This Japan travel guide shares how to spend a perfect 3 days in Tokyo and how to do so without breaking the bank!
Tokyo, Japan’s insanely busy capital, is a bustling metropolis where Japanese modern society meets ancient traditions. With a population of over 13 million people, there’s no shortage of interesting and unique things to see and do with 72 hours in Tokyo.
For those looking to visit Tokyo on a budget, it can be a difficult task! Accommodation can be fairly expensive and meals, entrance fees and cover fees to many of the popular tourist attractions add up quickly.
When my parents and I visited and spent a week in Japan, we did everything in our power to save money traveling Tokyo. If you’re looking to accomplish the same feat, I have some tips for the best things to do, see, eat, and where to stay for my fellow budget traveler. You’re going to have a huge Tokyo bucket list by the end of this article!
»Read More: How to Spend 7 Days in Japan
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How Many Days Are Needed To Visit Tokyo?
Three days in Tokyo should be just enough time to enjoy the major neighborhoods of the city and see the main Tokyo attractions. While it’s certainly possible to get a good impressive with just 24 hours in Tokyo, the city is so massive that ideally the more time you have the better to experience the best things to do in Tokyo. And even better, if you have a week or 5 days to spare in Tokyo, you’ll be golden.
But obviously you’re here because you are looking to spend 3 days in Tokyo so here’s my recommend itinerary so you can have the best time possible!
Best Places to Stay in Tokyo
Choosing where to stay in such a large city like Tokyo can be tough! I recommend staying in either Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza. These neighborhoods have a lot to offer and are probably located near your main points of interest. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tokyo.
Best budget-friendly hostel in the heart of Shinjuku: UNPLAN Shinjuku ($20/night dorms, $50 privates)
Stay in a traditional Japanese building: Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel ($27/night dorms, $150 privates)
3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary
Day 1: Shinjuku + Kabukicho
This Tokyo itinerary has you exploring the best of Shinjuku and Kabukicho, two of Tokyo’s main districts.
Stop 1: Main streets of Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a popular ward in Tokyo home to the busiest train station in the world. This area boasts some of the best shopping, entertainment and restaurants in all of Tokyo, and is a fun place to wander around. If you’re looking to see the busy atmosphere Tokyo is famous for, definitely check out Shinjuku! It’s also a free activity which is great for people like me who want to see Tokyo on a budget!
Stop 2: Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
North Tower: 9:30 – 11:00 pm | Closed 2nd and 4th Monday/month
South Tower: 9:30 – 5:30 pm | Closed 1st and 3rd Tuesday/month
Located in Shinjuku, the Metropolitan Government Building is a popular place for budget travelers to get sweeping views of the city from above for free. There are two observation decks, one in the north tower and one in the south. On a clear day, visitors can glimpse views of Mt. Fuji, the Skytree, Tokyo Tower and more.
Stop 3: Tempura Tsunahachi for Lunch
3-31-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Open 11:00 – 10:30 pm | Open every day | ¥¥ – ¥¥¥
With origins tracing back to the Portuguese in the 16th century, tempura has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for hundreds of years. This popular and delicate art of frying seafood and vegetables is a must-try on any trip to Japan, and Tempura Tsunahachi is a great place for first-timers. Be sure to arrive early or after peak meal times to avoid the long lines!
Stop 4: Omoide Yokocho
1-2-11 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Very close to Shinjuku Station, Omoide Yokocho, translated to English as ‘Memory Lane’, is a cramped alleyway lined with tiny bars and restaurants. This small space is always packed with people, and is the place to come enjoy Japanese meals amongst the locals – if you’re able to find a seat!
Stop 5: Golden Gai
1 Chrome Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
A few blocks from Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai is a maze of alleyways home to some of Shinjuku’s most popular bars. The area is usually quite bustling after about 6 pm and if you come early enough, you can avoid the cover charges and actually find a seat in the small establishments. Even if you have no intention of drinking, it’s a cool part of Shinjuku to check out!
Stop 6: Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo’s largest red light district filled with electronic shops, neon signs and hopping dance clubs. It’s a fun neighborhood to check out for the classic view of the glowing streets of Tokyo at night. This is also the place to enjoy the unique nightlife and party scene in Tokyo.
