The Ultimate Tokyo 3 Day Itinerary: Tradition, Trend & Timeless Views

Party time!

Welcome! You’ve made it to one of the most incredible cities on Earth. With so much to see and do in and around Japan’s capital, it could take a lifetime to see it all. While several other stops may have made their way onto your dream Japan itinerary, let’s consider what can be accomplished in just a few short days in the world’s largest metropolis.

Even though Tokyo is a huge city, to say the least, thanks to the convenience and punctuality of the local public transit systems, there’s a quick way to get anywhere here, and it’s our pleasure to advise you on just how to get from the city’s airports to the other side of life-long memories in just three days – the ideal amount of time in Tokyo.

Table of Contents 

• Why 3 Days is Perfect in Tokyo
• Tips to Make the Most of Your 3-Day Trip to Tokyo
• Where to Stay in Tokyo
• Day 1: Historical Tokyo – Ueno, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree
• Day 2: Downtown Tokyo – Shinjuku, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya
• Day 3: Trendy Tokyo – Tsukiji, Ginza, Akihabara, Tokyo Tower and TeamLab Borderless
• Beyond the Bucket-List: Alternative Areas in Tokyo to Visit
• Optional: Day Trips from Tokyo
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why 3 Days is Perfect in Tokyo

Despite Tokyo’s vast size and endless attractions, three days is a sweet spot for getting a taste of the city's most iconic sights, neighbourhoods, and cultural touchpoints, all without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll be able to explore the contrasts between historical charm and futuristic innovation, taste authentic Japanese cuisine, and enjoy immersive local experiences. Three days is also ideal for those continuing to Kyoto, Osaka, or rural Japan - it provides a satisfying introduction to Tokyo, while leaving you wanting more of Japan to see. 

Tips to Make the Most of Your 3-Day Trip to Tokyo

While this all may sound enticing, it’s important to make sure a plan is in place for getting around and expecting the unexpected.

Ease of Exploration  

Thankfully, as has been implied, Tokyo has no shortage of trains and public transport. The Narita Express train in addition to the airport shuttle bus are both viable options from Narita Airport located in Chiba prefecture outside of Tokyo. Likewise, Haneda Airport has multiple lines that lead to central Tokyo as Haneda is in Tokyo City already.

A good idea from the start is to consider purchasing an IC card – a loadable and reloadable travel card that will allow you to scan in and out of Tokyo’s public transport systems without going through the hassle of having to purchase a ticket at every station. The Welcome Suica (valid for 28 days after activation) can be bought at airports without a deposit, with a preloaded value of your choice. Likewise, regular Suica and Pasmo cards are available for a 500 JPY deposit, at Tokyo's airports and train stations. Or, add Suica or Pasmo to your Apple Wallet digitally.

Skip the Lines  

It’s always recommended to purchase tickets online several weeks prior for indoor experiences where the weather would not affect the ability to attend. This includes museums, exhibits, performances, and several of the city’s main attractions. Not only will this save the headache of standing in line, but many of these facilities also offer discounts for purchasing ahead of time. Thus, you may save a little bit in the process.

Flexibility is Key  

Travelling can sometimes come with a bit of stress. We totally understand this. It’s always helpful to keep your schedule as flexible as possible. Feel free to shift this itinerary as you see fit to maintain comfort and enjoyment. It’s important to remember that you’re here to make good lasting memories. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and know that it’s okay if you can’t see it all. There will always be great reasons to return!

Mark Your Grub Spots  

Nobody loves starring foodie spots on Google Maps more than we do. It’s a great help to plan some of your food must-try’s ahead of time especially those that might need a reservation (this is definite for any place you might have seen on television). Also, consider what days might be national holidays in Japan when you visit. They may not correlate with the holidays you know back home, so it’s good to have an idea of which restaurants may be open or closed when you visit. Whether it's sushi, okonomiyaki, ramen, wagyu, or tonkatsu, make sure to take the timetables of everywhere you hope to stop at.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo has many unique neighbourhoods, each offering a different vibe. Here are some suggestions based on your travel style: 

• Shinjuku: Best for first-timers, packed with dining, nightlife, shopping, and convenient train connections. 

