7 day trip in japan

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The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Japan captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people – it all blew my mind.

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor.

With only a week, there’s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don’t think you should do that.

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end).

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass , activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

Japan itinerary day 2: tokyo, japan itinerary day 3: tokyo, japan itinerary day 4: kyoto, japan itinerary day 5: kyoto, japan itinerary day 6: nara, japan itinerary day 7: tokyo, an alternative itinerary.

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere.

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don’t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor’s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations’ elements in unique ways. It’s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time .

Take a walking tour Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it’s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions .

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most popular and famous temple. Beautifully painted, it sits in a scenic spot near a pagoda and the lovely Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s very busy during the day, so maybe check out the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is much more peaceful, with fewer visitors, but with people praying, meditating, or performing traditional rituals. It was built during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park . Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land formerly owned by a 17th-century Buddhist temple. It gets super busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand trees here. Throughout, you’ll find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural events or festivals showcasing traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s main museums are here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this massive building is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – This museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This beautiful 17th-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s worth seeing up close!

Afterward, walk down to Akihabara to explore the video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This very buzzy area is ground zero for all things electronic, and it’s fun to play many of the games. This is where you’ll find the famous maid cafés, where servers dress up as maids and serve you food and drinks. These range from big touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the girls on the street are promoting the latter, which are a lot more culturally fun). They aren’t cheap, though, as you have to buy drink packages and pay a fee, but they’re kitschy and fun.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then drink in Golden Gai . In Shinjuku, you’ll find a plethora of cool bars, bright lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to wander down Memory Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of narrow alleyways with a bit of a red-light-district feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s quite touristy but also a lot of fun. I’ve had some wild nights here!

With Arigato Tours , you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY cost includes a drink and dishes at four stops.  

Kamakura Here you can see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was built in 1252. It was initially constructed within Kotoku-in Temple, but that has since been washed away by several storms, so it now sits in the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, while it’s 20 JPY to go inside the statue. The journey there — around an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Pass .

Tokyo Disneyland I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll find many of the same classic rides from Disney World here, like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. But there are several unique attractions as well, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s best to book in advance .

Mount Fuji Mount Fuji is located an hour outside of Tokyo. An active stratovolcano (which last erupted in 1708) and covered in snow for almost half of the year, it stands an impressive 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and provides one of the most iconic views in the country. One of the Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. In the summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to reach the summit (traditionally, they depart at night to arrive at the top for the sunrise).

If you don’t want to hike, you can simply visit on a day trip. There are buses that can take you partway up, where you’ll be offered sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Guided day tours from the city cost around 12,000 JPY.  

Wander the Bamboo Forest For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Visit the Golden Pavilion Originally built in the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (military governor), this iconic structure was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The present-day edifice dates only to the 1950s, however, when a monk attempting to kill himself burned the historic original to the ground. The rebuilt temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each of the three stories exhibits a different architectural style. Completing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and traditional Japanese gardens that contain lush foliage, manicured trees, and scenic walking paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are other temples in the area to check out as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This massive complex dating back to 1315 covers almost 60 acres. It contains several dozen temples and is a good place to see a variety of Zen gardens and architectural styles. It’s also deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as several of the country’s most noteworthy masters studied here.
• Toji Temple – This is home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories high). Founded in 796, just after Kyoto became the capital, it was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in the city.

Go on a sake brewery tour Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing tradition going back 400 years and is known for some of the best in the world, due to using the area’s pure natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers an excellent three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, including stops at several breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.  

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine This mountainside Shinto shrine, dating back to 711, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s known for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that form a network of trails leading up Mount Inari. You can hike the trails on your own while enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto below or join a guided hiking tour , on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Walk around Higashiyama Spend an afternoon walking along the narrow streets of one of the oldest and best preserved districts on your own or on a walking tour . The traditional machiya buildings (traditional wooden townhouses) are filled with small shops selling local specialties and handicrafts, as well as restaurants and teahouses. It’s a popular area in which to participate in a tea ceremony . Another nice place to stroll in this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s beautiful and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera One of a number of UNESCO sites in ancient Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (meaning “pure water temple”) is located in the foothills of Mount Otowa in the eastern part of the city. It’s one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, but most of the existing buildings date to the 17th century. There’s not a single nail used in the construction, which becomes all the more impressive once you see how large the temple is, which is best known for its wooden terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s name comes from the nearby waterfall whose waters (from which you can still drink today) are said to have wish-granting and healing powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Explore Shorin-ji Temple This small temple dates back to the 16th century. What makes it worth visiting is its meditation classes. You’ll get to tour the temple and then be instructed in zazen , the Japanese style of meditation. It’s a very unique experience and something that I think will add a lot of depth and nuance to your visit (especially if you’ve seen a lot of temples). Just make sure to dress comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open daily 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

Explore Gion Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

At night, go to the Pontocho Row , a narrow street lined with restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz clubs. It’s one of the more lively areas in Kyoto.  

Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, as well as World War II). Some things to do:

• Frolic with deer – The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji, the world’s largest wooden building, home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Take a walking tour – This guided half-day walking tour for 11,500 JPY includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year, in January, May, and September. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. Prices vary but start around 3,200 JPY for arena seats. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

To learn more about the sport in in the off-season, book a tour of a sumo stable .  

So, if you want to add another city to this itinerary you can follow this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all covered above. As for Osaka, some of my favorite things to see and do:

Take a food tour Known as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a diverse culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus, there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You can take a food tour for around 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or just wander and eat.

Osaka Castle One of the most famous landmarks in the country, the castle was originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the Sengoku period (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to wars, fires, and natural disasters. The current version dates to 1931. The castle is situated amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s also home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque urban views.

Dotonbori This is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, known for its vibrant nightlife (bars, clubs, theaters, and music venues), colorful signage, and delicious food. It’s best seen at night due to the plethora of huge neon lights and signs lining both the canal and streets, which have become symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple This temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, founded in 593. The architecture is a blend of traditional Japanese and East Asian styles, featuring impressive pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll through the tranquil grounds, admire the beautiful architecture, and learn about the temple’s historical and cultural significance at the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the garden is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.  

Japan is one of my favorite countries. While it’s relatively small, it offers an amazing array of things to see and do (as well as some of the best food in the world). With seven days, you can easily see a good number of the main highlights and get a taste for the incredible history and culture. It will be a busy week, but this itinerary ensures you’ll still have some time to slow down, relax, and take in the local pace of life.

Just make sure you get a Japan Rail Pass before you go. While it’s not as cheap as it used to be, it will likely save you time and money!

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, information on costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries and reading and packing lists, and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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7 Day Japan Itinerary: 2024 Guide For First-Timers

Looking for the perfect 7 Day Japan Itinerary 2024? This is the only guide you’ll need!

From the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto to the modern cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka, Japan is teeming with both old and new.

Whether you’re looking for a diverse range of amazing food, beautiful scenery, or unique cultural experiences, every region in this breathtaking country has something different to offer!

Japan is one of my absolute favorite countries to visit, and definitely the kind of place you could spend months exploring.

But don’t worry – if you only have a short time frame to visit, seeing Japan in a week is totally possible!

In this best 7 day Japan itinerary, you will find my recommendations for the top locations to visit, how to get around, where to stay, and much more.

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – 7 DAY JAPAN ITINERARY

To get the most out of your 1 week in Japan, here is an overview of my recommended route to take:

• Day 1: Tokyo to Kyoto
• Day 2: Kyoto
• Day 3: Kyoto to Nara
• Day 4: Kyoto to Osaka
• Day 5: Osaka
• Day 6: Osaka to Hiroshima
• Day 7: Hiroshima to Fuji to Tokyo

HOW TO GET AROUND – 7 DAYS IN JAPAN

The easiest and most convenient way to discover Japan is with a 7 Day Japan Rail Pass that is valid for use on the vast majority of railways and local buses operated by JR (Japan Rail) throughout the country.

Choose between an Ordinary Pass, or the Green Class Pass if you’re looking to travel in more comfort with reclining seats, a footrest, extra leg space, and a travel magazine.

The Japan Rail Pass is definitely the best ticket to have when planning your Japan itinerary 7 days budget!

Travel Japan with the JR Pass!

Get a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day JR Pass for your trip to Japan and enjoy unlimited travel on JR services!

The JR Pass is valid on the Shinkansen (bullet train), Limited Express, Local Trains, and JR Buses.

WHERE TO BUY YOUR JR PASS?

You can purchase a JR Pass online through an official Japan Rail Pass reseller such as Klook .

I recommend buying your pass prior to arriving – not only is it cheaper online than buying in Japan itself but it will allow you to jump right into your trip!

When you purchase your JR Pass , a voucher will be mailed to your home address within a couple of days (or delivered to your hotel in Japan, if you choose).

At the Travel Service Center, the process is very simple. You exchange this voucher and show your passport and visa.

( Note: When you land in Japan, you’ll automatically get a tourist visa in your passport at immigration. For the majority of nationalities, the visa is free if you’re in Japan for less than 90 days. )

Then, after specifying the date you’d like your pass to start and reserving your seat for the first leg of the trip, you’ll receive your pass and be ready to begin your 7 days in Japan!

Read More: JR Pass – A Complete Guide On How It Works

7 DAY JAPAN ITINERARY

Now that we’ve covered some logistics on how to get around Japan, let’s get to the fun stuff – a Japan day-to-day itinerary!

So, without further ado here is a complete 7 day itinerary for Japan!

DAY 1: TOKYO TO KYOTO

The first of your Japan itinerary for 7 days will be about getting from Tokyo to Kyoto, and that is pretty simple from Tokyo Station.

Note that, if you get to Tokyo late at night, I recommend staying near Tokyo Station so you’re ready to go early in the morning after.

HOW TO GET FROM TOKYO TO KYOTO

If you’re arriving at Narita Airport, I recommend getting the 1300¥ ($9 USD) bus direct from the airport to Tokyo Station.

It only takes around 70 minutes, and offers great views as you approach and become engulfed by Tokyo city!

Once you get to Tokyo Station, follow the signs to the Marunouchi North Gate exit, and there you’ll find the JR East Travel Service Center.

This is where you will trade your JR pass voucher for your actual JR Rail Pass.

From there, head to the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line at Tokyo Station. Look for screens that show the name and departure time of your Shinkansen (this info is also on your reserved seat ticket), and you’ll be able to find the right platform and car number.

The trip to Kyoto takes about 3 hours on the bullet train, so if you leave in the early morning you can be there by around 11 am.

If the weather is clear, you might even sneak a view of Fuji on the way down, so keep a lookout on the right-hand side of the train!

In case you need to stay in Tokyo for the night, I recommend a hotel near Tokyo Station, and the one below is an excellent option.

The BEST Hotel in Tokyo

Need a place to stay? Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi is conveniently located near Tokyo Station.

Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Hotel Metropolitan offers the best of both worlds.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO

The best tourist attractions you should check out when visiting Kyoto are the ones below.

Kyoto National Museum

For your first stop in Kyoto, I recommend briefly checking out the Kyoto National Museum.

With a wide range of exhibits showing off ancient Japanese culture and hosting many famous names in Japanese art, you’ll definitely be able to marvel at and learn something new about Kyoto’s rich history.

The entry price for adults is 700¥, and you can pay extra for exclusive seasonal exhibitions.

How to get there:

Kyoto City Bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station to Sanjusangendo-mae bus stop, or via a 10-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan line.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Next on your 7 days itinerary in Japan, I highly suggest paying a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto’s northwest, where you’ll find the famous Golden Pavilion, located on a small lake in the middle of a serene garden.

The building dates back to 1397, and was once the holiday retreat villa for a prominent Japanese Shogun!

You can expect to spend about an hour exploring the temple and its surrounding gardens. Opening hours are from 9 am – 5 pm and the ticket price is 500¥.

Kyoto City Bus 205 from Kyoto Station to Kinkakuji-michi bus stop, Kyoto City Bus 59 from Sanjo-Keihan to the Kinkakuji-mae stop, or taxi directly to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Ditch Your Backpack, Get a Suitcase!

The Nomatic Check-In is the only luggage you’ll need with 90L capacity for those extended trips.

It’s sleek, it’s durable, and it will save your shoulders from pain by not having to carry any weight.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Finally, from Kinkaku-ji temple it is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride to Ryoan-ji Temple – the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors every day.

Meditating with the view of this immaculately well-kept Cultural World Heritage site is a perfect way to end the first day of your itinerary!

DAY 2: KYOTO

Day 2 is all about visiting other tourist spots in Kyoto, from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to the Tori gates of Fushimi Inari and more.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Begin the second day of your 7 day itinerary Japan at the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without having visited Arashiyama!

Kyoto’s bamboo forest  is one of the most photographed attractions in the city and experiencing it through your own eyes is even better than any picture you would have seen of this place!

There is one main path leading through the Kyoto bamboo grove and when you enter the parallel tunnel of bamboo trees, you’ll feel like you’ve just entered another realm.

The nature that surrounds Arashiyama is absolutely breathtaking and chances are you’ll spot a few monkeys in the area too, so keep your eyes peeled.

A personal recommendation – make sure to come just after sunrise as photos will look even more stunning and you’ll avoid the group tours.

Talking about group tours, in case you don’t feel comfortable visiting by yourself, consider this Early Bird Tour that includes a visit to the Bamboo Forest.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest entrance fee is free of charge and the opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 5:30 am – 11:30 pm.

Find your way to Saga Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano line using the JR Pass and it’s a short 10-minute walk from here.

BEST KYOTO BAMBOO FOREST TOUR

A must-do when visiting Kyoto is joining a Kyoto Early Bird Tour !

It includes a professional guide, a tour of the Bamboo Forest, and a visit to Kinkakuji Temple!

Fushimi Inari

Next up on this Japan itinerary is a journey through the world-famous Tori gates of Fushimi Inari.

This must-see shrine consists of a pathway lined with over 10,000 Tori gates that extend 4 km up to the very top of Mount Inari.

It takes about two hours to walk to the top and back down, however, you can turn back whenever you want!

Along the pathway, you will also see many stone foxes, symbolizing the messenger of Inari – the god of rice… and business!

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

JR Nara Line from Kyoto railway station using the JR Pass , two stops to JR Inari station.

Maiko Theater

One of the most exclusive experiences in Kyoto is meeting a traditional Geisha performer.

Geisha are highly skilled entertainers who appear at high-end dinners, private parties, and special events to add a special touch to the proceedings and are rarely seen in public.

Many foreigners tend to run around the red light district areas to try to get a glimpse of a Geisha girl or pay large sums to have a private performance.

Luckily, for travelers on a budget, there are some cheap options to get a taste of what a Geisha show is like!

I personally recommend Maiko Theater. While training to become a Geisha between the ages of 15 and 20, these girls are known as ‘Maiko’, and this theatre gives you the rare opportunity to get to see one of them close up!

It is relatively inexpensive (5500¥ for their basic show, including a special dance and Q&A session), and you can take as many photos of (and with) her as you like!

Bus from Kyoto Station to Kawaramachi Gojo bus stop, then walk for 2 minutes, or 3 minutes walk east from Keihan Shimizu Gojo station (exit 4).

Kiyomizu-Dera

Next on this 7 days Japan itinerary, head to Kiyomizu-michi street and follow it uphill until you reach the popular Kiyomizu-dera (Water) Temple.

The walk leading up to the temple is almost as exciting as the temple visit, with many traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants.

The temple is built into the side of the mountain, and from the huge verandah, you can see spectacular views of the hillside and the entire city.

Below the Kiyomizu-Dera temple, you can find the reason why people make pilgrimages here from around Japan and the world – the Otowa Waterfall.

The waters are divided into three streams, and visitors use long poles with cups attached to drink from the streams.

Each stream has a different meaning and benefit – long life and health, success in school/career, and love. However, you can only drink from one… so choose carefully!

From Kiyomizu-dera, you can meander down the iconic Sannenzaka alleyway.

This historical, stone-paved street is lined with many traditional Japanese buildings, shops, cafes, and inns, and is also surrounded by several famous landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Yasaka Pagoda, and Kodaiji Zen Temple.

Once you reach the bottom of the hill, you’ve basically arrived at Gion, home to various red-light districts where you might be lucky enough to spot a Geisha! My favorite is Hanamikoji Street.

I recommend timing your arrival here for around 5:30 pm, as this is when the Geishas start leaving their homes to go to work (…and avoid the paparazzi of foreigners while doing so!)

Be careful though, you can be fined for taking photos of them, as it is considered highly disrespectful.

Put the cameras down for this one, and enjoy the chance to see one in the moment!

MORE THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO

If you want to see more attractions in Kyoto, be sure to check out my other travel guide which includes 25 AMAZING things to do in Kyoto!

Read More: Kyoto Travel Guide – 25 AMAZING Things To Do

Where to stay in kyoto.

Kyoto has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Kyoto to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Kyoto for your 7 day itinerary Japan.

LUXURY: HOTEL GRANVIA KYOTO

MID RANGE: TUNE STAY KYOTO

BUDGET: LEN KYOTO HOSTEL

TRADITIONAL RYOKAN

If you’re looking for an authentic experience to add to your Japan 7 day itinerary, I highly recommend staying at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese-style inn) during your stay.

My personal favorite is  Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe  which is conveniently located in central Kyoto just 5 minutes walk from Gion.

This cozy Ryokan offers spacious tatami mat rooms, 24-hour baths, and multi-course meals served for breakfast and dinner.

Staying here will make you feel like you’re a traveler back in Edo-era Japan!

For More Options In Kyoto, Search On Booking.com

Day 3: kyoto to nara.

A day trip to Nara is an absolute must on your 7-day Japan itinerary and it’s best visited during your stay in Kyoto.

Once an ancient capital of Japan, Nara is home to some of the country’s most important cultural places, including the world’s largest wooden structure and the well-known Nara Deer Park.

HOW TO GET FROM KYOTO TO NARA

Using your JR Pass , take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station. Local lines run about three times an hour, and the journey takes about 70 minutes.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN NARA

Below are some of the best things to do in Nara when visiting from Kyoto.

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji is the architectural highlight of this one-day Nara trip. Housing the world’s largest Daibutsu (bronze Buddha statue), this Great Buddha Hall is the world’s largest wooden structure.

As you approach Todai-ji, you can see the famous Nara deer chilling freely around the temple grounds.

It’s 800¥ to enter, and you can pay extra to visit the attached museum too.

Bus from JR Nara station to Todai-ji Daibutsuden station, then a 5-10 minute walk to the main temple.

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Nara Deer Park

From Todai-ji, it’s a short work to Nara Deer Park.

This place is full of the city’s iconic animal residents, and they aren’t afraid to say hello! You can even bow to them, and they will bow back!

You’ll see numerous street vendors selling senbei crackers that you can feed them.

But beware, as soon as a deer sees you holding one in your hand, it won’t stop following until it gets its cracker!

DAY 4: KYOTO TO OSAKA

Day 4 is all about Osaka, and you’ll easily get there from Kyoto. Let me elaborate below as well as some must-see attractions.

HOW TO GET FROM KYOTO TO OSAKA

The best way to get to Osaka station, once again using your JR Pass , is on the Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line.

The Special Rapid Train will get you to Osaka Station in 28 minutes. Trains depart from platforms 4 and 5 at Kyoto Station.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA

Once in Osaka, you have to check out some of the best places in town, but first, head to America Town and Universal Studios after that.

Amerika-mura (America Town)

For your first stop on your Osaka itinerary , I seriously recommend spending time in Amerika-mura – an American-inspired district filled with vintage shops, record stores, and Western foods with a Japanese twist.

The now-thriving neighborhood was once filled with empty warehouses and parking lots, but all changed in 1969 when a hip cafe opened, attracting young people and artists from around the region.

Nowadays, it’s still a vibrant hub, and has some of the most eccentric and punk fashion anywhere in Japan!

Universal Studios

If you’re into theme parks, then put Universal Studios Japan (USJ) on your 7 days in Japan itinerary!

This huge park is Osaka’s equivalent of Tokyo Disneyland and offers a world of pop culture, family-friendly rides, and an ever-changing calendar of seasonal events.

A 1-day studio pass starts at￥8,600.

From Osaka Station, you can take a direct train and be there in just 12 minutes!

DAY 5: OSAKA

On your Japan itinerary, you’ll want to stay 2 days in Osaka, and after visiting Universal Studios on the first day, here are other attractions to see.

Osaka Castle

On the morning of day 5, I definitely recommend checking out Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most recognized monuments.

Built by General Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1583 as a display of power after unifying Japan, the castle grounds cover around 15 acres!

The surrounding park itself is also a famous spot for the Hanami ( Cherry Blossom ) season.

It’s definitely a worthwhile visit on any Japan itinerary! You will get to learn about not only this amazing monument but the incredible history of the region too.

Osaka Castle is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day and admission is 600¥.

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Located just a short 10-minute walk away from B&S Eco Cube , Dotonbori is affectionately known as the “Kitchen of Japan”, or the heart and soul of Osaka – famous for its dining, entertainment, and nightlife.

A trip to Osaka is never complete without visiting Dotonbori!

The food options at Dotonbori are endless. Be it street snacks, fast meals, or exquisite dining, there is always something to satisfy every palate.

Most of the restaurants are open till the wee hours, offering high-quality food that will never disappoint. Make sure to try Takoyaki (grilled octopus), the local specialty!

Shinsaibashi is the largest, oldest, and busiest shopping district in Osaka. Shinsaibashi-Suji is at the center of Shinsaibashi, a covered shopping arcade located north of Dotonbori and connected by the Ebisu bridge under the Glico running man billboard.

WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA

Osaka has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Osaka to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Osaka for your Japan in 7 days itinerary.

LUXURY: OSAKA MARRIOTT MIYAKO HOTEL

MID RANGE: HOTEL ELCIENT OSAKA

BUDGET: IMANO OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI HOSTEL

For More Options In Osaka, Search On Booking.com

Day 6: osaka to hiroshima.

On the second last day of your Japan itinerary, the adventure continues from Osaka to Hiroshima.

Sadly, Hiroshima is best known as the location of the world’s first nuclear bombing.

Its most poignant sites are the Genbaku Atomic Dome, Hiroshima Peace Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

I believe visiting Hiroshima and learning about its history should be a core part of anyone’s 7 day trip to Japan.

HOW TO GET FROM OSAKA TO HIROSHIMA

To get to Hiroshima, you need to first go to Shin-Osaka Station where the bullet train platforms are located, which is a short 3-minute train ride from Osaka Station via the JR Tokaido-Sanyo line.

From Shin-Osaka , you can take a bullet train on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Hiroshima Station, which takes 1 hour and 32 minutes on the Sakura , or 2 hours and 13 minutes on the Hikari .

THINGS TO DO IN HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima has endless things to do, especially on the historical side, and here are some of the best ones you should see.

Atomic Bomb Dome

The Atomic Bomb Dome is an impressive and somber sight.

Known before the bombing as the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it was one of the only buildings to survive the explosion and was preserved as a symbol of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Walking around this building can be a little bit eerie, and really makes you reflect on the destruction that war causes and how lucky we are to live in a mostly war-free world!

Tram from Hiroshima Station to Atomic Bomb Dome station, a flat rate of 180¥.

Peace Park & Hiroshima Museum

If you cross the river from the Atomic Bomb Dome, you enter the beautiful Peace Park. The key site here is the Cenotaph, which frames the ‘eternal flame’ of Hiroshima.

It is said that this flame will be burning until all nuclear bombs are eradicated. Unfortunately, I think that this flame is going to be burning for a long time!

The Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Park, and Cenotaph are all free to visit and are simply must-see on your Japan tour itinerary 7 days.

For an entry price of 200¥, you can also visit the newly renovated Hiroshima Museum, which gives a very graphic and tragic historical account of the bombing and its lasting effects on Japan and the world.

Miyajima Island

To finish off your day in Hiroshima, I recommend a visit to Miyajima Island.

Miyajima’s top attraction is the bright red shrine gate of Itsukushima-jinja which stands out in the sea and appears to be floating at high tide.

This spot is ranked as one of the three best views in Japan.

