In Tokyo, Japan for a short period of time and in need of a 3-day itinerary? Here’s how I spent 3 days in Tokyo, Japan.
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- Intro
- Getting to Tokyo
- Getting Around Tokyo
- Where to Stay
- Tokyo 3- Day Itinerary
- Final Words
Check Out
Intro
Tokyo is the beautiful capital city of Japan, full of delicious food, rich culture, and incredible history.
The city of Tokyo is a modern metropolis and is Japan’s most populous city. However, despite its advanced technology and modernization, Tokyo retains its traditions with historic temples and shrines found throughout the bustling city. To experience the best of both of these worlds, this itinerary includes a mixture of experiencing Tokyo city life by visiting its most popular districts, as well as admiring Japanese traditions by visiting Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines.
Tokyo is full of so much life where you will always find something new to explore and discover! I hope my 3-day itinerary helps you experience Tokyo life.
Getting to Tokyo
You can reach Tokyo by flying into either the Haneda Airport (HND) or the Narita Airport (NRT). The Haneda Airport is closer to the city center with a 45-50-minute train ride to get into the central Tokyo area. The Narita Airport is a bit farther taking about a 1.5–hour train ride to get into central Tokyo. Options to take the limousine-bus from either airport is also available.
Getting Around Tokyo
Trains and Subways
The most common way to get around Tokyo is by using their efficient metro train systems! They have routes throughout the entire city with stops at all of Tokyo’s popular districts. At first, using the train system may be confusing and overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly convenient and easy to use! If you’d like additional details on Tokyo train systems, check out How to use Tokyo’s Train Systems: A Tokyo Train Guide.
Train Card and Pass
On our trip, we used a combo of 2 different metro cards: an IC card and a Tokyo Subway Ticket. The IC card is a reloadable card you can use to pay fares for public transportation.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket allows you to take both Tokyo Metro Lines and Toei Subway Lines an unlimited amount for your ticket duration. Getting the Tokyo Subway Ticket is a more budget-friendly option where you can purchase a 24-hr, 48-hr, or 72-hr Tokyo Subway ticket for cheap.
If you plan to be in Tokyo for a short period of time (like 3 days), I recommend getting the Tokyo Subway Ticket too. It is much cheaper than filling up an IC card to use on all the train rides in this itinerary. Check out the Tokyo Subway Ticket options here.
IC Card and Tokyo Subway Ticket Usage
When using the IC card in conjunction with the Tokyo Subway Ticket, try using the IC Card to pay for non-subway/metro lines, such as JR Rail lines, privately-owned railways, and the airport Tokyo Monorail.
This itinerary will use the IC card and the 48-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket on the following days:
- Day 1: IC Card – primarily uses the green Yamanote JR Line
- Day 2: Tokyo Subway Ticket – uses the Tokyo Metro Lines and the Toei Subway Lines
- Day 3: IC Card and Tokyo Subway Ticket – uses combo of JR and privately-owned lines & the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Lines
Throughout this itinerary, I will provide which pass to use to enter each train area to get to each location. I will state “IC” for IC card, and “Metro” for the Tokyo Subway ticket.
Walking
Once you’re in a district, the area is incredibly walkable, where most popular landmarks and attractions are within walking distance of each other. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be a ton of walking.
Rideshare
Additionally, Tokyo has a rideshare app called GO that you can use if needed. It is Japan’s version of Uber or Lyft.
Where to Stay
Tokyo comprises of 23 wards and each contains their own districts. If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, then you’re likely going to visit some or all of central Tokyo’s 6 main wards and their districts. Check them all out at Where to Stay in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors.
For my trip to Tokyo, we decided to stay in Shinjuku City since it’s next to an endless array of eating options with Piss Alley, Kabukichō and Golden Gai within walking distance. We stayed at the Shinjuku Prince Hotel which was extremely convenient as it was a short walk to the Shinjuku Station, as well as a 7-11 (we loved 7-11!). With Shinjuku Station close by, we found it was incredibly easy to get to all the areas we wanted in the short amount of time we were here.
