If you’re in Tokyo, you want to be sure you’re making the most of your time. Here’s an overview of what you need to do to make the most of your three days in Tokyo!
If you're wondering what to do in Tokyo in 3 days, I'm here to help you figure out how to tackle it. Tokyo is a city well worth exploring, but it's also a city where it's worth your time to formulate a game plan, or at least have a general idea.
This post didn't materialize out of nowhere. I can't tell you the amount of emails I've received over the years about a Tokyo itinerary or people asking, "Chris, how many days in Tokyo?" I think this is largely because I used to live in Korea, and visited Japan several times.
In fact, if you’re looking to learn more about travel to Japan in general, then I’d highly recommend you check out Bri’s guide to spending two days in Kyoto, since that’s another place you should definitely spend time in on a trip to Japan.
Firstly, let me just warn you that these are going to be am-packed days. Your 3 days in Tokyo are going to be absolutely incredible, but they're also going to be exhausting.
That thing said, at the end of the day (or third day), it'll be worth it.As I always like to jokingly say, memories and photos don’t get tired.
Please note that this post contains affiliate links. That means, simply, that I may get a small commission from some of my recommendations at zero additional cost to you.
A Little Bit About Tokyo, Japan
In many ways, this is the city that needs no introduction.
Tokyo is the de facto capital of Japan, and by far the most populous prefecture. I think you can argue that Tokyo doesn’t quite have the ancient cultural cache of a city like Kyoto, but there’s no question it’s the political and economic engine of the country. Also, keep in the mind that Tokyo prefecture contains about 15 million people, and the Greater Tokyo Area has nearly 40 million, so this city is a giant among giants.
Fun fact—Tokyo is actually the largest urban economy on the planet when you’re looking at GDP, and that doesn’t surprise me too much, though I would have thought New York may have given it a run for its money.
Whatever you’re looking for in Tokyo, you’ll find it. If you do plan your visit carefully, you’ll be able to accomplish a hell of a lot in 72 hours, and I’ll try to help you do that with the travel tips I’ve put together in this article.
By the way, if you’re planning on a larger trip through Japan after your time in Tokyo, I’d highly recommend looking into a Japan Rail Pass. You can purchase them for one, two, or three-week periods, and their trains are the best way to get around the whole country during your trip.
Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan
If you’ve got limited time in Tokyo, then where you stay is going to be hugely important.
One thing to note is that accommodation in Tokyo can be quite expensive, which makes sense when you consider the size of the population of Tokyo. Very basic hotels start around 100-125 USD, but anything decent is going to cost you 175-200 and up.
Don't be surprised if a nice hotel puts you into the three or four hundreds (or even higher). Real estate is at a premium in Tokyo, not surprisingly. I'd also note that you're not going to have a large room. Typically, it'll be nice, but it'll be compact.
Alright, so now for the question: where to stay in Tokyo?Let me give you my thoughts on that matter.
Personally if you’ve just got a short stint in the city, I’d recommend either Ginza or Shinjuku. Both neighbourhoods are conveniently located with plenty of restaurants and local culture.
When I last visited Tokyo, I stayed in Asakusaand absolutely loved it, so that's a good option if you're not interested in being in a super touristy neighbourhood.Shibuya and the area near Tokyo Stationare also both perfectly suitable areas from which to tackle the city.Roppongi, Odaiba, and Ueno are also very intriguing, but your best bet on a short leash would be Ginza or Shinjuku, most likely.
What to Eat in Tokyo
This could be a post unto itself, but Japanese food is my favourite on the planet, so just for posterity’s sake, I at least need to offer you a little "greatest hits."
I eat a lot, so these are the foods that I would try to at least make sure that I tried during you’re relatively short trip to Tokyo.
One thing to note—don't be scared about trying street food. When it comes to Japanese street food, everything is kept to a very high standard in terms of cleanliness and so forth .
