3 Days Tokyo Budget Itinerary
This 3-day Tokyo itinerary focuses on experiencing the city's diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and delicious street food while staying within a budget. It prioritizes free or low-cost activities, utilizing public transportation, and sampling local cuisine.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$150-300
Best Time
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, or Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures
Activities
21
Daily Avg
$75/day
Pace
Fast
Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with modern innovation. It offers a unique cultural experience with delicious food, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history, all while being surprisingly accessible on a budget.
Your itinerary covers 10 of 14 must-have experiences
Temple
Day 2: Senso-ji Temple
Shrine
Day 3: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Food Market
Day 2: Ameya Yokocho Market (Ameyoko)
Ramen Shop
Day 2: Dinner at Ichiran Ramen (Ueno)
Train Ride
Day 2: Transportation between Asakusa and Ueno
Garden
Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Street Food
Day 2: Dinner at Ichiran Ramen (Ueno)
Observation Deck
Day 1: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Unique Neighborhood
Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Conveyor Belt Sushi
Day 3: Dinner at Genki Sushi Shibuya
Arcade
e.g., Taito Station, SEGA
Animal Cafe
e.g., Cat Cafe, Owl Cafe
Karaoke
e.g., Karaoke Kan, Big Echo
Department Store
Day 3: Shibuya 109
Tokyo's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of traditional techniques and modern innovation. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street food stalls, you'll find an incredible diversity of flavors and experiences. Be prepared to indulge in fresh seafood, savory broths, and meticulously crafted dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Fresh, expertly prepared sushi is a must. Look for Edomae-style sushi, which emphasizes seasonal fish and traditional preparation methods.
📍 Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza sushi restaurants, local sushi shops (kaitenzushi for budget-friendly options)
Tokyo is a ramen paradise. Try different regional variations like Tokyo-style (shoyu-based) or tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth).
📍 Ramen Street at Tokyo Station, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, neighborhood ramen shops
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Enjoy it with tentsuyu dipping sauce and grated daikon radish.
📍 Ginza tempura restaurants, Tsukiji Outer Market, department store restaurants
Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with various sauces and spices. A perfect snack or accompaniment to drinks.
📍 Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) in Shinjuku, izakayas (Japanese pubs)
Food Neighborhoods
Fresh seafood, street food, and kitchenware
Diverse dining options, from ramen to high-end restaurants, plus Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for yakitori
Upscale dining, sushi, tempura, and Michelin-starred restaurants
Traditional Japanese cuisine, unagi, and street food
Vegetarian options are becoming more common, but it's helpful to learn a few phrases like "shojin ryori" (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) or "niku nashi" (no meat). Vegan options are less prevalent, but research is key. For allergies, carry a card in Japanese explaining your restrictions.
It's customary to say "itadakimasu" (I humbly receive) before eating and "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) after. Slurping noodles is acceptable, and chopsticks should be placed on the chopstick rest when not in use. Tipping is not customary.
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
- 🚶From your hotel in Shinjuku, walk or take a short taxi ride to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.$5
9:00 AM - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Explore this beautiful garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Shinjuku. It features different garden styles including English Landscape, French Formal, and Japanese Traditional.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, walk to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).$8
12:00 PM - Lunch at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Experience the authentic atmosphere of Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with tiny restaurants serving yakitori and ramen. Try a budget-friendly set meal.
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- 🚶From Omoide Yokocho, walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.FREE
2:00 PM - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Head to the observation decks (free!) for stunning panoramic views of Tokyo. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji.
Book on Klook - 🚶From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, walk to Shinjuku Golden Gai.FREE
4:00 PM - Shinjuku Golden Gai
Wander through the unique and atmospheric Shinjuku Golden Gai, a network of tiny, dimly lit bars. While drinks can be pricey, it's worth experiencing the vibe.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Shinjuku Golden Gai, walk or take a short taxi to Han no Daidokoro Bettei.$10
6:00 PM - Dinner at Han no Daidokoro Bettei
Try a delicious and cheap ramen at this ramen shop. You can customize your ramen with different toppings and spiciness levels.
