Three days is enough for a first taste of Tokyo if you group each day around one side of the city and let the metro handle the long hops. This plan covers the neon west, the traditional east, and a relaxed day trip out of the capital.
Late March to April for cherry blossoms, and October to November for crisp autumn skies. June and July are humid and rainy, while January and February are cold but clear and much less crowded.
Getting around
A Suica or Pasmo IC card covers almost all trains, metros and buses. The JR Yamanote line loops the main districts; inside neighbourhoods like Shibuya, Asakusa and Shinjuku you will walk more than you ride.
The 3-day Tokyo, Japan itinerary
Day 1
Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Morning
Free
Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
Start with a peaceful walk through the forested path to Meiji Shrine, then wander into the adjacent Yoyogi Park before the crowds arrive.
Stroll the wide, lit-up avenues of Ginza, window-shop the flagship stores, and have dinner in a basement restaurant or a nearby department-store food hall.
Mid-range estimate: one shared hotel room, a casual-to-mid-range dinner and one paid attraction or day trip a day. Costs shift most with your hotel and how many taxis you take.
Estimated daily total
¥18,000–¥35,000 per person, per day
Accommodation (per person, shared room)
¥8,000–¥18,000
Food & drink
¥5,000–¥10,000
Sights & day trips
¥2,000–¥4,500
Local transport
¥1,000–¥2,000
Tokyo, Japan weather by season
Season
Typical range
What to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
10–22°C / 50–72°F
Mild; late March and April is blossom season.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
20–31°C / 68–88°F
Hot and humid; plan indoor time midday.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
12–24°C / 54–75°F
Clear skies and the most reliable walking weather.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
2–11°C / 36–52°F
Cold but dry; crowds are smallest.
SmartVoyage shows the live forecast, or seasonal averages for far-off dates, next to every day of a generated itinerary.
Practical tips for Tokyo, Japan
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card as soon as you arrive; it works on trains, metros, buses and many convenience stores.
Cash is still common in Tokyo, especially at small restaurants, temples and shrines; keep some yen on hand.
Tipping is not expected and can be awkward; good service is the norm without extra payment.
Many restaurants open for lunch, close in the afternoon, then reopen for dinner — check opening hours before walking across town.
Quiet carriages and no-phone rules apply on some trains; switch to silent mode and avoid calls.
Tokyo, Japan itinerary questions
Is 3 days enough for Tokyo?
Three days covers Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Ueno and a day trip to Kamakura. It is not enough to add Nikko, Kyoto, Osaka or Mount Fuji.
Where should I stay for a short Tokyo trip?
Shibuya, Shinjuku or Ginza keep you on the JR Yamanote line and within easy reach of the main neighbourhoods in this plan.
How much does a 3-day trip to Tokyo cost?
Budget roughly ¥18,000–¥35,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip, with accommodation the largest single line and many temples and parks free to enter.
Do I need a JR Pass for 3 days in Tokyo?
For this plan, a Suica or Pasmo card is usually enough. A JR Pass only pays off if you add a longer day trip or travel to other cities.
Want this plan built around your dates?
SmartVoyage generates a personalized Tokyo, Japan itinerary with your budget, interests and live weather — your first one is free, no account needed.
