Tokyo, Japan, is definitely probably the most fascinating cities on the earth and a bucket checklist vacation spot for a lot of vacationers (us included). All issues fast-paced, quirky, futuristic, conventional, and vibrant, Tokyo is the beating coronary heart of Japan and the right introduction to the nation. It’s an enormous metropolis, divided into varied mini-cities and numerous districts, altogether dwelling to over 30 million folks.
Regardless of its recognition, Tokyo lives as much as the hype with countless issues to see and do to maintain you busy for days. From shrines and temples to palaces and gardens, themed cafes, busy streets, and 24/7 nightlife, Tokyo is something however boring. And it’s a vacation spot that retains giving!
We don’t declare to know all the pieces there’s to learn about Tokyo. However having now visited the town twice and spent over two weeks exploring its well-liked points of interest and hidden gems, we really feel like we will share just a few suggestions and recommendation with first-time vacationers.
We cherished all the pieces concerning the metropolis, from the chaotic Shibuya Crossing to the soothing Sensō-ji Temple. This can be a metropolis that mixes historical tradition and modernity in contrast to wherever else.
With a lot to see and do, Tokyo is not a vacation spot you need to go to with no plan. And when you can spend per week or extra exploring the town, a 3 day Tokyo itinerary is nearly proper for first-time guests.
3 days in Tokyo let you jam a great number of actions and points of interest, however solely if you’re organized and prepared for a giant day of exploring.
We’ve completed the exhausting work of planning the times for you, so we hope this Tokyo itinerary helps you intend the right journey to Japan’s final metropolis vacation spot.
The right way to Get to Tokyo
Earlier than we get into one of the best ways to spend 3 days in Tokyo, let’s speak about entering into the town (it’s a bit difficult).
Tokyo has two worldwide airports, Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT). The excellent news is that each have good transport choices to get you into the town heart comparatively quick.
Flying into Tokyo!
From Haneda Airport
The closest of the 2 airports to the town, Haneda, is simply 18 km (11 miles) from the town heart on Tokyo Bay. It’s well-connected to the town with loads of transport choices together with practice, bus or taxi. The quickest possibility is by practice, with the Airport Categorical leaving each half-hour to Shinagawa Station. There, you may change to a different line to go into the middle. The journey ought to price US$4-6, or it’s also possible to buy 24, 48 or 72-hour subway tickets.
The opposite public transport possibility is to take the Categorical Airport Bus (our most popular possibility), which is able to take round an hour to get to Shinjuku Station. Relying on the place in Tokyo you need to go, there are different shuttles and buses obtainable at Haneda. Verify the totally different timetables right here.
From Narita Airport
Narita Airport is situated round 60 km (37 miles) from Tokyo, so it takes a bit longer to get to the town from there. Nonetheless, you continue to have good choices for transport, together with bus, practice and taxi. Contemplating the space you’ll must cowl, the practice is one of the best ways to get from Narita to the town.
The quickest practice is the JR Narita Categorical, which takes underneath an hour. A common ticket for this practice will set you again about 3000 yen or US$20. The opposite possibility is the Keiser Skyliner Prepare, which additionally takes lower than an hour and might be bought with day by day or multi-day subway tickets ranging from 3000 yen or US$20.
Finest Time to Go to Tokyo
The very best time to go to Tokyo is Fall or Spring. Nonetheless, every season can supply one thing totally different relying on what you need to see and do.
Spring
We’ve all seen these dreamy images of the cherry blossoms on our social feeds. Nicely, spring is the peak cherry blossom season in Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan. For that reason, Tokyo might be extraordinarily busy with vacationers, particularly between March and April.
In late April and early Might, Tokyo celebrates Golden Week with occasions and festivals all through the town. Temperatures additionally begin to heat up into the 60s°F (between 15-20°C) by April, so it may be a pleasant time to wander across the metropolis, however you’ll must battle towards crowds and excessive costs.
Summer time
Summer time is taken into account the excessive season in Tokyo. You’ll must cope with each the crowds and the warmth and humidity. Temperatures rise into the excessive 80s °F (excessive 30s °C), which might make it a bit of uncomfortable to be strolling round throughout the day. Summer time can also be Japan’s wet season, so you may anticipate bursts of rain in between the solar.