Day 2 in Tokyo: Markets, Temples, and Shopping
Stop 1: Tsukiji Fish Market
The Tsukiji Fish Market is world-famous for its massive tuna action every morning. If waking up extremely early to see fish being auctioned off tickles your fancy, plan on waking up around 3 am to get a spot as they’re limited! If that’s too early for you, come instead for a fresh seafood breakfast – among other things. The market closes at noon and is a great place to sample the freshest oysters, scallops, sushi, dry goods and more!
Stop 2: Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine
Free admission | Main hall open 6:00 – 5:00 pm, Temple grounds always open | Open every day
An easy 35 minute metro ride from the fish market, Sensoji Temple is located in the ward of Asakusa and is well known as Tokyo’s most popular temple. The temple grounds are bright and vibrant and filled with visitors paying their respects to Buddha, trying their hand at o-mikuji (Japanese fortune telling), and taking in the cultural experiences. The Asakusa Shrine is right next door and easy to visit while you’re there!
Stop 3: Nakamise Shopping Street
Nakamise is a shopping street that leads to the main entrance of Sensoji Temple. Filled with vendors offering traditional Japanese snacks, beverages, and goods, it’s a great place to find a souvenir. We had a lot of fun shopping on this busy street!
Stop 4: Shop in Harajuku on Takeshita Street
It wouldn’t be a trip to Tokyo without checking out the unique fashions and shopping experiences in Harajuku! Takeshita Street is a perfect place to start and has owl cafes, the Japanese Puri photo booths (seriously SO fun – everyone needs to try it at least once, and it’s only 400 ¥!) and 100 ¥ stores.
Stop 5: Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya crossing is famously known as the busiest intersection in the world. With pedestrians crossing the intersection every which way, hundreds if not thousands of people pass through it every day. We visited in the afternoon which isn’t the best time of day to see the massive crowds, but we didn’t want to miss it. The best view is from the second floor Starbucks at the intersection.
Stop 6: Genki Sushi for Dinner.
24-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Mon-Fri 11:00 – 12:00 pm | Sat-Sun 10:30 – 12:00 pm | ¥ – ¥¥
While you’re in the neighborhood, you may as well stop for some delicious sushi at the popular budget sushi chain Genki. Honestly, this is in my top five favorite experiences of Tokyo! Your order is placed on a tablet at the table and delivered to you via an electric sushi train – it’s quite possibly the greatest thing ever! Be sure to come early to ensure you get a table and know that the restaurant actually puts a 45 minute limit on diners to keep the flow of people moving.
Stop 7: Tokyo World Trade Center Observatory
620 ¥ for adults | Open 10:00 – 8:30 pm | Open every day
The World Trade Center in Tokyo has an observatory offering excellent views of the city and Tokyo Tower. Photography enthusiasts enjoy coming at night to capture the glow of the city, and it’s also a nice place to enjoy a break from walking and exploring.
Stop 8: Roppongi Crossing
If you still have energy after a full day of exploring, head to Roppongi Crossing to unwind with a drink and to see another of the many wards of Tokyo. About a 15-minute metro ride from the World Trade Center, this neighborhood has plenty of sake bars, clubs and restaurants to keep you entertained.
Day 3 in Tokyo: The Palace and Tokyo’s Green Spaces
Stop 1: Imperial Palace and Imperial Palace Gardens
Free admission | Open 10:00 – 8:30 pm | Closed Mondays and Fridays
A ten-minute walk from Tokyo Station, a morning stroll through the Imperial Palace grounds is a great start to your day. Inside the large stone walls and surrounding moat is a lush green escape from the concrete city outside. The emperor and his family still live there today, and the grounds are actually built on the site of old Edo Castle.
Stop 2: Gyeon Gardens
200 ¥ admission | Open 9:00 to 4:30 pm | Closed Mondays and Dec 29th – Jan 3rd
Gyeon Gardens is located near Shinjuku Station and is one of Tokyo’s most popular parks. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with friends and take a stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese gardens. During springtime, it‘s particularly beautiful as Japan’s cherry blossom season brings delicate pink and white blooms to the gardens.