• Asakusa: Ideal for cultural travellers who love temples and traditional vibes. 

• Shibuya or Harajuku: Great for younger travellers or those interested in fashion, pop culture, and nightlife. 

• Tokyo Station / Marunouchi: Convenient for travellers using the Shinkansen, business travellers, or those who want a more upscale stay. 

• Tsukiji / Ginza: Perfect for foodies and fashion-forward travellers, with convenient metro line access to both of Tokyo's airports. 

Day 1: Historical Tokyo – Ueno, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree

Ohayou gozaimasu! Good morning!

For your first day in the city, we recommend starting with Ueno. Famous for its Ueno Park green space commonly compared with New York City’s Central Park, Ueno also possesses several of the country’s most notable museums as well as Japan’s oldest zoo.

If you’re staying near Tokyo Station, taking the Yamanote Line train, often referred to as “the green line,” four stations north will get you to Ueno Station. This JR line loops around the city centre and stops at the busiest parts of Tokyo including Ueno.

Ueno - Museums, Nature & Seasonal Magic 

Ueno is busy, indeed, and not only as a popular domestic and international tourist destination. It’s also a lovely place to live and work as locals enjoy spending their lunch breaks and weekends relaxing in the park, which is a hot spot for all kinds of local events and ever-changing seasonal flowers and foliage.

Without a doubt, strolling through nature in Ueno is best done in the spring and autumn. Ueno Park is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring with the pathways and pond lined with food vendors and bright blue tarps of families and friends clinking sake cans and giggling under the falling pedals. Likewise, the autumnal months see Ueno full of momiji (Japanese maple) leaves turning from yellow to red to brown. The contrast of colours at either of these times is stunning, but Ueno Park is easily enjoyed at any time of the year.

Aside from national holidays, the museums can be perused at any pace of your choosing. The Tokyo National Museum, the largest of the museum complexes, consists of three buildings all with purposes of their own. The central building houses many artifacts and treasures of Japan’s history and Japanese art from long ago even well before the time of the samurai that we all know and admire. The museum also hosts numerous exhibitions with touring artifacts from different parts of the country. This museum, as well as the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Ueno Zoo, are all worth dedicating a few hours to, but we’ll leave each museum up to your choice of interest.

Sensoji Temple - Temples, Traditions & Tastes of Old Tokyo 

Luckily just a stone’s throw from each other, Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree are only a single station apart on the local Ginza Line – “the gold line". While Ginza is on the list for later, taking the train three stops to the east from Ueno will get you to the start of Sensoji’s preferred route.

Asakusa Station is our next stop, and stepping outside immediately opens to a view of Sensoji’s famous gate, Kaminarimon, with its easily recognizable giant red lantern. Climbing up to the Asakusa Tourist Information Office, from the rooftop you can grasp the view of the whole area.

Nakamise Street, a shopping street leading up to Sensoji Temple, is the first spot where you could get a taste of Japanese cuisine in Tokyo. From senbei crackers and fresh skewers, to matcha sweets and mochi bites, you can find so many options strolling here. Also, there are numerous shops of treats and trinkets here that may be worth taking home. This is an ideal spot for souvenirs that also captures the allure of an old temple village with vendors along the pathway to the main complex.

Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history in the city that houses an empathetic deity where a five-yen coin can be offered and prayed to as well as stick-pull fortune-telling. It’s really an enchanting experience!

Shrine and temple prayer is a cultural tradition maintained in Japan regardless of a person’s religious beliefs. Offering a five-yen coin to the offering box at the entrance of the temple followed with bowing twice and clapping twice is said to attract the attentive ears of the deity before praying with hands together. Following up all of this with a final bow will have you participating like the locals. Aside from awing at the scenery of the temple complexes including the five-story pagoda, visitors also come for omikuji fortunes, that are drawn from the metal boxes that correlate with whichever random stick falls out first.

Occasionally, after matching the stick characters with the corresponding drawer, visitors may pull out a bad fortune. Oh, no! Don’t worry, however. It is believed that tying the paper fortune to the rack of fortunes will abolish the coming fortune. Thus, pulling a good fortune is worth keeping and taking home.

