Tokyo is one of my favorite cities on earth — so much so that we moved here earlier this year. This is a city where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology, and bustling urban streets coexist with serene gardens and temples. With a metropolitan population exceeding 37 million, in a sprawling 2,194 km², which is almost double the size of New York City, Tokyo is unique in the world.

In this comprehensive 3-day itinerary, I'll share my insights and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. This is geared toward first-time visitors who have never seen the city, but there are many gems that even a Tokyo veteran would enjoy.

If you are here for longer, use my 5-day Tokyo itinerary that can be used for trips up to 7 days. Honestly, beyond that, if it’s your first time, I would recommend exploring more of Japan.

If you’re looking for what to book ahead of time in Tokyo, or where to stay, including neighborhoods and hotels, check out my other blog posts. My blog post on things to book ahead of time also includes a much cheaper way to book a taxi from Narita Airport to the city, if that’s of interest.

3-Day Tokyo Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya
Day 2: Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Ueno, Akihabara, Imperial Palace
Day 3: Toyosu or Tsukiji Outer Market, Odaiba, Teamlabs Planets, Ginza, Tokyo Tower

Day 1: Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya

9am: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

With only 3 days to see Tokyo, this itinerary will be pretty packed. But start your morning with a leisurely stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It costs ¥500 for adults, but will quickly help you understand how not-crowded Tokyo can be. During cherry blossom season, this is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in all of Tokyo.

Shinjuku itself is primarily a night-time area, so come back to see it at night (see later in Day 1).

11am: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Make your way from the garden to the Meiji Jingu, a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It’s an active religious site where you can sometimes observe traditional ceremonies, weddings, or festivals.

Walk south through the connected Yoyogi Park towards Harajuku, and don’t miss the large Torii gate (Meiji Jingu Ichino Torii) at the southeastern entrance.

12pm: Harajuku

Harajuku (and next-door Shibuya) are among Tokyo's most densely packed areas, so prepare yourself.

The famous Takeshita-dori sign across the train station from the Meiji Jingu Ichino Torii gate and north one main street. Takeshita-dori is one of Tokyo’s most famous streets, and very crowded. It’s lined with shops selling giant rainbow cotton candy, colorful crepes, and rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches.

Snack along the way or enjoy lunch or afternoon tea here. You can even enjoy it in one of Tokyo’s pet cafes, many of which are here.

For a curated experience, I recommend this Crazy Cute & Kawaii Food Tour, which includes 5 distinct stops in the neighborhood.

If bright-colored foods and animal cafes aren’t your vibe, explore Cat Street, a quieter, trendy avenue lined with fashion boutiques.

3pm: Shibuya

If you’re reading this far enough in advance, I’d highly recommend you get sunset time tickets for Shibuya Sky (book on Klook), an open-air observation deck at approximately 230 meters above ground. A slot 1-2 hours before sunset will allow you to go up, explore a little, then watch the city transform from daylight to golden hour to dusk to blue hour, and it’s a truly magical transformation. If you take a lot of photos, I’d recommend you go 2 hours ahead. We entered around 4pm for a 6:10pm sunset and felt like the timing was perfect. If you just want to enjoy it, you can enter later, though those tickets might be even more difficult to book. Read more about what and how to book ahead of time.

Another note: the sun sets pretty early in the winter (around 4 - 4:30pm), so you might have to move your day up a little if you’re here in the winter.

Before your entry, experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where you’re bound to see many cameras and GoPros capturing the sight of hundreds of people crossing over the zebra lines. Then make your way to the famous Hachiko Statue, a symbol of unwavering loyalty and now a popular gathering point. This statue commemorates Hachikō, an Akita dog renowned for his extraordinary loyalty. Throughout the 1920s, he faithfully greeted his owner at Shibuya Station every evening. Even after his owner passed away suddenly in 1925, Hachikō returned to the station daily for nearly a decade, patiently awaiting a master who would never come home.

