3 Day Tokyo Itinerary: How to Decide What to Do Amid Endless Options

When I first started planning my trip to Tokyo, I had hundreds of pins on my inspiration map. Recommendations were pouring in over social media and I was saving them all.

Narrowing them down into 3 feasible 24-hour days was daunting. But it had to be done.

In the end, after all my research, my 3 days in Tokyo were a dream. I did so much and left with a huge appreciation for this mega city.

Tokyo is now one of my favorite cities in the world, a place I hope to return to many times in the future.

So, now I’m here to help you create your dream first-timer Tokyo itinerary.

A person holding a clear umbrella stands smiling on a wet city street lined with colorful buildings and Japanese signs, on an overcast day. — Asakusa, Tokyo

A person with long hair and a backpack stands by a pond in a park, holding an umbrella. Trees with autumn leaves, a small bridge with people, and a tall building are in the background. — Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

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How to Decide Between the Millions of Things to Do in Tokyo

How did I decide?

Well, I wanted a mixture of traditional and modern experiences in Tokyo.
I wanted these experiences to be quite unique from each other, not repetitious.
I also wanted to prioritize cultural experiences that could only be done in Japan.

So, here’s what I suggest:

Mix both modern and traditional. Don’t just play gachapon games all night (as fun as that is). Also experience the traditional culture of Japan in Tokyo by visiting temples and seeing traditional architecture (and drinking matcha!).

Choose what’s unique. Make each experience different. Don’t just go to those 10 cat cafes saved on your list, even if they all are highly recommended. Ensure each activity on your itinerary brings a whole new experience.

(This is why I didn’t do both Skytree and Shibuya Sky, and why I didn’t visit Ghibli Museum in Tokyo as I already had tickets for Ghibli Park in Nagoya!)

Choose authentic cultural experiences. What do I mean? Well, I didn’t prioritize Disneyland or the TeamLab museum because I felt these could be experienced in any city. I opted to do things that could only be done in Japan.

Tokyo Travel Essentials

Before you land in Tokyo, be sure you have a:

Loaded virtual Suica card in your Apple Wallet to use Tokyo’s subway system right away.
Japan e-sim card to use data to navigate your way to your hotel.

Two large posters read Welcome! with Tokyo icons. One features Hatsune Miku, the other has Hello Kitty. Both are promoting Tokyo with blue and white backgrounds in an indoor public space. — Welcome sign, Tokyo Airport

A red Coca-Cola vending machine with a samurai design stands beside a white recycling bin in a bright indoor area, possibly an airport, with large windows and a building visible outside. — Welcome sign on vending machine, Tokyo Airport

Here are a few other things to decide on when creating your Tokyo itinerary:

What Neighborhoods to Visit?

There are so many areas of Tokyo, being that it is the largest city in the world. Which ones to focus on for a first visit?

Shinjuku and Shibuya

Modern Japan

I opted to visit the touristy Shinjuku and Shibuya, but only for half a day!

I wanted to see them, since they must be popular for a reason, and then move on to other areas.

Shinjuku vs. Shibuya: Which Is Better?

I actually spent a lot more time in Shinjuku and enjoyed it more than I expected. There are so many unique things to see and do!

I thought Shibuya was far more crowded than Shinjuku. So much so, I didn’t end up staying there long. For Shibuya, I did the scramble crosswalk (a few times), passed by Harajuku and saw the crowds, then turned around and left.

A crowd looks up at a giant 3D digital billboard displaying a lifelike, animated calico cat stretching in a busy city area with tall buildings and signs. — Shinjuku, Tokyo

Setagaya City

Traditional Japan

I went to Setagaya City to see the lucky cat temple and try cat-shaped taiyaki and Totoro cream puffs. This was a more suburban area, and it was nice to see a quieter part of Tokyo.

As a cat lover, I had to see the unique Gotokuji Temple, and the cute treats were simply a bonus.

A person stands smiling under a clear umbrella in front of a traditional Japanese gate, surrounded by autumn foliage and a wet stone path. — Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo

A hand holds a cat-shaped pastry in front of a blurred storefront sign that reads RARASAND SETAGAYA. The pastry resembles a lucky cat with a raised paw. — Rarasand, Setagaya City, Tokyo

Asakusa

Traditional Japan

I decided to visit Asakusa because it was a more traditional part of Tokyo, where we could try classic Japanese treats and tour the oldest temple.

A woman smiles at the camera while holding food on a stick in a busy street with shops in the background, some people are walking and students in uniforms are gathered on the left. — My cousin in Asakusa, Tokyo

Akihabara

Modern Japan

I ultimately decided to stay in Akihabara (the anime/manga district) because it is a modern, late-night neighborhood full of arcades, gachapon machines (my wallet did not thank me), and lit-up nightscapes.