Trains depart from Hiroshima Station every 15 minutes for the 26-minute ride to Miyajimaguchi (JR Sanyo line), from where it is a 2-minute walk to the ferry bound for Miyajima.

You can ride on the JR Ferry for free with your JR Pass , it will take you 10 minutes to reach Miyajima.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA

Hiroshima has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Hiroshima to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Hiroshima for your Japan in 7 days itinerary.

LUXURY: SHERATON GRAND HOTEL

MID RANGE: WE BASE HIROSHIMA

BUDGET: HOSTEL MALLIKA

For More Options In Hiroshima, Search On Booking.com

Day 7: hiroshima to fuji to tokyo.

The last leg of this 7 day Japan itinerary is a little long but definitely worth it for the chance to see Mt. Fuji at the end!

HOW TO GET FROM HIROSHIMA TO FUJI

I highly advise you to wake up quite early on this last day!

From Hiroshima Station, get on the Sakura Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe, and then transfer to the Hikari Shinkansen and ride it all the way to Shin-Yokohama. You will arrive at around 12:40 pm.

From Shin-Yokohama, there are still a few more trains to catch.

First, you take the JR Yokohama Line Rapid until Hachioji, which takes around 40 minutes. From there, take the JR Chuo Special Rapid Service for Takao, which takes around 7 minutes.

Then, a 43-minute ride on the JR Chuo line until Otsuki station, where you can ride the Fuji View Express.

Fortunately, up until here, you can use your JR Pass , but as Fuji View Express is a private rail company, you can only get separate tickets or use your Suica card.

If you have any luggage, I recommend storing it at a locker at Takao station, as this is where you will come back to in order to return to Tokyo.

Locker prices are generally around 500-700¥ for a whole day, depending on if you are storing a backpack or suitcase.

Ride on the Fuji View Express until Shimoyoshida station. If all goes well, you should get in there by around 3:30 pm.

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Chureito Pagoda

From Shimoyoshida, you have a 20-minute walk up to the Chureito Pagoda.

The Chureito Pagoda, also called the Chastain Tower and officially named the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, is a shrine located in the Fuji Five Lakes region at Mount Fuji’s northern base.

Chureito Pagoda has five stories; it is situated on a mountainside overlooking Fuji Yoshida City, with Mount Fuji itself visible in the distance.

This is one of the absolute best locations to get a shot of Fuji if she’s not being shy and hiding behind the clouds!

The locals say that the best time to visit for a full view is in the cold months of January and February, as that is when it is least cloudy.

The Chureito Pagoda is free to enter and it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can even stay to watch the sunset over this breathtaking mountain (depending on the time of year!)

I think it’s safe to say that Chureito Pagoda is an incredible sight to witness at the end of your 7 days in Japan.

HOW TO GET FROM MOUNT FUJI TO TOKYO

To get back to Tokyo, take the Fuji View Express back to Otsuki, then get on the local line bound for Takao.

From there, you can pick up your bags, and get on a rapid service bound for Shinjuku, which takes around 40-50 minutes.

Alternatively, you can get a bus from Kawaguchiko station (4 stops from Shimoyoshida station on the Fuji View line) directly to Shinjuku.

However, I recommend getting the most out of your last few hours with your JR Rail Pass , and taking the trains!

If you have more time available, why not plan a Japan itinerary 7 days with Disneyland.

BEST TOURS IN TOKYO

Where to stay in tokyo.

Tokyo has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Tokyo to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend in Tokyo for your Japan trip itinerary 7 days.

LUXURY: THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL

MID RANGE: AKASAKA EXCEL HOTEL

BUDGET: UNPLAN SHINJUKU

For More Options, See My Guide On The Best Places To Stay In Tokyo

Things to know before you go.

The currency in Japan is Yen (¥) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 149 ¥.

There are plenty of ATMs in Japan located in most convenient stores, in front of banks, inside hotels, etc. where you can easily withdraw cash to have with you during your 7 days in Japan.

That being said, you’ll want to get ready for the Japan itinerary 7 days budget and expenses, and getting a Wise card is an excellent option.

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Most Japanese people can speak English, so if you are ever lost or need help with something you will be able to converse in English.

Also, all the signs at the airports, train stations, and shopping malls are written in both Japanese and English.

Before preparing. an itinerary Japan 7 days, I recommend purchasing an eSIM so you have access to the internet throughout your trip.

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OneSimCard is the best eSIM for travel, with low-cost data packages available in 150+ countries.

Simply buy online, install it on your smartphone, and you’re good to go!

BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

The best time to visit Japan depends on what you plan to do.

I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Japan (April – September) when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.

However, visiting Japan in winter (December – March) is absolutely magical because the landscapes are completely covered in glistening white snow.

Visiting Japan in winter also means you have to opportunity to go skiing and snowboarding in Japan’s alpine regions like Hakuba .

VISA FOR JAPAN

Japan is visa-free for travelers from over 65 countries, and you can stay in Japan for up to 90 days on a tourist visa. Plenty of time for a sample itinerary for Japan visa 2024.

Click Here to see the full list of nationalities that are eligible for the free 90-day tourist visa. 

You don’t need to apply online for this as you will be granted a 90-day tourist visa at the airport when you arrive.

MAP OF JAPAN

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of Japan.

WHAT TO PACK FOR JAPAN

When planning a 7 days itinerary Japan, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you.

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More Japan Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Japan!

FINAL THOUGHTS – JAPAN ITINERARY 7 DAYS

After seven eventful days of exploring Japan, this Japan 2024 itinerary by far exceeded my expectations!

With many fun activities to do and attractions to see, Japan is definitely worth adding to your bucket list. I guarantee you won’t regret it!

If you have any questions at all about this Japan 7 day itinerary, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

Many thanks!

PIN IT FOR LATER

13 thoughts on “7 Day Japan Itinerary: 2024 Guide For First-Timers”

Love this 7 day itinerary. Planning to visit Japan this August with my husband and two teens. I would love to follow your proposed itinerary but a bit confused where to stay. Is it advisable to stay only in Kyoto in this 7 day itinerary of yours or would you advise as to stay to other accommodation each day?

Thanks and Kind REgards, Joan

Hi Joan, thanks for the positive feedback, glad you found my japan itinerary useful. I have suggested accommodations to stay in each location on this itinerary not just kyoto. you’ll find hotel recommendations in osaka, hiroshima, and tokyo. hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

Hey Jonny! I have two more questions:

1) I’m thinking about cutting out the activities on Day 4 so I can check out Kobe too! If I did this, how would you re-arrange the itinerary so it’s the most convenient for travel? Would you just insert Kobe to Day 4 or insert it the day before Hiroshima since it’s closer via location?

2) Also, would you spend a night in Kobe or just a day trip and sleep back in Osaka since it’s not far?

Much appreciated!

I would suggest stopping into Kobe on the way down to Hiroshima for a day trip, or half-day trip, makes more sense in terms of the location between Osaka and Hiroshima. Otherwise, yes, on day 4 you could skip activities and head to Kobe for the day, perhaps even stay the night, and then head to Hiroshima afterward. I hope that helps in some way!

Thanks again Melon! If you’re ever in South Korea hit me up and I can show you around. Gyeongju is known as the “culture capital”, it’s a beautiful place 🙂

A pleasure! South Korea is high on my list, I may take you up on that offer haha! Much appreciated and let me know if there’s anything else I can assist with for your Japan trip!

Sick! I should be here until March 2023, but who knows maybe I’ll stay for a 4th year too haha. Actually, yes, I did have something else:

1) On Day 3, since I’ll go to Nara, would you recommend staying the night instead of heading back to Kyoto? OR does that make the trip to Osaka the next day more difficult from Nara perhaps? OR is there not much to do in Nara at night maybe? What are your thoughts?

Your itinerary looks amazing it’s a big help! I have a question. I’m living in South Korea. On Day 7, would it be best to go all the way back to Tokyo, or is it easier to fly back to South Korea from Fukuoka? On the map, it looks much closer, and there’s a railway all the way there too. What do you think is best??

Hey Marco, you’re most welcome, glad you found this 7 day Japan itinerary useful! It’s not necessary to go all the way back to Tokyo and you could instead depart from Fukuoka. Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

Thanks again, it really is helpful to me. Your story sounds epic, you’ll inspire others to travel for sure! I decided to fly in and out of Osaka and cut out Tokyo altogether for simplicity. My friend recommended the Kansai Thru Pass instead of the JR Rail as a budget-friendly alternative since I’ll be in the Kansai region for the majority of the trip. I’ll use a few of your affiliate links too so you can get paid for your efforts 🙂 Respect!

Amazing mate, you’re welcome!! Many thanks for using the aff links, it all helps to keep me going!

Very helpful indeed! Help us a lot with a very detailed itinerary. Kudos!

Do you have the updated it Itinerary for 2023? We will be going this last week of April last week. Very concerned with the pricing & places to stay.

Hey Paul, thanks for reading, and glad you found this japan itinerary useful! This is the most up to date itinerary for this year. Japan is generally an expensive country year-round and April is the high season because of the cherry blossoms season. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with. Enjoy 🙂

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7 days in japan: the perfect itinerary for first time visitors.

by Patti | Jun 23, 2018 | Destinations | 5 comments

7 Days in Japan Itinerary for First Time Visitors

With 7 days in Japan, we recommending focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto .  If you like to pack in a lot on your travels, we recommend adding a few day trips.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. We may make a small commission if you make a booking using our links  at no extra cost to you . See our  Disclosure page  for more information.

Day 1 – Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market

If your body is on a different time zone, your first day in Tokyo might be the best day for an early morning visit to the  Tsukiji Fish Market , the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world.  Make sure to catch the tuna auction – spots are limited so you need to arrive at 3:00 am in the morning! After watching the tuna auction, make sure to enjoy some fresh sushi for breakfast. If you want to guarantee catching the tuna auction it might be easier to  sign up for a tour here .

Sensōji Temple (or Asakusa Kannon Temple)

Visit the famous  Sensōji (or Asakusa Kannon Temple)  in Asakusa. Although the temple and surrounding area is very busy and packed with tourists, it is still a Tokyo must see.

The walk to Sensōji, Nakamise Dori, is lined with small shops selling various souvenirs. This is a good spot to knock out your souvenir shopping.

Spend a few hours in Akihabara, a district in Tokyo famous for its many electronics shops. One of the popular things to do in Akihabara is to visit a  maid cafe .

Day 2- Tokyo

Meiji Shrine/ Omotesando/ Yoyogi Park/Harajuku

If you enjoy window shopping take a walk on  Omotesando  which is a broad, tree-lined street that houses various top designer boutiques.  As Omotesando comes to an end you will reach  Yoyogi Park , a great spot for people watching.

Also nearby is the famous  Harajuku  neighborhood. The main action is at Takeshita Dori, which is a short pedestrian walkway.  Here you will see shops selling clothes for teens, and lots of Japanese youth and girls wearing Harajuku style.

Make sure to also visit the  Meiji Shrine  which is located right next to the Harajuku station.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing  is huge famous pedestrian intersection. While you are at Shibuya do not miss the statue of  Hachiko . The statue is a popular meeting point for Tokyo residents and a good spot for people watching. The statue was erected in honor of Hachiko, who was a loyal dog that faithfully came to fetch his owner at the train station each day (even after his owner passed away).

Tokyo can be hectic so visiting a park is a nice way to spend a couple of hours during your time in Tokyo. One of the most beautiful parks in Tokyo is  Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden  which consists of three different types of gardens: traditional Japanese, formal French and an English garden.  Home to a large number of cherry trees, it is a popular but also peaceful spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during the spring cherry blossom season .

Day 3 -Tokyo or Day Trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Now that you have seen the major sites in Tokyo, you can have some fun and do some of the unique things to do that Tokyo is known for. Another option (especially if visiting in the winter) is to do a day trip to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to see the famous snow monkeys.  The best time to visit the snow monkeys is early in the morning.

Watch a Sumo Wrestling Tournament or Sumo Practice 

Sumo is Japan’s national sport.  Attending a  sumo grand tournament  is a fun and cultural experience we would recommend to anyone visiting Japan during the tournament.

The sumo tournament runs in Tokyo for 15 days at a time during January, May and September (exact dates vary each year).  If you visit Tokyo outside of these dates, consider  visiting a sumo stable to watch a sumo wrestling practice .

(If you are interested in attending a sumo wrestling match, check out our  Tips for Watching Sumo Wrestling in Japan  for the schedule, advice on finding tickets, choosing seats and other information that we think is helpful.)

Have a drink or meal at a themed café or restaurant

Tokyo is full of some interesting cafes from various animal cafes (cat cafes, dog cafes,  owl cafes ,  rabbit cafes  and a  hedgehog cafe ) to  maid cafes  and even a  robot restaurant . Read about our  visit to a bunny cafe here .

Where to Stay in Tokyo

These are our top choices for every budget:

Grand Hyatt Hotel.   This is a great hotel in Tokyo for those looking for a luxury experience or have hotel points to use. The Grand Hyatt Hotel has a great location and gets great reviews on tripadvisor.   Click here to see the latest prices  or  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Park Hyatt Tokyo.   This luxury hotel in Shinjuku is the hotel in the  travel movie , Lost in Translation.  Click here to see the latest prices  or  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu.   This midprice hotel is where we usually stay in Tokyo. The location is super convenient -it is in the same building as a 7-11 and several restaurants and it is also across the street from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway station with underground access to five different lines.  Click here to see the latest prices  or  read our full review .

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo.   This midprice hotel get good reviews.  It has a great location and also offers a free shuttle to the closest train station.  Click here to see the latest prices  or  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Richmond hotel Asakusa.   This small modern hotel is located in a great location in Asakusa walking distance to the famous Sensōji Temple.  Click here to see the latest prices  or  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Red Planet Asakusa.   This newly built hotel also has a great location in Asakusa and offers great views of the Tokyo Skyline and Sky Tree from some rooms.  Click here to see the latest prices  or  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Day 4 – Train from Tokyo to Kyoto

The fastest way from Tokyo to Kyoto is the Shinkansen (bullet train) on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.

There are three options: the Nozomi, Hikari and Kodama. The Nozomi is the most frequent and the fastest train with a travel time of 2 hours and 20 minutes but it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass . If you wish to use the Japan Rail Pass , the best choice is the Hikari which takes 2 hours and 40.

If you do not have a Japan Rail Pass, the fare is 13,080 yen one way.

To search for times and prices visit  www.hyperdia.com .

Keep an eye for Mt. Fuji.

Day 5 – Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Take the train to southern Kyoto to see  Fushimi Inari Shrine , one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is always open and admission is free.

At the back of the shrine’s main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate covered hiking trail which goes up to the summit of the mountain. You can hike all the way to the top of the mountain which takes about 2-3 hours roundtrip but you can turn back any time.  Most visitors just do the shorter hike through the clustered torii gates (approximately 30 minutes) to the Yotsutsuji intersection roughly half way up the mountain which has a great view of Kyoto. The rest of the hike is less crowded but there are less gates and there is not that much more to see. I recommend doing just the shorter hike as there are other places to walk in Kyoto.

Eastern Kyoto

After seeing the Fushimi Inari Shrine head to   Eastern Kyoto which is a historic part of Kyoto full of temples, shrines, gardens and shops to get a taste of traditional Japan. I recommend starting with  Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion)  a Zen temple that despite it’s name is not silver or covered in silver.

From Ginkakuji you can access the start of the  Philosopher’s Path,  a pedestrian path that follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. In April, this is one of the best places in Kyoto to see cherry blossoms. Near the end of the Philosopher’s Path are  Eikando Temple  (one of the most beautiful places for autumn foliage in the fall) and  Nanzen-ji Temple  (a zen temple with a beautiful rock garden).  The Philosopher’s Path is about 2 km long and takes about 30 minutes but you can spend more time visiting other temples and shrines along the way.

If you are still up for more walking after the Philosopher’s Path, head to the  Heian Shrine  (orange shrine), followed by  Kodaiji Temple  and then  Kiyomizudera . Otherwise take a taxi directly to  Kiyomizudera  in the Higashiyama area which is famous for its large wooden terrace and amazing views of Kyoto. If you can time it and don’t mind the crowds try to visit Kiyomizudera during sunset for beautiful photos.

In the late afternoon or evening, head to the ancient geisha district of  Gion . Gion is known for its traditional wooden houses and is filled with restaurants, shops and tea houses.  Kyoto Free Walking Tour  has free morning and early afternoon walking tours of Gion and Higashiyama districts.

Gion is also the best place in Kyoto to spot geishas and their apprentices (called maiko) and you will see many tourists waiting around to photograph them. We spotted several geishas on or near  Hanami-koji  street. The best time to spots geishas is around dusk (5-6pm) when geisha are on their way to their appointments at tea houses. Real geishas are pretty elusive and avoid tourists – you might spot them entering a taxi or one of the buildings. If you see geishas posing with tourists or stopping for photos they are not real geishas, they are tourists  dressed up as geishas .

The tea houses are not open to the public but you could  book a tour which includes entry to a teahouse and time with a maiko .

After spotting geishas, you can cross the Kamo River and head to  Pontocho , a narrow pedestrian only street that runs along the bank of the river and lined with restaurants and bars. In the summer many of the establishments build platforms extending over the Kamo River so you can dine outside.

Day 6  Arashiyama and Northern Kyoto 

Sagano Bamboo Forest

Take the train west to Arashiyama to view the famous and beautiful  Sagano Bamboo Forest . It gets very busy so I recommend visiting early in the morning.  You don’t need a lot of time if you are only visiting the forest as it is not very big but you will need a half or full day if you also visit the nearby monkey park. From the train station, the bamboo forest is a short walk through the town passing shops and restaurants.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

After the bamboo park you can walk to the  Iwatayama Monkey Park  to see Japanese macaque monkeys.  Located in the Arashiyama mountains, the walk to the monkey park is an approximately 20-30 mins steep hike uphill from the bamboo forest. Once you reach the top you will find tons of monkeys roaming around and there are also great views of the city.  You can purchase food to feed the monkeys.

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) 

From Arashiyama, you can take the train to Northern Kyoto and then take a taxi or bus to the iconic Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion). Kinkakuji overlooks a large pond and you can take photos of Kinkakuji with its reflection in the pond.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple is another temple located close to the Golden Pavilion which has a famous Zen rock garden.  Personally, I though the garden was a bit overrated but it was packed with tourists during my visit.

Okonomiyaki Katsu

After visiting Ryoanji Temple, I recommend heading to the nearby Okonomiyaki Katsu restaurant which is located in a residential neighborhood nearby. It is owned by a Japanese couple gets  great reviews  and their specialty is  okonomiyaki . Their  website  is in Japanese but check their times as they are only open for lunch and dinner and are closed on Wednesdays.

Day 7 Central Kyoto and Day Trips

If you ran out of time, visit any temples you missed today in the morning.  Then head to  Nijo Castle  in Central Kyoto.

Nijo Castle

Located in central Kyoto, Nijo Castle is easily accessible by subway. Nijo Castle is large but easy to explore so I would allow an hour or two to enjoy at leisurely pace. In addition to its beautiful art, Nijo Castle is famous for its squeaky floors (not because they are old they were designed to make noise to alert for intruders).

Nishiki Market

After sightseeing in the morning head to  Nishiki Market  for lunch. Nishiki Market is a narrow shopping street lined by shops and restaurants selling fresh seafood, produce, and even souvenirs. Nishiki Market is a good place to wander around and spend hours sampling Japanese food.  If you would like some guidance, you can  book a food tour .

Day Trip to Nara 

If you have time today, your last day in Kyoto might be a good time to take a day trip to Nara. Nara is the ancient capital of Japan and is famous for Buddhist temples, shrines and the famous Nara deer park. You can  visit Nara in half a day .

Head to Osaka/Tokyo

If you are flying out of Osaka instead of heading back to Tokyo, you might want to head to Osaka early and explore Osaka a bit.

Where to Stay in Kyoto 

Kyoto has many great ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) so consider if you would like to stay at a ryokan instead of a western hotel.

These are our top picks for the best hotels and ryokan in Kyoto for every budget.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.   This is our top pick if looking for a hotel luxury experience. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto has a great location in Central Kyoto close to Gion and Pontocho and gets great reviews on tripadvisor. Opened in 2014 as the first luxury urban resort in Japan, The Ritz-Carlton is on the banks of the Kamogawa river with views of the Higashiyama mountains. The resort features four restaurants and bars, spa, pool, free wi-fi, in room refrigerator and some rooms have river views. Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Arashiyama Benkei . Traditional Japanese Ryokan located in a beautiful area in Arashiyama near the river. It is not as centrally located but is close to the famous bamboo forest and monkey park. Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto.  Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto has serviced apartments with a kitchenette and free wi-fi.  It has a  convenient location close to a  train station (one stop from the Kyoto Train station), supermarket and restaurant.  Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Hokkaikan Ohanabo.   This midprice ryokan is in a great location within very close walking distance to Kyoto Station. Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto.   Very affordable hotel in a convenient location close to Nikishi Market and subway. Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Ryokufuso.   Affordable ryokan near train station. Click here to  read Tripadvisor reviews .

Getting Around Japan

• The best way to get around Tokyo is by the efficient and comprehensive  metro system . If you plan to take the subway more than a couple of times, you might want to purchase a  PASMO card . PASMO is a prepaid reloadable smart card that you can use for trains and buses without having to calculate and pay a separate fare each trip. You can purchase a PASMO card at airports or train stations.

• Consider whether you need to purchase a Japan rail pass before heading to Japan.  Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use discounted ticket, valid for travels on all JR national trains in Japan, including Shinkansen bullet trains and Narita Express .  You can select 7, 14 or 21 consecutive validity days. A 7 day rail pass is $262 USD which is about the price of a round trip between Kyoto and Tokyo. If you are flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka and only taking the train between Tokyo and Kyoto you won’t need the pass.

Tips for Visiting Japan

• Most Japanese ATMS don’t work with foreign ATM cards. To find ATMs that work head to the nearest 7-11.

•Not sure when is the best time to visit Japan? To help you decide before you book your trip see related post: The Best Time to Visit Japan .

• Want to be sure you are prepared for your trip to Japan? See related post : Planning a Trip to Japan: Essential Tips to Prepare for Your First Trip to Japan to help you plan and prepare for your first trip to Japan.

Hope you enjoyed our 7 day Japan itinerary . Have you been to Japan? If so, what would you do in 7 days?

I would love to visit the Hachiko statue and see the snow monkeys as well as a bunch of other things on this itinerary. Japan is totally on my bucket list.

I spent one day in Tokyo (layover) about 27 years ago, and I still remember how overwhelming it was! Your itinerary is really helpful, as there is so much to see in Tokyo and Japan. It’s important to break it down for visitors. Wish I’d had this (or at least the internet) back then. 🙂

This looks like a great Japan itinerary! I’d love to go to the bamboo forest especially.

Wow, what a whistle stop tour that would be. I’ve been lucky enough to go to Japan twice now and each time I’ve stayed for a week. It always leaves me wanting more.

Japan is not somewhere that’s ever really been on my bucket list, I have to admit. That said, I really like the look of the Asakusa Kannon Temple – the colours and all the details are beautiful 🙂 It seems like 7 days was enough for you in Japan, it’s a shame that it’s just so far for me to travel for just 7 days… x

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7 Days in Japan: The BEST 7 Day Japan Itinerary for First Timers

Planning a one-week trip to Japan? This 7 Day Japan itinerary has everything you need to know! From the serenity of Mount Fuji to the chaos at the Shibuya Crossing, Japan strikes an incredible balance between traditional and modern.

I got the chance to spend 5 weeks living and working in Japan in 2019/2020 when I worked for Universal Creative. During that time I learned SO much about Japanese culture, including customs, food, work life, and more! Then I took everything I learned and packed it into this epic 7 day Japan itinerary!

For a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun , I recommend  at least 7 days in Japan to be able to see the most iconic sites! In this itinerary, you’ll split your time between Osaka and Tokyo, with a few day trips to other areas sprinkled in! 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! 

