maps is the gold standard for navigating Tokyo's complex train system. Trust the exit numbers it gives you.
- Most shrines and temples close around 5:00 PM, so visit them in the morning.
- Convenience stores (Konbini) have clean toilets if you can't find a public restroom.
- 1Comfortable slip-on walking shoes (you will walk 20k+ steps/day and take shoes off often)
- 2Coin purse (Japan uses many coins: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500)
- 3Power bank (navigating drains battery)
- 4Handkerchief/small towel (public restrooms often don't have paper towels)
- 5Universal travel adapter (Type A plugs, usually non-grounded)
- 6Weather-appropriate layers
- 7Backpack for day use (totes can be tiring)
- 8Deodorant (Western brands are hard to find)
Book TeamLab Planets tickets
Book 4-6 weeks in advance; slots sell out instantly.
Reserve Shibuya Sky sunset slot
Book 4 weeks out for the best sunset views.
Purchase eSIM or Pocket WiFi
Essential for navigation; pick up at airport or install app.
Download Suica or Pasmo on iPhone/Android
Add to Apple/Google Wallet for tap-to-pay transit.
Book Accommodation
Look for hotels near the Yamanote Line (Shinjuku or Ueno).
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Download app before departure
📍 Pre-order online, pickup at Haneda/Narita Airport
Free WiFi is available at major stations (Metro Free Wi-Fi), convenience stores, and Starbucks, but it is spotty while walking around.
Useful Apps
An eSIM is usually the most convenient option if your phone is unlocked. If traveling as a group, a Pocket WiFi is cheaper as you can share the signal.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
100V
50/60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — tipping can be considered rude
Not expected
Not expected; leave a tip in an envelope if desired
Japan has a no-tipping culture. Excellent service is the standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Exercise normal precautions regarding personal belongings in crowded areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
119
119
English support available at #7119 (medical) and #9110 (police non-emergency)
Payments
Cash is still widely used, especially at small shops and rural areas
Accepted at major stores and hotels; less common at small restaurants
IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) widely accepted at convenience stores and transit
Carry cash — many places are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.
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How was this itinerary?
No. The JR Pass is designed for long-distance travel between cities (like Tokyo to Kyoto). For travel solely within Tokyo, use a Suica/Pasmo card or a Subway pass.
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