Headed to the Land of the Rising Solar and on the lookout for an itinerary for the capital? Learn on for a jam-packed information on tips on how to spend 3 days in Tokyo!
Planning a visit to Tokyo could be a bit intimidating. With over 38 million individuals within the metro space, that is probably the most populous metropolis on the planet.
You understand these movies of individuals being packed like sardines onto a subway automotive? Yeah, they had been in all probability taken in Tokyo!
The Japanese capital is extra like 23 cities, as every of the particular wards affords one thing totally different. Whereas Asakusa could be very conventional, Harajuku is the place to be if you wish to absorb Japan’s youth tradition.
In such a large metropolis, you gained’t be capable of see all of it in simply 72 hours. That being mentioned, you’ll be able to cowl a number of floor on a Tokyo itinerary in case you have a stable plan.
READ MORE: Try our listing of the greatest issues to do in Tokyo!
The Excellent 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary
The very first thing you’ll wish to do when determining what to do in Tokyo in 3 days is which wards you’re most serious about.
You’ll be able to go to a few them on every day however there’s no manner you’re hitting all of them in such a short while!
Fortunately Tokyo has an unlimited and environment friendly public transportation system that can assist you get round. You’ll be able to even take day journeys to numerous cities across the Tokyo Bay space.
The underground community is so expansive right here that the map seems to be like some sort of multi-tentacled anime creature.
You’ll be able to actually go wherever within the metropolis on the Tokyo metro subway traces.
READ MORE: Right here’s our model new information to travelling in Japan that can assist you plan your subsequent massive journey!
Sadly, there are a number of totally different rail techniques working right here. For a 3 days in Tokyo itinerary, your greatest wager is selecting up one of many 72-hour Tokyo metro tickets.
The Klook web site is the most affordable place to purchase these, a bit cheaper than shopping for them on the station.
One other good tip is to select up a Suica IC card. These are what all of the locals use to pay for, nicely, absolutely anything.
Buses, metros, merchandising machines, 7/11, these little pre-paid playing cards are important to creating your time in Tokyo a lot simpler, so that you’re not continuously looking for appropriate change.
Do your self a favour and purchase one. You’ll thank me later.
BONUS – Reserving forward of time ensures you gained’t miss out on the tour, and get the perfect value too! And only for NOMADasaurus readers, if you happen to use the Klook low cost code “NOMADS10” on the web site when testing, you’ll get $10 off your first reserving!
Now it’s time to resolve what to do in Tokyo in 3 days. In my humble opinion, it’s good to have a listing of locations you wish to try but additionally stay versatile.
You’ll most undoubtedly get misplaced in Tokyo. Likelihood is you’ll see, hear, or odor one thing fascinating and take a detour. It’s greatest to float, individuals!
I’m going to give you some concepts on what to see in Tokyo in 3 days, however I’m additionally going to allow you to select your personal journey by providing a number of choices.
If you happen to’re able to get misplaced in translation, learn on for an epic 3 days in Tokyo itinerary.
This journey assumes you’re visiting Tokyo on the weekend, so that you’ll wish to double-check the opening days and hours of the sights listed if you happen to’re headed there in the course of the week.
READ MORE: Don’t miss out on these greatest day journeys from Tokyo!
Day 1 – Morning
Whilst you could also be tempted to dive off the deep finish and crush a large sushi breakfast in your first day, I recommend saving that for day two.
If you happen to’re questioning what a conventional Japanese breakfast is, individuals often eat rice, miso soup, fermented soy beans (generally known as natto), grilled fish, and a few pickled greens.
Folks often wash it down with inexperienced tea relatively than espresso.
When you’re full and caffeinated, it’s time to get on together with your busy Tokyo itinerary.
READ MORE: Don’t miss our listing of the greatest locations to go to in Japan.
Asakusa
On my first go to to Tokyo, I began out in Asakusa. That’s precisely the place I’m sending you to start your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary.
Take the tube to Asakusa station and drop into the vacationer data centre if you wish to take a look round there first.
