How to Spend 3 Days in Tokyo
Travel ItineraryItinerary Contents
Itinerary Introduction
Explore the neon metropolis of Tokyo in three days, seeing quiet neighbourhoods, crowded temples and bustling markets. While there's enough in the capital to keep you busy for months, this three-day tour picks up the best of the city's neighbourhoods, with the freedom to choose which highlights you prefer, from museums to gardens to robot restaurants.Useful information about Tokyo
The history of Tokyo
Tokyo wasn’t always the Japanese capital, which was instead based in Kyoto for hundreds of years. Although there was a fishing settlement in the area now known as Tokyo as far back as the ancient era, it was known as Edo for centuries. Edo developed into a city between the seventeen and nineteenth centuries, when Japan was run by military dictators – the shogun. In 1603, Edo became the capital of the Tokugawa shogunate, and soon developed into the country's largest city. When imperial rule was handed back to Emperor Meiji in 1868, during the Meiji Restoration, the capital was moved to Edo. Renamed Tokyo (the “eastern capital”), it has continued to be Japan’s largest city ever since, and is now the financial and industrial centre of Japan, with many headquarters based here.The economy of Tokyo
By GDP, Tokyo is the largest urban economy in the world.The language in Tokyo
Unsurprisingly, Japanese is spoken in Tokyo, but you’ll find that many people have excellent English. A useful phrase to remember is “Arigato gozaimasu!”, a polite yet basic way of saying thank you. You may also want to greet people with “Konnichiwa”.Best times to visit Tokyo
The most popular time to visit Tokyo is in the spring, during cherry blossom season, when the “sakura” (cherry blossom) trees bloom – the spread of sakura across the country is eagerly followed on news channels. It’s such a popular event that tea ceremonies and parties are held under the sakura trees, while people enjoy the cherry blossom, an act known as “hanami”. If you visit Tokyo between March and April and are lucky enough to catch the blossom, you’ll spot people gathering under the cherry blossom in parks across the city. Another popular time to visit Tokyo is in the autumn, between September and November, because at this time of year the trees turn vibrant colours of red and yellow, creating a stunning backdrop to your trip. While summer is sunny, the temperature often rises above 30℃, and the humidity can be intense, so it’s not the most pleasant time to be out exploring. Winters in Tokyo can be chilly, with temperatures around 10–12℃, but the clear skies and lower tourist numbers – meaning more reasonable accommodation prices – can make this a brilliant time to visit Tokyo.Getting to Tokyo
Tokyo has two airports – Narita and Haneda. From Narita Airport, take the JR Narita Express (NEX) for around an hour to reach Tokyo Station (it’s covered by the Japan Rail Pass, which you might consider purchasing if you’re travelling more widely around Japan). Haneda Airport is closer to the city. You can hop in a taxi for half an hour, or take the train, monorail or bus into the city centre.Getting around in Tokyo
Transport in Tokyo is easy – the impeccably reliable train and metro networks connect the city, and many sights are within walking distance of each other too. When you arrive in Tokyo pick up a Suica or Pasmo travel card (they're very similar so either will do) and use it to hop through ticket gates without the hassle of buying a ticket each time. They can also be used on buses – just remember to keep it topped up!Local cuisine in Tokyo
The food in Tokyo is typically carefully prepared, beautifully presented and reliably delicious, whether you’re visiting a local restaurant or one of the city’s numerous Michelin-star restaurants. As well as sushi, tempura and ramen, go to the Tsukishima area to try okonomiyaki, or the similar monjayaki, a Japanese savoury pancake with any filling you choose (pork belly is a popular option). You’ll find that the city also does international food really well, with brilliant Italian restaurants and burger joints.Tipping in Tokyo
Tipping is not expected in Japan, and in fact, it is often seen as rude. If you do want to tip a tour guide or someone who’s given you a particularly special service, you’ll need to make it very clear that you're giving them a tip. It’s seen as impolite to simply hand notes to someone, so instead, place the money inside a “pochi bukuro”, a decorative envelope that you’ll be able to buy in many stores, seal it, and bow to the person receiving the tip.Local customs in Tokyo
There are a few customs that are worth knowing before you visit Tokyo, to ensure that you don’t offend anyone or act in a disrespectful way. Firstly, it’s best to avoid eating, drinking or speaking loudly on the phone when taking public transport. If you go to a hot spring or public bath, swimsuits are not permitted, and some may turn you away if you have tattoos. There are specific public areas for smoking, so head to these rather than lighting up on the streets. Finally, when you enter someone’s home, and some temples, you should take your shoes off, before replacing them with the slippers that you are offered (there are often separate slippers for toilets). You may also want to get to grips with the etiquette for entering Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples before you go.Discount card for Tokyo
You may wish to buy a Grutto Pass for your time in Tokyo. It costs ¥2200 and gives you access (either for free or with a discount) to museums and other attractions across the city. The pass lasts for two months, and once you have used it three or four times, you'll start to make your money back.Beaches in Tokyo
Tokyo is located on Tokyo Bay, and there are some beautiful beaches in nearby Kanagawa and Chiba.Tokyo - Travel Itinerary
Day 1
Parks, Temples and City Views
Yanaka Ginza
Getting there
Yanka's closest major station is Nippori, which can be accessed on a variety of train lines including Yamanote, Ueno-Tokyo, Keisei and Joban. Alternatively, you can head to Sendagi Station on the Chiyoda Metro line.