Going down the escalator at Shibuya Sky.jpg

Shibuya Stores Worth Visiting:

Tower Records: This is one of the largest and most iconic music stores in the world, offering an extensive selection of vinyl records, CD’s, DVD’s, and music-related merch. The store often hosts live performances and events, and also has a cafe and bookstore for you to relax in.
d47 Museum: The d47 Museum in Shibuya Hikarie showcases unique regional crafts, design, and culture from all 47 prefectures of Japan, offering an insightful glimpse into the nation’s diverse heritage. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, changing regularly to highlight different aspects of Japanese craftsmanship and innovation.
Miyashita Park: This shopping and dining complex with a rooftop park offers plenty of unique restaurants, cafes, and stores. It’s an ideal spot to experience Tokyo’s innovative approach to urban redevelopment and lifestyle.
Shibuya 109: Shibuya 109 is a famous shopping mall known for its cutting-edge fashion boutiques, catering to Tokyo's trendy youth culture and fashion-forward shoppers. The multi-story complex is a hotspot for discovering the latest in Japanese street fashion and pop culture.

6pm: Shinjuku

For dinner, head back to where you started the day, Shinjuku, famous for its neon-lit nightlife. There are thousands of places to eat in Tokyo, and most of them are very good, with tiny hidden restaurants everywhere.

Two very iconic Japanese alleys in Shinjuku are:

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), an alleyway near Shinjuku Station lined with small, traditional eateries and izakayas
Golden Gai, which is similar to Omoide Yokocho but more bars than restaurants

Both are amazing to walk through, though, so I’d recommend you at least visit both, though be prepared to smell like izakaya. Shinjuku also has many of Tokyo’s (and the world’s) best bars.

Shinjuku bars worth visiting:

Bar Benfiddich: Owner and head bartender Hiroyasu Kayama is basically a scientist in his rustic, cozy, apothecary-like lab. They focus on handcrafted cocktails and herbal infusions, and are currently #25 on The World’s Best Bars list.
Art Bar Shuten-Doji: Art Bar Shuten-Doji offers cocktails inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology, with a focus on artistic presentation and unique flavor combinations. The ambiance is eclectic and vibrant, often featuring rotating art exhibitions and installations that add to the bar’s dynamic atmosphere.
[temporarily closed] New York Bar at the Park Hyatt: Famously known for its stunning panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline, this bar has live jazz performances and was made famous by the Hollywood movie, “Lost in Translation.” Unfortunately, it is undergoing renovations and closed, due to reopen in October 2025. You can eat dinner at the Park Hyatt, though, and still get the stunning views.
If you want to make a whole night of it, here is a walking route of 9 bars in Shinjuku worth visiting.

Day 2: Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Ueno, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree

9am: Imperial Palace & Gardens

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll through the Imperial Palace East National Gardens. Explore the historic fortifications, traditional Japanese landscapes, and see the famous Nijubashi Bridge from the outer grounds.

Note: The inner palace buildings require a separate reservation and are not typically included in a general visit. You’ll need to book tickets ahead of time.

11am: Akihabara

Also known as “Electric Town,” Akihabara is a vibrant district in Tokyo known for its bustling streets filled with electronics shops, anime and manga stores, and pop culture attractions. Originally famous for its abundance of electronics retailers, Akihabara has evolved into a cultural hub for otaku (geek) culture, attracting fans of anime, manga, video games, and idol groups from around the world.

Complexes worth visiting:

Mandarake Complex: an eight-story building that specializes in anime, manga, and collectible toys
Super Potato: a retro gaming paradise famous for its vast selection of retro video games, consoles, and merch
Radio Kaikan: which sells electronics, hobby items, and anime merchandise.

If those don’t interest you, I’d recommend popping into Don Quijote, a popular discount chain store that is a scene unto itself, or Yodobashi Camera, one of the largest electronics stores in Japan, where you can find everything from cameras and computers, to household appliances, toys and games.

1pm: Ueno

Head to Ueno Park, a beautiful and expansive park with several museums and a zoo. Spend some time walking around the park, visiting the serene Shinobazu Pond.

If you’re interested in seeing a variety of animals, including pandas, visit Ueno Zoo. If you’re interested in Japanese art and history, visit the Tokyo National Museum. Allocate about an hour to explore its extensive collection of artifacts.

For lunch, grab a quick and delicious bite from the Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) Market, a bustling market street near Ueno Station. Browse the various stalls selling everything from fresh seafood to clothing and souvenirs. This is a great place to sample classic Japanese street food like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), or taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste).

