Tokyo Itinerary: 3 Days for First-Timers

Tokyo is a fantastic city with plenty for every type of traveller. The main challenge I see for first-timers is prioritising your time, especially if it’s limited. This is where I come in. I’ll help you plan a Tokyo itinerary in 3 days that doesn’t waste a minute.

My focus is on maximising what’s important to you and ensuring you get to experience a bit of everything in the city. I have been lucky enough to visit Tokyo twice and spent 6 days there on my recent longer trip to Japan, however most people I speak to have less. I’m going to distil all my experience into my shorter Tokyo 3 day itinerary, whilst giving you some optional activities to swap in, based on your taste! 

Quick tip before we start: if Japan is new to you, my free 13 page Japan starter guide covers the basics that aren’t Tokyo-specific (money, apps, etiquette, arrival). No ads, pairs well with this itinerary.

I remember the overwhelming feeling when I was planning my first trip to Tokyo. It’s natural, but unnecessary. Tokyo is very easy to visit and get around. I’m going to cover my favourite sights, key tips for first-timers, where to stay so you maximise exploring and minimise commuting, and my favourite restaurants worth booking ahead, including some that really surprised me.

Key Tips and what to expect for first timers Travelling to Tokyo 

• Efficient Public Transport: Tokyo’s public transport is extensive, it also completely lives up to the stereotype of being punctual with precision! In my opinion it is very much the best way to explore the city. My Top Tip! Get a virtual Suica or Pasmo card in your Apple Wallet, you can top up from any bank card and tap on all public transport. Makes life a lot easier. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can get a physical card from airports and main JR train stations when you arrive.
• Cash and Card Usage: We paid on card for 90% of our trip, using our Revolut cards to avoid fees. That being said, some smaller shops, restaurants and street food vendors prefer cash, so I would recommend carrying some and checking before you sit down. My Top Tip! ATMs are widely available. We used 7-Eleven’s, the rates and fees were the best, and they’re everywhere.
• Language Considerations: We had been told by some people that the language barrier is a big problem, this was not our experience, especially in Tokyo. English signage is common in major areas and people were very open to help us. Google translate is an absolute must, both for speaking and reading any useful documents/signs. As with any country learning basic Japanese phrases is a nice touch and people clearly appreciated us trying.
• Cultural Etiquette: Respecting local customs is something you hear in every country you travel to, this is more pronounced in Japan and was something I was very aware of during our time there. I always advise everyone going to brush up on it. Simple things you may not be aware of, like not walking and eating and when to remove your shoes. I have written about the key cultural etiquette points you may not be aware of, so you can avoid any faux pas.
• Connectivity: We were very reliant on our phones in Japan, with Google maps and Google translate helping us survive. Staying connected is easy, even on the Shinkansen. You have three main options to choose from; pocket Wi-Fi hubs, physical SIM cards or eSIMs. Read about the pros and cons of each and make your own decision. My Top Tip! We used eSIMs, would be one of my top travel tips. Easy to set up before we left home, cheaper than pocket Wi-Fi, and didn’t let us down once. Use code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off.

Disclaimer: This article features affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information

At a Glance: Tokyo 3-Day Itinerary

Tokyo Day 1: Shinjuku – Parks, the city and meeting the locals

• Morning: Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
• Afternoon: Explore Shinjuku’s main areas, the 3D cat billboard, see Godzilla. Optional SOMPO Museum, or free city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck.
• Evening: Catch the free Tokyo Night & Light projection mapping show on the Government Building, then street food and bars in Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.

Day 2: Shibuya scramble and trendy Harajuku

• Morning: The famous Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky.
• Afternoon: Join a Real-Life Mario Kart Tour, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and Takeshita Street. Optional stop at Nezu Museum.
• Evening: Stroll along Omote-sando and dinner in the area or at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado

Day 3: Asakusa’s culture and sky-high views

• Morning: Explore Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street. Viewing deck over Senso-ji from Asakusa Culture and Tourism Centre
• Afternoon: Walk along the Sumida River to Tokyo Skytree. Optional river cruise
• Evening: Asakusa Yokocho and Sumida park

Where to Stay on your 3 day Tokyo trip

With only 3 days in Tokyo, getting this right is very important. You will want to maximise your time, reduce travelling and have a nice base to come back to after an action packed day. I have written in detail about the best areas and hotels in Tokyo.