Tokyo Skytree – Sky-High Views & Shimmering Cityscapes 

Finally, a twenty-minute walk or a five-minute ride one station east on the Asakusa Line (symbolized as an “A” in a red circle) will get you to the tallest tower on Earth – Tokyo Skytree.

While it’s important to appreciate the view from around and beneath the magnificent tower, the panoramic views from either of the two tiers of the tower are why you should visit. From Mt. Fuji to Tokyo Bay, every part of Tokyo can be seen from the upper decks.

Both the Tembo Deck (350 meters up) or the Tembo Galleria Deck (450 meters up) are fine options with gift shops, restaurants, and 360-degree views of the city below. Without a doubt, sunset is the most popular time to be up there. If you’re coming for New Year’s, many locals like to see the first sunrise of the new year, so that’s also a particularly busy morning at Skytree. 

Day 2: Downtown Tokyo – Shinjuku, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Shibuya

If you haven’t found yourself in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo yet, this is certainly the area where you’ll have to confront the capital’s high population density.

Starting at Shinjuku Station today, the busiest train station in the world, is conveniently on the Yamanote Line. While Shinjuku Station is notoriously confusing, the Yamanote Line platforms are just outside the north and south exits, so you’ll have no problem getting in and out quickly. We’ve got your back!

Shinjuku – Skyscrapers, Gardens & After-Dark Adventures 

Shinjuku is likely Tokyo's most vibrant district. Like much of Tokyo, stepping out of the station means immediate excitement. Commuters, vendors, and enormous television screens will all be screaming at once, and it’s this vibrance that keeps the city awake and thriving. Shinjuku’s entertainment districts, Kabukicho, the Golden Gai area and Omoide Yokocho (also known as piss alley) is full of bars and nightlife hot spots that keep people entertained until the late-night hours. However, be careful of tourist traps in this area.

Although Shinjuku is a twilight neon paradise, it’s also proud of its massive garden green space of seasonal beauty. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a massive garden park in the centre of one of the busiest places on Earth. It’s a sanctuary for those looking for a little peace away from the stress of life, and it’s a fine tourist destination for those itching to visit a Japanese garden.

Like any garden in Japan, spring and autumn see many of the loveliest natural colours. However, Shinjuku Gyoen is almost always a lovely green with resting huts and koi ponds worth enjoying a coffee or tea beside.

The sense of calm here is certainly the focus, and it should be your focus too. Relax, stroll, and take in the scents and scenery. Full of many different species of cherry blossoms in the spring and falling yellow ginkgo leaves in the autumn, crisscrossing pond bridges with views only Japan can offer is what you’re here for. Take it all in.

Harajuku – Youth Culture, Street Fashion & Sweet Treats 

Two stations south of Shinjuku Station on the Yamanote Line will bring you to Harajuku Station. Walking out of Harajuku Station may encourage you to stray from the path and do a bit of shopping. Famous streets like Takeshita Street, Omotesando and Cat Street can be found just a few minutes' walk from the station. Purchase treats like sweet crepes, rainbow cotton candy, and hop into one of the many animal cafes. Then, continue with peeking into boutiques, from which you can find anything from trendy pieces to second-hand, and even high-end fashion stores.

Meiji Jingu (Shrine) – Calm Amidst the Metropolis 

At the western end of Omotesando, you'll find Meiji Jingu (Shrine), a complex dedicated to Emperor Meiji of several eras passed. The shrine sits in a forest full of buzzing cicadas that hide the Tokyo skyline well – convincing just about anyone that they could be visiting a private place of worship in the Japanese countryside. In this way, Meiji Shrine is a quaint getaway nestled in the centre of the commuter chaos, and it’s this charm that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Thankfully, there’s enough space for everyone. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a Japanese wedding of couples in traditional garb.

For those with a bit more time to spare, Meiji Jingu also has inner iris and azalea gardens worth exploring. The pathways through the shrine grounds also lead to the Yoyogi Park, Central Tokyo’s largest green area. In cherry blossom season, this is where you’ll find Tokyo’s locals enjoying a hanami picnic under the blossoms.

