The Travel Guardian · Tokyo Itineraries
Tokyo in 3 Days: The Perfect First-Timer Itinerary
A tight, walkable 3-day plan covering old-town Asakusa, the Shibuya–Harajuku energy, and a final day of markets and digital art — every stop timestamped to the video, costed in yen, and linked to Google Maps.
Tokyo Japan | Tokyo 3 Days Itinerary | Things to do in Tokyo15:12Itinerary
Day 1
- Shinjuku Granbell Hotel✓ Recommended
A well-located base in Shinjuku — walkable to the station, nightlife, and the late-night train lines. Two nights here keeps both halves of the city within 20 minutes.
- Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa✓ Recommended
Tokyo's oldest temple and the classic first stop. Go early to beat the crowds at the Kaminarimon gate, then wander the grounds before the tour buses arrive.
- Nakamise-dori Shopping Street
The lantern-lined approach to Senso-ji, packed with snack stalls and souvenirs. Great for street food (try the ningyo-yaki), touristy but fun.
- Tokyo Skytree✓ Recommended
The 634m tower with the city's best panorama. Worth it on a clear day; skip if it's overcast — you're paying for the view.
- Asakusa izakaya dinner✓ Recommended
End day one with grilled skewers and a beer in a backstreet izakaya. Budget around ¥1,800 per person for a full meal.
Day 2
- Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko✓ Recommended
The world's busiest pedestrian scramble. Cross it once, then watch from the Starbucks or Shibuya Sky for the overhead shot.
- Meiji Jingu Shrine✓ Recommended
A forested shrine that feels a world away from the Shibuya noise ten minutes south. Free, calm, and a lovely morning walk.
- Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Youth-fashion chaos and crepe stands. Fun for a 30-minute wander; gets shoulder-to-shoulder on weekends, so go midday on a weekday if you can.
- Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku✓ Recommended
Smoky 'Memory Lane' alleys of tiny yakitori counters. Atmospheric dinner; a few stalls inflate prices for tourists, so check the menu before sitting.
Day 3
- Tsukiji Outer Market✓ Recommended
Breakfast on the freshest sushi and tamagoyaki straight from the stalls. Arrive before 9am — the best vendors sell out and it shuts by early afternoon.
- teamLab Planets✓ Recommended
A walk-through digital-art museum where you wade barefoot through water and light rooms. Book a timed slot online — it sells out days ahead.
- Akihabara Electric Town
Anime, retro games, and multi-floor electronics. A neon end to the trip — browse the arcades even if you're not buying.
Where the money goes
Visa
Many Western passports (US, UK, EU, Australia) get 90 days visa-free. Always confirm against your own passport before booking.
Indian passport holders need a tourist visa arranged in advance — Japan has begun rolling out an eVisa for travellers booking through registered agents.
Best time to go
Late March–April for cherry blossoms, or late October–November for crisp autumn colour. Avoid the June–July rainy season and the August humidity.
Travel tips
- ›Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card the moment you land — it works on every train, bus, and most convenience stores.
- ›A 7-day JR Pass is rarely worth it for a Tokyo-only trip; pay-as-you-go on Suica is cheaper.
- ›Carry cash. Many small restaurants, temples, and markets are still cash-only.
- ›Book teamLab Planets and any popular dinner spots a few days ahead — walk-ins fill fast.
- ›Trains stop around midnight; check the last departure or budget for a pricey taxi.
The takeaway
Three days is enough to taste the two sides of Tokyo: tradition in the east (Asakusa, Senso-ji) and neon-modern in the west (Shibuya, Shinjuku). Get a Suica card on arrival, keep cash on hand, and book teamLab Planets ahead — the rest you can walk.
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