If you are a family, you will likely have slightly different priorities and I have focused on the best family hotels, featuring crucial items like washing machines, connecting rooms and services to keep the kids entertained!

If you don’t have time to read my detailed guide above, below is a snapshot of the 3 areas I would recommend for first time Tokyo visitors. They maximise exploring time, have good transport links and plenty to see day and night. If you’re doing 20k+ steps a day, you want to make them count 

How to get to Tokyo

International travellers arriving in Tokyo have two airport options: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). Both are well connected to Tokyo.

Narita International Airport 

60 kilometres east of Tokyo’s centre, Narita is the main international gateway for most countries. It offers several ways to reach the city, including the Narita Express, comfortable limousine buses, and private hire taxis. The airport itself has everything you would expect from a big international hubs, with a good selection of restaurants, shops and luggage forwarding services. You can pick up a sim card or Suica/Pasmo when you arrive too.

Connecting between Narita and Haneda on the same trip? My Narita to Haneda transfer guide has the full comparison of train, bus and private transfer options.

Haneda Airport 

Located significantly closer to central Tokyo. While historically focused on domestic flights, it has expanded its international terminal. This makes Haneda an attractive option for international arrivals. Passengers can take the Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu Line, and various bus services to get into central Tokyo faster.

TOP TIP! Pick the flight time and cost that work best for you before the airport itself. I know Narita is further out, but it is not much hassle to travel in from there. Cost and flight convenience is my biggest recommendation! If they are both the same price/time, then I would definitely choose Haneda. For the full breakdown on which airport suits which trip, see my Haneda vs Narita guide.

Both Haneda and Narita have a lot of hotel options with free shuttle buses if you are arriving particularly late into the country

Tokyo Day 1: Exploring Shinjuku

Morning: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

We arrived after a long flight from the UK and decided to start with some fresh air to clear our weary heads. I’d recommend you do the same. Start with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park right in central Shinjuku, featuring Japanese, French, and English garden styles. A peaceful spot to ease yourself into your 3 day Tokyo itinerary.

Getting There: From Shinjuku Station, take the Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station one stop. The Shinjuku Gate is a five-minute walk from Exit 1.

Admission and Hours: Open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). Admission is ¥500 for adults; children under 15 enter free.

Highlights: Explore the Japanese Traditional Garden with its ponds and teahouse. The greenhouse houses tropical plants, offering a nice contrast to what you see in the rest of the park

Photography Tip: Several opportunities for traditional teahouses and Japanese gardens against the backdrop of skyscrapers, a quintessential Tokyo scene and very much worth of your Instagram!

Afternoon: Shinjuku’s 3D Cat Billboard and Godzilla

After the garden, head to the Cross Shinjuku Vision building to see the giant 3D cat billboard. This digital display features a lifelike cat that appears between advertisements from 7:00 am to 1:00 am.

I’ll be honest, both the cat and Godzilla (which is next) are fun to see, but they’re a see-it-and-tick-it-off stop. Worth the short walk and a few photos, I wouldn’t repeat either on a return trip. The best view of the cat is from the plaza near the East Exit of Shinjuku Station. 

My Top Tip! If you’re staying in Shinjuku, come past at night as well as during the day, it looks different.

Getting There: A short walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station to Shinjuku Station’s East Exit.

When you’re ready for the next sight, make your way to Godzilla at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in Kabukicho. Yes, you read that right, a gigantic Godzilla head on the side terrace of a popular hotel. This replica roars with light and sound effects at scheduled times.

Getting There: Approximately a 10-minute walk from the 3D cat billboard to Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.

Lunch: Try Fūunji, a renowned ramen shop known for its tsukemen (dipping noodles). Be prepared for a wait, it’s popular among locals and tourists alike. If the queue is too much, check my downloadable map of the best food options in Tokyo and pick something nearby.

Optional afternoon culture: SOMPO Museum of Art

The SOMPO Museum of Art, which houses an extensive collection of Western and Japanese art, including pieces by Van Gogh and Gauguin. The museum also has seasonal exhibitions.