Look for deals and pop into places where you see a lot of locals grabbing their lunch or dinner. When I’m travelling, I specifically seek out the restaurants that aren’t filled with tourists because the rule of thumb that “locals know best” if often spot on. By the way, It's perfectly acceptable to have a cheap lunch of ramen in a packed ramen hut and not spend all the Yen in your pocket on something more fancy. Just because a meal is inexpensive does not mean it isn’t worth eating.
You also might find that a lot of your Tokyo photos will be food related because Tokyo is downright delicious.
With 3 days, eating would be a big part of my Tour de Tokyo. This is what I would look towards.
Tonkatsu (fried pork)
Yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer)
Sushi (need I say more?)
Udon
Ramen
Okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancake)
Tempura (I'd assume you'd have some with your sushi, but just make sure you dive in. Sweet potato/yam tempura is my favourite)
Sashimi (again, you'd likely have this with your sushi, but not that sashimi and sushi are not the same thing)
Miso soup
Onigiri (the ultimate Japanese fast-food. Think rice triangles filled with deliciousness)
Teriyaki (just try something with Teriyaki in Tokyo. I'd recommend fried Udon/Soba noodles with beef, which is widely available)
Gyoza (Japanese dumplings)
This may seem like an exhaustive list, but I'm not exaggerating when I note that I've literally eaten all of these things in one day in Japan, so three days should be plenty.
What to Pack for 3 Days in Tokyo
Of course, when you pack for Tokyo, you’re going to choose what makes sense for you to bring for three days in Tokyo, but here is a list of 5 things that I truly believe will make your Tokyo experience that much better.
Tokyo Lonely Planet - Call me old fashioned, but I love having one of these to peruse when I’m in transit, and take a break from my electronics which, as a blogger, I already use enough as it is. Hopefully this article will be helpful as well, my friends.
Japan Lonely Planet - If you’re doing more than the country’s capital, then this is really going to come in handy.
Herschel packable day pack - These are beyond convenient for travel and ensuring that you can tackle a city properly. I pack these with some water, snacks etc. in the morning, then use it for souvenirs, nicknacks, or information throughout the day.
S’well Teakwood Water Bottle - No, you don’t need this, but I’m an absolute sucker for how great these water bottles look, and how easy they are to bring around with you.
Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore - I adore Murakami, and this is the book you should start with if you’ve never read him. He’s bizarre, in the best kind of way and his writing truly captures that unique Japanese essence in my opinion. It’d be a great book to read in Tokyo.
Herschel Retreat Mid-Volume Backpack - Yeah, it’s pretty clear I like Herschel. This bag in particular is a good size for bringing on planes and on transit. You can fit the Herschel day pack listed above inside this one believe it or not - that’s how much it compacts.
Nintendo Switch - I just got one, and I’m seriously in love. What better way to pass the time in transit, on the plane or on a rainy day than bringing your Switch with you wherever you go? Imagine playing Super Smash Bros or Mario Kart while you’re experiencing Tokyo. I might be outing myself as a nerd, but that sounds epic to me.
What to See if You’ve Only Got Three Days
This is a giant city filled with many different places to go in Tokyo. I should briefly note that I'm going to put together a lengthy list of things to enjoy and appreciate in this Tokyo trip planner for you to choose from.
I'll be including what I think can roughly be accomplished with 3 days in Tokyo, but I'm not saying "do this first, then this second and so on."
Alright, let's dive in.
Explore the Asakusa Neighbourhood
Asakusa is, in fact, a neighbourhood, but in many ways it serves as a giant museum. It was one of the premier entertainment districts of Tokyo during the Edo period, and the heart of Tokyo's ancient "low city." It is, in my humble opinion, an absolute must visit during your three days in Tokyo itinerary. It might be my favourite area overall.
The area is highlighted by the Senso-ji, which is a very popular Buddhist temple that dates back from the 7th century. From a travel photographer's perspective, I think Asakusa is a goldmine, and therefore something that needs to be included when you're thinking about what to do in Tokyo in 3 days.
Another notable site in leading up to the temple is Nakamise Shopping Street. This is the most famous shopping street in the district, not only because of great places to stop at the shops that line it, but becuase of how photogenic it is with Senso-ji in the background. Getting the famous photo of Nakamise with Senso-ji in the background is a must on any trip to Tokyo.
Visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace
It's not necessarily what you conjure up in your mind when you think about what the palace will be, but the surrounding area makes for a very pleasant stroll. It's a nice start to the day when you're thinking about how to spend 3 days in Tokyo.
As I noted, it is more reminiscent of a park, and the entire area spans a little over 7 kilometres. I can only speculate that during the Japanese property bubble of the 1980's, this piece of land would have superseded the real estate value of entire countries. The area currently withholds the main residence of the Emperor of Japan and his family. Judging by the visiting restrictions, the lives of the royal family are kept under considerably more secrecy than their British counterparts.
Head On Up the Tokyo Tower
From the Toyko Tower, you can take in breathtaking views of the city skyline, catching the various landmarks and attractions of the city from a different angle.
The tower offers a variety of activities and attractions of its own, including the Tokyo Tower Museum and the Grand View Garden. Whether you're looking for a fun sightseeing experience or simply want to enjoy the view from up high, the Tokyo Tower is an experience you won't soon forget.
Appreciate the Meiji Jingu Shrine
This Meiji shrine is widely considered to be Tokyo's finest, and I can do nothing but nod my head in agreement to that statement. Keep that in mind in terms of how to plan your Tokyo itinerary.There aren't that many Tokyo itineraries which this would be left off of.
This shrine commemorates the emperor and empress who were responsible for ending the paranoid isolationist policies, and reuniting Japan with the outside world. Bri and I took a charming walk through the surprisingly dense forest and eventually happened upon the shrine area.
The neighbourhood of Harajuku is close to Meiji Jingu too, making it easy to pop by and walking through the area and check out Takesh*ta Street.
The Hie Jinja Shrine isn't all that far away from here, if you're looking to get a quick photo in the "tunnel of torii," which are the famed Japanese orange gates that are so famous in other parts of the nation, especially Kyoto.
Beyond those two shrines, you’ll probably also want to have these Tokyo shrines on your radar:
Nezu Shrine
Yasakuni Shrine
Visit a Tokyo Museum or Five
Not surprisingly, a city like Tokyo has an absolute treasure trove of museums that are world class. Whatever you’re interested in, it’s likely that Tokyo has a first rate version that explores that topic. That being said, you might as well focus primarily on museums that deal with Japanese culture and history while you’re here.
Generally speaking, and in no particular order, here are the museums in Tokyo that I’d recommend. Of course, I recognize that you’ve got limited time, but perhaps it’ll be rainy one day of your three day itinerary in Tokyo, and you’ll be looking for indoor recommendations galore.
The Edo-Tokyo Museum
Tokyo National Museum
Samurai Museum
The Mori Art Museum
The National Art Center, Tokyo
A museum that’s offers a little something different is the Harajuku Museum (and an excuse to better acquaint yourself with the Harajuku neighbourhood).
The Harajuku Museum is home to some incredible examples of Japanese art and culture, such as iconic kimonos, traditional woodblock prints, and more. The museum also hosts a variety of events, from workshops and lectures to live performances, allowing visitors to further explore and appreciate Japanese culture.
Additionally, the museum offers a unique insight into the fashion and style of the Harajuku district, including the vibrant streetwear and unique styles of the locals. With its vast collection of art and culture, the Harajuku Museum is a must-visit for any traveler looking to experience the unique culture of Japan.
Behold Shinjuku's Golden Gai
Firstly, it's worth noting that Shinjuku Railway Stationis the busiest on the planet, so that's worth observing in and of itself in your three days in Tokyo. The area of Shinjuku is a sprawling entertainment hub worth exploring in its own right, but there's something special about the Golden Gai.
The Golden Gai is essentially six narrow alleyways connected by a slew of even narrower passages that lead everywhere and nowhere.
These alleyways are chalk full of delicious restaurants, seedy bars, and an unlimited supply of Japanese business men who wanted to sneak in some sake before going home (or not go home at all.) It's just one of those places that isn't all that hard to add to your Tokyo itinerary, so take one evening or night and do a little exploring.
