3 Days in Tokyo – Your First Visit to Japan’s Capital
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MAY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 29 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
What to Do With 3 Days in Tokyo?
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Craving melt-in-your-mouth sushi with a side of futuristic animated fun?
Landing in vibrant Tokyo feels like jumping to a distant future where utopian ideals become reality. Amongst high-tech infrastructure and robots catering to every need, trendsetting Tokyo is simultaneously the center of cutting-edge street style and world-class cuisine. This extremely clean and safe metropolis is the ideal playground for adults where you can embrace your inner child with whimsical fun galore—especially with character-based entertainment options! United with this dynamic development are nods to the traditions of historic Japan, the spirit of which is kept alive in age-old artistic and athletic practices like kintsugi and sumo wrestling. If indulgence is more your speed, peruse the luxury Ginza shopping scene before basking in the relaxation of coveted Japanese beauty treatments. Tokyo is truly a city that has it all, and with so many ties to the Western world it’s no question why this is typically the first stop in Asia for intrepid American travelers.
Three Days Tokyo Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the comprehensive travel guide detailing what to do in Tokyo for 3 days you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:00 - 10:30 AM: 📿 Begin your first day with a tranquil morning walking around Meiji Jingu (1 hr 30 min)
10:30 - 11:30 AM: 🧸 Dig into funky food among animal cafes and gachapon shops on Takeshita-dori (1 hr)
12:00 - 1:00 PM: 🏎️ Race in a character costume through Shibuya Crossing with Street Kart Shibuya (1 hr)
1:15 - 2:15 PM: 🍖 Don your chef’s hat and grill up fine cuts of meat at Gyu-Kaku (1 hr)
2:40 - 4:30 PM: 💆♀️ Relax during a cleansing scalp massage at Head Spa Belle Cheveu (1 hr 50 min)
5:00 - 6:30 PM: 💅 Chill out before getting ready for the rest of the evening (1 hr 30 min)
6:45 - 8:15 PM: ✨ Gaze over the city lights from the elevated Shibuya Sky observation deck (1 hr 30 min)
8:30 - 10:30 PM: 🍣 Journey around the world through a global omakase experience at The Bellwood (2 hr)
Day 2
9:00 - 10:00 AM: 🌼 Wander the serene gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace (1 hr)
10:30 - 11:45 AM: 🐙 Eat like locals and enjoy freshly caught seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market (1 hr 15 min)
12:15 - 1:00 PM: 🗼 Peruse the Buddhist temples and blooming gardens next to Tokyo Tower (45 min)
2:00 - 5:00 PM: 🤼♂️ Cheer for contenders while observing the art of sumo in the Ryogoku Kokugikan (3 hrs)
5:00 - 6:30 PM: 🛀 Return to the hotel to freshen up and prepare for the night ahead (1 hr 30 min)
6:45 - 8:15 PM: 🎣 Catch your dinner entrée while fishing inside Zaou (1 hr 30 min)
8:30 - 9:30 PM: 🎮 Buy cheap souvenirs and an assortment of captivating trinkets inside Don Quijote (1 hr)
9:45 - 11:30 PM: 🍶 Drink plum sake at the counter while bar hopping down Golden Gai (1 hr 45 min)
Day 3
9:30 - 10:30 AM: 🌳 Explore one more public green space strolling through Shinjuku Gyoen (1 hr)
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: ⚱️ Restore broken pottery during a kintsugi class at TNCA Studio (1 hr 30 min)
1:00 - 1:45 PM: 🐡 Eat a rapid fire nigiri lunch at the infamous Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills (45 min)
2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🏮 Admire the ornate façades of various temples comprising ancient Senso-ji (1 hr)
3:40 - 5:00 PM: 🥣 Shop for vintage ceramics from the pottery studios of Kappabashi-dori (1 hr 20 min)
5:45 - 6:30 PM: 👗 Quickly change and get ready for a refined farewell dinner (45 min)
7:00 - 9:00 PM: 🍤 Dig into your final high-quality omakase from Nobu Tokyo (2 hr)
How to Get Around Tokyo?
WALK: Walking is the best way to get around during a 3 day itinerary for Tokyo if you’re already in the neighborhood you plan to explore, but to initially reach that borough you’re better off taking public transportation or a taxi. As a rule of thumb, walking is best if the distance to your destination is anywhere between 20-30 minutes — and who wouldn’t want to stroll by the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo?
TAXI: After arriving in Japan, I heavily relied on taxis as an initial transportation method to get the lay of the land before attempting the subway. While this was costly off the bat—especially when commuting from Haneda Airport—this approach built my confidence until I eventually used the subway for the remainder of the trip. To secure a ride, call a cab on Uber to see the estimated wait time and fare up front. Otherwise, hail taxis off the street like any other city, or request a cab in the hotel lobby.
-
The base fare for taxis in Tokyo is ¥420 for the first 1.052 kilometers, with an additional charge of ¥80-90 every 237 meters traveled after that. In addition to distance, there is a time-based fare when the taxi is moving slowly or stopped in traffic, which adds ¥80-90 every 90 seconds of waiting.
The vast majority of taxis accept credit cards as a payment method—which a screen attached to the passenger seat confirms—and this nifty device can also be used tor translate conversations with the driver! Notable tourist spots have designated taxi drop-off areas, so there’ll be a fresh supply when you depart.
TRAIN: Public transit in Tokyo is extremely efficient and the most affordable way to get from here to there! Add a Suica card to your digital wallet before hopping on the train, since this transit card allows you to simply scan your phone and walk through the station gates—it’s as simple as that!
Upload a minimum of ¥1,000 during the initial set-up. After that you can specify top-ups, so on the last ride of the trip check the route price on a maps app in advance and only add the remaining cash needed to reach that exact amount—otherwise you’ll lose some left over inaccessible change in the end.
At home, I raved about how clear and simple the Japan public transit signage was. I’ve consistently boarded trains heading in the wrong direction when commuting in cities like New York City, yet I didn’t make a single mistake in the Japanese stations that are numbered, colored, have unique line names, and precisely detail which stops are included in routes traveling in either direction. Any announcements made are repeated in English too! To practice good train etiquette: remain quiet and keep to yourself, avoid eating and drinking, and only listen to media with headphones at a volume that won’t cause sound to leak out.
How to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
FROM: Haneda Airport (Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan)
TO: Hotel Century Southern Tower (2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station → Shinagawa Station via Keikyū Airport Line towards Limited Express Aoto → Yoyogi Station via Yamanote Line towards Local For Shibuya / Shinjuku (42 min, 8 then 7 stops, ¥510)
When first arriving for a Tokyo 3 day itinerary, take the Express Shinagawa Keikyū Airport Line to leave the surrounding area as quickly and cheaply as possible. This above-ground rail line is incredibly efficient since it only serves the airport, bypassing traffic which can easily make a taxi ride last an hour or more.
