The perfect 3-day Tokyo itinerary
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An archway at Meiji Jungu Shrine.
I recently went to Tokyo, Japan as part of a whirlwind tour which also saw me hit up Seoul, South Korea and Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. Although I had mixed feelings about the Japanese capital (you can see what I thought was great about it here, and what was not-so-great here), I really enjoyed my time there and I would recommend it to anyone.
One problem with Tokyo is its size – after all it is the world’s biggest city by population and the world’s second-largest city by area – so if your time there is limited, you’ll want to make sure you know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.
Having visited only last month for just four days, I thought I would share my experiences by putting together a three-day itinerary for anyone who’s thinking making a short stop in Tokyo while travelling on a budget. See the itinerary listed below, with links to download it as a Word document or image file.
Tokyo Metro Map | Tokyo Map
Day 1
As it stands (pun completely intended), Tokyo Tower is the world’s second-tallest structure behind the Burj Khalifa.
Arrive in Tokyo
Tokyo Skytree
Closest Metro station: TOKYO SKYTREE (Line: TS); Oshiage (Line: A, Z)
Sensoji Temple
20-minute walk
Closest Metro station: Asakusa (A, G, TS)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Closest Metro station: Sendagaya (Line: JB); Shinjuku (Line: E, JA, JB, JC, JS, JY, KO, M, OH, S); Shinjuku-gyoenmae (Line: M)
Robot Restaurant
13-minute walk
Closest Metro station: Shinjuku (Line: E, JA, JB, JC, JS, JY, KO, M, OH, S); Shinjuku-sanchome (Line: F, M, S)
I’d recommend booking tickets in advance
Day 2
Shibuya Crossing in the midst of the famous Shibuya Scramble.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Closest Metro station: Shimbashi (Line: A, G, JK, JO, JT, JY, U); Tsukiji (Line: H)
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Closest Metro station: Harajuku (Line: JY); Meiji-jingumae (Line: C, F)
Shibuya Crossing
21-minute walk
Closest Metro station: Shibuya (Line: DT, F, G JA, JS, JY, TY)
Daytime viewing of Shibuya Crossing
Mario Kart Tokyo
Closest Metro station: Depends on meeting point
Book your tour in advance. Here’s what you need to know
Day 3
Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s most recognisable structures.
Akihabara
Closest Metro station: Akihabara (H, JB, JK, JY, S)
A trip to the district for the arcades
Tokyo Tower
Closest Metro station: Akabanebashi (Line: E); Kamiyacho (Line: H); Onarimon (Line: I)
Shibuya Crossing
21-minute walk
Closest Metro station: Shibuya (Line: DT, F, G JA, JS, JY, TY)
Nighttime viewing of Shibuya Crossing
Coming soon…
Although visitors aren’t currently allowed due to the current health situation in Japan, here are five things you have to do in Tokyo for when the Land of the Rising Sun finally opens back up for travel.