Taking in Senso-ji temple in the early mornings before the crowds in Tokyo

This is the exact 3-day Tokyo itinerary I wish someone had handed me before my first solo trip, back when I was half convinced I’d spend the whole time lost in a train station, close to tears, googling how to say ‘help.’

Kindred, I did not. I ate sushi alone and loved it. I got on the right train (mostly). And I came home glad I’d given myself two more days.

I highly recommend spending more than three days in Tokyo, but if a short Tokyo trip has been sitting in your maybe-someday pile or a long weekend is all you can spare, let me walk you through exactly how I’d plan a 3 day Tokyo itinerary.

Tokyo is a huge city with so many facets, the first thing you learn is that you won’t see it all. Once you accept that, you can home in on the things that will really bring you joy. Let what you’re most interested in shape your stay.

Is 3 Days in Tokyo Enough?

Three days in Tokyo is enough for a first, satisfying taste. If you want iconic Tokyo, you can have one day for the classic Shibuya and Shinjuku energy, one for old-Tokyo temples and gardens, and one flexible day for a day trip or a slow neighborhood morning. You won’t see it all, but you’ll see enough to know you’re coming back.

For my full guide to planning and traveling through Japan, start here →

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What 3 days in Tokyo solo is really like (my honest take)

Before I went to Tokyo I was hesitant. I don’t love big cities, and Tokyo seems like one of the biggest of all. Crowded, electronic, and impersonal was how I saw it. Boy, was I wrong. Tokyo is big, yes, but it’s so spread out that there were plenty of times I felt like I had the city to myself.

Strolling through torii gates at Ueno Park during 3 days in Tokyo

For the most part, people were calm, polite, and kept to themselves. I felt totally safe wandering through the city on my own and even at night. Because Tokyo restaurants are often small, it was easier to get a seat for one at a noodle shop or sushi bar. And since Tokyo is full of a working population, I was surrounded by several Japanese people also dining solo. That whole nervousness about dining alone? Pretty much goes out the window in Tokyo.

As I strolled through Minamiaoyama after my tea experience and cruised along the back streets of Omotesando at dusk, I saw everyday life taking place. People heading home from work, a little neighborhood shrine someone had built for the dogs they’d lost, and a new sense of appreciation that this seemingly cold city has so much heart.

For the full safety rundown, including trains at night, neighborhoods, and what I carry, read my honest take on whether Tokyo is safe for solo women →

My 3-day Tokyo itinerary, day by day

Given Tokyo is so big and has so many sides to her, rather than laying out one 3-day Tokyo itinerary, I’m giving you three. The first is a classic highlight reel, the second is made for quiet traditionalists, and the third is all about fun and games. Or, mix and match from each. Whatever you do, the key is to make your vacation your own.

3-Day Tokyo Itinerary 1: The Highlight Reel

This itinerary covers the classic Tokyo sights everyone talks about. These all assume you land the night before, get up early as jet lag will be on your side, and head out into the city.

Day 1

Sights: Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku

Walking through Yoyogi Park to Meiji Shrine before the city wakes up is a peaceful welcome to Tokyo. From there, you can head to Takeshita Street in Harajuku for that classic street fashion Tokyo is known for. Shops don’t open until 9am or 10am, so you don’t have to be out at the crack of dawn if you don’t want to. I arrived early with about an hour to spare, so found a quiet coffee shop and enjoyed seeing the stillness of the city before the crowds swarmed in by mid-morning.

You can shop, stop in an animal cafe or just soak in the sights. From there it’s an easy walk to Shibuya crossing, window-shopping along Cat Street into Shibuya. Grab a bite to eat as there are several options, like Ryan for amazing homemade soba. Then get a picture with the famous dog statue of Hachiko, and see the crossing view from above at MAG’s PARK (atop Shibuya109), then later go higher at Shibuya Sky for the whole-city view.

After that make your way to Shinjuku, home of the famous giant Godzilla head, and another observation deck in the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. Enjoy the flashing lights, the hustle and bustle, and grab a bite and a drink at one of their many spots before calling it a night.

Day 2

Sights: Senso-Ji Temple, Asakusa, Akihabara

Peaceful bridge and koi at Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Japan

Today gives you a taste of traditional Tokyo. Head to Senso-ji temple early before the crowds. An early morning temple is my favorite thing to do in Japan, and be sure to pick up a temple stamp book (Goshuin-Cho).

As you come out of the temple the city will start to wake up. Asakusa has more of a traditional Japanese feel, and the street markets will delight your eyes and your palate. Make breakfast a selection of treats as you wander the food stalls. Head to Kappabashi Street for great kitchen shopping. Find a classic conveyor belt sushi stop for lunch.

If you love a view from the sky, head over to Skytree or the Asahi Brewery and have a drink with a view. As the evening sets in, make your way to Akihabara for glittering lights and anime central. If you’re up for it, add an evening activity like a sumo experience or go-kart racing through the streets of Akihabara.

Pro Tip
Book these before you go

A few Tokyo favorites sell out days (sometimes weeks) ahead: the Pokémon Café, teamLab Borderless and Planets, and any sumo experience. Grab those reservations before you leave home.

One more: if you want to go-kart through the streets, you’ll need an International Driving Permit and your home license, so sort that out early too.

Day 3

Sights: Tsukiji Fish Market, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Tower, MORI JP Tower Observation Deck

On your final day, head to Tsukiji Fish Market for a breakfast of tuna, wagyu beef, and other delightful bites. Stroll through the Imperial Palace gardens and visit Tokyo Station. I could spend hours (and did!) in their upscale basement food hall.

FInd the perfect photo spot at Tokyo Tower during your 3 day Japan itinerary

Be sure to fit in a teamLab Borderless or Planets visit while here. Planets moves in one direction and does have a water element where you have to remove your shoes. Borderless is more free flow. I wandered in and out of the same rooms and never got bored. Both are spectacular.

Borderless is close to the mini Eiffel tower of Tokyo Tower, and right next to the MORI JP Tower Observation Deck if you want another sky-high view. End your evening with an upscale meal as both Ginza, Roppongi and Azabudai Hills have some swanky options (I still dream of TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie, and the silky slurpy noodles I had there.)