Being new to Japan—and running late to dinner after a flight delay—I took a taxi into the city, which cost me nearly $70 to get to Shinjuku! Make better choices and take the train—seriously. Even if you taxi to your lodging from the central Shinagawa Station this airport line arrives at, choosing this transport option will result in significant time and cost savings.
Where to Stay in Tokyo?
CONVENIENT COMPLEX: Hotel Century Southern Tower (refined skyscraper hotel room, $958.57 for 4 nights split among 2 people)
Doing a minimal amount of research while booking all of my Japan lodgings in one night, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the Hotel Century Southern Tower ended up being! This towering skyscraper is right next to Shinjuku Station, making it an incredibly convenient jumping off point from which to explore other central neighborhoods during this 3 days itinerary in Tokyo.
The hotel is located 20 floors up, meaning every room option is bound to have panoramic views of the city skyline. The ground floors of the Odakyu Southern Tower are lined with shops and cafés in a broad plaza, so if you’re ever in a pinch there will be a variety of stores like 7-Eleven directly within the hotel selling exactly what you need.
I spent four nights in a comfort single 205 ft² room, and although the room was on the smaller end, this is quite typical for compact Tokyo and never caused any inconvenience. The ~$20 buffet brunch spread caters to both traditional Japanese and Western tastes, allowing you to select preferred dishes from an array of seasonal delicacies—with so many different choices you can eat a new breakfast each morning!
Given the immense convenience this hotel affords on top of the comfortable, neutral-toned amenities which curate a relaxing environment, you can be rest assured accommodations in the Hotel Century Southern Tower will be the ideal Shinjuku stay for your Tokyo trip.
What to Do With 3 Days in Tokyo?
Day 1
Meiji Jingu
Rise and shine, your first morning exploring Tokyo in 3 days begins with a free trip to Meiji Jingu, a respected Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Exit left out of the hotel and walk straight for 12 minutes to reach the temple grounds, which begin with a serene forested area that’s so quiet you’ll wonder how such natural beauty can coexist inside the world’s most populous city! The full grounds cover 170 acres and include 120,000 trees of 365 different species, cultivating a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
A relaxing jaunt brings you to the shrine, which honors the royal rulers for their contributions to Japanese society during the Meiji Restoration, a period which transformed Japan from a feudal society into a modern state. On any given day find traditional Japanese performances, Shinto festivals, and even ceremonial wedding rituals occurring here. I had the pleasure of witnessing an international wedding procession complete with guests in traditional garb, and spent moments of personal reflection writing wishes on wooden ema hung around the divine tree before initiating a quiet prayer in front of the temple’s open doors.
The walk in and out of the main plaza passes under wooden torii gates, while further exploration into the paths around the shrine pass colorful sake barrels perfect for a photo opportunity.
Takeshita-dori
Exit the shrine and turn left past Harajuku station to advance to Takeshita-dori. This colorful, character-filled avenue has everything from rainbow cotton candy the size of your head to mini pig cafes and more! If you’re seeking a snack, find stands selling fried potato spirals and chocolate-covered strawberry cups reminiscent of Borough Market in London. Or if you prefer the company of furry friends, stop inside the animal cafes filled with cats, hedgehogs, Mameshibas, bunnies, and even owls to bond with.
Takeshita-dori has a quirky character that encourages eccentricities, seen in the tongue-in-cheek graphics sold at bold streetwear shops and the pop fashion stores strictly selling shoes with at least 4-inch platforms. The larger-than-life characteristics of anime come alive on this pedestrian street, so it’s the perfect place to buy into the madness and play like a zany kid!
This concept is best embodied in the gachapon shops, rows of brightly colored vending machines into which inserted change returns capsule balls filled with surprise prizes. Depending on the machine, the container may contain toys, keychains, and more! The gachapon are generally themed by franchises, meaning your favorite Japanese show or video game is bound to be represented by at least one machine within the shop.
Upon slotting in change and turning the wheel, whether or not you end up with your preferred option is totally up to luck! The randomness of the resulting prize is like playing the lottery with extremely low stakes, adding to the fun of using extra coins to try and collect your favorite tchotchkes. After exploring the options in the pictured shop, I walked away with a glow-in-the-dark blue bear that now sleeps on my desk at home!
Street Kart Shibuya
FROM: Takeshita-dori (1 Chome-16-6 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan)
TO: Street Kart Shibuya (Japan, 〒150-0044 Tokyo, 15-3 Street Kart Maruyama-Cho Shibuya-ku 1F)
TRANSPORTATION: Harajuku Station → Shibuya Station via Local For Shibuya / Shinagawa (Counter-Clockwise) Yamanote Line (2 min, direct, ¥150)
After getting your commercial fix for the day, embark on the most fun activity in Tokyo—I’m not exaggerating one bit. Ever since I watched Indy Blue’s Japan vlog in 2018, I’ve had “Mario Kart racing” down the streets of Shibuya on my travel bucket list, and after finally living out this dream I can confirm it’s even more fun than it looks!
Arrive a bit earlier than your scheduled departure time to fill out liability waivers and watch an instructional safety demonstration—this Street Kart Shibuya guided tour recommends arriving 30 minutes early, but I was fine showing up with 20 minutes to spare.
These contraptions are no joke; they’re street legal, so you ride alongside cars and other vehicles. At their peak, hit speeds that allow you to Tokyo drift around the winding turns scattered through Shibuya, a phenomenon that’s especially exaggerated if this is your first time driving on the left side of the road!
This was truly an unforgettable memory I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, and I found myself spontaneously laughing throughout the ride, giggling at the absurdity of the scene I was apart of. If you only take one recommendation from this itinerary, go street karting in Tokyo!
-
The real excitement of the pre-ride period involves perusing the many onesie costumes at your disposal; these go-kart tours take the Moonview Highway comparison very seriously and provide fun character outfits so you can embody anyone from Mario to Pokemon and sweet Cinnamoroll, with options from the most popular comics, games, and anime available.
My friend and I opted for matching white bear suits complete with the cutest fur tails and an attached blushing hood. Feeling quite adorable, we strapped into our go-karts and took off behind the instructor, whipping down the streets of Shibuya.
While you’ll get a few smiles and waves from onlookers snapping photos, you’ll face the largest crowd waiting at the light of famous Shibuya Crossing, where you’re sure to reach celebrity status with the amount of eyes you’ll draw in one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world.