Tokyo 3- Day Itinerary
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Tokyo itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
- Day 1 Points of Interest → BLUE
- Day 2 Points of Interest → ORANGE
- Day 3 Points of Interest → PURPLE
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE TOKYO MAP:
| Action | Description / Step-by-Step Instructions |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Star Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Tokyo, Japan” | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing* |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| In the Larger Map view, Select and Tick the “Day # Directions” Checkbox(es) | The directions from each Point of Interest will appear and follows the itinerary in order as listed for that day |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer) | In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps”→ Locate “Tokyo, Japan” → Click it to open the Map |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone) | In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “Tokyo, Japan” → Click it to open the Map |
Day 1: Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku
On your first day of your 3 day trip in Tokyo, explore Shibuya City, Harajuku district, and Shinjuku City. Today, visit Shibuya’s world-famous Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku’s popular Takeshita Dori Street and experience Shinjuku’s food and night scene!
Shibuya City
Getting There
If you stayed in Shinjuku, take the green Yamanote Line (IC) from the Shinjuku Station and get off at the Shibuya Station. Exit at the Hachikō Gate North Exit and you’ll likely see the Hachikō Cafe, which is right next to the famous Hachikō the Dog statue.
Hachikō the Dog Statue
If you’re familiar with the story of Hachikō, stop by the statue and pay your respects to this loyal companion. If you’re not, read on and still plan to make a stop at this cultural symbol :).
The story of Hachikō is of a man and his extremely loyal dog named Hachikō. Every day, the man would head to work via the Shibuya Station, and his dog Hachikō would come by the station every day when his owner returned from work. Then one day while at work, the owner had a terrible accident and sadly passed away. Unbeknownst to Hachikō, he waited for his owner to return just like any other day, but his owner sadly never returned. Regardless, Hachikō came by and loyally waited at the station every day for 9 years until he passed away.
In honor of his loyalty and fidelity, a statue of Hachikō was made and placed at one of the 5 Shibuya Station exits.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Right next to the Hachikō the Dog statue is the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The Shibuya Crossing is considered to be the busiest crosswalk in the world! The crosswalk goes in all directions and buildings adorned with huge billboard screens showing advertisements and commercials surround it. It is estimated that about 1,000 to 2,500 people scramble the intersection every couple minutes.
I visited during the day and at night, but at night, all the billboard screens and bright lights light up the crossing giving it a Times Square-like vibe! You can be in the action and cross the crosswalk, or you can crosswalk/people-watch from several of the nearby vantage points. The most popular viewing spot is at the QFRONT building’s Starbucks, where you can go to the second floor of Starbucks to view the crosswalk.
I tried to snag a good spot at this Starbucks, but it was pretty full. There are a lot of people, and the only way to snag a table right at the window is luck and being patient. I was impatient so I wasn’t hovering around long enough to snag a spot, but I was still able to get a view from behind the seated people. But if you want to get a seat, then I suggest being patient and allocating some time to wait for a seat, and to chill with a coffee or tea.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing during the Day and at Night
**Note: I know I’m posing in these pictures, but if you want to take pictures here,
be QUICK or go off to the SIDE a bit so that you don’t become a human roadblock for busy cross-walkers**
Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky Experience
About a 4 minute walk from the Shibuya Crossing is Shibuya Sky. Shibuya Sky is on the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square. It offers amazing 360° panoramic views of Tokyo! From up here, I easily saw Shinjuku high rises to the north, Tokyo Tower to the East, and since it was a clear day, Mt. Fuji to the West! Shibuya Sky observation deck is 755 feet (230 meters) high, towering over all the nearby buildings so it felt pretty high. The deck perimeter also has floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize your view wherever you look.
In the north-west corner of the deck, you’ll also notice a line to take photos at the “Sky Edge” where you can have your photo taken with endless unobstructed cityscape views behind. There will be a worker that takes photos on their camera, however you can hand them your phone if you want pictures on that as well. Or if you have a friend, the staff gives them what felt like only 30 seconds (or less) to take pictures of you, and vice versa.