Ueno Park
Getting there
Ueno Park is an easy 15-minute walk from Yanaka, taking you to the entrance closest to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Alternatively, you can return to Nippori Station and catch the JR Joban, Keihin-Tohoku or Yamanote Lines to Ueno (one stop, ¥140). From Sendagi Station you will need to catch the Chiyoda Metro Line to Nishi Nippori and then change to the JR Yamanote Line for Ueno (one change, ¥310) so we don't recommend this option.
Travel time
0 hours 15 minutesSensoji
Getting there
Sensoji is a 20-minute walk from Ueno Station or you can catch the Ginza Metro Line to Asakusa Station (one stop, ¥170)
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesTokyo Skytree
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 1100.00 - 4200.00 JPY | |
Kids | 500.00 JPY | Under 18 |
Getting there
Tokyo Skytree is a 20-minute walk from Sensoji or you can head to Asakusa Station and catch the Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station (one stop, ¥150)
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesDay 2
Gardens, Shrines and Neon Crossings
Shinjuku Gyoen
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | 500.00 JPY | |
Group | 400.00 JPY | |
Students | 250.00 JPY | |
Kids | 0.00 JPY | Under 15 |
Seniors | 250.00 JPY |
Getting there
Shinjuku Gyoen can be reached from Shinjuku Gyoenmae station on the Marunouchi Metro Line, from Sendagaya Station on the Chuo or Chuo-Sobu Lines or from Yoyogi Station on the Chuo, Chuo-Sobu, Oedo or Yamanote Line. It is also a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
Meiji Jingu
Category | Price | Restrictions |
---|---|---|
Standard | Free |
Getting there
Meiji Jingu is a 15 to 20-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoen. Alternatively, you can return to Shinjuku or Yoyogi Station and catch the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (one or two stops, ¥140).
Travel time
0 hours 20 minutesTakeshita Street
Getting there
Takeshita Street is a minute's walk from the entrance to Meiji Jingu (just across from Harajuku Station's main entrance).
Travel time
0 hours 1 minuteShibuya Crossing
Getting there
Shibuya Crossing is a 17-minute walk from Takeshita Street or you can head back to Harajuku Station and catch the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya (one stop, ¥140)
Travel time
0 hours 5 minutesDay 3
Fish markets, Palaces and Sumo
Tsukiji (Outer Market)
Getting there
Tsukiji Market is easily reached from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line or from Tsukiji-Shijo Station on the Oedo Line.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Getting there
The Imperial Palace is a 25-minute walk from Tsukiji Market through the glitzy Ginza area. Alternatively, you can head to Tsukiji Station and catch the Hibiya Line to Ginza, changing to the Marunouchi Line (one change, ¥170) - although it may be easier to walk from Ginza.
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesRyogoku
Getting there
Ryogoku can be reached by catching the Tozai Line from Takebashi Station to Monzen-Nakacho Station (four stops) and switching to the Oedo Line for Ryogoku (three stops) (¥280).
Travel time
0 hours 25 minutesAkihabara
Getting there
Akihabara is a half-hour walk from Ryogoku, or it can be reached on the Chuo-Sobu Line (two stops, ¥140).
Travel time
0 hours 10 minutesAbout the author
I've been in Japan for five years and am lucky enough to be able to explore the islands, neighborhoods and mountains of the country for work. I particularly enjoy focusing on rural regeneration projects and still have plenty of places I want to visit.
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