Suggested Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days. How to spend 3 days in Tokyo on a budget

August 26, 2024

tokyo japan — Vibrant night at a alley in Tokyo | source: byfood.com

Do you want to fully enjoy the beauty of Japan but have limited time? Don’t worry, the Tokyo 3 days 2 nights self-guided travel itinerary will help you discover the best places to visit and top things to do in Tokyo in just 3 days. Now, check out the suggested Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days on how to spend 3 days in Tokyo on a budget by Klook below!

Tokyo tower in the downtown | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

Harajuku shopping district, Tokyo | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a modern and vibrant city, where tradition and modernity meet. With a long history and unique culture, Tokyo is always an attractive destination for tourists around the world.

Tokyp street food | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

Vibrant Tokyo at dusk | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

With just a 3 days 2 nights Tokyo travel itinerary, you can explore famous destinations, enjoy diverse cuisine and experience unique Japanese culture. Let’s plan an exciting trip to Tokyo!

Day 1: Ueno Park → Asakusa Kannon Temple → Ginza Area (#Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days)

Are you planning a self-guided itinerary of Tokyo and want to save money? Tokyo subway tickets are an option not to be missed. With this ticket, you can travel quickly and conveniently to any destination in the city without worrying about the cost.

Hanami in Tokyo | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

Tokyo Subway Ticket – Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days

The Tokyo Subway Ticket is designed for tourists visiting Tokyo, allowing you to travel unlimitedly on 13 lines and 250 stations on both the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. You can buy a 1-2-3 day ticket depending on your travel needs.

Fancy setting in the heart of the district. @Wikipedia | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

[FLASH SALE] eSIM for Japan (QR Code delivery via email)

You can buy a Tokyo Subway ticket directly at Narita International Airport/Haneda International Airport or Harajuku Station. However, you may have to wait a long time if you buy it directly like that. Therefore, to save time and money, you should book at Klook to skip the long waiting lines. You just need to present the voucher to exchange for the pass immediately, extremely convenient!

Ueno Park

source: klook | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

No matter what season of the year, Ueno Park has a rare beautiful scenery. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms will bloom, covering the sky with brilliant pink. With such a romantic scene, this place is very popular with Japanese people as a place to relax and picnic with their families.

Cherry blossom, Ueno park, Tokyo | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

In addition, Ameyoko Street is also an interesting destination for you to explore and learn more about the daily life of Japanese people. The street is about 400 meters long but sells a variety of items, such as shoes, clothes, and daily necessities for the family at very affordable prices. If you don’t shop, you can still come here to immerse yourself in the vibrant, bustling life, which is no less interesting.

THE TOKYO PASS

Opening hours: 5:00 – 23:00
Address: 5-20 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 10 minutes walk from Ueno Station

Asakusa Kannon Temple (#3 days in Tokyo itinerary)

Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji Temple) is the oldest temple in Tokyo with many ancient relics still preserved along with a very peaceful and warm atmosphere. You can see the scene of ancient rickshaws, beautiful young girls in traditional kimono entering the temple to pray. Famous as a sacred temple, even on normal days you still see many locals and foreign tourists coming here to pray for peace and blessings.

Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa in Main Branch

Opening hours: 6:00 – 17:00
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Access: It’s only about 5 minutes by foot from Asakusa Station

Ginza District (#Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days)

Once you visit Tokyo, you must visit Ginza to experience the luxury and prosperity of this city. Strolling around Ginza at night, you will be amazed by the splendid and sparkling lights of the luxurious shopping centers. Don’t forget to enjoy a high-class Japanese or Western dinner here!

Ginza, Tokyo | Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days

Tokyu Plaza Ginza – must-visit shopping center | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Sagaya Ginza (佐賀牛SAGAYA銀座) in Ginza – Deluxe Wagyu BBQ

Day 2: Meiji Jingu Shrine → Harajuku / Omotesando → Shibuya

On the second day, Klook suggests you explore different aspects of Tokyo. From the peaceful space of Meiji Jingu Shrine, to the fashionable Harajuku district and the bustling Shibuya shopping center, you will have the opportunity to fully experience life in Tokyo.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Starting day 2, you should visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Unlike other shrines in Japan, Meiji Jingu Shrine, which worships Emperor Meiji Tenno and Empress Dowager Shoken Kotaigo, was built in 1920 and is located right in the heart of bustling Shibuya. Coming to Meiji Shrine, you will not only have the opportunity to learn more about cultural history but also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. So don’t miss this destination!

Meiji Jingu Shrine, Bangkok — | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Chozuya Purification Trough at Meiji Jingu Shrine | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Tokyo City, Meiji Shrine & Skytree Bus Tour with Cruise

Opening hours: Varies depending on the day
Address: 151-8557 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi Kamizono-cho 1-1
Access: About 1 minute walk from Meiji Jingu-mae Station

Omotesando Area

source: klook | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Located near Meiji Shrine and right next to Harajuku is the Omotesando area. This is a luxurious place, with many high-end brand stores such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc. If you are a true shopaholic, Omotesando is a place you should visit at least once. But if you do not intend to shop, it is okay because you can still walk around, stroll around the streets and choose a lovely coffee shop to sip a cup of tea while admiring the peaceful street scene!