Not solely are the employees right here tremendous pleasant and useful, however you may also head as much as the eighth flooring to get pleasure from a tremendous (and free!) view.
Nakamise Procuring Avenue
Heading north, the very first thing you’ll see is the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate).
The standard gate has a large lantern within the center and two guardian statues on both facet.
This is likely one of the hottest locations to snap a photograph in all of Tokyo, so get your digicam prepared!
Subsequent up, take a stroll up Nakamise Procuring Avenue. This bustling outside market is filled with distributors promoting conventional snacks in addition to souvenirs.
If you happen to needed to select up a kimono or some ningyo yaki – a candy cake full of crimson bean paste – that is the place to do it.
Senso-Ji Temple
Whenever you stroll to the tip of the purchasing road you’ll discover Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Constructed manner again within the seventh century, this Buddhist temple is a vital piece of town’s historical past.
It’s undoubtedly one of many high issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days, and greater than 30 million individuals go to every year.
Go forward and linger a bit to take all of it in all the sights of the temple, however don’t overlook that you simply’ve obtained a busy 3 days in Tokyo forward of you!
Select Your Personal Journey
Keep in mind how I mentioned I’d allow you to select your personal journey to your 3 days in Tokyo?
Nicely my pals, you’ve obtained fairly just a few choices as soon as you allow the temple. Right here’s a fast recap of what you are able to do within the space:
- Take a rickshaw tour of Asakusa
- Stroll across the riverside Sumida Park
- Take a Sumida river cruise
- Head to the high of the Tokyo SkyTree (most cost-effective tickets for that is on Klook)
- Go to the Asahi Beer Corridor (it’s not too early for a cheeky brew, is it?)
Earlier than we transfer this 3 days in Tokyo celebration alongside, you’ll wish to seize some lunch.
There are tons of choices in Asakusa, together with loads of glorious ramen outlets.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After some lunch – and possibly a cup of espresso with feline pals in a cat cafe – it’s time to maneuver alongside together with your Tokyo in 3 days itinerary. Hop again on the practice and cruise over to Ueno Station for our subsequent cease.
Ueno Park
There’s maybe no higher place to be on a pleasant day in Tokyo than Ueno Park.
The park is particularly beautiful in the course of the cherry blossom season, which occurs from late March to early April.
Ueno Park has a lot happening that you might actually spend your whole 3 days in Tokyo right here.
Clearly, you’re not going to do this, so that you’ll need to be a bit choosy about what you select to do.
Listed below are only a few of the choices:
- Take a ship round Shinobazu Pond
- Go to the Ueno Zoo
- See the statue of Saigo Takamori (a well-known common)
- Try the Toshogu Shrine
- Drop within the Tokyo Tradition Corridor
- Hit one of many many museums
- E-book a guided tour of the park if it’s cherry blossom season!
Museum of Your Selection
Ueno Park is residence to a number of unbelievable museums. With simply 3 days in Tokyo, you’ll in all probability have to decide on only one.
In my humble opinion, I like to recommend going to the Tokyo Nationwide Museum.
This museum has a powerful assortment of over 100,000 items unfold throughout a number of buildings.
It’s the biggest and oldest museum in Japan and undoubtedly a must-see in Tokyo in 3 days.
The Tokyo Nationwide Museum prices 620 yen to enter.
There are just a few artwork and science museums to see if you go to Tokyo if you happen to’re extra into these than historical past.
You’ll be able to try the Tokyo Metropolitan Artwork Museum, the Nationwide Science Museum, the teamLab Borderless digital artwork museum, or a number of others.
Day 1 – Night
As I’m certain you’re realizing by now, this Tokyo in 3 days itinerary is a doozy! Be sure you take a while right here and there to relax on a park bench.
When you’ve caught your breath, get again on the market and hold this 3 days in Tokyo practice rolling.
Akihabara
After taking in a little bit of conventional Tokyo, it’s time to take a look at the fashionable facet of town.
The right place to do this is Akihabara, which is only a brief stroll or practice journey from Ueno Park.
