Tokyo is a city of palimpsests: Edo-period lanes shadowed by glass towers, incense curling beside LED billboards, ramen steam mixing with the sea breeze in Tsukiji’s markets. In three days you can taste both the timeless and the cutting edge—from shrine rituals to the world’s busiest crosswalk.

Once a small castle town named Edo, Tokyo became the imperial capital in 1868. Today it’s a constellation of neighborhoods, each with a distinct mood: contemplative Meiji Shrine, buzzy Shibuya, refined Ginza, and foodie-forward Shinjuku. Expect punctual trains, spotless streets, and some of the world’s best sushi, tempura, and ramen.

Practical notes: tap water is safe; most places take cards but small izakaya still favor cash; pick up a Suica or PASMO transit card; and remember many temples request quiet respect. For airport runs, rail is typically quicker than taxis.

Tokyo

Tokyo thrills because it stacks contrasts: wood and stone at Senso-ji, neon and noise at Shibuya Crossing, serenity under cedar at Meiji Jingu. It’s also a city best eaten—standing sushi at counters, yakitori sizzling on alley grills, and bowls of noodles perfected over decades.

• Top sights: Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory, Odaiba bayfront, Ueno Park museums.
• Neighborhood vibes: Asakusa for classic Tokyo; Shinjuku for nightlife; Harajuku/Omotesando for fashion; Ginza for art and fine dining; Nakameguro for coffee and canal strolls.
• Dining highlights: Tempura Tsunahachi (since 1923), Kyubey (classic Edo-style sushi), Afuri (yuzu ramen), Tonkatsu Maisen (melt-in-your-mouth pork cutlets), Nabezo (shabu-shabu), and yakitori at Torikizoku or street-side grills in Omoide Yokocho.

Where to stay (Tokyo):

• The Peninsula Tokyo (luxury, Imperial Palace views): Check availability
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (Roppongi, sky-high vistas): Check availability
• Aman Tokyo (serene design, world-class spa): Check availability
• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (great mid-range in the action): Check availability
• Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (value, steps from JR lines): Check availability
• General search on VRBO (apartments/homes): Tokyo vacation rentals
• General search on Hotels.com (all budgets): Tokyo hotels

Getting in and around: Fly into Haneda (closer, ~20–30 min to central Tokyo) or Narita (~50–70 min). Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From Narita, take the Narita Express (~53 min, ~¥3,000) or Keisei Skyliner (~41 min, ~¥2,500). From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho takes ~20 min (~¥500). For intercity and regional rail, see Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku to Shinjuku, and Nightlife

Morning: In transit to Tokyo. If you arrive early, drop bags at your hotel and grab a pour-over at Glitch Coffee (Kanda) or Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro)—both known for meticulous roasting and bright single origins that fight off jet lag.

Afternoon: Assume you arrive mid-afternoon. Stretch your legs under the cedar canopy at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo’s most beloved Shinto shrine. Walk to Harajuku for Takeshita Street people-watching, then along Omotesando’s tree-lined avenue for striking architecture.

Evening: Move to Shinjuku. For dinner, choose: Tempura Tsunahachi (light, crisp Edo-style tempura; try the anago), Nabezo (all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu with quality wagyu tiers), or Afuri (signature yuzu-shio ramen; bright citrus broth). After dinner, weave through Omoide Yokocho (postwar alley of tiny yakitori joints) and pop into Golden Gai for a one-room bar with character.

• Optional cultural show (Shinjuku): Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show Experience with Photo and Drinks — up-close demonstrations, history, and photo ops; great primer on sumo’s rituals.

  

• Or, eat like a local: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries) — skewers, seasonal small plates, and regionally brewed sake in tucked-away spots you’d likely miss alone.

  

Late-night snack: Hunt down Menya Musashi (rich tonkotsu-gyokai ramen) or Ichiran (solo-booth tonkotsu; customize firmness and spice). Both are good jetlag companions.

Day 2: Full-Day Mt. Fuji & Hakone Excursion

Swap city lights for sacred mountains on a classic day trip. A guided tour streamlines logistics and maximizes views.

• Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train — typically visits Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting), Lake Ashi cruise, and Hakone Ropeway/Owakudani. Return on the Shinkansen to Tokyo for a satisfying finale. Expect ~11 hours door-to-door; from roughly ¥14,000–¥20,000 per adult depending on inclusions (some departures offer an optional lunch).

  

Food tips en route: Grab an onigiri and bottled tea before departure. If your tour doesn’t include lunch, Hakone has eateries serving black eggs boiled in Owakudani’s hot springs and hearty soba. Back in Tokyo, celebrate with sushi: Kyubey (Ginza, refined omakase), Sushi Zanmai (reliable, late hours), or standing sushi like Uogashi Nihon-Ichi for quick, excellent bites.

Day 3: Asakusa, Sumida River, and Last Bites (Departure Day)

Morning: Start in Asakusa. At Senso-ji—Tokyo’s oldest temple, founded in the 7th century—pass beneath the thunder gate (Kaminarimon) and wander Nakamise-dori for traditional snacks (ningyo-yaki sponge cakes, fresh senbei rice crackers). Coffee nearby: Fuglen Tokyo (Nordic-style brews and retro vibes) or Turret Coffee (Tsukiji stalwart with robust espressos).

Afternoon: Early lunch before you depart: Tonkatsu Maisen Aoyama (silky tenderloin cutlets with shredded cabbage), Tendon Tenya (tempura over rice; fast and affordable), or Tsukiji Outer Market stalls for seafood donburi. Transfer to the airport by rail: Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner for Narita; Monorail or Keikyu Line for Haneda. For rail schedules/tickets, see Trip.com Trains. For flights, check Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late flight and extra time, book a customizable city tour to tie up loose ends—think Skytree views, Ginza galleries, or a final stop at Shibuya Crossing.

• Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide — craft a route around your interests (temples, gardens, or pop culture). Efficient for last-day sightseeing if your departure is later.

  

Extra eats and sips to bookmark: Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (theatrical robata and soba—great for groups), Torikizoku (budget-friendly yakitori with a cult following), Bar Benfiddich (inventive botanicals—reservation recommended), and Verve Coffee Roasters (Shinjuku) for a final flat white before you go.

Approximate daily budgets (per person): Transit ¥1,000–¥1,500; casual meals ¥1,000–¥2,000 each; mid-range dinner with drinks ¥3,000–¥6,000; attractions often free or ¥500–¥2,500; full-day Fuji/Hakone tour ¥14,000–¥20,000.

Booking checklist: Hotels on Hotels.com or VRBO; flights via Trip.com or Kiwi.com; tours through the Viator links above. Pick up a Suica/PASMO card on arrival and you’re set.

In three days you’ve walked ancient temple grounds, eaten your way through alleys of lanterns, and stood face-to-face with Mt. Fuji. Tokyo rewards curiosity; even brief visits plant a strong desire to return. Keep this guide handy—the city always has a second act.