Fall
Fall is the good season for visiting Tokyo. You may not get to see the cherry blossoms, however for those who time you go to properly, you may admire the autumn foliage as an alternative. As Fall units in, temperatures are inclined to drop into the 70s F (low 20s °C) throughout the day, making strolling across the metropolis and exploring the sights extra comfy.
Nonetheless, Fall climate is usually a little finicky, notably in September. It could actually nonetheless be a bit wet, or very humid and scorching. So we suggest planning a visit in October to ease a few of that uncertainty and get probably the most of your 3 day Toky itinerary.
Winter
Winter is the lowest season for tourism in Tokyo, as the town can get fairly chilly. Whereas days are bearable, with temperatures hovering across the low 50s° F (10-15 °C), the nights can get extraordinarily chilly, dropping to 35 °F (1 °C). Over the Christmas and New 12 months interval, the town comes alive regardless of the chilly, and you may get pleasure from stunning lights across the metropolis.
Tokyo in the summertime
3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary
Planning to spend 3 days in Tokyo? You aren’t alone. You is likely to be curious to be taught that almost all first-time guests to Japan will spend 3 days exploring Tokyo.
So, it’s no shock that we’ve compiled this information that will help you see one of the best districts, sights, and points of interest in your brief go to. This can be a tried and true itinerary, one which we adopted ourselves on our latest go to. Beginning with the historic elements of the town and shifting to the extra bustling fashionable enterprise and buying districts, this 3-day itinerary will make sure you get to pattern all of the totally different elements of Tokyo. Okay, let’s bounce into it!
Day 1: Historic Tokyo
Your first day in Tokyo needs to be devoted to exploring conventional Tokyo and the historic and cultural sights across the metropolis heart. With an early begin, right here’s methods to spend your first day on this Tokyo itinerary.
Morning: Discover the Imperial Palace
Discover the town’s historic heart by heading to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Situated on the previous website of Edo Fort, initially inbuilt 1457, the Imperial Palace is an exquisite backyard and royal palace advanced surrounded by previous stone partitions and a moat. It’s only a 10-minute stroll from Tokyo Station, so it’s accessible by metro from most locations within the metropolis.
The palace is the present dwelling of the Imperial Household, so the internal grounds are closed to the general public for a lot of the 12 months. But it surely’s nonetheless price visiting the parks and gardens, that are free to go to.
Don’t miss:
Imperial Palace East Gardens: These stunning gardens are situated on what was as soon as the innermost circles of Edo Fort. The gardens consist of a giant garden, manicured gardens with seasonal flowers and bushes, and a few stays of the previous fortress. The gardens are closed on Mondays, Fridays, and particular events.
Nijubashi Bridge: The title “Nijubashi” interprets to “Double Bridge” in English, and it refers back to the pair of bridges that make up the construction, the stone bridge referred to as “Meganebashi” (Eyeglass Bridge) from the Edo interval and an iron bridge from the Meiji period. This entrance to the Imperial Palace has immense historic significance. Though entry to this space is restricted, guests can witness the Altering of the Guard ceremony on the bridge.
Guided tour: We extremely suggest taking the free guided tour of the gardens, which takes simply over an hour and is held twice a day in English and Japanese. The tour offers you an unimaginable perception into the historical past of the advanced and makes for a way more significant go to. Spots are restricted, so guide upfront right here.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Lunch: Close to Imperial Palace or Asakusa
As soon as the starvation hits, we advise trying out one of many following locations for lunch.
Marunouchi Space: Not removed from the Imperial Palace round Tokyo Station, this central district is dwelling to many locations serving Japanese and worldwide delicacies. We notably love Tokyo Ramen Road, situated within the basement of Tokyo Station. Right here, you’ll discover one of the best ramen choices within the metropolis. Nonetheless, put together for lengthy strains round lunchtime, because it’s extremely well-liked. If you happen to need assistance choosing the store, Rokurinsha Ramen is an efficient possibility, however there are many options. You actually can’t go unsuitable with any spot right here!
Asakusa: To get a head begin in your afternoon, head to Asakusa, the place you’ll discover a number of eateries providing conventional Japanese dishes like tempura, udon, or soba. Seize a chew earlier than you get to Nakamise Purchasing Space, as there’s not a lot aside from snacks and sweets as you get nearer to Senso-ji Temple.