3pm: Kitchen Street

Kappabashi is one of the most Japanese-esque shopping experiences you can have. Where else in the world can you find food turned into plastic displays for restaurants as you can here?

It also happens to be between Ueno and the next stop.

3:30pm: Asakusa

After a quick perusal of Kitchen Street, head to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. Enter through the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and stroll along Nakamise-dori, a shopping street leading up to the temple, where you can buy traditional snacks and souvenirs.

For panoramic views of Asakusa and a quick stop for some cultural insights, visit Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center right across from the Kaminarimon gate. The observation deck offers great views of Senso-ji and Tokyo Skytree.

For a quick dessert break, make your way to Chacha Futatsume for the Insta-famous matcha dessert.

5:30pm: Tokyo Skytree

Conclude your day at the Tokyo skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. Visit the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria for breathtaking 360-degree views of Tokyo. If you come at this time, you should be able to enjoy watching the city transition from day to night (just like at Shibuya Sky, but with a totally different view).

Once back down, you can explore the shops and attractions in the Tokyo Solamachi mall at the base of Skytree.

If you have extra time, the Sumida Aquarium located in Tokyo Solamachi features beautiful aquatic displays and a unique penguin exhibit.

7pm: Dinner in Asakusa

Return to Asakusa for dinner. For a traditional Japanese dining experience, try Asakusa Imahan for delicious sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef cooked in a hot pot). Alternatively, if you prefer thick beef cutlets, Asakusa Gyukatsu is very well-rated beef katsu.

9pm: Evening Stroll

For a relaxing end to the day, take a peaceful stroll along the Sumida River at Sumida Park, where you can admire the Tokyo Skytree illuminated against the night sky.

For a more vibrant evening, dive into the local nightlife on Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori). This lively alley is packed with izakayas where you can try “Hoppy,” a low-alcohol beer-like drink often mixed with shochu.

Just know that tomorrow starts early.

Day 3: Toyosu Outer Market, Odaiba, Teamlabs Planets, Ginza, Tokyo Tower

5:30am: Toyosu Fish Market Auction

If you’re interested in watching the famous Tuna Auction, it has moved from Tsukiji fish market to Toyosu. There are two ways to watch the auction (which starts at 5:30am). The first is through a lottery system (they changed the auction from being first-come-first-serve because the lines got absurdly long and started at 2am), which you can apply for here. The other is through a public observation deck that you can go to if you win the lottery, but is higher up and more crowded. For more, this blog post is a helpful guide. If you can, I would definitely recommend entering the lottery and trying to watch the auction.

7am: Toyosu

Once the auction finishes, you’re free to wander around the site. There are lots of shops where chefs shop wasabi, dashi, and other produce that you are free to buy from, as well as restaurants that serve fresh seafood. I would recommend Sushi Dai (one of the most famous, but also a very long line).

If you want to see where the fish is sold, though, that part of the building is only accessible with a guide, so I’d recommend this Tuna Auction & Toyosu Market Tour, which will pick you up from your hotel, and then guide you through the auction and the market.

If you don’t care to see the auction or Toyosu, you can explore the Tsukiji Outer Market, instead. If you want to do both, I’d recommend this Toyosu & Tsukiji Market Tour and Sushi Workshop which begins with a walk around the fish markets, where you will purchase tuna, watch it cut into individual portions (a special job that even young sushi chefs are not allowed to do), then make sushi yourself.

If you’re debating whether to eat at Toyosu or Tsukiji: in my opinion Tsukiji has more character and is more bustling, but is also more of a “tourist trap” (prices are higher and it’s more crowded). But both will serve very fresh seafood, so it’s about the kind of experience you’re looking for.

9am: Odaiba

After fueling up on fresh fish, journey to Odaiba, a futuristic man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Originally built for defense, it was redeveloped in the 1990s as a showcase of innovation and entertainment.