Shibuya – Tokyo’s Iconic Crossroads of Energy 

Finally, Shibuya Station can be found one station south of Harajuku Station. A hotbed of commuter action now commonly mixed with understandably excited tourists, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is still one of the most recognizable scenes of Tokyo. Thankfully, simply crossing over the Shibuya Crossing is a free and potentially limitless activity, and this is done so much every day that it is regularly ranked as the busiest crosswalk in the world. The scene of office attire scrambling together to make a black-and-white commuter soup is worth both crossing it and admiring it from the neighbouring Starbucks, or the area’s skyscraper, Shibuya Sky.

Recently finished in 2019, Shibuya Sky is a relatively new addition to the Tokyo skyline that offers an incredible view of the city either day or night. The top viewing deck of this massive glass building is its main attraction, as such, reserving a ticket online is recommended for both the assurance of getting to visit and the slight discount it offers for booking ahead.

Shibuya Sky and the building, Scramble Square is also a nice spot for food, drinks, and shopping that may keep visitors there longer than intended. Still, once you decide to walk out with a full day of exploring accomplished, make sure to pay a visit to Shibuya’s landmark best friend, the faithful dog Hachiko statue, just outside the station.

This globally loved Akita is not only Shibuya’s mascot but the city’s most impactful love story of a dog that waited for his master to return home from work at Shibuya Station only for his owner to fall ill and pass away before ever returning. For nearly a decade after, the remainder of his life, Hachiko visited Shibuya Station every day for his owner’s arrival, and, for this dedication, the whole world loves to remember Hachiko and give his statue a well-earned nose rub. It’s a must-visit for us sappy pet lovers. 

Dining and Nightlife in Shibuya 

Before heading back to your accommodation, spend your evening exploring Shibuya’s lively food and drink scene. Start in Center-Gai, where ramen shops, yakitori joints, and global street food create a buzz that mirrors the energy of the crossing. For authentic Japanese izakaya vibes, head to Shibuya Yokocho inside Miyashita Park – a retro-style alley of casual bars and eateries, each offering local specialties from across Japan. For a more refined experience, visit the restaurant floors at Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Parco, or the Miyashita Park rooftop for skyline views and gourmet fusion cuisine. 

After dinner, discover Shibuya’s after-dark charm at trendy cocktail spots like TRUNK (Bar) or the minimalist Mikkeller Tokyo for craft beer lovers. For panoramic views with your drink, head to CÉ LA VI Tokyo or unwind at Sequence Miyashita Park’s SOAK rooftop bar, complete with a poolside atmosphere. Whether you're up for barhopping or just want one perfect nightcap, Shibuya offers endless ways to end your Tokyo evening in style. 

Day 3: Trendy Tokyo – Tsukiji, Ginza, Akihabara, Tokyo Tower and TeamLab Borderless

After the buzz of Day 2's neon cityscapes, your third day is all about indulgence - whether that means sushi for breakfast, shopping in the heart of Tokyo, or admiring high-tech artistry at night. 

Start at Tsukiji Outer Market for a sushi breakfast and street snacks, then head to Ginza for upscale shopping and sleek design. Dive into pop culture at Akihabara, where anime, arcades, and maid cafés capture Tokyo’s playful side. As night falls, soak up skyline views from Tokyo Tower, then step into a dreamscape of digital art at teamLab Borderless in nearby Azabudai Hills. 

Tsukiji Fish Market – Tokyo’s Breakfast Playground 

Start your day with a stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo’s bustling hub for street food and fresh seafood. While the famous wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu Fish Market, Tsukiji’s outer market remains a must-visit for morning bites and local flavour. 

Wander the narrow lanes and dive into delicious must-tries like: 

• Sushi breakfast at early-opening sushi bars 

• Tamagoyaki (sweet rolled omelette) on a stick 

• Grilled wagyu skewers and buttery uni 

• Strawberry mochi and matcha treats 

The market also offers great souvenirs - Japanese knives, teas, spices, and ceramics. Arrive early (8–10 AM) to beat the crowds, and bring cash for small vendors. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before a full day of exploring Tokyo. 

