Tokyo Travel Guide: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

This 3-day Tokyo itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of Tokyo while making the most of your time. Whether you’re exploring historic Asakusa, trendy Shibuya, or the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku, this guide ensures a seamless and unforgettable trip.

Tokyo, a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology, offers an unparalleled travel experience. From historic temples and serene gardens to futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit streets, Tokyo has something for every kind of traveler.

With RoutlyAI, your AI-powered travel planner, crafting your Tokyo itinerary is effortless. Simply select your interests, and let RoutlyAI trip planner optimize your trip—so you can spend more time exploring and less time planning.

Day 1: Traditional Tokyo & Iconic Landmarks

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market – A Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Start your Tokyo itinerary adventure at Tsukiji Outer Market, a foodie’s dream destination famous for its fresh seafood, traditional snacks, and lively atmosphere. Though the original Tsukiji Inner Market (where tuna auctions took place) has moved to Toyosu, the Outer Market remains a must-visit, packed with local vendors selling sushi, grilled seafood, and Japanese street food.

Some must-try dishes:
🍣 Tamago (Japanese omelet on a stick) – A sweet, fluffy favorite.
🐟 Uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) rice bowls – Incredibly fresh and flavorful.
🍜 Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) – Packed with tuna, salmon, shrimp, and other delicacies.

📍 Location: Tsukiji Outer Market, Chuo City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🚇 Metro: Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station
💡 Tip: Arrive early (before 9:00 AM) to avoid the crowds and get the freshest seafood.

Stop 1: Sensō-ji Temple – Tokyo’s Oldest and Most Famous Temple

After breakfast, head to Asakusa, home to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, founded in 628 AD. Walk through the Kaminari-mon Gate, where you’ll see the massive red paper lantern that symbolizes the temple. As you stroll down Nakamise Street, a lively shopping street leading to the temple, enjoy traditional Japanese snacks and browse souvenir stalls selling handcrafted goods and yukatas.

Inside, admire the intricate temple architecture, golden altars, and incense burners, believed to bring good health and fortune. Behind the temple, you’ll find the peaceful Asakusa Shrine, a quieter spot for reflection.

📍 Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚇 Metro: Ginza Line to Asakusa Station
⏳ Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning or in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene temple atmosphere.

Stop 2: Tokyo Skytree – The Tallest Structure in Japan

A short train ride from Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest tower, standing at 634 meters. The observation decks offer stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, and on clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji. The lower floors of Skytree house the Solamachi shopping complex, filled with souvenir shops, Japanese confectionery stores, and restaurants.

📍 Location: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
🚇 Metro: Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station
⏳ Time Needed: 1.5 hours
💡 Tip: Purchase your ticket in advance to skip the lines during peak hours.

Lunch at Gyukatsu Motomura – Tokyo’s Famous Beef Katsu

For lunch, head to Gyukatsu Motomura, a beloved spot known for its crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside wagyu beef cutlet. Served with miso soup, rice, and shredded cabbage, this dish is a unique take on traditional katsu and a must-try for food lovers.

📍 Location: Multiple locations, including Shinjuku & Akihabara
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🚇 Metro: Depends on the location you choose
💡 Tip: There’s often a long line, so arrive early or visit during off-peak hours.

Stop 3: Meiji Shrine – A Tranquil Escape in the City

After lunch, take the train to Meiji Shrine, an oasis of peace and nature in the heart of Tokyo. Surrounded by a lush forest with over 100,000 trees, this Shinto shrine was built in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played a crucial role in modernizing Japan.

As you pass through the massive wooden torii gates, you’ll feel transported into a serene world away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Inside, you can write wishes on wooden ema plaques, observe Shinto rituals, and if you’re lucky, witness a traditional Japanese wedding procession.

📍 Location: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM (varies by season)
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station
⏳ Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours
💡 Tip: Avoid weekends, as it gets extremely crowded.

Stop 4: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue – Tokyo’s Most Famous Intersection

No trip to Tokyo is complete without experiencing the chaos and energy of Shibuya Crossing. As the lights turn red, hundreds of people cross in every direction, creating a mesmerizing scene that perfectly captures the rhythm of Tokyo.

Right next to the crossing is the Hachiko Statue, a heartwarming tribute to the loyal Akita dog who waited for his owner every day for nearly 10 years at Shibuya Station.

📍 Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station
⏳ Time Needed: 30–45 minutes
💡 Tip: For the best view, head to the Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck.

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen – Tokyo’s Most Famous Tonkotsu Ramen

End your first day in Tokyo with a bowl of Ichiran Ramen, one of the most famous tonkotsu (pork-based) ramen spots in Japan. The customizable broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and private dining booths make it a unique and delicious experience.

📍 Location: Multiple locations (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara)
⏰ Hours: 24/7 (varies by location)
🚇 Metro: Depends on the location
💡 Tip: Use the vending machine to order—it’s fast and convenient.