Odaiba Highlights:

Before your TeamLab booking, explore these iconic spots:

Odaiba Seaside Park (Odaiba Kaihin Koen): Stroll along the beach, rent a paddle boat, or simply relax with stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge and a miniature Statue of Liberty. It's a prime spot for a sunset over the bay.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza: A major shopping complex dominated by the towering Unicorn Gundam statue. Inside, find everything from high-end brands to the Gundam Base Tokyo, a dedicated Gundam model shop.
Miraikan Museum (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation): Dive into the future at this National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, featuring incredible hands-on exhibits on robotics, space exploration, and more.
Panasonic Center Tokyo: Explore interactive exhibits on cutting-edge technology and sustainable living solutions. It also hosts various events and workshops. If you’re a Panasonic fan, you’ll love this place.
Tokyo Joypolis: A massive, high-tech gaming arcade by Sega, featuring both traditional arcade games and some of the world’s most advanced virtual reality games.
Fuji Broadcasting Center: This distinctive building has a spherical observation room on the 25th floor of Fuji’s Headquarters. Inside the building, you can also visit television sets and a rooftop garden for panoramic views of Odaiba.

4pm: TeamLab Planets

Note: Book tickets online well in advance.

Despite its Instagram fame, TeamLab Planets (buy tickets) is a deeply immersive and interactive art experience that lives up to the hype. I loved it and would highly recommend anyone going to Tokyo to get tickets for this exhibit.

If you’ve been to TeamLab Planets, you can go instead to TeamLab Borderless, which recently relocated to Azabudai Hills (buy tickets).

Tips:

Wear shorts or pants you can roll up, as some exhibits involve water
If you wear a dress/skirt, wear shorts underneath (there are mirrors on the floor)
If you can’t get tickets for the first opening to get in before everyone else, I’d recommend going later on a weekday evening. It gets pretty busy, but if you’re patient enough, you can get photos without people in them. Video is a bit harder.

6pm: Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier luxury shopping district, rivaling Fifth Avenue or Regent Street. It’s home to flagship stores for global brands like Muji and Uniqlo, as well as high-end boutiques and specialty stationery shops. The area is also a culinary hotspot, boasting world-class sushi restaurants and charming cafes. If you’re interested in discovering local hidden bars and izakaya in the area, check out this tour.

If you’re into the arts, you can also check out Ginza’s Kabukiza theater, a reconstruction of the original theater site (originally built in 1889) which offers regular performances of traditional kabuki drama.

Shops in Ginza to Visit

Itoya: Stationery paradise
Ginza 6: great rooftop views
Muji: Flagship
Uniqlo: Flagship, but skip it if you’re there in the afternoon as it will be crazy busy/crowded, and the fitting room lines are long and you can only try on 5 items at a time.

8pm: Tokyo Tower

At this point, if you haven’t seen Tokyo Tower yet, make your way there just to see it at night.

Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower 333 meters high. It was painted in white and international orange to comply with safety regulations and is 13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower. If you want to ascend it, it has 2 observation decks at different heights, or you can enjoy museums or restaurants at the base.

Itinerary Add-Ons

If you are coming to Tokyo for the first time and only have 3 days, the city may overwhelm you. But there are always pockets of quiet that you can enjoy, if you just get away from the main tourist locations.

Additionally, here are some uniquely-Tokyo experiences worth checking out if this itinerary wasn’t enough for you:

Every day but Tuesday, Mori Art museum is open until 10pm, and has an amazing, rotating exhibition of international contemporary work. The Tokyo City View observation deck also has stunning views of the city at sunset and night.
If you have an international driving license, book a Street Go-Karting experience, for which Akihabara is well known, although you can also do this in Shibuya, or Asakusa.
Watch a Sumo Wrestling Show
Make Sushi (nigiri and maki)

For other day trip ideas, check out my 5-day Tokyo itinerary.

Travel Resources

A few last tips to get the most out of your trip to Tokyo:

The best travel-ready clothing. It’s lightweight, doesn’t smell, super comfortable, and stylish.

My Favorite Travel Credit Card: This is basically the only credit card I use when I travel, and has given me so many free business class flights, I’ve lost count. Referral link to get 100k or 60k bonus points.
The electrolytes I never leave home without. Perfect for recovering after a long day of exploring, or a night of drinking. Even my friend who runs ultra-marathons drinks this. I only use a half packet per water bottle.
Get my travel photography guide to capture the best photos of any trip you’ve ever taken.

3-Day Itinerary // Tokyo, Japan