Additionally, there are 3 indoor floors you can roam around in. It has digital art displays, landmark pointers, café and bar, and the gift shop where you can purchase your Sky Edge photo.
Tickets
When you purchase your Shibuya Sky Tickets (here), you will have to specify a date and time entry of your visit. Once you enter, you can spend as much time as you’d like here.
Views from atop of Shibuya Sky
Harajuku District
Getting There
From the Shibuya Station, take the green Yamanote line (IC) to the Harajuku Station and exit at the Omotesando Gate East Exit.
Harajuku Streets
Harajuku district has the famous Takeshita Dori street, a hub of youth cosplay culture. There’s also a collection of narrow side streets filled with fashion boutiques and trendy stores, such as Supreme, Huf, and Aape. Harajuku also has Omotesando street, which has more high-end brand stores and cafés and restaurants. This street caters more to the older and wealthier crowd.
In Harajuku, you will also find various unique animal cafés where you can interact with the animals they feature. There’s a Dog Café, Hedgehog Café, and Micro Pig Café to name a few. However, before planning to attend one, research on the café (if you’re able to) and see how the establishment treats the animals. Please do not support businesses that do not provide the animals decent living areas and space.
Shinjuku City
Shinjuku is a mesmerizing district with colorful bright light buildings, and has several areas filled with restaurants, bars and izakaya. An izakaya is a Japanese bar that serves a variety of small dishes, snacks and alcoholic drinks. Shinjuku has several areas you can check out: Piss Alley, Kabukichō, and Kabukichō’s Golden Gai. You can also take a food tour through each and stop at several locations to eat and drink. If interested, check out this Izakaya Food Tour here.
Getting There
To get to Shinjuku, return to the Harajuku Station. You’ll get back on the green Yamanote line (IC) towards Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, and get off at Shinjuku Station.
Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)
Omoide Yokocho actually means Memory Alley, however it is commonly known as Piss Alley. Piss Alley is made up of two parallel alleys full of food stalls, yakitori (skewered grilled meat) shacks and izakaya. The izakaya and food stalls are extremely narrow and small where there’s only room to sit several people at a bar-top. So if you stop at any of the places, expect to be in a cramped space. When I walked through here, the atmosphere was very different from the rest of Tokyo. It was like a snippet of Tokyo’s past, with narrow lantern-lit streets and traditional-designed buildings and stalls.
Piss Alley was once a drinking quarter back in the 1940s, and named Piss Alley due to the men relieving themselves wherever they could in the alley. This is not the situation today but the name stuck. Then in 1999, a fire had destroyed the area, but local government rebuilt it exactly like it was (to its Shōwa era version 1926-1989) to keep its historic charm and atmosphere.
Kabukichō
A short 8 minute walk from Piss Alley will get you to Kabukichō. Kabukichō is known as Tokyo’s red light district, with bright lights and beaming nightlife. One of the entrances to Kabukichō has a large arch with bright red Japanese characters saying “Kabukichō”, it’s hard to miss. Down through the arch is an amazingly neon-lit signed street, completely different from the Piss Alley. When I walked through this area, I saw places to eat, a Don Quijote store, cafés, love hotels, and host/hostess clubs.
As a tourist, it is very safe to walk through Kabukichō but be wary of host/hostess club promoters trying to coerce you into entering their establishments. The promotions are likely untrue and a tactic to get you to spend more money, where once you enter, they may persuade you into purchasing more and more drinks, leading to a hefty bill.
Be sure to check out the Don Quijote store here. Don Quijote has a gigantic selection of goods and items, and is open 24 hours. You can find a selection of Kit Kat here, and is also a great place to buy some souvenirs. Down the street from the Don Quijote store is the Giant Godzilla head peeking above the Toho Cinema. It’s also possible to get a closer look by getting on the roof terrace of the Toho building. Additionally at every hour, Godzilla will put on a show and come to life with audible roars in the street!
The vibrant streets and alleys of Kabukichō
Golden Gai
Within Kabukichō, there is an area called Golden Gai meaning Golden Block. It is another collection of narrow alleyways lined with over 200 bars, pubs, and eateries. Contrary to Kabukichō but similar to Piss Alley, Golden Gai’s atmosphere is also that of the past Shōwa era. It has lantern-lit alleys and cramped bars and izakaya, where each features its own unique atmosphere and vibes. Most bars here also don’t open until 8 pm so don’t plan to come here too early!
