Welcome to Tokyo, a city of more than 13 million people, where ancient temples rub shoulders with neon skyscrapers and bullet trains zoom past serene gardens! As your local guide, I’ve crafted a three-day itinerary to show you the must-see sights, from panoramic skylines to historical gems and fascinating museums. You could grab a flight out of London for as little as $850 dollars. But do your own research, there are plenty of websites offering good deals.
DAY 1: Shibuya & Beyond
- Morning: One of my favorite places in Tokyo. Dive into the vibrant Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection. Witness the mesmerizing scramble of pedestrians and snap a photo from the Hachiko statue for a quintessential Tokyo moment. If you are into karaoke, there are plenty of places where you can scream your lungs out and eat a pizza at the same time.
- Afternoon: Not for me as I don’t like heights. But if you do, ascend the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, for breathtaking 360° views of the cityscape.
- Lunch: Fuel up with delicious ramen at Ichiran Shibuya, a popular chain known for its flavorful broths and customizable toppings. If you like raw fish, this is the place. Sit and watch them prepare it before your eyes. If you don’t like fish, there’s always McDonald’s or a Chinese restaurant is a safe bet.
- Afternoon: Explore the quirky fashion haven of Harajuku, where trendy teens and cosplay enthusiasts mingle amidst colorful boutiques and street vendors. Don’t miss Takeshita Dori, the epicenter of kawaii culture! My daughter and wife bought themselves a kimono – there’s plenty of choice – deciding which color looks best.
- Evening: Immerse yourself in the neon-lit nightlife of Shinjuku, with its karaoke bars, izakayas, and robot restaurants. For a unique experience, grab a drink at Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alleyway lined with tiny eateries. There’s plenty to explore here. Take your sat nav with you.
DAY 2: Asakusa & Ueno
- Morning: Even if you are not religious, travel back in time at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander through the bustling Nakamise market, lined with traditional souvenirs and street food. There’s always a bargain to be had. A nice pair of chopsticks could be a good investment, I love those paper red lanterns, though they can be quite pricey. Otherwise, a good bottle of sake. Most people usually mix their sake with ginger ale, vodka or soda, a Japanese friend of mine got me to drink it with milk, a taste I have now acquired.
- Lunch: Sample savory Japanese pancakes (okonomiyaki) at Asakusa Imahan, a local favorite with a long history.
- Afternoon: Immerse yourself in art and history at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, housing extensive collections spanning samurai armor to ancient ceramics. Take a stroll through the park’s serene gardens afterwards.
- Evening: Catch a kabuki performance or a sumo tournament (if in season) for a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture.
DAY 3: Imperial Palace & Ginza
- Morning: Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden, a sprawling oasis in the heart of the city, and admire the beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Lunch: Indulge in a luxurious lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district.
- Afternoon: Explore Ginza’s high-end boutiques and department stores, marveling at the latest fashion trends and window displays. Perhaps do some duty-free shopping!
- Evening: Enjoy a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city as you bid farewell to Tokyo.
Bonus:
- Day trips to nearby Hakone for its hot springs and Mount Fuji views, or Kamakura for its samurai history, are excellent options if you have extra time.
- Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient travel on public transportation.
- Be mindful of proper etiquette, such as queuing politely and speaking softly in public places.
Don’t forget you get some travel insurance when you go to get yourself covered for any unexpected surprises. If you like things done for you then you may decide to go on an escorted holiday and branch out even further than just Tokyo.
Whatever you do, have an amazing trip to Tokyo!