3-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Sightseeing in Ueno, Asakusa, Shibuya, and More!

Tokyo Itinerary Day 1: Ueno, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree

Ueno, in northern Tokyo, has long been a bustling commercial neighborhood centered around urban townsfolk culture. It is also home to many of Tokyo’s best museums, located in the sprawling Ueno Park. Keisei Ueno Station runs directly to Narita Airport via the Keisei Skyliner Express, so you can visit Ueno straight after leaving immigration.

You can read more on the history, culture, and attractions of Ueno with our Ueno Area Guide article here!

Ameya Yokocho

The best way to experience the vibrancy of Ueno is to walk the length of Ameya Yokocho, nicknamed “Ameyoko.” This shopping street runs alongside and underneath the raised railway tracks of the JR Yamanote Line between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, packed with around 400 shops spanning 500 meters.

Ameya Yokocho means “candy-store alley,” and it is said to have got its name from the low-priced candy stores that proliferated here. However, another theory is that “ame” stands for “America,” as it originally developed as a black market selling American goods after World War II. Today, you'll find a range of shops selling everything from street food to clothing and handbags.

Tip: If you’re planning a Tokyo shopping spree, here are our 10 best Tokyo shopping streets to visit!

Ueno Park

Ueno Park, most famous for its springtime cherry blossoms, presents a more sophisticated and educational sightseeing experience than its nearby shopping streets.

In the north area of the park is the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest museum in Japan, where you can view a collection of fascinating national treasures. In the west area is Ueno Zoo, the oldest zoo in Japan and home to the much loved pandas. Ueno Park also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and more.

The west side of Ueno Park is also dominated by Shinobazu Pond, which is filled with blooming lotuses between late June to late August. In the middle of this pond lies Bentendo Temple, whose path is often lined with food stalls, each selling a different classic example of Japanese street food.

Once you've finished a walk around Ueno Park, head out to the nearby Former Iwasaki House Garden, a historical estate built in 1896 as the residence of the 3rd president of Mitsubishi.

Tip: If you'd prefer to spend more time in Ueno, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Ueno, Japan's Leading Arts and Culture Hub

Nakamise Shopping Street

Asakusa is Tokyo’s traditional district, and the first place you’ll want to visit is the main shopping street, Nakamise. It’s marked by the Kaminarimon Gate, one of Tokyo’s most famous icons; along with the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, whose unique design is the work of esteemed architect Kengo Kuma. The Nakamise Shopping Street is lined by stores selling a variety of Japanese souvenirs, including “ningyo-yaki” small cakes molded into various shapes like Japanese icon Hello Kitty.

It can often be very crowded on Nakamise Shopping Street, so it may be better to visit again in the early morning or at night (the street and temple are lit up beautifully at night, although the shops are mostly closed) for a more serene experience. There are also a bunch of adjacent shopping arcades that are worth walking through, too.

Tip: There's a lot more things to do in Asakusa than what we've mentioned. Check out our Ultimate Travel Guide to Asakusa, Tokyo!
 

Senso-ji Temple

At the end of Nakamise, you’ll reach the giant red Asakusa Kannon Temple, also known as Sensoji. Founded in 645 AD, Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, although its structures have been rebuilt multiple times.

On the temple grounds, look for the many small boxes resembling wooden drawers near the main entrance to get your fortune, or “omikuji.” Simply put 100 yen in the coin slot, take a random stick from one of the metal containers, and then match the symbols on the end of that stick with the ones on the wooden boxes. The paper inside the drawer will tell you your fortune. If you get a bad one, don't worry! Just tie it around one of the racks to dispel your bad luck.

If you'd like, you can head up to the main temple to offer incense and a prayer. Even if you'd rather not, take the time to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of this incredible spiritual site.

Edo-Tokyo Museum *TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Once you’ve seen the older side of Tokyo in Asakusa, our next stop will be to get some insight into how the incredible metropolis that is modern day Tokyo actually developed. 

