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:
Shodo calligraphy in Toyko
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan
Last updated: 19 November, 2022
First brought to Japan from China in the 5h century, shodo, ‘the way of writing’, is one of Japan’s oldest art forms.
A spiritual or meditative practice as much as an aesthetic pursuit, it was commonly practised by nobles and samurai, and today every school kid in the land will dip bamboo brush into sumi ink to learn the basics.
From calligraphic scrolls in temples and on ryokan inn walls, to the annual public calligraphy demonstration broadcast on TV when Japan announces its kanji (Japanese character) of the year – shodo is a traditional that remains very much alive and kicking in modern Japan.
With workshops available in English, it’s something travellers can learn for themselves, and get an authentic experience of traditional Japan.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £70
Minimum age: 7
Age suitable: 7+
Frequency: annually
When: March, May and Sept
Duration: 2 hours
Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Japanese Calligraphy Experience with a Calligraphy Master
Tokyo
Japanese calligraphy is the essence of traditional Japanese culture. Why not try your hand at this art?
“Shodo,” or Japanese calligraphy, i...
¥13,000 | Rating 5 / 5 [15 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Trunk Hotel
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[11.1 miles]
Plush boutique hotel for hipsters right in the heart of the trendsetting Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya triangle.
Official star rating:
Aman Tokyo
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[13.6 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.
Official star rating:
Hotel K5
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[13.7 miles]
Uber-hip Scandi-inspired boutique hotel with great access to Tokyo Station, Ginza, and key business districts. A chilled-out base for hipsters.
Official star rating:
Hoshinoya Tokyo
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[13.9 miles]
A high-rise, high-end contemporary take on the traditional ryokan with a great central location.
Official star rating:
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
Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[12.5 miles]
Surrounded by 170 acres of lush forest, this calming, functioning shrine in otherwise heaving Harajuku is one of central Tokyo’s most tranquil spots.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Sumo wrestling
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[15.6 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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Museums of Ueno Park
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[17.1 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[17.5 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
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[10.6 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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Experience
Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[11.6 miles]
The wholesale fish market has moved to Toyosu island, but much of it gets delivered back to Tsukiji – browse the stalls and have a sushi breakfast – restaurants open at 5am.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours
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Experience
Imperial Palace & Gardens
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[13.4 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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Kiyosumi Gardens
Tokyo, Kanto, Japan[14.2 miles]
One of the city’s finest traditional ‘stroll gardens’, set out in the sukiya style, tucked away in an under-visited pocket of greenery in eastern Tokyo.
Best for ages: 13+ | £1 | 2-3 hours
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