Japan is a place I can never get enough of, and Tokyo’s districts each have their own unique vibe! Come along as I take you through the must-visit spots—I’ll show you what to do, what to see, what to eat, where to stay, and how to get around. Plus, I’ll share tips to make the most of your Tokyo adventure. Don’t forget to check out my free packing lists for any type of trip below!
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Here’s my 3-day itinerary in Tokyo:
Day 1
- Eat a traditional Japanese breakfast at Misojyu in Asakusa
- Explore to Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-Dori and Kaminarimon Gate
- Get a meticulous haircut and head massage at Know Your Barber, an English-speaking barbershop
- Eat lunch at CoCo Ichibanya in Akihabara
- Shop for electronics at Yodobashi Akiba
- Cool down and rest at Cat Cafe Mocha
- Shop at Uniqlo Asakusa
- Eat dinner at Asakusa Gyu-Katsu
Day 2
- Immerse in Japanese traditional culture with a Kimono Walking Tour in Bunkyo City
- Go to Adachi City for an Udon-Making Experience and enjoy lunch in a true Japanese home
- Check out the panoramic views at Tokyo Skytree
- Shop at Donguri Republic for Studio Ghibli merchandise at Tokyo Skytree
- Have an early dinner at World Beer Museum at Tokyo Skytree
- Take the train to Takeshita-Dori in Harajuku
- Indulge in Japanese crepes at Marion Crepes
- Take photos at the Japanese photo booths at Purikura Noa
- Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing then shop at Shibuya 109
- Dine like an introvert at Ichiran Ramen
Day 3
- Eat western breakfast at Coffee Kan in Asakusa
- Stroll around and shop for specialty food items and kitchenware in Tsukiji Market
- Eat lunch at any sushi restaurant at Tsukiji
- Take a quiet stroll at Meiji Jingu
- Watch a rockabilly meet up of dancers at Yoyogi Park
- Cool down at Cat Cafe Mocha in Harajuku
- Spend a laidback night out with food, drinks and karaoke with an Asakusa Food Tour
- Buy your favorite Japanese items at discounted prices at Mega Don Quijote
Day 1
We kicked off Day 1 by exploring the contrast between old and modern Japan.
Asakusa district
We started in Asakusa, where our hotel was located. Asakusa is a historic district centered around Tokyo’s oldest temple, offering a blend of traditional and modern Japan. You’ll see rickshaw drivers and tourists in kimonos, and later in the video, we’ll visit the Tokyo Skytree.
Misojyu
For breakfast, we stopped at Misojyu, a charming spot known for its miso soup and onigiri sets. The miso soup was unlike anything I’ve had before—so comforting, even on a hot day—and paired perfectly with the onigiri, a triangular rice ball with fillings. Japanese rice is truly on another level.
Senso-ji Temple
After breakfast, we visited Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to 645 AD. This Buddhist temple is known for its stunning architecture.
Nakamise-Dori
The street leading to Sensoji Temple is Nakamise-dori, a lively street packed with souvenir shops and street food—perfect for a little afternoon snack. I treated myself to some refreshing matcha ice cream to cool off in the heat!
Tip #1: in Japan, it’s good etiquette to eat street food right next to the vendor instead of while walking.
Kaminarimon Gate
At the end of Nakamise-dori is the Kaminarimon Gate, one of Tokyo’s most photographed landmarks. Originally built in 941 AD, it serves as the protective entrance to Sensoji Temple. This area was incredibly busy since we visited in late May, peak travel season in Japan.
Tip #2: To fully enjoy Asakusa’s historic architecture, visit early before the shops on Nakamise-dori open, or later in the evening when they’re closed. It’s a quieter, more serene experience where you can truly appreciate the beauty.
Know Your Barber
Next, we stopped at Know Your Barber for my husband’s haircut. Though it may seem unusual, many tourists visit Japanese salons for their precision and high-quality service. The English-speaking barber took about an hour, meticulously shampooing, massaging, and styling his hair, making it a worthwhile experience.
Akihabara District
We then headed to Akihabara, which contrasts sharply with Asakusa. Known as “Electric Town,” it’s the main hub for electronics, arcades, and anime shops. Tip #3: I recommend you visit Akihabara at night to experience its neon lights in full effect.