This space was named after Akiba, a deity that may management fires. After a fireplace destroyed the world within the 1800s, the individuals right here constructed a shrine devoted to Akiba in hopes of stopping future fires.
You gained’t discover the shrine right here anymore, however you will see a dizzying array of digital outlets.
Right here you’ll be able to peruse computer systems, telephones, cameras, TVs, and rather more. Akihabara has undoubtedly earned its nickname – “Electrical City.”
Otaku Tradition
Even if you happen to’re not purchasing for electronics, it’s price visiting Akihabara over your 3 days in Tokyo simply to expertise the distinctive otaku tradition.
In Japanese, otaku is a considerably derogatory time period used to check with somebody who is a big nerd. We’re not speaking simply any sort of nerd, although. Otaku are people who find themselves obsessive about anime and manga.
Folks have come to embrace their otaku standing and put on it proudly. This a part of Tokyo is principally a mecca for otaku and really a lot caters to them.
Strolling across the streets of Akihabara is like being inside a online game or comedian ebook.
There are anime and manga outlets and pictures everywhere, in addition to tons of cosplayers handing out flyers for locations like maid cafes.
“What’s a maid cafe?” you could be asking your self. It’s fairly easy – it’s a restaurant the place women gown up like maids and deal with clients like their masters.
If it sounds bizarre, that’s as a result of it’s. Embrace the odd throughout your 3 days in Tokyo, individuals!
READ MORE: Travelling elsewhere? Try our listing of the greatest issues to do in Japan.
Pachinko
Whilst you’re within the space, you’ve obtained to drop right into a pachinko parlour. Pachinko is principally Japan’s reply to the slot machine, and it’s all the craze right here.
These machines perform as playing gadgets, though playing for cash in Japan is unlawful.
The way in which they skirt the legislation is by having gamers win pachinko balls which can be then exchanged for prizes.
There’s an trade separate from the parlour the place you’ll be able to then swap your prize for some chilly onerous money.
Making an attempt your hand at a recreation of pachinko is for certain one of many high issues to do in Tokyo for 3 days.
Select Your Personal Journey
It’s time as soon as once more to decide on your personal journey! After an exhausting first of three days in Tokyo, all of it is dependent upon how a lot gasoline you’ve obtained left within the tank and what your priorities are for day two.
Your choices for dinner in Tokyo are principally infinite. You may wish to check out one of many enjoyable conveyor belt sushi joints, discover a place to chow down on wagyu beef, or seek for among the metropolis’s greatest road meals.
Whether or not or not you dabble in Tokyo’s nightlife by happening an epic pub crawl is absolutely as much as you. If you happen to hope to catch the public sale on the Tsukiji Fish Market, you’ll in all probability wish to name it an early evening.
That’s as a result of it’s important to get there round 5 within the morning if you wish to seize a spot!
If you happen to might care much less about watching individuals throw fish round, then get on the market and rip it up on an evening out in Tokyo!
I actually haven’t skilled a lot of the nightlife there but, however this is a superb information to consuming in Tokyo.
Day 2 – Morning
If the Toyosu Fish Market is in your listing of issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days, then day two begins actually early for you!
Must you go this route, you may wish to be sure you’ve obtained a espresso and a snack able to get you going.
Toyosu Fish Market
I ought to be aware that Toyosu is comparatively new. Many guides to Tokyo listing the Tsukiji Fish Market, however the wholesale market relocated in October 2018 for a wide range of causes.
Nowadays, the tuna public sale takes place between 5:30-6: 30 AM.
If you happen to’re cool watching from the upper-level commentary space, simply present up a couple of minutes early. Simply be warned that you simply may not see very a lot from right here.
Those that wish to watch from the decrease flooring want to use prematurely. To take action, head to the official web site and scroll to the underside for the English choice.
Making use of doesn’t assure you a spot, because it’s a lottery system. If you happen to’re fortunate, you’ll get notified a few week prematurely.
You don’t need to see the public sale to get pleasure from a go to to the fish market. It’s fascinating simply strolling round there for a bit and well worth the journey simply to smash a large sushi breakfast in one of many many eating places.
