Tokyo Itinerary for 3 Days

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Facts & Figures

If you have the chance to spend three days in Tokyo, you should definitely book two nights (for example via Expedia) in a traditional Japanese ryokan. It is the perfect way to experience Japanese culture and traditions. Three days are not enough to see all the fascinating Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, modern districts like Shinjuku, and beautiful parks like Ueno. But don’t worry, my handpicked list of the best places in the city is a good start for first-time visitors with only three days to explore. Each day is packed with popular and unique sights, giving you time to truly absorb the atmosphere of Japan’s capital. Best Ryokans in Tokyo Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Tokyo Ryokan.
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Day 1 - 1. Sensoji Temple

Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji in Asakusa, is famous for its impressive Kaminarimon Gate and the lively Nakamise shopping street. The huge red main hall and giant lanterns make it one of the capital’s most photographed sights.

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-00321

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2. TOKYO SKYTREE

Rising 634 meters above the city, TOKYO SKYTREE is Tokyo’s tallest landmark and one of its most popular attractions. Two observation decks at 350 and 450 meters offer breathtaking panoramic views, and on clear days even Mt. Fuji can be seen. At night the tower glows with colorful LED lights, while endless shopping and dining options await at its base. Easily reached from Asakusa, it is a must-visit for first-time travelers to Tokyo.

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, 131-0045 Tokyo

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3. Hamarikyu Garden

Hama-rikyu Garden in Chūō, central Tokyo, is a beautiful landscape garden dating back to the Edo Period. The park features a tidal pond connected to Tokyo Bay, several bridges, and a teahouse where you can enjoy matcha with sweets. Seasonal flower gardens, plum and pine groves, and moon-viewing pavilions make this place a peaceful retreat and a must-see during your visit to the capital.

Address: 1-1, Hama Rikyu-teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0046

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4. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s 23 special wards and a vibrant hub of business, shopping, and entertainment. It is home to the city’s tallest skyscrapers and Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest railway hub with more than 3.6 million passengers each day. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or relax in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most beautiful parks, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

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5. Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks, covering 58 hectares with a circumference of 3.5 km. With around 1500 cherry trees, it is a must-see during the sakura season from late March to mid-April. The park combines three distinct styles: a traditional Japanese garden, a French formal garden, and an English landscape garden, making it a unique and relaxing escape in the heart of the city.

Address: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0014

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5. Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and one of Tokyo’s top attractions. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, it is set within a vast forest of 120000 trees donated from across the country. Visitors enter through giant torii gates and walk along peaceful paths before reaching the shrine buildings, often witnessing traditional wedding processions. Located near Harajuku Station, the shrine is a must-see for anyone exploring central Tokyo.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogi, Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557

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7. Omotesando

Omotesando, often called the Champs-Elysees of Tokyo, is a one-kilometer tree-lined avenue famous for luxury shopping and striking architecture. Flagship stores of brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior make the street a showcase of modern design. A highlight is Omotesandō Hills, a shopping complex with more than 130 stores designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This stylish boulevard is a must-visit for fashion and architecture lovers alike.

Address: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

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Day 2 - 1. Ueno Park (Ueno Koen)

Ueno Park (Ueno Koen) is one of Japan’s oldest and most popular public parks, welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year. The vast grounds are home to historic temples and shrines, six museums, art galleries, and Japan’s oldest zoo. A must-see highlight is cherry blossom season, when over 1,200 trees transform the park into a fairytale landscape and hanami celebrations attract millions of people.

Address: 5-20 Ueno-koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007

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2. Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, located in the Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace, is one of Japan’s most iconic railway hubs. The striking red-brick building is not only a gateway for Shinkansen bullet trains but also a destination in itself with shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Surrounded by the headquarters of leading companies, the area is both historic and cosmopolitan. Fun fact: Tokyo Station is also one of the safest places to be during an earthquake thanks to its advanced seismic isolation structure.

Address: 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, 100-0005

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3. Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of Japan’s Emperor and a historic landmark in the heart of the city. Surrounded by moats, stone walls, and iconic bridges, the grounds feature gardens, parks, and watchtowers. While the inner palace is normally closed to the public, the East Gardens and Kokyo-gaien National Garden are open year-round, and guided tours of selected areas are available.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, 100-8111

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4. Zojo-ji Temple

Zojo-ji Temple is the Great Main Temple of the Jodo Buddhist sect and one of Tokyo’s most important historic sites. Located near Tokyo Tower and Roppongi, it is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Its massive wooden main gate, Sangedatsumon, stands 21 meters high and is an impressive symbol of the temple’s long history.

Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011

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5. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of modern Tokyo. Standing 333 meters tall, this Eiffel Tower–inspired structure has welcomed more than 180 million visitors since its opening. Two observation decks offer stunning views, especially after sunset, while the base houses museums, shops, and restaurants. Painted every five years with 28,000 liters of fresh color, Tokyo Tower remains a must-see attraction in the capital.

Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-koen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011

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6. Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills is a massive redevelopment project in the Roppongi district, covering 109,000 square meters at a cost of 4 billion dollars. Its centerpiece is the 54-story Mori Tower, rising 238 meters, which anchors a complex often described as a - city within the city. The area combines apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, a museum, a hotel, and parks, creating one of Tokyo’s most attractive places to work, live, and visit.

Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6108

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Day 3 - 1. Akihabara

Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, and otaku culture. From massive stores like Yodobashi Camera and Laox to smaller specialty shops and Sofmap, the district offers everything from gadgets to rare manga. Maid cafes add to its unique atmosphere, making Akihabara one of the most popular stops for visitors. It’s a must-see on any Tokyo sightseeing list.

Address: Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021

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2. Kanda Shrine

Kanda Shrine (Kanda-myojin) is one of Tokyo’s most historic Shinto shrines with a history of nearly 1300 years. It is best known for hosting the Kanda Matsuri, one of the city’s largest and most vibrant festivals. The shrine is especially popular with entrepreneurs and businesspeople who come to pray for prosperity and success. Enshrined here are Ebisu, the god of fishermen and merchants, Daikoku, the god of wealth, and the legendary samurai Taira-no-Masakado.

Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021

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3. Yushima Seido

Yushima Seidō is one of the few Confucian temples in Tokyo and is designated as a national historical site. Founded in 1690 as a private school, it has long been regarded as a sacred place of learning. Today many students visit the temple to pray for success in their exams, keeping its educational spirit alive.

Address: 1-4-25 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0034

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4. Ginza District

Ginza, literally Silver Mint, is Tokyo’s most famous luxury shopping district and one of the most prestigious in the world. Department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries line its streets, offering everything from high fashion to fine dining. Ginza also holds the record for Japan’s highest real estate prices, reaching nearly 30 million yen per square meter. After shopping, visitors can experience traditional culture at the Kabukiza Theater, the best place in Tokyo to see a Kabuki performance.

Address: 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8105

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5. Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay and one of the city’s most popular leisure destinations. It is especially loved by young people for its wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities. The island is also known for its futuristic architecture, including landmarks like the Fuji TV headquarters and Tokyo Big Sight convention center. With its waterfront views and attractions, Odaiba is a must-visit spot in modern Tokyo.

Address: 2-4-8 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 137-8088

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6. Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is a two-story suspension bridge linking Odaiba with Shibaura Pier in Tokyo Bay. At night it becomes a major attraction when illuminated in rainbow colors in December and in white, pink, and green during the rest of the year. Visitors can cross by train, car, or on foot and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline with Tokyo Tower in the background. Two pedestrian walkways on the lower deck make it a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Address: 3-33-19 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0022

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