Coco Ichibanya
Around lunchtime, we stopped at CoCo ICHIBANYA, the famous Japanese curry house. Curry was introduced to Japan by the British in the 19th century and has since become a beloved comfort food. At CoCo’s, you can customize your meal with different rice portions, spice levels, and over 40 toppings. If you haven’t been, it’s a must-try, with branches all over Tokyo and Japan.
Tip #4: Order the cheesy garlic naan. It’s not your typical naan but you won’t regret it!
Yodobashi
And then across the street, we walked off our lunch at Yodobashi, a massive 9-story electronics store selling everything from phones and cameras to games and bidets.
Tip #5: If the exchange rate is favorable, wait to buy electronics at Yodobashi. You’ll likely find what you need at a lower price, tax-free—just bring your passport. I saved $80 on a camera lens I’d been eyeing.
Cat Cafe Mocha Akihabara
To escape the summer heat (especially challenging at 4 months pregnant), we cooled off at Cat Cafe Mocha. It’s a peaceful spot to relax with these chonky furry friends, enjoy unlimited drinks, and charge your devices. If cats aren’t your thing, there are also dog, maid, and butler cafes nearby.
Uniqlo
We ended the day shopping at Uniqlo for breathable clothes to beat the heat.
Tip #6: If you’re petite (like me at 4’11″/150cm), you’ll find better-fitting clothes at Uniqlo in Japan. However, if you’re broader like my husband, you’re better off shopping at Uniqlos in the US or Europe.
Asakusa Gyu-katsu
Still full from CoCo’s, we skipped dinner and called it a night to prepare for an early start the next day. If we had been hungry, we would’ve tried Asakusa Gyu-katsu, a popular spot known for its perfectly marbled, deep-fried beef served katsu-style. Wait times range from 20 minutes to an hour, but many say it’s worth it. I’ll share a tip on Day 2 on how to skip the line. Speaking of which-
Day 2
-Day 2! Here, we dived into Japanese culture from both local and tourist perspectives.
Bunkyo City
I woke up early to visit Bunkyo City, a peaceful residential ward home to Tokyo Dome and tranquil shrines like Nezu Shrine, offering a quieter alternative to the crowded Senso-ji Temple.
Kimono Walking Tour
To enjoy the cool morning, I joined a kimono walking tour to learn about the traditions behind visiting Tokyo’s many shrines. My local guide, Sayoko, made the experience even more special, and I decided to upgrade with professional hair and makeup—why not? Dressed in a yukata for summer, I learned the graceful mannerisms for wearing traditional attire, how to properly visit Shinto shrines, wash hands, make prayers, and even draw omikuji (fortune slips). Sayoko also captured beautiful photos and videos at Nezu Shrine, making it a memorable way to immerse myself in Japanese culture while taking home some keepsake photos.
Click here to book the kimono walking tour
Adachi City
Next, I headed to Adachi City, a historic downtown area blending Edo-period architecture with modern elements.
Udon-Making Experience
With my appetite building, I met Masoko for a hands-on udon-making class. She taught me how to make teuchi udon (thick, chewy handmade noodles), tamagoyaki (a rolled omelet), and tempura (a deep-fried dish introduced by Portuguese Jesuits in the 16th century).
As a food lover, this experience was eye-opening. I learned how simple ingredients can create beautifully presented, delicious meals, and I left with a true sense of accomplishment. What better souvenir than the skill to cook authentic Japanese food at home and relive the experience? Masoko was the perfect guide and can accommodate allergies or vegetarian diets if needed.
Since Adachi City is a more local area, Tip #7: You can find Gyu-Katsu at Kitasenju Station with no wait, so stop by while you’re here!
Click here to book the udon making cooking experience
Tokyo Skytree
Back in Asakusa, just across the river from Sensoji Temple, I visited Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure. You can enjoy stunning panoramic views from the top, explore the Sumida Aquarium, or shop at over 300 unique shops and restaurants below. Although my husband and I had visited before, I still recommend going up for those amazing views—on a clear day, you might even spot Mt. Fuji!
Instead of heading to the top, we chose to shop at Donguri Republic, the largest Studio Ghibli store in Tokyo. With the most extensive selection of Ghibli merchandise, it’s the ideal spot for fans like me!
We ended up having a late lunch and, since the lines at Daruma for monjayaki (a Japanese-style savory pancake) were too long, we decided to head across to the World Beer Museum instead. Obviously, I didn’t drink any beers but the chicken wings, pizza, and Japanese-style carbonara were absolutely delicious and hit the spot perfectly!
