Tokyo: A Three-Day Culinary and Sightseeing Adventure
Day 1 in Tokyo
Morning
Begin your first day with a visit to Hamarikyu Gardens, and take a break at the tea house for a rejuvenating cup of matcha.
Lunch
Following your leisurely stroll, make your way to Tsukiji Market. If you plan on having lunch there, be prepared for the long queues outside each restaurant. I'd suggest trying Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan for reasonably priced sushi.
Afterward, grab a coffee to go from Bongen Coffee Tokyo Ginza as you head to Ginza.
If you prefer a quieter lunch setting, consider the tempura set at Tempura Abe Honten. Then, immerse yourself in the kissaten culture at Cafe de l'ambre.
If you're in the mood for something sweet, it's time to indulge in a kakigori, a Japanese shaved ice dessert, at Ginza Ginger.
In the late afternoon, make your way to Tokyo Tower.
Afterwards, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Roppongi, renowned for its nightlife.
Dinner
For dinner, you have a couple of options. You could explore izakaya culture by heading to Eureka, where you can sample their excellent selection of Japanese alcohol (nihonshu) paired with Japanese and Western fusion cuisine. Alternatively, you could enjoy your first bowl of ramen at Iruca Tokyo Roppongi.
Day 2 in Tokyo
Morning
Start your day early in Asakusa. Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and explore Nakamise Shopping Street, which leads up to the temple.
After your visit, take the Ginza Subway Line from Asakusa to Ueno (5 minutes), then switch to the JR Yamanote Line to Nippori Station (4 minutes). From there, it's a short walk to Yanaka.
Explore Yanaka Ginza, a shopping street that retains the old-town charm and atmosphere of Tokyo.Visit Tennoji Temple and Yanaka Cemetery, known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Lunch
There are many options for lunch from udon to sushi. Sushi Noike is a small sushi shop specialised in conger eel. While Nezu Kamachiku is a udon restaurant located in a old wooden house. After lunch, stop by to Cibi for a coffee break and to have a bite of their famous orange cake.
Afternoon
Walk to Nezu. Visit Nezu Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines, and admire its iconic red torii gates.
Head to Ueno and spend the rest of your afternoon in Ueno Park. Here you can visit several major museums like the Tokyo National Museum or Ueno Zoo.If time allows, do some shopping on Ameya-Yokocho Market Street, located south of Ueno Station.
Dinner
For dinner sop by Matsuyoshi in Nezy for delicious yakitori and to eat kamameshi, seasoned rice, meat, and vegetables cooked and served in an iron pot.
If you have some energy left, head to Folklore, a cocktail bar in Ginza, where you can enjoy refined cocktails crafted with a variety of Japanese spirits.
Day 3 in Tokyo
Morning
Experience a traditional Japanese breakfast at Tanbo Yoyogi. Or you can stop there for lunch to eat delicious grilled fish.
Start your day early at Meiji Jingu, one of Tokyo's most important Shinto shrines. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take a stroll through the beautiful Yoyogi Park.
Head to Harajuku, just a short walk away. Explore Takeshita Street, known for its quirky fashion trends.
Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko statue.Explore Shibuya Center Street for shopping
Lunch
For lunch, visit Sorano in Shibuya to discover the true potential of tofu. If you’ve ever thought tofu was bland, the creative and flavorful dishes at Sorano are sure to change your mind.
If you're in the mood for meat, head over to the popular yakiniku chain, Kintan.
Afternoon
Walk or take a short train ride to Daikanyama, often referred to as one of Tokyo's hippest neighborhoods. Visit the Tsutaya bookstore in T-Site, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Relax in one of the many stylish cafes or browse the boutique shops.
Head to Nakameguro, known for its trendy boutiques and restaurants. If you're visiting in spring, enjoy the stunning cherry blossoms along the Meguro River.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner at one of the cozy izakayas or restaurants along the river, or treat yourself to an authentic sushi experience for a special splurge.
Check out my other Tokyo guide if you're looking for unique stores to buy Japanese souvenirs—don’t miss it!
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