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- 🚶Explore Shinjuku at night by walking around and enjoying the atmosphere.FREE
7:30 PM - Shinjuku at Night
Walk around Shinjuku at night to see the lights and atmosphere. Check out the Godzilla head at Hotel Gracery.
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Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a central hub with excellent transportation links, diverse dining options, and vibrant nightlife.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, or Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures.
Temperatures are generally mild and comfortable, with sunny days and occasional rainfall. It's a great time to explore the city without the extreme heat or cold.
Shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer.
Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon Festival (mid-August) can cause significant travel disruptions and higher prices.
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
$200 (assuming you already have flights, this covers local transport)Accommodation
$0 (assuming you're staying with a friend or family, or using a hostel)Food
$60Activities
$40Eat at convenience stores (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson) for affordable, high-quality meals, snacks, and drinks. Look for 'teishoku' (set meals) or ramen/udon shops for budget-friendly lunches.
Utilize the extensive public transport system; purchasing a daily metro pass or an IC card like Suica/Pasmo is more cost-effective than taxis. Many major attractions like parks and some temples have free entry.
Indulge in a multi-course 'kaiseki' dinner or visit a Michelin-starred restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience, typically starting from $100+ per person.
Experience a traditional ryokan stay with a private onsen for a unique cultural immersion, though these are more commonly found outside central Tokyo but can be found in nearby areas.
Look for 'lunch sets' or 'teishoku' at local restaurants; these often offer significant savings compared to dinner menus for similar quality food.
Explore neighborhoods slightly off the main tourist circuit (e.g., Yanaka, Shimokitazawa) for unique shops, cafes, and eateries that often offer better value and a more local feel.
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively outside of Tokyo, but for just Tokyo, a Suica or Pasmo card is more cost-effective for local transport.
- Learn basic Japanese phrases; it will enhance your interactions with locals.
- Carry cash, as many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards.
- Utilize convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson for affordable meals and snacks.
- Take advantage of free activities like visiting parks, temples, and observation decks.
- Download a translation app and a map app to navigate easily.
- Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette, such as avoiding loud conversations on public transport and not talking on your phone.
- Arrive early to popular attractions to avoid long queues.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes (you'll be doing a lot of walking)
- 2Portable charger for your phone
- 3Reusable water bottle
- 4Suica or Pasmo card
- 5Pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM card
- 6Small backpack
- 7Japanese phrasebook or translation app
- 8Adaptor for Japanese outlets
- 9Light jacket or sweater (even in warmer months)
- 10Cash (Japanese Yen)
Flights & Accommodation
Book 6-9 months ahead for peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage); 3-6 months for off-peak.
Visa (if required)
Check requirements well in advance for your nationality, apply 1-3 months ahead.
eSIM / Pocket WiFi
Arrange 2-4 weeks ahead to ensure immediate connectivity upon arrival.
JR Pass (if traveling extensively outside Tokyo)
Purchase 1-3 months ahead (must be purchased outside Japan), activate upon arrival.
Ghibli Museum tickets
Tickets are notoriously difficult to get; book exactly one month in advance online for international visitors.
Popular Themed Restaurants/Experiences (e.g., Robot Restaurant, teamLab Planets)
Book 1-3 months ahead, as these often sell out quickly.
High-End Restaurant Reservations
Make reservations 1-3 months ahead, especially for Michelin-starred or popular dining spots.
Travel Insurance
Purchase immediately after booking initial travel; protects against unforeseen circumstances.
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
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Mobal website (delivered to your hotel or address in Japan)
📍 Japan Wireless website (delivered to airport or hotel)
Free WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes (Starbucks, Tully's), and some public areas, but quality can vary. Pocket WiFi or a SIM card offers more reliable connectivity.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Check if your hotel offers free pocket WiFi rental. Be aware that some older buildings may have limited cell service.
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
Tokyo is a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft, especially 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?
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are ideal due to pleasant weather and beautiful scenery like cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Avoid Golden Week and Obon for lower prices and fewer crowds.
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