That is undoubtedly one of many high issues to do in Tokyo in 3 days!
For all of the related details about visiting the brand new fish market and the modifications which have occurred because the transfer, I extremely advocate studying this text.
Day 2 – Afternoon
After strolling round a fish market, you’ll in all probability wish to swing again to your lodging for a bathe.
If a sushi breakfast isn’t your factor, now could be the time to seize some meals and gasoline up for the second of three days in Tokyo.
Harajuku
Whenever you’re able to rock, hop on the tube and head to Harajuku Station. This a part of Tokyo is a centre of Japanese youth trend and tradition and a very enjoyable place to discover.
If you happen to want a snack or a pick-me up, there are just a few cafes proper across the tube station, together with one more cat cafe. They’re sort of an enormous deal right here…
Yoyogi Park
Earlier than you try the stylish facet of Harajuku, head into Yoyogi Park.
Yoyogi Park is likely one of the largest parks within the metropolis, stuffed with ponds, fountains, and huge open inexperienced areas.
Meiji Shrine
The spotlight of visiting Yoyogi Park is the Meiji Shrine. It was constructed again in 1920 to honour Emperor Meiji.
He handed away in 1920 after seeing Japan via a time of nice change. It’s truly Emperor Meiji who’s credited with opening the Land of the Rising Solar to the west.
Meiji Shrine is a peaceable, lovely place to spend a while. To entry the shrine, you stroll up a tranquil path and thru the normal torii gate.
In a metropolis as massive and bustling as Tokyo, it’s superb how simple it’s to flee into nature.
Takeshita Avenue
After visiting the shrine, head out of the park to close by Takeshita Avenue.
This slim road is the epicentre of Tokyo’s youth tradition and is filled with boutique outlets, cafes, quick meals joints, and all of the issues youngsters love.
Takeshita is bumping on the weekends with fashionable teenagers who come right here to point out off their distinctive trend sense and do some purchasing with pals.
It’s an awesome place for some individuals watching, window purchasing, and snacking.
Day 2 – Night
Our 3 days in Tokyo itinerary has now formally handed the midway level. Congratulations!
I’m certain you’re fairly spent by now, however you’ve obtained to push on as there’s much more to see and do.
For the night portion of your 2nd day, head only a few stops north on the tube to Shinjuku Station.
Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing
At this level within the journey, you’ll have seen {that a} gap has been burned in your pockets.
Tokyo isn’t an inexpensive metropolis to go to, that’s for certain. That’s why this subsequent cease is such a very good one – it’s completely free!
The Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing has an observatory that’s 202 metres above town streets.
It’s the perfect place to go for panoramic views of Tokyo and it doesn’t even value you something.
Remember to add a cease right here to your listing of issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days.
Select Your Personal Journey
It’s been an extended day in Tokyo, so the way you select to spend the remainder of your evening is as much as you at this level.
Some individuals may simply wish to seize a fast chew to eat and name it an evening, and that’s completely comprehensible.
You’ve solely obtained 3 days in Tokyo, although, so I like to recommend digging down deep, summoning your third wind, and powering via to verify a minimum of one or two extra issues off your listing.
One cool factor to do on this space is visiting the Samurai Museum. It’s open till 9 PM and is price testing, if solely simply to snap a pic of you in a badass Samurai costume. Or you might go to sumo tournaments and see the well-known sport in motion if you happen to’re a sport fan!
If you happen to’re serious about experiencing a little bit of sensory overload alongside together with your dinner, make sure you try the Robotic Restaurant.
It’s principally the dinner present model of an acid journey.
NOMADasaurus Notice – The Robotic Restaurant was maybe the BEST factor we did in Tokyo on our latest journey! Belief us, do it. – Alesha and Jarryd
As you may anticipate, the Robotic Restaurant is sort of standard. Tickets promote out nicely prematurely, so make sure you ebook them early.
The value tag is a bit steep, however when else are you going to have such a wild dinner expertise?
By reserving via Klook you get the most affordable value doable (they’ve a particular cope with the Robotic Restaurant), and also you get VIP entry and a memento.
