Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a destination to visit at least once in a lifetime-a city of contrasts, where its modern spirit clashes with the traditional one. In a weekend, unfortunately, it won't be possible to see everything; some sacrifices must be made without skipping great classics like Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, or the Imperial Palace. Here are all our tips on how to organize a 3-day itinerary in Tokyo! See also: What to see in Tokyo

An itinerary in Tokyo must begin in the Asakusa district, the historical district of the city. It is located about 4 km from Tokyo Central Station, reachable by the Ginza Line train from Nihombashi Station to Asakusa Station (Get directions).

Spend part of the morning in this wonderful place, which will take you back to when the city was still called Edo. The main attraction of the district is Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and the most important Buddhist temple. Enjoy a walk along Nakamise Dori, a street rich in traditional shops, perfect for buying souvenirs!

Visitation time: 2.5 hours

To reach this stop: 15 min walk (Get directions).

In late morning, head to the nearby Sumida district, the residential district east of Asakusa. You can also reach it by foot from the temple, arriving at Sumida Park, a wonderful riverside park (210 m, 3 min).

From the park, in just a 15-minute walk, you will reach the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest building in Japan. At 634 m, it is currently the second tallest structure in the world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Take the Tembo Shuttle, the fastest observation elevator in Japan, to the observatory on Floor 350, at 340 m high. The view from up here is truly incredible!

Visitation time: 1 hour See also: Visit to Tokyo Sky Tree: hours, prices, and tips

To reach this stop: 10 min by subway (Get directions).

In the early afternoon, reach Ueno Park, the green lung of Tokyo. From Tokyo Skytree, take the Asakusa Line subway from Oshiage Station (Skytree) to Asakusa Station (3 min), then switch to the Ginza Line to Ueno Station (5 min).

Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Ueno Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Here you can stroll through the park's paths, rent a boat on the lake, and look for the various statues scattered throughout. During spring, it is one of the best places to admire cherry blossoms, one of Japan's most beautiful phenomena.

Visitation time: 1 hour

Within Ueno Park is the most important museum in the city: the National Museum (Get directions). You could visit it instead of the park, but keep in mind that it will take you at least two hours.

This museum offers the richest collection of Japanese art in the world, with ceramics, paintings, masks, and other objects. The museum also hosts the Japanese gallery, Asian gallery, the temple treasure gallery of Hōryū-ji, a research center, a garden, and various restaurants and shops.

Visitation time: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 5 min by subway (Get directions).

In the mid-afternoon, reach the nearby Akihabara district, one of the most unique in Tokyo. From Ueno Park, take the Hibiya Line from Ueno Station and get off at Akihabara Station (3 min).

Tokyo is an eclectic and cosmopolitan city, and the best way to discover each of its faces is to explore its unique neighborhoods. Akihabara, for example, is the electronics and otaku district. Here you will find shops open at any hour selling anime, manga, and related products, as well as electronics and video games. Additionally, in the evening, it is completely illuminated by signs and neon lights, a unique spectacle. Here you will also find Maid Cafes, where you will find waiters or waitresses in traditional 1800's attire, or Cat Cafes, where you can cuddle cats.

Visitation time: 1 hour

Start your second day at Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest fish market in the world! This market is easily accessible from Tokyo Central Station: take the Marunouchi Line subway to Ginza Station (3 min), then switch to the Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station (3 min - Get directions). Alternatively, it's about a 30-minute walk.

This place was famous worldwide for tuna auctions, but today the auction has moved to the Toyosu market. However, it remains one of the best places to taste fresh sushi and buy unique souvenirs like seaweed and fish knives.

Visitation time: 1 hour

To reach this stop: 10 min by subway (Get directions.

After strolling through the fish market, reach the main official residence of the Japanese Emperor: the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The most convenient option is to take the Hibiya Line from Tsukiji Station to Hibiya Station (4 min), then access the palace's gardens by walking across Iwaida Bridge.

In reality, the Imperial Palace, which houses the Emperor's family, is not open to the public. However, you can visit the beautiful East Gardens of the Palace, which are developed around the ruins of the ancient Edo castle. Alternatively, you can participate in a free guided tour that takes place twice a day (10:00 and 13:30, lasting 75 min), during which you visit the East Gardens and some inner gardens within the palace walls.

Visitation time: 1.5 hours See also: Visit to the Imperial Palace: how to get there, prices, and tips

To reach this stop: 20 min by subway (Get directions).

In late morning, reach the Shibuya district, the youth and trendsetting district. From the Imperial Palace, the best option is to take the Hanzomon Line subway from Otemachi Station to Shibuya Station.

Here lies one of the symbols of Tokyo and Japan: the busiest intersection in the world. Have lunch at one of the many restaurants or street food stalls, enjoy a stroll through shops, or stop at one of the many quirky themed cafes!

Visitation time: 1 hour

To reach this stop: 8 min by taxi (Get directions).

