Day 1: Traditional Tokyo & Temples
Start your Tokyo adventure with a visit to the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. This ancient Buddhist temple, founded in 645 AD, is Tokyo's oldest temple and offers a perfect introduction to Japanese culture.
Morning: Asakusa & Senso-ji
- Visit Senso-ji Temple and its massive red lantern
- Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs
- Try traditional Japanese snacks like senbei (rice crackers)
- Take photos at the iconic Kaminarimon Gate
Afternoon: Ueno Park & Museums
- Explore Ueno Park's cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn colors
- Visit the Tokyo National Museum for Japanese art and history
- See the famous Ueno Zoo pandas
- Stroll through Ameya-Yokocho market for street food
Evening: Akihabara Electric Town
- Experience Tokyo's otaku culture and anime shops
- Visit multi-story electronics stores
- Try a themed café (maid café or anime café)
- See the district lit up with neon lights
Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping
Experience Tokyo's cutting-edge technology and fashion scene in the city's most modern districts.
Morning: Shibuya Crossing & Shopping
- Witness the world's busiest pedestrian crossing
- Shop at Shibuya 109 for trendy fashion
- Visit the famous Hachiko statue
- Explore Center Gai for street fashion
Afternoon: Harajuku & Takeshita Street
- Walk through Takeshita Street's unique fashion boutiques
- Visit Meiji Shrine and its peaceful forest
- Explore Yoyogi Park for people-watching
- Try crepes from one of the many crepe stands
Evening: Shinjuku & Golden Gai
- Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free city views
- Explore the neon-lit Kabukicho district
- Experience the intimate bars of Golden Gai
- Dinner at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for yakitori
Day 3: Food & Culture
Dedicate your final day to experiencing Tokyo's incredible food scene and cultural activities.
Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market
- Sample fresh sushi and sashimi
- Try tamago (egg) sushi from famous stalls
- Explore the outer market's food stalls
- Learn about Japanese ingredients and cooking
Afternoon: Ginza & Traditional Arts
- Visit the Kabuki-za Theatre (book tickets in advance)
- Explore high-end department stores
- Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Try traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Evening: Roppongi Hills & Tokyo Tower
- Visit Tokyo Tower for sunset city views
- Dinner at a traditional izakaya
- Experience Tokyo's nightlife in Roppongi
- Final shopping at Don Quijote for souvenirs
Essential Tips for Tokyo
- Transportation: Get a Pasmo or Suica card for easy subway access
- Language: Learn basic Japanese phrases, but most signs have English
- Etiquette: Bow when greeting, remove shoes in traditional places
- Food: Don't be afraid to try new things - Tokyo has some of the world's best food
- Timing: Avoid rush hour (8-9 AM, 6-7 PM) on public transport
Best Sushi Spots in Tokyo
- Sukiyabashi Jiro: World-famous sushi (reservations required months in advance)
- Sushi Saito: Michelin-starred omakase experience
- Tsukiji Sushiko: Fresh fish from the famous fish market
- Uogashi Nihon-Ichi: Standing sushi bar with excellent quality
- Kizushi: Traditional Edo-style sushi in Ginza
Budget Breakdown
- Accommodation: $80-200/night for mid-range hotels
- Food: $15-50/day depending on dining choices
- Transportation: $10-15/day with subway pass
- Attractions: $20-40/day for museums and activities
- Total per day: $125-305 (excluding accommodation)