The BEST 7 Day Japan Itinerary for First Timers

If this is your first trip to Japan, you are in for an EPIC week! Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in this 7 Day Japan itinerary.

• See the bowing deer in Nara
• Explore Osaka Castle
• Partake in a Geisha Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
• Shop and eat your heart out in Dōtonbori and Namba
• See the famous Shibuya crossing
• Take in the splendor of Mount Fuji
• Visit incredible temples
• Embrace Shinjuku and Harijuku

Days 1-4: Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara

Getting to osaka.

This 7 day Japan itinerary begins in the city of Osaka, so you will fly into  Kansai International Airport (KIX).  There is also Osaka International Airport (ITM) . However this airport only services domestic flights so you would need to connect in Tokyo to fly into here.

At the end of this trip, you will be leaving from Tokyo and will likely be flying out of  Narita International Airport (NRT).  If you have to book roundtrip tickets out of the same airport, you can choose either Osaka or Tokyo, whichever is cheapest! Then, just take a train or fly between the two at the end of the trip.

Getting to Your Hotel

Once you arrive in Osaka, you can either take a cab, a bus, or a train from the airport, which is located about 30 miles from the center of Osaka. This will depend on where you are staying, your preferences, and your budget. Taxis are the quickest but also the most expensive (at least $100).

If you are staying near Namba Station or Osaka Station , the airport limousine bus is only ~$15 USD, has free wifi, and has frequent routes. The timetable for the airport bus can be found here . You can also reach out to your hotel to see what they recommend or if they offer private transfers!

Pro Tip: This article from Inside Osaka goes over exactly how to use Osaka public transportation, which will be extremely useful for your trip!

Where to Stay in Osaka

Speaking of, let’s talk about where you should stay during your time in Osaka! There are a few different areas around the city that make great spots for first timers.

My top recommendation is the Kita/Umeda area . As highlighted on the map below in orange, this area is perfect for exploring all of Osaka. There is plenty of incredible restaurants, bars, and activities nearby, and it’s also right next to Osaka Station (one of the busiest train stations in Japan!).

Another great option is to stay in the Namba/Dotonbori area , which is basically like the Times Square of Osaka! It is a popular tourist district along the river, again full of plenty of restaurants and nightlife.

Day 1: Explore Osaka

Today is your first full day in Japan! Osaka is an incredible city, Japan’s second largest after Tokyo! The city is bustling with things to do, so you won’t be bored here. Here are the highlights around the city to choose from:

• Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
• Shochikuza Theatre
• Osaka Aquarium
• Universal Studios Japan
• Namba Yasaka Shrine
• Shitennoji Temple
•  Namba Yasaka Shrine

Most importantly, make sure you check out all of the amazing food in Osaka – it’s a foodie paradise! The term “kuidaore ” is associated with this area and sums it up pretty well – it basically means “eat ’til you drop!” Some must-try foods include  Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu, and Gyoza!

Day 2: Day Trip to Kyoto

On your second day, you’ll be making a day trip to the nearby city of Kyoto ! Kyoto, which was once the capital of Japan, is full of rich culture, temples, and history. The best way to get here from Osaka is by train. You can take a shinkansen (bullet train!) from Shin-Osaka   Station which will get you there in only 15 minutes for less than 15 dollars!

This is the fastest and most comfortable method, but there are also other slower and cheaper trains! Whichever train you take, your final destination should be Kyoto Station. Make sure you get an early start so you can do as much as possible in Kyoto!

Kyoto is an incredible city full of rich culture and unique architecture! It was Japan’s capital and the residence of the Emperor from 794 until 1868, so it has a very strong history. Here’s a list of places to visit during your day in Kyoto:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Nishiki Market (Kyoto’s Kitchen)
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Arashiyama Monkey Forest
• Yasaka Street / Higashiyama District
• Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony 

If all of this sounds overwhelming to plan, you can also take an organized tour from Osaka and let someone else coordinate all the details! GetYourGuide has some great options.

Day 3: Osaka Castle + Kita Bar Hopping

I’ve included another day in Osaka in this 7 Day Japan itinerary so you can explore some other parts of the city: my personal favorite being Osaka Castle .

To get here, hop on the (JR West) Osaka Loop line and get off at  Ōsakajōkōen Station . Once you arrive, you can just follow the crowds to the castle. The castle looms high in the sky, and there are so many amazing views on the walk up.

The grounds of the castle are free to the public; however, if you want to go inside and visit the museum  and the observation deck, the cost is  600 yen (less than $6 USD) . Spend your morning exploring the castle and the surrounding park, which covers about two square kilometers and is especially beautiful in the spring and fall.

Head back to Osaka, and once the sun goes down, head over to Kitashinchi, about a 10-minute walk south of Osaka station. This is one of the most famous areas in Osaka for nightlife. Full of narrow streets and alleys packed full of tiny bars, delicious ramen restaurants , and some fancy nightclubs, this area is a must do while in Osaka.

You’ll also see a lot of business men entering some of the nice clubs with pretty girls outside them. Don’t forget to try some shochu or sake while you’re here!

Got Asia on your mind? Don’t forget to check out my other Asia itineraries, like 10 days in Thailand or 7 days in Bali !

Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

Today you will be journeying outside of Osaka to the nearby city of Nara, Japan. As Japan’s first capital, Nara is full of some of Japan’s oldest temples and remains a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. To get here, I recommend taking the Kintetsu Nara Line  from Osaka Namba station, which will get you to the center of Nara in 40 minutes for around 500 yen. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you should take the  JR Yamatoji line from Osaka Namba station.

Once you arrive, follow the crowds up the hill to Nara Park. As you make your way away from the train station, you will start to notice all of the wild deer wandering through the streets.

The deer in Nara are a cultural symbol of the city and are considered messengers of God. If you bow to the deers, some will even bow back! If you want to feed them, you can find deer crackers for sale at stalls around the city, but make sure to not taunt the deer with food (they are still wild animals).  

Spend your day exploring the many temples, shrines, gardens and parks in Nara. Be prepared to do lots of walking! There are tons of temples to see, but below are the ones you shouldn’t miss. For lunch, check out the historic district of Naramachi.

• Todaiji Temple
• Yakushi-ji Temple
• Horyu-ji Temple

Days 5-7: Tokyo

In the second half of your 7 day Japan itinerary, you will head northeast to the country’s bustling capital of Tokyo . There is obviously no shortage of things to do in Tokyo! From historical temples to busy streets, you could easily spend a week here.

To get here from Osaka, I recommend taking the Shinkansen bullet train, which will get you there in under 3 hours! Incredible right?! This is covered by your Japan Rail Pass 🙂 You’ll arrive at the bustling Tokyo Station!

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Like I mentioned, Tokyo is a HUGE city, which means there’s a ton of places to stay. If this is your first time visiting Japan, I recommend staying in either the Shibuya or Shinjuku area. These two “wards” are both part of Tokyo’s metropolitan district and have a multitude of restaurants, shops, bars, and more to choose from.

Aside from the area, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a hotel is proximity to the Tokyo Loop Line. This line, formally called the JR Yamanote Line, is the most common train loop in Tokyo and hits all the major areas throughout the city. You will want to stay near a station for convenience! Plus, your Japan Rail Pass will work on this line!

Days 5 & 6: Exploring Tokyo

I recommend at least 2 full days in Tokyo to see and do it all. Here’s a list of the highlights around the city. For convenience, you can spend one day exploring the east side and one day exploring the west side!

• Sensō-ji Temple
• Nakamise Shopping Street
• Tokyo Skytree
• Tsukiji fish market
• Shibuya Crossing
• Golden Gai (Bars)
• Shinjuku Gyoen Garden

Day 7: Day Trip to See Mt. Fuji

With 7 full days in Japan, I highly recommend taking a day trip from Tokyo to see the glorious Mount Fuji , Japan’s tallest mountain (which is actually a volcano). To get to the area from Tokyo, there are a few different options (including taking a Shinkansen using your JR Pass). If you decide to go via train, expect to have to make at least one connection to get to your final destination for exploring the areas around Mt Fuji.

There’s plenty to do in the area, like wandering around Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Lake Ashinoko . You can even hike Mount Fuji if you’re visiting in the summer. Again, if you don’t feel like planning, there are tons of organized tours from Tokyo that you can book on GetYourGuide .

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my Ultimate 7 Day Japan itinerary for first timers! If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I hope this itinerary helped show you all of the incredible places there are to visit. There is so much to see and do in Japan, 7 days really only scratches the surface!

If you have longer than 7 days for your trip to Japan, I recommend staying overnight in Kyoto and again near Mount Fuji. You can even check out a traditional Onsen resort!! Japan is truly one of the most unique countries I’ve ever visited, and I know you will love it too!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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• Post published: March 14, 2023
• Post category: Asia

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary

Planning a vacation to Japan? You’ve come to the right spot! Japan is an amazing country, full of beautiful nature views, historic temples, and the excitement of big city life. It truly has it all! It can be overwhelming to plan your Japan itinerary, but hopefully with my tips it will make the planning process much easier! Keep reading to check out my Japan itinerary for 7 days well-spent in this unique country.

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you book through my links, at no extra cost to you.

SEE ALSO: 2 Days in Shanghai | Weekend Shanghai Itinerary

7 Day Japan Itinerary Overview:

Day 1-2: tokyo.

• Day 3-4: Hakone
• Day 5-7: Kyoto
• BONUS: Niseko itinerary (if you have more than 7 days in Japan and are visiting in winter!)

Japan Trip Overview

• PTO/Vacation Days Needed: 7-9
• Currency: Yen
• Airport to Fly In To: HND or NRT

Best Time to Go to Japan

Japan is really a year-round destination, however I would advise to not go in the middle of summer (June-August) as it can be super hot and crowded. The best time to go to Japan would be in the Spring and Fall (March-May and September-October), when the temperatures are mild. The peak season is during Cherry Blossom season in mid-March, which is beautiful but also means prices will be higher!

If you want to go skiing/snowboarding while you are there (Japan is known to have some of the best powder in the world!) then I recommend going in January or February.

How to Get Around Japan – Japan Rail Pass

It’s fairly easy to get around the country of Japan due to their well-connected (and fast!) train system. My biggest piece of advice is to get the 7-day Japan Rail Pass (there is also a 14 and 21 day option if you want to extend your trip). With the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you get unlimited access to all of the trains on the JR Line (including the Shinkansen Bullet Trains).

It costs about $220 for the 7-day pass for adults. I did the math before my trip, and even though we only took 2 bullet trains (plus smaller trains and the monorail) during our 7 days in Japan, paying the $220 saved us money (buying single tickets for the trains in Japan is expensive!). Also, it makes the whole transportation process in Japan SO much simpler and smoother by having the JR Pass. You don’t have to waste time going to the ticket counter every time you go to the station.

There are two ticket options: “Ordinary” and “Green Car” (first class). It might be tempting to go for the first class ticket since it’s only about $70 more than the “Ordinary” car, but I recommend sticking with Ordinary. For the Green Car, you have to reserve your specific seat at the counter before you board the train, which adds extra time and logistics. With the Ordinary pass, you can just walk right on and sit wherever you’d like in that car.

It’s important to note that you have to buy the JR Pass BEFORE (at least 14 days before, to be exact) your trip to Japan. You can buy it here . Once you purchase it online, a voucher gets mailed to your house. You then bring that voucher with you to Japan and can exchange it at the airport for the JR Pass once you land.

7-Day Japan Itinerary

Kick off your time in Japan by spending 2 days in the biggest city in the world – Tokyo! Given that you will be flying into Tokyo (either HND or NRT) it makes sense to either start or end your trip here.

Being in a city as big as Tokyo can be overwhelming. If you only have 2 days here, don’t stress about seeing & doing EVERYTHING, but rather pick a few highlights and then spend some time wandering around and getting a feel for the city.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

If it’s your first time in Tokyo, I recommend staying in the Shinjuku neighborhood. Shinjuku looks like what you expect Tokyo to look like – with big skyscrapers and bright-colored neon signs. It’s also where the famous “Golden Gai” bars are (more on that later).

Best Hotels in Tokyo

Luxury: Park Hyatt

The Park Hyatt hotel in Shinjuku is iconic – it was featured in the movie “Lost in Translation” and has the most epic rooftop lounge. It would be so cool to stay here!

Mid-Tier: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

This hotel is conveniently-located in the heart of Shinjuku, and only a 9 minute walk to my favorite area to go out at night, called Golden Gai. It also has great reviews!

If you have a big group: Zukiya Shinjuku Vacation Home

This is where we stayed (there were 9 of us) and we found it affordable and in a perfect location. There’s three floors, 4 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms. The host even left us a nice note and some matcha mochi ball treats upon our arrival!

How to Get Around Tokyo

Tokyo has an expansive train system to get you around between the different neighborhoods that you can use with your JR pass. It’s also super easy to get an Uber or Taxi!

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in 2 Days

Over your two days in Tokyo, you should definitely add the below to your itinerary:

Shibuya Crossing

It seems silly, but walking across this crosswalk in Shibuya City is one of the most iconic things to do in Tokyo because it’s known as the busiest crosswalk in the world!

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

One of the most popular things to do in Tokyo is to go up to the Shibuya Sky observation deck to get the most epic 360 degree view of the entire city. You’ve likely seen pictures of this famous escalator before. You have to book a ticket to go up (it’s about $13) for a specific time. Pro tip: book ahead of time so you can go during sunset! That time sells out the fastest.

Visit a Themed Cafe

Tokyo is known for their quirky, themed cafes scattered throughout the city. For instance, there’s an Owl Cafe where you can sip your coffee next to owls, a micro-pig cafe , etc. We opted for a cat cafe that we stumbled upon while walking around Shinjuku, and had a lovely time. The one we went to was called Cat Cafe Mocha. They charge you by every 10 minutes that you spend (so you pay at the end). We spent about 30 minutes there, and it came out to be $7 each. The cats there are beautiful and cuddly!

Wander Around Harajuku

The Harajuku neighborhood is known for their unique fashion culture (you probably recognize the name from Gwen Stefani songs). It’s a district of Shibuya where the streets are closed off to pedestrian traffic only, and there’s tons of cool shops and cafes. Start at Takeshita Street!

There’s also a lot of thrift stores in the area around Shibuya and Harajuku, so if you like thrifting – walk around and pop into some of these shops!

Go to a Tokyo Listening Bar

If you like music, you’ll love the experience of visiting a Tokyo Listening Bar. At these bars, they only play vinyl and you’re expected to not talk (or if you must, just whisper) so that you can sit back and appreciate the music that is playing as you sip your cocktail. Some good ones to try: Jazz Blues Soul Bar, Paper Moon, Bar Track, Bar Martha.

Tokyo is known for their food. They have the best sushi, ramen, udon, yakitori – there’s so much to try! There’s plenty of food blogs that detail all the best spots, but I’ll briefly share a few that I recommend:

• Hakata Tenjin : Great authentic ramen spot in Shinjuku. Super tiny, hole in the wall
• Mikore Sushi : has a super local feel, more casual than the other sushi spots that are omakase only. very affordable, and VERY good sushi!
• Ichiran Ramen : This is the first ramen spot to get a Michelin star! We went to their location in Shinjuku late-night (around 5am) and only had to wait about 15 minutes. You order the type of ramen you want from a machine, and then get ushered in to a little cubicle/cubby to eat it. It’s so good!
• Udon Shin : This is the most popular udon spot – so popular that we never got a chance to go! Get there right when it opens, put your name on the electronic list, and you get a QR code to scan to watch your place in line.

Park Hyatt Rooftop Bar

One thing you MUST do on your 7-day Japan itinerary is go to the top of the famous Park Hyatt hotel for a drink at sunset. This is the hotel bar that is featured in the movie “Lost in Translation”. The views up here are incredible, and the cocktails are divine.

Go to the Bars in Golden Gai

Golden Gai, located in the Shinjuku neighborhood, is definitely a highlight of my 7-day Japan itinerary. This little area of Tokyo features over 200 TINY bars across 6 small alleyways. The bars are so small that only 5-10 people can fit in each one! Each little bar is so unique and has its own vibe. It’s so fun to just wander around and pop into different bars. Most of them do charge a cover (which I found to be the norm for cocktail bars in Japan in general) of about 300-800 yen, which is about $2-5. You don’t pay the cover until the end when you get your bill to pay for your drinks.

Imperial Palace

Visiting the Imperial Palace is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo. The Imperial Palace is set among a park-like area and is where the Emperor of Japan lives. You can get a free guided tour of the grounds. Also make sure to check out the Imperial Gardens nearby while you are in the area!

Watch Sumo Wrestling

Japan’s national sport is Sumo, so if you are able to catch either a tournament or a practice while you are in Tokyo, I think it would be such a cool experience! They hold sumo wrestling tournaments in Tokyo in January, May and September. If you are not visiting Tokyo during that time, you are also able to watch their morning practice . Unfortunately, I did’t get to do this when I was there in March as all the Sumo wrestlers were traveling elsewhere for a tournament. I’ll just have to go back!

7-Day Japan Itinerary: Part 2

Days 3-4: hakone.

Hakone, a mountain town known for their natural hot springs and views of Mt Fuji, is a drastic change from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Visiting Hakone was one of my favorite parts of this 7-Day Japan itinerary (which should come as no surprise, since I love nature!) Many people visit Hakone as a day-trip from Tokyo, but I highly recommend spending 1 or 2 nights there.

Before You Go to Hakone…

Make sure to buy the Hakone Freepass ! This will get you to Hakone and then also includes all transportation in Hakone once you are there, including a cable car (“Ropeway”) and a pirate ship cruise on the lake! It costs about $45 and is definitely worth it both for money savings and ease of use (similar to the JR pass, it saves you time not having to buy a ticket for each form of transportation along the way).

Also similar to the JR Pass, you can buy this online ahead of time and get a voucher, and then exchange your voucher for the actual pass at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station. The pass is good for either 2 or 3 days.

How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo

There are a few different ways you can get to Hakone from Tokyo (including a bullet train to Odawara Station). The quickest and most direct way is to take the Odakyu Line “Romance Car” from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakone-Yumoto station. The ride takes about 85 minutes. The base of the fare is included in your Hakone Free Pass, but you have to pay a little bit of an up-charge for taking the Romance Car (it was about $10 extra) which is worth it in my opinion, because time is money. You can pay for this up-charge when you pick up your Hakone Free Pass in Shinjuku Station before you leave!

The Best Place to Stay in Hakone

During your 7-day Japan itinerary, I highly recommend staying at a “ Ryokan ” at least one or two nights to get an authentic Japanese experience. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, where you normally sleep on the floor on the Japanese tatami mats, and you get a multiple course dinner served in your room. Also, most of the time these Ryokans will have “onsens” (natural hot springs) for guest use as well. It can be a bit pricey, but it does include the price of your meals and is an experience that I think is definitely worth it!

The town of Hakone is a relaxing, nature environment known for the views of Mt Fuji and the natural hot springs. Based on this, I think Hakone is the perfect place to stay in a Ryokan during your 7 days in Japan.

It can be overwhelming deciding which Ryokan to stay in (there are lots to choose from in Hakone!) but to help you narrow it down, I definitely recommend staying at the one I stayed at, called Yaeikan .

I chose this one because it was mid-tier in terms of price, it had great reviews, it is walking distance to the Hakone-Yumoto train station, and you can get a private onsen in your room!

Our stay was great – the multiple course dinner and breakfast was amazing and it was so relaxing having the private onsen in our room.

Best Things to Do in Hakone

Hakone is an absolutely beautiful, serene area of Japan. There are so many awesome things to do in Hakone during your stay there! I would definitely spend a lot of time relaxing in your Ryokan and getting that authentic Japanese spa-like experience. Once you’ve had your fill of that, it’s time to explore! The simple map below can help you get a visual on the different areas that make up the Hakone region, all conveniently-connected by different transportation options all covered by the Hakone Freepass.

1. Check out the Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine is definitely a highlight of my 7-day Japan itinerary. It’s located right on the shores of Lake Ashi. To get there, take the Hazone Tozan Bus (line H) from Hakone Yumoto Station (about a 35 minute ride) to Moto-Hakone Boat Pier. From there, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk to the shrine.

2. Pirate Ship Boat Cruise Across Lake Ashi

One of the main reasons to travel to Hakone during your 7-day Japan itinerary is to see the iconic view of Mt Fuji, which is the tallest peak in all of Japan. You’ll get this first view of Mt Fuji from the boat cruise on Lake Ashi. After you visit the Hakone Shrine, walk over to the boat docks and board the pirate ship. The ticket for the pirate ship cruise is included with your Hakone Freepass. The cruise lasts about 30 minutes, taking you from that side of the lake to the other side. You’ll see the view of Mt Fuji just a few minutes after the ship leaves the port. Head up to the upper deck to get the best views!

After you hop off the pirate ship cruise on the other side of the lake at Togendai, take the Ropeway (or the bus if that portion of the ropeway isn’t running) to Owakudani. This area is a volcanic valley created from the eruption of Mount Hakone several hundred years ago. You can see steam rising all over the valley from the active sulphuric land. They sell their famous black hard boiled eggs in the gift shop here. Rumor has it – if you eat the hard boiled egg, you get 7 extra years added to your life! It tastes just like a normal hard boiled egg, but the shell is black because it was boiled in the sulphuric hot spring in the Owakudani valley.

Also, from the parking lot here you can see another great view of Mt Fuji!

Ride the Ropeway

Next up, ride the Ropeway! This is what we refer to in the US as a cable car or a gondola. It’s one of the modes of transportation needed to get back to where you started at near Hakone Yumoto, but riding the ropeway in itself was one of my favorite parts of Hakone.

The views from the cable car are amazing! You can see the whole volcano valley below, as well as views of Mt Fuji in the background.

To get back to where you started at Hakone Yumoto station is fairly easy. They make the signage easy to follow for the Hakone day-trippers all doing this same route. After you get off the Ropeway, follow the signs for the cable car to Gora Station. Then get on the train headed towards Hakone-Yumoto.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

This is a popular thing to do in Hakone that I didn’t end up having time for unfortunately. It’s a cool outdoor museum with lots of abstract and modern art sculptures. You can easily get here on public transportation included in the Hakone Freepass

Wander Around Town

Around the Hakone Yumoto train station area there are several cool streets with shops and restaurants that are worth popping into! We stumbled upon a really good Soba restaurant here (I don’t know the name of it as it was all in Japanese!) and also a cool ice cream spot on the corner of two of the streets. There is a little hot spring right outside of the ice cream shop where you can eat your ice cream while you soak your feet!

7-Day Japan Itinerary: Part 3

Days 5-7: kyoto.

Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, is simply amazing. This city is filled with traditional Japanese architecture – temples, shrines and imperial palaces basically everywhere you turn!

Best Place to Stay in Kyoto

For this 7-day Japan itinerary, If it’s your first time in Kyoto, I highly recommend staying in the Gion district. This area is the quintessential Kyoto – cobblestone streets, people walking around wearing kimonos, and plenty of shrines and temples just outside your doorstep. Staying here means you’re walking distance to many great restaurants and bars as well.

You could stay in a traditional Japanese house in the Gion area like this one :

A zen garden in the bathroom!? Sign me up.

Best Things to Do in Kyoto

There are plenty of great things to do in Kyoto during the last 3 days of your 7-day Japan itinerary. You can probably technically do all the things I mention within 2 days, but on your last day in Japan you will need to account for time getting back to Tokyo and getting to the airport!

1. Walk around the Gion District

One of the best things to do in Kyoto is to just wander through this area. If you need a landmark to start that brings you to the heart of Gion, start at the famous Yasaka Pagoda. You’ll see a lot of photographers around here at sunset! It’s beautiful. Wandering the streets around it you’ll stumble upon sweet street food desserts, people walking around in kimonos, and cute little souvenir shops.

