Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan

3 days in Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto

East Asia · Neon Tokyo, temple mornings in Kyoto

Japan rewards a tight plan: trains run to the minute, restaurants are small, and the best places open early. This three-day route starts in Tokyo and moves to Kyoto by bullet train, with real restaurants, exact neighborhoods and the passes worth buying before you fly.

When to go

Late March to early April for cherry blossom, or mid-October to late November for fall color. Avoid Golden Week (early May) and Obon (mid-August) when domestic travel books out.

Day-by-day plan

Day 1 — Old Tokyo and the Sumida river

  • ☀️ Morning · 09:00–12:00

    Sensō-ji Temple & Nakamise-dōri, Asakusa

    Arrive by 8:30 to walk the temple approach before the crowds. Free entry.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Daikokuya Tempura, Asakusa

    Edo-style tempura over rice since 1887. Cash-friendly, expect a short line. ¥¥

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    TeamLab Planets, Toyosu

    Book a timed ticket in advance; you walk barefoot through water rooms. Bring shorts.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Sushi Tokyo Ten, Shinjuku

    Omakase counter at a fair price — reserve a week out. ¥¥¥

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Omoide Yokochō alleys, Shinjuku

    Six-seat yakitori bars under the tracks. Cash, and one drink minimum.

Day 2 — Shibuya, Harajuku and the west side

  • ☀️ Morning · 09:00–12:00

    Meiji Jingū shrine & Yoyogi Park

    Forest walk in the middle of the city; quietest before 10:00.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Afuri Ramen, Harajuku

    Yuzu shio ramen — order at the ticket machine. ¥

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    Shibuya Sky observation deck

    Book the 30 minutes before sunset slot online; the open-air roof is the whole point.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Yakiniku Jumbo Hakusan, Bunkyō

    Wagyu grilled at the table; reserve. ¥¥¥

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Bar Benfiddich, Nishi-Shinjuku

    Herb-forward cocktails made from scratch; small room, worth the wait.

Day 3 — Bullet train to Kyoto

  • ☀️ Morning · 09:00–12:00

    Tokyo Station → Kyoto on the Nozomi Shinkansen

    2h15m. Reserve a seat on the right side (D/E) for Mount Fuji views.

  • 🍜 Lunch · 12:30–14:00

    Nishiki Market, central Kyoto

    Standing snacks: tamagoyaki, soy-milk doughnuts, pickles. ¥

  • 🏛️ Afternoon · 14:30–18:30

    Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Walk the torii gates uphill for 40 minutes; late afternoon light, far fewer people.

  • 🍷 Dinner · 19:30–21:30

    Gion Nanba, Gion district

    Kaiseki tasting menu in a townhouse; book well ahead. ¥¥¥

  • 🍸 Nightlife · 22:00+

    Pontochō alley bars

    Riverside lane of tiny bars — look for places with an English menu posted outside.

Where to stay

Budget / hostel

UNPLAN Shinjuku

Shinjuku, Tokyo · ⭐ 8.9 · $70–110 / night

Check availability

Mid-range

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Kabukichō, Tokyo · ⭐ 8.6 · $150–210 / night

Check availability

Luxury

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Kamogawa riverside, Kyoto · ⭐ 9.4 · $900+ / night

Check availability

Before you fly

Entry rules, data, money and power for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and Asia.

Visa & entry
US, Canadian, Australian and most Asian passport holders enter visa-free for 90 days. Fill in the Visit Japan Web form online before you fly for the fast immigration and customs QR codes.
Trains & transit
Get a Suica or PASMO card (or Apple Wallet Suica) for subways and convenience stores. A nationwide JR Pass only pays off with 3+ long-distance legs — for Tokyo/Kyoto only, buy single Shinkansen tickets.
Phone & data
Japan has almost no public roaming deals worth using. Install a Japan eSIM (Ubigi, Airalo) before departure, or pick up a pocket Wi-Fi at the airport.
Money
Cards are widely accepted but many small restaurants are cash-only. Withdraw yen at 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs — they take foreign cards; bank ATMs often don't.
Power
Type A/B outlets at 100V — the same plug as the US and Canada. Australian and most Asian travelers need an adapter; check that devices accept 100V.
Etiquette
No tipping, ever — it's refused. Don't eat while walking, keep your voice down on trains, and carry your trash until you find a bin.

Day trips worth the drive

Share this guide

Ready-to-post caption for travelers planning from the US, Canada, Australia and Asia.

3 days in Japan: Neon Tokyo, temple mornings in Kyoto. Hour-by-hour plan with real restaurants, hotels at every budget, plus visa, eSIM and adapter tips for travelers flying in from the US, Canada, Australia and Asia.

Open the photo to save for your post

More long-haul guides

ThailandIndonesiaLong-haul planning
Browse all destinations