Getting There: From Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, it’s a 10-minute walk to the SOMPO Museum of Art.

Admission and Hours: Open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry at 5:30 pm). Admission fees vary depending on the exhibition.

Highlights: Don’t miss Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” a highlight of the museum’s permanent collection.

Optional afternoon view: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

If you want a wide view over Shinjuku, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has free observation decks that look out over the skyline and, on clear days, to Mount Fuji. It’s a solid free alternative to paid observation decks elsewhere in the city if you’d rather save the cash for somewhere else.

Getting There: The building is a 15-minute walk from Shinjuku Station’s West Exit.

My Top Tip! Check opening times for the day you want to go, they vary between the North and South observatories. We found this out the hard way on our first visit.

Evening: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai

The evening is when Shinjuku really comes alive, I loved staying here because everything was so accessible. I’d recommend you start dinner in Omoide Yokocho. I ate here twice during my stay and really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Also known as “Memory Lane”, or less enticingly “piss alley”, but don’t let that name put you off. It is a network of narrow alleys lined with small eateries serving plenty of yakitori and other local dishes.

This really is an iconic Tokyo dining experience that you must try. You sit around counters or small tables shoulder to shoulder with salarymen, locals and tourists. We tried all sorts of things we’d never heard of and found ourselves in conversation flowing as easily as the ice-cold beer with people we’d never met.

Getting There: A 7-minute walk from the SOMPO Museum of Art to Omoide Yokocho, located near Shinjuku Station’s West Exit.

Restaurant Recommendation: I recommend trying a couple of different stops, even if you only visit once, the more open and obvious the grill, the better! Pick whichever appeals to your most, whilst there are the normal safe options, like chicken yakitori, I encourage you to embrace your adventurous eating side.

After dinner, head to Golden Gai, famous for its narrow alleys and over 200 tiny, themed bars. When I say tiny, I mean tiny, with some venues only having seating for 3/4 people.

Each bar has its own unique character, offering an intimate setting to enjoy drinks and conversation.

My Top Tip! It can look a little daunting, we felt like we were walking uninvited into someone’s living room, but trust me, it’s worth it and the people are very welcoming.

Getting There: Golden Gai is an 11 minute walk from Omoide Yokocho, situated near Shinjuku Station’s East Exit.

Photography Tip: The neon-lit alleys of Golden Gai provide excellent opportunities for moody night shots, be patient, even when it’s busy you don’t have to wait long to get a nice empty shot.

If this whets your appetite for a bigger night, Tokyo has a fantastic nightclub scene, with excellent venues, live music and top DJ’s.

Evening option: Tokyo Night & Light

Since February 2024, the side of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has been used for a large-scale projection mapping show in the evenings. It holds the Guinness World Record as the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display, projected onto a 13,904 square metre canvas. It’s free, you watch from the plaza below, and each show runs about 15 minutes.

Multiple shows run each evening starting on the hour and the half-hour, with the schedule shifting through the year based on sunset. Content rotates regularly, expect anything from PAC-MAN to Godzilla to original artistic pieces. Check the official schedule before you go.

Pair it with the observation deck earlier in the day for two genuinely different ways to use the same building.

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Tokyo Day 2: Shibuya and Harajuku

Morning: Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

Three days in Tokyo wouldn’t be complete without taking on the Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. Watching the organised chaos from ground level is a must, but for a more panoramic view, visit the shibuya station walkway opposite, or head up to the Starbucks where for a price of a drink you can get windowside views of the madness, and get that obligatory time lapse video.

If you fancy something extra, head to Shibuya Sky, the observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square. Wide views over Tokyo’s skyline, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji makes an appearance.

Book tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. The most popular slots, especially around sunset, sell out days and weeks ahead.

Getting There: Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station. Exit via the Hachiko Exit for the crossing, then walk to Shibuya Scramble Square.

Shibuya Sky Details:

• Hours: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (last entry at 9:20 pm).
• Admission: Adults from ¥2,700 online, more for sunset slots. Cheaper than buying at the door. Check the official site for current pricing and slot availability.