For the first part of the afternoon we recommend visiting Meiji Shrine, one of the most symbolic sacred places in Tokyo, open until sunset. From famous Shibuya intersection, the best option is to get there by taxi, which will take less than 10 minutes.

This shrine honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Enjoy a walk through the gardens, the buildings, and the silence that it offers. For a moment you might feel far away from the city.

Visitation time: 1.5 hours

To reach this stop: 20 min by subway (Get directions).

After visiting Meiji Shrine, head down the hill where it is located, and you will immediately find yourself immersed in the Harajuku district, another must-see area in Tokyo, which develops around the station of the same name.

Harajuku is the center of youth culture and new trends. Enjoy a walk along Takeshita Dori, the long street filled with all kinds of shops, both Asian and Western, like the major fashion brands. You will likely have the chance to encounter numerous cosplayers, people dressing up as characters from video games, anime, and manga!

Visitation time: 1.5 hours

To reach this stop: 15 min by subway (Get directions).

Finally, for the evening, head to one of the iconic districts of Tokyo, Shinjuku district. From Harajuku Station, take the Yamanote Line subway directly to Shinjuku Station (5 min).

Shinjuku is the most representative district of modern Tokyo, comparable to Times Square in New York. It represents the area that never sleeps, characterized by huge neon lights and screens shining all night, as well as various local types of entertainment. Indeed, it is one of the nightlife districts in Tokyo!

Visitation time: 1.5 hours

On your last day in Tokyo, start exploring the Ginza district, the classy and elegant district of the city. Taking Tokyo Central Station as a reference point, you can walk to it comfortably (15 min - Get directions).

Ginza is characterized by expensive restaurants and high fashion shops, such as Chanel and Dior, just to name a few. Enjoy a walk among the large window displays, and if you visit this area on the weekend, the main street is also closed to traffic, becoming a true pedestrian zone.

Visitation time: 1.5 hours

To reach this stop: 30 min by subway (Get directions).

In the second part of the morning, head to Odaiba, an innovative district built on an artificial island. From Ginza, the best way is to walk to Shimbashi Station (less than 10 min) and then take the Yurikamome Line subway directly to Aomi Station (20 min).

Odaiba is an innovative district, with shopping malls, interactive museums, and a stunning view of Tokyo's skyline. Outside one of the shopping centers, you will also find the life-sized Gundam statue, over 20 meters tall, which transforms at certain times of the day before the amazed eyes of tourists.

Here we recommend visiting teamLab Borderless, an amazing interactive museum increasingly popular and loved by tourists. You might find yourself walking in a mirror room, admiring the beauty of thousands of floating lanterns and taking really Instagrammable photos.

Visitation time: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 20 min by subway (Get directions).

Then reach the Azabu Juban district, Tokyo's luxury residential area, with numerous shops and venues, mostly Western-style. From Odaiba district, go to Odaiba-Kaihinkōen Station and take the Yurikamome Line subway to Shiodome Station (12 min), then take the Oedo Line and get off at Akabanebashi Station (6 min).

Enjoy a walk through its streets before arriving at the last stop of the day. Did you know that this is the hometown of Sailor Moon? Many episodes were filmed right here, so if you're a fan, you can't miss it.

Visitation time: 2 hours

To reach this stop: 10 min walk (Get directions).

Finally, spend your last evening in the Roppongi Hills district, Tokyo's international district. From Azabu Juban, you can easily walk to it in about ten minutes.

In Roppongi you will find numerous buildings housing international embassies, along with many restaurants, bars, venues, and nightclubs frequented particularly by expatriates. This area is one of the centers of Tokyo's nightlife. But before diving into your last night in the city, we recommend enjoying the panorama and the city lights from the observatory of the Roppongi Hills tower, Tokyo City View.

Visitation time: 1 hour

Alternatively, especially if traveling with family, you can spend this last day at Tokyo Disneyland, the famous Disney theme park in the city (Get directions).

Located southeast of downtown Tokyo in Urayasu, it's like a city within a city. Inside, it houses 39 attractions and many activities, including restaurants, shops, and relaxation areas. It is divided into 7 thematic areas: World Bazaar, Fantasyland, ToonTow, Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Westernland, and Critter Country. The perfect place to be a kid for a day.

Visitation time: 9 hours

To visit Tokyo, the greatest expense will definitely be the flight (compare the flights), but once you arrive, it's possible to organize a low-cost trip. The best areas to stay are the Chiyoda and Chuo districts, with an excellent central location. However, throughout the city, you can find hostels and capsule hotels at very competitive prices.

To get around, you must use the subway, which is punctual and very efficient. We recommend purchasing the metro pass, also available for 72 hours, ideal for the duration of your stay. For lunches and dinners, we suggest street food, which is great and especially economical, while in the evenings, stop by traditional eateries, avoiding overly touristy places.

Let's take a detailed look at the costs of a weekend in Tokyo:

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