The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Tokyo: How I Spent 72 Hours in Tokyo Japan 2026

I just got back from almost a month in Japan, and Tokyo was, needless to say, one of the biggest highlights.

The city is simply iconic. I was obsessed with the food, the neon signs, the skyline, the energy… it was exactly how I imagined Tokyo would feel, and that’s a compliment.

I spent nearly a week in Tokyo, but I know most people don’t have that much time. So I put together my perfect 3-day Tokyo itinerary, because having three full days in the city is a really realistic and manageable amount of time for a first visit.

In this guide, I’ll give you a practical, doable itinerary that actually works in real life and not the kind that forces you to sprint between shrines just to say you did it. I’ll also share helpful tips for getting around, where to stay, and all the little things I wish I’d known before visiting Tokyo.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Tokyo Japan

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Click here for rates & availability

The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for Tokyo: How I Spent 72 Hours in Tokyo Japan 2026

3 Day Itinerary for Tokyo – My Experience

I always like starting an itinerary with what I actually did, because I feel like it gives a much clearer picture than me just saying “go here on day one, then do this, bla bla.” Tokyo is a city you feel as much as you see, so let me give you the vibe first.

I had quite a few days in Tokyo, some with a local guide (who was brilliant), and others where I was happily wandering around on my own. I spent almost a week there, but half of that time was me running around like a maniac for the blog. I went up Tokyo Skytree and the Sibuya Sky, did Shibuya Crossing at peak chaos hour, and even did both TeamLabs just so I could finally tell you which one is worth your yen and which one isn’t.

Over those days I managed to tick off most of the major sights, and honestly, I could have stayed much longer. There are so many little neighborhoods and quiet, off-the-beaten-path corners where I just wanted to stroll around, take photos, get lost, and pretend I was a local for five minutes. That’s definitely on the agenda for my next Japan trip.

One thing I really wish someone had told me before I arrived is how long it takes to get around. The city is massive, and even the “quick” rides can turn into little journeys. Thankfully, I did a good job grouping activities by area so I didn’t waste half my day on trains and that is one of my biggest pieces of advice for Tokyo: plan smart by neighborhood unless you enjoy commuting as a hobby.

Tokyo completely stole my heart, and I genuinely can’t wait to go back.

3 Days in Tokyo Where to Stay

I wanted to start this itinerary with a quick “where to stay” moment, because in Tokyo this genuinely matters. The city is huge, and if you end up in a random neighborhood far from the main stations you’ll spend half your trip commuting instead of actually exploring.

When I visited, I split my stay between two hotels in two different areas because I wanted to get a feel for both. I stayed in Shibuya for a few days and then moved to Shinjuku, and honestly, these are the two areas I’d recommend most for first-timers. They’re central, convenient, and full of life in completely different ways.

Best Hotel in Shinjuku – Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Yes, this is the Godzilla hotel. The one with the massive Godzilla head sitting on top, which I honestly thought was hilarious.

I stayed here and had such a fun experience. The location is unbeatable, right in the middle of Shinjuku’s neon madness, and my room literally looked straight at Godzilla. (Not everyone can say they woke up to a giant lizard outside their window, so I’ll take it.)

Great views, great value for money, and super convenient for getting around. I’d absolutely stay here again.

Click Here: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Best Hotel in Shibuya – Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

I also spent a few nights in Shibuya, and I think I actually preferred staying here overall. It has the same buzzy energy as Shinjuku, but it felt a bit less party-heavy and a bit more “shopping, cafés, and cute side streets,” which is much more my vibe.

The Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel was in such a perfect location, a few minutes from Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the metro station, and Shibuya Sky. The rooms weren’t huge, but this is Japan so you better get used to it. Everything else was great, and I’d book it again in a on my next stay.

Click Here: Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Tokyo – Quick Check

Location matters: Tokyo is enormous, so where you stay genuinely makes or breaks your days. I recommend Shinjuku, Harajuku, or Shibuya, they’re all super central with great connections.
Get an eSIM: I always travel with an eSIM, and for Japan I used Sim Local. Unlimited data, perfect connection, zero stress. I honestly relied so much on being connected in Japan!
Grab an IC card: An IC card (like Suica) is your best friend for trains, subways, and even convenience stores. You top it up and then you can use it just like a credit card.
Eat everything: Tokyo has some of the best food I’ve ever had. Try as much as you can and I even wrote a full Tokyo food guide because I got that obsessed.
Google Maps is gold: I used it for everything. Food, walking routes, trains, all of it. And yes, I think Google Maps is way better than Tabelog when it comes to finding good food spots.
Plan by area: My itinerary does this for you, but seriously, grouping activities by neighborhood saves so much time (and sanity) in Tokyo.
Book certain things early: Not everything, but I had to book things like Shibuya Sky and teamLab Borderless in advance. Tickets sell out fast.
Skip the viral Instagram food spots: I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, the viral places are almost always disappointing. My worst one? That udon carbonara. I still think about how bad it was.

