Headed to the Land of the Rising Solar and in search of an itinerary for the capital? Learn on for a jam-packed information on the best way to spend 3 days in Tokyo!
Planning a visit to Tokyo could be a bit intimidating. With over 38 million folks within the metro space, that is essentially the most populous metropolis on the earth.
You recognize these movies of individuals being packed like sardines onto a subway automobile? Yeah, they have 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 may be very conventional, Harajuku is the place to be if you wish to absorb Japan’s youth tradition.
In such an enormous metropolis, you gained’t be capable of see all of it in simply 72 hours. That being stated, you may cowl a variety of floor on a Tokyo itinerary in case you have a stable plan.
READ MORE: Take a look at our record of the finest 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 excited by.
You’ll be able to go to a few them on every day however there’s no means you’re hitting all of them in such a short while!
Fortunately Tokyo has an unlimited and environment friendly public transportation system that will help you get round. You’ll be able to even take day journeys to varied cities across the Tokyo Bay space.
The underground community is so expansive right here that the map appears to be like like some form of multi-tentacled anime creature.
You’ll be able to actually go anyplace within the metropolis on the Tokyo metro subway traces.
READ MORE: Right here’s our model new information to travelling in Japan that will help you plan your subsequent huge journey!
Sadly, there are a number of totally different rail methods working right here. For a 3 days in Tokyo itinerary, your finest wager is choosing 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 always 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 very best value too! And only for NOMADasaurus readers, when you use the Klook low cost code “NOMADS10” on the web site when trying out, 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 take a look at but in addition stay versatile.
You’ll most positively get misplaced in Tokyo. Likelihood is you’ll see, hear, or scent one thing fascinating and take a detour. It’s finest to float, folks!
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 individual journey by providing a number of choices.
For those who’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 points of interest listed when you’re headed there throughout the week.
READ MORE: Don’t miss out on these finest day journeys from Tokyo!
Day 1 – Morning
Whilst you could also be tempted to dive off the deep finish and crush an enormous sushi breakfast in your first day, I recommend saving that for day two.
For those who’re questioning what a standard Japanese breakfast is, folks often eat rice, miso soup, fermented soy beans (often called natto), grilled fish, and a few pickled greens.
Folks often wash it down with inexperienced tea slightly 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 record of the finest 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 workers right here tremendous pleasant and useful, however you can even head as much as the eighth flooring to take pleasure in 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 an enormous lantern within the center and two guardian statues on both facet.
This is without doubt 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 out of doors market is stuffed with distributors promoting conventional snacks in addition to souvenirs.
For those who wished to select up a kimono or some ningyo yaki – a candy cake stuffed with crimson bean paste – that is the place to do it.
Senso-Ji Temple
If you stroll to the top of the purchasing road you’ll discover Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Constructed means again within the seventh century, this Buddhist temple is a vital piece of town’s historical past.
It’s positively one of many prime issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days, and greater than 30 million folks go to every year.
Go forward and linger a bit to take all of it in the entire sights of the temple, however don’t overlook that you simply’ve acquired a busy 3 days in Tokyo forward of you!
Select Your Personal Journey
Bear in mind how I stated I’d allow you to select your individual journey to your 3 days in Tokyo?
Properly my mates, you’ve acquired fairly a number of choices as soon as you permit 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 prime of the Tokyo SkyTree (least expensive 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 get together alongside, you’ll wish to seize some lunch.
There are tons of choices in Asakusa, together with loads of wonderful ramen retailers.
Day 1 – Afternoon
After some lunch – and perhaps a cup of espresso with feline mates 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 throughout the cherry blossom season, which occurs from late March to early April.
Ueno Park has a lot happening that you might truthfully spend your complete 3 days in Tokyo right here.
Clearly, you’re not going to try this, so that you’ll should be a bit choosy about what you select to do.
Listed here 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 basic)
- Take a look at the Toshogu Shrine
- Drop within the Tokyo Tradition Corridor
- Hit one of many many museums
- Ebook a guided tour of the park if it’s cherry blossom season!
Museum of Your Alternative
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 formidable assortment of over 100,000 items unfold throughout a number of buildings.
It’s the most important and oldest museum in Japan and positively a must-see in Tokyo in 3 days.
The Tokyo Nationwide Museum prices 620 yen to enter.
There are a number of artwork and science museums to see whenever you go to Tokyo when you’re extra into these than historical past.
You’ll be able to take a look at 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 preserve 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 trendy facet of town.
The proper place to try this is Akihabara, which is only a brief stroll or practice experience from Ueno Park.
This space was named after Akiba, a deity that may management fires. After a hearth destroyed the realm within the 1800s, the folks 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 can find a dizzying array of digital retailers.
Right here you may peruse computer systems, telephones, cameras, TVs, and far more. Akihabara has positively earned its nickname – “Electrical City.”
Otaku Tradition
Even when you’re not searching 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 discuss with somebody who is a large nerd. We’re not speaking simply any form 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 within a online game or comedian ebook.