Stop 3: Yoyogi Park
Free admission | Summer hours: 5:00 to 8:00 pm | Winter hours: 5:00 to 5:00 pm | Closed Mondays and Dec 29th – Jan 3rd
Yoyogi Park is another popular park to visit in Tokyo. It has the reputation of having an upbeat atmosphere where musicians, artists, picnic goers and sport enthusiasts come to gather and enjoy beautiful weather. It’s one of the few parks in Tokyo where alcohol is allowed inside, which only adds to the fun vibes. Meiji Shrine is right next to the park and is easy to visit when in the area.
More Things to Do in Tokyo
If you end up having more time or aren’t particularly interested in some of the attractions listed in my 72 hours in Tokyo itinerary above, there is so much more to see and do! Below are more recommended things to do for your next trip to Tokyo.
See a Sumo wrestling show
For something traditional and unique, planning to see sumo wrestling in Tokyo is an exciting experience. Sumo wrestling is a national sport that dates back hundreds and hundreds of years. Matches are an all day affair, hence why not included on this Tokyo itinerary, but may be worth it for those with extra time!
Gotokuji Temple
Gotokuji is well known as the Japanese cat temple. Located a bit outside of the city, this place is a cat lover’s paradise and an instagrammer’s dream. Sadly it’s not covered by the JR Rail Pass nor the metro pass (it requires a separate train ticket) and since we were on a budget we decided to skip this time around. Looked pretty neat though!
Dinner and a Show
Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku and Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku are popular places to enjoy unique and funky Japanese shows. They come with hefty cover fees and may require a reservation so be sure to check in advance.
Visit Edo-Tokyo or Ghibli Museum
If you’re interested in the vast and ancient history of Japan, consider visiting the Edo-Tokyo museum to learn more about the Edo period. The Ghibli Museum is also a fun option to learn more about Japanese Animation specifically from Studio Ghibli.
Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower is modelled after the Eiffel Tower but boasts an even taller vantage point. It’s currently undergoing renovations until 2019, and the main upper deck is expected to remain closed until it’s finished. It’s a fun landmark to see and cross off the list however if it interests you!
Tokyo Skytree
If you really love towers, the Tokyo Skytree is another observation deck to visit and see sweeping views of the city. It’s also a broadcasting tower and features a restaurant at the top.
Go-kart Around the City
Dress up as your favorite superhero or Mario character and go-kart around the city with MariCAR. You’ll need to bring an international driver’s permit to be able to drive, but it looks like a blast! Sadly we didn’t have our IDPs and couldn’t zoom around the city. Be sure to come prepared if this is in your Tokyo bucket list.
Visit a Pet Cafe
Japan is famous for the various pet cafes you can visit. There are cat and dog cafes to more exotic pets like owls and sheep. Some of the most notable pet cafes in Tokyo include the Owl Village Cafe in Harajuku, the Hedgehog Cafe, and Mipig Cafe.
You’ll probably need to book a reservation in advance because many people wish to visit these pet cafes.
The Best Instagram Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo is a fashion forward city and offers fun and pretty spots to take your next killer gram! Some good places to snap some photos during your 72 hours in Tokyo include:
- The mirror entrance at Tokyu Omotesando Plaza
- The colorful doors at the co-working space Soho Odaiba
- Cute donuts at Floresta Keonji
- Fancy desserts a Ansel Dominique Bakery
- Everything listed above
- And more!
Tokyo Budget Travel Tips
- Get the 24 hour metro pass. It’s only 600 ¥ for adults and allows you unlimited rides on the Tokyo metro. They can be purchased at any ticket machine in the metro station. Be aware that there are two different subway lines in Tokyo, so this cheaper pass only allows access to one. If you think you’ll need access to the other, they have a combo pass that’s a little more expensive – but we had no problem seeing everything we wanted to with the one!
- Use Google Maps! It worked very well for planning out public transit routes and was always accurate when we were navigating the metro system.
- Map out your route in advance. Tokyo is a big city with most tourist attractions a fair distance apart from one another. We had a hard time deciding what we wanted to do and kind of winged our itinerary each day. While it worked out in the end, we could have spared some stress and fumbling if we’d planned in advance!
- Many top attractions, restaurants, and even cafes require advance reservation or booking and can fill up fast.
- For more planning tips, advice and guides, check out the Tokyo Cheapo and Japan Guide websites. They were invaluable resources in my Japan travel planning.
»Read More: 20 Travel Tips for Japan
Are you planning 72 hours in Tokyo on a budget? What are you most looking forward to? Share below!