BONUS – Reserving forward of time ensures you gained’t miss out on the tour, and get the perfect value too! And only for NOMADasaurus readers, if you happen to use the Klook low cost code “NOMADS10” on the web site when testing, you’ll get $10 off your first reserving!
If lasers and robots aren’t your fashion, there are many different choices for dinner round right here.
No matter you do for dinner, it’s price it to cruise over to Golden Gai for a nightcap.
This space is filled with slim, winding alleys which can be residence to some very cozy bars. A few of them can solely maintain a handful of individuals.
This makes for a really genuine Japanese consuming expertise and is a good addition to your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary.
Day 3 – Morning
Hopefully you didn’t do too many sake bombs in Golden Gai, however if you happen to did that’s cool, too!
Go forward and sleep in, get your self a leisurely breakfast, and prepare to deal with the final of three days in Tokyo.
Imperial Palace
Whenever you’re able to rock, hop on the practice and head over to Tokyo Station. Only a brief stroll from right here, you’ll discover the Imperial Palace.
It’s positioned on the former web site of the Edo Fortress and stays residence to the imperial household.
You’ll be able to signal as much as be part of a free tour of the Imperial Palace, however you’ll wish to be certain to take action prematurely.
Head to their web site as much as one month prematurely to safe your spot.
Even if you happen to don’t rating a spot on a tour, it’s price visiting the palace grounds.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are beautiful and undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days.
One other factor to take a look at close to the Imperial Palace is the Wadakura Fountain Park. It’s a scenic place to take a seat down for a fast breather and seize a cheeky cup of espresso if you happen to want some gasoline for the remainder of the day.
GODZILLA!
After exploring the palace grounds for some time, head out the southeast nook and cross the moat to entry Hibiya Park.
It’s a pleasing little park and a great place for a fast stroll.
The principle motive to stroll via this park, although, is to snap a photograph of the Godzilla statue that’s proper across the nook.
Put Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla” on and sing alongside – “Oh, no, there goes Tokyo! Go, go Godzilla!”
To be trustworthy, the statue is sort of small and underwhelming, however the novelty alone makes it well worth the fast cease.
Plus, there are many eating places and cafes round right here and also you’re in all probability prepared for lunch at this level within the day.
Day 3 – Afternoon
It’s been a whirlwind 3 days in Tokyo to date, and we’re virtually to the end line.
For the afternoon in your ultimate day within the metropolis, cruise over to the Ginza district.
Ginza
Ginza is the place in Tokyo to see and be seen. It’s the premier purchasing district for the Japanese capital and is residence to numerous luxurious shops, cafes, and eating places.
Through the hotter months (April-September), the central Chuo Dori road is shut right down to visitors and turns into a bustling pedestrian zone.
Different cool issues to do in Ginza embody seeing a kabuki present on the Kabukiza Theatre or visiting the Nissan and Sony showrooms at Ginza Place.
If you happen to didn’t make it to the brand new fish market on day two, you’ll be able to swing by the previous one at present.
The Tsukiji Fish Market isn’t residence to the auctions anymore, however it’s nonetheless open and there are many locations to munch on contemporary sushi right here.
Day 3 – Night
It’s time as soon as once more to decide on your personal journey! In your ultimate evening of three days in Tokyo, you’ll wish to make sure you get some good sundown views.
Listed below are just a few choices together with the well-known Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, and extra.
Roppongi Hills
It is a huge improvement undertaking and the brainchild of constructing tycoon Minoru Mori.
It has residences, workplace areas, eating places, film theatres, outlets, and extra.
The thought was to create a spot the place individuals can reside, work, and play, thus principally eliminating the necessity to commute.
Right here you’ll discover the Tokyo Metropolis View observatory. Tickets are a bit steep at 1,800 yen, however in addition they embody admission to the Mori Artwork Museum.
If you happen to don’t thoughts splurging a bit, the views listed below are fairly unbelievable.
Tokyo Tower
If you need some epic views of town however don’t wish to fork over a lot yen, you’ll be able to head to the Tokyo Tower as a substitute.
