3 Days in Tokyo

So you only have 2-3 days!? I know, it’s not enough. Here’s what we did with our very short time in Tokyo. I fell in love with Japan (and had the best meal of my life) WHEN CAN I GO BACK?

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a city that seamlessly blends the ultramodern with the traditional. From neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples, Tokyo offers a unique experience for every traveler. Whether you're a foodie, a fashion enthusiast, or a culture buff, Tokyo has something extraordinary to offer everyone.

For hotels in Tokyo, we recommend the following:

Trunk Hotel (Cat Street): Located in the trendy Shibuya district, this boutique hotel offers a vibrant and stylish atmosphere. It’s perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Tokyo's fashion and nightlife scenes.
K5: Situated in Nihonbashi, K5 is a modern, stylish hotel that blends contemporary design with a nod to traditional Japanese aesthetics. Each room is thoughtfully designed, providing a unique and comfortable stay.
Toronamon Edition: A luxurious hotel in the heart of Toronamon, offering stunning views and impeccable service. The hotel combines sophisticated style with comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a refined experience.

DAY ONE

Welcome to Tokyo!! Start your day (after a great breakfast) by visiting TeamLab Planets! This immersive digital art museum is a sensory overload of lights, colors, and interactive exhibits. Be sure to wear trousers that can be rolled up to your knees or shorts/skirts. You’ll have to walk through some water, but it’s so worth it. Alternatively, visit the new TeamLab Borderless, but don't miss TeamLab Planets! Make sure you book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out.

Head to the Senso-ji temple next. Walk down the amazing road of Nakamise-dori and grab some food from the side of the road. This street is full of little shops and lots of snacks. Remember, you can't walk and eat in Tokyo! Stop and eat before you continue on, and keep in mind that there are no bins in Tokyo, so carry any trash with you until you find a bin.

In the early evening, we highly recommend taking a food tour with Yoshi, which you can book [HERE]. He will take you on a super fun journey with a small group. If you don’t like tours (I feel you) head to Omoide Yokocho, a famous food street in Shinjuku! You can get delicious meals for a great price here. The Izakayas are small, so you may have to wait, but they're all AMAZING. Don't miss the famous 'piss alley' behind the Izakayas, or do miss it cause…it’s exactly as it sounds.

After dinner, head to the incredible area of Golden Gai, which consists of two very narrow streets full of bars. The atmosphere is fantastic. We recommend:

Bar Pitou - Known for natural (and Japanese) wines.

Bar Outlander - A fun spot to try!

The Open Book - Cocktails inspired by literary classic - yes please!

Bar Albatross - Considered the top pick in Golden Gai

Deathmatch in Hell - Sounds lovely, they love rock n roll!

Kenzos Bar - Very beautiful cocktails

Cambiare - Reminiscent of a 1960’s Italian horror film!

Shinjuku is WILD. It has the busiest rail station in the world and the area is so colourful and crazy - it's amazing, everything you'd hope for when imagining being in Tokyo! If you find someone making sweet fish filled with custard on the side of the road, stop immediately and enjoy!

DAY TWO

Today, check out a very unique and special samurai experience with Yusuke, which you can find on Airbnb Experiences [HERE]. Yusuke was such a special person to meet. He is a samurai, and this experience is very special. You head over to his studio, which is on the outskirts of the main part of the city. It's so beautiful and local out there; you will feel like you're seeing something authentic! In this experience, you will have a tea ceremony together, learn all about the samurai, and at the end of the experience, learn how to cut bamboo! I won't lie, I felt so amazing when I chopped the bamboo and didn't screw up! It was so good. Scary too!

For lunch, after this experience, we recommend walking around this area towards a train station and catching a train to Shibuya! We absolutely loved Shibuya. Our favorite place! Stroll around Omotesando and this amazing area and do some shopping on Cat Street.

Places we loved were:

Public Tokyo: A great place to find trendy Japanese fashion.
KITH: Known for its stylish streetwear.
Japan Blue Jeans: High-quality denim that's a staple in Japanese fashion.
RAGTAG: Perfect for finding unique second-hand clothing.

Head to Sedai Coffee Roasters on Cat Street for a delicious specialty coffee to help you keep going!! You will also need to try Iyoshi Cola which is next door to coffee. The cola is SO GOOD, it must be tried. You can also get takeaway cola mix (I took some back to London!)

Sedai Coffee Roasters, Cat Street, Shibuya, Tokyo

For dinner tonight, you have to go to Gonpachi! This iconic restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience with delicious yakitori and other Japanese dishes. My absolute favourite was the buckwheat soba noodles with dipping sauce! Who would’ve thought this could be SO GOOD.

It's near the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, so tick this off your list on your way to and from dinner. The crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world and a quintessential Tokyo experience. Gonpachi’s lively atmosphere and mouth-watering food make it a must-visit.

Day three

This morning, visit one of Tokyo's unique animal cafes for a fun and memorable experience. Spend some time at the Mipig Cafe in Harajuku, where you can cuddle with adorable piglets alternatively, relax with friendly cats at MOCHA in Harajuku, a stylish cat cafe, or visit Harry Harajuku to spend some time with cute hedgehogs. It’s all crazy, but it’s pretty fun. At the Mipig cafe, you don’t actually have to drink or eat anything, you basically just pay to hang out with pigs for 30 minutes and boy oh boy is it worth it.

For lunch, head to nearby Menchirashi, the best meal I've ever had.

I’m not even that dramatic. Sometimes there’s a line, but just wait in it - it goes fast! Drink the Shochu with grapefruit - you won’t even feel it, I promise.

I’d so recommend you try the Carbonara udon (See picture) – as well as a more classic udon dish and everything else on their menu.

In the afternoon, visit Meiji Jingu, a serene and historic shrine in the heart of Tokyo. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, surrounded by a beautiful forested area. Spend some time exploring the shrine and the tranquil grounds - one last taste of Japan!

In the evening on your last night, we recommend indulging in a memorable sushi experience. While sushi in Tokyo can be pricey, it’s worth it for the authentic taste. For a more budget-friendly option, Udon Shin offers delicious udon noodles. If you’re in Shibuya and craving a special, authentic sushi meal, head to Sushi no Ikumi. This spot typically offers a set menu, focusing on traditional seafood dishes. It’s usually a set menu and for those tourists out there who think you can get chicken schnitzel sushi rolls - you can’t. Don’t go unless you LOVE seafood.

Anyway, as you can tell that’s not a lot of time in Tokyo but for those who followed along via social media whilst we were on our trip, here is some extra information to help you!

Country: Japan

Language: Japanese

Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)

Getting there: From Narita International Airport, you can take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, which takes about an hour. Haneda Airport is closer, with various train and monorail options taking you into the city in about 30 minutes.

Power: Type A and B

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and cherry blossoms or autumn leaves are in full display.

If you’re looking for a great and reliable transfer - we recommend booking through our favourite partner HERE. If you need an E-Sim whilst travelling (we highly recommend you get one!) then you can book through our favourite company HERE

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3 days in Tokyo itinerary — 3 days in Tokyo

Asia, All Destinations, JapanLucy MasonMay 29, 2024itinerary, tokyo, japan, 3 days