Photography Tip: Sunset is stunning, however is unsurprisingly the most popular time slot

Optional Extra: Before moving on, stop by the Hachiko Statue, located near Shibuya Station’s exit. It’s a famous meeting point and a great photo spot. The story is also heart warming and sad in equal measure

Late Morning: Real-Life Mario Kart

I couldn’t resist trying this. An adrenaline rush with a real-life go-kart tour through Tokyo. Several companies let you dress up as your favourite characters (Mario costumes are no longer an option, Nintendo and their copyright lawyers have won) and drive through iconic spots like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Roppongi. It’s an exciting way to see the city from a totally different angle. We got to drive through the Shibuya Scramble itself, another interesting way to see it.

Details:

• Requirements: An International Driving Permit (IDP) and passport are mandatory. You have to sort this in your home country before leaving
• Booking Tip: Reserve your spot in advance, as tours fill up quickly.
• Safety: Follow all traffic rules and listen to your guide, we found it very simple and felt safe throughout

Afternoon: Meiji Shrine and Takeshita Street

After your karting adventure, wind down at Meiji Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine set in a large forested park. The gravel paths lined with towering trees create a peaceful atmosphere, a nice contrast to the busy streets of Harajuku and Shibuya.

Getting There: From Shibuya, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. The shrine is a 5-minute walk from the station.

Admission and Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free.

Highlights:

• Walk through the massive wooden torii gates.
• Admire the colourful sake barrels donated to the shrine.
• You might spot a traditional Shinto wedding procession.

Etiquette Tip: At the purification fountain near the entrance, rinse your hands and mouth before heading to the main hall.

After visiting Meiji Shrine, take a short walk (5 minutes) and explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku. A hub for quirky fashion, unique shops, and street food, this will be a lot of the photos you will have seen of Tokyo. Try the famous Harajuku crepes filled with whipped cream and fruit, or grab a rainbow candy floss from one of the stalls.

Snack Recommendation: “Marion Crepes” is a top pick for its variety and history—it’s been around since the 1970s.

Optional Stop: If you’re looking for a quieter spot, visit the Nezu Museum, tucked away just off Omotesando. The art and garden make for a peaceful escape.

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm). Closed on Mondays.

Admission: ¥1,300 for adults.

Evening: Dinner on Omote-sando

From Takeshita Street, take a short walk to Omote-sando, a tree-lined avenue known for upscale boutiques and impressive architecture. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth admiring the storefronts.

Wrap up your day with dinner on Omote-sando. From sushi to European cuisine, the area offers a range of options.

Optional Extra: If you are not keen on Omote-sando then visit the Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado. A shopping centre with multi level rooftop garden, bars and a food court on the top two floors, featuring some highly praised Japanese chefs.

Tokyo Day 3: Asakusa’s culture and sky-high views

Morning: Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street

The end of your 3 days in Tokyo itinerary begins at Senso-ji, the city’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in Asakusa. As you approach the temple, you’ll pass through the Kaminarimon Gate, iconic for photos, and walk along Nakamise Street.

This is a lively shopping avenue filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. It’s a great place to pick up gifts and try local treats like freshly made ningyo-yaki (small, sweet cakes filled with red bean paste).

My Top Tip! If you have more time in the morning, before going into the temple, visit the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Centre for quiet views from a different angle. This was a bit of a find when we went, and totally free.

Getting There: Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station. The temple is a 5-minute walk from the station.

Don’t Miss:

• The five-story pagoda near the temple.
• Omikuji (fortune-telling papers) at the temple.
• The giant red lantern hanging from Kaminarimon Gate.

Photography Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a clear shot of Kaminarimon Gate.

Late Morning: Sumida River Walk

After exploring Senso-ji, take a leisurely walk along the Sumida River. The promenade offers great views of the Tokyo Skytree across the water, as well as Asahi’s famous “golden flame” sculpture on the headquarters building (some people told us this was Godzilla’s tooth, I can confirm it’s not).

Optional Add-On: Consider taking a river cruise from Asakusa, which offers a unique perspective of the city. Boats travel to destinations like Odaiba and Hamarikyu Gardens.

Afternoon: Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. For that reason, I’d prioritise this if you’re only doing one observation deck in Tokyo. For me it edges Shibuya Sky.