Harajuku
Next, we took the subway to the eclectic and quirky Harajuku.
Takeshita-Dori
We headed straight to Takeshita-Dori, a vibrant street filled with bright boutiques, street food, and purikura (photo booths).
Marion Crepes
We stopped by Marion Crepes, where the Japanese-style crepes are thin, soft, and packed with generous fillings. Unlike their French counterparts, these crepes are handheld and come with a variety of customizable options, from matcha ice cream and red bean paste to fresh fruits and savory fillings. They’re as delicious as they are pretty!
Purikura-Noa
Afterward, we visited Purikura-Noa, a basement shop with 25 quirky photo booths. It’s a unique experience and the results make for fun, memorable keepsakes—just be prepared for some alien-like distortion!
Shibuya District
Next, we hopped on the subway to the vibrant, youthful, and iconic Shibuya District, known for its fashion, nightlife, and the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Shibuya Crossing
This bustling crossing is a scramble-style intersection where all traffic lights turn red, letting hordes of pedestrians cross from all directions. Tip #8: For an amazing bird’s-eye view of the scramble, head to the second floor of the nearby Starbucks and enjoy the spectacle! This is one of those places that’s exactly like how you see it in the movies.
Shibuya 109
We walked through the crossing to visit Shibuya 109, a trendy 10-story department store perfect for some fashion shopping. Don’t forget to bring your passport for tax-free shopping!
Ichiran Ramen
While you’re in the area, check out Ichiran Ramen for a unique dining experience. They serve tonkotsu ramen in solo booths, making it ideal for introverts who want a quiet, personal meal. You can watch my video for more on this experience!
Day 3
For our last day, we visited some well-known spots, from fresh sushi and major temples to rockabilly dancers.
Coffee Kan
We kicked off the day with breakfast at Coffee Kan in Asakusa, a cozy café serving Western brunch sets like hotcakes, eggs, and toast with freshly brewed coffee. We chose the savory options, and though the meal seemed simple, everything was incredibly fresh. It reminds you of how restaurants in Japan put so much thought into the quality of their food.
Tsukiji Market
With full tummies and caffeine boosts, we headed to Tsukiji Market, famous for its tuna auctions and vibrant market atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy the freshest sushi straight from the market. As a pregnant woman craving sushi, I took advantage of the high and strict sushi standards in Japan. I completely indulged and was delighted by the freshness and flavor—definitely a step up from what I get back home. Plus, the high-quality sushi in Japan is much more affordable compared to anywhere else! Beyond seafood, Tsukiji is a treasure trove for unique Japanese ingredients and knives. After my udon-making class the day before, I picked up ingredients to make dashi broth.
Meiji Jingu
Next, we headed back to Shibuya to visit Meiji Jingu, a serene Shinto shrine nestled in a lush forest right in the heart of Tokyo. It’s the perfect peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. We took part in some Shinto rituals I’d learned during my kimono walking tour, like purifying our hands and mouths at the water basin and making offerings and prayers at the shrine.
Yoyogi Park
For a change of pace, we strolled over to nearby Yoyogi Park to catch the quirky rockabilly dancers. They usually gather on Sundays near the clock tower, set up their speakers, and dance in groups. It’s a lively, unique spectacle that draws in spectators like me. The rockabilly scene is just one of the many eclectic experiences Tokyo has to offer!
Cat Cafe Mocha Harajuku
With the summer heat, we cooled off at Cat Cafe Mocha in Harajuku. It was the perfect spot to relax, rehydrate, and get our bearings before heading back to our hotel in Asakusa.
On the way, we stopped by a convenience store because I had a craving for a Japanese corn dog—way more satisfying than the American version!
Asakusa Walking Food Tour
After a much-needed rest, we met our local guide, Ryo, for an Asakusa food tour. This was a fantastic way to dive deeper into this historic district! I adore food tours, and this one in Asakusa was amazing. We delved into the history of Asakusa, enjoyed the beauty of Senso-ji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate without the crowds, and sampled delicious tempura—the area’s specialty. It’s lightly batter seafood and vegetables deep-fried to a heavenly light and crispy coating. We also explored various casual eateries and took in the relaxed nightlife of Asakusa. While Shinjuku, Ginza, and Shibuya buzz with activity, Asakusa offers a more laid-back vibe.