3 Day Tokyo Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Shinjuku & Shibuya (incl. Shibuya Scramble Crossing)

Morning

For my first morning in Tokyo, I like starting with a few of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Harajuku. They’re all right next to each other, so it’s an easy day of exploring without spending half of it on the metro. It also helps that I usually stay in this general area, so everything feels close.

I always begin at Meiji Jingu, which is still one of the most beautiful shrines in Tokyo. Even though Kyoto’s temples will forever be my favourites, this is such a peaceful introduction to Japanese culture and history. What I love most is how quiet it is. You step off one of the busiest streets in the world and suddenly you’re walking through a forest. It’s incredibly calming and a nice reminder that Tokyo isn’t just neon and noise.

If you’re already here, Harajuku is right next door, so a quick wander through the area in the late morning is an easy add-on.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, I head straight into Shibuya. The first stop is obviously the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and I swear it took me about five rounds of crossing back and forth to get the photos I wanted. It was raining the day I went, so the crowds were a little lighter, but it still has that wild energy.

After that, I like going to one of my favourite viewpoints in the area and no, it’s not Shibuya Sky. It’s my little “secret” spot.

Here’s the trick: go into Shibuya Scramble Square, the same building where Shibuya Sky is. Instead of heading to the top, take the elevator to the 13th floor, where there are lots of restaurants. Walk halfway around the floor and you’ll find a big window area with hardly any tourists and a perfect view of the crossing. It’s such an easy, free alternative. (But of course, Shibuya Sky is still amazing if you want the full skyline moment.)

Evening

As soon as it gets dark, I always plan something fun, and this is where Mario Kart comes in. Driving through Tokyo at night with all the neon lights feels absolutely surreal and it’s honestly the most entertaining way to see parts of the city.

After Mario Kart, I take the metro one stop to Shinjuku, which is my favourite area for nightlife. Tokyo rarely gives me culture shock, but here it definitely did, the lights, the noise, the outfits, the sheer chaos of it all. It’s brilliant.

This is where you’ll find Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) and Golden Gai, both packed with tiny bars and smoky food stalls. It’s the perfect place to grab a beer and some snacks from the grill like grilled squid, grilled fish, whatever smells the best at the time.

Day 2: Tsukiji Fish Market, Teamlab Plantes & Amazing Sushi

Morning

For Day 2, I’m sticking to the same area to avoid zig-zagging across Tokyo, so I’m starting with the fish markets early in the morning.

I’ll be honest: I’ve never managed a 5am wake-up for the tuna auction at Toyosu Fish Market. But I did go early to Tsukiji Market, where I had some incredible sushi, yes, at 9am, and no, I don’t regret a thing. Tsukiji is the old fish market, now more food-focused and touristy, while Toyosu is the newer one where restaurants buy their fish.

It was the perfect way to start the day. I loved wandering around, seeing all the fresh seafood, and of course trying a few bites along the way.

Afternoon

In the afternoon I’m heading to Odaiba Seaside Park, which honestly surprised me. I didn’t expect Tokyo to have a place like this, a quiet waterfront area with skyline views and even a little beach. I visited in November, so it was chilly, but it still felt like such a nice spot to hang out.

From there, I took the metro to TeamLab Planets, which is just brilliant. I visited both Borderless and Planets, but Planets is definitely better. In case you’re new to it: it’s an immersive, interactive art experience, and it’s so much fun. Just make sure you book tickets in advance.

Evening

Evenings in Tokyo are always about food for me, and I usually end up back in Shinjuku since that’s where I stayed. Some of my best meals in the city were right around my hotel.

For sushi, I went to Sushi Bar Nigirite, which has a great mini-omakase with 11 courses. The mackerel nigiri was some of the best I’ve had. Another spot I loved was Ramen Tatsunoya in Shinjuku and I’m not exaggerating, it was the best ramen I had in Japan overall. I waited about 50 minutes, but it was absolutely worth it.

Day 3: Asakusa, Onsen, Tokyo Skytree & the Best Gyoza Ever

Morning

For my third day in Tokyo, I’m heading to one of my favourite neighbourhoods: Asakusa. I personally wouldn’t stay here because it’s a little far from everything else, but I absolutely loved visiting.

I always start on Nakamise Shopping Street, which is perfect for picking up souvenirs. I bought some postcards for my collection and a few bits for my family. It does get busy, but it’s worth pushing through. From there, you walk straight into the famous Senso-ji Shrine, one of the most beautiful temples in Tokyo, and yes, I took an unreasonable amount of photos.

Afternoon

The afternoon is dedicated to what might be my favourite thing I did in Tokyo: visiting an onsen. Our local guide Yuko took us to a beautiful, local, tattoo-friendly onsen in Asakusa, and I loved every minute of it. The facilities were spotless, the atmosphere was calm, and sitting in the hot pools for an hour was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re looking for the same spot, it’s called Mikokuyu Onsen. It’s tattoo-friendly, super local, and when I went, there wasn’t another tourist in sight. I have a full guide and review on the blog if you want more details.

