Tokyo in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days make for an intense first visit to Tokyo: one day for traditional Asakusa and Ueno, one for the modern west-side neighbourhoods and a third for Tsukiji market, the Imperial Palace and Ginza. The metro and trains connect everything with remarkable punctuality.

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Day 1. Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara

  1. Sensō-ji

    Tokyo's oldest temple. Go early to walk through the Kaminarimon gate and Nakamise street without the crowds.

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  2. Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum

    A large park full of museums. The Tokyo National Museum holds the best collection of Japanese art; it usually closes on Mondays.

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  3. Akihabara

    The district of anime, video games and electronics. It's most impressive at dusk, when the neon lights come on.

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Day 2. Meiji, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku

  1. Meiji Jingū

    A Shinto shrine in the middle of a forest, a stone's throw from the bustle. A peaceful start to the day.

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  2. Harajuku (Takeshita-dōri)

    Takeshita Street, with youth fashion and crêpes. Next door is Omotesandō, the avenue of big-name brands.

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  3. Shibuya Crossing

    The world's most famous pedestrian crossing. See it from above at Shibuya Sky (book ahead for sunset).

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  4. Shinjuku (Omoide Yokochō & Golden Gai)

    Have dinner in the alleys of Omoide Yokochō and a drink in the tiny bars of Golden Gai.

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Day 3. Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace and Ginza

  1. Tsukiji Outer Market

    Breakfast on sushi and Japanese omelette at the outer market. Go in the morning: many stalls close on Sundays and some Wednesdays.

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  2. Imperial Palace East Gardens

    The Imperial Palace East Gardens are free. They close on Mondays and Fridays.

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  3. Ginza

    Tokyo's upmarket district, with department stores and their basement food halls (depachika).

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  4. teamLab Planets (Toyosu)

    An immersive digital art museum in Toyosu. Tickets are timed and sell out: book before you travel.

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Practical tips

  • Get an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) or add one to your phone: it works on trains, the metro, buses and in many shops.
  • Carry some cash: cards are increasingly accepted, but some small restaurants and temples only take yen.
  • There's no tipping in Japan, and eating while walking down the street is frowned upon.
  • The JR Pass isn't worth it if you're only staying in Tokyo: just pay each trip with your IC card.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Tokyo?

For a first visit, yes: there's time for the main neighbourhoods. With more days, take day trips to Kamakura, Nikkō or Hakone to see Mount Fuji.

What should I book before I go?

teamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky at sunset and very popular restaurants. Temples, shrines and gardens don't need booking.

How do I get around Tokyo?

By metro and the JR Yamanote loop line, which links Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ueno and Akihabara. With an IC card you don't need to buy tickets.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.