Ramen in Tokyo
Afternoon: Go to Asakusa District
Head north of the town heart and discover the Asakusa neighbourhood for the afternoon. Retaining the previous Tokyo vibe, this space has loads of sights and experiences to maintain you busy for just a few hours.
Don’t miss:
Senso-ji Temple: Situated within the coronary heart of Asakusa, this historical Buddhist temple is without doubt one of the most stunning locations within the metropolis and Tokyo’s oldest temple. Its most important options embody the Kaminarimon (the Thunder Gate), the principle entry, a five-story pagoda, and the Asakusa Shrine.
Nakamise Purchasing Road: Main from the outer gate in direction of Senso-ji Temple, this bustling buying road is over 200 meters lengthy and is full of memento stalls and snack retailers promoting conventional Japanese items.
Time you go to to Asakusa with the golden mild of the late afternoon, head throughout the Sumida River from Asakusa to the Tokyo Skytree. It’s the world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower at 634 meters (2000 ft). Just like the Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing, it has an commentary deck boasting panoramic views of Tokyo. You may buy tickets upfront to avoid wasting 300 yen on the entry.
Nakamise Road, Asakusa
Contained in the Senso Ji Temple
Night: Romantic Dinner Cruise or Road Meals in Yanaka
Within the night, you may select between a few actions. Take a dinner cruise down the Sumida River for a romantic night time out. Get pleasure from as much as three hours on a standard Yakatabune houseboat cruise with a really genuine Japanese dinner as you admire the town skyline by night time.
Or, head over west and finish your day within the historic Yanaka district for dinner. This previous city district is dwelling to quirky Japanese structure and loads of road meals stalls, particularly alongside Yanaka Ginza. There are many retailers to pattern Sake, Manju (Japanese cake), dumplings, and extra.
Sumida River in Asakusa at sundown
Day 2: Fashionable Tokyo
Swap gears and discover the extra fashionable and cosmopolitan aspect of the town on day 2 of this Tokyo itinerary. You’ll go to well-known locations like Shibuya and Harajuku and pattern extra wonderful Japanese road meals.
Morning: Discover the Bustling District of Shibuya
You may’t say you’ve visited Tokyo with out exploring the Shibuya district. The quintessential Tokyo expertise, Shibuya is a enterprise district with a busy ambiance that Tokyo is thought for.
After all, its most well-known attraction is the Shibuya Crossing, discovered simply outdoors Shibuya Station. As one of many busiest crossings on the planet, Shibuya Crossing sees an estimated 3,000 folks crossing it concurrently. Strolling throughout the highway with a sea of different folks is one in every of Tokyo’s iconic experiences. Alternatively, head over to Starbucks on the crossing and seize a seat on the second degree for unimaginable views of the chaos at play beneath.
For an much more distinctive approach of exploring Shibuya, be a part of one of many go-kart road excursions. You may drive a kart throughout the well-known Shibuya Crossing wearing your favorite costumes from comics or anime. This was one in every of our favorite actions in Tokyo and one we extremely suggest. Guide forward and remember that you’ll want a global driver’s license to hitch within the enjoyable.
Lunch: Pattern Some Ramen
Pattern probably the most iconic meals in Japanese meals: ramen. A Japanese noodle dish that consists of Chinese language-style noodles, served in a broth with added flavours from soy sauce and miso, and normally added toppings resembling greens or sliced pork.
Attempt the native Ichiran chain, only a brief stroll from Shibuya Crossing. This well-known ramen chain is thought for its specialty – tonkatsu ramen (pork bone base).
Afternoon: Go to Harajuku
Take the subway from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station or just stroll 10-Quarter-hour on foot, and you may discover Tokyo’s bizarre Harajuku district. Top-of-the-line locations to take in Japanese tradition, Harajuku is thought for its vibrant style, buying, and attractive sweets.
Finest issues to see in Harajuku:
Takeshita Road: The last word buying and quirky meals vacation spot in Tokyo, wander alongside the chaotic and loopy Takeshita Dori to take in the ambiance and eat all of the bizarre and wacky snacks and sweets alongside the way in which. Sure, they’re touristy however nonetheless so enjoyable!
Cat Road: For a extra offbeat expertise, head to Cat Road, hipster central for the youthful generations. Lined with distinctive clothes shops and classy cafes, it’s the brand new “it” place price exploring within the space. Give your self sufficient time to pop into some retailers and take pleasure in Tokyo retail remedy.