The full course passes through Harajuku and Omotesando, during which your guide will snap photos of the group throughout all the red light waiting periods with luxury shops and cafes dotting the background, which you’ll get sent at the end of this extraordinary experience!
Pro Tip:
Arrive with your passport and a valid International Driving Permit in hand. If traveling from the United States, acquire this from your local AAA office before your trip.
Find out how to book your Mario Kart Japan tour in Tokyo, where to ride, how much these street kart tours cost, and everything else you need to race down the streets of Shibuya or Akihabara.
Lunch - Gyu-Kaku
By this point you’ve likely worked up quite the appetite, which can easily be remedied with a filling yakiniku lunch at Gyu-Kaku where you’ll cook assorted meats over an open fire grill. This is my favorite chain back in the United States, so you can imagine my excitement when I spotted a location only 9 minutes away from the go-kart garage!
While I assumed this was an “American-ized” option, I found myself eating alongside Tokyo residents at the cash-only restaurant with no other visitors in sight, so I was pleasantly surprised to see my favorite spot enjoyed by locals in its country of origin!
-
I ordered a family platter comprised of a few meat choices including skirt steak, kalbi, pork ribs, and a side of pineapple to add a touch of caramelized sweetness.
Each piece only takes a few minutes to cook on the grill, and it’s recommended to put all the pieces of a single type over the fire at the same time.
Prep each piece with butter, garlic, and an assortment of dipping sauces as you see fit—and order a side of white rice to make the meal a bit heartier!
We arrived with no reservation and were promptly seated, so you should be fine to pull up whenever you start to feel hungry.
Head Spa Belle Cheveu
As the food coma descends, walk to Head-Spa Belle Cheveu’s Daikanyama salon for a relaxing afternoon retreat, the perfect compliment to your high-speed morning. While you may have seen head spas highlighted on social media by salons at home, this practice originated from the first Japanese head spa opened in 2006, which is conveniently the same salon you’re visiting!
Promoting hair growth via in-house tonics especially concocted to penetrate the dermis scalp layer, this healing treatment combines the best of hair care and massage techniques. While specialized treatments can target various problem areas, I opted for the basic scalp cleansing course which entails a general scalp refreshment routine any customer can benefit from.
-
Upon entering the tranquil atmosphere of the quiet salon, you’ll be prompted to fill out a first time customer questionnaire while sipping a welcome drink and cleansing your hands with a warm towel.
After examining your responses, the hair therapist will describe the process and explain the beauty benefits of each treatment component.
Get up close and personal with the grime dirtying your scalp as you watch a microscopic video feed panning over your roots before the cleansing, mist treatment, and shampooing ensues. Scalp lotion and conditioner are massaged into your hair following the lathering of shampoo, and the rejuvenating massage techniques feel so calming you might find yourself drifting to sleep!
While your hair soaks up all the nourishing goodness feeding your ends with natural nutrients, the time will pass quickly through this waiting period as a lymphatic neck and shoulder oil massage accompanies this portion of the treatment.
Once your hair is rinsed and ready, dry and style your newly cleansed ‘do using any of the available styling tools—but before this your therapist will boot up the microscope a second time to show you the immediate effects of this restorative session on your scalp!
Shibuya Sky
FROM: Hotel Century Southern Tower (2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan)
TO: Shibuya Sky (14階・45階・46階・屋上 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-6145, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Yoyogi Station → Shibuya Station via Local For Shibuya / Shinagawa (Counter-Clockwise) Yamanote Line (5 min, 2 stops, ¥150)
Use the break in this what to do in 3 days in Tokyo itinerary to return to your hotel and freshen up before the ensuing night begins.
When your reservation time rolls around, head to Shibuya Sky to witness breathtaking views of the twinkling city skyline for only ¥2,500. Located within Shibuya Scramble Square, this multi-level mall filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment options is quite complex and crowded, so it’s in your best interest to arrive early in case you have any hiccups navigating around.
-
Join the end of a winding line before filing into the glass, high-speed elevator which represents your first ascent in the journey up to the observation deck offering stunning 360° panoramic views of Tokyo.
Akin to Disney World lines which just keep going, exit the first elevator before waiting in more lines to enter a second, and then a third elevator before finally reaching the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square building.
The latter trips are themed with intergalactic sounds and imagery, which adds to the feeling that you’re flying through the air on your way up!
Upon finally entering the main exhibit, walk into a covered building with interactive art installations detailing the surrounding skyline and a technological time river marked with the specific moment of your visit.
To step outside, secure any bags in a locker for ¥100-300. This small price to pay is undoubtedly worth the unparalleled vantage point you’re granted of the sprawling cityscape, including landmarks like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji on clear days. Watching the organized chaos of thousands walking below is a mesmerizing experience on the sleek observation deck, topped with an open-air sky stage allowing you to feel the breeze with an unobstructed view of the sky and city beyond.
A rooftop bar with reservations offered sells cocktails if you’d like to start the festivities early and pre-game your upcoming dinner, while occasional light shows project dancing beams to further illuminate Tokyo at night.
Learn how to purchase Shibuya Sky tickets in 2025 along with the best times to visit the observation deck, as the official ticket provider for this iconic attraction no longer accepts credit cards issued outside Japan.
Dinner - The Bellwood
FROM: Shibuya Sky (14階・45階・46階・屋上 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-6145, Japan)
TO: The Bellwood (Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 41−31)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride acquired via Uber or off the street (5 min, direct, ~¥1,000)
Cap off your first night in Tokyo with a culinary trip around the world delivered through the masterful imagination and classically-trained execution of chef Ayaka at The Bellwood. While this space primarily serves as a 1910s Taisho kissa—or coffee shop-style cocktail bar—a hidden omakase restaurant is tucked in the back with only 4 seats for a truly intimate experience.
A rousing night of fine drinks, exquisite food, and old-timey Japanese nostalgia is sure to ensue. As each of the 12 nigiri courses is prepared with meticulous patience, Aya will explain her inspiration for the flavor profile, since each piece is crafted with the theme of countries around the world in mind!
-
Upon entering the space you’ll be greeted by the head chef and meet your dining companions for the evening, assuming you didn’t book the whole table. With an extremely kind and charismatic personality, bubbly Aya will have you feeling right at home before the meal even begins!
Starting out with a New York cheesecake-inspired piece that was literally topped with Parmesan—I know, I’ve never eaten fish with cheese before either, but it was somehow so, so right—head to Vietnam with a bao-inspired course before journeying to Mexico with a chips and guac piece of nigiri and then taste a Greek tzatziki mouthful up next.