The Edo-Tokyo Museum’s distinctive raised structure towers over the sumo district of Ryogoku. Inside you’ll encounter many interesting and interactive exhibits such as the town models, reproductions of Edo period houses, historical fire-fighting equipment, and a section covering Tokyo during World War II.

Tokyo Skytree

Looming over Tokyo at 634 meters tall, the view from Tokyo Skytree's twin observation decks is unrivaled. Along with showcasing the full magnitude of Tokyo’s urban sprawl, if you’re lucky enough to visit on an especially clear day, you may also be able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance.

You can move Tokyo Skytree to any day of your itinerary, so it’s best to check the forecast in advance and plan to visit on the day with the best weather.

Tokyo Skytree is also a great place to shop! Read our guide to Tokyo Solamachi here!

Recommended Hotel in Asakusa: Hotel Gracery Asakusa

Tokyo Itinerary Day 2: Harajuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi

Harajuku and Shibuya are world-famous for their vibrant youth cultures flaunting the latest in Japanese fashion and entertainment. However, right next door is Meiji Jingu Shrine, another of Tokyo’s leading spiritual centers as well as a beautiful slice of nature in the otherwise dense cityscape.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who ruled during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1912). This was one of the most important eras in Japanese history, during which the country underwent a period of rapid modernization after being isolated from the world in the Edo Period (1603-1868).

Stepping through the giant torii gate at the entrance, you'll enter a tranquil forest that feels far removed from the crowded streets outside. The gate itself is one of the largest in Japan, and was built from an ancient tree more than 1,500 years old. The forest covers 70 hectares, making it an important green space for Tokyo locals.

Follow the wide path that cuts through the forest and you'll eventually come to walls of Japanese sake barrels lining both sides. These are called “kazaridaru,” and are donated to the shrine from sake brewers around Japan.

Soon you’ll find Meiji Jingu’s main shrine. While the original buildings date back to 1921, they were destroyed during air raids, and the current reproductions were finished in 1958.

You can explore Meiji Jingu for free, but if you enjoy Japanese gardens, consider continuing into the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, which costs a small fee. These gardens were first created in the early Edo Period (1603-1867), and are particularly famous for their irises, which bloom from late May to late June.

Takeshita Street

Famous around the world for its youth fashion culture, Harajuku has become synonymous with the cute, poppy street style that emerged here.

While parts have begun to take on a more affluent sheen in recent years, Harajuku's Takeshita Street is still alive with the area's famous color and creativity. You’ll find plenty of vibrant fashion goods and accessories along Takeshita Street, along with hidden gems in the boutiques and secondhand stores on the side streets, too.

The food sold on Takeshita Street is just as colorful as the fashion. Particularly Instagram-worthy options include Harajuku's famous crepes, rainbow cheese toast from Le Shiner, or giant cotton candy from Momi & Toy’s.

Tip: Read up on Harajuku's best and most colorful food with our guide to what to eat in Harajuku!

Shibuya Scramble

Shibuya Scramble is another of Tokyo’s must-see icons. Along with a photo opportunity, the thrill of navigating the crowds that collide at this four-way crossing offers a real taste of Tokyo's hectic energy.

There are several noteworthy spots to watch the chaos unfold before you, including Shibuya Scramble Square, a tower that overlooks the crossing and surrounding area; along with many vantage points within Shibuya Station itself.

Hachiko Statue

While you're in the area, look for the statue of an Akita dog near the station's Hachiko Exit. This exit is named after the statue, which commemorates one of history’s most loyal dogs, Hachiko. This Akita dog met his owner outside Shibuya Station daily, and continued to visit every day for more than nine years after his owner's death in 1925. This dog is, with good reason, considered a national icon in Japan.

Zojoji Temple

Zojoji Temple offers visitors two particular treats to see. The first is the Sangedatsumon Gate, which, unlike many historical structures in Tokyo, has survived all manner of disasters since its construction back in 1622. The second is its location, sitting by another of Tokyo’s classic landmarks, Tokyo Tower. This contrasting view of Japan's ancient and modern architecture makes for incredible photos.