The Tokyo Tower is just like the Japanese capital’s reply to the Eiffel Tower. The highest of the Tokyo Tower additionally has a pleasant commentary deck and it solely prices 900 yen.
Standing at 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower serves as a logo of rebirth after World Battle II.
E-book tickets to the Tokyo Tower on Klook!
Shibuya Crossing
We wrap up 3 excellent days in Tokyo in Shibuya. Popping out of the Shibuya Station, you’ll see the well-known statue of Hachinko.
There’s a stupendous story behind this loyal canine, so make sure you learn it earlier than your journey!
Hopefully, you’ll be able to deal with crowds as a result of our subsequent cease is the Shibuya crossing.
Famed to be the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet, over 2,500 individuals crisscross the road right here on every gentle.
If you wish to see the view of the crossing from above, your greatest wager is to pop into the Starbucks.
There’s no sneaking a free peak right here, although, as they be certain that you purchase one thing earlier than you’ll be able to method the window. Seize a cup of joe and sit down to look at the insanity under.
Mario Kart IRL
Palms down, one of many coolest issues to do in Tokyo in 3 days is taking part in real-life Mario Kart.
MariCAR permits you to gown up as well-known characters like Yoshi and journey a go-kart via the busy streets of Tokyo.
Simply don’t go tossing any banana peels off to the facet – that’s harmful!
It’s important to ebook it forward of time, and you have to have your Worldwide Drivers Allow with you with a view to do the exercise.
If you happen to’ve obtained any power left, there are many cool bars and music venues in Shibuya.
There you could have it, my pals – an superior plan for tips on how to spend 3 days in Tokyo!
The place to Keep in Tokyo
Now that you simply’ve obtained a badass itinerary for 3 days in Tokyo, you’re in all probability questioning the place you need to say on this sprawling metropolis.
Truthfully, so long as you’re within the metropolis correct and are close to an underground station, you’re good to go.
A number of the hottest areas to remain in Tokyo embody Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa.
Listed below are just a few choices for some lodging in Tokyo to go well with all budgets:
Finest Hostel in Tokyo – Grids
There are many glorious hostels in Tokyo, which is nice information for price range travellers.
If you happen to’re balling on a price range, a stable alternative is Grids. They’re so standard that they’ve three areas within the metropolis with a fourth on the best way.
You’ll be able to select between their Asakusa-Bashi, Akihabara, and Nihombashi areas.
Whichever one you go along with, you’ll discover a comfy hostel in an awesome location.
Dorm beds go for below $25 an evening right here. They’ve a pleasant cafe and bar on-site right here as nicely and serve a buffet breakfast for an inexpensive value.
All of their properties have superior opinions, so that they’re clearly doing one thing proper!
Finest Mid Vary Resort – Resort Ryumeikan
If you happen to’re the kind of traveller who appreciates a very good deal, you’ll love the Resort Ryumeikan. It’s only a stone’s throw away from the central Tokyo Station and double rooms go for $200 or much less right here.
The rooms listed below are well-appointed and, whereas they appear a bit small, are literally fairly massive for Tokyo. Additionally they have tea and a Nespresso machine, plus some tremendous cozy pajamas you should utilize.
You can begin your break day right here with a fully-stocked breakfast buffet that includes each Japanese and western delicacies. Different facilities right here embody a laundry service and coin-operated machines if you happen to’d relatively simply do your personal.
Finest Luxurious Resort – Mandarin Oriental
Relating to luxurious lodging in Tokyo, it’s onerous to high the Mandarin Oriental.
This 5-star lodge is centrally positioned close to Tokyo Station within the metropolis heart on the highest 9 flooring of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower.
This swanky lodge has all of it – a spa, health club, enterprise centre, occasion house, and extra. It additionally boasts a whopping 12 eating places, 3 of that are Michelin-star.
In fact, all this luxurious comes at a value. Even the most affordable choice right here runs near $700 an evening even in off-season.
Then once more, this place at all times comes up in lists of the “greatest accommodations on the planet,” so it’s well worth the splurge for this one!