Ginza - Style, Shopping & Sophistication 

After your morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, take a short walk or one-stop subway ride on the Hibiya Line to Ginza, Tokyo’s most refined shopping and dining district. Here, you’ll find rows of luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, as well as flagship stores and high-end department stores such as Ginza Six, which also features a relaxing rooftop garden with skyline views. Even budget-friendly brands like Uniqlo have multistorey mega-shops with exclusive collections and seasonal designs worth browsing.

Ginza isn’t just about shopping—it’s full of surprises. Stop by the Yamaha showroom café, where digital pianos perform live music, or duck into one of the district’s Michelin-starred restaurants tucked into quiet backstreets.

On weekends, from 12 – 6 PM, the main street is closed off from traffic, and pedestrians are free to walk on the road, making the area feel much more open. Whether you're looking to splurge or just soak in the elegance, Ginza offers a refined Tokyo experience with a little something for everyone. 

Akihabara – Electric Town for Pop Culture Lovers 

After soaking up Ginza’s sleek sophistication, hop on the Yamanote Line from nearby Yurakucho Station and head two stops north to Akihabara - Tokyo’s buzzing hub for all things anime, gaming, and geek culture. 

Often called “Electric Town,” Akihabara is a neon-lit wonderland where video games, current and retro, arcades, manga (Japanese comic books), anime (Japanese animation) trinkets, animal cafes, and loads of other shops related to computers, computer parts, cameras, and used electronics line streets and alleys. Whether you're hunting for rare figurines, flipping through shelves of manga, or testing your skills at claw machines, Akihabara is a paradise for enthusiasts of Japanese media.

Don’t miss a visit to one of the area’s famous maid cafés, where servers in frilly uniforms deliver food with song, smiles, and playful rituals - an only-in-Japan experience. Major spots like Akihabara Gamers or Akihabara X Main Store offer everything from vintage video games to the latest collectibles. 

Even if you’re not an otaku, Akihabara is a fascinating slice of Tokyo’s tech-loving subculture, perfect for curious travellers and pop culture fans alike. 

Tokyo Tower - The City's Landmark 

The cherry on top of this whole adventure is a nighttime view of one of the city’s most notable landmarks – Tokyo Tower.

A glittering red Eiffel Tower replica (but slightly taller), Tokyo Tower a few stops southwest on the Hibiya Line (an “H” surrounded by a grey circle) to Kamiyacho Station. Tokyo Tower was the first communications and observation tower of its kind in Tokyo, with its height of 333 meters, and painted white and international orange for air safety regulations. Later on, Tokyo Skytree overtook its role, but Tokyo Tower still stands proud as the landmark of the city.

While the view of Tokyo Tower from any angle on the ground is stunning, Tokyo Tower has two observation decks that both often shine like necklaces in the evening. With the two observation decks vary in price, either captures the nighttime elegance of Tokyo’s lights below as well as a view of Tokyo Skytree in the distance. It’s as romantic as it is inspiring to view the glow of Tokyo from above. 

TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) 

One cannot visit Tokyo without experiencing the digital wonderland of teamLab. As the final stop on your Tokyo adventure, make your way from Tokyo Tower with a leisurely 10-minute walk to the newly opened Azabudai Hills - a sleek and futuristic complex blending art, architecture, and upscale lifestyle. 

Unlike traditional museums, teamLab Borderless is an interactive, fully immersive world of light, colour, and motion. Wander through ever-changing digital landscapes that respond to your presence - no two visits are ever the same. Evening is the ideal time to go: the atmosphere is more intimate, with fewer crowds and a dreamlike quality that heightens the sensory experience. 

After the exhibition, take some time to explore the Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower for a memorable final dinner. With high-end restaurants, stylish cafés, and panoramic city views, it’s the perfect place to reflect on your trip and end your Tokyo journey on a high note. 

Beyond the Bucket-List: Alternative Areas in Tokyo to Visit

While our three days in Tokyo itinerary covers Tokyo’s essential sights, the city is full of hidden gems that showcase its creative, spiritual, and local sides. Here are some alternative neighbourhoods worth adding to your Tokyo adventure - perfect for those looking to explore a bit off the beaten path. 

