Tokyo 3 Day Itinerary

This itinerary covers Tokyo’s essential attractions over three days with time for deeper exploration. It answers: “How to spend 3 days in Tokyo?”

Quick Facts

Best for: First-time visitors, thorough exploration
Pace: Moderate with rest time
Budget: ¥10,000-15,000 (excluding accommodation and meals)

Day 1: East Tokyo – Traditional

Morning

Tsukiji Outer Market – Start with fresh sushi breakfast. Then take the subway to Asakusa for Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street.

Crowded Takeshita Street in Harajuku, bustling with young people and colorful, unique fashion shops — Takeshita Street, Harajuku — Photo by Unknown / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Vibrant Nakamise-dori street in Asakusa lined with traditional shops, leading towards Senso-ji Temple — Nakamise Street, Asakusa — Photo by Maarten Heerlien from Voorschoten, The Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Fresh sushi displayed at a stall in Tsukiji Outer Market — Tsukiji Outer Market — Photo by Aw1805 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Afternoon

Tokyo Skytree – Walk from Asakusa across Sumida River. Observation deck offers 360° views. Ueno Park – Museums and shrines (pick 1-2 based on interest).

Omotesando — Photo by Rs1421 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Serene view of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, covered with lotus leaves and flowers — Ueno Park — Photo by Nesnad / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

Panoramic view of Tokyo city from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck — Tokyo Skytree — Photo by Mattias Hill / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Evening

Akihabara – Electric Town for anime, electronics, and gaming culture.

Atmospheric narrow alley in Shinjuku's Golden Gai, illuminated by traditional lanterns and small bar signs — Shinjuku Golden Gai — Photo by てらたにこういち / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0

Vibrant street scene in Akihabara Electric Town at night, with towering buildings illuminated by colorful neon signs — Akihabara — Photo by morbuto / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Day 2: Central & West Tokyo – Modern

Morning

Meiji Shrine – Peaceful forest walk in central Tokyo. Then explore Harajuku – Takeshita Street youth culture.

Large wooden torii gate marking the entrance to Meiji Jingu Shrine amidst a forest path — Meiji Jingu Shrine — Photo by Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Afternoon

Shibuya – Famous crossing, shopping, Shibuya Sky observation deck. Omotesando – Upscale shopping avenue with modern architecture.

Aerial view of Shibuya Scramble Crossing with numerous pedestrians crossing — Shibuya Crossing — Photo by Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Evening

Shinjuku – Free observation deck at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Dinner in Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho.

Day 3: Waterfront & Choice

Morning

Ginza – Upscale shopping and traditional Kabukiza Theatre building. Imperial Palace East Gardens – Free entry, beautiful grounds.

Afternoon

Odaiba – Waterfront entertainment, teamLab museums, shopping malls. Rainbow Bridge views.

Evening

Tokyo Tower – Classic night view, or revisit favorite neighborhood from earlier days.

Tips

Transport: 72-hour Tokyo Metro pass (¥1,500) covers most travel.
Flexibility: Adjust based on weather. Rain days = more museum time.

Getting There

Starting Point

This itinerary assumes you are starting from central Tokyo. Most travelers base themselves near major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station. Access to these areas is straightforward from both international airports using express trains or airport limousine buses.

From Narita Airport (NRT)

Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔴 Narita Express (N’EX) from Terminal 1 or 2 directly to Tokyo, Shinjuku, or Shibuya Stations in approximately 60–90 minutes. This is the most convenient option for reaching major hotels without transfers. Terminal 3 users must take a shuttle or walk to Terminal 2 first. Fastest (Premium): The 🔵 Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno Station in approximately 40 minutes, requiring a transfer to reach other parts of the city. Budget: The 🟠 Keisei Access Express offers a cheaper route to Asakusa and Shinagawa via the subway network.

From Haneda Airport (HND)

Recommended (Mid-range): Take the 🔴 Keikyu Line from any terminal (T1, T2, T3) to Shinagawa Station in approximately 15–20 minutes. From Shinagawa, transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line to reach Tokyo, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. Alternative (Mid-range): The 🔵 Tokyo Monorail connects all terminals to Hamamatsucho Station in approximately 20 minutes, offering easy transfers to the JR Yamanote Line.

Useful Passes

For this 3-day itinerary, the Tokyo Subway Ticket (72-hour) is highly recommended for unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Prepaid IC cards like Suica or PASMO are essential for JR lines (like the Yamanote Line) and private railways not covered by the subway pass. These cards are accepted on almost all trains, buses, and even at convenience stores throughout the Kanto region.

Sources

Official guide: GO TOKYO

Last updated: 2026-02-03