Tokyo 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Shinjuku and Shibuya

  • Morning: Start your day at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park with gardens, walking paths, and picnic areas. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden to get a taste of Tokyo’s natural side.
  • Lunch: Head to Ichiran Ramen for a delicious bowl of tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen. Try their unique, high-tech ordering system!
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku for panoramic views of the city from its observation deck on the 45th floor.
  • Evening: Explore Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and most famous intersections in the world. Take a walk around the Shibuya area, including non-touristy spots like Nonbei Yokocho, a small alley filled with tiny bars.
  • Dinner: Try some classic yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at Toriya in Shibuya. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and try different types of skewered chicken!
  • Night: End your day with a visit to Shibuya 109, a legendary Tokyo shopping district that’s been around since 1979.

Day 2: Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara

  • Morning: Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Japan. Take a stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street, which is filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and street performers.
  • Lunch: Head to Ishin, a historic izakaya (Japanese gastropub) that serves delicious tsukemen (dipping ramen) and other Japanese dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, which showcases Japan’s rich history through various exhibitions and collections. Be sure to check out the beautiful gardens and walking paths surrounding the museum.
  • Evening: Explore Akihabara, Tokyo’s electronic and anime hub. Visit the famous Mandarake, a multi-story anime and manga store that’s a must-visit for fans of Japanese pop culture.
  • Dinner: Try some delicious tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet) at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten, a Michelin-starred restaurant with high-quality ingredients.

Day 3: Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree, and Tsukiji

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden, which is filled with moats, walking paths, and traditional Japanese landscaping. Be sure to check out the nearby Imperial Palace, the main residence of Japan’s emperor.
  • Lunch: Head to Sushi Dai in Tsukiji for some of the freshest sushi you’ll ever have. Be prepared for a lively and bustling atmosphere!
  • Afternoon: Visit Tokyo Skytree, which offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck on the 350th floor. Take a walk around the nearby Sumida River, which is lined with beautiful gardens and walking paths.
  • Evening: End your day with a visit to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho, a small alley filled with tiny bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Transportation

Tokyo has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and subways. You can use the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines to get around the city. The most convenient way to travel is by using the Suica or Pasmo prepaid card, which can be purchased at any train station.

Tips and Essentials

  • Cashless culture: Many restaurants, bars, and shops in Tokyo now accept cashless payments using credit cards or smartphones.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Japan, but it’s appreciated if you receive exceptional service.
  • Respect for elders: Show respect to older people by bowing or using polite language when interacting with them.
  • Learn basic Japanese phrases: Try to learn some basic Japanese phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Tokyo, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end hotels. Some recommended areas to stay include:

  • Shinjuku: Close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
  • Asakusa: Near Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
  • Ueno: Close to Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park.

Food

Tokyo is a food lover’s paradise, with many restaurants serving delicious Japanese cuisine. Some recommended dishes include:

  • Sushi: Fresh sushi at Sushi Dai in Tsukiji or other high-quality sushi restaurants throughout the city.
  • Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers at Toriya in Shibuya or other yakitori restaurants.
  • Tonkatsu: Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet at Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama Honten.

Enjoy your trip to Tokyo!