Day 2: Otaku Culture, Fashion & Neon Lights

This Tokyo itinerary takes you into the heart of Tokyo’s modern culture, where anime, fashion, and neon-lit nightlife collide. From the tech-filled streets of Akihabara to the trendy, colorful energy of Harajuku and the electrifying skyline of Shinjuku, today is all about experiencing the dynamic and futuristic side of Tokyo.

Breakfast at A Happy Pancake – Japan’s Softest Pancakes

Start your day at A Happy Pancake, a café famous for its incredibly fluffy, soufflé-style pancakes. Unlike traditional pancakes, these are light, airy, and melt in your mouth, made with Japanese eggs and Hokkaido butter.

Their signature “Happy Pancake” is served with whipped honey butter, but you can also try the chocolate banana pancake or the matcha tiramisu pancake for a more unique flavor. If you’re looking for a savory breakfast, they also serve cheese omelets and smoked salmon pancakes.

📍 Location: 3-1-6 Shibuya, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station
💡 Tip: This place gets very crowded, so arrive 15–20 minutes before opening to avoid long waits.

Stop 1: Akihabara – The Heart of Otaku Culture

After breakfast, head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s mecca for anime, manga, gaming, and electronics. Once known for its electronic stores, it has evolved into a paradise for pop culture fans, filled with massive gaming arcades, anime figure shops, and themed cafés.

🎮 Best things to do in Akihabara:

Yodobashi Camera – One of Japan’s largest electronics stores, selling everything from cameras to gaming PCs.
Super Potato – A retro gaming store packed with classic Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation games.
Maid Cafés – Experience Akihabara’s famous cosplay cafés, where staff dressed as anime maids serve you in an over-the-top kawaii (cute) atmosphere.
Gachapon Kaikan – Try your luck at capsule toy vending machines, with thousands of anime figurines and collectibles.

📍 Location: Akihabara, Chiyoda City, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara Station
⏳ Time Needed: 2–3 hours
💡 Tip: If you love arcades, check out SEGA Akihabara and TAITO Station, where you can try Japan’s famous rhythm and claw games.

Stop 2: Harajuku – Tokyo’s Fashion & Street Culture Hub

From Akihabara, take the train to Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo’s youth fashion and street culture. This neighborhood is a mix of eccentric and high-end fashion, vintage stores, and quirky cafés.

🛍️ Best places to explore in Harajuku:

Takeshita Street – A lively shopping street packed with kawaii fashion stores, colorful boutiques, and trendy accessories.
Cat Street – A calmer, high-end shopping area featuring boutique stores and designer streetwear brands.
Kawaii Monster Café – A psychedelic, neon-filled café designed by a famous Japanese artist (advance reservations recommended).
Crepe Stalls – Harajuku is famous for its stuffed crepes, filled with ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream.

📍 Location: Harajuku, Shibuya City, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station
⏳ Time Needed: 2 hours
💡 Tip: Takeshita Street is extremely crowded on weekends, so visit before noon for a better experience.

Lunch at Afuri Ramen – Tokyo’s Refreshing Yuzu Ramen

For lunch, stop at Afuri Ramen, famous for its light, citrusy yuzu-flavored broth. Unlike traditional pork-based ramen, Afuri specializes in a more delicate, refreshing ramen, making it a great midday meal.

🍜 What to order:

Yuzu Shio Ramen – A fragrant, chicken-based broth with a hint of citrus.
Yuzu Tsukemen – Dipping-style noodles served with a rich yuzu-infused broth.
Kara Miso Ramen – A mildly spicy miso ramen with rich umami flavors.

📍 Location: 1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Ebisu Station
💡 Tip: If you prefer stronger flavors, go for the miso ramen, but if you want something lighter and unique, try the yuzu ramen.

Stop 3: Shinjuku – Tokyo’s Neon Wonderland

Spend your evening in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most exciting districts, filled with skyscrapers, glowing billboards, and buzzing nightlife.

🌆 Best things to do in Shinjuku:

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building – Offers a free observation deck with stunning views of Tokyo at night.
Golden Gai – A nostalgic area with tiny, old-school bars, each with a unique personality.
Kabukicho – Tokyo’s most famous entertainment district, packed with themed restaurants, arcades, and vibrant bars.

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station
💡 Tip: If you want the best city view, head to the Park Hyatt Tokyo bar, featured in Lost in Translation.

Dinner at Nabezo – Tokyo’s Best Shabu-Shabu Hotpot

For a fun and interactive dinner experience, try Nabezo, one of Tokyo’s best shabu-shabu and sukiyaki hotpot restaurants. Here, you cook your own thinly sliced wagyu beef and vegetables in a flavorful broth, making it a perfect meal to share.

