Tokyo in 3 Days — Budget ¥30,000 per Person
Most people arrive in Tokyo and feel overwhelmed. Too big. Too fast. Too much of everything.
We felt the same way on our first visit.
But then we figured it out. And now — here’s a route that works. Three days, three neighborhoods per day, two hotels that make everything convenient and affordable.
Copy it. Tested by us.
First — where to stay. This decides everything.
In Tokyo, a bad hotel isn’t just "inconvenient." It’s three hours lost every day on commuting. We chose two brands that solve this problem once and for all: Tokyu Stay and Dormy Inn. They’re different in character — but both are perfect for an active itinerary.
Tokyu Stay — a hotel with a washing machine in the room and Tokyo outside the window
The Tokyu Stay chain has 16 hotels across Tokyo. But they all follow the same principle: central location, cleanliness, and most importantly — a washing machine right in your room. Not shared. Yours, in your room.
For a traveler staying 3+ days, this changes everything. We came back from Shibuya at 9 PM, tossed our clothes in the wash, took a shower — and by 10:30 PM, everything was clean and dry. No queues, no coins, no planning.
The best Tokyu Stay for our itinerary — Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-minamiguchi:
Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-minamiguchi (東急ステイ渋谷 新南口) 📍 3-1-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 (東京都渋谷区渋谷3-1-3) 🚇 5 minutes from South Exit of Shibuya Station (JR + all metro lines) ⭐ 8.0/10 💴 from ¥12,000–18,000 (~$79–118) per night in April 2026
A guest in February 2026 wrote succinctly: "Great location, friendly staff, very clean — and everything you need. Rooms are small, but that’s expected."
The staff speaks multiple languages. Shibuya Crossing is a 5-minute walk away. This isn’t just a convenient location. It means you step out of the elevator — and you’re already in the heart of the action.
Every Tokyu Stay room includes: a washer-dryer, a mini-kitchen with a microwave, a fridge, USB outlets, and an air purifier. We packed a 36-liter backpack. Didn’t bring any extra clothes — washed every evening.
One guest put it perfectly: "Compared to other hotels in Shinjuku — much quieter, and the breakfast is free and excellent."
Important detail for those with tattoos: Tokyu Stay doesn’t have an onsen — so no tattoo restrictions.
For an alternative in Shinjuku: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku (東急ステイ新宿) 📍 7-10-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (東京都新宿区西新宿7-10-8) 🚇 2 minutes from Higashi-Shinjuku Station (Metro) 💴 from ¥12,600–20,000 (~$83–131) in April 2026
Dormy Inn — onsen, ramen, and ice cream. Free.
This is a different story. Dormy Inn is for those who want not just a place to sleep, but a place to recharge.
We arrived at Dormy Inn after 22,000 steps through Asakusa and Akihabara. Checked in. Put on a yukata. Went up to the onsen.
It was incredible.
Dormy Inn EXPRESS Asakusa (ドーミーインEXPRESS浅草) 📍 1-5-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 (東京都台東区浅草1-5-2) 🚇 1 minute from Asakusa Station (Asakusa Line) ⭐ 9.2/10 💴 from ¥10,500–16,000 (~$69–105) per night in April 2026
A guest wrote: "The best sleep of my life. Even better than at home. And the breakfast — one of the best in all of Japan: so much variety, and something new every day."
On the 10th floor — an open-air onsen with views of the Tokyo skyline and the Asahi Glass Building. Nearby — a free foot bath overlooking the entire riverside.
Now the main thing about Dormy Inn — what many love it for:
Every evening from 9:30 PM to 11:00 PM — free yonaki soba noodles. It’s a brand tradition since 2009. After the onsen, you go down to the first floor in your pajamas, grab a hot bowl — and eat among equally relaxed people.
After the onsen — free ice cream and Yakult. Every day.
At Dormy Inn Akihabara: a rooftop onsen with open and closed baths, a sauna, free evening ramen, ice cream, and Yakult.
For those heading to Shibuya: Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae:
Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae Hot Spring (ドーミーインPREMIUM渋谷神宮前) 📍 1-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (東京都渋谷区神宮前1-29-2) 🚇 5 minutes from Meiji-Jingumae Station (Metro Chiyoda Line) / 10 minutes from Shibuya Station ⭐ 9.0/10 💴 from ¥13,640–21,000 (~$89–137) per night in April 2026
A guest elaborated: "We stayed again after 10 years — and everything is still top-notch. The onsen is amazing, the evening noodles are still there, and the laundry facilities are even more convenient."
Important detail about tattoos: at Dormy Inn Ginza, they provide special stickers for people with tattoos — ask at the reception. This doesn’t apply to all hotels in the chain, so check when booking.
Day 1: Asakusa + Skytree + Akihabara
Start: 6:30 AM — Sensoji Temple (浅草寺) 📍 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 💴 Free
We left at 6:30 AM. The Kaminarimon Gate without a single tourist. Just us, the dawn sky, and the giant red lantern. This is the iconic Tokyo shot — and you can only get it early in the morning.
After — Nakamise Street. We tried ningyo-yaki (red bean paste cookies straight from the griddle, ¥150) and taiyaki with cream. Breakfast of champions.
10:00 AM — Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) 📍 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 💴 Tembo Deck (350m): ¥2,100 on weekdays (online) / ¥2,400 on weekends
We went up right after 10:00 AM — before the tourist rush. In April, the last cherry blossoms are visible on the horizon. We booked online in advance — no queues.