I had quite the time guessing the next country based on the toppings Aya added to each piece of fresh, flaky fish, and if you haven’t warmed up to the other guests yet, the 3 cocktails included in the dinner are sure to help! The last destination is dessert of course—which in this case was a tiramisu-inspired treat dropping us off in Italy.
Every piece is more adventurous than the next, employing innovative ingredients and advanced techniques as Aya torches certain cuts before injecting an egg yolk with a truffle-filled syringe.
When considering the quality of the meal, the entertaining banter, and the close proximity to the culinary process in watching the chef prepare each course in real time, I can undoubtedly say this was the best meal I had during my Japan trip. This is the kind of dinner you write home about, and if you’re looking for your mind to be blown, be sure to book a table for dinner at The Bellwood in advance!
Day 2
FROM: Hotel Century Southern Tower (2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan)
TO: Imperial Palace (1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Shinjuku Station → Kudanshita Station via Local Motoyawata Shinjuku Line → Takebashi Station via Rapid Toyo-Katsutadai Tozai Line (15 min, 4 stops then 1 stop, ¥290)
Imperial Palace
Begin your second morning of this 3 day itinerary in Tokyo with a trip to the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and the center of Japanese imperial power since the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the Imperial Palace.
Standing on the site of the former Edo Castle, the prior seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, the complex includes traditional Japanese buildings and gardens with archeological remnants of past structures. Symbolizing Japan’s monarchy—the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world—the inherent security required around the Emperor's residence means most of the palace grounds aren’t open to the public.
If visiting on a Sunday or Monday, you’ll be as unlucky as I was and your access will be limited to the East Gardens where you can enjoy classic Japanese landscape design for free amongst the moats, stone walls, and lush greenery which comprise this famous public green space.
If you make more thoughtful travel plans than myself and visit any other day of the week, join special guided tours of the inner grounds and learn more about the historical significance of this royal site.
-
While offered free of charge, only two tours occur per day and tickets are distributed to a set number of visitors on a first-come, first-serve basis. 200 tickets are reserved for prior registered guests while 300 additional seats are set aside for daily walk-ins.
Whether participating in the morning 10:00 AM tour or afternoon 1:30 PM tour, ticket distribution begins an hour before the tour time and registration follows 30 minutes after—meaning you need to arrive in advance of the actual tour time to secure a spot.
To receive walk-in tickets, bring a valid form of identification—which in most cases will be your passport—to the Kikyō-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace.
Following entry, fill out a form with personal information. If you plan for this activity in advance, you’ll fill out this same form online via an application which becomes available at 5:00 AM JST on the first day of the month preceding the intended tour date.
Lunch - Tsukiji Market
FROM: Imperial Palace (1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan)
TO: Tsukiji Outer Market (及び６丁目一部 4 Chome Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Takebashi Station → Kayabachō Station via Local Nishi-Funabashi Tozai Line → Tsukiji Station via Local Naka-Meguro Hibiya Line (11 min, 3 stops then 2 stops switch at Kayabachō Station, ¥180)
After exiting the palace, head towards the Sumida River to sample fresh seafood and experience a slice of daily life in Tokyo at the Tsukiji Outer Market.
The inner wholesale market was relocated to Toyosu in 2018 to modernize facilities and improve food safety standards. The most notable occurrence moved here as well: tuna auctions drawing professional buyers and curious tourists who come to witness the fast-paced, competitive bidding for giant tuna. Nonetheless, the outer market remains active and open to visitors, continuing to attract foodies with vibrant street food stalls.
Established in 1935, try ingredients straight from the source at one of the world's largest wholesale fish markets. Playing a central role in Tokyo's seafood distribution network by supplying local businesses for decades, the market offers some of the freshest and most exotic marine products found in the city. While evidently a culinary undertaking, visiting Tsukiji Market is also a cultural exploration into Japanese food culture, market traditions, and the daily lives of vendors and local fishermen.
The low prices at each stall may cause you to jump the gun and purchase multiple items from the same vendor, but I’d recommend tasting a small sampling of delicacies from as many stalls as possible. That said, the vast majority vendors are cash-only and expect you to eat, finish, and throw away the trash from their wares at the folding tables outside the stall, rather than walk around while eating.
If you’re craving a sweet treat for dessert, stop at the Soratsuki booth for sugar-coated strawberry skewers and an array of fruit-flavored mochi!
-
Arriving while the clock still read AM, I was a bit skeptical about eating raw street food for breakfast without anything else in my stomach.
Nonetheless, I pressed forward and tasted flame-grilled octopus skewers along with salmon and tuna sashimi—thankfully nothing here upset my stomach, nor did any street food throughout this entire Japan trip!
This is likely attributed to the fact that many of the city's top sushi chefs source their ingredients directly from Tsukiji, ensuring the highest quality and freshness.
Tokyo Tower
FROM: Tsukiji Outer Market (及び６丁目一部 4 Chome Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan)
TO: Tokyo Tower (4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Tsukiji Station → Kamiyachō Station via Local Naka-Meguro Hibiya Line (11 min, 6 stops, ¥180)
Following an early lunch, head to one of Japan’s most recognizable structures which you may have already glanced at and wondered—is that a red Eiffel Tower? Tokyo Tower stands at 1,092 feet and was the tallest structure in Japan when completed in 1958, today remaining a prominent symbol of Tokyo's post-war modernization representing the country’s economic resurgence during the 20th century.
In a similar fashion to Paris’s most notable architectural landmark, the tower offers two observation decks—the main deck at 150 meters and top deck at 250 meters can be visited for ¥1,200 and ¥2,800 respectively—providing spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo. On clear days, see similar landmarks which are also visible from Shibuya Sky like Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji, and the Tokyo Bay.
Having already enjoyed panoramic views from the taller Shibuya Sky lookout, I skipped this experience and explored the temples and park surrounding Tokyo Tower. Zojo-ji is the main Jodo sect temple of Japanese Buddhism in the Kanto region with 14th century architecture which can be admired from the tranquil grounds. When I visited, the beautiful gold interior was open to the public for free viewing accompanied by the musky scent of burning incense.
The surrounding greenery—Shiba Park—is one of Tokyo's oldest public parks. Capture shots of Tokyo Tower from different angles while traversing peaceful walking paths in the heart of the city.
If you have time to spare, visit museums around the area like the the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum on the 4th floor of the tower. Depending on the time of year, stunning illumination events commemorating holidays, festivals, and other significant occasions occur. I didn’t have much time and simply enjoyed the natural beauty of the grounds—and the adorable Buddha statues wearing knit hats—before heading to the next activity.
