Tokyo in three days: a plan by neighborhood
For a first Tokyo trip, use one day for Asakusa, one for Ueno and one for the Harajuku–Shibuya area. This suggested order groups nearby interests and leaves room to shorten the day. Start with a few anchor stops and add optional visits only after checking your dates.
A planning example, not a live timetable. Confirm opening days, reservations, access and transport for your dates.
- Time
- 3 full sightseeing days
- Best suited to
- First visits, neighborhood walks and flexible sightseeing
- Getting around
- Rail plus local walks
- Pace
- Flexible, with walking and breaks
Before you use this plan
This example assumes three full days after arrival and a place to stay with useful transport connections. Day order is flexible. Attraction visits, meals and transfers need their own time buffers; this is not a timed or accessibility-verified route.
Day 1 · Asakusa and the riverside
Begin around Sensoji and Nakamise, then leave the afternoon for a slower walk toward the Sumida riverside. Keep the temple area and river walk as the main choices instead of adding several distant districts.
Reference: GO TOKYO: neighborhood itinerary ideas
Day 2 · Ueno at your own pace
Use Ueno Park as the anchor and choose a museum if its current exhibitions interest you. Leave time for Ameyoko nearby. A long museum visit is a reason to reduce other stops, rather than rush them.
Reference: GO TOKYO: neighborhood itinerary ideas
Day 3 · Meiji Jingu, Harajuku and Shibuya
Start with Meiji Jingu, then choose time in Harajuku before continuing to Shibuya. Use rail for part of the day if the walk is too much. Book any optional observation deck separately after checking its conditions.
Reference: GO TOKYO: official attraction guide
Adjust it to your trip
In heavy rain, give more time to one confirmed indoor venue and drop the riverside walk. For a slower trip, split the Harajuku and Shibuya choices rather than treating every stop as essential.
What should I budget for?
Allow separately for accommodation, local transport, meals and optional admission tickets. This guide does not quote a total price. Check current fares, venue prices and reservation rules using the official references, then record your own estimates in your plan.
Check for your travel dates
- Check opening days, ticket availability and operator notices before assigning times.
- Review weather and transport changes, and keep an indoor or shorter option.
- Confirm walking distances, steps and access needs for everyone traveling.