There are anime and manga retailers and pictures everywhere, in addition to tons of cosplayers handing out flyers for locations like maid cafes.
“What’s a maid cafe?” you might be asking your self. It’s fairly easy – it’s a restaurant the place women gown up like maids and deal with prospects like their masters.
If it sounds bizarre, that’s as a result of it’s. Embrace the odd throughout your 3 days in Tokyo, folks!
READ MORE: Travelling elsewhere? Take a look at our record of the finest issues to do in Japan.
Pachinko
Whilst you’re within the space, you’ve acquired to drop right into a pachinko parlour. Pachinko is principally Japan’s reply to the slot machine, and it’s all the fashion right here.
These machines perform as playing gadgets, although playing for cash in Japan is against the law.
The way in which they skirt the regulation is by having gamers win pachinko balls which are then exchanged for prizes.
There’s an trade separate from the parlour the place you may then swap your prize for some chilly onerous money.
Making an attempt your hand at a sport of pachinko is for certain one of many prime issues to do in Tokyo for 3 days.
Select Your Personal Journey
It’s time as soon as once more to decide on your individual journey! After an exhausting first of three days in Tokyo, all of it is determined by how a lot fuel you’ve acquired left within the tank and what your priorities are for day two.
Your choices for dinner in Tokyo are principally countless. You would possibly 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 finest road meals.
Whether or not or not you dabble in Tokyo’s nightlife by happening an epic pub crawl is de facto as much as you. For those who hope to catch the public sale on the fish market, you’ll in all probability wish to name it an early night time.
That’s as a result of it’s important to get there round 5 within the morning if you wish to seize a spot!
For those who may care much less about watching folks throw fish round, then get on the market and rip it up on an evening out in Tokyo!
I truthfully haven’t skilled a lot of the nightlife there but, however this is a superb information to ingesting in Tokyo.
Day 2 – Morning
If the Toyosu Fish Market is in your record of issues to see in Tokyo in 3 days, then day two begins actually early for you!
Must you go this route, you would possibly wish to be sure to’ve acquired a espresso and a snack able to get you going.
Toyosu Fish Market
I ought to word that Toyosu is comparatively new. Many guides to Tokyo record the Tsukiji Fish Market, however the wholesale market relocated in October 2018 for a wide range of causes.
Today, the tuna public sale takes place between 5:30-6: 30 AM.
For those who’re cool watching from the upper-level commentary space, simply present up a couple of minutes early. Simply be warned that you simply won’t 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 possibility.
Making use of doesn’t assure you a spot, because it’s a lottery system. For those who’re fortunate, you’ll get notified a few week prematurely.
You don’t should see the public sale to take pleasure in 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 an enormous sushi breakfast in one of many many eating places.
That is positively one of many prime 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 suggest 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’s the time to seize some meals and gasoline up for the second of three days in Tokyo.
Harajuku
If 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 style and tradition and a very enjoyable place to discover.
For those who want a snack or a pick-me up, there are a number of cafes proper across the tube station, together with one more cat cafe. They’re form of a giant deal right here…
Yoyogi Park
Earlier than you take a look at the fashionable facet of Harajuku, head into Yoyogi Park. This is without doubt one of the largest parks within the metropolis, stuffed with ponds, fountains, and vast 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 by a time of nice change. It’s truly Emperor Meiji who’s credited with opening the Land of the Rising Solar to the west.
It’s a peaceable, stunning 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 huge 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 stuffed with boutique retailers, cafes, quick meals joints, and all of the issues youngsters love.
Takeshita is bumping on the weekends with stylish teenagers who come right here to point out off their distinctive style sense and do some purchasing with mates.
It’s a terrific place for some folks 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 acquired 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 could have observed {that a} gap has been burned in your pockets.
Tokyo isn’t an affordable metropolis to go to, that’s for certain. That’s why this subsequent cease is such one – it’s completely free!
The Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing has an observatory that’s 202 metres above town streets.
It’s the very best place to go for panoramic views of Tokyo and it doesn’t even price you something.
Remember to add a cease right here to your record 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 night time is as much as you at this level.
Some folks would possibly simply wish to seize a fast chew to eat and name it an evening, and that’s completely comprehensible.
You’ve solely acquired 3 days in Tokyo, although, so I like to recommend digging down deep, summoning your third wind, and powering by to verify not less than one or two extra issues off your record.
One cool factor to do on this space is visiting the Samurai Museum.
It’s open till 9 PM and is price trying out, if solely simply to snap a pic of you in a badass Samurai costume.
For those who’re excited by experiencing a little bit of sensory overload alongside together with your dinner, you’ll want to take a look at the Robotic Restaurant.
It’s principally the dinner present model of an acid journey.
NOMADasaurus Word – The Robotic Restaurant was maybe the BEST factor we did in Tokyo on our current journey! Belief us, do it. – Alesha and Jarryd
As you would possibly count on, the Robotic Restaurant is kind of in style. Tickets promote out nicely prematurely, so you’ll want to ebook them early.
