Toyko 3-day Itinerary
Japan
Where to go and what to see in Tokyo to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and Japan travel writer Rob Goss.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
Credit Shutterstock.com/non c
Last updated: 19 November, 2022
On the opposite side of Harajuku to the colourful teen fashions of Takeshita-dori and swanky boutiques of Omotesando-dori, Meiji Jingu provides the ultimate contrast to the city’s modern concrete jungle image.
Built in the 1920s to enshrine the Meiji Emperor and Empress, the Shinto shrine blends naturally into the 170 acres of lush forest that surround it.
An hour here is an opportunity to not just have a calm break from the hectic city, but to take in traditional shrine architecture and get a sense of how Shintoism is still important in modern-day Japan.
Whenever you visit, you’ll see visitors praying at the main shrine and writing wishes on votive tablets before hanging them in the inner shrine’s courtyard.
You might see a traditional Shinto wedding procession too – Meiji Jingu attracts lots of tourists, but it’s still a fully functioning shrine.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: annually
When: March, May and Sept
Duration: 2-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
A shrine is a sacred space, so etiquette is important. You don’t have to tiptoe around whispering, but it would be rude to make a lot of noise or let kids run around.
Other than keeping hydrated, Meiji Jingu has a no drinking rule too, as well as no eating and smoking. Photos can be taken in most areas, but not of people praying in the main sanctuary – this and other ‘no photos’ and ‘no entry’ areas are well signposted.
When to do it
The shrine is lovely all year round, but go in June and you get the bonus of seeing the iris garden in bloom.
Go early January and you’ll be one of the millions who come to offer their first prayers of the new year.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Trunk Hotel
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[1.4 miles]
Plush boutique hotel for hipsters right in the heart of the trendsetting Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya triangle.
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Nine Hours Otemachi
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[5.7 miles]
The capsule hotel gets a slick reboot at this chain, offering smart sleeping pods in Shinjuku and elsewhere. Decent accommodation at very affordable prices.
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Aman Tokyo
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[6.1 miles]
A contemporary five-star luxury retreat, high above the city, offers bird’s eye views over Tokyo to Mount Fuji. Relax in the superb spa, employing authentic Japanese wellness rituals.
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Hoshinoya Tokyo
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[6.1 miles]
A high-rise, high-end contemporary take on the traditional ryokan with a great central location.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Tokyo
Kanto, Japan
A dizzying mixture of old ways and modern style, crowds and calm, and arguably the best food scene on the planet.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Museums of Ueno Park
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[8 miles]
A collection of six excellent in one park, including the Tokyo National Museum. Also one of the city’s most popular sites for hanami in Cherry Blosssom season.
Best for ages: 6+ | Varies | 2-3 hours
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Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[8.4 miles]
Japan’s oldest and largest art and cultural museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in Japan’s fascinating history. Collections include samurai armour and swords, ancient Buddhist sculptures even tea ceremony utensils.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6 | 2-3 hours
Sumo wrestling
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[8.8 miles]
Drama and tradition combine in this 1,000-year-old sport. It’s a mesmerising and atmospheric spectacle – and Tokyo’s Ryogoku neighbourhood is the centre of it all.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15 | 2-3 hours
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Sensoji Temple
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[9.8 miles]
With towering gateways and a five-storied pagoda, this busy temple in Asakusa is a standout. If you have time for just one temple in Tokyo – make it this one.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[1.9 miles]
Like a thousand-person scrum, this is purportedly the world’s busiest road crossing – with as many as 3,000 people crossing at any one time. Grab a photo from above at the Crossing View observation deck.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Drinks in Golden Gai
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2 miles]
This collection of ramshackle alleyways in Shinjuku is home to some of Tokyo’s tiniest, but most unique bars.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Samurai Museum
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[2.2 miles]
A fairly new museum stocked with an impressive collection of sparklingly sharp samurai swords, elaborate, colourful armour, guns and other samurai paraphernalia. Visitors can try the armour on and play at pretend sword fighting.
Best for ages: 6+ | £12 | 2-3 hours
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Experience
Imperial Palace & Gardens
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[4.9 miles]
The Imperial family’s current home is off-limits to visitors, but you can steal photogenic glimpses and stroll the pretty East Gardens.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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