Tokyo in Three: Neighborhoods, Nights & Bites
Allow flexible transit time; reserve evening reservations (popular restaurants) in advance.
Packing Tips:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes — expect 6–10 km walking/day.
- Lightweight layers: mornings can be cool, indoor spaces are often warm.
- Portable charger for long camera/phone days.
Transit Tips:
- Get a Suica/Pasmo IC card at arrival for seamless metro/rail/bus use.
- Use Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner for platform/transfer details.
- Expect small gaps between trains; rush hour (weekdays ~7:30–9:30, 17:00–19:00) is crowded.
Money & Payments:
- Many places accept cards, but small markets and street stalls may be cash-only. Carry some yen.
Dining Etiquette:
- It's polite to avoid eating while walking; stand at designated areas or eat on-site.
- Tipping is not customary.
Safety & Health:
- Tap water is safe.
- Pharmacies (kusuri) are widely available; bring prescriptions in original packaging.
Cultural Tips:
- Bow slightly when greeting; be mindful of noise on trains (talk quietly).
- Remove shoes where requested (some ryokan, temples, small restaurants).
Accessibility & Pace:
- Elevators/escalators are common in major stations, but some smaller stations may require stairs; allow extra transfer time.
Day 1 — Classic Tokyo: Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara
Start with history and temples, then wander lively markets and end with neon electronics and otaku culture.
Stroll Senso-ji's approach (Nakamise-dori) for snacks and souvenirs, feel old Tokyo around Asakusa, then hop the Ginza or Hibiya subway to Ueno Park — museums, pond, and Ameyoko market for street food. In late afternoon, take the JR Yamanote or short subway to Akihabara for vintage games, maid-cafe atmosphere, and electronic shops. Finish with an izakaya dinner in Akihabara or nearby Kanda.
Day 2 — Modern Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku
Youth culture, fashion, and panoramic cityscapes.
Begin at Meiji Shrine in tranquil Yoyogi Park, emerge into Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and crepes. Walk to Omotesando for architecture and boutique cafes. Cross to Shibuya for the famous scramble, Hachiko, and shopping. In the afternoon, take the JR to Shinjuku — department stores, Kabukicho alley, and end at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck for a free skyline view. Evening: ramen alley or yakitori in Omoide Yokocho.
Day 3 — Waterfront & Traditional Markets: Tsukiji, Ginza & Odaiba
Seafood, upscale shopping, and futuristic waterfront fun.
Morning: visit Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi breakfasts and foodie shopping. Walk or short metro ride to Ginza for upscale shopping, department store food halls (depachika), and tea time. After lunch, take the Yurikamome line to Odaiba — seaside boardwalk, teamLab Borderless-type exhibits (check availability), Palette Town, and Rainbow Bridge views. Wrap up with a dinner cruise or waterfront izakaya depending on energy.
Storytelling notes
Tokyo changes pace each hour: a calm shrine in the morning, flashing neon by evening, tiny food stalls between designer flagships. Let transit be part of the day: short JR/subway hops connect compact neighborhoods so you’ll spend more time experiencing and less time commuting.