Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary

This plan groups each day by area, so you spend your time walking rather than changing trains. Book Shibuya Sky and teamLab before you arrive, and get an IC card at the airport.

Day 1: Old Tokyo in the east

7.30am: Senso-ji before the crowds, when the Kaminarimon lantern is clear of people. Follow our Asakusa walk.

10am: Nakamise-dori as the stalls open, then Kappabashi for kitchen knives and plastic food.

12.30pm: Lunch in Asakusa. Tempura on rice (tendon) is the local classic.

2pm: Subway to Ueno. The Tokyo National Museum, or a walk around Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond.

4.30pm: Walk north-west into Yanaka for the old streets and a croquette from Yanaka Ginza.

Evening: Akihabara for the lights and arcades, or back to Asakusa for Hoppy Street.

Day 2: Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku

8am: Meiji Jingu, through the forest to the main shrine.

10am: Takeshita Street, then down Omotesando.

12.30pm: Lunch in Shibuya, then an afternoon on foot: the crossing, Center Gai, Miyashita Park.

Sunset: Shibuya Sky, timed for the lights coming on.

8pm: Yamanote line to Shinjuku. Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, drinks in Golden Gai. Our Shibuya and Shinjuku guide has the details.

Day 3: Tsukiji, the bay and Ginza

8am: Breakfast at the Tsukiji Outer Market.

10am: Hama-rikyu garden next door, with its teahouse on a tidal pond and skyscrapers behind the pines.

12pm: teamLab Planets in Toyosu, a short ride on the Yurikamome line, or teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills.

3pm: The Imperial Palace East Gardens, then a walk past Tokyo Station's red-brick façade.

6pm: Ginza. A department store food hall, a sushi dinner, and yakitori under the tracks at Yurakucho.

With a fourth day, take one of the trips in our day trips guide. Kamakura is the easiest, Hakone the most relaxing.