Tokyo itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Old Tokyo
Temples, markets and neon, all on the east side of the city.
- 1
Morning
Asakusa
Old Tokyo starts here. Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple, is calm before nine; by late morning the stalls of Nakamise-dori are shoulder to shoulder.
- Kaminarimon gate
- Nakamise-dori
- Senso-ji
- Sumida Park
Finish by the river in Sumida Park for the classic view across to the Tokyo Skytree.
Ginza Line from Asakusa to Ueno, 3 stops, about 5 min.
- 2
Midday
Ueno
A big green park full of museums, and right beside it Ameyoko, a loud market street running under the railway tracks. It is the easiest street-food lunch on this route.
- Ueno Park
- Ameyoko market
Tokyo, Japan - Ueno Food and Shopping District 4K Walking Tour
Video by Walking Expedition on YouTube
Walk south through Ameyoko, about 25 min, or 2 stops on the JR line.
- 3
Evening
Akihabara
Tokyo's pop-culture district: multi-story game arcades, anime and manga shops, retro consoles and electronics. Come at dusk, when the signs light up.
- Game arcades
- Anime and manga shops
- Electric Town
Day 2: Harajuku & Shibuya
A shrine forest in the morning, the world's busiest crossing at night.
- 1
Morning
Harajuku & Meiji Jingu
Start in the forest around Meiji Jingu while it is still quiet, then step out into Takeshita Street, Tokyo's narrow lane of street fashion and crepes.
- Meiji Jingu
- Takeshita Street
- Omotesando
Weekends on Takeshita Street are packed; on weekday mornings you can actually walk.
Walk down Omotesando to Shibuya, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon & sunset
Shibuya
The famous scramble crossing, the Hachiko statue and rooftop decks that look straight down on the crowds as the city lights come on.
- Scramble Crossing
- Hachiko statue
- Shibuya Sky
Rooftop decks sell their sunset slots first, so book a few days ahead.
Shibuya: 1 Hour Walking Tour
Video by VioletVik on YouTube
Stay in the area until dark.
- 3
Night
Shibuya after dark
The crossing is at its best at night, under the giant screens. Then wander the side lanes for ramen counters and tiny bars beside the tracks.
- Center Gai
- Nonbei Yokocho
Tokyo Night Walk in Shibuya, Spring
Video by VIRTUAL JAPAN on YouTube
Day 3: Ginza & Shinjuku
Polished avenues by day, skyscraper views at sunset, tiny bars at night.
- 1
Morning
Ginza & Tokyo Station
The polished side of Tokyo: wide avenues, flagship stores, the Kabuki-za theatre and the quiet East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, laid out on the ruins of Edo Castle.
- Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Chuo-dori
- Kabuki-za
On weekend afternoons Chuo-dori closes to cars and becomes a walking street.
Marunouchi Line from Ginza to Shinjuku, direct, about 20 min.
- 2
Afternoon
West Shinjuku
Skyscraper Tokyo. The Metropolitan Government Building has free observation decks, and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji on the horizon.
- Metropolitan Government Building
- Shinjuku Gyoen
Walk east under the tracks, about 15 min.
- 3
Night
Kabukicho & Golden Gai
Neon, the giant Godzilla head and Golden Gai, six narrow lanes of tiny bars. Finish at Omoide Yokocho for grilled skewers beside the tracks.
- Kabukicho
- Golden Gai
- Omoide Yokocho
Kabukicho and Golden Gai at Night
Video by VioletVik on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Tokyo plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Tokyo
How many days?
Three days covers the classics: old Tokyo, Harajuku and Shibuya, Ginza and Shinjuku. Add two more for Tsukiji and Odaiba, and for Yanaka and Shimokitazawa.
Where to stay
Shinjuku or Shibuya suit most first-timers: big stations, late nights and fast trains in every direction. Compare areas →
Getting around
Get a Suica or PASMO card on your phone or at any station. The JR Yamanote loop line links most stops on this plan.
Tokyo is huge, but a first visit is easier than it looks once you split the city by side. The old east around Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara fits into one day, the young west around Harajuku and Shibuya into another, and Ginza and Shinjuku into a third. Train rides stay short and you spend your time on foot, which is how the city is best seen.
Every stop in the plan above comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can preview the crowds, the lanes and the neon before you land. Use the buttons under each video to jump straight to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Tokyo itinerary: common questions
Is 3 days enough for Tokyo?
For a first visit, yes. Three days covers the best-known neighborhoods at a comfortable pace. With five days you can add the Tsukiji market and Odaiba on the bay, and a day in old Yanaka and laid-back Shimokitazawa.
What order should I see Tokyo in?
Group the city by side: the old east (Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara) on one day, the west (Harajuku, Shibuya) on another, and Ginza and Shinjuku on a third. That keeps train rides short.
Do I need a Japan Rail Pass for Tokyo?
Not for the city itself. A rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO covers trains and subways inside Tokyo.
What is the best time of day for each area?
Temples and shrines are calmest early in the morning, Shibuya is best from sunset onwards, and Shinjuku's lanes come alive after dark. The plan above is built around that.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Tokyo
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Tokyo self-guided walking tour
Ueno to Asakusa: about 4.3 km, 8 stops, with the whole route on video.
Walk the route →Keep exploring Tokyo
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Tokyo city guide →