3 days in Tokyo

The 3-day plan, day by day

1. 1

   Day 1 · Tuesday — Asakusa, Ueno and evening Ginza

   Historic Tokyo landmarks, classic park museums, and a polished evening district

   6 stops€84 in stops, for two

   Morning

   1. 09:001

      Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori

      Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temple anchors an atmospheric district of gates, incense, and lantern-lined courtyards. Arriving in the morning gives the area a lively but manageable feel, with plenty of time to browse traditional snack and souvenir stalls along the approach.

      2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, JapanFree

      TIPVisit the main hall first, then browse Nakamise before the biggest crowds build.

   2. 11:002

      Sumida River walk from Asakusa

      A short walk along the river opens broad views toward central Tokyo and gives the morning a calmer rhythm after the temple precinct. It is a pleasant stretch for photos, people-watching, and seeing the contrast between older low-rise streets and the modern skyline.

      Free

      TIPBring a light layer if it feels breezy by the water.

   Afternoon

   1. 12:153

      Ameya-Yokocho market lanes

      This busy market district under and around the rail lines is packed with snack counters, produce sellers, and casual lunch spots. It is one of the easiest places to experience Tokyo’s energetic everyday street life while choosing a flexible midday meal.

      €15 per person

      TIPCash is useful for smaller food stalls and quick purchases.

   2. 13:504

      Tokyo National Museum

      Japan’s premier museum introduces art, sculpture, armor, ceramics, and cultural history in a spacious, well-organized complex. For a first visit, even a focused circuit through the main galleries gives a strong sense of the country’s visual heritage.

      13-9 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan€7 per person

      TIPStart with the Honkan main gallery if you want the clearest overview in limited time.

   Evening

   1. 17:005

      Ginza main avenues and side streets

      Tokyo’s polished flagship shopping district mixes broad boulevards, elegant department stores, and quieter lanes with cafes and design-forward storefronts. An early evening stroll captures the neighborhood as lights come on and the area shifts into its stylish after-work mood.

      Free

      TIPExplore one or two side streets as well as the main avenue for a more varied feel.

   2. 19:006

      Yurakucho Gado-shita dinner area

      The restaurant zone beneath and beside the rail tracks at Yurakucho has a lively, unmistakably urban Tokyo atmosphere. Expect compact eateries, grilled dishes, and an easygoing evening crowd that makes this a strong first-night dinner stop.

      €20 per person

      TIPGo with whatever looks busiest and appealing; turnover is fast at many places.

2. 2

   Day 2 · Wednesday — Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya

   Shrine calm, fashionable streets, and Tokyo’s modern urban pulse

   7 stops€110 in stops, for two

   Morning

   1. 09:001

      Meiji Jingu

      Set within a large forested precinct, this Shinto shrine offers a quiet, spacious start to the day despite its central location. The long gravel approaches, giant torii gates, and ceremonial architecture create one of Tokyo’s most memorable contrasts between city and calm.

      1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, JapanFree

      TIPKeep voices low in the inner shrine area and allow time for the wooded walk in.

   2. 10:452

      Yoyogi Park walk

      The broad lawns and tree-lined paths beside the shrine add an easy green pause in the middle of the city. It is a simple way to slow the pace, spot local joggers and picnic groups, and enjoy a different side of central Tokyo.

      Free

      TIPWeekday mornings are especially pleasant and spacious here.

   3. 11:453

      Takeshita Street and Omotesando approach

      This walk links Harajuku’s compact, playful fashion street with the broader, more refined avenues nearby. It gives a quick read on Tokyo’s youth style culture, colorful snack scene, and the polished storefront architecture of the surrounding district.

      Free

      TIPTakeshita Street gets crowded quickly, so keep moving and browse side lanes if needed.

   Afternoon

   1. 13:304

      Omotesando lunch streets

      The backstreets around Omotesando hold a dense mix of cafes, bakeries, and casual restaurants in a polished neighborhood setting. This is a comfortable lunch stop with plenty of choice and a good break before the busier afternoon sights.