The worth tag is a bit steep, however when else are you going to have such a wild dinner expertise?
By reserving by Klook you get the most affordable value attainable (they’ve a particular take care of 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 very best value too! And only for NOMADasaurus readers, when you use the Klook low cost code “NOMADS10” on the web site when trying out, 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 stuffed with slim, winding alleys which are residence to some very cozy bars. A few of them can solely maintain a handful of individuals.
This makes for a really genuine Japanese ingesting expertise and is a superb addition to your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary.
Day 3 – Morning
Hopefully you didn’t do too many sake bombs in Golden Gai, however when you 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
If 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 website of the Edo Citadel 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 sure to take action prematurely.
Head to their web site as much as one month prematurely to safe your spot.
Even when you don’t rating a spot on a tour, it’s price visiting the palace grounds.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are beautiful and positively top-of-the-line 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 when you 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 spot for a fast stroll.
The principle purpose to stroll by 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 sincere, the statue is form 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 nearly to the end line.
For the afternoon in your remaining 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.
In the course of the hotter months (April-September), the central Chuo Dori road is shut all the way down to site 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.
For those who didn’t make it to the brand new fish market on day two, you may swing by the previous one at this time.
The Tsukiji Fish Market isn’t residence to the auctions anymore, but it surely’s nonetheless open and there are many locations to munch on recent sushi right here.
Day 3 – Night
It’s time as soon as once more to decide on your individual journey! On your remaining night time of three days in Tokyo, you’ll wish to you’ll want to get some good sundown views.
Listed here are a number of choices together with the well-known Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Crossing, and extra.
Roppongi Hills
This can be a large growth mission and the brainchild of constructing tycoon Minoru Mori.
It has residences, workplace areas, eating places, film theatres, retailers, and extra.
The thought was to create a spot the place folks can dwell, 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 additionally they embody admission to the Mori Artwork Museum.
For those who don’t thoughts splurging a bit, the views listed below are fairly unimaginable.
Tokyo Tower
If you would like some epic views of town however don’t wish to fork over a lot yen, you may head to the Tokyo Tower as an alternative.
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.
Ebook tickets to the Tokyo Tower on Klook!
Shibuya Crossing
We wrap up 3 good days in Tokyo in Shibuya. Popping out of the Shibuya Station, you’ll see the well-known statue of Hachinko.
There’s a phenomenal story behind this loyal canine, so you’ll want to learn it earlier than your journey!
Hopefully, you may deal with crowds as a result of our subsequent cease is the Shibuya crossing.
Famed to be the busiest pedestrian crossing on the earth, over 2,500 folks crisscross the road right here on every mild.
If you wish to see the view of the crossing from above, your finest wager is to pop into the Starbucks.
There’s no sneaking a free peak right here, although, as they make sure that you purchase one thing earlier than you may method the window. Seize a cup of joe and sit down to observe the insanity beneath.
Mario Kart IRL
Arms down, one of many coolest issues to do in Tokyo in 3 days is enjoying real-life Mario Kart.
MariCAR lets you gown up as well-known characters like Yoshi and experience a go-kart by the busy streets of Tokyo.
Simply don’t go tossing any banana peels off to the facet – that’s harmful!
You must ebook it forward of time, and you will need to have your Worldwide Drivers Allow with you with a view to do the exercise.
For those who’ve acquired any power left, there are many cool bars and music venues in Shibuya.
There you will have it, my mates – an superior plan for the best way to spend 3 days in Tokyo!
The place to Keep in Tokyo
Now that you simply’ve acquired a badass itinerary for 3 days in Tokyo, you’re in all probability questioning the place it’s best to say on this sprawling metropolis.
Actually, so long as you’re within the metropolis correct and are close to an underground station, you’re good to go.
A few of the hottest areas to remain in Tokyo embody Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa.
Listed here are a number of choices for some lodging in Tokyo to swimsuit all budgets:
Greatest Hostel in Tokyo – Grids
There are many wonderful hostels in Tokyo, which is nice information for finances travellers.
For those who’re balling on a finances, a stable alternative is Grids. They’re so in style 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 snug hostel in a terrific location.
Dorm beds go for beneath $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 affordable value.
All of their properties have superior evaluations, in order that they’re clearly doing one thing proper!
Greatest Mid Vary Resort – Resort Ryumeikan
For those who’re the kind of traveller who appreciates 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 huge for Tokyo. Additionally they have tea and a Nespresso machine, plus some tremendous cozy pajamas you need to use.
You can begin your time without work 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 when you’d slightly simply do your individual.
Greatest Luxurious Resort – Mandarin Oriental
In relation to luxurious lodging in Tokyo, it’s onerous to prime the Mandarin Oriental.
This 5-star resort is centrally positioned close to Tokyo Station on the highest 9 flooring of the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower.
This swanky resort has all of it – a spa, fitness center, enterprise centre, occasion area, 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 possibility right here runs near $700 an evening even in off-season.
Then once more, this place all the time comes up in lists of the “finest motels on the earth,” so it’s well worth the splurge for this one!
