I didn't get my first look at Tokyo for more than a one-day transfer until the fall of 2025.

That's when I fulfilled my dream and, thanks to an interesting deal, flew first class on Lufthansa to Tokyo.

And this is what my Tokyo in 3 days itinerary looked like the first time I was here.

Why are 3 days ideal?

From my point of view, Tokyo is not a metropolis to travel to Japan for, but just one of the stops on your Japan trip.

Tokyo is not about one iconic landmark, but about atmosphere and contrasts.

In my opinion, 3 full days are quite enough to explore the highlights of Tokyo.

Book a hotel in Tokyo for 3 nights

Where to stay that makes sense

This part of the planning was the most challenging for me. Tokyo has several different hubs and I ended up opting for 3 different hotels to try out for myself what made sense and what didn't.

My experience: 3 hotels

Additionally, I wanted to try a capsule hotel in the Ueno area, but I knew ahead of time that I could only manage one night.

• 🏨 Capsule hotel review - how did I sleep?

Next, I gradually chose hotels in the quieter part of the central Ginza district and finally stayed at the iconic Shibuya intersection.

• 🏨 Hotel Indigo Shibuya.
• 🏨 APA Hotel Ginza Shintomicho Ekimae Kita: review of a standard 3* hotel in Tokyo

My recommendation: 1-2 hotels is enough

However, for those who are travelling to Tokyo for the first time, I would recommend staying in one place in an area where several subway lines cross so that you can get everywhere in the city without transferring.

• 🚇 Tokyo Metro - my guide to getting around

I would concentrate your hotel search for maximum convenience to these places:

1. Around Ginza subway station

You can take the subway from here to the Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Ueno, Senso-ji Temple or Meiji Shrine without changing.

Tokyo Station, the main shinkansen station, as well as Kōkyō Imperial Palace, are a short walk away.

• Best price x quality ratio - KOKO HOTEL Ginza-1chome ***
• 💎 Luxury - The Peninsula Tokyo *****

2. Shibuya or Shinjuku

Tokyo's two most famous neighborhoods are quite similar, and they're less than 10 minutes apart by train or subway.

Stay here if you're looking for iconic places and love the nightlife full of neon signs and typical colourful Japanese signage.

• 💸 Low-cost - Anshin oyado Tokyo Man Shinjuku
• 👍 Best value for money - Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel ****

Day 1 - first impressions, temples and views

On the first day, I would opt for a slower pace and visit quieter places.

I was staying in Ginza (about a 20 minute walk from Tokyo Station), so I started my Tokyo wanderings here.

The best itinerary I would put together is as follows:

• Morning - walk around the Kōkyō Imperial Palace and Kitanomaru Park (a peaceful start to the day)
  • -> walk 35 minutes / Hibiya Line subway (Hibiya -> Tsukiji)
• Lunch - at Tsukiji fish market where I had oyster, coffee and traditional Tokyo okonomiyaki
  • -> walk 10 minutes
• Early afternoon - visit to the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens
  • -> walk about 30 minutes / Oedo Line subway (Shiodome -> Daimon)
• Afternoon - visit to Zen Shiba Park with Zojo-ji Temple (few tourists!)
  • -> walk approx. 5 minutes
• Afternoon (or later) - Tokyo Tower with breathtaking views
  • -> Hibiya Line subway (Kamiyacho -> Ginza)
• Evening - walk, shopping and dinner in the Ginza district near the hotel

On the first day, I moved almost entirely on foot except for the walk from Tokyo Tower back to the center.

I soaked up a bit of the city's atmosphere, checking out the what and how of transportation, where to buy, and that walking around the city is comfortable and safe.

• 👉 Tip.

Day 2 - park, museums and anime district

On the second day, I want to experience something more Japanese, but I still have a bit of jetlag in the morning, so I opt for a quieter start to the day again.

• In the morning, I take the Ginza Line subway to Ueno Park, where I visit several museums and a zoo
  • -> walk about 30 minutes / Tsukuba subway
• Afternoon - the famous but crowded Senso-jiTemple
  • -> train Ryomo Line 1 station
• Afternoon - visit to the Tokyo Skytree observation deck, which I found quite disappointing compared to Tokyo Tower
  • -> Asakusa Line subway with a transfer at Asakusa station to the Ginza Line
• Evening - the quirky, lively and playful Akihabaradistrict
  • -> Ginza Line subway back to the hotel at Ginza

This day was a bit of a disappointment for me. I was most intrigued by the interesting Akihabara, but I'd probably skip other things for next time and plan more time elsewhere instead.

But if you want to visit iconic places for Tokyo, then definitely include them in your itinerary.

👉 O ur tips on where to stay in Tokyo

Day 3 - Highlight: Shibuya and Shinjuku

I was really looking forward to these neighborhoods. They are synonymous with Tokyo for me. This is how I imagine a true Japanese big city.

If you're not staying in a hotel in one of these neighborhoods, but downtown on Ginza, I would recommend choosing a program like this:

• Morning and morning - ride the Ginza Line subway to Shibuya, visit the viewpoints of the iconic Shibuya Junction, lunch at Shibuya
  • -> walk 20 minutes
• Noon - contrast to the crowds at Shibuya - visit the sacred Kiyomasa Spring and Meiji Shrine
  • -> walk 30 minutes
• Afternoon - in my opinion, Tokyo's most beautiful gardens, Shinjuku Gyoen
  • -> walk 20 minutes
• Afternoon - free view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building overlooking Mount Fuji
  • -> walk 10 minutes
• Evening - the lively Shinjuku district glowing with neon signs, shops, bars and restaurants
  • -> Marunouchi Line subway back to hotel on Ginza

This was definitely the best day in Tokyo.

👉 Tip: 5 Tokyo restaurants I ate at

What I would do differently next time (what to avoid)

There are a few places I'd probably leave out for next time personally, but if you're looking for Instagram and iconic attractions, they're definitely on the agenda.

• ❌ I wasn't impressed with Senso-ji Temple - considerable overtourism
  • ✅ Instead, I liked the Zojoj-ji Temple in Shiba Park - peaceful and authentic
• ❌ I wasn't impressed with the Tokyo Skytree - far from the centre and Mount Fuji
  • ✅ Instead, I liked the free view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• ❌ If you're not a market enthusiast, skip the Tsukiji fish market
  • ✅ Stay in the Ginza shopping district instead

Also, next time I wouldn't buy an all-day pass for the Tokyo Metro. It didn't pay off for me either day, and it's definitely better to use the pre-loaded Suica Visitor Card.

Book a hotel in Tokyo for 3 nights