Tokyo as I’m sure you are aware of, is full-on, but in the best way. There are Neon lights, noodle bars, quiet shrines, and they have trains that run like clockwork. It’s massive, but with a simple plan you can bounce between old-school Asakusa, slick Shibuya, and calm garden corners without any trouble.
To make the most of it, I’ve put together a simple “morning, afternoon, evening” plan for three days in the city, that way you can dip into the best bits without getting lost in the noise.
Do you like the idea of hiking Japan? I’ve got a growing list of Japan walks with start points, GPX downloads, and places to stay. Because of how efficient and fast the travel infrastructure is in Japan, you can easy slot them around a Tokyo city break.
I have the BIG ONE in Tokyo if you are interested. You can do Mount Fuji in a day, but have a read of my hike plan and work out the best way to do it yourself, there are plenty of options. I did the ‘Yoshida Trail‘ which is the most popular.
Day One in Tokyo.
Most visitors land at Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT). Haneda is closer to the centre; both are well connected by train and bus.
Skyscanner is my go-to for comparing flights – I often decide on destinations around the best fares.
Get a JR Rail Pass if you’re planning to roam widely. 7–21 day passes give ‘unlimited’ rides on most JR lines, the best way to travel Japan.
Morning Day One – Asakusa & Skytree Views
Start in Asakusa at Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander Nakamise shopping street for snacks (ningyō-yaki cakes!) and souvenirs. Then pop across the river to visit the Tokyo Skytree for the big-sky views.
Tokyo Sky Tree is a broadcasting and observation tower, located in Sumida. It has been the tallest tower in Japan since opening in 2012, and it’s really worth a visit, the views across Tokyo are incredible, but I hope you have a head for heights!
👉 Tokyo: Asakusa Guided Tour with Tokyo Skytree Entry Tickets
Afternoon Day One – Tsukiji Bites & Ginza Stroll
Head to Tsukiji Outer Market for street-side sushi, tamagoyaki omelettes, and grilled scallops. Afterwards, wander Ginza – sleek shops, hidden cafés, and gallery spaces.
👉 Tsukiji food tour with tastings
Evening Day One – Shibuya Crossings & Shinjuku Neon
Tick off Shibuya Crossing, then climb up to a viewpoint (Shibuya Sky is ace). Finish in Shinjuku with yakitori in Omoide Yokocho or a speakeasy cocktail.
👉 Tokyo night food & hidden bars tour
Day Two in Tokyo.
Morning Day Two – Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
Walk the woodland paths to Meiji Jingu, then swing through Harajuku (Takeshita Street for the chaos, Omotesandō for design).
👉 Meiji Shrine & Harajuku guided walk
Afternoon Day Two – teamLab or Museums
Pick your flavour: mind-bending teamLab Planets, or classics at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park. Coffee in Yanaka for old-town vibes.
Evening Day Two – Ramen & Rooftops
Warm up with ramen (try tonkotsu or shoyu), then a rooftop view – Shibuya, Roppongi, or a hotel bar with skyline panoramas.
Day Three in Tokyo.
Morning Day Three – Day Trip or Bay Walk
Fancy a change of scene? Head out to Mt. Fuji & Hakone or Nikko on a guided day trip. Staying local? Stroll Odaiba’s waterfront and Rainbow Bridge views.
Afternoon Day Three – Kanda & Akihabara
Explore Akihabara (retro games, anime, odd cafés), then calm it down with a canal walk around Kanda or a kissaten coffee.
👉 Anime & manga experiences, Akihabara
Evening Day Three – Yakitori & Jazz
End on yakitori skewers and a tiny jazz bar – Tokyo does moody, low-lit music spots brilliantly.
👉 Shinjuku or Shibuya bar-hopping tour
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Plenty of choice across the city. Three easy picks on Booking.com:
- Budget: Sakura Hostel Asakusa – friendly base near Sensō-ji.
- Mid-range: Hotel Niwa Tokyo – calm rooms, handy location.
- Luxury: Park Hotel Tokyo – iconic views and pool.
For a wider choice, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Tokyo FAQs
Is 3 days enough for Tokyo?
Plenty for the highlights: Asakusa, Shibuya/Shinjuku, a museum or teamLab, and a decent food crawl. Add extra days for neighbourhood deep-dives.
Where should I stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku (transport + nightlife), Shibuya (young, central), Ginza (upmarket, walkable), Asakusa (traditional vibe), Ueno (parks/museums).
Best way to get around?
Trains/metro. Load a Suica/PASMO (physical or in Apple/Google Wallet), tap in/out. Buses fill gaps; taxis are reliable but pricier.
Do I need a JR Pass for Tokyo?
No, not for staying in Tokyo. Consider regional/JR passes only if you’re doing intercity trips (Kyoto, Osaka, Nikko, etc.).
When’s the best time to visit?
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Oct–Nov) for comfy temps and clear skies. Summer is hot/humid; winter is crisp and often sunny.
Cash or card?
Cards widely accepted; keep some cash for small eateries/shrines. IC cards work at convenience stores and many vending machines.
Is Tokyo safe?
Very. Usual common sense applies—watch bags in crowds and late-night trains, but overall it’s one of the safest big cities.
Do I tip in Japan?
No. Tipping isn’t expected and can confuse. Some places add a service charge—otherwise, just say thanks.
Is tap water safe? What about dietary needs?
Tap water is safe to drink. Veggie/vegan options are growing—look for “vegan ramen” or ask for no meat/fish broth. Allergens are usually labelled.
Best day trips from Tokyo?
Nikko (UNESCO shrines), Kamakura & Enoshima (temples + coast), Hakone/Fuji Five Lakes (mountain views, onsen). Tours are handy if you’re short on time.
Travel Data: I highly recommend using eSIMs as they are the best and most efficient way to have internet connectivity, removing the hassle of having a physical sim, removing expensive roaming fees and being connected as soon as you land. My favorite eSIM and my personal recommendation are the eSIMs from Sim Local because they are a very affordable option and have great plans in Japan with great speed and amazing coverage in all the country.
Don’t forget your Discount Code, which you can enter at the checkout, it is ‘WELSHMAN‘ and it’s value is 10% off. Click here to go ahead with your eSim for Japan purchase, and copy and paste your code.
Heads up: Some links are affiliate links (e.g., Booking.com). It costs you nothing extra and helps keep these guides free. You can read my review of Sim Local eSim in Japan here + don’t forget your 10% discount.