Japan · 3 days · 15 stops
3 days in Tokyo – a ready-made itinerary
Tokyo is huge, but clean, safe and easy to cross by train. The plan splits the city into three: the old east with Asakusa and Ueno, the west with Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku, and the centre around Ginza and the Imperial Palace. Each day's stops are in walking order.
In short
- Length
- 3 days, 15 stops
- Highlights
- Sensō-ji, Meiji Shrine, Hama-rikyū Gardens, Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Park
- Where to stay
- Shinjuku, Ginza and Tokyo Station
- Getting around
- Subway and JR trains go everywhere, and signs are also in English.
- Best time to go
- The best times are late March to early April for cherry blossom and October to November for autumn leaves.
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Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. YesTrip editorial team · Updated: .
Day 1
Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara
Sensō-ji
Tokyo's oldest temple with the red Thunder Gate and the Nakamise shopping street. Quiet early in the day.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Sensō-jiSubway (Ginza Line) to Ueno, about 5 min.
Tokyo National Museum
The largest collection of Japanese art, from samurai armour to woodblock prints. Often closed on Mondays – check first.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Tokyo National Museumabout 15 min on foot
Ueno Park
A large park with ponds, shrines and museums. One of the busiest spots in the city during cherry blossom.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ueno Parkabout 5 min on foot
Ameyoko
A market street under the railway tracks with stalls for snacks, fruit and fish. Good for a quick lunch.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ameyokoabout 20 min on foot
Akihabara
The district for electronics, manga and arcades. By late afternoon the signs are already lit.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Akihabara
Day 2
Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku
Meiji Shrine
A Shinto shrine in a large forest, reached through tall wooden gates. Calmest in the morning.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Meiji Shrineabout 15 min on foot
Takeshita Street
A narrow shopping street in Harajuku with fashion, crêpes and crowds. Very busy at weekends.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Takeshita Streetabout 15 min on foot
Shibuya Crossing
The crossing where hundreds walk at once on every green light. The Hachikō statue is next to it.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Shibuya Crossingright next door
Shibuya Sky
An open-air viewing deck on the tower above the station. Book a sunset time slot in advance.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Shibuya SkyJR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku, about 10 min.
Omoide Yokochō
Narrow alleys of tiny yakitori bars by Shinjuku station. Many only have a handful of seats.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Omoide Yokochō
Day 3
Tsukiji, Ginza and the Imperial Palace
Tsukiji Outer Market
The market around the old fish market: sushi, tamagoyaki and oysters for breakfast. Many stalls close at midday.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Tsukiji Outer Marketabout 15 min on foot
Hama-rikyū Gardens
A former shogun's garden by the water, with a teahouse on the pond and towers behind.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Hama-rikyū Gardensabout 20 min on foot
Ginza
Tokyo's upmarket shopping street with department stores. Their food halls downstairs sell takeaway food.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Ginzaabout 30 min on foot
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Gardens on the remains of old Edo Castle. Closed on some weekdays – check first.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Imperial Palace East Gardensabout 20 min on foot
Tokyo Station
The red-brick building from 1914 on the Marunouchi side. Inside you can buy bento for the journey on.
On the map (OpenStreetMap): Tokyo Station
Good to know
Best time to go
The best times are late March to early April for cherry blossom and October to November for autumn leaves. June is rainy, July and August are hot and humid. Typhoons are possible in late summer.
Getting around
Subway and JR trains go everywhere, and signs are also in English. The easiest way to pay is a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or Pasmo, from the machines or on your phone. Trains and buses run from Narita and Haneda airports to the centre. Within a district you walk between the stops.
Where to stay
Shinjuku
A big rail hub with lots of hotels and places open late. Good if you like to go out in the evening.
Ginza and Tokyo Station
Central and quieter in the evening. Handy if you are moving on by shinkansen.
Your plan
Start with this plan.
Copy it into YesTrip, pick your dates and make it yours: move stops, drop them or let the AI add more. On the road the app shows you the next stop and how to get there.
Tokyo: frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough for Tokyo?
For the best-known districts, yes – but it is short for a long-haul trip. A fourth and fifth day leave room for a trip to Kamakura or Nikkō, the Yanaka district or a museum day.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
Haneda is close to the centre, with monorail and train links. From Narita there are express trains and buses – allow about 1 hour or more.
What should I sort out before the trip?
Check entry requirements with your government's travel advice before you go. Bring some cash – not every small shop takes cards.
When is Tokyo busiest?
During cherry blossom and Japanese holidays, such as Golden Week in early May. Book hotels early for those dates.
Plan created with AI support – please check opening hours, prices and routes before you go. Coordinates checked with Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap (Photon). Photo: Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. More in Sources & licences. YesTrip is a trip planner, not a travel agency – nothing is booked.
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