Attend a Matcha Tea Ceremony

Joining a traditional Japanese tea ceremony was one of the highlights of my Japan itinerary! It is such a cool cultural experience. Even if you are more of a coffee drinker than a tea drinker, this tea ceremony is super interesting and worthwhile. The one I went to is called Camellia Flower Teahouse . It costs $25 per person, lasts 45 minutes, and is conveniently located right in the heart of the Gion district. The instructor will give you some brief history on the meaning behind a tea ceremony (when they do them in real life, they last about 4 hours long!) and then proceed to give a demonstration of the ceremony. Afterwards, you get to complete a few steps on your own, and make matcha & all drink it together.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

One of the most iconic things to do in Kyoto is to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the Gion district (it’s super easy to get a taxi in Kyoto so don’t worry about that!). This spot is super popular, so if you want to avoid the crowds make sure to go before 9am!

Spend some time meandering through the famous red shrines, through the trail and up the hill. It’s so unique!

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

There are quite a few beautiful temples and shrines that are walking distance to the Gion area (more on that later). Although the Golden Pavilion is a 30-min taxi drive away, it’s so worth it! It’s situated in a park on a lake, and the top two floors of the temple are made from gold leaf. It’s beautiful! Spend some time walking along these trails, soaking in the nature and getting a view of the temple from all angles.

Yasaka Shrine

This shrine is located in the Gion area, so just a quick walk away. It’s located on the edge of a busy street with modern buildings. The juxtaposition of this old red temple just across the street from modern architecture was so interesting!

Ryozen Kannon

Located right near the Koda-ji Temple (also in the Gion district so just a quick walk away) is the Ryozen Kannon Buddhist statue. It costs about $2 to go in. The statue is HUGE and worth seeing up close!

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

This is another of the most popular things to do in Kyoto. Visiting the famous bamboo grove is a serene, meditative experience and takes about an hour or so to walk through. It’s a little further away, about a 40-min taxi ride from the Gion area.

Nishiki Market

Feeling hungry? Head over to Nishiki Market! It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Gion area. This market is full of different types of food stalls. You can find whatever you’re craving here!

Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum is just down the road from Nishiki Market. I don’t normally enjoy going to museums on trips, but ended up going to this one and had such a great time! It’s about $25 per person, and the tour of the museum lasts about an hour. They take you through the history of Samurais and Ninjas, which is super interesting. At the end, you get to participate in a ninja star throwing contest!

There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Kyoto! Two that I went to that I definitely recommend:

Gion Kappa – a casual, lively, local spot serving all different kinds of food (the sushi and the skewers are delicious!). Everything on the menu is 390 yen and its great.

Gyoza Hohei – the best gyoza I have ever had in my life! Make sure you get here early. It’s a small restaurant with only two tables + bar seating, so there will likely be a wait. It’s worth the wait, though!

If you feel you have enough time in your 3 days in Kyoto to take a little side trip to Nara, I’ve heard it’s a super cool experience! You can get there in 45 minutes from Kyoto by taking the JR Nara Line express train. In Nara, you’ll find more temples and shrines. However, the most unique thing about Nara is the wild deer that are roaming in Nara Park! You can pay for some treats to feed them, and when you do feed them a treat, they bow to you.

The End of the 7-Day Japan Itinerary

After your time in Kyoto is over, you will have spent 7 epic days in Japan. To get back to Tokyo / HND airport from Kyoto, simply take the Shinkansen bullet train direct to Shinjuku Station and then hop on the Tokyo Monorail to HND (all covered by JR Pass).

Bonus Itinerary: Niseko in Winter

I know this is supposed to be a 7-day Japan itinerary. However, if you have more than 7 days to spend in Japan and are visiting in the winter, keep reading for my bonus content on visiting Niseko!

Japan Itinerary Part 4: Niseko

If you are visiting Japan in the winter and you like to ski or snowboard, you would be remiss to not visit Niseko, located in the Hokkaido region of Japan. It’s known to have some of the best powder in the world!

I would aim to spend at least 3 or 4 days here if you are skiing and snowboarding.

How to Get to Niseko

The easiest way to get to Niseko is to take a quick 1-hour flight from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport (CTS). There are many cheap local airlines to choose from (and checking our skis and snowboards were free, too!). Pre-arrange a private transfer for when you land. The drive is about 2 hours from CTS airport to Niseko/Hirafu area.

Best Place to Stay in Niseko

For your first time in Niseko, I recommend staying in Hirafu. That way, you are walking distance to all the bars and restaurants, and are walking distance to one lift and one gondola.

Cecuko Apartments – this is where we stayed, and it was great! It’s conveniently-located right in the center of Hirafu, walking distance to bars and restaurants and to the lifts.

Skiing/Snowboarding in Niseko

If you’re going to Niseko in the winter, obviously you are there to ski or snowboard! Niseko is the largest ski resort in Japan, and is made up of 4 interconnected resorts. Niseko is on the Ikon Pass, so if you have that, you don’t have to buy lift tickets. If not, you’re still in luck because lift tickets here are way cheaper than they are at US ski resorts (about $60/day).

The 4 interconnected resorts are Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. Grand Hirafu is the one you can walk to from the village area of Hirafu (where I recommended you stay).

The best time to ski Niseko is late December – mid February. The snow is so light and fluffy and powdery – it’s unreal.

The lodges on the mountain have great food (ramen, gyoza, tempura, the list goes on!) and drinks, at fairly normal prices. This was an unexpected pleasant surprise coming from ski resorts in the US that have mediocre (and super expensive) lodge food.

Private Cat Skiing

If you have the budget for it, I highly recommend doing a private cat skiing day while you are in Niseko. There are a few companies to choose from. We did our private cat skiing through Iwanai , and it was incredible!

They pick you up from where you are staying in Hirafu, and drive about an hour to their private abandoned ski resort overlooking the Sea of Japan. The cat that drives you up the mountain looks like a little greenhouse inside, with windows for walls! The snow was absolutely amazing. I’ve never snowboarded on anything like it. It felt like surfing on a cloud.

On this private snow cat tour, you get to do about epic 9 runs total. No one else is on the mountain besides the group of about 10 people on the cat skiing tour. You literally have the whole mountain to yourselves! There will be a lunch break in the middle of the day, and a happy hour at the end at their lodge. The whole experience was once-in-a-lifetime and something I will never forget!

Food in Niseko

Niseko, unlike other parts of Japan, is not known for its food. It definitely feels like a more “westernized” area of Japan. A lot of the people there are actually Australian! Also, one interesting thing to note is that in the Hirafu are you definitely need a reservation for most of the good dinner restaurants if you are there in peak season. A few of the spots I recommend:

• Izakaya Koharuya – small, cozy Izakaya restaurant with great chicken skewers
• Niseko Sanroku Jingisukan – Japanese barbeque spot where you cook your own meats on the grill at your table. Right in the heart of Hirafu village. There’s also a Niseko cheese tart food truck next door if you want a little dessert after!
• Rakuichi – an epic soba restaurant that only seats 12 people and is reservation-only. It was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show! You have to make a reservation a month or so in advance (I didn’t know that beforehand and wasn’t able to eat there. bummer!)

Bars in Niseko

There are a lot of great bar options in the Hirafu area of Niseko. A few of my favorites:

This is the famous “speakeasy” in Hirafu where you enter through what looks like a freezer door. The inside is super chill cocktail bar vibes, with an upstairs area that has a beautiful view! They have a cute little hand-drawn menu. The cocktails are superb. I love this place!

The Baddie’s

This is more of a casual bar with a fun crowd. The bartenders are super nice. On the weekends sometimes they have DJs, even though its a fairly small bar.

Other Things to Do in Niseko – Onsens

If you have extra time in Niseko or want to spend a day resting from skiing/snowboarding, check out one of the many public onsens (natural hot springs) in the area. There are no Ubers in the Niseko area, and I didn’t see many taxis (or maybe I just didn’t notice them), so finding a ride there is the biggest challenge. This is part of the reason why I didn’t end up going to an onsen while we were in Niseko, but I wish I had been able to!

Check out this guide to pick an onsen in the area.

Should I Bring My Skis/Snowboard or Rent?

Either option is just fine! Half of our group decided to bring our boards/skis, and the other half rented. I opted to bring mine because I like my gear, my board is good in powder conditions, and it was free to check our oversized snowboard bag on every flight we were on.

We did Niseko the first part of our trip, and then when we flew back to Tokyo to explore Hakone, Kyoto and Tokyo, we dropped our snowboard gear off at a locker at HND airport so we didn’t have to carry it around.

My friends who rented gear in Niseko did so at Rhythm Niseko and had a good experience renting from there.

Other Unique Things to Note About Japan

• It is the cleanest country I have ever visited! You won’t see any trash on the streets and the bathrooms are always immaculate.
• There aren’t many trash cans on the streets. This is partly because in Japanese culture, no one eats while they are on the go, so they don’t have trash to throw away in public places.
• Every toilet has a bidet and heated seats. The life of luxury!
• The outlets are the same as in the US, so you don’t need an adapter
• It is considered rude to talk/be loud on the metro trains
• You HAVE to try the “egg sandwich” from Lawsons (which is similar to a 7/11). It’s a pre-packaged egg salad sandwich, but it is so good! Anthony Bourdain even featured it in his Japan write-up. I probably had at least 5 of them during my Japan trip.

Hopefully this Japan itinerary is helpful in planning your trip! It’s such an amazing country with so much to see and do.

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This post has 3 comments.

Wow what a great trip tokyo look amazing the city, hotel and the food everything look fantastic and i want to go go with you someday in the future.

You do not mention how you traveled from Hakone to Kyoto – I am trying to figure out the easiest and fastest way. Rest of the itinerary looks great. Thanks!

We took the bullet train direct from Hakone to Kyoto!

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7 Days in Japan: The ultimate itinerary for one week in Japan (+ downloadable 7-day Japan itinerary)

Only have one week in Japan? Make the most of it with this 7-day Japan itinerary for first timers.

Japan is the kind of country you could spend months – or years! – exploring.

It truly is unlike anywhere else in the world and its many faces leave every visitor in awe.

And, with so many different regions, Japan is a country of diverse experiences and unique destinations. 

If you only have 7 days in Japan, though, don’t worry! This easy-to-travel Asian country is perfect for a short trip, too.  

When you’re planning your trip to Japan , the new good news is you have a whole lot of amazing places and experiences to choose from.

No matter what your travel style is, t here are so many unique and interesting things to do in Japan , that you certainly won’t be bored!

The only tricky part will be narrowing down your options. There are so many things to do in Japan that it’s hard to choose between them!

Luckily, this 7-day Japan travel itinerary will help you maximise your time in Japan and see all the best bits in just seven days.

Are 7 days in Japan enough?

Flying to and from japan, the 7 days in japan itinerary at a glance, how much can you see during one week in japan, day 1: arrive in tokyo, day 2: take a day trip from tokyo, day 3: transfer to mount fuji, day 4: transfer to kyoto, day 5: visiting the famous fushimi inari shrine, day 6: get up early for arashiyama bamboo forest, day 7: explore osaka or head back to tokyo, essential japan (7 days), tokyo nights & kyoto temples (6 days), south japan express (6 days), while in tokyo, stay in shinjuku or shibuya, buy a 7-day jr rail pass, pack layers, carry an umbrella, stay near stations to save time, japan travel planning.

Just to let you know… This post (probably) contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links, and I may receive a small commission if you click one. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

First things first, if you’re only able to spend one week in Japan, you’re probably wondering if it’s enough.

Although 7 days in Japan isn’t enough to see more than a handful of Japan’s best bits , it’s more than enough time to get a solid insight into Japanese culture and all of its quirks.

And, when it comes to really getting a taste of a country, I’d argue that Japan is one of the best countries to travel to if you only have a week.

That’s because Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel around thanks to the shinkansen (Japan’s high-speed bullet train), which connects all of the country’s major cities via public transport.

Thanks to Japan’s amazing transport links, it’s very possible to explore Kyoto , Tokyo and more in just one week. 

You could easily make the 800-kilometre trip from Tokyo to Hokkaido if you wanted to!

With a Japan Rail Pass , you’ll be able to cover more ground than in almost any other country and will be able to squeeze in more than you think.

MUST-KNOW TIP: The Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass gives you access to the entire network of high-speed trains (and some non-high-speed local trains) across the country.

It will also save you a small fortune on the cost of travel in Japan!

It’s best to order your pass before you leave because it’s much cheaper than buying it once you arrive. Plus, it’s also much easier.

You can buy your pass on this official website and get free delivery to almost any country in 24-48 hours. If you prefer, you can also do as I did and pick your pass up when you arrive, but you’ll save time by getting it delivered.

How to plan one week in Japan

If you only have a week in Japan, using your time wisely is going to be crucial.

There’s simply too much to see and do in Japan to fit it all into one week. But you might be surprised by just how much you can do in Japan in 7 days.

If this is your first time in Japan , the Japan itinerary for 7 days below will give you a great insight into this unique part of Asia and show you some of the country’s highlights.

In order to see as much as possible, I’d recommend trying to fly into Tokyo, the capital of Japan, and out of Osaka (or vice versa).

When flying into Tokyo, Haneda airport is geographically closer to the city centre, but Narita airport (where most international flights land) is connected to Tokyo via the Narita Express.

You can use the Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass, as it’s often called) on this line – which is one more reason to get it delivered to your home !

Flying in and out of different airports will maximise your Japan travel time, but it’s not the end of the world if that isn’t possible.

After all, you’ll want to take the most convenient (or best value!) flight to Japan.

Insider travel tip

If you haven’t already booked your flights, I recommend using WayAway to find the best options. Not only do they aggregate the largest number of supplies and the best prices, but you can also get 10% cashback with a WayAway Plus membership!

WayAway Plus is one of my favourite travel hacks because you can save money on almost anything. You just use their search engine to find the best deals and get up to 10% of the cost back in cold hard cash (in your Paypal account).

I love it so much that I’ve teamed up with them to give Alajode readers an exclusive discount of 55% (less than $4 per month)! Sign up using this link and enter the code “ ALAJODE ” to save on your next travel bookings.

With a destination like Japan, you could save hundreds of dollars in just one trip.

If you plan to fly in and out of the same airport, you can adjust this Japan travel itinerary to fit your flights.  

The high-speed bullet trains mean you can travel between Tokyo and Osaka in less than three hours. So, the extra journey won’t steal too much of your time in Japan, but it’s always nice to reduce travel times (and stress) where possible!

With that in mind, I’ve planned this Japan travel itinerary to start in Tokyo and end in Osaka, but you could easily reverse the order and do it the other way around.

Or, you could tag the journey back to Tokyo on to the end to suit your own flights and preferences.

An adaptable Japan Itinerary for 7 Days in Japan

If you want to make the most of your 7 days in Japan, you will need to arrive prepared.

Even though I spent an entire month travelling in Japan, this 7-day Japan itinerary is based on my own experiences and recommendations. It contains the highlights you absolutely shouldn’t miss as well as some lesser-known surprises!

This is a completely self-guided itinerary, but I’ve included some 6- and 7-day Japan tour options if you prefer to have things organised for you (plus some tips on how to spend any extra time!) after the full itinerary below.

This Japan travel itinerary by no means covers all of the best things to do and see during your trip, but it’s a good start for your first time in Japan (or even your second, if you didn’t get to see much the first time around!).

It covers a fair amount of distance while wasting as little time as possible travelling.

The travel itinerary for 7 days in Japan looks like this:

• Day 2: Hitachi Seaside Park or Snow Monkeys
• Day 3: Tokyo and Mount Fuji
• Day 4: Mt. Fuji and Kyoto
• Day 5: Kyoto
• Day 6: Kyoto and Osaka
• Day 7: Osaka or Tokyo

I’ve tried to structure each day to maximise time while leaving enough wiggle room for spontaneity (and delays!). Therefore, you should still find it quite flexible and easy to adapt where needed.

Whether you spend one week in Japan or one year, it’s the kind of country where there will always be more to see.

My advice would be to not worry about missing things and enjoy the things you do see!

This 7-day Japan itinerary doesn’t include some of the most famous places in Japan, such as Hiroshima, Hakone or Kobe because there simply isn’t enough time to visit everywhere.

That said, it should be easy enough to switch one or two of the days if you do wish to visit any of these cities.

If you plan on venturing further afield or visiting the Hokkaido area , I’d recommend spending longer than one week in Japan.

In fact, I’d always recommend spending more than 7 days in Japan (if you can). But if that’s all you have, you’ll still be able to see the highlights with this one-week Japan itinerary.

How to spend 7 days in Japan: itinerary

This Japan itinerary fits in a lot of the best things in Japan in 7 days.

But don’t worry – there’s still a little time for spontaneity, flexibility or some much-needed downtime!

Sign up here to get your FREE downloadable Japan guide, including a 7-day Japan itinerary for a limited time (plus some bonus Japan travel tips)!

Ideally, you want to choose a flight that arrives into Tokyo in the early morning. Otherwise, consider adding an extra night and making day 1 your first full day.

That’s because there’s SO much to see in Tokyo that you could spend weeks here. Ideally you want at least 5 days in Tokyo to really explore.

Since we have limited time on this Japan itinerary, though, you’ll want to maximise one full day in the city.

To do this, b ook a hotel in either the Shinjuku or Shibuya district. Both neighbourhoods are centrally located, full or things to see and have great connections both within and out of Tokyo.

The Narita Express stops at both and is the best way to get from Narita International Airport to downtown Tokyo.

Stay somewhere central : The Bespoke Hotel in Shinjuku is perfectly located for exploring Tokyo and is super easy to get to – something to keep in mind when you only have 1 week in Japan. The staff also speak great English, so you can have a smooth and easy transition into Japan.

Try something new: Pod hotels are popular in Japan, and staying in one promises an authentic way to experience the city.   The Millennial Hotel  in Shibuya has both single sex and mixed pods. It even has “art capsules” if you fancy an upgrade and TV screens in some! 

Things to do in Tokyo

If you have a full day in Tokyo, you should be able to squeeze in all of these ideas.

However, if you have less time, it would be best to prioritise them just in case you can’t fit them in.

And, if you have any extra time at the end of your 7 days in Japan, consider saving one last Tokyo activity for then!

Head to Harajuku

Once you’ve checked in and freshened up, head to Harajuku .

Nestled between Shinjuku and Shibuya, it should be no more than a 30-minute walk from your hotel.

If you don’t fancy the walk, you can also take the metro to Harajuku station. Takeshita Street is right next to Harajuku station, so immerse yourself in the brightest, boldest part of Tokyo.

Tuck into an oversized, rainbow-coloured crepe or simply stare in awe as girls in brightly coloured outfits stroll pass, a candyfloss bigger than their heads in hand.

If you want to uncover the quirky area’s secrets, it’s worth joining a guided tour such as this one.

If you need a break from the crowds and colourful shops, take a caffeine break in Reissue Café . The only thing to order is a 3D latte.

This cute little bunny-loving café takes coffee art to a whole new level and you can order any picture you like as 2D or 3D coffee art – just show the waiter a photo on your phone.

1,000 Yen ($10) may sounds like a lot for a coffee, but once you see the coffee artist work his magic, it’ll feel like a great deal (even if it is too pretty to drink!).

Tuck into some Japanese food

Harajuku is a great place to stop for food, too.

One of the best things about Japan is that the quality of everything is very high, so you never have to worry about looking for a good restaurant.

Nearly every restaurant is a good restaurant!

There are lots of amazing Japanese foods , but the two you’ll probably eat most often are sushi and ramen – and Tokyo has plenty of both.

Sip on a drink in a tiny bar

Once you’ve had your first taste of Japanese food, head to Shinjuku to experience the unique Tokyo nightlife and unwind with a drink.

Even if you’re tired, you won’t want to miss this completely different side of Tokyo!

Golden Gai is a small area of even smaller bars, most of which can hold fewer than eight people.

It’s a really intimate way to relax and enjoy a local whiskey or beer, so step into a bar and get to know your waiter or your fellow patrons. You never know who you might meet!

If you want to learn more about this unique area of Tokyo, join a guided nightlife tour.

Other things to do in Tokyo:

Prefer a more structured travel style? Check out these Tokyo tours and activities:

• Try your hand at sushi-making
• Try different types of ramen while touring three distinctive Tokyo districts
• Ascend the tallest tower in Japan for an incredible view of Tokyo
• Visit the famous Tsukiji fish market and try local food
• Learn the art of sumo wrestling

There are loads of easy bullet train day trips from Tokyo with the JR pass , so make the most of it!

Japan is one of the easiest countries to travel around and, even though somewhere may look kind of far on the map, you can bet it’s surprisingly easy to get to.

Hitachi Seaside Park is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo as it’s just a short ride away. It’s a uniquely beautiful park where the flowers change with the seasons.

A bit like a changing piece of natural art.

If you don’t mind getting up a little earlier and travelling a little further, my number one recommendation would be to go and see the Japanese snow monkeys bathing in hot springs .

With only one day to fit in the trip, I recommend booking this guided tour from Nagano station. Then, you can use your JR Pass to get there, knowing there will be no additional cost or logistics to take care of.

And if you’re still suffering from jet lag or just want to spend more time in Tokyo, there are still plenty of things to do there in two days (just see the list above!).

Mount Fuji is on almost every visitor’s list when they travel to Japan – and for good reason.

And, if the 3,776 metre-high volcano isn’t enough of a draw, don’t worry. The number of things you can tick off your Japan bucket list while you’re there should be.

Jump on a bus from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station and you’ll arrive at Mount Fuji in around two hours.

The journey will cost around 1,750 Yen (around $15 USD) and is the best way to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji.

It’s best to book your bus ticket online to get the best price and avoid missing out on a seat.

It is possible to take a JR train to Hakone and Lake Ashi, but the bus is easiest and the most direct route.

If you only have 7 days in Japan, it’s a great way to save a little time, even if it does mean spending a little more money.

Mount Fuji is a great place to experience staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

Stay in a multi-purpose room with sliding doors and have an amazing night’s sleep on a floor mattress (way more comfy than it sounds, I promise!). 

Then, wake up to a view of the famous active volcano.

Staying in a ryokan can be a little pricey but it was definitely one of my highlights from my Japan trip. For me, it’s an absolute must if you only have one week in Japan. 

At Mount Fuji, you can also experience a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring). These natural baths are swimsuit-free zones open to the public and are still very common all over Japan.

Fuji Onsenji Yumedono offers the full ryokan experience complete with outdoor hot springs, traditional rooms and Japanese breakfast.

Or, check in to Koko Terrace for a unique glamping experience with unbeatable views.

Alternatively, you can visit Mount Fuji on a day trip and spend one more night in Tokyo. If so, just head straight to Kyoto tomorrow morning!

After enjoying a relaxing onsen and a restful night, wake up bright and early to watch the sunrise on Mount Fuji.

It’s possible to do a sunrise hike but, unless that’s top of your bucket list, I’d catch up on some sleep and watch the sunrise from the ground instead because it’s a VERY early start.

Just make sure you pack a camera so you can capture some beautiful photos , too!

After breakfast, it’s time to use the Japan Rail pass again. This time, take the Shinkansen Kodama bullet train from Shin-Fuji(Shizuoka) to Kyoto. 

When you arrive, check-in at a hotel in the Nijo area of town and drop off your bags. The Oumi Guest House combines traditional Japanese living with a warm family welcome for a comfortable and centrally located s tay.

If you prefer something more luxurious – or more budget-friendly – there are plenty of other options around this area.

Kyoto is a fairly large city but a lot of the best bits are within walking distance of the centre. From Nijo, it will be easy to explore.

Some of the best things to see in Kyoto include Toji temple, Kinkaku-ji temple, Maruyama Park and Nijojocho Park. Tickets for temples can be purchased at the entrance. Just be prepared for a short queue at times.

Spend the day discovering some of Kyoto’s temples and parks, then sample some of the local sushi and ramen houses when it’s time to eat. 

When the sun sets, don’t rush back to your hotel too quickly. Once night falls, there’s only one place to head: Gion.

While it’s possible to explore Kyoto’s geisha district independently, you’ll get much more out of your visit – and avoid getting lost! – with an official tour guide.

This walking tour offers the perfect introduction to Gion and its traditional buildings, or, for the full foodie experience, this tour includes some stops along the way to sample local street food.

There are lots of unique things to do in Kyoto at night , and you’ll see a totally different – yet equally authentic – side of this city once the sun goes down.