Evening

For sunset, I recommend heading up Tokyo Skytree, which is the tallest observation deck in Japan at 450 metres. When I visited, I had a cloudy sky and zero chance of seeing Mount Fuji, but on a clear day, the views are meant to be incredible.

Afterwards, we’re ending the day with what I still claim is the best gyoza I’ve had in Japan at Kameido Gyoza Honten. The place is wonderfully old-school. As soon as you sit down, they bring out a big bottle of beer and your first plate of dumplings. There’s no menu, they just keep serving plates of gyoza until you tell them to stop. It’s such a fun, local experience, and I highly recommend it.

More Options and Alternatives for Spending 3 Days in Tokyo

Day Trip to Mount Fuji

I stayed near Mount Fuji for a couple of nights, so I skipped the classic day trip. But if you don’t have time to stay overnight, a Mount Fuji day trip is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that seeing Fuji isn’t guaranteed. When I visited, the visibility was pretty terrible, so it really is a bit of a gamble, especially if you’re short on time. Still, on a clear day, it’s magical.

Click Here: Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Visit Tokyo Disneyland

I didn’t go to Tokyo Disneyland because I chose Universal Studios Japan in Osaka instead (and one theme park per trip felt like enough). But if you’re traveling with kids, Disneyland Tokyo is absolutely worth adding. It’s easy to reach from central Tokyo and makes for a fun full-day activity if you can spare the time.

Click Here: Tickets for Dinseyland Tokyo

Tokyo Mario Kart

I mentioned this earlier, but it deserves its own spot because it’s such a classic Tokyo experience, it’s chaotic, ridiculous, and very fun. Driving a go-kart through real Tokyo traffic while dressed up as cartoon characters is exactly as wild as it sounds.

Important: you must have an official international driver’s license to participate. Your regular driver’s license, even if it’s in English, won’t work. Make sure to apply for it well in advance, because depending on where you live, it can take a little while to process.

Click Here: Real Life Mario Kart in Tokyo

Visit the Imperial Palace

I haven’t made it to the Imperial Palace myself and it’s probably the one major Tokyo activity I’ve missed, so I asked our local guide about it. She told me it’s not really a must-do, mainly because it’s a working palace. You can’t just walk in and buy a ticket, similar to Buckingham Palace. What you can do is walk around the outer grounds and the gardens, but you won’t actually see much beyond the buildings and the park area.

If the history or architecture genuinely interests you, it can be a nice addition to your Tokyo itinerary. But if you’re short on time, this is one of those activities you can skip without feeling like you missed something essential.

Visit Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is another classic option if you want a great city view, but I’ll be honest, I prefer Shibuya Sky and the Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Tower is still fun to visit, especially if you love that retro feel or you want a more old-school icon of the city. The views are nice, but they’re not as high or as striking as the Skytree, and the whole experience feels a bit more dated. So if you really want to see it, go for it. However, I personally would say this is a skip!

FAQs About a Three Day Tokyo Itinerary

How do you spend 3 days in Tokyo with family?

If you’re visiting Tokyo with kids, I’d focus on the things that are fun for everyone. TeamLab Planets is always a hit, Tokyo Disneyland is an easy full-day activity, and the big viewing platforms like Tokyo Skytree are great because you get the “wow” factor without too much effort.

Is Shibuya Sky worth visiting?

Absolutely. I preferred it over Tokyo Skytree because it feels more like a cool rooftop than a formal observatory. You can actually sit down, relax, have a drink, and watch the sunset instead of just standing behind glass.

What is a realistic 3 days in Tokyo budget?

I’d say around $200 USD per person per day as a baseline, including food, activities, and a mid-range hotel. Tokyo can be done cheaper or much more expensive, it really depends on what you’re planning to book and how fancy you want your meals to be.

Can I fit Disneyland into a 3-day Tokyo itinerary?

Yes, if you have three real full days. You can cover Tokyo’s biggest highlights in two days and then dedicate one full day to Disneyland. Just make sure you book your Disney tickets in advance, they sell out quickly.

What is the perfect Tokyo travel itinerary?

For me, the perfect itinerary mixes the big-name areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya with enough downtime to actually wander, eat, shop, and explore. The worst thing you can do is pack your days so tightly that you’re sprinting from an activity to a dinner reservation. Tokyo deserves a bit of breathing room.

Final Thoughts on a 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary

When I followed this itinerary myself, I felt like I hit all the major highlights without turning it into a military operation. Tokyo is one of those cities where half the fun comes from just being there and walking around cool neighborhoods, ducking into random cafés, trying whatever food spot looks good, and getting a little lost in the city.

Compared to Kyoto, which has more “must-see” sights and temples, Tokyo is much more about the experience and the atmosphere. That’s why I always give myself extra time to roam instead of forcing myself to tick off every single landmark.

I’ve had friends plan out every minute of their trip and they ended up stressed, exhausted, and basically speed-running Tokyo. I wouldn’t recommend that at all.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own trip, or at least gives you a good starting point. Enjoy Japan, and happy travels!