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Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Tower and Shibuya cover photo

3-Day Springtime Exploration of Tokyo

⚖️Balanced Mix
3 daysspring

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Tokyo with this unforgettable 3-day spring adventure!

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Tokyo, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Asakusa Culture and Views
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~2 hours

Start your day with a free walking tour to get acquainted with the Asakusa area. Look for tours that cover the Nakamise Dori market and the Senso-ji Temple grounds.

A free walking tour in Tokyo offers a lively way to explore neon-lit neighborhoods and serene temple precincts, sampling street snacks and seeing contrasts between ultramodern architecture and centuries-old sites. You'll typically hear local guides explain historical context, cultural customs, and practical tips, making the stroll both educational and enjoyable.

Book FREE walking tour
Late Morning

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Explore the main hall and the five-story pagoda, and don't miss the vibrant Nakamise Dori market leading up to the temple.

4.5(92k reviews)~1.5 hours
Lunch

Nakamise Street

Nakamise Street

Sample various street foods and browse souvenirs along Nakamise Dori. Try some traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki or age-manju.

4.3(15k reviews)~1 hours
Afternoon

Sumida Park

Sumida Park

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Sumida Park, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Consider a short Sumida River cruise for different city views.

4.2(4k reviews)~2 hours
Late Afternoon

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree

Ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city. Book tickets in advance to save time, especially if visiting during peak hours.

4.4(112k reviews)~1.5 hours
Evening
Traditional Izakaya Dinner

~2 hours

Experience a traditional Japanese izakaya (pub) for dinner. Order a variety of small dishes like yakitori or sashimi to share, accompanied by sake or beer.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Green Tea
Breakfast~$4

Enjoy a traditional Japanese green tea and a small sweet as a refreshing breakfast, often available at local cafes or from street vendors.

Green Tea
Lunch
Grab various street foods from the stalls along Nakamise Dori. Try some Taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with sweet red bean filling.
~$7
Sake
Dinner~$5-8

For dinner, explore an Izakaya in the Asakusa area. Sample different types of sake or shochu, and pair them with classic izakaya dishes like yakitori or tempura.

Sake
Tokyo's public transportation is excellent. Use the Tokyo Metro and JR East lines for efficient travel within the city. Taxis are available, with apps like JapanTaxi and Uber recommended; expect fares around $2.50 to $3 per km.

AccommodationAsakusa (historic district east of the Sumida River)

Asakusa offers a great mix of historical sites and modern attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.

Hotel in Asakusa (historic district east of the Sumida River)
$80-120/night

Asakusa offers a great mix of historical sites and modern attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.

Search hotels in this area
Day 2Markets, Gardens, and City Views
Morning

Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market

Explore the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood, produce, and kitchenware. Sample street food snacks and browse the vibrant stalls.

4.2(55k reviews)~2 hours
Late Morning
Hamarikyu Gardens

~2 hours

Wander through the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, an oasis of tranquility featuring seawater ponds and a traditional teahouse. Enjoy the contrast between the natural scenery and the surrounding skyscrapers.

Afternoon

Kabuki Theatre

Kabuki Theatre

Visit the Kabuki Theatre in Ginza for a glimpse of traditional Japanese performing arts. Consider booking tickets in advance or checking for single-act tickets (makumi) for a shorter experience.

4.3(10k reviews)~3 hours
Late Afternoon

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills

Head to Roppongi Hills, a modern urban complex with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Enjoy panoramic city views from the observation decks.

4.2(40k reviews)~2 hours
Evening

Mori Art Museum rooftop

Mori Art Museum rooftop

The Mori Art Museum, located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, offers contemporary art exhibitions and stunning city vistas from its rooftop observation deck.

4.3(7k reviews)~2 hours
Evening
Find a cozy cafe for coffee

~1 hours

Seek out a quiet cafe in the Azabu Juban neighborhood, known for its charming streets and local atmosphere, for a relaxing coffee break.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Sushi
Lunch$15-25

Have a fresh sushi lunch at the Tsukiji Outer Market, choosing from the many vendors offering high-quality, expertly prepared sushi.

Sushi
Breakfast
Grab a quick breakfast at a local bakery or convenience store near your accommodation and try a Melon Pan (sweet bread) with coffee.
$4
Dinner
For dinner, explore the diverse dining options in Roppongi Hills or the surrounding area, perhaps trying a Japanese izakaya (gastropub) for a variety of small plates and drinks.
$20-30
Tokyo's extensive public transportation network is efficient. Utilize the Tokyo Metro and JR East lines for most of your journeys. JapanTaxi and LINE Taxi are recommended apps if you need a taxi; expect to pay approximately $4/km.

AccommodationShinjuku (entertainment and government district)

Shinjuku offers excellent transport links and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options for your last night.

Hotel in Shinjuku (entertainment and government district)
$80-120/night

Shinjuku offers excellent transport links and a wide variety of dining and entertainment options for your last night.

Search hotels in this area
Day 3Shrines, Gardens, and Modern Culture
Morning

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine

Arrive early to experience the peaceful atmosphere of this important shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk through the forest path leading to the main sanctuary.

4.6(48k reviews)~2 hours
Late Morning

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Explore the diverse garden styles, including the traditional Japanese, English Landscape, and French Formal gardens. Don't miss the beautiful greenhouse.

4.6(43k reviews)~2 hours
Lunch

Omotesando Street

Omotesando Street

This famous avenue is known for its high-end boutiques and striking architecture. Enjoy window shopping and the vibrant streetscape.

4(8k reviews)~1 hours
Afternoon

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the iconic scramble crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Best viewed from the Starbucks overlooking the intersection or the Shibuya Sky observation deck.

4.5(19k reviews)~1 hours
Late Afternoon

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab Planets TOKYO

Immerse yourself in digital art installations at this unique museum. Book tickets in advance online as they often sell out.

4.5(49k reviews)~3 hours
Evening
Explore Shimokitazawa Neighborhood

~2 hours

Wander through the narrow streets of this hip neighborhood, known for its vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a local cafe or bakery for breakfast and try a traditional Japanese sweet bun or pastry. Grab a coffee to go.
$15
Ramen
Lunch$15

Look for a popular ramen shop in Shibuya and enjoy a savory bowl of this iconic noodle soup. Consider trying tonkotsu (pork bone broth) or shoyu (soy sauce base) ramen.

Ramen
Sushi
Dinner$20

Seek out a sushi restaurant in Shimokitazawa and sample fresh, expertly prepared sushi. Try different types of nigiri or a sushi combination platter.

Sushi
Tokyo's extensive public transportation network is efficient and affordable. Utilize the Tokyo Metro and JR East train lines. JapanTaxi, LINE Taxi, DiDi and Uber are readily available.

AccommodationShinjuku (major commercial and administrative center)

Shinjuku offers excellent transport links and a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.

Hotel in Shinjuku (major commercial and administrative center)
$80-100/night

Shinjuku offers excellent transport links and a wide range of dining and entertainment options, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.

Search hotels in this area

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$80
Food / day$39
Transport / day$1
Activities / day$0
Daily total$120
Trip total$360

Daily total: $100 per person. Trip total: $300 per person. This budget excludes flights and explores potential savings through street food and affordable activities.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Best Taxi Apps: JapanTaxi, LINE Taxi, DiDi, Uber
Public Transport: Tokyo Metro, JR East, Toei Subway, Buses
Currency: JPY
Tipping: Not customary
Foreigner Friendliness: Good (7/10)
Healthcare Quality: Excellent (8/10)
Cleanliness: Excellent (8/10)
Best Months to Visit: March, April, October, November
Power Plug Types: A, B, C, F

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