3-Day Tokyo Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Capital (2025)
Discover the best of Tokyo in 3 days with our comprehensive guide. From traditional temples in Asakusa to modern districts like Shibuya and Harajuku. Perfect for first-time visitors with budget tips, cultural insights, and must-see attractions.
Quick Tokyo Overview
Best Time to Visit
March-May (cherry blossoms) and September-November (autumn colors)
Budget Range
¥10,000-35,000 per day ($70-240)
Getting Around
Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket (¥800), JR Yamanote Line, IC card for convenience
Language Tip
Most signs have English. Learn "Sumimasen" (excuse me) and "Arigato gozaimasu" (thank you)
Day 1: Traditional Tokyo & Central Districts
Budget: ¥8,000-18,000 • Walking: 15,000 steps
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Start early at Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple (645 AD). Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern, browse traditional shops on Nakamise-dori street.
Free • Metro: Asakusa • Traditional snacks available on approach
Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
Traditional 250-meter shopping street leading to Senso-ji. Perfect for souvenirs like folding fans, traditional sweets, and Tokyo-themed items.
Free to browse • Budget ¥500-2,000 for souvenirs
Tokyo Skytree (Optional)
World's second-tallest structure offering panoramic views. If weather is clear, the views of Mount Fuji are spectacular. Skip if cloudy.
Tembo Deck: ¥2,100 • Tembo Galleria: +¥1,000 • Train: 1 stop from Asakusa
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Authentic Tokyo Lunch
- • Daikokuya Tempura: 150-year-old tempura house near Senso-ji (¥1,500-3,000)
- • Asakusa Imahan: Famous sukiyaki restaurant since 1895 (¥2,500-5,000)
- • Tokyo Skytree Town: Food court with multiple options (¥800-1,500)
- • Menya 7.5Hz: Award-winning ramen near Skytree (¥1,200-1,800)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Free public gardens on the former site of Edo Castle. Beautiful in any season with traditional Japanese landscaping and historical ruins.
Free • Metro: Otemachi • Closed Mon & Fri • Allow 1.5 hours
Ginza District
Tokyo's upscale shopping district. Window shop at luxury boutiques, visit flagship stores like Uniqlo Ginza (12 floors), and experience the sophisticated atmosphere.
Metro: Ginza • Free to explore • Window shopping vs. actual shopping budget varies greatly
Tsukiji Outer Market
While the inner market moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains vibrant with street food, kitchen tools, and fresh ingredients. Try tamagoyaki and fresh tuna sashimi.
Metro: Tsukiji • Street food budget: ¥1,000-2,500
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
Admire the beautifully restored historic Tokyo Station (1914) and explore the modern Marunouchi business district. The area transforms beautifully at night with illuminated buildings.
Metro: Tokyo Station • Free to explore • Great for photography
Dinner in Tokyo Station
Tokyo Station has incredible restaurant floors with everything from ramen to kaiseki. Try "Ichiban-gai" on B1 level for variety, or "Gransta" for high-quality take-away options.
Budget: ¥1,500-4,000 for dinner
Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Pop Culture
Budget: ¥10,000-25,000 • Youth culture & modern districts
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Epicenter of Tokyo's youth culture and kawaii (cute) fashion. Narrow street packed with unique shops selling everything from colorful wigs to character-themed snacks.
Metro: Harajuku • Free to explore • Shopping budget varies greatly
Meiji Shrine
Peaceful Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, surrounded by 175 acres of forest in the heart of Tokyo. A perfect contrast to the bustling city outside.
Free • Next to Harajuku Station • Allow 1 hour • Write wishes on ema boards
Omotesando Hills
Upscale shopping complex designed by Tadao Ando. Even if not shopping, the architecture is worth seeing. The spiral ramp design is Instagram-famous.
Metro: Omotesando • Free to browse • High-end shopping destination
Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
Trendy Tokyo Lunch
- • Bills Omotesando: Famous Australian-style pancakes (¥1,800-2,500)
- • Rainbow Pancake: Colorful Instagram-worthy pancakes in Harajuku (¥1,200-1,800)
- • Gonpachi Shibuya: Traditional atmosphere, Kill Bill filming location (¥1,500-3,000)
- • Shibuya Food Show: Basement food court with premium options (¥800-2,000)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Shibuya Crossing
World's busiest pedestrian crossing with up to 3,000 people crossing at once. Best viewed from Starbucks overlooking the crossing or the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Metro: Shibuya • Free to experience • Shibuya Sky: ¥1,800
Hachiko Statue
Statue of the famous loyal dog who waited for his owner every day for 9 years. A touching story and popular meeting point. Always crowded but worth a quick photo.