Ryogoku Kokugikan
FROM: Tokyo Tower (4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan)
TO: Ryogoku Kokugikan (1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Akabanebashi Station → Ryogoku Station via Local Tocho-Mae via Daimon / Ryogoku Oedo Line (20 min, 9 stops, ¥220)
Assuming you visiting Tokyo during one of the three annual Grand Sumo tournaments held in the city—which run during January, May, and September—then prepare to marvel at this rich tradition combining athletic prowess, ritualistic discipline, and deep-rooted heritage.
Sumo has ancient origins, with references dating back over a thousand years, and is deeply intertwined with Shinto practices since it was historically performed as a sacred ritual to ensure a good harvest. Today, sumo is considered Japan's national sport and has evolved into a highly respected symbol of Japanese heritage which showcases traditional values like discipline, honor, and respect.
-
Traditional principles come to life in the sacred dohyo, or wrestling ring. Sumo wrestlers known as rikishi may only enter after achieving the proper qualifications during their highly disciplined life in sumo stables or heya.
Their daily routine includes rigorous training, a specific diet of chanko nabe to maintain their size, and a lifestyle adhering to strict rules.
Sumo wrestlers are ranked in a hierarchical system—with the top rank being the yokozuna or grand champion—and it’s through the course of 6 annual tournaments during which wrestlers compete to advance their titles.
The match takes place in the circular dohyo made of clay and covered with a layer of sand. The objective of each wrestler is to force their opponent out of the ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of their feet.
Pre-match ceremonies like the salt-throwing ritual take up the majority of the time comprising each face-off and purify the ring by warding off evil spirits.
The brief but intense bouts can end in mere seconds or last for several minutes depending on the skill match between the two contenders. Tournaments typically lasts 15 days and take place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, with the winner in each division determined by the wrestler with the best record on the final day.
Wearing traditional mawashi, or thick belts, during matches and sporting a topknot hairstyle, the competitors’ attire is reminiscent of modern samurai warriors. As such, sumo events are not just about the matches but also about celebrating Japanese culture, thus attracting large festive crowds with traditional arena food and souvenirs available for spectators.
-
We purchased tickets for the final day of the May 2024 tournament and spent nearly 3 hours appreciating the merits of this sacred practice. None of the information presented here is really necessary to pick up on what’s going on—since we showed up knowing practically nothing and had a marvelous time! As we observed more and more bouts our curiosity and list of questions began to grow, leading us to teach ourselves along the way until we were educated enough to cheer at the appropriate times along with the rest of the rowdy crowd! We noted particularly loud cheers for Endo and Shodai, leading us to discover that sumo has largely been dominated by Mongolian wrestlers, and thus very few successful native Japanese wrestlers remain—leading local crowds to cheer raucously for them even if they don’t win!
Lower seats are box packages, meaning spectators sit in a confined space of four seat cushions with no back support. While these seats are closer and thus more expensive, I found the view from the higher, but more supportive chairs to be much preferred as they kept me comfortable throughout the event.
The less advanced wrestlers compete first in the juryo junior league, while the higher ranked wrestlers in the makuuchi major league arrive in the arena later—if you’re only interested in seeing the best of the best, don’t need to show up until 3:00 PM! When entering and exiting the stadium, spectators and wrestlers use the same routes, so you might walk out behind a sumo wrestler who just competed inside the dohyo!
Pro Tip:
If you travel to Tokyo outside the narrow tournament dates, experience this cultural practice with a sumo stable tour and observe the lifestyle of wrestlers in training!
Even though the wrestlers are doing all the hard work, odds are you’ll still feel quite tired after watching them dole it out all afternoon, so head back to the hotel for a bit of rest before dinner.
Dinner - Zauo
Like your lunch at Tsukiji Market, enjoy fish at its freshest—except this time you’ll catch the seafood you eat! That’s right, at Zauo you fish for your entrée which is then quickly prepared to accompany the nigiri and appetizers enjoyed as part of the set course. Aside from the novelty of fishing for your meal, this makes the food cheaper than if you ordered the same item off the à la carte menu.
-
The catch available depends on how many cards your reserved meal comes with—we selected the cheapest set course with fishing included and ended up with 6 cards in total, putting our funds together for one big sea bass.
At that point, use a barbed hook—which felt a bit inhumane considering you don’t bait the hook and catch the fish when they bite, instead you kind of skewer and hook them from underneath—to catch the fish of your choosing before transferring it to a net and handing it off to a staff member for preparation.
Enjoy your freshly caught seafood as sashimi, nigiri, grilled, boiled, or deep-fried tempura fish—request a half-and-half preparation if two of these options sound appetizing. Your prepared meal comes out shockingly fast—I’m talking less than 5 minutes—and the whole fish comes out with it!
I enjoyed a flight of 3 hand-picked sake varieties to drink, although paying a premium on the set course can turn the booking into an all-you-can-drink reservation!
Pro Tip:
If traveling near a birthday, answering Question #1 in the reservation link allows you to request a small dessert for the birthday guest along with a generic birthday sign and song of well wishes performed by the restaurant staff.
Don Quijote
Before continuing the night out, stop at your soon-to-be favorite store Donki, also known as “if Tiktok Shop came to life/” Don Quijote stores are scattered around Japan and notably famous for their eclectic range of products including everything from groceries, electronics, and household goods to clothing, cosmetics, and luxury items.
The extensive product selection makes it a one-stop shop for locals and tourists, and if there’s something you forgot or more likely—something you didn’t even realize you needed—then Don Quijote is sure to have it. The store layout is a chaotic maze, with narrow aisles packed from floor to ceiling with merchandise that almost never aligns with other products sold nearby.
Screw logical shopping categories, you’re embarking on a treasure hunt where the secret booty is unexpected and interesting tax-free items. The best part is that the majority of Don Quijote locations are conveniently open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can squeeze in cheap, last-minute souvenir shopping for all your family and friends whenever you have time!
In the many aisles spanning 8 floors of Donki goodness in Shinjuku, spot the chain’s distinctive blue penguin mascot, "Donpen," featured in the colorful, eye-catching signage peppering every marketable surface.
A lively, energetic atmosphere fueled by the good feelings of retail therapy is ever-present under the bright lights which may confuse your circadian rhythm as to the time outside this trance-inducing commercial portal. Even if you don’t walk out with anything, the catchy jingle played loudly is sure to stay with you after the trip.
It’s no wonder Don Quijote has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, with a presence so widespread it’s a part of daily life for many locals and a must-visit for tourists. Like many before me, I walked out with much more than I intended to purchase—including a shiba sake glass, Naruto socks, and face mask!
Pro Tip:
If it rains while you’re in Japan, Donki is likely the most convenient and cheapest place to purchase an umbrella for the day.