It ended up being the perfect place to come home to after a day of traveling around Tokyo.

More fun? More Family Mart snacks? Even at midnight? Why not, you’re in Japan!

I also loved that Akihabara did not feel as touristy as Shibuya — it was not as crowded at night, and it was a fun crowd (mostly locals).

buildings lit up at night in Akihabara — Akihabara

girl standing in the middle of a pedestrian street in Akihabara with people passing by, surrounded by tall lit-up buildings at night — Akihabara

What Temples to Visit?

There are thousands of temples in Tokyo alone. I wanted to visit at least one, okay, maybe a few, but I didn’t want visiting them to feel repetitive.

There is such a thing as castle fatigue and I suppose it can apply to temples as well.

So I choose these 3 temples to visit in Tokyo, each one very different from the next.

Hanazono Shrine — Host to beautiful lanterns (in Shinjuku)
Gotokuji Temple — Known for its plethora of lucky cats (in Setagaya)
Senso-ji Temple — Traditional and oldest temple in Tokyo! (in Asakusa)

A person with a brown backpack walks toward a shrine decorated with rows of white Japanese lanterns on a metal frame, surrounded by trees and pavement. — Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Rows of traditional Japanese paper lanterns with black kanji characters and red stripes hang closely together, creating a vibrant and festive display. — Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku, Tokyo

Tip: Use the Wanderlog App

Use Wanderlog to create your ideal Japan itinerary!

I was so overwhelmed when planning my first trip to Japan that my usual spreadsheet did not suffice.

Then I found the Wanderlog app, and it made mapping out my itinerary so much easier. I consulted this app daily while in Japan, updating it in real-time.

This is not sponsored, by the way, I just really loved this app!

Map

Map from Wanderlog, a vacation planner app on iOS and Android

3 Day Tokyo Itinerary

Now, let’s put this all together!

Here’s what I ended up doing during my three days in Tokyo — and why!

Who Is This Itinerary Best For?

This itinerary is fast-paced and includes a lot of walking.

I was doing 20,000+ steps per day in Tokyo, and my feet were feeling it.

That being said, this itinerary is best for people who want to see as much as possible on their three days in Tokyo.

It’s your first time in Japan, and you did not fly 8+ hours for nothing.

So, let’s hit the ground running, shall we?

A lively city street at night in Japan, brightly lit with colorful billboards and signs on tall buildings, trees along the sidewalk, and a dark sky above. — Akihabara, Tokyo

Arrival + Where to Stay: Akihabara

Why I Decided to Stay in Akihabara

I did a lot of research into the neighborhoods of Tokyo to figure out where to stay.

I had a couple of conditions. It had to be:

Close to a major train station — so you can reach your day trip destinations easily.
A vibrant nightlife — so you can continue exploring and making the most of Tokyo after day trips.
Not too touristy (definitely avoid Shinjuku and Shibuya) — so you can look forward to returning and not have to deal with crowds.

My conclusion? Stay in Akihabara!

Where I stayed: I stayed at the JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara and LOVED it. The hotel rooms were clean and roomy considering Tokyo standards, and a buffet breakfast was included with the stay. The hotel staff was also so friendly and considerate.

JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara checked all the boxes. It is:

Steps away from Akihabara Station, a major train/metro station with connections to Tokyo Station and more.
In the manga/anime district (Akihabara), a super fun neighborhood with many arcades, gachapons, and claw machines, open late.
Not in a touristy area, but it did get more crowded at night, mostly with locals looking to spend a night on the town. Mornings and mid-day are pretty quiet.

I would definitely stay at the JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara again.

Modern hotel room with a sliding door partially open, revealing a white toilet and part of a bathtub on the left, and a bed, suitcase, and yellow bench in the bedroom area on the right. — Our room at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Two single beds with white bedding are placed side by side, separated by a geometric-patterned headboard with built-in lights. A folded white robe is on one bed. The room has a modern, minimal design. — Our beds in JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

A buffet with various dishes on display in bowls and plates, labeled with small signs, set on a wooden counter. Colorful artwork and framed pictures decorate the wall in the background. — Buffet breakfast at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Two trays of breakfast food with scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, cherry tomatoes, rice, juice, and fruit, plus a cup of water and a green pamphlet on a light wooden table. — Breakfast trays at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Top Things I Did in Akihabara

Food: Kurikoan Taiyaki, Family Mart (also ate at a really great Italian place, but cannot remember the name of it!)
Arcades and games: Taito Station Akihabara, Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Shopping: Bookoff, Don Quijote Akihabara

A person with shoulder-length hair stands in front of a wall lined with colorful capsule toy vending machines, also known as gashapon, in a brightly lit indoor space. — My cousin at the gachapon machines, Akihabara, Tokyo

A brightly lit arcade crane game machine filled with turquoise plush toys and smaller plushies, with another prize machine beside it, both displaying colorful toys behind clear glass. — Claw machines, Akihabara

A person crouches in front of GiGO claw machines in an arcade, focusing intensely while trying to win a prize. The scene is brightly lit with colorful lights and reflections on the floor. — My cousin at the claw machines, Akihabara

Day 1: Asakusa + Tokyo Skytree

Spend your first full day in Tokyo in Asukusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.