Meiji Shrine: If you happen to’re on the lookout for calm and tranquillity amidst the chaos, wander over to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park, which covers an exquisite forested space. You may attain the principle advanced of shrines in only a 10-minute stroll from the doorway. It’s free to go to.
Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard: For extra inexperienced areas, head a bit north to Shinjuku Gyoen, a former property with a various backyard and grassy expanse simply subsequent to the well-known Shinjuku Station.
Dinner: Attempt Okonomiyaki in Omotesando
Only a brief stroll east of Meiji Shrine and Harajuku is the extra upscale neighbourhood of Omotesando. Right here, you’ll discover edgy structure and stylish cafes contrasting with Harajuku.
It’s a superb space to attempt okonomiyaki, a savoury cabbage pancake served with varied toppings. We suggest Harajuku Okonomiyaki Yai-yai, a classy spot that usually has a protracted queue, or Sakura-tei, an informal eatery with quirky Japanese artwork overlaying the partitions.
Day 3: Tokyo’s Fashionable and Cultural Mix
The ultimate a part of our 3 days in Tokyo itinerary presents a mix of modernity and custom via the assorted markets, museums and galleries across the metropolis.
Morning: Sumo Wrestling and Native Markets
If Sumo Wrestling is in your bucket checklist whereas in Tokyo, that is the morning so as to add it to your itinerary. Get up early and head to early morning Sumo Wrestling apply at Arashio-beya Sumo Steady. Except the sumo wrestlers are competing (through which case you may add a sumo wrestling match to your Tokyo itinerary), you’ll be capable of discover them right here each morning from 7:30am-9:30am.
You may both be a part of a tour or watch via the window outdoors. Verify the schedule of the apply right here so that you don’t miss out.
Then, head to Tsukiji Outer Market within the Chou Metropolis district for an unimaginable foodie expertise. Take in the ambiance of the native market as you wander via the slim alleyways full of eating places and retailers promoting wholesale produce, recent fish and loads of different goodies. You may attain the market by taking the Oedo or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Subway strains.
The market runs till 2pm, however is at its greatest earlier than midday. Seize brunch at one of many many little seafood eating places or standing bars generally known as tachigui. With seafood delivered straight from Toyosu Fish Market each morning, you may anticipate finding the freshest seafood obtainable in Tokyo. Attempt tamagoyaki (omelette on a stick), recent tuna fish, or any of the sushi.
Sushi meal at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
When you’ve had your fill of scrumptious seafood, hop again on the subway and head to TeamLab Planets, Tokyo’s immersive digital artwork museum. This is without doubt one of the coolest points of interest in Tokyo, so don’t miss it! The museum includes a distinctive mix of artwork, expertise, and nature, providing guests a rare sensory expertise. Guests can discover interactive digital reveals and take part in experiences, from strolling via a room full of ever-changing flowers to wading in a knee-deep pond of digital koi fish that react to actions. teamLab Planets Tokyo encourages an lively and participatory engagement with artwork – it’s a multisensory artwork encounter like no different!
Be sure you guide tickets upfront (a minimum of 1-2 days forward) and plan to spend 2 hours at TeamLabs.
At TeamLabs Planets
Lunch: Take pleasure in Themed Cafes
Discover time in your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary to go to a themed cafe or restaurant. Nothing says Tokyo greater than an outrageously quirky cafe expertise devoted to characters out of your favorite movies, cartoons, or anime.
A number of the best-themed eating places embody:
Pokemon Cafe: This well-liked themed cafe opened in central Tokyo in 2018. You’ll discover Pokemon-themed meals, desserts, and souvenirs that delight each Pokemon fan. Guide properly upfront. Reservations open 1 month out and get snatched up in minutes.
Harry Potter Cafe: This can be a must-do for all Harry Potter followers in Tokyo! Situated close to Akasaka metro station, the cafe has a menu impressed by the wizardry world, together with meals representing every Hogwarts home. Reserving upfront is important; there isn’t a walk-in entry.
Maidreamin Akihabara: To discover Otaku tradition’s distinctive popular culture in Tokyo, head to one of many maid cafes in Akihabara district. Maidreamin is a well known franchise the place you may get pleasure from scrumptious meals served by waitresses wearing maid costumes.