When walking through the alleys, be mindful and respectful to bars that have signs saying something along the lines of “Regulars Only” or “No Tourists”. Leave those places alone for the locals to enjoy without the stress of foreigners in their space. Most bars will also require a cover charge to enter, although it isn’t too much. Regardless, there are still plenty of free-of-charge tourist-friendly pubs you can enter, with signs advertising as such.
Day 2: Tokyo Temples and Shrines
On your 2nd day of your 3 day itinerary, visit Tokyo’s traditional attractions and see historic Buddhist Temples and Shinto Shrines. We decided to book a Temple Sightseeing Tour so that we can learn more about each location from a local guide. This is a great way to learn details and history that you otherwise would not have learned if you went by yourself. Check out the tour we booked here. Additionally, based on all the temples’ locations, we purchased a 48-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket to use starting this day.
Meiji Shrine
The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine and is one of Japan’s most popular shrines. A large wooden torii gate marks the entrance to the shrine grounds, transporting you out of the busy city and into a tranquil forest. All the shrine buildings within the main complex are beautiful structures of traditional Japanese architecture. You can also partake in several Shinto activities within the complex!
Getting There
To get to the Meiji Shrine from Shinjuku, you’ll take the green Yamanote line (IC) from the Shinjuku station, get off at the Harajuku station, and take the Omotesando Gate West Exit towards Meiji-jingumae. A short walk from the station will get you to a large wooden torii gate. This marks the entrance to the Meiji shrine grounds.
Meiji Shrine Grounds
Torii gates signify the entry point onto sacred grounds and can be accompanied by more. Most Japanese shrines will have these gates. To reach the Meiji shrine, you’ll take a 10 minute stroll through the tranquil forest where you’ll forget you’re in between Tokyo’s busiest districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku. On the way, you’ll see a wall of painted sake barrels to the right, and wine barrels on the left. These barrels were offerings to the shrine, and were put on display here.
Meiji Shrine Main Complex
The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken built after the Emperor’s death in 1912. Emperor Meiji introduced modernization to Japan which was the catalyst to today’s modern Japan as we know it. Then during WWII, the shrine was destroyed and rebuilt in 1958. Within the Meiji Shrine Main Complex, you can partake in several Shinto customs and activities. Learn more about these in Shinto Shrine Customs: How to Pray at Japanese Shrines.
Meiji Shrine
Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower is Tokyo’s famous red-and-white tower and is Japan’s second tallest structure at 1,092 feet (332.9 meters). It was built in 1958 and contains two observation decks where you can admire Tokyo’s beautiful scenery.
Getting There
From the Harajuku Station, you’ll have to take two trains:
- Get on the green Chiyoda line (Metro), and get off at Kasumigaseki Station
- Transfer onto silver Hibiya Line (Metro), and get off at Kamiyachō Station
- Exit at Iigura District Gate Exit 1
From the station, you’ll walk about 8 minutes to the Tokyo Tower. It’s hard to miss once in view as it is a tall red and white tower. Fun fact: the Tokyo Tower is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris!
Tickets
There are two decks you can purchase tickets for. The first level is the Main Deck which is located about halfway up the tower at 492 feet (150 meters) high. The second level is the Top Deck at the top of the tower at 820 feet (250 meters) high. If you purchase the Top Deck ticket it also includes being able to visit the Main Deck.
Tokyo Tower Experience
We took an elevator up to the Main Deck and found some amazing views of Tokyo. There were signs pointing at various notable landmarks, and we were lucky with a clear day and got to see Mt. Fuji!
Along the deck, there were multiple little sections of glass floor. If you want a bit of a thrill, you can stand and walk on it or look down through the glass to the ground below. If you want an even more thrilling ride, there’s also a Virtual Reality (VR) bungee jumping attraction that you can “ride” if you’re up for it!
