Tokyo Itinerary for Women Travelers: Three Days

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Planning a short trip to Tokyo? This 3-day itinerary for women travelers blends cherry blossoms, rich culture, art, and shopping. With good walking shoes, a bit of planning, and a sense of wonder, you can experience Tokyo’s highlights while still leaving time to pause beneath the falling petals. Visiting in spring means you’ll catch the Sakura season, when cherry blossoms transform the city into a soft pink dream. Locals celebrate with Hanami—flower-viewing picnics in parks and along riversides. If you’ve always wanted to experience Tokyo in bloom, here’s how to make it happen.

Where to Stay: Base Yourself Near a Major Train Station

Spacious Lobby in Gold color with chairs and a large fireplace in the center — Spacious lobby of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, just minutes from Shinagawa Station. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

If you’re wondering where to stay, my best tip is to stay near a central train station. Tokyo’s neighborhoods are sprawling, but the train system connects them seamlessly. Being steps from a station saves time and energy—especially when catching early tours or coming home after a long day out.

I stayed at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, a three-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, one of Tokyo’s key transport hubs. Not only could I hop on the Yamanote Line or grab a bullet train with ease, but the hotel itself felt like a serene retreat. The on-site Japanese garden was a hidden gem where I could unwind every evening.

A few other good choices:

Bellustar Tokyu (Shinjuku) — A sleek, contemporary retreat in the heart of Shinjuku, this Pan Pacific Hotel Group property offers modern rooms, floor to ceiling windows with city views, and direct access to Shinjuku’s shopping and nightlife.

Park Hotel Tokyo (Shiodome) — An art filled oasis and member of Design Hotels, featuring artist designed guest rooms, rotating gallery exhibitions, and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay from its Shiodome tower.

Hotel Toranomon Hills (Toranomon, Minato ku) — Part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, this stylish high rise blends modern comforts with sweeping views of Tokyo Tower and easy access to the city’s business and dining districts.

Shebuystravel Tip: If you are arriving from the airport or planning a day trip to Kyoto and Osaka, Shinagawa Station is easy to access through Narita Express and Shinkansen.

Day 1: Cherry Blossoms & Traditional Tokyo

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Blossoming branches arch over moat at Imperial Gardens. — Sakura Blossom arch over the moat at the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Morning: Step into Tokyo’s Imperial Past

Japanese woman standing at the observation platform overlooking Tokyo — Greeter Junko Murakami on the observation deck of Tokyo’s Marunouchi Building, overlooking the Station District. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Meet a Local Greeter: Many cities offer volunteer greeter programs. I connected with Junko Murakami through International Greeters and spent a few hours exploring off-the-beaten-path sights.
Tokyo Station: A beautiful blend of old and new. Don’t miss the original red-brick Marunouchi side—a nod to European architecture.
Imperial Palace East Gardens: Serene paths, reflecting delicate cherry blossoms, and quiet benches make this a peaceful start to your day.

Afternoon: Discover the Charm of Yanaka

Women seated at a table folding a seaweed wrapper around a rice ball with standing instructor watching. — Shaping my first onigiri with a little help from our bento box workshop instructor. Photo credit: Yanaka Madame Home

Train to Nippori Station: It is about 25 minutes North of Shinagawa Station.
Yanaka District: A preserved piece of old Tokyo. Imagine small galleries, mom-and-pop shops, quiet shrines, and peaceful alleyways.
Yanaka Cemetery: This is far from spooky. This is a favorite hanami site, with cherry trees shading this beloved spot.
Bento-Making Workshop: In a welcoming Yanaka home kitchen, we crafted onigiri rice balls and prepared miso soup—an experience as delightful as it was delicious!

Evening: Sakura by the River & Dinner Near Home

Japanese tea house surrounded by blooming cherry trees in a garden with hotel tower in the background — Historic tea house in the Japanese Garden of The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Meguro River Walk: A tranquil stroll along over 800 cherry trees forming a blossom canopy—less crowded and easily accessed from Shinagawa.
Back at the Prince Sakura Tower: Its beautifully lit garden with 200 cherry trees offers an oasis in the city. I can’t get enough of the fleeting blossoms.
Dinner at Cilligala (on-site Italian restaurant): A fresh salad, pasta fresca with beef and pork Bolognese, matcha mousse cake, and a glass of wine—a fitting end to a day of Sakura.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Download a Suica Card before arrival and use Google Maps for real-time train routes and platforms. I used Airalo for eSIM data. Google Translate helps, too.

Day 2: Art, Parks & the Shibuya Scramble

Woman with raised arms in front of an interactive photo screen with flowers — teamLab Borderless, Tokyo’s wildly popular digital art museum known for its immersive, imaginative exhibits. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Morning: Immersive Art & Sky Views

Mori Art Museum (Roppongi Hills): Modern international exhibits and city skyline views.
TeamLab Borderless: Mesmerizing—you’re part of the exhibit. This is a digital art museum, so book timed tickets beforehand.
National Art Center Tokyo: Rotating exhibits in a glass sculpture.

Afternoon: Hanami & History in Ueno Park

People sitting on blankets enjoying the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. — Blossoms & Community: Locals and travelers alike celebrate sakura season with hanami picnics beneath the blooming trees in Ueno Park. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Ueno Park: Classic hanami spot. Expect lively crowds lounging under cherry trees with beer and bento. It’s home to Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, opened in 1882.
Guided Stroll: I met Junko again through Tokyo Free Guides. She led me to the best views and shared blossom season customs.
Tokyo National Museum: Samurai armor, ceramics, and calligraphy deepen your cultural perspective.

