Itinerary 3 Days Tokyo -Tokyo Explorer: 3 Perfect Days Planned

Three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Tokyo—long enough to experience its energy but short enough to leave you craving more. My three-day Tokyo itinerary is designed to help you make the most out of your trip, whether it’s your first visit or a return to this incredible city. Trust me, after years of exploring Tokyo, I’ve found this to be the best way to balance must-see spots with hidden gems.

From buzzing districts to serene temples, this plan ensures you see the best of Tokyo without feeling rushed. The city offers endless possibilities, but with smart planning, you’ll cover the highlights and still have time to wander off the beaten path.

Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary: The Perfect Way to Experience the City

Day 1: Modern Tokyo/West Side

Morning:

• Start your day by taking the JR Yamanote Line or Chiyoda subway line to Harajuku Station
• Visit the serene Meiji-jingu Shrine to experience traditional Japan
• Walk along Omotesando, Tokyo’s famous tree-lined avenue with high-end boutiques and cafes
• Explore the Nezu Museum and its beautiful Japanese garden (don’t miss the garden!)

Afternoon:

• Head to Shibuya via the Ginza subway line
• Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing from the Hachiko exit
• Enjoy lunch at one of Shibuya’s department store restaurant floors
• Take the Yamanote Line to Ebisu, then transfer to Hibiya Line to Roppongi

Evening:

• Visit Roppongi Hills and take the elevator to the 52nd floor Tokyo City View in Mori Tower
• Have dinner at one of Roppongi’s excellent restaurants
• End your night exploring Roppongi’s bars and nightlife

Day 2: Traditional Tokyo/East Side

Morning:

• Take the Ginza subway line to Asakusa
• Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temple
• Explore nearby Asakusa-jinja Shrine
• Travel to Ueno to see the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno-koen Park

Afternoon:

• Have lunch around Tokyo Station (check the station’s basement for great options)
• Visit the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum or Artizon Museum
• Take a relaxing stroll through Hibiya-koen Park
• Return to your hotel for a quick rest

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner in Ginza, Shinjuku, or near your hotel
• Consider drinks in Roppongi or Shibuya to experience Tokyo’s nightlife

Day 3: Imperial Palace Area & Shinjuku

Morning:

• Start at Tokyo Station and walk to the Imperial Palace East Garden
• Explore Kitanomaru-koen Park and visit Yasukuni-jinja Shrine
• Don’t miss the fascinating Yushukan Museum

Afternoon:

• Take the Shinjuku Line subway to Shinjuku
• Enjoy lunch (try to avoid the noon rush hour)
• Visit the free observation deck at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices for amazing city views
• Explore Shinjuku’s bustling East Side shopping district

Evening:

• Return to your hotel to freshen up
• Have your final dinner in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza
• End your trip with drinks at one of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife spots

Tokyo Holiday Essentials

• Best areas to stay: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza or Tokyo Station area
• Book flights using Skyscanner for best deals
• Don’t forget essentials from your Packing List for Japan
• Get comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Stay in a central location to save time
• Consider visiting the Edo-Tokyo Museum on Day 2
• If short on time, skip the Imperial Palace Area and visit museums instead

Remember: Tokyo is huge – don’t try to do too much!

Finding Your Way Around Tokyo

Locating Places on the Map:

• Use the Truly Tokyo Google map (open the Tokyo map) to find all recommended spots

• On desktop: Check the list on the left hand side (click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if hidden)

• Easily find any place by:

  • Scrolling down the list
  • Using the map search (magnifying glass icon)

• Click any name in the list to see its location pin highlighted on the map

Understanding the Map System:

• All pins are color coded for easy navigation:

  • BLUE: Hotels, Ryokan, Guesthouses
  • VIOLET: Traditional Ryokan
  • PINK: Places to Eat
  • GREEN: Shops
  • YELLOW: Things to See and Do

• On mobile: Simply open map and search for the place name – the map will automatically zoom in on its location

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

✓ Book accommodation through Booking.com or Agoda.com
✓ Reserve shinkansen tickets via Klook if traveling beyond Tokyo
✓ Get a Japan SIM card or pocket wifi router for connectivity
✓ Check airline flight prices for best deals to Narita or Haneda airports
✓ Consider if a Japan Rail Pass makes sense for your travel plans
✓ For personalized help, contact Japan Travel Consulting

This itinerary balances must-see attractions with local experiences, giving you a comprehensive Tokyo experience in just three days. Remember to wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing lots of walking!