      €18 per person

      TIPLook one street back from the main avenue for shorter waits and more variety.

   2. 15:155

      Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko area

      Few places express modern Tokyo’s scale and motion as instantly as the famous crossing and the surrounding station district. The area is ideal for soaking up giant screens, constant foot traffic, and the electric energy that makes Shibuya such a first-time favorite.

      Free

      TIPUse the station-side viewpoints or nearby upper floors for a better view of the crossing.

   3. 16:306

      Shibuya Sky

      This rooftop observatory delivers sweeping views over Tokyo’s dense cityscape, with a particularly striking sense of the capital’s scale. Late afternoon is a rewarding time for layered daylight views that gradually shift toward illuminated streets below.

      Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ スクランブルスクエア 14階・45階 46階・屋上€15 per person

      TIPReserve a timed entry in advance for the smoothest visit.

   Evening

   1. 18:307

      Nonbei Yokocho and nearby Shibuya dinner streets

      The small lanes near Shibuya Station offer a more intimate evening atmosphere than the giant intersections outside. Expect narrow alleys, tightly packed eateries, and a lively transition from daytime sightseeing into Tokyo after-dark street life.

      €22 per person

      TIPSmall places may have limited seating, so flexibility helps at dinner time.

3. 3

   Day 3 · Thursday — Imperial-area greenery and Shinjuku lights

   Tokyo landmarks, landscaped gardens, and a vivid final evening

   7 stops€86 in stops, for two

   Morning

   1. 09:001

      Tokyo Station Marunouchi Plaza and red-brick facade

      The restored station frontage is one of central Tokyo’s most elegant historic landmarks, framed by modern office towers and broad plazas. It makes a strong visual starting point and introduces the city’s blend of preserved architecture and contemporary scale.

      1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, JapanFree

      TIPStep back into the plaza for the best full view of the facade.

   2. 10:002

      Imperial Palace East Gardens

      These spacious grounds combine moats, stone walls, gates, and carefully maintained gardens on part of the former Edo Castle site. The visit offers historical context as well as one of the most open and peaceful walking areas in central Tokyo.

      1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, JapanFree

      TIPCarry water and wear comfortable shoes; the grounds are larger than they first appear.

   Afternoon

   1. 12:003

      Marunouchi Nakadori and nearby lunch area

      This refined business district has tree-lined streets, polished storefronts, and an easy selection of lunch options in and around the office towers. It is a convenient midday stop with a more relaxed, local weekday rhythm.

      €18 per person

      TIPWeekday lunch sets can offer good value, but popular spots fill quickly around noon.

   2. 14:004

      Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

      This large garden blends Japanese, English, and French landscape styles in a calm, beautifully maintained setting. It is an ideal afternoon break, with broad lawns, ponds, and seasonal planting that create a softer counterpoint to the surrounding city.

      11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan€3 per person

      TIPThe garden closes in the late afternoon, so arrive with enough time for an unhurried circuit.

   3. 16:155

      Omoide Yokocho

      This compact lane network near Shinjuku Station is famous for its tightly packed eateries, glowing signs, and nostalgic postwar feel. Even a short walk through gives a strong sense of Tokyo’s dense, atmospheric alley culture.

      Free

      TIPIt is narrow and photogenic, so pause at the lane entrances if foot traffic is busy.

   Evening

   1. 17:156

      Kabukicho and Shinjuku evening streets

      As dusk falls, this entertainment district fills with neon, signboards, arcades, and a nonstop street scene that feels distinctly Tokyo. Walking the main roads and side lanes here makes for a vivid, high-energy final evening.

      Free

      TIPStay on the main, well-lit streets and ignore aggressive touts.

   2. 18:457

      Shinjuku dinner streets

      The station area and nearby entertainment blocks offer a huge range of casual dinner choices, from noodle counters to grilled specialties and izakaya-style spots. It is a fitting final meal area with plenty of atmosphere and flexibility.

      €22 per person

      TIPChoose a place with a visible menu outside if you want an easy, quick decision.