Evening: Feel the Energy of Shibuya

Tall Buildings surround hundreds of people crossing the street at the same time in all directions. — Shibuya Crossing—the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, with over 2 million crossings each day. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Bronze Dog Statue on a Pedestal in Shibuya with a vintage backdrop — Hachikō Memorial Statue at Shibuya – a timeless symbol of unwavering devotion. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Shibuya Scramble: Step into the organized chaos—or watch it from Starbucks Tsutaya upstairs.
Hachikō Statue: The loyal pup’s story still touches locals and travelers alike.
Dinner in Shibuya: Conveyor belt sushi, alleyway ramen, or a buzzing izakaya—your call.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Keep your litter to yourself, stay to the left side, and maintain a low volume on public transportation. Tokyo is powered by respect and calm consideration.

Day 3: Food Markets, Local Flavor & a Tokyo Night Out

Raw fresh seafood laying on a bed of ice and workers behind preparing the fish. — Fresh seafood on ice at Tsukiji Outer Market—the former home of Tokyo’s famous tuna auctions, relocated to Toyosu Market in 2018. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Raw thinly sliced seafood with fish eggs on top, and rice underneath. — Indulging in a Sashimi Don, featuring fresh salmon, tuna, and luscious fish eggs atop perfectly seasoned rice. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Tsukiji Outer Market: a bustling maze of fresh seafood stalls, sushi eateries, and kitchenware shops in Tokyo’s Chūō Ward.
Nippon Fish Port Market: raw scallops in the shell, uni on rice, snow crab legs, sweet tamagoyaki—yes, I ate them all.
Sushi Counter Lunch: Melt-in-your-mouth tuna, salmon, amberjack—sushi heaven.

Midday: Tower Views & a Breather

Bright Red Tokyo Tower rising above Green tree branches against a cloud filled sky — Reaching new heights in the heart of Tokyo. The iconic Tokyo Tower stands tall, a symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit and breathtaking views. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Tokyo Tower: A red-and-white nod to the Eiffel Tower. Panoramic views (and Mt. Fuji on a clear day).
Gift Shops & Cafés: Stop for a matcha latte and people-watch.

Afternoon: A Neighborhood with Soul—Sugamo

Visitors gathered around a seated Buddha statue next to the Temple with curved roof, upturned eaves and carved beems — Tōgenuki Jizō Kōgan-ji, Sugamo’s healing temple, visited during our foodie walk along Jizō Dori. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Affectionately called “Grandma’s Harajuku, this slower-paced district is a hidden delight.

A market stall displaying bright red underwear on hangers and racks, believed to ward off evil spirits. — A Sugamo Jizō dōri shop offering bright red underwear—traditional talismans believed to ward off illness and bring lasting health. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Arigato Travel Foodie Tour: While exploring Sugamo’s Jizō Dori, we visited the famed healing shrine Tōgenuki Jizō Kōgan ji and sampled local treats like crispy croquettes, pickled vegetables, and artful wagashi sweets.

Evening: Shinjuku Lights & Local Color

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with lighted windows glows against the deep blue night sky — Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building glowing against the deep blue night sky—home to one of the city’s best free views. Photo credit: Ibamoto

Shopping Stops: UNIQLO offers minimalist fashion essentials, while Don Quijote is a treasure trove for Japanese skincare and quirky souvenirs.

Golden Gai: Dozens of tiny, themed bars packed into six alleys—Tokyo nightlife at its most atmospheric.

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Lantern-lit alleys, yakitori smoke, and the hum of laughter.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free panoramic night views on the 45th floor, a peaceful farewell to the city’s buzz.

Why This Tokyo Itinerary Works for Women Travelers

Traditional brown wood tea house with blooming cherry blossoms in the foreground. — Traditional tea house near Yanaka Cemetery offers serene tea ceremonies amidst the historic charm of Tokyo’s Yanaka district. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

Balanced & Diverse: A well-rounded mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, art, food, and shopping.
Safe & Welcoming: Tokyo is one of the safest big cities; pedestrian-friendly and respectful.
Local Connection: From food tours to free greeters, connection comes easily.
Smooth Navigation: You’re good to go with a downloaded Suica card and Google Maps—even without Japanese.
Solo-Friendly: Traveling alone? You’ll never feel out of place here.

Got An Extra Day? Take a Side Trip!

Column on the street with a bowl of ramen noodles advertising the Ramen Museum — Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohama – showcasing Japan’s rich ramen culture in a 1958-themed setting. Photo credit: Sharon Kurtz

If your schedule allows for one more day, add a side trip that shows a different side of Japan:

Nikko (2 hours from Tokyo):

UNESCO-listed shrines and temples in a serene forest setting
Highlights: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kegon Falls
Access: Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station

Yokohama (30–40 min from Tokyo):

Japan’s second-largest city with a cosmopolitan harbor vibe
Highlights: Ramen Museum, Chinatown, Sankeien Garden
Access: Board the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station

Complimentary experiences included accommodation at The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, admission to teamLab Borderless, and participation in the Arigato Travel Foodie Tour.