If there’s one photo you’ve seen of Kyoto, it’s almost definitely the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

This shrine of orange torii gates stretches 4km across Kyoto’s mountainside and has become a popular Instagram spot for tourists.

Despite its popularity on social media, however, it’s not as crowded – or hard to get your own shot – as you might think. And that’s mostly due to the sheer size of it.

Walking directly to the peak of the mountain will take you two hours. You might want to double that, though, to factor in some extra time for photo opportunities and stops. There are a lot of them!

You’ll probably want to spend some time taking in the views of Kyoto along the way, too.

I could have spent all day here – and next time I go back to Japan, I plan to. Even if you only have a week in Japan, I recommend doing the same.

There’s no need to hire a guide to fully appreciate the Fushimi Inari Shrine, but an audio tour will definitely help you appreciate everything you are seeing much more.

Or, if you want to get off the beaten path (literally), it’s possible to visit on a hiking adventure that takes you where most tourists don’t get to go!

The other classic Instagram shot from Kyoto is the Arashiyama bamboo forest.

Unlike the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which was much larger than we had anticipated, the bamboo forest is tiny.

Seriously – it’s nothing more than a single path surrounded by towering bamboo. That said, it’s still more than impressive enough to warrant a visit.

And an early visit, at that. If you really want to make the most of a visit to the Arashiyama bamboo forest, get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. It’s open 24 hours, after all.

I’d recommend hopping on the first train out of Kyoto and getting to the forest as close to sunrise as possible.

Not only will you have more chance of having it to yourself (yes, it is possible!) but you’ll be able to get some amazing photos.

After getting up early for the bamboo forest, you’ll have plenty of time left to explore for the rest of the day.

Other things to do in Kyoto:

Depending on how late you visit the bamboo forest, you should have almost a full day left to explore Kyoto.

Here are some great ways to spend that time in order to see the best parts of the city:

• Immerse yourself in local culinary culture with an izakaya cooking class
• If you’re visiting Japan in March or April , save some time to observe the cherry blossoms!
• Take a trip in the cable car to see the city from above
• Take a half-day trip to Nara and let the bowing deer who live there make you smile
• Learn about the history of the bullet train at the Railway Museum
• Take part in a traditional tea ceremony in kimono

Afternoon: Himeji and Osaka

After a couple of days based in Kyoto, pack your bags, check out of your Kyoto hotel and hop back on the JR train.

This time you’ll want to take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen to Himeji, a journey which takes just under two hours.

When you arrive at Himeji station, leave your suitcases in one of the lockers at the station and head directly out.

You won’t be able to miss the castle in the distance and you’ll be at its gates after a 15-20 walk. Allow around two hours to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Himeji castle grounds and, if you’re feeling active, climbing to the top.

Before you jump back on the bullet train, stop for some bullet train sushi at a restaurant called Rikimaru.

You’ll find it tucked away just outside Himeji station. Here, the sushi is delivered on a real train – a Shinkansen train! Prices are very reasonable, too.

After enjoying the bullet train sushi, it’s time to ride the bullet train yourself. Shin-Osaka station is just a 30-minute ride from Himeji – and that’s our stop for tonight. 

Check into a hotel near to the station. I enjoyed staying at t he Karaksa Hotel Grande , which is just 0.3 miles away and makes an ideal base for exploring Osaka.

Check out my full guide to where to stay in Osaka if you would like a little help making your decision.

If you arrive in time, Osaka is a great city to explore on an evening tour. This food-focused tour will show you the authentic city and give you a great taste of the city (both literally and metaphorically!) in one evening.

End the night with a trip to the Umeda Sky Building, where you can take the sky escalator. Here, you will enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Osaka’s bustling streets and lights from 173m above.

Buy your ticket online to save time and avoid long queues.

Depending on when – and where! – your flight departs, spend some time exploring Osaka or head back to Tokyo in time for take-off.

If you’re heading back to Tokyo, the Nozomi train takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo. There are also regular bullet trains between the two cities, but it’s best to book in advance to be safe.

If you have a whole day left to explore Osaka, why not try one of these easy day trips out of the city?

Or, if you’d rather take it easy, here are some of the best things to do in Osaka:

• Learn to cook your favourite Japanese dishes with a local mother
• Prefer eating? You’ll do plenty of that on this 2-hour market tour with food tastings
• If you didn’t get a chance to experience a tea ceremony in Kyoto, you can take part in one in Osaka
• Visit the unique teamLab Botanical Garden, which turns into an art gallery after dark
• Explore the city in an efficient and eco-friendly way with a bicycle tour

6- and 7- day Japan tours

The 7-day Japan itinerary above is fairly easy to plan by yourself.

However, if you prefer to have someone take care of everything and just show up, it’s also possible to follow a similar route on an organised tour.

I have only travelled independenty in Japan, but these are the tours that I would book if I were to do the trip on an organised tour:

This tour is the closest – that I can find! – to the itinerary I created above.

Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka, this Japan group tour includes all transport, accommodation and some meals. It’s an easy way to see some of the above sights without having to think or plan yourself.

The downside is that you won’t get to ride the shinkansen. If you have more time, though, that could be the perfect excuse to tag a trip to Hokkaido onto the end!

As the name suggests, this G Adventures tour focuses mostly on Japan’s current and former capital cities.

Since you’ll have a little longer in each, you’re sure to get a bigger dose of culture from each.

This short tour bypasses Mount Fuji, but will take you to a lesser-visited town in the Japanese Alps, Takayama.

Plus, if you have 7 days in Japan, this tour will allow at least one extra day for a day trip to Osaka, Nagano or somewhere else.

If seeing as much as possible is your priority, this 6-day tour squeezes in as much as is physically possible.

Once again, you won’t make it to Fuji, but you will make it to many other places including Hiroshima.

Expect to spend more time travelling on this tour, but rest assured you’re going to see a LOT of southern Japan.

Tips for spending one week in Japan

If you only have 7 days in Japan, you’ll want to make the most of them.

Here are some final tips to help you arrive prepared so you can enjoy your week in Japan to the full.

If this will be your first time visiting Japan, make sure you check out my post packed with 37 tips for your first trip to Japan for even more tips.

These are two of the best areas in Tokyo for tourists, with lots of restaurants, shops and things to see.

They’re also both centrally located with easy access to the JR train lines.

They’re also near the Narita Express train that runs between the airport and downtown Tokyo.

I know it might seem pricey, but I promise it will be worth it. Unless you want to spend the whole week in Tokyo, it will makes any day trips or travel to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond much cheaper.

Buy your Japan Rail pass before you go to save even more money (and lots of time!).

The weather in Japan can vary just as much as it does in the UK. Locals tend to dress in layers and it’s wise to do the same.

Pack a mix of loose-fitting but tailored trousers, smart jeans and tops/jumpers than you can layer. And don’t forget a waterproof jacket and a scarf!

It rained for about 4 of our 9 days while we were in Tokyo. Pack an umbrella if you can.

Most locals will carry a dome-shaped clear umbrella and you can pick up one of these from any convenience store if you prefer not to pack one.

When you only have 7 days in Japan, you don’t want to waste time travelling.

Japan’s cities are well-connected but large, and it can take a long time to travel between areas.

Staying somewhere central or near to a JR line station will help a lot, even if it does cost a little bit more.

Even though I found Japan surprisingly easy to travel, it still pays to be prepared.

In fact, it’s one country where you’ll really save yourself some time and money (not to mention stress!) by having as much prepped in advance as possible.

Here is a checklist of things to have prepared before you go:

Shinkansen Tickets

The Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer for anybody who wants to see more than one part of Japan.

Booking in advance is super simple – much simpler than buying in Japan – AND comes with free 24-48 hour delivery.

I booked through JRailPass.com and can’t recommend them more for their price, efficiency and customer service.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Travel Insurance

The good news: things generally run smoothly in Japan and, when they don’t, the healthcare is some of the best in the world.

The bad news: when things don’t go to plan, it can be very expensive.

That’s why travel insurance is a must in Japan.

Since moving to Portugal, I use and recommend True Traveller because they cover a wide range of activities and circumstances.

If you’re resident outside of Europe, EKTA travel insurance offers affordable, transparent and extensive coverage all over the world.

WiFi/Sim Card

Getting a sim card in Japan is tricky (and expensive!). Unfortunately, I waited until I was there and learned the hard way, so I highly recommend arranging your WiFi situation before you go.

The best way to stay connected while travelling Japan is with an eSim that you can use right away or this local sim with unlimited data that you can pick up on arrival.

Save on flights to Japan

Did you know that you can save up to 10% on flights with a cashback service?

With WayAway Plus , you can find the cheapest flights, transfers and other travel services and receive part of your purchase back in cash. It goes straight to your Paypal account!

I use WayAway to book all my flights so that I can save extra and have secured an exclusive discount for Alajode readers to do the same.

Use this link and the code ‘ALAJODE’ to save a massive 55% on your yearly membership plan and start saving. That mean you’ll get up to 10% off all travel services for less than $4 per month. In just one trip to Japan, that could save you hundreds of dollars!

Not only does a VPN help protect you and your data while travelling, it can also help you access geo-locked content.

That’s something that comes in really handy in a place like Japan, especially if you don’t speak the local language!

NordVPN is the one I use and trust, and currently has this great deal available.

Airport Transfers

If you’ll be arriving late or staying somewhere fairly remote, consider booking an airport transfer on arrival.

This will take a whole lot of stress out of an already confusing situation when you land in Japan, especially after a long flight.

I’ve found this website has the best prices and the widest availability (sometimes in places where there aren’t even taxis!).

About Jodie Marie Dewberry

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

4 thoughts on “7 Days in Japan: The ultimate itinerary for one week in Japan (+ downloadable 7-day Japan itinerary)”

What about the money ???

Day 4, which station from Mt Fuji (assuming lake kawaguchi) to Kyoto?

Hi Khari, sorry I missed that out! You should take the Shinkansen Kodama bullet train from Shin-Fuji(Shizuoka) to Kyoto.

very nice place and recommended to visit

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Planning a Japan Vacation? Try this 7-day Japan Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to Japan? Most people dream of taking a Japan vacation at some point in their life. It’s an intriguing destination, full of sumptuous food and drinks , mesmerizing landscapes, and incredible sights.

The only thing holding you back from traveling to Japan is probably the daunting task of creating the perfect Japan travel itinerary. We understand. That’s why we’ve taken the fear out of it for you by creating a perfect 7-day Japan itinerary that you can follow or use to plan your own trip.

» Check out these 10 cities to visit in Japan and these 10 Popular Japanese Drinks You Must Try .

For decades, the island nation of Japan has been a favorite Asia travel destination . From amazing Zen temples to those beautiful cherry blossoms , Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest part is just fitting it all in.

This itinerary includes many of the top things you’ll want to see and do in Japan – including Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka . You can see a lot in 7 days in Japan.

It might sound overwhelming to do so much in so little time, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’ll see below how the trip flows from one location to the next very easily.

Planning Your Japan Trip?

Buy flights. We recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to find the best flight deals. Check out our guide to finding the best airfare for additional tips.

Get your Japan Rail Pass. You can buy it online here

Hotels See all hotel options

• In Tokyo: The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
• In Kyoto: ACE Hotel Kyoto
• In Osaka: Intercontinental Osaka

Best Tours to Book

• Fully escorted 8-day Intro to Japan tour
• Private Custom Tour: Tokyo in a Day
• Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Table of Contents

Japan Itineraries

If you have longer to spend in Japan, you can expand this itinerary to any length you wish.

• We have a 7-day itinerary and a 2-week Japan itinerary so you can choose which length of trip suits you best.
• If you will only be visiting Tokyo, here’s a shortened 3-day itinerary for Tokyo .
• Want to add more days outside of Tokyo? Here’s a 3-day Kyoto itinerary and a 2-day Osaka itinerary .

Tours to Take

How to plan a vacation in japan.

Japan consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. Together the islands take the shape of a sea horse and occupy an area of 377,435 square kms.

Tokyo, the capital city, is very modern and bustling with activity, so when you travel to Tokyo, be ready for crowds.

The landscape of Japan, away from the big cities, is mountainous with spectacular scenery; some of the mountains are volcanic. As you travel between cities, you’ll pass through this beautiful countryside.

Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and is known for its symmetrical slopes and gorgeous views from surrounding areas. You can hike and take tours all around this area.

Best Time To Visit Japan

The first step in planning a Japan vacation is deciding when to go. As with most places, there isn’t a “best” time to go to Japan. You can go whenever the mood strikes you. Japan really is a year-round travel destination.

However, there are certainly “better” times to go. It’s important to know the country’s seasons and when they occur during the year, so you can avoid the intense heat or snow.

The islands of Japan lie in the northeastern end of the monsoon area. The climate is generally mild, although it varies considerably from place to place as you travel through Japan. That means you may need to plan for all types of weather conditions.

Late spring (March to May) and late autumn (September to November) are generally the best times to visit Japan because spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year with balmy days and bright sunshine.

During these months, there is very little rainfall, there are many sunny days, and the temperatures are mild.

• Spring is cherry blossom season. This is considered high season in Japan. The weather tends to be mild and nice from late March to May.
• In autumn, the leaves are changing color and the resulting scenery is nothing short of amazing.
• In summer in Japan it gets very hot and humid. It’s also a very busy high season for Japan, so you’ll be fighting crowds and you’ll pay more for accommodations. Try to avoid traveling in July and August.
• In winter, December to February, there will be less tourists so the prices are lower and it’s easier to get in to top attractions. Japan can also be very beautiful in the snow.

Getting to Japan

Many top airlines have direct flights into Japan. Top Japan airlines include ANA and Japan Airlines, but you can fly to Japan with most U.S. airlines that fly internationally, like United and American.

Something to consider, which will help maximize your time in the country, is to fly into one city and out of another, such as flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka.

Doing this will save time and money. Once you arrive at the airport (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major airports) there is a convenient train that takes you into the city center.

• In Tokyo, that train is called the JR Narita Express. A one-way journey takes about an hour and costs approx. 3000 yen. You can use the Japan Rail Pass for this train.
• In Osaka, rapid trains take you from the airport to Tennoji Station within 50 minutes for appox. 1060 yen, and to Osaka Station within 70 minutes for approx. 1190 yen.
• In Kyoto, the Limited Express Haruka train will take you to Osaka airport in about 75 minutes.

Tipping in Japan

If you’re from the United States , Canada, or another country where tipping is customary, you should be aware that tipping in Japan  is not  customary.

If you do try to tip, in a restaurant or a hotel for instance, it might even be refused or considered rude. To avoid awkwardness, follow the Japanese custom and do not tip.

Top Japan Destinations

There are many unique and interesting places to visit in Japan. Of course it’s not possible to visit them all in just seven days, so this itinerary covers the top three places to visit.

If you have a bit more time, you can include more top Japan destinations in your itinerary. Each has its own special things to see and do. A few that we particular love are:

• Iriomote Island

If you’re not keen to travel on your own, there are many tour agencies that provide tours to these cities. However, it is very easy to travel around Japan via high-speed Shinkansen bullet train, so organizing your own trip isn’t out of the question.

Top Things to Do in Japan

There are so many incredibly unique things to do in Japan … that can only be done in Japan. These are the things you should focus on while you’re there, to soak up as much of the culture as possible.

• Seeing the temples in  Kyoto , including the famous orange gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Temple).
• Staying the night in a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan.
• Soaking in a communal onsen (traditional hot springs). Hakone is known for its many onsens and its fantastic views of Mount Fuji. Also try Nozawa onsens.
• Exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.
• Eating  sushi , ramen, gyoza and many other delicious things in  Tokyo.
• Touring  Hiroshima’s  Peace Memorial Park & Museum.
• Trying real Kobe beef in  Kobe.
• Seeing the cherry blossoms.
• Trying Japanese sake at a brewery.
• Walking through the  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest .
• Catching a glimpse of  Mount Fuji .
• Visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in  Nagano .
• Feeding the deer at  Nara  Park.
• Hiking to the Great Buddha of  Kamakura .
• Try izakayas (Japanese taverns) – a truly local experience. ( Pro Tip : If you want to enjoy Japanese hidden Izakaya food and drinks, Magical Trip will help you navigate through their favorite izakaya bars on Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour with an awesome local guide.

How to Get Around in Japan

The best way to travel around Japan in by train. You’ll want to purchase a 7-day  Japan Rail Pass . The pass allows you to travel on all JR trains throughout Japan, including the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days.

It’s the most economical and worry-free way to travel, if you’ll be visiting multiple destinations, as this itinerary suggests.

Travel in Japan is not cheap and the cost of buying individual tickets will far exceed the cost of the Japan Rail Pass. Just remember , it’s best/easiest to purchase the pass before entering the country. You’ll need to do this in advance so it has time to be delivered to you.

Read our guide on where to buy a Japan Rail Pass and to see if it’s worth it for your trip.

When planning your Japan itinerary, you’ll need to be sure to leave plenty of time between destinations for travel. The trains in Japan are fast, but travel still eats up a lot of time.

Keep in mind the distance between each destination when making your itinerary; for instance, the train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3 hours, 15 minutes. You’ll also need to factor in the time it takes to get to the train station, get on the train, etc.

The good news is that as long as there is a train linking each of your chosen cities, you’ll be able to easily travel around the country.

How to Plan a Trip

Option 1: go on a guided japan tour.

Sometimes it’s easier to go on a guided tour of Japan rather than plan your own trip. Guided tours are a great way to experience a country you’re not completely comfortable in. Also the language barrier in Japan can be quite daunting.

Japan & More 8-Day Intro to Japan Tour (Fully-Escorted)

Japan and More offers a fully escorted 8-day Intro to Japan tour that takes you to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. They also have longer trip itineraries: For more information, check out Japan and More’s website. You’ll get $100 off the cost of your tour by using our coupon code.

Japan and More is run by Japan travel specialists, Becki and Shawn, who have over 20 years of experience living, working, and traveling in Japan. They know where to go, what to see, and how to get there.

The reason we recommend Japan and More is because they are Americans who know Japan really well, understand the culture, and speak the language. They take care of every detail for you, from planning straight on to answering all your questions.

These tours book up fast because spaces are limited. They keep group sizes small to make sure everyone gets individual attention. So it’s best to secure your place as soon as possible.

Not sure? Read this review by someone who’s taken a trip with Japan & More.

Option 2: Plan Your Own Self-Guided Trip

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll have no problem planning your own Japan travel itinerary and getting around on your own. Sure, there is often a language barrier to deal with, but it’s nothing a savvy traveler can’t handle.

If you’d like to put together your own self-guided trip, we’ve got a 7-day itinerary that ticks all the boxes you’re probably looking to do with a week in Japan. It includes Tokyo, Hakone/Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka.

Option 3: Get Planning Help From a Local

Quick. check these necessities off your prep list.

• There’s no one-size-fits-all travel insurance . Get a personalized quote from Yonder .
• The right luggage can make or break your trip. These hard-sided suitcases make traveling a breeze.
• Find your rental car on DiscoverCars.com . They search all major rental companies to find the best deal.

How to Spend One Week in Japan

Day 1-2: tokyo.

What To Do in Tokyo

While you could easily spend 7 or more days just in Tokyo, you’ll have to do the abbreviated version in order to see more of the country.

We recommend following this 3-day Tokyo itinerary . You can mix and match what you do, to suit your interests.

Top things to see in Tokyo include:

• Tokyo Skytree
• Tsukiji Outer Market (read more about it here )
• Shibuya Crossing at Shibuya Station
• Meiji Jingu Shrine
• The Imperial Palace East Gardens
• Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple

We also recommend participating in a tea ceremony , going on an Izakaya food tour , and taking a cooking class .

You’ll definitely want to indulge in some ramen, which can be found in abundance at Tokyo Station Ramen Street.

How to Get to Tokyo

Tokyo has two airports – Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. Narita is for international flights and Haneda is for domestic flights and a few international flights.

The JR Narita Express train is the fastest option for getting to the city center. It goes to JR Shinjuku Station, JR Tokyo Station, JR Ikebukuro Station, JR Shinagawa and JR Yokohama Station. Follow the signs in the terminal to the train.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it for this train. If you don’t, you can purchase a ticket for around 3310 yen. The journeys is about 50 minutes to get to Tokyo station.

From there, you can buy another ticket to take one of the inner city lines to your hotel.

The Airport Limousine Bus is another option, and probably the most convenient. The ticket desk is straight ahead as you leave the arrivals area. The bus stops are just outside the terminal building.

You can go to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Disneyland and major hotels, and they leave every fifteen minutes. A ticket costs 3000 yen, and the journey is 1.5 hours.

Once you arrive, you’ll want to use the HyperDia app to figure out your train travel within Tokyo. It displays detailed timetable and compares routes and prices. It’s available for both iphone and android.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

There are so many great places to stay throughout the city. Check out our complete guide with our recommendations . We’ve given 9 great places throughout the city.

If I had to choose one place, I would recommend the The Strings by Intercontinental Tokyo . It’s a really large hotel with nice rooms, located in Shinagawa, which is really close to shopping, eating and transportation.

⇒  Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

Find a Hotel in Tokyo

Best tours to book in tokyo.

Whenever I’m planning my own trip, I go to Viator and see what type of tours I can book to add to my itinerary. You can do all of these things on your own, but it’s always better with a local guide.

• Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
• Small-Group Tokyo Biking Tour

If you have extra time:

• Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone

Day 3: Hakone

What to Do in Hakone

The major reason people come to this area is for Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, two very beautiful natural highlights of the area. Hakone is also famous for its traditional hot springs ( onsen ) and Ryokan.

This is the place to go if you want to experience these hot baths. The onsens are separated by gender and are a “no bathing suit” style traditional bath.  Here are a few things you’ll want to do in Hakone:

• Take the cable car to see Mt. Fuji
• Hakone open-air museum
• Hakone Yumoto hot springs
• Owakudani – an active volcano

How to Get To Hakone

Hakone and Mt. Fuji are very close together, and they are on the way from Tokyo to Kyoto, so it’s a stop that most travelers make.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, hop on the Shinkansen – on the Tokaido line – from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Odawara. Be sure to check the stops on the train you’re getting on to make sure they stop in Odawara.

If you’re not using a rail pass, the quickest direct route to Hakone from Tokyo is on the Odakyu Electric Railway Romancecar. You will depart from Shinjuku Station and arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station in 1.5 hours.

A ticket costs 2,080 yen, including the limited express surcharge. Be sure you only get on the romancecars, as the others require a transfer.

If you’re going to be using transportation in and around Hakone for at least 2 days, the Hakone Freepass is a good idea. You buy it at Shinjuku for the train ride, and it also can be used on the Hakone Tozan Line trains, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the Hakone Tozan Ropeway, and buses. It’s valid for two days and costs 5,140 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children.

Where to Stay in Hakone

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is within walking distance of the cable car that takes you toward Mt. Fuji. The hotel has very nice, classy rooms, with great views. 

⇒ Read reviews on Trip Advisor .

We also recommend Hakone Mount View for a traditional Japanese ryokan experience with nice accommodations and good food. They have a rare volcanic hot spring called Nigori-yu – a fun and unique experience, especially for couples. 

Tours to Book in Hakone

• Hakone Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
• Hakone Onsen Experience, Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum Tour

Day 4: Kyoto

How to Get To Kyoto

You will leave from Odawara Station and continue on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line to Kyoto Station. This is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. It takes about 3:15 to get there.

The best way to get around Kyoto is by using public transportation, You can get a Icoca card, which is accepted on most trains and buses around the city.

If you’re going to be traveling around a lot in a day, consider getting a 1-day pass that will save you money. Most tourists won’t travel around enough to make this worth it, however.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

We recommend the  Hyatt Regency , because it has a reliable standard for Western accommodations, however it’s not as close to the main sights as we’d like to be.

We found it more convenient to stay near Kyoto Station, since everywhere we visited we needed to go in and out of there. Our preferred hotel is the Hotel Granvia Kyoto .

What to See in Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its temples, Kaiseki cuisine, and even tofu, so this is an excellent place to spend a few days immersed in a fascinating culture.

