Tokyo 3 Days – Complete Itinerary for Families

A realistic 3‑day Tokyo plan for families: balanced mornings, kid‑friendly lunches, smart transfers, and one‑line tips — with costs in yen and quick USD comparisons.

Overview

Three days in Tokyo is just enough time to sample classic sights without overloading kids. This plan groups nearby attractions, uses short train hops, and leaves room for breaks. You’ll cover modern Tokyo (Shibuya/Shinjuku), family‑favorite museums and parks, and a taste of historic Asakusa and the bay area.

USD amounts are approximate for comparison.

Getting Around

  • IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) work on all trains and most buses; typical metro ride ¥170–¥320 ($1–$2).
  • Consider a small foldable stroller; stations have elevators but concourses can be busy.

Day 1: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando

Morning (Shibuya)

Details:

  • Opening: Shops from ~10am
  • Cost: Free to walk; snacks ¥300–¥800 ($2–$6)
  • Time needed: 2–3 hrs
  • Location: Shibuya
  • Note: Famous crossing + kid‑friendly snack stops

Cross Shibuya Scramble, peek into Shibuya Station’s viewing spots, then walk Center‑gai for treats. Pop into a large toy store or character shop for a 20‑minute reward.

Highlights:

  • Scramble Crossing photo
  • Easy snack breaks without long lines

Insider tip: Go up to a nearby observation spot before 10am for crossing photos.

Late Morning (Harajuku – Meiji Jingu)

Details:

  • Opening: Dawn–dusk
  • Cost: Free (inner garden paid seasonally)
  • Time needed: 60–90 min
  • Location: Harajuku
  • Note: Calm forested shrine near busy Takeshita Street

Walk the wide gravel path to the shrine; it’s calm and stroller‑friendly.

Lunch (Harajuku/Omotesando)

Grab simple noodles or curry, ¥900–¥1,300 ($6–$9) per adult; kids’ bowls available in many shops.

Afternoon (Omotesando → Yoyogi Park)

Window‑shop Omotesando (wide sidewalks), then let kids run at Yoyogi Park playgrounds.

Evening (Optional)

Return to Shibuya for early dinner; ramen chains offer kid portions and booth seating.

Day 2: Odaiba or teamLab + Asakusa & Skytree

Morning (teamLab Planets or Odaiba pick‑one)

Details:

  • Opening: teamLab typically 9am–9pm (slots); malls 10am–9pm
  • Cost: teamLab Planets ¥3,200 ($22) adults, kids under 3 free
  • Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hrs
  • Location: Toyosu (teamLab) / Odaiba
  • Note: Pick one main indoor highlight to conserve energy

For teamLab Planets, book morning slots. If you prefer Odaiba, visit a single complex (e.g., DiverCity or Aqua City) plus the waterfront playground.

Lunch

Food courts in Odaiba or simple sushi near Toyosu; plates at kaiten‑zushi ¥120–¥300 ($1–$2).

Afternoon (Asakusa)

Details:

  • Opening: Senso‑ji grounds 24/7; shops ~10am–6pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Time needed: 60–90 min
  • Location: Asakusa
  • Note: Nakamise street snacks keep kids engaged

Visit Senso‑ji, then walk Nakamise for taiyaki or melon pan (¥200–¥400 / $1.50–$3).

Late Afternoon (Tokyo Skytree)

Details:

  • Opening: Typically 10am–9pm
  • Cost: Adults ~¥1,800–¥2,700 ($12–$18); children less
  • Time needed: 60–90 min
  • Location: Oshiage (Skytree)
  • Note: Book timed tickets online to reduce waiting

Finish with Skytree views. If queues are long, browse the Solamachi mall instead and keep dinner simple.

Day 3: Ueno Park Museums + Akihabara or Ginza Option

Morning (Ueno Park)

Pick one major stop to avoid fatigue.

Option A – National Museum of Nature and Science Details:

  • Opening: 9am–5pm (closed Mon)
  • Cost: Adults ~¥630 ($4); children free/low
  • Time needed: 2–3 hrs
  • Location: Ueno
  • Note: Hands‑on science floors for kids

Option B – Ueno Zoo Details:

  • Opening: 9:30am–5pm (closed Mon)
  • Cost: Adults ¥600 ($4); children ¥200 ($1.50)
  • Time needed: 2–3 hrs
  • Location: Ueno
  • Note: Pandas and shaded paths

Lunch (Ueno)

Depachika bento (department store basements) — ¥700–¥1,200 ($5–$8) per adult.

Afternoon Choice

  • Akihabara (short hop): retro game shops and character stores; keep visits to 60–90 minutes.
  • or Ginza: wide sidewalks, quiet cafés, and stationery/bookstores that kids enjoy.

Evening

Simple dinner near your hotel; pack for departure.

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

  • Shinjuku: transport hub; larger selection of mid‑range hotels.
  • Asakusa: calmer nights; easy access to Skytree.
  • Odaiba: indoor attractions and bay views; good for rain plans.

Practical Notes

  • Money & Cards: Cards accepted widely; keep some cash for shrines and small food stands.
  • Strollers: Light umbrella stroller recommended; elevators signed clearly.
  • Lockers: ¥300–¥700 ($2–$5) in major stations — useful for jackets and snacks.
  • Etiquette: Keep voices low on trains; eat off to the side, not while walking.

Booking Essentials

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