Tokyo itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Tokyo
4 stops · ≈ 7 h 7 minThe public outer garden of Tokyo's Imperial Palace: a vast gravel plaza where runners circle among pines, with the classic postcard view of the double-arched Nijubashi bridge and the Fushimi-yagura turret. A bronze statue of the loyal samurai Kusunoki Masashige guards the entrance. The grounds are free to enter and serve as the ceremonial forecourt of the emperor's residence.
A sprawling 58-hectare former imperial sanctuary in central Tokyo that masterfully blends three distinct landscaping traditions: a traditional Japanese garden with bridges and teahouses, formal French parterres, and sweeping English open lawns. In spring, more than a thousand cherry trees across dozens of varieties burst into bloom, while autumn brings brilliant maples and a tropical greenhouse.
Tokyo's most revered Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, established in 1920. The complex is nestled inside a serene 70-hectare sacred forest planted with 120,000 trees donated from across Japan. Broad gravel paths lead past towering cypress torii gates and an iconic wall of decorative sake barrels toward traditional wooden shrine halls, offering a tranquil spiritual sanctuary steps from the bustle of Harajuku.
The Inner Garden (Gyoen) of Meiji Shrine is a quiet forest oasis inside the vast shrine precinct. Its highlights are seasonal: irises blooming in June and fiery maples in autumn. Deep in the garden an old tea house still serves matcha with Japanese sweets. The garden predates the shrine itself — the grounds belonged to Edo-period aristocrats and were remodelled into an imperial garden for the shrine's opening in 1920.
Reserve
12If you have time left — worth it too.
A magical museum dedicated to the animated masterpieces of Studio Ghibli, nestled in Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo. Designed under the whimsical vision of director Hayao Miyazaki, the fairytale villa features winding spiral staircases, stained-glass windows, and miniature secret passageways. Visitors can meet the life-size Laputa Robot Soldier on the roof, watch exclusive short films, and explore original sketches.
Cool area known for street art, trendy youth fashion, vintage & cosplay shops & casual street fare.
Shinjuku City encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale hotel bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District. Tokyo Metropolitan Building has a popular observation deck, and Mount Hakone rises over tranquil urban parkland. Galleries, theaters, and bookstores attract students from busy campuses. New National Stadium is a high-tech sports venue built for the 2020 Olympics.
A landmark mixed-use urban complex in Tokyo built as an innovative 'city within a city'. Anchored by the 54-storey Mori Tower, it features lively public plazas, upscale shops, and restaurants. At the entrance stands Louise Bourgeois's iconic 9-metre bronze spider sculpture, Maman. The complex also incorporates the tranquil Edo-period Mohri Garden, while the tower houses the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observation deck.
One of Tokyo's most expansive and energetic city parks, located in Shibuya right beside the forested Meiji Shrine. Once the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Games, it features open lawns, forested paths, and fountain ponds that burst with pink cherry blossoms in spring and golden ginkgo foliage in autumn. On weekends, the park comes alive with eccentric subcultures, from pompadour-styled rockabilly dancers to indie buskers.
The official residence of the Emperor of Japan, occupying the historic grounds of Edo Castle within central Tokyo. While the inner palace remains private, visitors can freely roam the East Gardens, admiring massive stone ramparts and wide defensive moats. The grounds showcase the granite foundations of the former castle keep, pruned black pines, the serene Ninomaru strolling garden, and the famous Nijubashi double bridge.
Traditional district featuring an ancient Buddhist temple, street-food stalls, craft shops & more.
Japan's oldest zoological park, opened in 1882 within the spacious grounds of Tokyo's Ueno Park. Divided into East and West gardens connected by a footbridge, the zoo houses over 3,000 animals representing 300 species. Its most beloved residents include giant pandas, gorillas, Sumatran tigers, and Asian elephants. The grounds also preserve fascinating history, featuring an original 17th-century five-storey pagoda from Kanei-ji temple.
A spacious public park in Tokyo's Taitō district, founded in 1873 on the grounds of the former Kan'ei-ji temple. Renowned as Tokyo's most celebrated cherry blossom destination, it features over a thousand sakura trees blooming each spring. The grounds encompass the lotus-filled Shinobazu Pond, Japan's oldest zoo, the Tokyo National Museum, and Le Corbusier's National Museum of Western Art.
The world's tallest freestanding broadcast tower at 634 metres, dominating Tokyo's eastern skyline in Sumida. The Tembo Deck at 350 metres features floor-to-ceiling glass and glass-floor panels, while the spiraling Tembo Galleria reaches 450 metres. On clear days Mount Fuji appears on the horizon, and the massive Tokyo Solamachi mall sits at the base.
Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, founded in 628 in the Asakusa district and dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. Visitors enter through the Kaminarimon gate with its iconic giant red paper lantern, then stroll along the Nakamise shopping street lined with traditional snacks and crafts. A five-story pagoda graces the courtyard, and admission to the grounds is free.
Entertainment district on an artificial island featuring museums, a Ferris wheel & more.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases; it helps with communication.
- Always be polite and respectful; bowing is a common greeting.
- Take advantage of the convenience stores for snacks and essentials.
- Be aware of the 'quietness' culture in public transport; keep conversations low.
- Plan your itinerary to include both modern attractions and traditional sites.