Omotesando Hills | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Lattest Omotesando Espresso Bar (1) — Baristas sisters | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Shibuya

Shibuya is known as the leading fashion trend in Tokyo with countless shopping centers growing close together, selling the most fashionable clothing. It’s not difficult for you to choose the right item when you come here! You can also enjoy dinner in this bustling Shibuya area! Klook is sure that you will have a great experience once you set foot in Shibuya.

Center Gai shibuya — Center Gai Street | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

Shibuya street fashion — Very cool | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

SHIBUYA SKY Ticket

Day 3: Tokyo Sky Tree → Kiyosumi Garden → Tokyo National Museum

On the third day of your self-guided Tokyo tour, you can explore Tokyo more fully with Skytree Tower, Kiyosumi Garden and Tokyo National Museum – a journey that combines the past and the present.

Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Sky Tree is the world’s tallest broadcasting tower located in Tokyo with a height of 634m, an ideal place to enjoy the panoramic view of bustling Tokyo. Not only an observation deck, Tokyo Skytree is also a shopping and entertainment complex with many restaurants, clothing stores, etc. If you want to learn about the world of marine life, you can visit the Sumida Aquarium located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree.

TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket

Opening hours: 08:00 – 22:00
Address: 1-1 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Oshiage Station

Kiyosumi Garden

The Kiyosumi Shirakawa area is located near the Skytree Tower area, built in the style of a Meiji-era strolling garden, offering a quiet and peaceful space, completely different from the hustle and bustle of the city.

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM Ticket

With artificial hills, poetic lakes and winding wooden bridges, Kiyosumi Garden creates a beautiful natural picture. This is an ideal place for you to relax, stroll and enjoy the fresh air. There are many cute cafes and unique art galleries. You can stroll around the street, stop by your favorite shop and choose a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy!

Opening hours: 09:00-17:00
Address: 2-2, Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Access: About 5 minutes walk from Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station

Tokyo National Museum

The exhibition “Rei Naito’s Inspiration from Jōmon Clay Objects” at the Tokyo National Museum is like a door that takes us back to the Japanese Paleolithic period. Artist Rei Naito skillfully connects ancient Jōmon clay artifacts with a contemporary exhibition space, creating a unique and profound artistic experience.

Tokyo National Museum

Through this exhibition, you can not only admire the beauty of ancient works of art but also feel the creative and spiritual power of the Jōmon people.

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 09:30-17:00
Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan
Access: JR Ueno Station, Park Exit / JR Uguisudani Station, South Exit / Tokyo Metro, Ueno Station, Nezu Station

Necessary Utilities When Traveling to Tokyo for 3 Days and 2 Nights on Your Own

To have a smooth and economical trip to Tokyo on your own, you should carefully prepare some necessary utilities.

Japan Travel SIM Card

Unlimited Data 4G SIM Card (Multiple JP Airport Pick Up) for Japan from Sakura Mobile

This is one of the indispensable items, helping you stay connected with friends and family and easily find your way using online maps.

Tokyo Subway Ticket

Tokyo Subway Ticket – Unlimited Rides 1/2/3 Days

Japan Rail Pass is also a great option if you plan to travel a lot by train. With this pass, you can comfortably travel on most of Japan’s train lines, helping to save a lot of money.

Don’t forget to bring a compact personal bag for easy travel and a small notebook to note down places you want to go, foods you want to try, etc. Finally, download a few useful travel apps like Google Maps, Hyperdia (check train schedules), and a translation app to support communication.

tokyo subway — source: placesandfoods.com | 3 days in Tokyo itinerary

JR Pass for Whole Japan

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Tokyo on Your Own for 3 Days and 2 Nights?

The cost of a 3-day, 2-night trip to Tokyo on your own is very flexible and depends entirely on your personal preferences.

Category	Cost/person (USD)
Flight ticket to Tokyo (round trip)	400.36
Hotel for 3 days 2 nights	88.08
Tokyo Subway Unlimited Pass	5.44
eSIM Japan	2.04
Private Walking Tour to Explore Heritage in Ueno, Yanaka, Sendagi	171.04
Asakusa Kimono & Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa at Main Branch	20.46
Ginza Sushiko in Tokyo	50.63
Tokyo City Sightseeing Bus Tour, Meiji Shrine and Tokyo Skytree with Boat Experience	161.63
SHIBUYA SKY Ticket	17.10
TOKYO SKYTREE Ticket	14.37
Tokyo Walking Tour with Seafood Buffet, Lunch and teamLab Planets Ticket	129.31
Tokyo National Museum Ticket	10.26
Total	1,070.71

(*) The cost of traveling to Tokyo on your own above is for reference only, it may change depending on the number of people in the group and your actual Tokyo travel itinerary 3 days.

If you want to explore Tokyo on a budget, plan your trip carefully. You can look for cheap hostels or guesthouses, eat at local restaurants, and use public transportation. With a little research and planning, you can have a memorable trip to Tokyo without worrying too much about finances.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?