Tokyo 3-Day Essentials
Three days hitting the unmissable Tokyo: Shibuya + Harajuku, old-Tokyo Asakusa + Ueno, and Akihabara + Odaiba. Stops, JPY costs, and timing.
Last updated 2026-05-03 · 3-day self-guided plan
Shibuya & Harajuku
Crossings, Skylines & Street Style
Iconic Tokyo modernity in one walkable loop
1Shibuya Crossing
World's busiest intersection. Best view from Starbucks Tsutaya 2F or the Magnet 109 rooftop.
0.5–1 HourCost: Free
2Shibuya Sky
Open-air 230m observation deck with 360° city views. Sunset slot books out 2 weeks ahead.
1–1.5 HoursCost: ¥2,500
3Meiji Jingu Shrine
Forested shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Walk in via the Harajuku-side torii.
1–1.5 HoursCost: Free
4Takeshita Street & Omotesando
Kawaii fashion + Daiso Harajuku on Takeshita; designer flagships down Omotesando.
2 HoursCost: Free
Day 1 Estimated Cost
- Food¥3,000
- Transport (Yamanote/Subway)¥600
- Shibuya Sky¥2,500
- Shopping & Snacks¥2,000
Tips
Tokyo Metro 24hr Pass ¥800 beats single tickets the moment you do 4+ rides.
Comfortable shoes: Shibuya/Harajuku is a 6+ km walking day.
Try Afuri Yuzu Ramen in Harajuku Gyoen — yuzu-shio shio bowl ¥1,200.
Best crossing photo: Hachiko exit, the diagonal scramble peaks at 5pm green.
Asakusa & Ueno
Old Tokyo, Temples & Markets
Edo-era Tokyo plus the city's biggest park-and-museum cluster
1Sensoji Temple
Tokyo's oldest temple. Enter through Kaminarimon (giant red lantern), shop down Nakamise Street.
1.5–2 HoursCost: Free
2Tokyo Skytree
634m tower across the river. Tembo Galleria on a clear day reaches Mt. Fuji.
1–1.5 HoursCost: ¥2,100 – ¥3,400
3Ueno Park
Sakura-lined paths in spring, ginkgo gold in autumn. Tokyo National Museum at the north end.
2 HoursCost: Free
4Ameyayokocho Market
Open-air market under the JR tracks. Cheap snacks, dried fish, and sneakers.
1 HourCost: Free
Day 2 Estimated Cost
- Food¥3,500
- Transport¥800
- Skytree Tembo Deck¥2,100
- Tokyo National Museum (optional)¥1,000
- Shopping & Snacks¥1,500
Tips
Asakusa-Skytree shuttle bus ¥220 beats the 15-min walk in summer heat.
Sensoji is stone-paved — slip-resistant soles help in rain.
Asakusa specialty: Daikokuya tempura set ¥2,300 — line forms by 11:30am.
Skytree from Sumida River bridge at sunset gives the cleanest skyline shot.
Akihabara & Odaiba
Anime, Tech & Bayfront Views
Otaku culture morning, future-Tokyo afternoon
1Akihabara Electric Town
Yodobashi Camera, Super Potato retro games, Mandarake doujin floors.
2 HoursCost: Free (Budget for shopping)
2teamLab Planets Tokyo
Walk-through immersive digital art. Knee-deep water rooms — wear shorts or roll up trousers.
1.5 HoursCost: ¥3,800
3Odaiba Seaside Park
Tokyo's mini Statue of Liberty, Rainbow Bridge view, Aqua City mall behind.
1.5 HoursCost: Free- 4
Unicorn Gundam Statue
20m life-size Gundam outside DiverCity. Transformation animation runs hourly until 21:30.
0.5 HourCost: Free
Day 3 Estimated Cost
- Food¥3,000
- Yurikamome line (Odaiba loop)¥820
- teamLab Planets¥3,800
- Shopping & Snacks¥2,000
Tips
Yurikamome 1-day pass ¥820 unlimited rides on the Odaiba loop.
Roll-up pants for teamLab Planets water rooms — locker provided.
Akihabara maid cafe ¥800 entry + ¥600 drink minimum if you want the experience.
Rainbow Bridge lights up at sunset — best from Aqua City pier.