Tokyo Tower and views
Tsukiji Outer Market
The next stop will be at the Tsukiji Outer Market to grab some snacks and food! Tsukiji Market was a wholesale fish market where local restaurants and food stall owners would come early morning and buy their fish ingredients wholesale. However, this wholesale market actually moved to another location in Toyosu, but the surrounding side streets and alleyways filled with endless food stalls and eateries remains at this location.
Getting There
To get there from Tokyo Tower, head back to the Kamiyachō station and get on the silver Hibiya line (Metro) towards Kita-Senju. You’ll get off at the Tsukiji station and exit towards Tsukiji-honganji district gate Exit 2. You’ll see signs pointing towards the Tsukiji market that you can follow.
Tsukiji Outer Market Experience
If you get here around lunchtime, it may be a bit overwhelming since there will be tons of people! However, even if there are long lines for a food stall, the line will go fairly quick. Take some time and explore the outer market and grab anything that looks delicious!
We had giant half-shell oysters, baked scallop, baked unagi (my favorite), tuna sashimi, tamago (egg) roll, strawberry Daifuku with custard, and matcha green tea, to name a few. We also ate at a sushi bar where the wait to be seated took a lot longer than grabbing food at an outdoor stall. Everything we ate was so delicious I wanted seconds!
Delicious food finds at Tsukiji Market
Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is home to Japan’s imperial family, where large walls and a wide moat surrounds the residence. The imperial palace grounds is park-like where the Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public year round to roam around in.
The inner grounds of the Imperial Palace, where the imperial family resides, are not open to the public. However, it is possible to book a guided tour of the inner grounds, but you’re not allowed to enter any of the buildings.
Getting There
From the Tsukiji Outer Market, you’ll need to take two trains to reach Imperial Palace. Return to the Tsukiji station and:
- Get on the silver Hibiya line (Metro) toward Naka-Meguro, and get off at the Hibiya station
- Transfer onto the green Chiyoda line (Metro) towards Abiko. Get off at the Otemachi station and exit at Marunouchi district Gate exit C13a.
To enter the East Gardens, you’ll have to cross a bridge over the moat to one of the entrance gates. If you came from Otemachi station, it will likely be via the Ote-Mon gate.
Imperial Palace Experience
Once inside, we walked around the palace grounds and went up a raised foundation where the old castle tower used to be before it was burned down. Before heading up, there’s a small sign with a picture of what to castle used to look like. It would’ve been so cool to see it still standing here. I also noticed the amazing contrast between traditional and modern architecture here, with traditional structures of the palace perimeter walls with the backdrop of modern high rise buildings.
Sensoji Temple
The next stop will be at Sensoji Temple. The Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, built in the year 645. The temple grounds have a couple gates you’ll pass through to get to the main temple. Each is beautiful red and of traditional Japanese architecture. On the way to the main Temple will be tons of shops to buy souvenirs, Nakamise, and small food stalls to grab some snacks.
Getting There
From Imperial Palace, you’ll need to take two trains to get to the Sensoji Temple.
- Go to Takebashi station and get on the sky blue Tozai (Metro) line. Get off at Nihombashi station
- Transfer onto the orange Ginza line (Metro) towards Asakusa, and get off at Asakusa station towards Azumabashi district gate exit 3.
Sensoji Temple Experience
Upon arrival, we were at the main outer gate, Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), where there’s a large lantern centered at the entryway. On the underside of the lantern, there’s a beautifully-carved wooden dragon. Once we entered, there was a long row of shops and vendors, called Nakamise, leading to the second gate. I roamed around here a bit, browsed and went souvenir shopping. There were also some food stalls as we approached closer to the second gate where we snagged some mochi.
The second gate, the Hozomon, is another amazing red wooden structure. It features another giant lantern, two slightly smaller lanterns, and a tall 5-story pagoda can be seen on the left. Passed through the second gate and we reached the temple’s main hall.
We continued walking to the left away from the main temple hall, and saw some more food vendor stalls and a bit farther down was another shopping plaza. We browsed through here a bit and found the cutest Japanese dog clothes we just had to buy for our fur babies.