While you're there, don't forget to sip on some Japanese beers. Both Sapporo and Asahi and crisp, cool, and delicious. In my opinion, it's a given, but wet your lips with a little sake as well.
During the day in Shinjuku, you should make time to see the Shinjuku Gyeon National Garden as well - you’ve never seen such a well manicured garden in your life.
Visit a Fish Market
Like many East Asian destinations, Tokyo is a well known city to venture to a fish market. Fish markets are open most days of the week, and it’s best to arrive as early as possible so you can see the true hustle and bustle of these famous Japanese markets.
Fish markets are excellent places to see the morning purchasing and slinging of anything from common to unique species of seafood, and they’re an excellent place to try some fresh seafood for yourself. Many vendors have their own small stands where you can try whatever it is they have on offer. A popular dish is “kaisendon”, which is a rice bowl with variations of fresh, raw fish.
Tsukiji Fish Market is the most famous of the fish markets in Tokyo, but Toyosu Fish Market is an excellent place to visit, too. Markets typically open bright and early, around 5pm, and close anywhere between 12-2pm. I learned the hard way that it’s important to get there early, since many shops were closing by the time Bri and I arrived our first time around.
Get Your Modern Tokyo Fix in Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills is a neighbourhood at large, but I think it's worth being included on the list. Firstly, it's one of the premier entertainment districts in Tokyo, and that alone makes it worth including on your 3 day Tokyo itinerary.
The area is filled with great small bars (izakayas), but you've also got the Tokyo City View Observation Deck.
Personally, I went to the Mori Museum which contained some art I adored from the likes of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, then went up the observation deck for a view of the city. As you tour Tokyo, I’d say this place is definitely worth the stop.
Take a Breather in Ueno Park
Ueno Park offers a bit of a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's especially worth a visit if you happen to be in Tokyo during cherry blossom season.
It's one of Japan's oldest city parks, and one of Japan's most popular city parks (with some estimating it's visited by over ten million people a year.) Beyond the fact that it's lovely for a walk, and it contains some museums and attractions that are fascinating, it's a marvelous place to just go and do some people watching!
Take Part in the Famous Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya's pedestrian crossing is something to behold. Basically, you stand by and watch as people walk through an intersection from 7 different angles. I can almost guarantee that you've never seen anything like it.
We're talking about literally thousands of people at once. What's intriguing to me about it, is that it all goes off pretty much without a hitch. In fact, if I were to start my own spin-off Tokyo travel blog, I’d start right here with the experience of watching this intersection come alive. It's impressive to watch a scene that would be sheer chaos in so many other parts of the world unfold over and over without much of an issue.
Set Eyes on the Edo Castle Ruins
The Edo Castle Ruins offer a glimpse of the former grandeur of the Edo period when the Tokugawa shogunate ruled. (The Tokugawa shogunate was the military government of Japan.)
The castle site offers stunning views of the city. Take a wander around the castle grounds to enjoy several beautiful gardens—including the Imperial Palace East gardens—ponds, and shrines. A visit to the Edo Castle Ruins in Tokyo is a great way to get a feel for the city's past.
Take in the Sights of Akihabara
Akihabara has to be the most unique and bizarre area in Tokyo.
It's the headquarters of Japanese gaming culture, but also, more recently, it's really just become the headquarters for "fan culture" in general. You've got neon lights everywhere, and plenty of shops devoted to anime and, well, anything you could possibly imagine. It is the quintessential stop for anyone curious about this culture on your Tokyo itinerary.
If I'm not incorrect, there's also a number of cafes where you can be served by people in costumes of all sorts. The most common one I remember seeing were "maid cafes," but I didn't personally venture in. As far as I could gather, it was Japanese women dressed in maid costumes serving drinks and the like. I'm not sure about all that to be honest, but the area itself serves as recommended sensory overload.
Set Eyes on Some Sumo Wrestling
My first, second, and third recommendations are to check if there will be a sumo wrestling tournament when you're in Tokyo. There are 3 major sumo tournaments in Tokyo that take place in January, May, and September respectively. I was able to attend a tournament at the incredible Ryōgoku Kokugikan stadium, and it was the experience of a lifetime.