Shimokitazawa – For Hipster Vibes & Indie Finds 

Just five minutes from Shibuya, Shimokitazawa (or “Shimokita”) is Tokyo’s answer to East London or Berlin’s Kreuzberg. Known for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, it’s a haven of vintage boutiques, second-hand bookshops, quirky record stores, and tiny theaters. Grab a craft coffee, explore alleyways lined with mural art, and enjoy everything from vegan pancakes to international street food. On weekends, the streets are full of musicians, artists, and locals just hanging out. 

Yanaka & Nezu – For Cats, Shrines & Old Tokyo Charm 

Step into Tokyo’s nostalgic past in Yanaka, one of the few areas that survived the bombings of WWII. Wander along Yanaka Ginza, one of Tokyo's oldest shopping streets, full of traditional snack stalls, family-run stores, and cute cat-themed goods. Nearby Nezu Shrine offers a peaceful escape with its beautiful azalea garden (best in April) and a tunnel of red torii gates reminiscent of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari. This is a wonderful area to experience Tokyo’s slower, more traditional side. 

Roppongi – For Art Lovers & Night Owls 

Roppongi is where Tokyo’s contemporary art scene meets its international nightlife. By day, visit world-class art museums like the Mori Art Museum, The National Art Center Tokyo, and 21_21 Design Sight. By night, the district transforms with upscale dining, rooftop bars, and popular clubs like V2 Tokyo, 1 Oak, and Tantra. It's the perfect mix for travellers who want culture by day and cocktails by night. 

Nakameguro & Daikanyama – For Design, Style & Sakura Strolls 

Chic yet understated, Nakameguro and Daikanyama are ideal for those who love stylish cafés, boutique shopping, and quiet beauty. In cherry blossom season, the Meguro River is lined with pink blossoms, creating one of Tokyo’s most photogenic hanami spots. Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (a multi-level coffee experience) or browse books and art at Daikanyama T-Site. Don’t miss Saigoyama Park, which offers surprisingly good views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. 

Tokyo Bay & Odaiba – For Families & Futuristic Fun 

Cross the Rainbow Bridge to reach Odaiba, Tokyo’s entertainment island. Great for kids and tech enthusiasts, it’s home to the Miraikan (Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) and the towering Gundam Statue. There are also malls, arcades, Ferris wheels, and waterfront promenades. It’s playful, spacious, and full of modern energy. 

Tokyo Station & Imperial Palace – For History & Calm 

Tokyo Station isn’t just a transportation hub - it’s an architectural marvel. Its red brick Marunouchi side harks back to Tokyo’s Meiji era and is surrounded by elegant shops and restaurants. Nearby, the Imperial Palace offers tranquil gardens, historic moats, and walking paths - perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Art lovers should stop by the Tokyo Station Gallery or Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum for curated exhibitions in elegant settings. 

Sangenjaya & Gotokuji – For a Relaxed Local Experience 

A short hop from Shibuya, Sangenjaya is a laid-back district full of narrow alleys, retro izakayas, artisan bakeries, and independent cafés. Nearby, Gotokuji (Cat Temple) is believed to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) and features hundreds of lucky cat statues. This corner of Tokyo offers vintage charm and calm, perfect for slow-paced travellers' Tokyo itinerary. 

Kagurazaka – For Kyoto Vibes in the Capital 

With its cobblestone alleys, traditional ryotei restaurants, and whispering hints of geisha culture, Kagurazaka feels like a pocket of Kyoto in Tokyo. Once a geisha district, it still retains its elegant flair and a fusion of French and Japanese culture - thanks to its expat community and charming French bakeries. Come here for cultural shopping, hidden shrines, and refined, atmospheric dining. 

West Tokyo for Forests and Hiking 

Get out of the urban buzz and into the forest! Mount Takao and Mount Mitake are two of the best hiking spots near Tokyo. Just about an hour away from the city, Mount Takao offers well-marked trails, chairlift options, seasonal foliage, and a hot spring. Mount Mitake, slightly more secluded, features a scenic cable car, traditional shrine at the summit, and mountain inns for overnight stays. Both are especially stunning during the momiji (autumn leaves) season. 