Beautiful Sensoji Temple
Day 3: Shopping, Art and Anime
On your 3rd day of your 3 day trip in Tokyo, you’ll visit several districts: Chiyoda, Ginza, Akihabara, Odaiba, and Roppongi. Each of these districts have a different atmosphere and have plenty to offer! From shopping to art, anime, and nightlife!
Hie Shrine
The Hie Shrine is a Tokyo hidden gem where not many tourists know of it quite yet. It is atop a tree-filled hill in the middle of Akasaka and Nagatacho business districts. One of Hie Shrine’s entrances has a tunnel of red torii gates leading up the hill to the shrine. This was unexpectedly one of my favorite stops in Tokyo as it was very peaceful and not busy.
Getting There
From Shinjuku, you’ll go to the Shinjuku station and get on the red Marunouchi line (Metro). Then get off at the Akasaka-Mitsuke Station and exit towards Sanno-shite District Gate Exit 11. There are a few entrances to get into Hie Shrine, where I entered at the South Gate.
At this entrance, you’ll see a large torii gate in front of a series of wide steps. Walk up the steps to get to the shrine. Make sure to turn around to see an awesome contrasting view of the traditional torii gate with the contemporary buildings behind it.
Hie Shrine Experience
If you visit in spring time, you may see a giant cherry tree blossoming in front, or an overhang cover of blooming purple wisteria in the main courtyard. Additionally, if you’d like to make a prayer at the shrine, you can follow the same steps detailed in Shinto Shrine Customs: How to Pray at Japanese Shrines.
Towards the shrine’s back entrance, you’ll find tall red-and-white flags that lead to an amazing downward staircase engulfed in a tunnel of 90 iconic red torii gates. The look is similar to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine torii gates in Kyoto that people flock to, however you can admire Hie Shrine’s torii gates here in Tokyo too!
Hie Shrine
Ginza District
Next district will be to Ginza! Ginza’s popular shopping street Chuo-dori, meaning Central street, contains luxurious high-end brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton to name a few. This street also has the Uniqlo’s flagship store which is also the largest Uniqlo in the world. It is a shopping hub with a whopping 12 floors to satisfy all your Uniqlo fashion needs, and there’s a café on the top floor too! Explore the area and do some shopping while here.
Getting There
If you want to get right near Chuo-dori street, from Hie Shrine, go to the Tameike-sannō station. You’ll take the orange Ginza line (Metro) and get off at Shimbashi station and exit towards Shimbashi Crossing Gate at Exit 2.
Akihabara District
Akihabara District’s Chuo-dori Avenue has an otaku anime and gaming sub-culture. There are tons of shops catered to this sub-culture, as well as tons of unique cafes.
Getting There
From Ginza’s Yurakucho Station, you’ll get on the green Yamanote line (IC) to get to Akihabara, where you’ll get off at the Akihabara station and exit towards Central gate at the Central South Exit.
Akihabara Experience
The moment I walked onto Chuo-dori Avenue, I noticed the otaku anime sub-culture right away, with buildings decorated with anime characters and posters. Akihabara district also contains arcades, electronics stores, video game and trading card shops. There were plenty of anime stores with countless anime merchandise, such as collectibles, figurines, trinkets, and memorabilia. They were a bit overwhelming and browsing through them all was going to take awhile. We only had time to check out a couple stores before we needed to head to the next destination.
Chuo-dori Avenue also has side alleyways with more interesting things to see! While walking through these alleyways, we noticed girls in maid outfits. They work for a Maid Café where several can be found in this area. Here, the waitresses are dressed in French maid costumes and cater to you for a unique experience. We didn’t have time to check out a Maid Café since we wanted to visit a theme café.
There are also several unique theme cafés in Akihabara, such as Square Enix Café and Ninja Café. In these cafés, the atmosphere, food and drinks are decorated and made to honor the theme. We visited Square Enix Café, and we got some free memorabilia! Additionally, there are popup cafés that are only open for a limited time, so check what’s open during your visit!
teamLab Planets
TeamLab Planets Tokyo is an amazing interactive modern art exhibit with various installations you can feel truly immersed in. If you have time and enjoy immersive digital art, I highly recommend adding teamLab Planets to your 3 day trip to Tokyo. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours here.