You’ll want to see the temples of Kyoto, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Golden Temple, visit Nishiki Market, see the geishas walking around the city center, and eat a wonderful meal.

Another way to experience the cuisine is to take a cooking class. AirKitchen matches you with dozens of locals who will show you the ins and outs of Japanese cooking in their own kitchen.

Here’s a 3-day Kyoto itinerary that will get you to all the major sights in the city. If you have more time to spend, expand your trip with these day trips from Kyoto .

Tours to Book in Kyoto

• Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour
• Private Geisha district tour “Explore Gion, the Geisha world”
• Traditional Tea Ceremony wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA
• Kyoto Samurai Experience
• Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto

If you’re happy to keep hanging out in Kyoto, you can spend the full day there following our 3-day itinerary .

Another option is to take a JR train to Nara Park to feed the roaming deer, see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, and one of the tallest pagodas in Japan. You can easily spend a full day in the Nara area, or split the time between the Kyoto and Nara.

In the evening, take the JR train onward to Osaka, so you can get an early start in Osaka the next morning.

Day 6: Osaka

What to do in osaka.

Osaka is a lively port city packed with interesting architecture, an incredible street food scene, buzzing nightlife, and cherry-blossom trees that bring color to the city in the spring.

We have a 2-day Osaka itinerary that you’ll want to follow to be sure you see it all. Here are some top sights to see in Osaka:

• Osaka Castle and Park
• Shopping in Shinsaibashi
• Osaka Aquarium
• Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Omeda Sky Building
• Universal Studios Osaka
• Shinsekai shopping area

Be sure to visit Dotonbori Street to try all the Japanese specialties, like okonomiyaki and takoyaki. It’s best after 8pm, when the street gets packed with people and becomes exciting.

If you have time, also visit the food-focused Kuromon Ichiba Market.

How to Get To Osaka

There are many routes you can take on the train to get from Kyoto to Osaka. Take a look at this article for more guidance on your particular situation.

If you have a JR pass, you’ll want to take the super fast Shinkansen train from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka. It takes just 12 minutes. If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can take the Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line to Shin-Osaka for a third of the price in 23 minutes.

Since it doesn’t take long to make this transfer, we recommend doing the transfer in the evening and staying overnight in Osaka, so you can get an early start on your sightseeing in Osaka.

Where to Stay in Osaka

One of my favorite hotels is the  Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel . It is conveniently located for transportation, so you can easily get around to the top sights in Osaka and beyond. It’s got an insane view and really comfortable rooms.

⇒ Read reviews of the Osaka Marriott on Trip Advisor .

Tours to Book in Osaka

• Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours
• Osaka Food Tour (10 Delicious Dishes at 5 hidden Eateries)
• Osaka Walking Tour
• Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

Day 7: Kobe

How to Get To Kobe

From Osaka-Umeda stations, take the Hanshin or Kobe line to Kobe-Sannomiya station. It takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the train type. 

The city of Kobe is rather large and there are a few things to see. You can visit the Kobe Harborland for shopping, restaurants and bars. We spent our day in Kobe having a really amazing lunch at a Kobe beef restaurant, which was very much worth it.

Then we transferred to Kobe’s Nada district where you find all the sake breweries. Many of the breweries offer tours and tastings and they are all reachable by train and on foot. See this post for information how how to visit the breweries.

Unfortunately, this is the end of your trip. You can fly out or take the train back to Tokyo from Osaka or Kobe. It will take around 5 hours total time to get back to Tokyo, so be sure to plan that into your itinerary.

There are many ways to experience and enjoy your Japan vacation. Building your own itinerary is the only way to ensure you see and do the things you’ve always wanted to do in Japan.

Rest assured that this 7-day Japan itinerary will take you to some of the top places to visit in Japan, and will prepare you for a second visit.

Where to Buy Japan Rail Pass and Is It Worth It?

Guide to Eating Sushi in Japan: Etiquette & More

8 of the Best Day Trips from Tokyo

How to Make Japanese Gyoza (Pan-Fried Dumplings)

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

10 Popular Japanese Drinks You Must Try

10 Best Cities to Visit in Japan

How to Travel in Japan on the Cheap

How to Spend 3 days in Kyoto, Japan

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

51 thoughts on “ Planning a Japan Vacation? Try this 7-day Japan Itinerary ”

Very good tips. I have been to Japan in the past for 8 days. I spent most of my time in Tokyo, Kamakura and Kyoto. I would definitely come back to experience an Onsen and go to Osaka

Hi.. Trying to go in November. I will be there for 7 days or so. My question is how many days did you stay in each city? 🙂 I appreciate your answer

Love this detailed, straightforward guide for planning. I haven’t been to Japan yet, but this is the exact kind of guide I look for to help get my travel planning off the ground regardless of location. I’d love to see Japan in different seasons. The cherry blossoms are so iconic, but the fall colors must be amazing.

Thanks Jackie! I often find it so difficult to get all the basic info in one place, without having to visit 9 blogs to piece it all together. I hope its useful for just that reason.

Great tips. With our impending move to China (we’ll get over there eventually…looking like first week of May now. Visa paperwork is a nightmare!), we can’t wait to have easy access to Japan, a country we have yet to visit! It is a culture I find fascinating and a food scene that I have yet to explore in person. Can’t wait!

You’ll have ample opportunity to explore Japan, once you’re in China. Jealous! I hope your paperworking is over soon and you can get to the fun part!

I just recently spent a couple of hours on a layover in Japan and was blown away by the beauty of the place. I promised myself to go back very soon. This 7-day itinerary sounds like perfect especially the food. Fresh seafood, kobe beef, and more. Great guide and will keep it in mind for an upcoming trip.

It is certainly a fun place to explore. I hope you’re able to get back there soon, Rosemary.

I have no idea why my comment was erased and an address popped in, so I’ll try this again. (Weird.) What I said originally was that I’ve been to Tokyo a couple of times but hadn’t had a chance to explore beyond that. Hot springs, Kyoto and Mt Fuji would be top on my list. Thanks for the travel ideas.

I’ve noticed this happening, Carol. Thanks for typing out your comment a second time. It’s definitely worth it to go back again and explore a little beyond Tokyo.

I’m deeply impressed not only with the beauty of Japan but also with the well-mannered locals it has! Beautiful! Xx

Thanks for this Japan itinerary – this amazing country has been on my list for ages. Now the spring is coming, so I am sure all the blossoms bust be amazing around there. Is it true that Tokyo is much more amazing than Tokyo?

Hey Veronika. This week (end of March, beginning of April) is usually the best time to see the blossoms in Japan. I’m sure you meant another city in that last question, but I’m not sure which one. I personally love Tokyo, but each city has its own unique charm.

Nice and compact itinerary , this one. The tips are really useful for people like who are yet to go to Japan. Especially the one about not tipping. During travels we are so used to tipping everywhere .

I agree, we are so used to tipping, we try to do it everywhere.

Just wondering if you have a ballpark estimate on how much this 7 day itinerary would end up costing if followed exactly? Like hotels and rail passes and such?

Hi Nina, I’d say the full itinerary would cost somewhere in the range of $3500, but it really depends on which hotels you choose and where you’re eating.

kindly send me japan holiday package for 10 days with complete details

The itinerary sounds perfect! My only worry is transportation. Is it common for hotels to offer shuttle rides to airports and vice vera? I also noticed that JR Train offers different passes based on regions, which do you recommend for this itinerary? Is there an extra charge to bring luggage? Do taxi cabs have set rates or is easier to get around by foot near the hotels you suggested?

Nelly, it’s always best to take public transport where you’re going throughout Japan. While it’s possible to take a taxi (if you have trouble walking), it’s best to just take the train or walk. There are local trains everywhere that will take you to the airport. If you stay in a central hotel (the ones I’ve listed) you won’t have to walk far to catch the train to the airport. If you’re traveling throughout Japan, you want the main JR pass, so it can be used everywhere (though there are a few trains it doesn’t cover – none of the ones I mention). There isn’t an extra charge for luggage on the train (unless you have a LOT of luggage).

How could I arrange this to land and depart from Tokyo? I’m also a backpacker so luxury hotels aren’t my thing but getting some sleep and showering is. Is there a link to the 10 day itinerary? Do these trains run overnight as well?

Mario, here is the link for the 10-14 day itinerary: https://www.savoredjourneys.com/destinations/italy-travel-guide/ You will see in that itinerary how you can circle back to Tokyo. And yes, some of the trains run overnight. You just have to check the schedule.

Hi ..we are planning to visit OSaka and Kyto during golden week. Is it advisable? or should we move the dates?

Hi Prakash. I think it depends on your tolerance for crowds. Prices will be higher and it can be difficult to get reservations, but mostly everything will still be open, just possibly super busy and crowded. If it’s possible to move your dates, I would consider doing it. Why contend with the crowds if you can choose not to.

Thanks for this website. You have lots of useful information. We will be traveling to Japan on the 27th of October this year and I cannot wait. We will be bringing my MIL and FIL. They are up in age. Late 70’s. Do you think an all day trip to Kyoto would be too much for them?

Thank you, Sharon Texas

Hi Sharon. I don’t think a day trip to Kyoto would be too much for them – but it does require a bit of walking. Would depend if they’re still able to get around easily. I’m sure you’ll all love Kyoto.

nice information

can you help me for the itinerary travelling with kids ages 7 and 8. we plan to travel on april 2019. our main attraction is universal studio..we only have limited time 7 nights 6 days to be in exact. highly appreciated if you can help me. thanks in advance

Wow! This itinerary blows me away. I’m planning to go in autumn this year (2019), and I’m contemplating which month is best. In any case, I think I will definitely try out this itinerary when I go. However, I have a question. If you had to guess, how much would one need to save or have to complete this itinerary of yours, not including the flight to and from Japan? I’m thinking about the price of the trains, hotel, the cultural landmarks, and more.

Costs depend a lot on what level of comfort you’re seeking. A rail pass starts at around $250 for 7 days and you can get everywhere in the itinerary with it. Hotels or hostels can be as low as $20/day. Many of the cultural landmarks are free to see. Some have small entrance fees, so maybe $100 total for that.

Hi. We are planning a 8 days/9 nights trip to japan mid April this year for a family of 5 (kids 9,12,15). After much thinking I came with this itinerary. Do you think is doable or too much? 2 nights Tokyo, 2 nights Takayama, 3 nights kyoto (with day visit to Osaka), 1 night Hakone, last night at Tokyo to flight back the following afternoon. Not sure if Takayama is too ambitious but it looks lovely. Any advice would be much appreciated!! Thank you

Hi Patti. Takayama does add quite a bit of train travel to your itinerary, it takes about 5 hours. If you already know what you want to do there and it’s of importance to you, I don’t think it’s too much. But if you’re ambivalent at all, I would spend an extra day in Tokyo and an extra day in Kyoto (for a visit to Nara).

Hi Laura, great to read all the comments. We’re planning a trip to Japan in May 2019 starting and finishing in Tokyo for 8 nights. The planned itinerary is: 1 night Tokyo, 2 nights Hiroshima, 2 nights Kyoto and back for 3 nights in Tokyo buying a JR pass. Is this doable in the short period time frame? Any suggestions?

Hi Daniel. That plan is definitely doable. It’ll give you some time to see each location, you’ll just have to be judicious about how you spend your time at each. Be sure to go in with a planned itinerary.

Hi, thank you so much so all the great insights. We are planning to go to Japan end of June/July 2019 for 9 days 8 nights. In/out of Tokyo. Our wish list would be Tokyo, Mt. Fuji (climbing would be amazing), Kyoto and Sapporo lavender visit. Please advise how best we can do all this with our limited time or should be cut something out. Sincerely appreciate your help. Thanks so much.

Amanda, I definitely think you can do all of those places in 9 days. You can follow our itinerary, but you’d want to start in Sapporo, then Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto. You can save time by flying between Sapporo and Tokyo.

I love your itinerary. I’m going to do this trip over US Thanksgiving. How do I do your itinerary and add Hiroshima? I will be in Japan for close to nine days. Thank you!

Hi Hildie, The best way to add Hiroshima to this itinerary is to go there after Osaka. If you don’t have time, you can skip Kobe and just take the train from osaka to Hiroshima. It’s a 2 1/2 hour train from Osaka station to Hiroshima station on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi.

Hi Laura, very impressive itinerary, planning trip to Japan mid January 2020, flying in and out of Narita, looking for 6-7 days itinerary with interest in Tokyo, hakone and koyto mainly for first time travel, can you guide me please Thanks

Sudha, you can mix and match the itinerary however it suits you. You can get the train to each of these places, so just adjust the itinerary to fit your needs. We also have a 14-day itinerary (the link is in this post) that can give you more info on other places you might want to include.

Hi… We are planning a trip this year towards the end of May with our parents for 8 days and following your tips. Thanks for piling it all up at one place. We were thinking of skipping Hiroshima… You think its ok to do that?

Definitely, it will still be a very full and enjoyable trip without the stop at Hiroshima. Enjoy!

Hi Laura, some great ideas here, thanks. one question, we would like to visit either Nagasaki or Hiroshima but haven’t time for both, which would you recommend? thanks Steve

I would personally visit Hiroshima. It’s close to Miyajima, which is a major attraction in the area, and the memorial museum is bigger, plus it’s much closer to Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto, so might be easier to fit into your plans.

Hi, I am considering a trip to Japan and am currently trying to decide how to go about doing so. This is the best information I have found so far, but I am still unsure about accommodations. Do you stay in a hotel in Tokyo, then travel and come back every day? Or stay at each destination you visit?

Kelsey, you can go as far as Mt Fuji in a day trip but any further you would want to leave your hotel in Tokyo and stay at a hotel in the new destination, like Kyoto or Osaka, for instance. They are too far away to come back. We give recommendations for where to stay in each of those places.

Hello! Great details! Was wondering if it would be advisable to purchase the Rail tickets for a party of 5 when we will only be staying for 6 days and focus on Tokyo and Kyoto attractions? I already purchased a prepaid taxi to and from airport to our hotels so wasn’t sure if we could still maximize the use of the rail tickets given those 2 locations only? Thank you for your help!

I wouldn’t buy a rail ticket if you will only be going to Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s not worth it. You can just buy one way tickets between them for cheaper.

Hello Ms. Laura, I want to visit Japan along with my Parents, They are old and cannot walk for long distance. Can you help me to plan an itinerary for 7 days. Can you also suggest a travel agent for me to plan and arrange everything in advance.

Hi Kumar. You will definitely want to work closely with a travel agent to make sure getting around isn’t a problem. You might consider Japan and More https://japanandmore.com/. We’ve worked with them for a long time. They’re very good.

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• Travel Resources

4 Best Japan 7-Day Itinerary Suggestions For First Timers (2024 Guide)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Looking for the best Japan 7-day itinerary suggestions? You came to the right place.

Japan is one of the most exciting places to travel to.  

With the combination of history, culture, and awesome new technology, Japan is right up there on the list of every kind of traveler. 

Are you planning a trip to Japan and having trouble figuring out your Japan itinerary? We can’t blame you. 

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide how many different cities to try and visit, which cities to visit, which attractions to prioritize, and more. 

Here we share an overview of the best 7 days Japan itineraries.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Having a Japan Rail Pass is often the cheapest way to travel around Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Insider tip:  Is this your first Japan trip and are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about planning this trip, what to see, and what to do in Japan? Check out our  Japan travel planner.  This document will help you plan your trip smoothly. 

Best 7-day Japan Itinerary Suggestions

As already mentioned, here we have some of the best Japan 7-day itineraries to help you out. 

Planning a trip to Japan can be quite a daunting task, especially for first-time visitors.  

Our 7-day Japan itineraries will help you narrow down the best way to see and enjoy Japan in just one week.   

Option 1: Spend 7 days in Tokyo

Our first itinerary option appears the simplest – a full 7 days in Tokyo – but it will be anything but bland. 

There are plenty of things to see in Tokyo. There’s plenty of food to try, and new experiences to unlock. This 7-day Tokyo Japan itinerary will surely cover so much.

This option also eliminates the need for long-distance travel between various cities. So, no multiple check-in and check-outs for different accommodations. 

But what to do during those 7 days? Here are our recommendations.  

Start out strong by visiting some of the most well-known districts in Japan with Shinjuku. 

This is a very popular metropolitan area and is ideal for your first day in Japan. 

Visit the impressive and futuristic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and observe the city from one of its multiple observation decks.

You can also spend time in the massive Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo’s largest park and popular picnic spot.

This is also one of the best places to watch the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

How to Get There

Shinjuku-gyoenmae subway station is about 5 minutes away from the Shinjuku entrance. 

Shinjuku Gyoen garden is also within walking distance of the large central Shinjuku station where both JR lines, as well as the metro (Tokyo Metro and Toei lines), stop.

Best Japan Travel Apps for a Stress-Free trip.

Kabukicho and Golden Gai

Kabukicho and Golden Gai are both strong contenders for the evening with Golden Gai being well-known as the home of unique, small, sometimes exclusive bars and eateries.

This is highly recommended as a place to visit to experience authentic Japanese hospitality.

Kabukicho is generally considered one of the top nightlife areas in Tokyo with a wide array of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and everything in between. 

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Piss Alley. Strolling through these 2 narrow alleys next to Shinjuku station will give you the feeling you are in a Japanese mafia movie.

Shinjuku station is the closest station to Kabuchiko.  It is served by several JR lines and both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines.

Piss Alley is really close to the West Exit of Shinjuku train station.  The two alleys run parallel to the tracks.  You will see the entrance on your right if you face the Shinjuku Dai-Guard train bridge. 

Shibuya 

From here we recommend Shibuya, home to the world-famous scramble crossing.

It is also home to the statue of Hachiko, a dog loved by the entire nation and a representation of loyalty.

There are a number of buildings around the scramble crossing from which you can look down and people-watch.

The most popular of these is the Starbucks overlooking the crossing.

A more pricey but quieter option is the L’Occitane café opposite.

From here we can move on to Harajuku, Tokyo’s pop culture capital.

Takeshita Street is the famous ‘kawaii’ center of Tokyo with plenty of brightly-colored fashion shops, foods (rainbow fairy floss is the current favorite), and more.

If you prefer a more high-end, designer style, Omotesando is just outside of Takeshita St and is home to a number of designer brand flagship stores.

Harajuku is also ideally located to walk through Yoyogi Park and Meiji-jingu Shrine.

Meji-jingu Shrine is one of the largest shrines in Tokyo despite being one of the newer shrines.

It is surrounded by a large forest and Yoyogi Park, which is great for wandering through as it is regularly populated by dancers, musicians, and more.  

Shibuya station is right underneath this crossing.  Take the Hachiko exit.

A common recommendation of where to go in Tokyo from Japanese people is Asakusa.

This area is home to the very impressive Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo.

This is also the location of the Kaminarimon Gate, the extremely large lantern gate which appears in many iconic Tokyo photos.

The temple is surrounded by a number of shopping streets.

Many of these shops sell traditional street foods, while others sell various souvenirs.

Due to this being a touristy area, this isn’t the best place to buy souvenirs as the prices tend to be higher than you find in other areas.

Take the Ginza or Asakusa metro line to Asakusa station.  It’s a short 2-minute walk from the station to the entrance gate of the Nakamise shopping street.

After the hustle and bustle of the crowds around Asakusa, Ueno Park is an ideal way to relax and enjoy the greenery.

If you’re interested in zoos, Ueno Park also houses Ueno Zoo , home to some of the few pandas in Japan.

There are also a number of museums in Ueno Park, such as the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and more.

However, if you’re not interested in zoos or museums, don’t worry because Ueno Park still has plenty to offer.

Tokyo Skytree is a great way to end the day with panoramic views over the Tokyo night sky.

There are two main observation decks to choose from in Skytree.  

Note that the lines are often very long so we recommend you book skip-the-line tickets. These are currently cheaper when bought in advance than on-site.

Check prices and availability: Tokyo Skytree Tickets

Ueno station is a major hub of JR and is also served by the Ginza and Hibiya metro lines.

Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea

At this point, you might be ready for something a bit different.

Here is where we take what is technically a day trip from Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney consists of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea but is actually located in the neighboring prefecture of Chiba.

Tokyo Disneyland is similar to many other Disneyland parks, with a few unique Japanese quirks, while Disney Sea is larger and more catered to an adult audience.

Whether you choose to visit just one or both parks, Disney makes for a big day out.  

Take the JR Keiyo or JR Musashino lines to Maihama Station. This is fully covered by the  Japan Rail Pass .  At Maihama station you can change to the Monorail that will take you to the entrance of Disneyland or DisneySea.

Check prices and availability: Disney Tickets

Note that the Monorail is not included in the price of your entrance ticket and is only free for overnight guests to the park. You can also walk from the JR station to the entrance of the parks.  For Disneyland, this would be the best option as the entrance is really close by and only a 5-minute hike.  DisneySea would approximately be a 15-minute hike.

Private transfers  are also available for those who are looking for a comfortable ride to and from Disneyland or DisneySea .

If anime or manga is part of your motivation to visit Japan, you will likely be interested in visiting Akihabara, an area often considered the heart of anime/manga culture in Japan.

This area is home to many shops, big and small, providing all types of anime and manga goods you can imagine.

Even for those not interested in anime or manga, just seeing the sheer variety can be interesting.

Akihabara is also known as Electric City due to the many electronics stores in the area.

While this reputation was gained in the 90s, there are still a good number of these electronics shops around.

This is ideal for anyone interested in the latest electronic gadgets, or for anyone interested in just browsing and seeing some unique niche electronic items.

It is easy to spend an entire day shopping around Akihabara, but if you’re looking to move, the Imperial Palace is a great next stop.

Take the JR train to Akihabara station.

This station is also served by the Hibiya metro line.

Imperial Palace

A short train ride and a 10-minute walk bring you to the Imperial Palace and its amazing gardens.

The East Gardens, Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and the Kitanomaru Gardens are open year-round and provide a welcome respite into nature in the busy city.

The inner grounds are only open to the public during cherry blossom season and select other dates.  

For an exploration of various parts of Japanese history, a visit to the Japanese Sword Museum is a great choice.

Sword-making, and as an extension knife-making, is a proud Japanese tradition and a good sword or knife is considered the work of a craftsman.

Learning about the skill and techniques needed to create these swords is an interesting experience. This is also close to the sumo area of Tokyo, Ryogoku.

Take the JR train to Tokyo station.

This station is also served by the Marunouchi metro line.

Sumo Wrestling, Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium & Edo-Tokyo Museum

If you are in town during the sumo season – January, May, and September – you can easily book tickets to watch a sumo match at the traditional Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium.

When and where to buy tickets

Tickets for grand tournaments  go on sale at least a month in advance and you can buy them online.  

Keep in mind that sumo tickets are not cheap and if you don’t want to end up in nosebleed seats you might need to dig deep in your pocket, but if you can swing it, you won’t want to miss watching sumo in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. 

If you will not be traveling to Japan while there is a professional tournament, some sumo stables (houses where wrestlers train and live together) allow visits to view  their morning practice sessions.

The sumo stadium is easy to reach, especially if you are using the JR line.  JR has a station right at the entrance of the stadium, the Ryoguku station.

You can also get there with the Oedo subway line.  The station is also named after the stadium, it is also really close by, but requires a slightly longer walk.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Next to this stadium is the Edo-Tokyo Museum, another interesting and unique museum.

This museum focuses on the Edo Period of Japan (the 1600s to mid-1800s) but does feature some exhibits closer to the modern-day.

The exhibits are designed to be engaging and interesting in an entertaining way, rather than statically sitting behind glass.

These engaging exhibits, along with the helpful and informative guides make this museum a must-see if you are interested in Japanese history and a great visit even for beginners to Japanese history.  

The museum is right next to the stadium.

Take the JR or Oedo line to the Ryoguku station.

Studio Ghibli Museum

For lovers of Studio Ghibli films, the Studio Ghibli Museum in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka is a must-visit.

This museum commemorates everything about the whimsical, charming films of Hayao Miyazaki with a range of interesting exhibits.

Original works that have never been published are displayed, along with early drafts of some of Miyazaki’s most famous works.

There is also an on-site café and shop.