Right outside Shibuya Station • Free • Popular meeting spot
Shibuya Center Gai & Gaming
Explore the iconic Center Gai street with its neon signs, then visit multi-story game arcades like Taito Station or Round1 for classic Japanese gaming experiences.
Gaming budget: ¥500-2,000 • Arcade games, purikura photo booths
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Roppongi Hills Mori Art Museum
Modern art museum with Tokyo City View observation deck. The outdoor Sky Deck offers unobstructed 360° views and is perfect for sunset photos.
Museum + City View: ¥1,800 • Sky Deck: +¥500 • Metro: Roppongi
Roppongi Dining
International dining district with everything from high-end sushi to fusion cuisine. Great for experiencing Tokyo's cosmopolitan food scene.
Budget: ¥3,000-8,000 for dinner • Many options for different budgets
Day 3: East Tokyo & Local Neighborhoods
Budget: ¥8,000-15,000 • Local culture & hidden gems
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Toyosu Fish Market
New location of Tokyo's famous fish market. Watch tuna auctions from observation deck (advance reservation required) or explore the outer market for fresh sushi breakfast.
Metro: Shimbashi then Yurikamome line • Sushi breakfast: ¥1,500-3,500
Hama-rikyu Gardens
Former imperial garden with traditional landscaping, tea house on an island, and views of Tokyo Bay. Beautiful in any season but spectacular during cherry blossom time.
Entry: ¥300 • Metro: Shimbashi • Tea ceremony: +¥500
Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)
East Tokyo Local Lunch
- • Toyosu Market restaurants: Ultra-fresh sushi from market suppliers (¥2,000-4,000)
- • Nihonbashi area: Traditional Tokyo cuisine in historic district (¥1,500-3,500)
- • Kappabashi Street: Restaurant supply district with display food samples (¥800-1,500)
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
Kappabashi Street (Kitchen Town)
Street lined with shops selling restaurant supplies, knife stores, and incredibly realistic plastic food samples. Great for unique souvenirs and seeing Japanese craftsmanship.
Metro: Tawaramachi • Free to browse • Plastic food samples: ¥500-3,000
Ueno Park & Museums
Large park with multiple museums, Ueno Zoo, and beautiful cherry trees. Choose 1-2 museums: Tokyo National Museum (best collection) or National Museum of Western Art.
Park: Free • Museums: ¥600-1,000 each • Zoo: ¥600
Ameyoko Market
Bustling market street under the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi. Great for bargain shopping, vintage items, and experiencing local market atmosphere.
Metro: Ueno or Okachimachi • Free to browse • Snacks and souvenirs available
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Yanaka District
Traditional neighborhood that survived WWII bombing and earthquakes. Explore narrow streets with wooden houses, small temples, and local shops selling traditional crafts.
Metro: Nippori or Sendagi • Free to explore • Very photogenic area
Local Izakaya Experience
End your Tokyo adventure in a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub) in Yanaka or back in Ueno. Order small plates, local sake, and experience authentic Tokyo nightlife.
Budget: ¥2,500-5,000 for dinner and drinks • Look for red lanterns outside
3-Day Tokyo Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler
- Accommodation/night: ¥3,500-6,000
- Meals/day: ¥2,000-4,000
- Transport/day: ¥800-1,500
- Activities/day: ¥1,000-3,000
- Total/day: ¥7,300-14,500
- ($50-100 USD)
Mid-Range Traveler
- Accommodation/night: ¥10,000-20,000
- Meals/day: ¥5,000-10,000
- Transport/day: ¥1,500-3,000
- Activities/day: ¥3,000-8,000
- Total/day: ¥19,500-41,000
- ($135-280 USD)
Luxury Traveler
- Accommodation/night: ¥35,000-80,000
- Meals/day: ¥15,000-30,000
- Transport/day: ¥3,000-8,000
- Activities/day: ¥8,000-20,000
- Total/day: ¥61,000-138,000
- ($415-940 USD)
Essential Tokyo Travel Tips
🚇 Transportation Mastery
- • IC Card (Suica/Pasmo): Essential for all trains, subways, and many shops
- • Tokyo Metro 24-hour: ¥800 for unlimited subway rides
- • JR Yamanote Line: Circle line connecting major districts
- • Google Maps: Works perfectly for train navigation in English
- • Rush hours: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM - extremely crowded
🍜 Food Culture
- • Bow before eating: Say "itadakimasu" before meals
- • Slurping noodles: Completely acceptable and shows appreciation
- • No tipping: Can be considered insulting
- • Wet towels (oshibori): For hands only, not face