2:00 PM — Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原電気街) 📍 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free entry
This isn’t just an electronics district. It’s a subculture. Five floors of retro games at Super Potato, gachapon machines on every corner, maid cafes where they brew coffee with spells. We went into one — just to see. Spent an hour and a half there.
Evening — dinner at Dormy Inn. Arrived at 8:30 PM. Onsen at 9:00 PM. Free noodles at 9:30 PM. It’s a ritual.
Day 2: Shibuya + Shinjuku + Roppongi
9:00 AM — Shibuya Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) 📍 2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Watching the crossing from below is beautiful. Watching it from above is surreal.
Shibuya Sky (渋谷スカイ) 📍 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Shibuya Scramble Square 46F) 💴 ¥2,200 adult (online in advance)
An open rooftop on the 46th floor right above the crossing. In April — wind, open space, all of Tokyo at your feet. This is the best observation deck that isn’t in every guidebook.
12:00 PM — Harajuku / Takeshita Street (竹下通り) 📍 1-17-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free
Street food — crepes with strawberries and cream for ¥800, rainbow cotton candy, matcha-everything. Here, eating on the go is normal.
Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮) 📍 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free (garden — ¥500) 10 minutes’ walk from Harajuku. A quiet forest in the heart of Tokyo. In April — rhododendrons and the first irises. We walked 15 minutes along a forest path and couldn’t believe we were in a metropolis.
6:00 PM — Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) 📍 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
About 200 tiny bars across six alleys. Each seats 6–10 people. Each has its own vibe: jazz, cinema, poetry, anime. We went to Jazz Bit (find it on Google Maps). Spent two hours there with two beers. Bill: ¥2,400 for two.
10:00 PM — Roppongi (六本木) — if you still have energy. Mori Art Museum is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays. Entry ¥2,000. The most cutting-edge contemporary art in Tokyo.
Day 3: Ginza + Tsukiji + Odaiba
7:00 AM — Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場) 📍 4-16-2 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free entry / Breakfast: ¥1,500–2,500
The best breakfast in Tokyo isn’t at a hotel. It’s here. Tamago-yaki straight from the pan. Sea urchin on rice. Fresh tuna. Small stalls open from 5:00–6:00 AM.
10:00 AM — Ginza Six Rooftop Garden (GINZA SIX ガーデン) 📍 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free
4,000 sq.m of greenery on the rooftop of a shopping center. Tokyo Tower on one side, Skytree on the other. It’s free. Almost no tourists come here. We sat there for an hour with coffee.
1:00 PM — Hama-rikyu Gardens (浜離宮恩賜庭園) 📍 1-1 Hamarikyu Teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 💴 ¥300 adult
The former shogun’s garden by the water. In April — remnants of cherry blossoms, blooming trees, ducks in the pond. A teahouse on the water, matcha ¥500. This is the best antidote to the city’s pace.
3:00 PM — Odaiba: Rainbow Bridge + Gundam
Yurikamome monorail from Shimbashi Station — 15 minutes over the bay. The first car has no driver — a must.
Odaiba Seaside Park (お台場海浜公園) — a free beach with views of the Rainbow Bridge. Statue of Liberty (a replica). Sunset right behind the bridge — around 6:00 PM in April.
UniCorn Gundam Statue (ユニコーンガンダム立像) 📍 DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 💴 Free / shows every 30 minutes from 7:00 PM Night shows with lights and music — the final point of three days.
Practical Tips: How Not to Mess Up in Tokyo
Transport. Suica/Pasmo card — buy it at any JR station or machine, top up with cash. No need to buy tickets each time. Metro to any point on the route — ¥200–400. For three days — ¥3,000–4,000 per person.
Tokyo Metro 72-hour Pass: ¥1,500 — Tokyo Metro only. Works if your route is mostly central. Calculate trips in advance.
Food. — Convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart) — onigiri ¥150, sandwich ¥220, hot food ¥300. A full breakfast for two — ¥1,000. — Ramen-ya on the street — ¥900–1,300. — Conveyor belt sushi (Kura Sushi, Sushiro): ¥110–150 per plate. — Dinner at an izakaya: ¥2,000–3,500 per person.
Money. Japan is a cash country. Cards are accepted everywhere, but small shops and markets — cash only. Withdraw at 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept all Visa/Mastercard cards.
Connectivity. Pocket WiFi — ¥650–900/day at the airport. eSIM (e.g., Airalo) — from ¥1,200 for 7 days. We used eSIM — the most convenient.
Total Cost for April 2026
Total per person: ≈ ¥39,000–53,800 / ≈ ¥32,750–46,000
In Chinese Yuan ¥ (CNY) for April 2026: Exchange rate: 1 JPY ≈ 0.049 CNY
Dormy Inn (budget): ≈ 1,605–2,254 ¥ CNY per person for 3 days
Tokyu Stay (mid-range): ≈ 1,911–2,636 ¥ CNY per person for 3 days
What We Realized at the End of Day Three
We were sitting on Odaiba’s waterfront. The Rainbow Bridge was glowing. Behind us — three days planned to the minute but lived completely freely.
This is Tokyo’s main paradox: the better you prepare — the freer you feel. Because you don’t waste energy on "where to go next?" You just go. And see.
Tokyu Stay gave us clean jeans every evening. Dormy Inn gave us hot water after 22,000 steps. And Tokyo gave us everything else.
Three days isn’t much. But if you plan it right...