However, the museum has a number of rules, one of which is no photos.

When googling this museum, you can only find official photos.

This isn’t for copyright reasons, but rather to maintain the wonder of seeing the art and exhibits for the first time for all visitors.

It is very popular so tickets are only sold in advance and they are sold months in advance, so you need to be very organized about buying tickets for this museum.

From Shinjuku station: Take the JR Chuo Line to the JR Mitaka station.

From the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Museum.

Gotokuji Temple

Another flight of whimsy is Gotokuji Temple or the lucky cat shrine.

This shrine is littered with hundreds, if not thousands of ‘maneki-neko’ or lucky cats. It is said to be the birthplace of the very popular figure of the lucky cat.

This shrine is often quiet, making it ideal for avoiding crowds, but it is also one of the more unique shrines in Tokyo.

The temple is located in the area of Setagaya.

From Shinjuku station, it is a 15-minute train ride and a 10-minute walk to the shrine.  

Tokyo Travel Tips

Tokyo is full of interesting and unique ways to learn about Japan and its culture, as well as fun experiences to have regardless of your interests.

Tokyo itineraries

For more details about some of these locations as well as some further suggestions, see our Tokyo itinerary posts:

• 4 days in Tokyo
• 5 days in Tokyo
• 7 days in Tokyo

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku is a great place to stay for first-timers.

• Luxury Hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Premium Comfortable Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
• Comfortable Hotel: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Here is an overview of the best areas to stay in Tokyo.

If you prefer staying in an Airbnb or vacation rental, check out these posts:

• Best Airbnb in Tokyo
• Best Airbnb in Tokyo for families

If you are looking for something special, check out this list of cool hotels in Tokyo.

For those that prefer staying in a ryokan with a private onsen in Tokyo, check out this post.

Public Transport in Tokyo

Looking for the best way to travel around Tokyo? Check out this post in which we share the different possibilities.

Wondering what else Tokyo is famous for, click here. 

Option 2: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki

Day 1-2: osaka.

Osaka is generally considered the second most popular and famous city, ranking second to Tokyo.

Osaka is home to a wide range of attractions, both old and new, combining to form a unique atmosphere.

Two days is usually enough to see the top sights of Osaka without feeling too rushed.

Some of these sights include Osaka Castle, the pride and joy of Osaka. Osaka Castle was first built in 1583, but has since been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

It now houses a small museum that provides some relevant history as well as genuine artifacts.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is surrounded by Osaka Castle Park, a beautiful sweeping park with many picnic spots, flower viewing areas, and more.

One of the best gardens in Osaka Castle Park is Nishinomaru Garden, which is adjacent to Osaka Castle.

This garden is beautiful year-round, but especially in Spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming.

The nearest subway station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station. 

You can get there with both the Tanimachi Subway Line and the Chuo Subway Line.

If you come by train you need to head to the Osakajokoen station which is conveniently located on the Osaka loop line served by JR.

Kuromon Ichiba Market and Namba

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a great place to stop for a walking lunch.

It is a historic marketplace that has been servicing Osaka restaurants and consumers for 150 years.

This is a great place to try various Osaka delicacies, such as Takoyaki or okonomiyaki.

From here, it is a short 10-minute walk to Namba where you can enjoy the lively and energetic atmosphere of Osaka.

Close to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s most popular landmarks, and Shinsaibashi, one of the best shopping streets to explore, this area is ideal for spending an afternoon and evening.  

Best Osaka Food tours

The closest metro station is Nippombashi Station. From this station take Exit 2, and walk for about 2 minutes, veering to the left, and you’ll be at the market.

The fastest option from Osaka Castle would be to first take the Tanimachi line at Tanimachiyonchome station and change for the Sen-Nichimae line at Tanimachikyuchome station.

The closest JR station is JR Namba station, it’s the terminal of the Yamatoji line.  Leaving Osaka Castle you take the JR Loop Line in Osakajokoen station towards Tennoji station. 

You can change trains at Tennoji station or any of the subsequent stations. From Tennoji station onwards until Imamiya Station both trains stop at all stations.

Osaka Aquarium, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Sky Building, and Shinsekai

Osaka aquarium.

For the second day, we recommend visiting the Osaka Aquarium.

The Osaka Aquarium is very popular among domestic tourists due to its variety of fish and marine wildlife.

With 15 different tanks representing different habitats around the Pacific Rim, it is a great way to both learn about the surrounding marine areas and enjoy the beautiful wildlife.

The Osaka Aquarium is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line (take exit 1).

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

It is also close to Tempozan Ferris Wheel, once the largest Ferris wheel in the world and still in the top 25.

This Ferris wheel offers amazing views over Osaka and is a great way to finish off a visit to the aquarium.

Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line (take exit 1 or 2).

Umeda Sky Building

For more spectacular views, we recommend visiting the Umeda Sky Building, home to a Floating Garden Observatory and unique futuristic design.

The futuristic building is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka station. 

The observatory offers 360-degree views from the open-air deck and windows of the 39 th floor.

Osaka station, the main JR hub in central Osaka, is the closest JR station.  7 JR lines stop at this station including the Osaka loop line, the Hida line, and the Hamakaze line.  

The closest subway station is Umeda Station on the Midosuji line.

In contrast with the futuristic Sky Building, the retro district of Shinsekai is a must-visit.

Largely untouched since the mid-20 th Century, Shinsekai offers a step back in time to nostalgic, retro Japan.

It is also home to Tsutenkaku Tower, once the tallest tower in Asia, and modeled after the Eiffel Tower.

Tsutenkaku has 3 observation decks at different heights.

For more details about our recommendation in Osaka, check out our 2-day Osaka itinerary here.

If you have only one day in Osaka, click here.

Day 3: Make a Day Trip from Osaka

One of the best things about Osaka is how centrally located it is within the Kansai area.  

This makes it ideal to use as a base for day trips to nearby cities that don’t require a longer visit. Here we have some of the top day trips to take from Osaka.  

When talking about day trips from Osaka, Nara often tops the list.

This historic city was once the capital of Japan, before the Kyoto period. There are many famous temples and shrines of great historical significance in the area.

Nowadays, Nara is perhaps more well-known for the deer which roam freely through the city.

They largely converge on Nara Park, which is conveniently close to many of the most famous temples, such as Todaiji and Kofukuji.

The deer are wild, but are accustomed to people and will approach people to beg for food. Vendors throughout the park sell deer cookies that you can feed to the deer.

Nara Park and the surrounding temples are a unique and interesting experience and are located just 30-40 minutes outside of Osaka.

For more information on day trips in Nara, see our previous post here .  

If you have a Japan Rail pass, you can use the JR Yamatoji line. The trajectory is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass, as well as the Kansai area pass, and takes about 50 minutes.

If you don’t have a JR Pass you might prefer the Kintetsu Nara Line.  The Rapid Express Kintetsu train reaches Nara in only 39 minutes and the Kintetsu station is more centrally located in Nara.

Kintetsu has a faster limited express train but it costs twice as much and it only saves you 5 minutes.

The Kintetsu trains leave from Osaka Namba station.

Tickets for the JR trains ( without having the JR pass) as well as the Kintetsu trains are 810 yen.

Kobe is perhaps most well-known globally for Kobe beef, a very high grade of Wagyu beef.

However, there is much more to see and do in this interesting port city in West Japan. 

Things to do in Kobe

Kobe is one of Japan’s largest port cities and has a long and international history.

It is home to one of Osaka’s largest Chinatowns, and exploring this area can be a great experience, especially if it is around Lunar New Year or another Chinese festival.

This is an ideal opportunity to take a break from Japanese food and experience some Chinese cuisine or the unique Chinese-Japanese fusion that is often served in these areas.

Ikuta Shrine

If you’re looking to experience some more Japanese culture, Ikuta Shrine is just a 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. This is one of the largest and most well-known shrines in Kobe.

It has ongoing popularity, partly due to its specialty in love and marriage wishes.

Mt. Rokko Or Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

For some more nature, Mt. Rokko or Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are great options.

Mt Rokko is located just outside the city and can be ascended either by a short cable car or a few hours of hiking. The top of the mountain offers beautiful views over Kobe and the port.

There is also a garden to stroll through at the top, as well as a café to enjoy.

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is located closer to Shin-Kobe station and offers a more European atmosphere.

This is also at the top of a mountain, with a ropeway providing access.

Throughout the area, there are various motifs of different European countries and styles.

For example, the “Welcome Garden” is designed around Wartburg Castle, a traditional German castle.

This is a unique way to explore some of Kobe’s international past. Visiting Kobe can be a relaxing experience after the crowds and fast-paced energy of Osaka.  

How to Get to Kobe

Kobe is located in the neighboring prefecture to Osaka and is easily accessible by train.

If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can take a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe in just 12 minutes.

If you are traveling without the JR Rail Pass, or just want to take a more local train, it is just 22 minutes from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station (a central Kobe station) on the Special Rapid train. 

Kurashiki is an often under-appreciated small city located a short distance outside the city of Okayama.

Sometimes called the “Venice of Japan”, it is hard to see why so many people skip this treasure of a town. 

Things to do in Kurashiki

Despite being a fairly small city, there is still a plethora of things to enjoy in Kurashiki.

The nickname, “the Venice of Japan”, largely comes from the canal area of the town, which dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).

These canals are meticulously maintained, as are the beautiful willow trees which line the canals.

There are a number of traditional buildings in this area that have also been carefully preserved as an homage to traditional architecture and culture.

Many of the buildings were once rice storehouses, as Kurashiki was a key rice distribution center but now serve as museums, traditional displays, teahouses, and more.

Strolling through these traditional streets, and exploring the various museums is a great way to have a quiet yet informative morning.

One of these museums, the Ohara Museum, is quite extraordinary as it houses a large collection of artworks from famous Western artists, such as Picasso, Cezanne, Monet, and El Greco.

The Japan Rural Toy Museum is another unique museum, displaying Japanese toys and cultural artifacts dating from the 1600s through to the 1980s.  

How to get to Kurashiki

Kurashiki is a small city outside of Okayama so the best way to get there is via the Shinkansen to Okayama and then a local train to Kurashiki.

This trip will take about 1.5 hours.

It is also possible to travel on local trains only, however, this will take longer. 

If you are still looking for an alternative day trip out of Osaka, check out our previous list of Osaka day trips .  

Osaka Travel Tips

Itineraries

Here you can find our Osaka itineraries:

• 2 days in Osaka
• 1 day in Osaka
• Best things to do in Osaka at night

Where to Stay

• Where to stay in Osaka
• Best Ryokans in Osaka with Private Onsen
• Best Ryokans in Osaka
• Coolest hotels in Osaka
• Best Airbnb in Osaka
• Best Capsule Hotels in Osaka

Public Transport

Here you can find all info on getting to Osaka.

Here you can find more information on getting around in Osaka.

Day 4-5: Kyoto

Kyoto is known as the traditional and cultural center of Japan and with thousands of shrines and temples to choose from, organizing just a few days can be a daunting task.

We have a number of recommendations to make sure you see the top sights while also getting off the beaten path for some hidden gems.

Kyoto is very large and the sights are spread all throughout the city, meaning it is necessary to arrange your days by district or proximity.

For this reason, we start at Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, and then center the rest of the first day’s activities around Arashiyama.

Kinkakuji is one of the most famous spots in Kyoto, and with its distinctive gold-leaf coating, it’s easy to see why.

The beautiful gold of the temple, the surrounding scenery, the lake, and cultural significance all add to the atmosphere.

However, as this is so popular, it is often very crowded.

Therefore, it is best to get to Kinkakuji early and then move on.

From here, we go to Arashiyama.

In Arashiyama, there is the ever-popular bamboo forest (and a slightly less popular, but just as beautiful one).

Togetsukyo Bridge is another very distinctive sight and is especially popular in autumn when the changing foliage provides a beautiful backdrop.

When walking through the main bamboo forest, you can find Tenryuji temple, the main temple of Arashiyama.

This temple has an amazing walking garden which is ideal for taking a break from the crowds in the bamboo forest.

At the top of the mountain is Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe and buy food for native monkeys.

Near here is Saga Toriimoto Street, a street of traditional houses and businesses.

From Saga Toriimoto, you can easily walk to Adashi no Nenbutsuji Temple and Otagi Nenbutusji Temple, two quiet and peaceful temples.

Adashi no Nenbutsuji has its own mini bamboo grove which is just as beautiful as the larger bamboo forest, and it’s better for photos as there are usually very few or no people around.  

Getting to Arashiyama from the Kinkakuji temple

To get to Arashiyama from the Kinkakuji temple you first  take bus 205  from Kinkakuji-Michi to Kitano-Hakubaicho.  (3 stops) Here you change for the Keifuku Randen Tram Line towards Arashiyama.  You will need to change trams in Katabiranotsuji.

The tram line  is the fastest option to get to Arashiyama but is not covered in the city subway and bus passes mentioned earlier in this article.

If you have a city subway and bus pass or city bus pass you could alternatively  take bus 205  to Nishinokyo-Enmachi (6 stops) where you change for bus 93 to Arashiyama. (18 stops).

Getting to Arashiyama from the Kyoto station

Holders of a  JR pass  are best off taking the JR Sagano Line (JR San-in line) to Saga-Arashiyama station.  The route is completely covered by the JR pass.

Alternative options are offered by the private rail companies  Keifuku railways and Hankyu railways.   These trains leave from other stations relatively close to Kyoto Station.  These are private companies so they don’t accept the JR Pass.

Keifuku trains leave from Omiya station, 30 minutes north of Tokyo station, or from Kitanohakubaicho Station which is still further north.  

The Hankyu trains for Arashiyama leave from Katsura station, west of Kyoto station.  If you’re staying in central Kyoto you can take a Hankyu train at any of the stations along the Hankyu Kyoto line and change trains at Katsura station.

Fushimini Inari Taisha Shrine

On the second day in Kyoto, you can start with an early morning in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

This is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines in Japan and is home to thousands of tori gates.

You can also skip ahead to Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second stop on the JR Nara line starting from Kyoto Station (5 minutes, 140 yen one way from  Kyoto Station , not served by  rapid trains ). The shrine can also be reached after a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line.

Ginkakuji is often seen as the sister temple to Kinkakuji, but it is subtle and subdued whereas Kinkakuji is bright and flashy.

Ginkakuji is well-known for its sand gardens, moon-viewing area, and commitment to Buddhist design ideals.

From here we move to the Philosopher’s Path, a very popular walking path along the Biwa canals.

This area is especially popular in Spring when cherry blossoms bloom all along the path creating a pink canopy.

Take the Kyoto City Bus No.101, 102, 204 or 205 from Kyoto Station to the Kinkakuji Michi bus stop.

Take the Kyoto City Bus No.12, No.59 to the Kinkakuji Mae bus stop.

Nanzenji Temple

We then come to Nanzenji Temple, one of the most important Zen Buddhism temples in Japan.

Soon after Nanzenji Temple is Chionin Temple, well-known for its enormous sanmon gate at 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide.

This is next to the beautiful Maruyama Park and close to Yasaka Shrine.

Soon after this is the Higashiyama historic district, an area full of traditional architecture, teahouses, museums, and more.

It is also close to Kiyomizudera, another of the top temples of Kyoto.

The nearest subway station is Keage Station on the Tozai Line.

You could also take the bus from Kyoto station to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop. From here it is a 5-10 minute walk.

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera is famous for its entirely wooden construction, and large viewing platform over the amazing scenery.

We finish the time in Kyoto by exploring the traditional geisha district of Gion.

Kyoto is an amazing city full of famous sites and hidden treasures. For more information on our recommendations, please see our Kyoto itinerary here.  

Take the Keihan Railway Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. From there it is a 20-minute walk.

Take bus #100 or #206 from Kyoto station to Gojo-Zaka or Kiyomizu-Michi bus stop. Walk 10 minutes uphill to the temple.

Kyoto Travel Tips

Kyoto itineraries

• The best Kyoto 2-day itinerary
• What to do in Kyoto at night
• Things to do in Gion at night

Where to Stay in Kyoto

• Where to stay in Kyoto
• Best Kyoto Ryokans
• Best Ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen
• 15 of the coolest hotels in Kyoto
• How to find the best Airbnb in Kyoto

How to Get to Kyoto

Here is more information on How to get to Kyoto .

Here is more information on traveling around Kyoto.

Day 6: Hiroshima

Hiroshima is commonly known as the site of the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan at the end of World War II.

While this event was terrible, the city has used its tragic history to rebuild and create a city that is all about celebrating peace.

Many of the top places to visit in Hiroshima are related to the atomic bomb or WWII, but they are all unique and the various monuments provide an opportunity to reflect on our history.

The best way to start is with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This large park is home to a number of memorial spots and is close to others.

The park is also beautiful for just strolling through and enjoying the calm, relaxing gardens. In the center is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

The museum is carefully arranged to truly communicate the devastation that occurred during the bombing of Hiroshima.

This is done through projections, timelines, exhibits, and genuine historical artifacts.

There are also personal accounts of normal citizens of the day and the rebuilding of the city afterward.

National Peace Memorial Hall

After walking through the park you will find the National Peace Memorial Hall, which houses the names and photographs of all the victims of the atomic bomb, along with accounts from survivors.

Memorial Cenotaph and Flame of Peace

This is right next to the Memorial Cenotaph, a unique monument carefully placed so you can see the Flame of Peace when looking from one end and the A-bomb dome when looking from the other.

The Cenotaph also has the names of all victims engraved on it.

Children’s Peace Monuments

When walking on from the Cenotaph and Flame of Peace, you will find the Children’s Peace Monument, built in memorial of the children who suffered during the bombing of Hiroshima.

It was also built using funds raised by students, both in Japan and internationally.

A-Bomb Dome

Across the river from the Memorial Peace Park is the A-bomb dome, a building that is often considered a miracle of the bombing.

Located right at the center of the blast, half of the building was destroyed but half remained fully intact.

Some see this as representative of Hiroshima, damaged but not destroyed by the bombing.

About 15 minutes from the A-bomb dome is Hiroshima Castle.

Hiroshima Castle

The current castle is a reconstruction as the original was destroyed in the bombing.

The castle houses a museum and balcony on the top level. A short walk from Hiroshima Castle is Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful walking garden.

This garden is like an oasis in the city, with its lovely landscapes, pond, and carefully created scenery.

Car fans may also want to fit in a visit to the Mazda museum to learn more about the history and future of the famous car manufacturer.

For more information about our recommendations in Hiroshima, see our previous post here.  

Day 7: Nagasaki

Nagasaki is similar to Hiroshima in that it is the location of the second atomic bomb in Japan, yet is very different in the rest of its history.

The city is also home to a Peace Park and Museum, yet they are quite different from Hiroshima’s.

Nagasaki Peace Park

The Peace Park in Nagasaki is arranged in two sections.

The Memorial Park features the Peace Fountain and Peace Statue.

It is also located next to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

This museum also exhibits artifacts from the day of the bombing, true accounts of survivors, timelines up to the day of the bombing, the day itself, the aftermath, and more.

However, if you feel you got enough from the Hiroshima locations, it is fine to skip the Nagasaki locations.

Nagasaki is one of the more international cities in Japan, as it was once one of the only ports that foreign ships could come to.

For this reason, there is a large and lively Chinatown in Nagasaki which is great to explore.

Kofuku-ji Temple

About 10 minutes from Chinatown is Kofuku-ji Temple, an Obaku Zen temple, also designed in a very architecturally Chinese way.

This makes it quite unique among the standard Japanese designs, and well worth a visit.

Dejima, the area traditionally used by Dutch and Portuguese traders, has also been well-preserved and functions as a sort of museum of the Dutch trade with Japan.

This is located about 15 minutes by walking or 5 minutes by bus from Kofuku-ji Temple.

Mount Inasa

Mount Inasa, a small mountain on the western side of the city, is ideal for panoramic views over the city. It is accessible by a scenic ropeway and is popular for night views over the city.

Mt Inasa is about 15 minutes by bus from Dejima. For more recommendations on what to do in Nagasaki, see our previous post here.   

Option 3: Tokyo, Yudanaka, Kanazawa, Hakone, Tokyo

Day 1 arrive in tokyo and travel to yudanaka-day 2: yudanaka  .

The first day of this itinerary is largely a traveling day as it encompasses both arriving in Tokyo and traveling on to Yudanaka.  

Things to do Yudanaka

Snow monkeys.

The name Yudanaka may not be well-known, but the images of snow monkeys relaxing in warm onsens are very famous and Yudanaka is the location to visit to see these for yourself.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to a number of wild Japanese Macaques as well as some hot springs.

During the winter, the monkeys like to use the hot springs just as humans do, to relax and warm up.

The monkeys are accustomed to humans, meaning visitors can get reasonably close without scaring the monkeys away.  

This area is also home to a number of onsens and onsen towns, which are ideal for warming up yourself after a day out watching the monkeys.

One of the most popular is Shibu Onsen, a small hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere.

There are nine public hot springs located around the town and you can easily wander from one to another.

To see more about our stay in Yudanaka, check out our post here.   

How to get to Yudanaka

If you are traveling by train from Tokyo, it is best to travel directly from Tokyo to Nagano by the shinkansen, then change to a local train to get to Yudanaka.

This will take 2-3 hours, depending on which trains you take. It is important to note that the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka is not covered by the JR Rail Pass.  

Day 3-4: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is often referred to as “Little Kyoto” due to the many shrines, temples, historic areas, teahouses, and more, and the similar traditional atmosphere to Kyoto.

However, it has a quieter, more relaxed feel as there are fewer people and fewer crowds.

Kanazawa is home to one of Japan’s top 3 gardens, Kenrokuen. Kenrokuen was designed to be beautiful regardless of the season, with a variety of features that can shine in different seasons.

This is located close to Kanazawa Castle, the historical home of the Maeda Clan, a significant part of Japanese history.

When exploring Kanazawa, you can’t miss the Higashi-chaya district, a historical teahouse district with many traditional teahouses still in business, about a 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Castle.

Some teahouses and traditional houses in the area now function as small museums or displays of traditional culture.

Exploring this area is a unique and interesting way to learn more about Japanese culture.

For more ideas of things to do and see in Kanazawa, see our Kanazawa itinerary here.  

Wondering where to stay in Kanazawa? Check out our overview of the best ryokans in Kanazawa.

Day 5-6: Hakone  

Hakone is a famous hot spring town, well-known for its gorgeous hot springs and amazing views of Mt. Fuji.

The Hakone-Yumoto area has a wide variety of onsens, but there are onsens located all throughout the Hakone area.

Lake Ashi is beautiful to visit to enjoy the natural scenery, views of Mt. Fuji, and its scenic ropeway.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is also a unique location, with a variety of unique, modern art exhibits located throughout the natural landscape.

Hakone Shrine is ideal to visit to get the postcard-perfect floating tori gate photo. For more suggestions on what to do in Hakone, see our previous post here.   

How to get there   

Hakone is located in Kanagawa and so the best way to get there from Kanazawa is through Tokyo.

This requires taking a shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo, then changing to Odawara Station. Finally, you will need to take a bus from Odawara Station.  

Hakone Travel Tips

Hakone Itinerary

• Best Hakone day trip

Where to Stay in Hakone

• Best Ryokan in Hakone with Private Onsen
• Best Airbnb in Hakone

How to Get to Hakone

Here is more info on how to get to Hakone.

Day 7: Back to Tokyo

After a long week exploring various parts of Japan, we now head back to Tokyo.

For the final day in Tokyo, there are multiple ways to organize the day.

One option is simply to choose any of the days from our 7-day Tokyo option and slot it into the final day here.

Alternatively, you can start the day in Shibuya to see the famous scramble crossing and Hachiko statue before moving on to Harajuku to explore the craziness of Takeshita St and have a relaxing morning tea or lunch at a stylish café on Omotesando.  

In the afternoon, you could either explore Ueno Park and its many museums, landscaped gardens, temples, and zoo.

If you want to stay with the city atmosphere, travel a few stops along the Yamanote line to Akihabara to wander through the anime and manga goods stores and the electronics shops.  

How to get to Tokyo:  

To return to Tokyo from Hakone, there are a few options.