360-degree views over the city, I don’t personally need more convincing than that. On clear days you can see as far as Mount Fuji. The observation decks (Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria) offer interactive displays and a glass-floor experience, not for those with vertigo.

Getting hungry?: If you are hungry, at the Skytree’s base, you’ll find the Solamachi shopping and dining complex, which offers a variety of restaurants.

Getting There: A 10-minute walk from Asakusa via the Sumida River Walk.

Details:

• Hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (last entry at 8:00 pm).
• Admission: Tembo Deck from ¥1,800 advance, combo ticket (Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria) from ¥3,000. Cheaper online than at the counter. Check the official site for current pricing.
• Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the queue.

Evening: Asakusa Yokocho

Return to Asakusa for your final meal at Asakusa Yokocho, a lively dining area offering a range of Japanese cuisines in a casual setting. It is a great place to wind down after a packed day.

Food Recommendation: Opt for a traditional izakaya experience at “Kamiya Bar,” known for its Denki Bran (an old-fashioned Japanese cocktail) and hearty comfort food like beef stew. Or again, check my downloadable food map for something a bit more special in the area

Optional Add-On: If you’re not ready for the night to end, take a stroll to the Sumida Park riverside area, which is beautifully lit up at night and provides a quiet spot for some nice photos.

Tokyo foods I recommend you prioritise in 3 days

The food in Japan is exceptional. I’ll go as far as to say it’s the most consistently excellent I’ve eaten on my travels. From budget to high-end Michelin-starred, you’re going to eat very well. While Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen, Tokyo more than competes.

You won’t scratch the surface in 3 days. I’ve written in depth about the 35 best restaurants for all budgets in Tokyo if you want the full list. Below is what I’d actually prioritise, with the dish, why, and where to eat it.

• Kaiseki, my number one. A multi-course Japanese tasting menu, very traditional, precise, and impressive from start to finish. If you only do one “proper” dinner in Tokyo, this is what I’d book. Check the Michelin guide for options across price points, there’s something at most budgets.
• Sushi, the obvious one. You don’t need me to talk you into this. From conveyor belt for a quick lunch to a high-end counter, you can spend as little or as much as you like and eat well either way.
• Ramen, but choose your stop carefully. We tried Ichiran (the one everyone talks about) for the experience. The actual ramen was good but not as mind-blowing as several others. My favourite was Konjiki Hototogisu, around ¥1,500 a bowl for incredible value. If you’ve only got one ramen stop, I’d send you there.
• Tonkatsu, the easy choice. Quick, tasty, and especially good as a set meal. I’ve had it at specialist restaurants and at department store food halls. Katsukura in Shinjuku is one of my favourites.
• Cold soba, my surprise. I honestly didn’t expect to rate this. Buckwheat noodles served cold with a dipping sauce. It was recommended by several people, including locals and I’m pleased I listened. Give it a go!

A skip from me: if you’re going to Osaka or Hiroshima later in the trip, save okonomiyaki for there. Those two cities are where it’s properly famous and the version you get is noticeably better. Tokyo’s is great, it’s just not where I’d spend a meal on it.

I haven’t actually had a bad meal in Tokyo across all my visits. The bar is genuinely high here.

My Top Tip! If you’re after a cheap dinner, head to a depachika (the food hall in the basement of a department store) or a convenience store about an hour before closing. Both heavily reduce fresh food, sushi, bento boxes and prepared meals, before they close. You eat properly for very little, and it’s a fun way to see what locals are actually buying.

Alternative activities for your three days in Tokyo itinerary

With 3 days you are going to have to be picky with what you do, the above would be my personal priority, but having been lucky enough to have 6 days there myself, here are some other highlights I would recommend!

TOP TIP! Stuck on what month to go to Japan? – my guide breaks down the best months for weather, crowds, costs and festivals

Activities to Book in Advance

• teamLab Borderless: This digital art museum features immersive installations. Due to its popularity, recently claiming the Guinness world record as the most visited museum, definitely buy your tickets online ahead of time.
• Tokyo Disney Resort: Comprising Disneyland and DisneySea, the parks are incredibly popular. Securing tickets in advance ensures entry and allows for better planning. There are also plenty of accommodation options offering free shuttles
• Ghibli Museum: Dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, this museum requires advance reservations due to limited daily admissions.
• Sumo Tournaments: Tournaments are held seasonally, tickets sell out quickly and are notoriously hard to get hold of. You can also watch sumo training, which is a great alternative.
• Themed Cafés: Animal cafe’s, the Pokémon Café and the other well known options are popular and often require reservations weeks in advance.