Golden Gai
After your Donki pit stop, enjoy a night cap from the many bars dotting Golden Gai. While I foolishly looked for an establishment called Golden Gai, this name actually refers to the whole area of tightly packed, narrow alleys retaining the charming atmosphere of post-war Japan with unique tiny bars, each with themed decor.
Tiny bars means really tiny—search for an empty counter seat within establishments which can only fit 4-6 guests at a time. Luckily for you, the district is home to over 200 small bars and eateries with themes ranging from jazz and punk rock to literature and art, creating an eclectic nightlife scene embodying a nostalgic glimpse into Tokyo’s past.
-
Given the variety of tastes which can be catered to, the whole area has been a popular haunt for writers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians since the post-war era.
Unlike more commercialized nightlife in Tokyo, Golden Gai has managed to survive the rapid modernization of the city despite the high real estate value of Shinjuku, offering an authentic drinking experience fostering intimate interactions between patrons and bartenders.
This inherent proximity curates a welcoming environment where you can actually engage with local residents as a tourist!
We popped into 租界 under the white “BOOTH” sign, calling it “Bar Jar” since the Japanese characters on the red neon sign follow the same shape as this English word.
Inside, I enjoyed plum shōchū and pleasant conversation chatting with the married couple from India to our right and the two hostel-mates who met the night before from Australia and Canada on our left.
You’re likely to meet travelers from around the world at the counter seat next to you, which adds to the thrill of this global experience.
Given the closeness to the bartender, you’ll likely chat with them as well—or take sake shots together like we did!. Even if they merely listen to the conversation, they’re typically doing so to curate the ideal atmosphere. Case in point, our group of strangers-turned-acquaintances was discussing our positions on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef of 2024, leading our bartender to queue up all their diss tracks for us to analyze together.
To say this was merely a highlight would be a gross understatement, and given how cheap our final bill ended up being you’d be making a grave mistake to skip out on Golden Gai!
Pro Tip:
You need cash to enjoy any drinks within the tiny bars of Golden Gai, so keep some extra yen handy for this late night experience.
Day 3
Shinjuku Gyoen
Explore one more vast green space during the last of your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary and stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen. Shinjuku Gyoen is a year-round attraction, offering seasonal beauty in all its forms. In addition to cherry blossoms in the spring, the garden showcases vibrant azaleas and roses in the summer, colorful foliage in the fall, and cool serene landscapes in the winter.
-
Constructed during the Edo period as feudal lord Naito Kiyonari's residence, the garden later became property of the imperial family before opening to the public after World War II.
With evolving owners reflecting Japan’s modernization from feudal times into the contemporary era, today Shinjuku Gyoen features 3 distinct styles: a traditional Japanese landscape garden, formal French garden, and English landscape garden.
This blend offers visual contrast of horticultural traditions in one location, and in the spring the garden is one of Tokyo's most popular spots for hanami with over 1,000 blooming cherry trees.
Spanning 144 acres, you won’t make it through every inch of this spacious oasis in the heart of one of Tokyo's busiest districts. No matter where you turn, discover vast lawns, ponds, and wooded areas offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
Keep an eye out for interesting viewpoints like the pagoda overlooking the pond, as the garden also houses structures like a large, modern greenhouse tending to a variety of tropical and subtropical plants and tea houses providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.
Pro Tip:
The property is closed every Monday. Pay ¥500 to enter—unless you stop by during an environmental holiday when admission is waived like Environment Day!
TNCA Studio
FROM: Shinjuku Gyoen (11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan)
TO: TNCA Minami-Aoyama Studio (3-chōme-8-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride acquired via Uber or off the street (8 min, direct, ~¥2,300)
Embrace your artistic spirit during a kintsugi class at TNCA Minami-Aoyama Studio. This art form repairs broken pottery to turn something old into something new that’s even more beautiful than before.
Stemming from a Japanese belief that breakage is part of an object’s history, this small-group interactive class repairs damaged items using lacquer mixed with gold leaf instead of making the usual wasteful decision to throw broken objects away.
In doing so, apply the principle of wabi-sabi, an aesthetic which encourages finding beauty in imperfection and thus accepting the fleeting nature of an existence that is impermanent and incomplete. Leave with a new perspective on the value of material objects which you can apply to your daily toss or reuse decisions back home.
-
Don a samue, or traditional Japanese craftsperson's garment. The master potter leading class will guide you through the technique of kintsugi, elaborating on the meaning behind the art form before demonstrating via a video presentation how to correctly engage in each technique.
Give it a shot by attempting to replicate the same mannerisms using a ceramic plate supplied by the studio to refinish one traditional pottery item.
This involves scraping and shaping the imperfect crack to make it an artistic motif rather than a mistake before securing the two pieces together and embellishing the joint with shiny gold powder.
Leave with a newfound appreciation for Japanese aesthetics along with a uniquely repaired item to take home as a souvenir from the lesson!
Lunch - Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills
FROM: TNCA Minami-Aoyama Studio (3-chōme-8-2 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan)
TO: Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills (Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6 Chome−12−2 六本木けやき坂通り 3F)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride acquired via Uber or off the street (8 min, direct, ~¥2,100)
For lunch, dine at the famed Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills run by the second son of chef Jiro Ono. If don’t recognize this name, Jiro is the star of the 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which highlights the excellence of this 99-year-old sushi master and his world renowned restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro.
While you won’t taste the perfect piece of sushi served in the basement of that Ginza office building anytime soon—as the few legendary counter seats are strictly reserved for celebrities, politicians, and other worldly figures at this time—you can taste Jiro’s lifelong sushi quest via the two Michelin star restaurant in Roppongi.
Dine under the guise of chef Takashi Ono, who apprenticed himself at 19 to his acclaimed father, picking up his culinary skills and sushi principles along the way. This branch offers a sublime Edomae, or Tokyo-style concept handed down from the renowned main restaurant, including the exact same recipes!
These transferred recipes extend to the fish, nori seaweed, sushi rice, sour sushi vinegar, tea, and temperature-controlled store of toppings sourced from the same Toyosu Market mediator who has procured high-quality ingredients for Sukiyabashi Jiro over the years. The nigiri quality is divine, but you won’t find anything other than sushi and a single label of beer and Japanese sake available.
This commitment to consistency allows the branch location to offer high-quality sushi worthy of the name “Sukiyabashi Jiro,” and it means this is your best option to taste authentic nigiri akin to what was featured in the documentary!
-
For lunch, book through a third-party platform to ensure you secure one of the 8 seats at the counter, which means you have to pay a service fee to taste the prix fixe menu.