I lined up early in the morning to get tickets on the day of the tournament (they sell out fast), but I'm told that you can reliably get tickets nowadays onlineahead of time.
To give you some sense of the sort of view you can get, you can take a peek at the photo I took while there just above. If you're a sports fan, this is really the penultimate. It's a day of drinking crisp cold Japanese beers and cheering on sumo wrestlers. What more can you want?
Visit a Temple in Tokyo
Each temple in Tokyo, much like the rest of Japan, has its own story and feel to it. That’s why it’s nice to visit a few temples in the city (and country) so that you can have a point of comparison about what makes each one unique.
I’d encourage everyone to remember that some temples may be very important to visitors there, so be conscious of who and what you’re taking photos of there. Many people are simply going to pray, and they likely don’t want to end up on your Instagram feed. Temples still serve in an important role in Japanese society, and in Japanese culture.
Here are a few temples that you’d be wise to visit during your time in Japan’s de facto capital:
Senso-Ji Temple
Gotokuji Temple
Zolo-ji Temple
So, That's How to Tackle Tokyo in 3 Days
I hope that the information I provided you with above serves as a sort of skeleton upon which you can base your 3 day Tokyo itinerary. I try to fit a lot in when I travel, so if you look at the above list and think I'm crazy, then one could deduce that you're probably right.
You're not going to make the wrong decision. If you eat, drink, and wander with intention, you'll likely see much of what I've outlined. However, this is a city where, if you do really take a concerted approach to how to see it, you'll fit in an incredible amount into 3 days in Tokyo.
If you do end up using this little Tokyo guide, I'd love it if you left me a comment below and let me know if you found it useful, or what you might add or take away from the list. Go out and explore, my friends; that's what life is all about.
What did you think of the Tokyo itinerary in 3 days? Have you been to the city? What were your impressions? How does it compare to some of the other cities that you've been to? As always, any and all comments are welcomed below.
Some Final Advice - Get a Tokyo Pass for Getting Around Tokyo
From a practical standpoint, if you're spending three days in Tokyo, you'll want to consider getting a Tokyo Subway 72 hour ticket.
At the time of writing, a one day pass will cost you about 800 yen (about $7.50 USD), but a 3 day pass will only cost you 1500 yen (about $14 USD). Tokyo can be an expensive city, so you want to cut costs where you can. What's important to note is that Tokyo doesn't have tobe an expensive city.
If you plan on using a wider variety of transit and extending where you’re able to go, then consider the Greater Tokyo Pass. The Greater Tokyo Pass is designed for tourists visiting any and all parts of the city and it will cost you around 7200 yen for a 3 day pass (about $66 USD). The pass provides you with access to unlimited trains and buses covering most of the city and its outer limits (excluding the JR Trains), plus it offers access to Tokyo’s major airports.
They even have detailed plans with tips of what to do in Tokyo in 3 days organized by season.
You ultimately want to have the freedom to hop on and hop off and explore at will, so a Metro Pass (particularly the 72 hour pass) is a good bargain if that’s going to be your travel style.
Ultimately, you're not going to make the wrong decision. If you eat, drink, and wander with intention, you'll likely see much of what I've outlined. However, this is a city where, if you do really take a concerted approach to how to see it, you'll fit in an incredible amount into a short period of time there.
If you do end up using this little Tokyo guide, I'd love it if you left me a comment below and let me know if you found it useful, or what you might add or take away from the list. Go out and explore, my friends; that's what life is all about.Don’t forget to join my newsletter as well, or our Facebook Group!
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Asia Travel
Christopher Mitchell
Tokyo in 3 Days, Tokyo in Three Days, Three Days in Tokyo, 3 Days in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, Tokyo Itinerary, What to do in Tokyo in 3 Days, Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tsukiji Fish Market, Asakusa, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shinjuku, Golden Gai, Ueno Par, Shinjuku Railway Station, Akihabara, Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing, Shibuya, Roppongi, Roppongi Hills, Ueno Park