Optional: Day Trips from Tokyo

If you are visiting Japan for a longer stay, don’t miss the chance to escape the city for a day and discover some of the incredible spots just 1–2 hours from Tokyo. Whether you're after cultural treasures, scenic landscapes, or historical towns, these easy day trips offer a refreshing contrast to the buzz of the capital.

For more in-depth recommendations, check out our full blog on day trips from Tokyo.

Kawagoe – “Little Edo” Charm 

Wander through preserved Edo-period streets, visit old merchant houses, and snack on sweet potato treats in this nostalgic town known for its traditional clay-walled buildings and iconic bell tower. 

Kamakura – Great Buddha by the Sea 

A relaxed coastal town dotted with Zen temples, hydrangea gardens, quiet bamboo groves, hiking trails, and a giant bronze Buddha. It’s a perfect mix of history and beach-town vibes—ideal for a slow-paced cultural day. 

Nikko – Shrines, Waterfalls & Forests 

Home to the lavish Toshogu Shrine, Nikko blends ornate architecture with mountain air, forest trails, and dramatic waterfalls. A must for history lovers and nature seekers alike. 

Hakone – Onsen & Fuji Views 

Famous for hot springs, ropeway rides, and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Hakone also hosts the amazing Open-Air Museum, blending art and landscape seamlessly. 

Mount Fuji – Japan’s Iconic Peak 

The ultimate bucket-list destination. Visit the Fuji Five Lakes area or climb partway up the mountain for stunning panoramic views. Summer is the official climbing season, but Fuji can be admired year-round. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do I need in Tokyo?

A minimum of 3 days is recommended to explore Tokyo's main neighborhoods and landmarks. However, with 5–7 days, you can include day trips and more niche local experiences. 

What is the best month to visit Tokyo, Japan? 

March to May (spring) and October to November (autumn) are the most popular times to visit. Expect cherry blossoms in late March/early April, and vibrant foliage in November. These months also offer pleasant weather. 

What is the best area in Tokyo to stay? 

For first-timers, Shinjuku and Shibuya are highly recommended for their connectivity and energy. Asakusa and Ueno offer more traditional charm. Ginza and Marunouchi have more premium options with Shinkansen access. 

Is Tokyo friendly to tourists? 

Yes, Tokyo is incredibly safe, clean, and polite. While English is not spoken fluently everywhere, signage is usually bilingual, and locals are helpful even with limited English. 

How English friendly is Tokyo? 

Train stations, major landmarks, and many restaurants have English signage. Younger people may understand some English, but apps like Google Translate are helpful in smaller eateries or shops. 

How much is a meal in Tokyo? 

• Budget: ¥500–¥1,000 (convenience store or ramen) 

• Mid-range: ¥1,000–¥3,000 (lunch or casual dinner) 

• High-end: ¥5,000+ (omakase sushi, kaiseki, or wagyu) 

Do I need cash in Tokyo? 

Yes, many places still prefer cash. Convenience stores and major chains take cards, but carry yen for small shops and temples. 

Is Tokyo walkable? 

Yes - many areas like Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ginza are pedestrian-friendly. But use trains for longer distances. 

Are public restrooms easy to find? 

Yes. Most train stations, department stores, and parks have clean, free restrooms. 

Is Tokyo safe at night? 

Yes. Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world, even for solo travellers. Just use basic common sense. 

Do trains run all night in Tokyo? 

No. Most trains stop around midnight and resume around 5 AM. Take a taxi or plan accordingly if staying out late. 

Planning a Japan trip? 

If you're staying longer - or already dreaming about your next trip - why stop at Tokyo? From ancient temples in Kyoto to hot springs in Hakone, Japan is full of incredible experiences waiting to be explored. 

Wondering how Japan travel changes and updates in 2026 might affect your travel plans? Read Japan Holidays 2026: What You Need to Know for Your Trip. 

Ready to go beyond Tokyo? Check out The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Japan in 10 Days for a seamless route covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. 

Still not sure where to begin? Let our Japan travel experts craft the perfect tailor-made itinerary - just for you. Reach out today and let’s start planning your dream trip to Japan!