Whether you opt for the 15-piece nigiri course or 13-piece course with 4 types of sashimi, service will flow in the typical order starting with lightly flavored seafood such as flatfish, followed by shellfish, bluefin tuna, blue-skinned fish, and grilled seafood.
We opted for the cheaper, 15-piece course which flew by in a rapid 45-minute flurry as the chef and his two apprentices whipped up pieces of sushi faster than I’ve ever seen!
The skillful manner in which chef Takashi Ono shapes a handful of rice before topping it with wasabi and a piece of fish happens in a matter of seconds, highlighting how many decades this true professional has spent honing his craft.
While I didn’t love every piece of seafood that was served—the abalone was a bit much for me—the tiger shrimp and various tuna cuts were absolutely scrumptious!
Given the chef speaks both English and Japanese we conversed with him a bit, but for the most part the quiet, warm wooden space is designed to be simple both visually and auditorially so you can fix all your attention on the sushi plated before your eyes.
Pro Tip:
If you order any beverages like beer or sake, this is an additional fee added to the already expensive meal, which also applies if you take the chef up on ordering extra pieces of nigiri at the end of the set course.
Senso-ji
FROM: Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills (Japan, 〒106-0032 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6 Chome−12−2 六本木けやき坂通り 3F)
TO: Senso-ji (2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: Roppongi Station → Ginza Station via Local Kita-Koshigaya Hibiya Line → Asakusa Station via Local Asakusa Ginza Line (36 min, 5 stops then 10 stops switch at Ginza Station, ¥210)
After lunch, travel to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple founded in 645 AD dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise-dori, a lively shopping street filled with over 80 stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts to worshippers. If you’re looking to purchase stereotypical “Japanese” goodies to take home like folding fans, chopsticks, kimonos, and the like—find a wide selection here amongst the tourists dressed like geishas.
The complex includes stunning traditional Japanese architecture showcased via key structures like the iconic Kaminarimon Thunder Gate with its massive red lantern, the Hōzōmon Treasure House Gate, and the majestic Main Hall.
The 5-story pagoda adds to the temple’s picturesque beauty while the overall area maintains a vibrant, festive atmosphere. Visiting in the thick of the afternoon, I was totally overrun by swarms of visitors everywhere, making this a quicker temple stop as I hastily observed the buildings before escaping the ginormous crowd.
To avoid a sea of people, visit the always-open temple grounds early in the morning. During typical operating hours from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, partake in spiritual rituals like incense burning and fortune reading from paper omikuji strips, which come with a small fee added to the otherwise free experience.
Kappabashi-dori
Walk 9 minutes to Kappabashi-dori, renowned for its extensive variety of over 170 shops specializing in kitchenware, pottery, and ceramics. These merchants offer a wide range of high-quality items, from everyday dishes to artisan tea sets, sake cups, and rice bowls. Pottery is an important aspect of Japanese culture and dining, with a focus on aesthetics and craftsmanship making the chosen dishes a key component of each meal.
As a hub for kitchenware, Kappabashi-dori allows pottery enthusiasts to find everything in one place, from traditional Japanese ceramics to modern, contemporary designs. In addition to pottery, the street offers other essential kitchen items like knives, cookware, utensils, and even plastic food models used in restaurant displays. Whether you’re a professional chef, restaurant owner, or home cook, Kappabashi-dori caters to all levels of buyers and has become a must-see stop for tourists looking for handcrafted kitchenware and pottery souvenirs.
-
Since my travel companion was a big purveyor of pottery, I knew we had to walk down Kappabashi-dori—but even if this isn’t your usual pastime, you’re sure to find some interesting items!
After setting out with no purchase intent, my interest was quickly piqued by handcrafted origami bird chopstick holders and a koi fish soup bowl shaped by skilled artisans from Hitsuru, plus a vintage ceramic plate from antique shop Takenokodo.
We progressed to an antique shop full of entirely vintage wares, which consumed the next hour of our day as we chatted with the local shopkeeper via a translator app to understand the age of each ornate item before walking out with a few pieces of history ourselves!
Dinner - Nobu Tokyo
FROM: Hotel Century Southern Tower (2 Chome-2-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan)
TO: Nobu Tokyo (１Ｆ 4 Chome-1-28 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan)
TRANSPORTATION: taxi ride acquired via Uber or off the street (13 min, direct, ~¥3,500)
Rest and recharge back at the hotel before gearing up for one more fine dining experience. If you’re a longtime Destination 195 reader, you may already know about my quest to dine at every Nobu location around the world. If not, then this should answer your question as to why I chose to dine at Nobu Tokyo rather than any other sushi restaurant in the city!
Like all the other locations of this iconic Japanese-Peruvian establishment, a dinner at Nobu is sure to encompass some of the most delicious seafood you’ve ever tasted. While the restaurant has an à la carte menu, if you make an omakase reservation, the restaurant will prepare as such and not allow you to downgrade menus when you arrive.
-
Given this was not our first rodeo, we both ordered our favorite lychee and piña martinis before settling in for the middle tier of the chef’s omakase tasting course, which can be purchased for ¥14,000, 18,000, or 28,000.
Like other omakase meals I’ve detailed in Japan, the increasing price scale does not enlarge the quantity of food you’re presented with, but rather it improves the quality of ingredients used.
Regardless of your selected variation, you’ll be served an appetizer, sushi tasting platter, sashimi salad, fish dish, wagyu dish, and soba noodles before wrapping up the meal with a dessert spread.
We were pleasantly surprised to find that the fish dish served during our course was none other than the infamous black miso cod. This Nobu-created concoction has spread to fine seafood establishments across the world attempting to replicate the buttery, flakey consistency of this black cod filet marinated in Den miso sauce for a few days before being baked in an oven and finished with a salamander broil.
This is undoubtedly my favorite dish at all Nobu establishments, so any time it’s served during a set menu is a cause for celebration!
Pro Tip:
Answer “Question #2 From the Store” in the reservation link above to have a fun message commemorating your trip decorated on the celebratory dessert.
For a more reasonably priced sushi dinner, grab nigiri plates off the rotating conveyor belt at upscale Maguro Donya Miura Misaki in Shibuya Hikarie. You may need to wait during the respective lunch and dinner rushes, but I promise the glistening pieces of fresh fatty tuna are worth it!
Simply snag pieces that catch your eye as they come by, or conveniently order the specific cuts you’d like from a self-service tablet at the table. Be aware that a single order contains two pieces of sushi—I didn’t realize this and ordered double what I had meant to!
How Much Do Three Days in Tokyo Cost?