We even stumbled upon an underground passage to a hidden bar where a ninja bartender served drinks and sang in the karaoke room. It was a night full of tasty food, cultural experiences, and mingling with locals and tourists alike. Click here to book the Asakusa walking food tour
Mega Don Quijote
To wrap up our trip, we headed to Mega Don Quijote in Asakusa. Open 24 hours, it’s perfect for last-minute shopping before your flight. If you haven’t been, it’s a shopping paradise with great deals on just about everything. It can be a bit chaotic with other tourists, but it’s definitely worth a visit.
Tip #8: The largest Mega Don Quijote location is in Shibuya, if you want more chaos to get lost in.
Day 4
On Day 4, we sadly said goodbye to Japan and headed back home to Guam. We were so bummed to leave and wished we could’ve stayed longer!
How to go from Tokyo to Narita Airport
When it comes to getting to Narita Airport from Tokyo, you have a few options. You can take the train, but be ready to haul your luggage up and down stairs. Alternatively, you can grab a cab—convenient but pricier. Or, for a smooth ride, hop on the Airport Limousine bus, which picks you up from specific spots in Tokyo and takes you directly to either Narita or Haneda Airport. Our hotel was one of the Airport Limousine’s pick-up spots, but we ended up taking the train since the earliest pick-up didn’t fit our flight schedule.
Click here for the Airport Limousine timetable
Japan Travel Tips
Where to stay to Tokyo
We stayed at the Asakusa View Hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the iconic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. It’s perfectly located near several bus and subway stops, and there’s a ton of convenience stores, restaurants, and even a Mega Don Quijote within walking distance.
Click here to book your room at Asakusa View Hotel
How to get around Tokyo
To navigate Tokyo’s extensive train and bus system, a rechargeable card like Pasmo or Suica is your best bet.
However, due to a chip shortage, these cards might not be available at all stations. We found ours at the Asakusa station with no hassle!
Pasmo/Suica App for iPhone
If you’re using an iPhone, you can download the Pasmo or Suica app and simply tap your phone on the subway machine. Unfortunately, our Android phones weren’t supported at the time, but finding the physical cards wasn’t a big deal.
Navigation App for Train & Bus in Tokyo
I relied on Google Maps for navigating Tokyo’s public transit, and it worked perfectly for us. While there are other apps tailored to Tokyo’s transit, Google Maps had us covered.
Need a taxi in Tokyo?
You can flag one down or use the Go app to hail one.
Renting a car in Tokyo
Unless you’re really set on driving, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Public transit in Tokyo is often faster and more convenient than dealing with traffic and parking.
Is it better to carry cash or card in Tokyo?
While many places accept cards, it’s smart to carry some Japanese yen. You can easily get yen from foreign exchange services around the city or withdraw from ATMs at convenience stores. Most ATMs take international cards (with a fee, of course).
Tokyo weather during summer
We visited in late May, right before summer, with daytime temperatures around 80°F (26°C) and nighttime temperatures about 65°F (18°C). Pack breathable clothing and a light jacket for the evenings.
What to pack for summer in Tokyo
I usually wear tank tops, short dresses, and shorts in the summer. However, I noticed locals often cover their shoulders and legs. Dressing this way kept me cooler and protected from the sun. I recommend breathable clothing or the Airism line from Uniqlo. It’s great for outdoor heat and chilly air-conditioned spaces. But hey, you do you!
Bring a Reusable Bag in Tokyo
Many places charge for plastic bags, so bringing a reusable bag is a great idea.
Charging Your Devices
Japan uses 110-volt outlets, similar to those in the US but without a ground.
Lack of trash cans
Trash cans are scarce in Tokyo. It’s best to keep your trash with you or dispose of it at vending machines, convenience stores, or back at your hotel.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on my 3-day adventure in Tokyo, Japan! This trip was such a magical experience, from exploring vibrant neighborhoods to savoring delicious food. Tokyo truly captivated me with its blend of tradition and modernity, and I hope you get to feel the same excitement and wonder on your own journey! If you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful, please give my video a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel.
If you have any questions about this guide or Tokyo, drop them in the comments or send me a message on Instagram—I’d love to help. Safe travels, and see you next time!
What more travel guides and tips about Japan?
Check out my Japan travel playlist here. And if you’re interested in my ultimate travel packing lists for trips of all lengths, download them from my free resource library by signing up here. Safe travels, and talk to you soon! Best, Jojo 🍍