3 Days in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

Three days in Tokyo is enough to get oriented, cover the essential spots, and eat extremely well. It's not enough to scratch the surface of the whole city — Tokyo could absorb three weeks without effort — but this itinerary is built around what actually matters for first-timers.

Day 1: Shinjuku and Harajuku

Arrive at Shinjuku station and get your IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at the machine — you'll use this for every train and bus in the city. Morning: walk through Shinjuku Gyoen national garden (a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban intensity). Afternoon: Meiji Shrine and a wander through Harajuku's Takeshita Street. Evening: back to Shinjuku for dinner and drinks in the Golden Gai bar alley — tiny bars, interesting conversations.

Day 2: East Tokyo — Asakusa and Akihabara

Asakusa is Tokyo's most historically atmospheric neighbourhood. Start at Senso-ji temple before 9am (the approach is magical before the crowds). Explore the Nakamise shopping street for snacks and souvenirs. After lunch, head to Akihabara — even if you're not into electronics or anime, the density of multi-storey shops selling everything imaginable is unlike anywhere else. For views, visit the Tokyo Skytree observation deck.

Day 3: Shibuya and Roppongi

Shibuya crossing at rush hour — stand on the scramble and experience it properly
Shibuya Sky observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square for city views
Daikanyama for independent boutiques and excellent coffee
Roppongi Hills for contemporary art at the Mori Art Museum
Evening: Ebisu or Nakameguro for dinner along the canal

Getting around Tokyo

The Tokyo train and metro network is dense and reliable. Google Maps with mobile data shows you exactly which train to catch and where to exit. IC cards work on every line in the city and can be topped up at any station machine. Avoid taxis for city travel — they're expensive and get stuck in traffic.

What you'll actually need mobile data for

Google Maps navigation between neighbourhoods and specific exits (Tokyo stations are enormous)
Google Translate camera mode for menus and signs
Booking tables at restaurants on Tabelog (Japan's main restaurant discovery app)
Finding queues and wait times at popular attractions