Following the above 3 days in Tokyo Japan itinerary totaled $1,878.93, costing me $626.31 per day as a recent graduate:
Transportation
$69.73 - taxi ride from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku
$60.89 - all other taxi rides throughout Tokyo, split among two people
$17.80 - solo Suica public transit rides around the city
Food and Drink
$16.06 - grilled yakiniku during lunch at Gyu-Kaku
$106.93 - global omakase sushi dinner at The Bellwood
$22.31 - breakfast buffet at the Hotel Century Southern Tower
$40.25 - catch-your-own-fish dinner and sake flight at Zaou
$211.73 - omakase sushi lunch with extra nigiri at the infamous Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills
$149.10 - omakase dinner at Nobu Tokyo
$20.10 - morning coffee and pastry runs at Starbucks
Activities
$111.37 - go-kart tour with Street Kart Shibuya
$101.98 - relaxing scalp massage from Head Spa Belle Cheveu
$15.40 - online tickets for Shibuya Sky
$178.68 - sumo Grand Tournament tickets hosted at the Ryogoku Kokugikan
$58.65 - kintsugi class repairing broken pottery at TNCA Studio
Souvenirs
$127.74 - black street style dress from United Tokyo
$26.44 - umbrella and souvenir trinkets from Don Quijote
$64.48 - pottery purchased on Kappabashi-dori
Lodging
$479.29 - four nights in the Hotel Century Southern Tower, split amongst two people
Prior to planning, my best friend and I decided this was without a doubt a splurge trip—and we were going to do every possible activity we could fit into our Tokyo in 3 days itinerary! While that worked for us—and led us to consume so much fine dining that we hardly had any appetite after 3 days of nonstop eating—you may need to be more cost conscious.
If I were in your shoes, I’d cut out either the Nobu dinner or the Sukiyabashi lunch since eating this many multi-course, omakase meals makes it hard to enjoy the food served towards the end of your trip. If you only want to splurge on one meal, it should undoubtedly be dinner at the Bellwood, which is conveniently the cheapest option too! It goes without saying, but default to public transit whenever possible if you’re on a tighter budget, and definitely exert more self-restraint than I did when it came to clothing and ceramic shopping!
My above calculations are slightly undercutting the true total, as I’m not accounting for the few hundred yen I spent in cash on gachapon tchotchkes in Takeshita-dori or the few rounds of sake in Golden Gai. Since I already took out and converted the cash, I consider that to be “free money” in my girl math write-off, but to be truly prudent you should account for the few thousand yen you’ll likely spend in cash as well. Since a handful of the experiences described above are cash-only, bring some spare yen even if you’re not planning to use it—you never know when this will come in handy!
What to Wear in Tokyo?
Tokyo presents an interesting intersection of aesthetics which speak to its cosmopolitan characteristics that simultaneously cater to so many different tastes. In the daytime, find many locals dressed in work wear, with the vast majority of salarymen dressed in suits. This is expected in pretty much any city during the week, but even as the leisurely weekend rolls around you’ll still find the majority of residents rocking neutral colors and relatively understated attire that would be acceptable in an office setting. On women, this often manifests in seifuku fashion, or “school-girl” style featuring uniform elements like puffy sleeves, pleated skirts, sailor collars, knee-high socks, and tees layered under strappy tops.
On the other hand, this prim and proper style is contrasted by self-expressive youth rocking the latest in Tokyo street style, from colorful chunky sneakers with gigantic platform bases to graphic tees and cargo pants. Distinct youth subcultures are easily identified in Harajuku and Shibuya, where alternative edgy black attire is sold alongside cosplay costumes reminiscent of the outfits worn by manga characters. With such a diversity in local niches that arise from distinct aspects of Japanese identity—think maid cafe dresses for example—you can get away with wearing the “craziest” outfit you own. If you’re looking for general guidelines on how to incorporate all these elements, however, be sure to pack pieces from each category listed below:
Teeny Tops
balance baggy bottoms and chunky platform sneakers with a tiny baby tee on top—extra points for a fun graphic
Pleated Skirts
pull in a nod to school-girl, seifuku style with pleated skirts that may as well be part of your class uniform
Cargo Pants
exude street-style cool with chunky cargos that have enough pockets to hold all the Takeshita trinkets you’ll win
Professional Pops
blend in with salarymen on the street with business casual touches like button downs, blazers, and popped collars
Colorful Kicks
make your urban outfit pop with colorful kicks that will make any seasoned sneakerhead swoon
Braid Ribbons
tie off a braided hairstyle with dainty ribbons to add kawaii cuteness while staying cool during humid days
Is Tokyo Worth the Hype?
1000% yes, and if you don’t already have a trip to Tokyo booked right now close this page and open Google Flights stat! All jokes aside, Tokyo is quite literally the most inspiring city I’ve ever been to—and has raised my metropolitan standards to a level so high American cities will never be able to compete. It bewilders me that Tokyo is the most populous city in the world contained on a tiny island, and yet there was not one speck of trash or disrespectful graffiti tag to be found anywhere.
Coupled with the tranquil quiet you’ll notice walking down city streets that are so ambient you can hear birds chirping and the soft wind blowing by, you may as well close your eyes and imagine you’re deep in the forest, because even in the middle of this dense city it’s that peaceful. I can’t comprehend how this is even possible when contrasted with cities like New York City and Los Angeles, but the respectful, honorable nature of the kind Japanese locals you’ll encounter will help to explain how such a utopian city can exist in the world today.
If that praise wasn’t convincing enough, Tokyo is so robustly developed and willing to embrace forward-looking innovation that you’ll find cutting-edge experiences in whatever domain makes your heart sing. Whether that’s luxury fashion pushing the boundaries of convention, transformational dining experiences which take your palate around the world, or virtual and in-person entertainment options that transport you into your favorite franchise—Tokyo truly has it all, and I haven’t even delved into the historic, spiritual, or self-care aspects available in each neighborhood as well!
I don’t think you could ever run out of things to do in Tokyo, and even if you stayed for a month straight you’d barely be scratching the surface of all the fun that can be had there. That being said, three and a half days was not nearly enough, and I can’t wait to take a trip back to Tokyo when the opportunity presents itself!
✺ TRAVEL TOOLS ✺
Tokyo Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
✺ READ MORE ON THE BLOG ✺
![How to Drive Moonview Highway IRL: Mario Kart Japan [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1738472940390-H4PXMWODU3MAQVIIOJ8I/IMG_1412+copy+%281%29.jpg)
![Tokyo’s Top Sites – How to Buy Shibuya Sky Tickets [2025]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/652732149424c20baf5e26c9/1736655941250-HONDE4J7JOOEN5NJNNLJ/IMG_8461+copy+%281%29.JPG)