Other highlights on the grounds include the elaborate painted ceiling of the Koshoden lecture hall, the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns, which contains the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns; and the Model of the Taitokuin Mausoleum, which was the original burial site of the second Tokugawa shogun, but was burned down during air raids.

Roppongi

At the center of Roppongi is Roppongi Hills, home to facilities like the Mori Building, which houses the Tokyo City View lookout. It also contains contemporary art spaces like the Mori Art Museum and the Mori Arts Center Gallery, as well as a number of cafes and gift shops.

Once the sun goes down, Roppongi becomes a buzzing district with a ritzy yet raunchy vibe suited towards night owls looking to drink and dance. To get your Roppongi night off to a solid start, we’ve picked out our favorite Roppongi clubs for an awesome night out.

Recommended Hotel in Roppongi: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi

Tokyo Itinerary Day 3: Akihabara, Odaiba, and Shinjuku

Akihabara Electric Town

Many come to Tokyo with one thing in mind: anime! For this, Akihabara is paradise, with its Electric Town packed full of stores selling anime merchandise of all kinds. From towering retail stores to independent back alley vendors, you’ll find treasure troves of DVDs, books, figurines, trading cards, and more. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s worth visiting Akihabara Electric Town to witness the buzzing vibe and colorful streetscape.

There are also just as many shops specializing in, you guessed it, electronics, such as games, consoles, cameras, computers, and other Japanese gadgets from the cutting-edge to second-hand retro.

Akihabara is also a great place for visiting a maid cafe, where waitresses in cute costumes will chat, play games, and treat you like the master or mistress of the house.

Imperial Palace Gardens

If the crowds of Akihabara have got you needing a breath of fresh air, take a short train ride to Tokyo Station and walk to the grounds of the Imperial Palace.

As you’d expect, the buildings of the palace are used by the Imperial Family and are not open for visits. That said, you can explore by yourself or reserve a tour of the grounds below, which covers the spacious Kokyo Gaien Plaza and impeccably manicured East Gardens, along with the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

Odaiba

To return to futuristic Tokyo, take a train over to the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. While on the train, you may spot the first Odaiba attraction: a replica of the Statue of Liberty. Originally intended to only temporarily commemorate Japan's relationship with France, this now permanent statue looks out over Tokyo Bay backdropped by the Rainbow Bridge.

A short walk away is another giant figure: a 19.7 m tall Gundam statue, which moves at certain set times during the day and night (see the calendar on the official website).

From here, there are loads of attractions to fritter away the rest of the day, like indoor VR gaming and rollercoasters at Tokyo Joypolis, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, the Daiba Mysterious School haunted house, the retro Japan Daiba Itchome Shotengai, the bizarre poop-themed Unko Museum Odaiba, Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo, the Odaiba Takoyaki Museum, and more.

Nearby is also teamlab planets, the Guinness World Records’ most visited museum; along with the Toyosu Fish Market and Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai Market, where you can feast on fresh sushi. Finally, wander back to the Statue of Liberty at night to see the illuminated Rainbow Bridge.

Shinjuku

With futuristic Blade Runner vibes, Shinjuku is the best place to celebrate your final night in Tokyo.

Popular Shinjuku nightlife choices are karaoke in Kabukicho or a crawl through the tiny bars that make up the much-loved Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho. You can read all about Omoide Yokocho and other similar bar streets in Tokyo on our yokocho guide!

Tip: Kabukicho is very safe, but it’s best to read our Kabukicho guide before visiting to avoid any trouble.

Recommended Hotel in Shinjuku: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo

Experience the Best of Tokyo in 3 Days!

Once you’ve appreciated the scale of Tokyo from atop one of the several lookouts on this list, you’ll understand that it’s impossible to see the whole of Tokyo in one trip. That said, by following our 3-day Tokyo itinerary, you’ll maximize your time on a short trip to Tokyo by condensing all of its best attractions!

By the way, if you really want to challenge yourself, check out our 24 Hours in Tokyo: 1-Day Travel Itinerary.

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