DAWN Avatar Robotic Cafe: This pioneering cafe exemplifies the fusion of expertise, accessibility, and social inclusion. Operated by OryLab Inc., this cafe presents a singular expertise the place disabled distant workers management avatar robots from their houses and hospitals to supply companies to prospects within the cafe. The idea is a testomony to human-robot interplay, permitting people dealing with mobility challenges to take part within the office. The cafe wasn’t busy throughout our go to, so reservation wasn’t required. You may select from full meal service (with a devoted Robotic avatar server), are available in for a cup of tea/espresso with Robotic service, or be a part of the robots on the bar for a drink and a chat.
With our server at Daybreak Avatar Robotic Cafe
Afternoon: Galleries and Museums
Delve into the town’s museums on this Tokyo itinerary by heading to Ueno Park, simply north of the town heart. Simply accessed by the Tokyo metro at cease Ueno, this expansive park space consists of a number of museums, a zoo, and strolling paths.
The Tokyo Nationwide Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Artwork Museum, and the Nationwide Museum of Nature and Science are within the park. You may rapidly fill within the afternoon by selecting a number of museums to discover. The Tokyo Nationwide Museum is a very necessary advanced dedicated to the artwork and antiquities of Japan, in addition to different Asian nations.
If you happen to choose to focus extra on Japanese artwork, head to the Nationwide Artwork Middle, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, and Mori Artwork Museum. Situated not removed from one another, these museums let you immerse your self in modern artwork, with these three galleries showcasing a spread of Japanese and worldwide fashionable artwork.
Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park, Tokyo
The place to Keep in Tokyo:
With a metropolis as large and various as Tokyo, lodging choices supply one thing for each price range and elegance. However deciding the place to base your self in your 3 days in Tokyo might be overwhelming.
Shibuya Metropolis presents the advantages of being near lots of the greatest points of interest and with handy transport connections across the metropolis and the airports.
Asakusa retains a extra old-world vibe and is extra suited for individuals who need to immerse themselves within the tradition of Japan, with loads of meals stalls, conventional retailers, and previous temples.
The opposite district we suggest staying in is close to Tokyo Station/Ginza. This central area is ideal if you wish to have all the pieces at the doorstep, together with among the greatest markets, buying malls, and eating places.
Tokyo, Japan
Listed here are a few of our resort suggestions in your keep in Tokyo:
Funds Possibility
APA Motels: A strong selection for price range vacationers, APA Motels is an efficient resort chain with loads of properties in each nook of the town. Their inns are all well-equipped with eating places, good Wi-Fi, and A/C. Whereas the rooms are small, they’re conveniently situated and sometimes price lower than $100/night time,
We suggest APA Lodge Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae in Asakusa or APA Lodge Ginza Kyobashi Tokyo for rooms within the coronary heart of downtown Tokyo.
Mid Vary Choices
TRUNK HOTEL: Only a brief stroll from Shibuya Station, this excellent oasis exemplifies what we love about sustainable inns. Lined in greenery in and out, this resort and its structure prioritize nature. A lot of the inside can also be comprised of recycled supplies, but the decor is fantastically edgy and fashionable. Double rooms begin from US$350 per night time.
MUJI Lodge: Situated proper within the coronary heart of the town in Ginza, the MUJI resort is precisely because it sounds – a resort room outfitted absolutely with MUJI merchandise. The inside combines repurposed and recycled wooden and stone. The minimalist however useful double rooms come in numerous sizes to go well with totally different budgets, ranging from US$270 per night time, and supply eco-friendly toiletries and clean linen mattress sheets.
Luxurious Choices
The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo: This elegant 5-star resort is housed in one of many tallest buildings within the metropolis. Admire breathtaking views of the Shinjuku space, Imperial Palace, or Mount Fuji out of your room, ranging from US$900 per night time. Having banned single-use plastics within the resort and working on renewable vitality, this resort ensures your keep for 3 days in Tokyo is environmentally pleasant.
Mandarin Oriental: Proper in the midst of the town in Nihonbashi, this 5-star resort is without doubt one of the most excellent locations to remain in Tokyo. You may get pleasure from panoramic metropolis views with a wonderful eating restaurant and spa service on the thirty seventh ground. Devoted to decreasing plastic waste and water utilization, the resort publishes a sustainability report with its newest achievements. Rooms begin from US$750 per night time.