Additional Tokyo Experiences that don’t need booking

• Tokyo National Museum (Ueno): Japan’s history is covered in depth at the country’s largest museum. It houses everything from samurai swords to ancient ceramics and Buddhist art and is set in the beautiful Ueno park.
• Tsukiji Outer Market: Although the inner wholesale market relocated to Toyosu (where the newer Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai complex opened in 2024), the outer market at Tsukiji is still going strong. Sample fresh sushi, sashimi, tamagoyaki, and other street food, or pick up Japanese kitchen tools and tea. Worth taking cash.
• Akihabara: Known as the mecca of otaku culture, Akihabara is perfect for anime, manga, and electronics enthusiasts. Explore themed cafes, retro video game stores, plenty of arcades and multi-level shops like Yodobashi Camera.
• Shin-Okubo Koreatown: Experience Tokyo’s Korean culture in Shin-Okubo. Try Korean BBQ, trendy street foods like tteokbokki or cheese corn dogs, and shop for K-pop merchandise.
• Koenji Vintage Shopping: This laid-back neighbourhood is a haven for vintage clothing lovers, with thrift shops and second-hand boutiques lining the streets. It’s also a hotspot for live music and casual izakayas

Great Day Trips from Tokyo

If you have longer in the city, Tokyo’s excellent public transport and links to the wider JR network make it easy to explore some great places nearby. Three I’d genuinely recommend, and here’s how I’d rank them for a first-timer with limited time.

TL;DR Which day trip should you pick?

If you only have one day, I’d prioritise Kamakura. It’s the easiest to reach and there’s a lot of good stuff to see in a short space of time, which makes it the best pure day trip of the three.

If you can spare an extra night (or two), I’d pick Hakone every time. It’s a perfect spot for a traditional ryokan stay with an onsen, and to enjoy it properly without rushing, it really needs an overnight.

Nikko is definitely worth it and it’s beautiful, but if you’re ranking these on time, I’d put it third. Do it if you’ve done the other two on previous trips, or if Kamakura and Hakone don’t appeal.

1. Hakone

Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, beautiful landscapes, and views of Mount Fuji.

Highlights:

• Lake Ashi: Take a cruise on a pirate ship with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.
• Hakone Shrine: Visit the shrine known for its iconic red torii gate standing in the lake.
• Owakudani Valley: Explore this volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and try the famous black eggs.
• Hakone Open-Air Museum: Enjoy a unique blend of art and nature at Japan’s first open-air museum.

Getting There: From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto Station (approx. 85 minutes). The Hakone Freepass offers unlimited rides on designated transport within Hakone and round-trip tickets from Shinjuku.

My Top Tip: In my opinion, this is one of the best places for a traditional stay and onsen. Make sure you pick the best ryokan in Hakone for your budget

2. Kamakura

Often called the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan,” Kamakura is rich in historical sites and coastal scenery. I have written a detailed guide on how to do a Kamakura day trip from Tokyo which takes all the hard work out for you.

Highlights:

• Great Buddha (Daibutsu): Visit the iconic 13-meter-tall bronze statue at Kotoku-in Temple.
• Hasedera Temple: Explore this temple known for its eleven-headed statue of Kannon and beautiful gardens.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine: Discover Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, founded in 1063.

Getting There: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (approx. 60 minutes).

3. Nikko

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is famed for its ornate temples.

Highlights:

• Toshogu Shrine: Admire the lavishly decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
• Rinnoji Temple: Visit this significant Buddhist temple established in the 8th century.
• Kegon Falls: Experience one of Japan’s most beautiful waterfalls, especially stunning in autumn.
• Lake Chuzenji: Enjoy the serene lake located at the foot of Mount Nantai.

Getting There: From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu-Nikko Station (approx. 2 hours).