While you should be mindful of all those pins you’ve saved of things to do in Asakusa, also spend time to just meander.

Morning: Start on the main shopping street, Nakamise-dori, before the crowds come, trying treats and shopping souvenirs as you make your way to the temple.
At Senso-ji Temple, pick your omikuji fortunes (it’s quite fun)! I say that because I selected “the highest, excellent fortune” and was quite pleased. Afterward, take your time strolling the grounds and all of the temple’s halls.
Afternoon: Then head off onto the little side streets of Asakusa to find quieter spots. We wandered around Asakusa and had a great time discovering shops and cafes around every corner.
Evening: End the day at Tokyo Skytree. I recommend getting the slot right before sunset, so you can see the city views in the daylight, sunset, and at night.

Note: No Public Trash Cans. Bring a bag with you to pack out your own trash as it accumulates throughout the day. There are no public trash cans in Japan. You’re expected to dispose of it back at your hotel room.

A person with long hair stands holding a clear umbrella in front of the large red lantern at the entrance of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan, while other visitors walk nearby. — Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

A hand holds a strawberry-topped mochi wrapped in yellow paper, with shops and people blurred in the background of a covered market street. — Strawberry daifuku, Asakusa

Crowd of people walking around Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, with traditional red and white buildings, incense smoke, and city buildings in the background on a cloudy day. — Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo

A person with a brown bag holds a clear umbrella in front of a five-story pagoda. Other people with umbrellas are seen in the background. The sky is cloudy. — Sensoji Temple, Asakusa

A hand holds a green paper cup with a small amount of green matcha tea inside, in a modern indoor setting with blurred background. — First matcha in Japan! at Matcha Sweets Kaminari-Issa

A person with long hair stands by a large window, looking out over a cityscape filled with buildings under a cloudy sky. — Tokyo Skytree

Aerial view of a dense cityscape with numerous buildings, intersecting roads, and multiple bridges crossing a wide river under a hazy sky. — Tokyo Skytree

Top Things I Did in Asakusa

Temple: Senso-ji Temple
Shopping: Don Quijote Asakusa, Kan’non-dōri, Nakamise-dori Street
Food: Matcha Sweets Kaminari-Issa, Ginkado, Asakusa Strawberry Daifuku
Activities: Tokyo Skytree (in nearby Sumida City)

Day 2: Gotokuji Temple + Shibuya/Shinjuku + Tokyo Tower

If day 2’s itinerary seems haphazardly patched together, well, it is. But, it’s doable, I promise.

Morning: Setagaya City

Wake up early and head straight to Gotokuji Temple, where you’ll spend the morning exploring the famous lucky-cat temple.

This temple is particularly beautiful in autumn, with its display of fall foliage, so I was extra lucky to visit in November.

On the way, try maneki-neko-shaped taiyaki at Rarasand — the chocolate flavor is delicious.

Ghibli fans, before you leave Setagaya City, stop by Shiro-hige’s Cream Puff Factory for Totoro-shaped cream puffs! They’re almost too cute to eat.

Numerous white maneki-neko (beckoning cat) statues with red ears and collars are clustered together on shelves and the ground in an outdoor shrine setting. Trees and stone markers are visible in the background. — Gotokuji Temple

Two hands hold Totoro-shaped cream puffs with cute decorations. In the background, a wooden sign reads Totoros Cream Puff Shop in English and Japanese, with images of the character and puffs displayed. — Shiro-hige’s Cream Puff Factory

Afternoon: Shinjuku and Shibuya

Next up: Shinjuku. I recommend having lunch at Tokyo Mentsu-dan, famous for their homemade udon noodles, which they make right in front of you! It was amazingly good.

Have a wander around, hitting up the iconic photo spots like the 3D cat billboard and Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane. These won’t take long to see.

While you’re here, definitely also visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Hanazono Shrine! Both are incredibly beautiful, some nature oases in the middle of the city.

Also, stop by Shibuya Scramble for a quick run (or two) across the crosswalk!

Close-up of a bowl of udon noodle soup with chopsticks, green onions, and tempura flakes on a table in a busy restaurant. Another bowl of soup and people dining are visible in the background. — Udon from Tokyo Mentsu-dan, Shinjuku

A narrow alley in Japan with yellow lanterns overhead, vending machines, restaurants, and a person walking away from the camera. — Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane, Shinjuku

A cityscape with tall buildings rises behind a park with autumn trees, reflected clearly in a calm pond under a partly cloudy sky. — Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Evening: Tokyo Tower

If you still have energy, head to Tokyo Tower to see this iconic landmark.

