Ultimate Planning 3 Day trip in Tokyo

Ultimate Planning 3 Day trip in Tokyo

Day 1 – Modern Tokyo & First Impressions

Shibuya • Harajuku • Meiji Shrine • Yoyogi Park

08:30 – Breakfast in Shibuya

Start your first morning in Shibuya. This is the perfect place to wake up gently in Tokyo. Choose a café near the station, order a coffee, and watch the city come to life. Office workers rush by, shops slowly open, and you immediately feel Tokyo’s rhythm.

09:30 – Shibuya Crossing

Walk to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. In the morning it’s busy, but not overwhelming. Cross it once, then watch it from above from a café or viewpoint. This is your first “wow, I’m really in Tokyo” moment.

10:30 – Explore Shibuya Streets

Spend some time walking through Shibuya’s side streets. Visit shops, small boutiques, and hidden cafés. This is where you ease into the city without pressure.

12:00 – Lunch in Harajuku

Walk or take one train stop to Harajuku. Grab a casual lunch here — street food, a small café, or a simple restaurant works perfectly.

13:00 – Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Stroll through Takeshita Street, browse quirky shops, and enjoy the playful fashion culture. It’s busy, colourful, and fun — but you don’t need hours here.

14:30 – Meiji Shrine

Step into calm at Meiji Shrine. Walk through the forest paths, take your time, and enjoy the silence. This is a mental reset after the city energy.

16:00 – Yoyogi Park

Continue directly into Yoyogi Park. Sit down, people-watch, or simply walk. No schedule needed here.

18:30 – Dinner & Ramen Night

Head back to Shibuya for dinner. This is the perfect evening for your first ramen experience. Choose a small local ramen shop, eat slowly, and let the day sink in.

Day 2 – Traditional Tokyo & Old Streets

Asakusa • Nakamise-dori • Senso-ji • Tokyo Skytree

08:00 – Breakfast near Asakusa

Travel early to Asakusa. Eat a simple breakfast near the station. Morning is the best time here — calm and atmospheric.

09:00 – Nakamise-dori Street

Walk along Nakamise-dori. Try traditional snacks, browse souvenirs, and enjoy the historic vibe. Take your time.

10:30 – Senso-ji Temple

Enter Senso-ji. Watch rituals, smell the incense, and experience Tokyo’s spiritual heart. Stay longer than you think — this place deserves it.

12:30 – Lunch in Asakusa

Eat nearby in Asakusa. Traditional Japanese food fits the day perfectly.

14:00 – Walk or Travel to Tokyo Skytree

Make your way to Tokyo Skytree. The area is close and easy to reach.

15:30 – Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Go up in the afternoon or around sunset. Seeing Tokyo from above completely changes your perspective on the city.

18:30 – Dinner Near Skytree or Asakusa

Have a relaxed dinner nearby. This is a quieter evening — perfect after a culturally rich day.

Day 3 – Neon Tokyo & Nightlife

Akihabara • Imperial Palace • Tokyo Station • Shinjuku • Golden Gai

08:00 – Vroeg ontbijt bij Tsukiji

Begin je dag bij Tsukiji Outer Market. Dit is hét moment. Bestel verse sushi, gegrilde vis, tamagoyaki (Japanse omelet) of een kom miso-soep. Ontbijten hier voelt vreemd — maar klopt helemaal.

09:30 – Rondslenteren over de markt

Loop rustig rond, proef kleine hapjes en kijk hoe locals inkopen doen. Dit is geen toeristenattractie, dit is een werkende markt.

10:30 – Reis naar Akihabara

Vanaf Tsukiji ben je snel in Akihabara. Je gaat van food naar neon — perfect Tokyo-contrast.

12:30 – Lunch in Akihabara

Casual lunch works best here — fast, simple, and fun.

14:00 – Imperial Palace Area

Travel to the Imperial Palace. Walk around the outer gardens and enjoy the calm.

15:30 – Tokyo Station

Walk or take a short train to Tokyo Station. Explore the building, shops, and underground food streets.

17:30 – Head to Shinjuku

Travel to Shinjuku just before sunset.

18:30 – Dinner in Shinjuku

Choose a restaurant or izakaya. Shinjuku is perfect for a lively final dinner.

20:00 – Golden Gai

End the night in Golden Gai. Tiny bars, good conversations, and a very Tokyo-style goodbye.

Optional Late Night

If you still have energy, finish with a drink at the New York Bar for a final skyline

Topics

About the author
Hi! We are Greg & Irene

Two seasoned travelers who are crazy about adventurous journeys. Equipped with a camera and drone, we have been collecting the best travel tips for destinations from all over the world since 2014, and compiling them into useful articles. This way, planning your trip becomes a bit easier and more enjoyable.

What's next