3 Days in Tokyo
Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first, a city of nearly fourteen million people spread across dozens of distinct districts, each with its own character. The good news is that its train network is superb, the streets are safe and clean, and even in the busiest crossings there is an underlying calm. Three days is enough to sample the city's essential contrasts: ancient temples and glass towers, hushed gardens and roaring nightlife, refined dining and standing noodle bars. This itinerary groups sights by area to minimise backtracking and leaves space to simply wander.
Getting from the airport
Tokyo has two main airports. Haneda is the closer of the two, only about 15 kilometres from central Tokyo, while Narita lies roughly 60 kilometres out. From Haneda, the monorail and Keikyu line reach the city centre in around 30 minutes. If you arrive late, travel with luggage or simply prefer a direct ride to your hotel, a taxi is comfortable and reliable, and you can check typical airport taxi fares in advance. Japanese taxis are metered, spotlessly clean and honest, with doors that open automatically, so there is no need to negotiate.
Day 1
Morning
Begin in Asakusa, the heart of old Tokyo. Visit Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple, arriving early to enjoy the approach along Nakamise-dori before the crowds. The lantern-lined street is touristy but genuinely atmospheric, and the surrounding lanes hide traditional craft shops and snack stalls. Try a freshly grilled senbei rice cracker as you walk.
Afternoon
Take the train to Ueno, where a sprawling park holds several of Japan's finest museums. The Tokyo National Museum is the standout for anyone interested in samurai armour, ceramics and Buddhist art. If the weather is fine, the park itself, with its ponds and shrines, is a pleasant place to slow down after a busy morning.
Evening
Head to Akihabara as the neon comes alive. Even if anime and electronics are not your interest, the multi-storey arcades, retro game shops and glowing signage are a spectacle. For dinner, duck into a small izakaya and order a few small plates with a cold drink, the everyday way Tokyoites eat out.
Day 2
Morning
Explore Meiji Shrine, a serene forest sanctuary in the middle of the city. The walk beneath towering torii gates and ancient trees is a genuine escape from the urban noise. Arrive early for the calmest experience, and if you are lucky you may glimpse a traditional wedding procession.
Afternoon
Step straight from tranquillity into energy in neighbouring Harajuku and Omotesando. Takeshita-dori is a riot of youth fashion and crepe stands, while the tree-lined Omotesando avenue offers architecture and upscale shopping. Continue to Shibuya to witness the famous scramble crossing, best viewed from an upstairs cafe window.
Evening
Make your way to Shinjuku. Ride to a free observation deck at the Metropolitan Government Building for a sweeping city view at dusk, then explore the tiny lantern-lit bars of Omoide Yokocho or the atmospheric Golden Gai. Shinjuku at night captures the electric, layered energy that defines Tokyo.
Day 3
Morning
Visit the outer market of the former Tsukiji area for a street-food breakfast: grilled seafood, tamagoyaki omelette and fresh sushi. Arrive hungry and go slowly, sampling from several stalls rather than committing to one place.
Afternoon
Cross to Odaiba, a waterfront district built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay, or explore the traditional gardens of Hamarikyu, where you can drink matcha in a teahouse surrounded by skyscrapers. Choose according to your mood: modern and playful, or classic and calm.
Evening
For a memorable final night, ascend the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for the city lights, then find a quiet restaurant in the historic Kagurazaka district, a former geisha quarter with cobbled slopes and hidden dining rooms, to end your trip on a refined note.
Where to stay
Base yourself near a major station to make the most of the trains:
- Shinjuku: A transport hub with endless dining and nightlife, ideal if you want energy and convenience at any hour.
- Shibuya: Central, youthful and well connected, great for shopping and easy access across the city.
- Asakusa: More traditional and affordable, with a local feel and good value ryokan-style stays, though slightly further from the western districts.
Practical tips
- Get a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo card for effortless travel on all trains and buses.
- Carry some cash; while cards are increasingly accepted, many small restaurants remain cash only.
- Trains stop around midnight, so plan your return or budget for a late taxi.
- Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion, so simply pay the stated price.
- Stand on the left of escalators in Tokyo and keep phone calls off trains.
- Download an offline map and a translation app; English signage is common but not universal.
Three days only scratches the surface of Tokyo, but they reveal a city that is orderly yet surprising, futuristic yet deeply traditional, and remarkably welcoming to visitors. When you want to plan a longer stay or venture beyond the highlights, browse our full Tokyo travel guide for deeper recommendations and seasonal advice.