I didn’t end up going inside, but it was still cool to see it alongside the nearby Zojo-ji Temple.

A tall red and white tower rises against a clear blue sky, framed by green and autumn-colored leaves in the foreground. — Tokyo Tower

Top Things I Did in Each Area

Setagaya City:
- Temple: Gotokuji Temple
- Food: Rarasand (for lucky cat-shaped taiyaki), Shiro-hige’s Cream Puff Factory
Shinjuku:
- Temple: Hanazono Shrine
- Food: Tokyo Mentsu-dan (BEST udon noodles you’ll ever have)
- Garden: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Photo Spots: Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane, 3D cat billboard, and Godzilla head
Shibuya: Shibuya Scramble
Minato City: Tokyo Tower

Day 3: Day Trip to Mt Fuji

You cannot go on a trip to Tokyo for the first time and miss Mt Fuji.

That’s why I highly recommend reserving your third day in Tokyo for a day trip to see Mt Fuji.

It’s such an epic day trip, you do not want to miss it!

Planning a trip to Mt Fuji comes with its own share of headaches, such as:

Out of all the viewpoints and things to do around Mt Fuji, which ones are worth it?
There are dozens of Mt Fuji day tours online — which one is right for you?

Luckily for you, I wrote all about my own experience on a day trip to Mt Fuji, and did tons of research, so you can get it right the first time.

A person with long hair stands on a balcony overlooking red autumn trees, a pagoda, and Mount Fuji under a bright sun and blue sky. — Chuerita Pagoda, Mt Fuji viewpoint

Getting Around: Tips for Taking the Subway

How to Get Your Virtual Suica Card

If you have an iPhone, I recommend adding your IC card in Apple Wallet.
You’ll need to load money to your virtual Suica card. If you’re adding money from a different currency, be sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
How to use your loaded IC card? You simply tap your phone to enter/exit the subway. I didn’t even need to open my Apple Wallet, which was amazing!

Be sure to load your IC card before arriving in Tokyo, as you’ll need it right away to catch the subway from the airport to your hotel.

Don’t forget your Japan e-sim: On that note, you should also get an e-sim card set up before arriving in Japan, so that you can use the data right away to navigate your way to your hotel.

How to Be Polite in Public

“Good manners reflect a kind heart,” read a sign on a subway in Japan.

Riding the trains and subways in Japan lets you see their polite culture on full display. It’s a bit of a culture shock for an American who is used to people being loud and rowdy in public. Not so in Japan.

To acclimate to Japanese culture and not be seen as rude, here are some basic rules to follow when using public transportation:

Don’t block the escalators. On escalators, stand to one side to let people pass you.
Queue up. There’s usually a queue to board each car on the train/subway, so get in line and wait your turn (don’t shoulder past people).
Don’t bump people with your baggage. Carry your belongings in front of you or store them on the train. Don’t wear your backpack on your back where it might bump someone.
Be quiet. Keep conversations low. Or better yet, don’t talk at all on the subways/trains, as no one else likely will be (it’s sooo quiet!).
Don’t eat or drink on the subways. Some shinkansen trains with seats and trays may allow this, but not subways.
Practice good hygiene manners. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Look for women-only carriages. Some subway cars are designated for women only, and you’ll know this by the posted signs. I appreciated this, as sometimes the very crowded subways make it a bit awkward to stand so close to strangers. If you find yourself in a women-only car, and you’re not a woman, well, best find another car!

Interior of a Japanese train with handles, route map, and signs. One sign indicates a Women-Only car. Doors reflect the inside, and posters with Japanese text are visible on the doors. — Women only subway car, Tokyo

A crowded yellow commuter train with many passengers inside, some wearing masks and standing close together, stops at a platform where people wait to board. — Queue for crowded subway, Tokyo

What to Pack for Your Trip to Japan

Comfortable and convenient footwear

You’ll likely walk a lot while visiting Japan, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. However, one additional recommendation is make sure your sneakers are slip-in.

Why wear slip-in sneakers?

Many traditional places in Japan require guests to remove shoes before entering. Shoes with a lot of laces are hard to get off. But slip-ins? A breeze.

Slip-in sneakers — I wore this pair of slip-in sneakers from Skechers my entire trip to Japan, and it was so convenient! I didn’t even have to sit down to take off my shoes, like everyone else did. My shoes just slipped right off. I also felt comfortable in these shoes despite walking 20,000 steps every single day.
Ankle socks — Be sure to wear ankle-covering socks with your shoes so you don’t get blisters with all that walking. I wore these Hanes ankle socks every day of my trip to Japan and didn’t get a single blister.

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.