How To Spend 3 Days In Tokyo

Tokyo is at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Japan. It’s usually where your flight lands, making it the perfect starting point for your trip. And there’s just so much to see in Tokyo! The city is incredibly modern, with skyscrapers and advanced technology like robot waiters. At the same time, there's lots of culture and history to explore. 

And of course, my absolute favourite, the food! Extraordinary restaurants and street stalls that will blow your mind. I had some of the best meals of my life in Tokyo; honestly, I could’ve spent my entire trip just eating. 

Tokyo is huge, and there’s a lot to see, so it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to fit everything in. I’d recommend spending at least three days in Tokyo to cover the main highlights. It’s also worth noting that Tokyo is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a massive number of tourists visiting each year. The metro stations are some of the busiest globally, with millions of people passing through daily. 

If you're from a smaller town, it can be a bit of a culture shock, so just prepare yourself for it to be very busy! 

3-Day Itinerary for Tokyo 

After lots of planning and endless research, here’s how I spent three days in Tokyo. This itinerary allowed us to experience all the highlights, blending both modern attractions and traditional culture. I never felt rushed, even though we were averaging around 30,000 steps a day. Tokyo really is that massive! 

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo 

Your first full day in Tokyo! We had an early flight and were so excited that we started sightseeing immediately. There’s such a buzz on your first day, but I highly recommend making sure you're well-rested, as there’s so much going on, we were exhausted by the evening. 

Imperial Palace 

First on the list is the Imperial Palace, the official residence of the Emperor of Japan. What’s really cool is that it's surrounded by green spaces, yet nestled amongst the city’s skyscrapers. The contrast between ultra-modern and traditional is striking. 

The grounds are huge, with plenty of walking paths to explore different areas. It’s one of many places where you can admire the beauty of intricate Japanese architecture. 

Shibuya Rooftop Café 

Next, hop on the metro to Shibuya. Japan’s metro system is excellent, and Google Maps makes it super easy to navigate. 

When you arrive, head to a rooftop café to get a bird’s-eye view of the famous Shibuya Crossing. Avoid the Starbucks and other cafés right by the crossing, as they get extremely busy. We went to Five Crossties, located in an office building, which was much quieter and offered a perfect view. You can enjoy your matcha while watching the chaos below! 

Shibuya Crossing 

Then, experience the crossing from ground level. We watched the crowds for a bit and even saw some Mario Kart drivers zoom past! Walking across it yourself is a must, it's wild how many people cross at once. 

Afterwards, take time to explore Shibuya. There are loads of great shops, restaurants (sushi and ramen obviously), and of course, Don Quijote. A must-visit for Japanese skincare products, quirky souvenirs, and all the KitKat flavours. 

Tokyo Skytree 

To end your day, head to Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view of the city. Sunset slots sell out fast. Tickets are released a month in advance and go quickly. If you miss out on sunset, an evening visit is just as stunning with the entire city lit up. 

I booked through Klook, which was super convenient. You choose your time and simply scan the QR code on your phone at the entrance. Really easy!  

Couple standing on Tokyo Skytree.

Day 2: Tokyo Hidden Gems 

After the buzz of Day 1, you’ll be eager to get back out there. Here’s how we spent our second day in Tokyo. 

Meiji Shinto Shrine 

One of my favourite temples in Japan! The Meiji Shrine is tucked inside a lush forested area, yet it’s right in the middle of the city. It’s amazing how quiet it is, you can hear the birds chirping and feel completely removed from the city chaos. 

The grounds are beautiful for a walk, and you’ll spot rows of hand-painted sake barrels donated by breweries. A great opportunity to grab a photo for Instagram. 

Harajuku Thrift Shopping 

Japan is incredibly fashionable. I definitely felt underdressed in my backpacking gear while admiring everyone’s outfits. I think everyone is super trendy because the thrift shopping here is next level. Harajuku has loads of thrift stores selling designer items at surprisingly reasonable prices. 

You can spend hours browsing through vintage shops, then take breaks in one of Harajuku’s many adorable cafés. It’s a great spot to wander and soak up some style inspiration. 

Akihabara 

Known as Electric Town, Akihabara is famous for its arcades, vending machines, and all things anime. The neon lights and arcade music create a buzzing atmosphere that’s so much fun in the evening. 

The arcades are enormous—seven storeys tall, packed with claw machines, retro games, and gacha ball vending machines. I recommend grabbing a Hello Kitty gacha ball (they make great gifts). 

For dinner, head to Menya Musashi Iwatora, a tiny but super tasty ramen spot. It’s small, so get there early to avoid long queues. 

Day 3: Tokyo Eats  

Your third and final day! I remember feeling a mix of sadness and excitement, sad to be leaving Tokyo but buzzing to see more of Japan. No time to slow down yet, though! Day 3 still has plenty of things to see! 

Senso-ji Temple 

Start the day at Senso-ji Temple. It gets very crowded later, so take the first metro to enjoy it properly. The vibrant red colours, the giant lantern, and the whole atmosphere are magical. 

Don’t forget to try the omikuji (fortune sticks). You might get a bad fortune like I did, but don’t worry, you can ‘burn’ away the bad luck! 

And of course, the real highlight here is the food stalls! Think takoyaki, mochi, and matcha beer. I was in foodie eaven. 

Ginza 

After you’ve stuffed yourself, head to Ginza for some shopping. You must visit the Uniqlo flagship store. It is 12 floors, so be prepared for some serious shopping. 

The prices are already great, but don’t forget to bring your passport, so you can claim the tax free shopping. 

Shinjuku 

For your final night, head to Shinjuku. Start with the famous 3D cat billboard, sounds silly, but it’s honestly really cute. Pay a visit on the hour when there is a special cat performance! 

You’ll also find the Godzilla statue, and for foodies, don’t miss Omoide Yokocho—a maze of narrow alleyways filled with vendors selling amazing yakitori skewers. 

Then, finish with drinks in Golden Gai—a collection of tiny bars, each with their own unique theme. Omoide and Golden Gai are more traditional, local spots, and some can be a bit hesitant about tourists, so be respectful and open-minded. A few charge a small service fee, often in exchange for snacks. 

Conclusion 

And that brings us to the end of our 3 days in Tokyo! When I visited Tokyo, I made sure to balance culture, sightseeing, shopping, and (of course) food. 

There’s a lot to fit into three days, and while you probably won’t see everything, the key is to enjoy each experience instead of rushing. Be ready for some long days and thousands of steps, it’s all part of the adventure. 

Tokyo is a truly unforgettable city with endless surprises. We loved every moment, and I hope this 3-day itinerary helps you fall in love with it too. 

I would highly recommend going to visit Mount Fuji after your time in Tokyo and you can use my blog on How To Plan Your Trip To Mount Fuji to help you.