- • Vending machines: Hot and cold drinks everywhere (¥100-150)
🗾 Cultural Etiquette
- • Bowing: Slight nod is appreciated, deep bow for thanks
- • Remove shoes: In temples, traditional restaurants, some hotels
- • Quiet on trains: Phone calls are extremely rude
- • Business cards: Receive with both hands, read carefully
- • Pointing: Use open hand instead of index finger
📱 Practical Essentials
- • Pocket WiFi: Rent at airport (¥500-800/day)
- • Cash is king: Many places don't accept cards
- • 7-Eleven ATMs: Best for international card withdrawals
- • Google Translate: Camera mode works great for menus
- • Hyperdia app: Train schedule app (though Google Maps is easier)
Tokyo Neighborhoods Guide
🏮 Traditional Tokyo
- • Asakusa: Historic temples, traditional shopping
- • Yanaka: Old Tokyo atmosphere, survived bombings
- • Ueno: Museums, parks, Ameyoko market
- • Imperial Palace area: Gardens, historic significance
🌆 Modern Tokyo
- • Shibuya: Youth culture, famous crossing
- • Harajuku: Fashion, pop culture, Meiji Shrine
- • Roppongi: Nightlife, international dining, art
- • Ginza: Luxury shopping, upscale dining
🚄 Business Districts
- • Marunouchi: Tokyo Station, business hotels
- • Shinjuku: Skyscrapers, department stores, transport hub
- • Akasaka: Government district, hotels
- • Shinagawa: Transport hub, business hotels
🎮 Entertainment
- • Akihabara: Electronics, anime, manga culture
- • Odaiba: Artificial island, teamLab, entertainment
- • Ikebukuro: Otaku culture, anime shops
- • Shimokitazawa: Indie culture, vintage shopping
Seasonal Tokyo Guide
🌸 Spring (March-May)
Peak season with cherry blossoms, perfect weather, but crowds and high prices.
- • Cherry blossom spots: Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, Shinjuku Gyoen
- • Hanami parties: Join locals for picnics under blooming trees
- • Weather: 10-20°C (50-68°F), light jacket needed
- • Book early: Hotels and flights fill up months in advance
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Hot, humid, and rainy season, but summer festivals and events.
- • Rainy season: Early June to mid-July, pack umbrella
- • Summer festivals: Fireworks, street food, yukata wearing
- • Temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F) with high humidity
- • Cooling strategies: Seek air-conditioned spaces, carry cooling towels
🍂 Autumn (September-November)
Ideal weather with fall colors and comfortable temperatures.
- • Fall foliage: Late November, especially in parks and temples
- • Weather: 15-25°C (59-77°F), perfect for walking
- • Clear skies: Best season for Mt. Fuji views
- • Food season: Autumn specialties, harvest festivals
❄️ Winter (December-February)
Cold but sunny, fewer crowds, and beautiful illuminations.
- • Winter illuminations: Shibuya, Roppongi, Tokyo Station
- • Temperature: 2-10°C (36-50°F), pack warm clothes
- • Hot drinks: Vending machines with hot coffee and tea everywhere
- • New Year: Many attractions closed Jan 1-3, but unique experience
Where to Stay in Tokyo
🚄 Shinjuku (Best for Transport)
Major transport hub with endless dining and entertainment options.
- • Excellent train connections
- • 24-hour entertainment
- • Many hotel options
- • Department store restaurants
- • Can be overwhelming
- • Red light district nearby
- • Very crowded
- • Limited traditional atmosphere
¥5,000-35,000/night
Best For:Business travelers, first-time visitors
🏮 Asakusa (Traditional Experience)
Historic district with traditional atmosphere and cultural attractions.
- • Traditional Tokyo experience
- • Near Senso-ji Temple
- • More affordable
- • Authentic local atmosphere
- • Limited nightlife
- • Fewer modern amenities
- • Further from some attractions
- • Language barrier possible
¥3,000-15,000/night
Best For:Culture enthusiasts, budget travelers
🏛️ Ginza/Marunouchi (Luxury & Business)
Upscale area near Tokyo Station with luxury shopping and dining.
- • Central location
- • Luxury hotels and services
- • Easy airport access
- • High-end shopping and dining
- • Very expensive
- • Business-focused
- • Limited youth culture
- • Can feel impersonal
¥15,000-80,000/night
Best For:Luxury travelers, business trips
🌈 Shibuya/Harajuku (Youth Culture)
Trendy area perfect for experiencing modern Japanese pop culture.
- • Youth culture epicenter
- • Great shopping and dining
- • Near Meiji Shrine
- • Vibrant nightlife
- • Very crowded and noisy
- • Can be overwhelming
- • Limited traditional culture
- • Higher prices
¥4,000-25,000/night
Best For:Young travelers, fashion enthusiasts
