Japan’s capital has so much to offer that planning your trip to Tokyo carefully is essential to avoid wasting time and missing out on the city’s main activities.
To make the most of your visit, the best approach is to prepare a detailed itinerary organized by day and by area. This way, you can fully enjoy Tokyo in just three days.
In this article, you’ll find a day-by-day itinerary highlighting the best areas to visit during a three-day stay in Tokyo.
Before starting your journey, consider getting a 24, 48, or 72-hour metro pass. This pass simplifies travel around the city, allowing you to move easily between the many sights included in the itinerary.
What to see in Tokyo in 3 days? Day one
A three-day Tokyo itinerary is the best way to ensure you see the city’s iconic spots without wasting time on places that might not meet your expectations.
To kick off your first day, head straight to some of Tokyo’s main areas.
We recommend these three must-see spots: the Shibuya district, Harajuku, and Yoyogi Park, including the Meiji Shrine.
Shibuya District
The Shibuya district is known as Tokyo’s premier area for entertainment, shopping, and nightlife. If you’re looking to experience the city to the fullest, this is the place.
One of the first things you’ll see upon arrival is the Hachiko statue near Shibuya Station. You may already know the touching story of the dog who waited for his owner by the station until his final days.
Next, a top attraction is Shibuya 109, one of Tokyo’s largest shopping centers. This multi-level building is packed with exclusive stores for women.
A must-see when visiting Tokyo in 3 days is the Shibuya Crossing, world-famous for its impressive sight of five intersecting crosswalks. Chances are you’ve seen it in movies or anime.
One of our favorite activities was this food tour through Shibuya. It took us to the best local restaurants to try various traditional Japanese dishes, and we highly recommend it.
Harajuku
No visit to Tokyo in three days would be complete without exploring the vibrant and unique district of Harajuku.
Here, you’ll discover that everything you’ve heard about cosplay and urban tribes in Japan is true.
In the streets, you’ll see countless people dressed as their favorite characters from video games, anime, movies, and manga. Their costumes are so detailed that they might even seem like professional cosplayers.
It’s worth mentioning that many cosplayers here are professionals and charge for photos.
Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine
Yoyogi Park is possibly the most popular park in the city and is a favorite among tourists.
The nature on display here is stunning, making it the perfect spot for picnics, sports, singing, dancing, or simply lying on the grass and watching others enjoy themselves.
As for the Meiji Shrine, there’s no better place to learn about Japan’s history.
The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his efforts in the transition of Japan from the Shogunate era to modern times.
It’s one of the most-visited shrines in Japan, and on special occasions like New Year’s, it can attract over a million visitors in one day.
Inside, you’ll find historical Japanese artifacts and items that belonged to the Emperor and his wife. Additionally, the grounds feature large murals and temples that are well worth seeing. The garden area is ideal for photos and a relaxing break.
Day Two
The second day in Tokyo should be dedicated to exploring shopping and entertainment districts.
The best places for this are Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Asakusa. These areas showcase some of the best of Tokyo every day.
Akihabara
Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s most surprising areas, where you can see a high contrast between traditional Japanese culture and a thoroughly modern, tech-driven environment.
Here, you’ll find everything related to electronics, video games, anime, manga, and all things related to Japan’s expansive pop culture. It’s nearly impossible not to find exactly what you’re looking for here.
This is a lively, youth-oriented area filled with enthusiasts (just like us). We really enjoyed the geek Tokyo tour that we took one day.
Akihabara is a place you’ll likely visit more than once, and it never ceases to amaze. Without a doubt, Akihabara should be on your list of must-see spots in Tokyo over three days.
Ueno Park
The Ueno Park is located in northwest Tokyo and is an area bustling with activity.
Entry is free, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
There’s no better way to enjoy the park than by strolling through it on foot, admiring the cherry blossoms in full bloom, which paint everything in their distinctive colors.
Within the park, you’ll find the National Museum of Oriental Art, designed by Le Corbusier, although it may not be worth visiting.
The best experience is to take a scenic walk, explore the temples within the park, or rent a rowboat on the lake for a peaceful ride.
Asakusa District
No three-day visit to Tokyo would be complete without a trip to the Asakusa district, one of the most culturally, historically, and traditionally rich areas in the country.
Its main street, Nakamise Dori, leads you to the Sensoji Temple. In addition to this temple, the Asakusa Shrine is also a key stop on your tour.
Once you’ve seen the main sights, consider spending some time on one of these activities:
- Day trip to Mt. Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Kawaguchi
- Boat ride on the Sumida River
- Take a cruise on the Tokyo Water Bus
- Join this Free Tour of the district
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo’s tallest structure, the Tokyo Skytree, was built to meet the broadcasting needs of the NHK TV and radio networks.
Standing at 634 meters, it has two observation decks, offering stunning panoramic views—ideal for capturing some of Tokyo’s best photos.
Day Three in Tokyo
To wrap up your three-day Tokyo tour, it’s best to save the more relaxed sights for the final day.
This lets you enjoy a slower pace while still seeing the Toyosu Market, Hama Rikyu Garden, Ginza, and the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
Toyosu Market
A must on a three-day Tokyo itinerary is a visit to Toyosu Market.
It’s the largest seafood market in the world, handling over 3,000 tons of product daily.
The area is filled with vendors selling an incredible variety of seafood. Naturally, there are also numerous restaurants where you can enjoy it.
This last point is the most enticing: there’s no better place to eat sushi or other seafood dishes than at the restaurants surrounding the market. The ingredients couldn’t be fresher.
Previously, all of this activity took place at the Tsukiji Market, which was closed to make way for Toyosu—an upgraded facility designed to better accommodate the constant flow of tourists.
Hama Rikyu Garden
Hama Rikyu Garden is the largest and one of the most beautiful and visited gardens in Tokyo.
It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a serene atmosphere.
Covering 250 hectares, the garden is home to a wide variety of trees and flowers. There’s even a 300-year-old pine tree, which is a highlight for many visitors.
Ginza
Known as one of Tokyo’s most exclusive and fashionable districts, Ginza offers attractions ranging from the peaceful temples and shrines during the day to lively nightclubs and bars at night.
Its main street, Chuo Dori, is lined with luxury shops, including the Tokyu Plaza Ginza, a commercial area with everything you can imagine.
The Sony Building and the Apple Store in Tokyo are also must-visit spots in this area.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Visiting the Tokyo Imperial Palace is one of the best things to do in Tokyo in three days and makes for a perfect finale to your trip.
The palace stands on the grounds where the State Castle once stood, now one of the most popular sites for those interested in Japanese history.
A few years ago, visiting the palace interior wasn’t allowed, but now it’s possible to access almost all areas.
The palace is impressive, and entry is free. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance, as space is limited and fills up quickly.