Do I need to speak Japanese?

No. Major attractions have English signs. Download Google Translate app with camera function. Point at menus and signs for instant translation. Most young Tokyo residents speak basic English.

Is 3 days enough for Tokyo?

Three days gives you a solid taste of Tokyo's main districts and culture. You'll see major sights and get a feel for the city. For deeper exploration of neighborhoods and day trips, plan 5-7 days.

Should I book restaurants in advance?

Only for high-end sushi restaurants or if you have specific must-eat places. Most casual restaurants and izakaya don't take reservations. Some won't serve you if you don't speak Japanese, but plenty will.

What if I mess up train connections?

Tokyo's train system is forgiving. Worst case, you're 30-60 minutes behind schedule. Keep the Hyperdia app handy, ask station staff (they're helpful), or follow the crowd - they're probably going where you want to go.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $200-300 cash for your 3 days. Many restaurants, temples, and small shops don't take cards. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards if you need more. Always have coins for temple donations and some vending machines.

How to plan a perfect 3-day Tokyo itinerary

Focus on 2-3 neighborhoods per day to avoid transit fatigue. Start with Shibuya/Harajuku, move to Asakusa/Tokyo Station area, then end with Shinjuku/Ginza. Book accommodations near JR Yamanote Line stations and get a 72-hour metro pass for $17.

Choose your base location. Stay near a JR Yamanote Line station. Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Station areas work best. Avoid anywhere requiring more than one train transfer to reach major districts.
Map your three districts. Day 1: Shibuya crossing and Harajuku (Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street). Day 2: Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple) morning, Tokyo Station area afternoon (Imperial Palace East Gardens). Day 3: Shinjuku (government building observation deck) and Ginza (department stores, Tsukiji Outer Market).
Pre-book timed entries. Reserve TeamLab Borderless or TeamLab Planets tickets online 1-2 weeks ahead ($30). Book a Tsukiji fish market tour if interested. Skip advance restaurant bookings unless you want high-end sushi.
Download transit apps. Get Google Translate with camera function and Hyperdia for train times. Buy a 72-hour Tokyo Metro pass at the airport ($17) - covers most destinations except JR lines.
Plan meal timing around neighborhoods. Eat where you are. Don't cross the city for one restaurant. Budget 30 minutes extra between activities for inevitable photo stops and getting momentarily lost.

Do I need to speak Japanese?: No. Major attractions have English signs. Download Google Translate app with camera function. Point at menus and signs for instant translation. Most young Tokyo residents speak basic English.
Is 3 days enough for Tokyo?: Three days gives you a solid taste of Tokyo's main districts and culture. You'll see major sights and get a feel for the city. For deeper exploration of neighborhoods and day trips, plan 5-7 days.
Should I book restaurants in advance?: Only for high-end sushi restaurants or if you have specific must-eat places. Most casual restaurants and izakaya don't take reservations. Some won't serve you if you don't speak Japanese, but plenty will.
What if I mess up train connections?: Tokyo's train system is forgiving. Worst case, you're 30-60 minutes behind schedule. Keep the Hyperdia app handy, ask station staff (they're helpful), or follow the crowd - they're probably going where you want to go.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $200-300 cash for your 3 days. Many restaurants, temples, and small shops don't take cards. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards if you need more. Always have coins for temple donations and some vending machines.