🥩 What to try:

Wagyu Shabu-Shabu – Dip thin slices of beef in boiling broth, then into ponzu or sesame sauce.
Sukiyaki – A sweeter hotpot dish cooked in soy sauce and sugar, served with raw egg.
Unlimited Veggies & Noodles – You can eat as much as you like, with fresh vegetables and handmade udon.

📍 Location: 3-30-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
🚇 Metro: JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station
💡 Tip: Reservations are recommended as this is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Day 3: Traditional Serenity & Futuristic Tokyo

Your last day in Tokyo is all about contrasts—starting with peaceful shrines and lush gardens before moving into the high-tech, neon-filled streets of Odaiba and Shibuya.

Breakfast at Koffee Mameya – A Specialty Coffee Experience

Begin your morning at Koffee Mameya, an exclusive coffee bar hidden in a quiet alley in Omotesando. Unlike regular cafés, this spot offers a highly personalized experience, where skilled baristas guide you through different coffee beans, roast levels, and brewing techniques.

📍 Location: 4-15-3 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
🚇 Metro: Chiyoda Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station
⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour
💡 Tip: There is no seating, so this is a standing coffee bar experience.

Stop 1: Meiji Shrine – A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Tokyo

After your morning coffee, take a short walk to Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most sacred and peaceful Shinto shrines. Located inside a vast forest with over 100,000 trees, the shrine was built in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played a key role in modernizing Japan.

🌿 Why visit Meiji Shrine?

Traditional Shinto rituals – Watch visitors cleanse their hands at the purification fountain before praying.
Ema plaques – Write a wish on a wooden ema plaque and hang it near the shrine.
Seasonal beauty – In autumn, the trees glow in red and gold hues, while in spring, cherry blossoms bloom.

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Stop 2: Shinjuku Gyoen – Tokyo’s Most Beautiful Garden

Next, head to Shinjuku Gyoen, a stunning park that blends Japanese, French, and English garden styles. Originally built as a feudal lord’s private garden in the Edo period, it later became an imperial retreat before opening to the public.

🌸 What makes Shinjuku Gyoen special?

Cherry Blossom Paradise – In spring, over 1,500 cherry trees create a breathtaking pink canopy.
Japanese Tea House – Enjoy matcha green tea and traditional sweets while overlooking a koi pond.
Autumn Beauty – In November, the maple trees turn bright red, making it a perfect fall foliage destination.

📍 Location: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Mondays)
🚇 Metro: Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station
⏳ Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
💡 Tip: Bring a bento box lunch and have a picnic under the trees.

Stop 3: TeamLab Planets – A Mind-Blowing Digital Art Museum

After lunch, experience one of Tokyo’s most futuristic attractions—TeamLab Planets. Unlike a traditional museum, this interactive digital art space allows you to walk through water, enter an infinite crystal universe, and become part of the artwork itself.

🌟 What to expect at TeamLab Planets:

Infinity Room – A mirror-covered space filled with thousands of floating LED lights.
Waterfall of Light Particles – Walk barefoot through knee-deep water as digital koi fish swim around you.
Floating Flower Garden – Real flowers levitate around visitors, creating a dreamlike experience.

📍 Location: 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
🚇 Metro: Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station
⏳ Time Needed: 1.5 – 2 hours
💡 Tip: Buy your ticket in advance, as time slots fill up fast.

Stop 4: Odaiba – Tokyo’s Futuristic Island

Spend your final evening in Odaiba, a high-tech entertainment district filled with VR attractions, shopping malls, and waterfront views.

🌃 Top attractions in Odaiba:

Gundam Unicorn Statue – A life-sized, moving Gundam robot outside DiverCity Mall.
Tokyo Joypolis – A Sega-themed indoor amusement park.
Rainbow Bridge Views – A stunning spot to watch Tokyo’s skyline light up.

📍 Location: Odaiba, Minato City, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: Yurikamome Line to Daiba Station
⏳ Time Needed: 3–4 hours
💡 Tip: Visit at sunset for the best views!

Farewell Dinner at Sushi Dai – Tokyo’s Best Sushi

End your Tokyo itinerary with a meal at Sushi Dai, one of the most highly-rated sushi spots in Japan. Located near Toyosu Fish Market, this restaurant serves exquisitely fresh omakase sushi.

🍣 Must-try sushi:

Otoro (Fatty Tuna) – A melt-in-your-mouth delicacy.
Uni (Sea Urchin) – Creamy and rich in flavor.
Anago (Saltwater Eel) – Lightly grilled with sweet sauce.

📍 Location: 6 Chome-3-2 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo
🚇 Metro: Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station

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Tokyo is a city of contrasts, blending ancient traditions with futuristic innovation. But crafting the perfect Tokyo itinerary can be overwhelming.

With RoutlyAI trip planner, you get a personalized, optimized plan—so you can explore Tokyo effortlessly without the stress of planning.

Planning a trip to Paris, too? Don’t miss our 3-Day Paris Itinerary for the best landmarks, food, and hidden gems in the City of Light!

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