3-day itinerary
Tokyo in 3 days: the perfect weekend itinerary
Tokyo’s scale means a 3-day visit needs ruthless prioritization. This route covers the city’s three personalities (modern Shibuya, old Asakusa, and the food culture in between) without burning out on Day 1.
Day 1: Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku
Morning
Start at Meiji Shrine (8-10am) – 175 acres of forest in the middle of Tokyo, a 10-min walk from Harajuku Station. Most peaceful pre-9am. Walk through Yoyogi Park afterwards.
Afternoon
Lunch on Takeshita Street (Harajuku) for the youth-culture experience, or upmarket at Cat Street. Then Shibuya Crossing – stand inside the scramble, climb Shibuya Sky observatory (3,500 yen, pre-book) for the panoramic view.
Evening
Dinner in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alley) followed by Golden Gai for tiny-bar drinking. The whole Kabukicho neighborhood lights up after dark.
If you have an extra hour
30 min spare? Stop at Tokyu Hands or Tokyu Plaza Ginza for design shopping.
Day 2: Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara
Morning
Senso-ji Temple at sunrise (free, open 24/7). Walk Nakamise Street for breakfast snacks. Catch the river bus down the Sumida River for skyline views.
Afternoon
Ueno Park – Tokyo National Museum (Japan’s largest, 1,000+ exhibits). Or shop the Ameya-Yokocho market for street food and Japanese sweets.
Evening
Akihabara for electric town atmosphere, multistory game arcades, and themed cafes. Dinner at Stand Up Eaters (Akihabara) or one of the basement izakaya.
If you have an extra hour
Time for one more thing? Sumida Tobacco & Salt Museum or the Edo-Tokyo Museum (both close around 5pm).
Day 3: Ginza, Tsukiji, Tokyo Station
Morning
Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market – the wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu but the outer market is still the soul of Tokyo’s food culture. Tamagoyaki, tuna sushi, fresh uni.
Afternoon
Walk through Ginza for the refined shopping district – Ginza Six tower, Itoya stationery, Wako and Mitsukoshi flagships. Or visit the nearby Imperial Palace East Gardens (free).
Evening
Sushi counter dinner (book Sukiyabashi Honten or a hotel sushi bar). Then Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side for the architecture and the underground food alleys.
If you have an extra hour
Pre-flight time? TeamLab Borderless in Azabudai Hills (book ahead) is a 2-hour visual finale.