For more information and tips for visiting teamLab Planets Tokyo, then check out my teamLab Planets Tokyo post.
Getting There
To reach teamLab Planets from Akihabara station, you’ll need to take 3 trains:
- Get on the green Yamanote line (IC) towards Shinagawa, and get off at Yūrakuchō Station. Exit at the Kyobashi Gate to exit the JR Rail area and get into the Metro lines area
- Transfer onto the gold Yurakucho line (Metro), and get off at the Toyosu Station. Exit at Toyosu Ekimae Crossing Gate to exit the Metro lines area and get into the JR area
- Get on the blue Yurikamome line (IC), and get off at Shin-Toyosu Station
When facing the right side of the train, you’ll spot the teamLab building as you’re approaching, and the central Tokyo skyline beyond it.
Tickets
You can purchase teamLab Planets tickets online here (or use the form below).
Mesmerizing exhibits of teamLab Planets
Odaiba District
Next head towards Odaiba district to the Diver City Tokyo Plaza Mall, where you can see a full-scale Gundam and view the nearby Rainbow Bridge.
Getting There
From teamLabs Planets, go back to the Shin-Toyosu Station, and get on the blue Yurikamome line (IC). Then get off at the Aomi Station, and exit at Exit 1B.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza & Gundam Base Store
The Diver City Tokyo Plaza is a mall that is home to the The Gundam Base Tokyo, a gundam store. If you’re a fan of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime series like I am, then you’ll enjoy this place! There are a ton of Gundam models on display here for seemingly every Gundam series that has ever been created! You can also purchase Gundam models to build later.
Unicorn Gundam Statue
Right outside of the Diver City Tokyo Plaza is a full-scale Gundam from the Unicorn Gundam anime series. It stands at about 65 feet (19.7 meters) tall, and its colored armored plates are more visible at night. In its nominal state, the Unicorn Gundam will have green-colored armored plates, then at certain times of the day (11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm), it transforms into its Unicorn and Destroyer modes. There is a projector display and loud music that accompanies the Gundam’s transformation to a single horn then to two horns and red-colored light panels.
Odaiba District’s Gundam Base Store and Unicorn Gundam Statue
Rainbow Bridge Observation Deck
About a 10-minute walk from the Unicorn Gundam Statue is an observation deck where you can view the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo skyline. The bridge crosses the Tokyo Bay and connects mainland Tokyo to the Odaiba islet. On the way there, you’ll walk a long walkway towards the waterfront. If you get here at night, you’ll find awesome panoramic views of the city night skyline and the lit up bridge mirroring the still waters of the Tokyo Bay. However, the bridge only lights up in rainbow colors in December, and white for the rest of the year.
Roppongi District
For your last stop of your 3 day trip in Tokyo, visit Roppongi district and grab a drink or bite to eat.
Getting There
From Rainbow Bridge Observation Deck, you’ll need to take 2 trains. Go to the nearby Daiba Station, and:
- Get on the blue Yurikamome line (IC), and get off at the Shiodome Station. Exit the JR line area and get into the Metro line area
- Transfer onto the magenta Oedo line (Metro) toward Daimon/Roppongi, and get off at the Roppongi Station. Exit towards Roppongi Crossing at Exit 3
While on the Yurikamome train, you will cross the Rainbow Bridge, and upon exiting on the bridge loop, you will see a close-up view of the bridge pylon structures!
Roppongi
During the day, Roppongi is a business district, but at night, it comes alive with its many bars and nightclubs. If you want to experience Japanese nightlife in Tokyo’s most popular nightlife districts, visit one of the many clubs or bars and grab a drink! Additionally, Roppongi also has upscale shopping malls and stores, and tons of dining options.
Final Words
Tokyo, Japan is an amazing city full of life, food, history, and culture. You’re sure to want to return to Tokyo to experience more of what it has to offer! I hope my 3 day itinerary helps you plan your trip to Tokyo.
Bon Voyage!
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