3-DAY JAPAN ITINERARY

Focus: Modern + Traditional Tokyo, Food, Efficiency
Stay: Shinjuku or Shibuya (easy transit access)
Transport: Use Suica/Pasmo IC Card (reloadable). No JR Pass needed for 3 days.

DAY 1: TOKYO MODERN & SHIBUYA ENERGY

• Morning (8 AM–12 PM): Shibuya Rush
  → Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Cross with thousands! Film the chaos.
  → Hachiko Statue: Tokyo’s iconic meeting spot.
  → Explore: Shibuya 109, Tokyu Hands, Magnet by Shibuya 109.
  → Breakfast: Grab onigiri (rice balls) at a konbini (7-Eleven/Lawson) or ekiben (train bento).
• Afternoon (12–3 PM): Harajuku Kawaii Culture
  → Takeshita Street: Colorful snacks, crazy fashion, and Harajuku crepes.
  → Omotesando: Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées” – chic boutiques & architecture.
• Evening (3–7 PM): Shinjuku Vibes
  → Shinjuku Gyoen Garden: Peaceful escape (cherry blossoms in spring!).
  → Tokyo Metropolitan Gov. Building: Free panoramic views + sunset.
  → Neon Jungle: Wander Kabukicho (safe but lively!).
• Night (7 PM+): Izakaya Alley Adventures
  → Dinner: Yakitori (skewers) at Omoide Yokocho (“Piss Alley”) or ramen in Shinjuku.
  → Drinks (optional): Tiny bars at Golden Gai (some charge cover fees).

DAY 2: TRADITIONAL TOKYO & ANIME FEVER

• Morning (8 AM–12 PM): Asakusa Temples
  → Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.
  → Nakamise-dori: Street food & souvenirs (ningyo-yaki = sweet cakes!).
  → Kaminarimon Gate: Giant red lantern photo op!
• Afternoon (12–3 PM): Akihabara Otaku Paradise
  → Explore: Anime/manga shops (Animate, Radio Kaikan), arcades, electronics.
  → Lunch: Gyudon (beef bowl) at Yoshinoya/Sukiya or a maid café experience.
• Evening (3–7 PM): Ueno Park & Markets
  → Ueno Park: Museums (Tokyo National Museum), shrines, or zoo.
  → Ameya-Yokocho Market: Cheap street food, clothes, and local energy.
• Night (7 PM+): Shibuya Skyline
  → Dinner: Sushi or shabu-shabu in Shibuya.
  → Shibuya Sky: Epic open-air observatory (Book tickets online in advance!).

DAY 3: MOUNT FUJI VIEWS OR TOKYO ALTERNATIVE

Option 1 (Highly Recommended!): Hakone Day Trip

• 6:30 AM: Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto (~1.5 hrs).
• Hakone Loop (9 AM–4 PM): Use the Hakone Free Pass (covers all transport):
  • Ropeway: Soar over volcanic valley Owakudani → Try black eggs (kuro-tamago).
  • Lake Ashi Pirate Ship: Cruise with (hopefully) Fuji views + Hakone Shrine Torii Gate.
  • Cable Car/Bus: Complete the loop back to Hakone-Yumoto.
• Onsen Break: Dip in a hot spring (try Ten-yu if time allows).
• 6 PM: Romancecar back to Tokyo → Last-minute souvenir shopping!

Option 2 (Stay in Tokyo):

• Morning: teamLab Planets/Borderless (digital art wonderland → book weeks ahead!).
• Afternoon: Odaiba (Gundam statue, futuristic malls) or Ginza (luxury shopping).
• Evening: Roppongi Hills (city views at Tokyo City View).

Read also: https://amavacations.com/7-must-have-japanese-experiences-you-can-only-get-in-these-specific-places/7 Must-Have Japanese Experiences You Can ONLY Get in These Specific Places

KEY TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP

1. Transport:
   • Suica/Pasmo Card: Tap for trains/buses/konbini payments.
   • Google Maps + Japan Travel App: Lifesavers for routes/schedules.
2. Book Ahead:
   • Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Romancecar → Reserve online!
3. Money:
   • Carry cash (small shops/street food don’t take cards).
   • Withdraw yen at 7-Eleven ATMs (accept int’l cards).
4. Connectivity:
   • Rent pocket Wi-Fi or buy a tourist SIM at the airport.
5. Etiquette:
   • Quiet trains: No calls!
   • Trash cans are rare → Keep a bag, dump at konbini/hotel.
6. Footwear:
   • COMFORTABLE SHOES → You’ll walk 20k+ steps/day!

This itinerary hits Japan’s highlights fast — from neon-lit streets to sacred temples and Fuji views. Adjust if you want more food/shopping/relax time!
Need help with hotels, food spots, or tweaks? Just shout, bro! Enjoy Japan! 🎌🍜