You can return to Odawara and then take either a Shinkansen or a local express train back to Tokyo.

However, depending on where in Hakone you are staying, it may be best to take a train from the local station, such as Hakone-Yumoto Station.  

Option 4: Osaka, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka

Day 1: osaka.

Our fourth option starts in Osaka.

The lively energy of this vibrant city is ideal for starting a trip on the right foot.

Whether it’s shopping in Shinsaibashi, exploring counter-culture shops in Americamura, visiting Osaka Castle, or even relaxing at the multilevel super-sent SpaWorld, Osaka is an ideal starting spot.

For more suggestions, see our 1-day Osaka itinerary here . 

Day 2-3: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is perfect for exploring traditional Japanese culture, architecture, and more.

From Kanazawa Castle to the Nagamachi Samurai District, home to many samurai families during the feudal era of Japan and currently home to a number of small museums, Kanazawa has something for everyone.

Omicho Market, one of the best fresh seafood markets due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, is also a must-visit, especially to taste the amazing seafood dishes prepared fresh on-site.

For more places to go in Kanazawa, please see our Kanazawa itinerary.   

How to Get from Osaka to Kanazawa

The fastest and most direct route from Osaka to Kanazawa is via the Thunderbird Limited Express train from Shin-Osaka station. This takes about 2.5 hrs.  

Day 4-5 Takayama and Shirakawa-go  

Takayama is a great place to visit to experience traditional Japanese design and culture.

Hida Folk Village

Hida Folk Village is a collection of around 30 traditional houses from Edo Period Japan, relocated from the Hida region to Takayama in the 1970s.

The ‘village’ is really an open-air museum, with various houses containing information about different aspects of traditional Japanese culture, daily life, and other interesting features.

Visitors are also able to look inside the houses to get an even better idea of how life in those times worked.  

The Old Town

Takayama also has a well-preserved ‘Old Town’, where a number of houses, businesses, and entire streets have been preserved in their Edo Period style.

Sannomachi Street is perhaps the most well-known in this area due to its well-maintained traditional atmosphere.

There are many businesses in this area that have been operating for centuries.

A number of the houses operate as small museums or display houses showing traditional houses as they would have been during the Edo Period.

To see more about our visit to Takayama, see our previous post here .  

Shirakawa-go  

Shirakawa-go is a traditional village close to Takayama.

Throughout the village, you can see over 100 traditional “gassho-zukuri” houses.

The difference between these houses and the ones in the Takayama Hida Folk Village is that these houses are still in use.

The residents of Shirakawa-go live a fairly traditional existence, with some modern amenities, of course.

This makes it one of the most authentic ways to experience traditional Japan. There are also no other villages like it, making it truly unique.

Shirakwa-go is located an easy 50-minute bus ride from Takayama.  

Day 6-7: Kyoto  

Many first-time visitors to Japan have Kyoto as one of the must-sees, so we’ve added Kyoto to this itinerary.

Well-known for its famous temples, shrines, and castles, it is no wonder that Kyoto continues to be one of the top tourist destinations in Japan.

Whether you prefer the gentle calm of the smaller temples, such as Adashi no Nenbutsuji or Otagi Nenbutsuji, or the bigger, more distinctive features of some of the more famous sites like Kinkakuji or Fushimi Inari Shrine, there is something to entertain and excite everyone in Kyoto.

For more ideas on what to do in Kyoto, see our more extensive Kyoto itinerary here.  

We end this option in Osaka to best access the international airport in Kansai (KIX).  

How to get from Takayama to Kyoto  

From Takayama Station, you can take a Limited Express train to Nagoya Station.

At this point, you can change to Shinkansen directly to Kyoto. This journey takes about 3.5 hours.  

Japan Travel Tips

Here we answer the most common questions you may have.

Are 7 days Enough for Japan?  

7 days is a good amount of time for the first visit to Japan.

While you won’t be able to see and do everything, it is long enough to get a good variety of experiences without getting overwhelmed.

It will also help you to plan a follow-up visit if you want to see more of Japan. 

Is it Worth Going to Japan for a Week?  

It is absolutely worth going to Japan for a week.

While a week can seem short, if you maximize each day that you spend in Japan, you can have an amazing array of experiences – different food, shops, cultural sites, gardens, pop culture sites, and more.  

How Much Do You Need for 7 days in Japan?  

Japan isn’t a cheap country to visit with quite high costs of airfares, accommodation and more. However, there are definitely ways to cut costs and budget carefully.

It also depends on what is important to you on a holiday.

If you want to be able to go shopping without worrying about your budget, maybe you can avoid expensive restaurants.

On the other hand, if you are interested in experiencing the best of Japan’s cuisine, maybe you could avoid or minimize attractions with expensive admission prices.  

Are 7 days Too Long in Tokyo?  

Some first-time visitors may think 7 days is too long to spend in one city when the whole country is there, unexplored.

However, Tokyo is such a large metropolis that you could spend weeks, months, or even years in Tokyo and still not have seen it all.

There is always something new and interesting to discover in Tokyo, even for those who’ve been there multiple times.  

Conclusion  

Japan is a land of great contrast, from the serenity of shrines and temples to the crowds of the city centers.

This can make the process of planning a trip to Japan difficult; what to prioritize and what to avoid.

Our visitor’s guide makes this planning process easy with a variety of 7-day Japan itineraries to suit various travel styles and make your next Japan holiday a success.  

Here you can find our other Japan itineraries:

• 5 days in Japan
• 14 days in Japan
• 3 weeks in Japan

7 days in Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

• Post author By Project Gora
• Post date January 24, 2023
• 5 Comments on 7 days in Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo

As a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Japan, I’ve carefully crafted this 7 days in Japan Itinerary to ensure you make the most of your week-long journey. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Tokyo and Osaka, the historic streets of Kyoto and Nara, and the breathtaking Mt. Fuji. Read on to plan your dream Japan adventure!

Table of Contents

7 days in Japan Itinerary: Highlights

Mt. fuji day trip from tokyo, theme park day: disneyland or disneysea, with this suggested itinerary, is a japan rail pass worth it.

• Food trip in Osaka
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan
• Nara Day Trip from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan
• Cherry Blossom viewing in Tokyo
• DisneySea/Disneyland from Tokyo

This itinerary is specifically designed for first-time visitors to Japan who plan to spend 7 days and 6 nights in the country. The trip will begin at Osaka’s Kansai International Airport and end at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, or vice versa.

Day 1 (Osaka)

Choose a flight that arrives in Osaka earlier in the day, providing you with the opportunity to explore the city in the afternoon. This will allow you to combat jet lag and become familiar with Japan’s transportation system during the initial hours of your arrival.

Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport , you can check in to a hotel or guesthouse of your choice. For convenience, I recommend staying near the city center, specifically in areas near train stations like Umeda and Namba . This will give you easy access to a wide range of dining options and popular tourist attractions.

To kick off your Osaka adventure, I suggest starting in the afternoon by visiting Osaka Castle . The castle can be easily accessed from a number of train lines. The nearest JR station is Osakajokoen Station on the JR Loop Line. After exploring the castle, you can visit other attractions in the area, such as the Osaka Aquarium , Tenmangu Shrine , or Umeda Sky Building .

Later in the afternoon or evening, head to the Dotonbori-Shinsaibashi area to experience Osaka’s unique food culture. This lively district is best reached by taking the Midosuji Subway line and getting off at either Namba Station (subway) or Shinsaibashi Station. Spend the rest of your day exploring the area and trying some of the local delicacies.

Where to Stay in Osaka

HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi 1-18-30 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan

Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier 3-4-15 Nakanoshima, Kita-Ku, Osaka, Japan

The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi 1-10-24 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo, Osaka, Japan

Day 2 (Osaka or Nara)

If you are a theme park fan, then you can spend an entire day in Universal Studios Japan . There are plenty of amazing attractions here but the highlight, for me, is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . To get to USJ, take the JR Yumesaki (aka Sakurajima) line from Osaka Station or Nishikujo Station to Universal City Station.

Another option is a day trip to Nara from Osaka , which is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Japan. The journey to Nara takes about 45 minutes on the JR Rapid train, leaving plenty of time to explore all that this city has to offer. A few notable sights include Todaiji Temple and Horyuji Temple . If you’re going to Nara Deer Park , do not pet the deer and do not to feed them with any food other than deer rice crackers (shika senbei).

Day 3 (Kyoto)

Coming from Osaka, you can take JR, Hankyu Rail or Keihan Rail to get to Kyoto Station. Here’s my suggested itinerary for Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
• Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful stone walkway that follows a canal lined with cherry trees
• Visit Nanzenji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan
• Head to Yasaka Shrine, a Shinto shrine located in the Gion district
• Explore the Higashiyama district, a historic area of Kyoto that’s filled with traditional shops and restaurants
• Finally, visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a famous Buddhist temple on a hill overlooking Kyoto

Getting around the city is very easy because of its extensive bus network. Though Kyoto also has trains and subway network, I find navigating the city easier when I take a bus. Raku Bus is the city-run public bus in Kyoto, will cover most of your travel needs. Bus No. 100 goes to eastern Kyoto particularly the Higashiyama and Okazaki areas. Bus No. 101 goes its way up the middle of Kyoto to the northern parts of the city. Raku Bus No. 102 goes to the northern part of Kyoto.

Project Gora tip:  Purchase a Kyoto All-day bus pass (JPY 500) for unlimited bus ride on Raku and Non-Raku buses. It is more economical than paying for individual tickets because each time you ride a bus, it will cost you a minimum of JPY 230.  

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto 432 Matsuyacho, Gojo Karasuma-dori Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8105, Kyoto

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto 7 Aketacho Higashikujo, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8044, Kyoto Prefecture

Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushiteim Kichimonjicho 425, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan

Day 4 (Kyoto)

On day 4, consider Fushimi Inari as your first destination. Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of Rice. The place is famous for its thousand vermilion torii gates along the trail that leads to the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. The best way to access Fushimi inari is by taking JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to JR Inari station (JPY 140). Travel approximately takes 5 minutes.

Then, make your way to your second destination, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) , which is among the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. It is a Zen temple with two floors completely covered in gold leaf. The best way to access Kinkakuji is by going back to Kyoto Station following the same route then take Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205. Travel approximately takes 40 minutes and admission is JPY 400.

Spend the rest of the afternoon in Arashiyama District . From Kinkakuji, hop on Bus no. 101 and get off at Kitano Hakubaicho Station. Take the Keifuku Electric Railway aka Randen and get off at Arashiyama Station (requires a transfer at Kitabiranotsuji station).

You can also include this only-in-Kyoto experience in your Japan itinerary – Maiko Transformation for women or Samurai Transformation for men.

If you only got a day to explore Kyoto, you have to choose which attractions you want to visit. I created a 1-day Kyoto Itinerary which can help you plan your trip.

Day 5 (Tokyo)

Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo via Shinkansen (Bullet Train). Nozomi, the fastest Shinkansen costs JPY 14,110 one way from Kyoto Station to Tokyo Station and travel approximately takes 2 hours and 20 minutes. Hikari, which is slightly cheaper at JPY 13,800 one way, takes a little longer at 2 hours and 40 minutes. The slowest Shinkansen, Kodama costs JPY 13,500, reaches Tokyo in about 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Start your Tokyo adventure in Meiji Jingu , a shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and his Empress. Despite being situated in the busy area of Harajuku, all the hustle and bustle were cut off the moment you turn right and cross over the 40-foot giant torii gate. The walk through the forest to get to the shrine is very relaxing. Travel from Shinjuku Station of JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station approximately takes 5 minutes (JPY 140).

End your day at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building back in Shinjuku where you can get a glimpse of Mount Fuji under favorable weather conditions. This is also a perfect place for sunset viewing where you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo and beyond.

You can also catch the most stunning views of Tokyo at the 360° open-air observation deck called Shibuya Sky . As it stands 230 meters above the ground, it is the highest point in the Shibuya district.

If you want to save some yen and avoid the queues, you can book your Shibuya Sky tickets online in advance for only JPY 1,800 (745 pesos or USD 13). But take note that tickets purchased online are only valid for a specific time slot on a specific date. Individuals with disabilities are also entitled to a 50% discount on the admission fee.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic 2 Chome-16-11 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku 3-7-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo, Japan

The Millennials Shibuya 1-20-13 Jinnan, Shibuya 150-0041 Tokyo, Japan

Day 6 (Tokyo)

If your travel dates happen to be in Spring, specifically Cherry Blossom season, do not miss cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen , Chidorigafuchi or Sumida Park . If it’s Autumn, you can see beautiful yellow ginkgo trees in Marunouchi Gyoko-dori and Yoyogi Park .

In the afternoon, check out some of Tokyo’s famous destinations like Akihabara, the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture. Don’t miss Harajuku , Shibuya and Omotesando . For dog lovers like me, pay a visit to Hachiko’s statue located in Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Exit. Another prominent landmark in Shibuya is the large intersection known as “The Scramble”. 

On Day 6, embark on a Mt. Fuji Day Trip from Tokyo . There are various tours tailored to the seasons, ensuring a personalized experience. These tours will lead you to panoramic viewpoints, tranquil nature walks, and cultural insights.

Alternatively, you can spend the day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea , two of the most popular theme parks in Japan. Both parks offer a variety of attractions, shows, and parades, as well as themed areas based on popular Disney movies and characters. You can purchase a Tokyo Disneyland one-day passport here.

Note that the Tokyo Disney parks can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to arrive early and plan your day accordingly. You can check the park schedules and plan your ride strategy in advance to maximize your time at the parks.

Day 7 (Tokyo)

On day 7, you can spend a few hours shopping before your scheduled time of departure. Find the nearest  Donki (short for Don Quijote), which is one of Tokyo’s cheapest supermarkets selling a huge variety of goods. Buy some Japanese snacks like Tokyo Banana, Japanese Rice Cake Mochi Daifuku and Kitkat Matcha (Gren Tea) flavor to take home for your friends and family.  

After shopping, head to Narita International Airport and take Narita Express (covered by JR pass). The regular price costs JPY 3,190 and travel is approximately 90 minutes. A faster and cheaper option is via Keisei Skyliner , which can get you from Ueno Station to Narita in just 40 minutes. A cheaper alternative is Keisei Main Line (regular commuter train) which requires one train transfer. From Shinjuku, take JR Yamanote line to Nippori Station (20 minutes, JPY 230) then transfer to Keisei Main Line to Narita Airport (about 80 minutes, JPY 1030).

If you have a heavy luggage, you may consider taking the airport limousine instead. Book your  Tokyo Narita International Airport Limousine Bus Round Trip Ticket here.

The Japan Rail Pass costs JPY 50,000 (roughly USD 330) for Ordinary Car/Second Class valid for 7 consecutive days. If you are going to follow this itinerary (arriving in Kansai and departing in Narita or vice versa), then the pass will not pay off . If you are going to different prefectures within a week (multiple bullet train rides), then it may be worth it.

I suggest coming up with an itinerary first then calculate your train ticket costs using the JR pass calculator. Get your JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days) here.

Did you like this 7 days in Japan itinerary? Got any questions? Comments? Insights? I’m all ears! Let’s chat down below. Arigatou!

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

Ultimate 7 Day Japan Itinerary

To be perfectly honest, I don’t think 1 week in Japan is enough. I’d recommend more like 14 days or even 21 days in Japan, but sometimes we don’t always have the ability to travel for such an extended period of time. Sometimes, 1 week is all we get, because, I mean, you still have a full-time job or school, family, etc. Even if you only have a week, go anyway! Check out this 7 day Japan itinerary for all the best things to do in Japan with a limited amount of time!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on our policy page .

• Before You Go

Day 1: Travel Day / Chiba

Day 2: tokyo, day 3: tokyo.

• Day 4: Day Trip

Day 5: Kyoto

Day 6: kyoto, day 7: travel day, transportation & discount passes, souvenirs & shopping, additional information, before you begin.

If this is your first time traveling to Japan, I highly recommend doing some research into the country’s transportation system, customs, etc. I believe you’ll find it much easier to put together a Japan itinerary if you sort of know what you are getting yourself into.

Useful articles:

• Top Japanese Phrases for Travel
• Best Japan Travel Apps – Directions, Food, & More
• Navigating Japan’s Train System: Tips for Traveling Japan by Train
• Is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) Worth It?

7 Day Japan itinerary

When you first land in Japan, chances are you are going to be super excited to dive right into Tokyo. However, if you have a flight that lands in the morning or early afternoon, I suggest taking a minute to check out the area around the airport before heading into town. Chiba prefecture has some of its own sights worth seeing, such as Naritasan Temple.

Morning: Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, making it a great way to kick off your 7 day Japan itinerary. At the main hall, you can “purify yourself” by washing your hands in the nearby fountain with the ladle, as well as cover yourself in the smoke of the incense, which is believed to have a healing effect.

Just outside of Senso-ji is Nakamise-dori, a popular shopping street. Here you can try all sorts of traditional Japanese food as well as find lots of cool souvenirs based off of Japanese culture and history. The souvenirs here are likely a little more expensive than other places, but nowhere else will you find such a great selection of souvenirs in one location, so the convenience might be worth it.

Afternoon: Akihabara

Akihabara is the place to be for techies and geeks. Home to much of Japan’s pop culture, the many signs, lights, and sounds can be a little overwhelming at first, but is a great place to just wander around and get lost in its many electronics and anime shops. Here, you’ll find many of Japan’s famous pop culture locations such as Radio Kaikan, Gundam Cafe, AKB48 Cafe and Shop, and more.

Evening: Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho literally translates to “Memory Lane,” but more Omoide Yokocho is more often referred to as “Piss Alley.” Despite it’s charming name, this series of small alleys is a great place to spend an evening due to the sheer number of restaurants and bars located here. Aside from the great food, it has a very picturesque feel, created a great atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram 📸Photo Credit: @_7ysk7_ • 🌐Location: Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku A post shared by Japanese Words Daily (@japanesewordsdaily) on Sep 2, 2018 at 5:52am PDT

Morning: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen, Shibuya Crossing

There are several different observatories that give good views of the city. However, why pay an expensive fee for an observatory when you can go to the top floors of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free? They actually have two different observation decks: the North Observatory and the South Observatory.

Shinjuku Gyoen easily topped my list of  best parks and gardens in Tokyo . You have to pay to enter, but it is 100% worth the admission price. It’s beautiful all times of the year, but its especially spectacular during autumn and cherry blossom season.

Considered one of the busiest intersections in the world, Shibuya Crossing (also called the Shibuya Scramble), is a must see. You can be one of the several people walking through the intersection, or you can get a top down view of the scramble from some of the nearby stores.

Afternoon: Harajuku, Meiji Jingu

Harajuku is well known for its street fashion and art and an icon of Japanese pop culture. Along the main street, Takeshita-dori, you’ll find everything from quirky clothing stores to luxurious boutiques. The shops are a bit expensive, but even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth exploring the area, if only for just the street fashion. Especially on the weekends, you’ll see everything from super girly and pink to punk goth.

Considered one of the top shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu is a shrine dedicated to souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Here, you can dive into Japanese culture by getting English versions of omikuji (Japanese fortune telling strips) and ema, a votive tablet where you write down your prayers and gratitude.

View this post on Instagram *** L: Nanachi (@na_na_loli_frill), R: Nanachi’s friend — #harajuku #harajukufashion #harajukukei #jfashion #japanesefashion #kawaij #kawaiifashion #lolitafashion #sweetlolita #angelicpretty #streetsnap #原宿 #原宿ファッション #原宿系 #カワイイ #カワイイファッション #ロリータ #ロリータファッション #ロリィタ #ロリィタファッション #甘ロリ #アンジェリックプリティ #アンプリ #ストリートスナップ #ストスナ A post shared by Harajuku Fashion Walk in Tokyo (@harajukufashionwalk) on Nov 29, 2018 at 1:22am PST

Evening: Dinner

Dinner shows are a great way to enjoy some delicious Japanese food while still getting immersed in the culture of Japan. There are a couple of different shows you could see depending on your interests.

Probably one of the most popular dinner shows is at Robot Restaurant . As you can guess by the name, it has a robotic theme and known for its crazy lights, extravagant costumes, and loud noises.

For more traditional Japanese theater, you can catch a Kabuki dinner show . This particular dinner show is catered towards first timers, giving explanations of Kabuki and its history in English.

Day 4: Day Trip of Your Choice

There are so many different places in Japan that make for great day trips from either Kyoto (the next destination on this one week Japan itinerary) or Tokyo. Which one you should do will largely depend on your interests.

Day Trips from Tokyo

• Nikko : Visit the lavishly decorated temples set back in the mountains and forest
• Kamakura : Go back in history at the previous capital visit some local shrines and temples
• Mt Fuji & Kawaguchiko : stroll around Lake Kawaguchiko and enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji
• Hakone : Take a dip in some of the most unique hot springs
• Sendai : Experience rural Japan while getting sometime fantastic views

Day Trips from Kyoto

• Osaka : Second largest metropolitan city in Japan, good mix of traditional culture and modern city
• Nara : See the largest bronze buddha statues in Japan and have some friendly deer bow to you
• Himeji : Tour one of the most famous castles in Japan
• Hiroshima : Visit the Atomic Bomb Memorial and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Morning: Kimono Rental, Arashiyama

There has been some debate of late as to whether or not foreigners should wear Japanese kimonos, especially given the recent social issues of cultural appropriation, white-washing, and similar. However, after several discussions with some Japanese friends of mine, we’d more or less come to the conclusion that most Japanese welcome foreigners wearing kimonos, so long as they are doing it out of respect for and interest in Japanese culture. They’re excited that others are interested in learning about and being apart of their culture.

With that being said, I think it’s worth renting kimono in Kyoto for a day. It’s probably the most “hands-on” you can get with Japanese culture. If nothing else, you’ll gain a strong appreciation for the people who actually walk around in kimono all-day every-day (especially the women).

After you’ve donned your kimono, heading over to Arashiyama and take a nice, relaxing stroll through the bamboo forest.

Afternoon: Sagano Scenic Railway, Kinkakuji

If you decided to rent kimono for the day, you may find that your feet are a little tired from the traditional sandals, however, that doesn’t have to stop you from seeing the city.

The Sagano Line was actually replaced more the more efficient JR Sanin Rail Line, but the Sagano Line was preserved and outfitted to become the Sagano Scenic Railway. On this line, you can sit next to one of the many large windows and relax as the mountains and rivers roll by.

After the nice, relaxing train ride, I recommend stopping by Kinkakuji. It’s one of Kyoto’s most famous temples , due to the fact that the entire exterior is plated in gold.

Evening: Kyoto Tower

Across the street from Kyoto Station is Kyoto Tower, Kyoto’s tallest structure. If it’s height isn’t enough to ensure you don’t miss it, it’s also lit up at night. You can head to the top of the observatory to get some beautiful views of the city. Then, once you return to the bottom floor, you can find all sorts of unique souvenir stalls and Japanese snacks.

Morning: Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari easily topped my list as my favorite shrine in all of Japan. I have this fascination with torii, that gates typically found at the entrances of shrines. It’s no surprise then that Fushimi Inari was my favorite, because it’s literally filled with 1,000+ bright red torii. The shrine is located at the base of Mount Inari, and several hiking trails lead into the forest up the side of the mountain. The view at the top of the mountain isn’t the most breathtaking (too many trees in the way), but its an enjoyable hike nonetheless.

Afternoon: Kiyomizu-dera, Shoren-in

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu-dera is another incredibly popular temple. Built on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, visitors can drink from the streams of water known to grant various benefits such as luck in school, health, or love. Another notable portion of the temple is the wooden porch located around the main buildings that give you spectacular views of the city below.

Shoren-in is a more unique temple is design compared to other temples. It has a beautiful drawing room, complete with the taditional tatami mats and shoji (paper) sliding doors. On the engawa (wooden walkway along the exterior of the buidling), you can sit and enjoy the beautiful garden.

Evening: Samurai Kembu Theater

While the shows at Samurai Kembu Theater are mostly geared towards tourists, its still a fantastic way for visitors to learn about the history and culture of the ancient samurai, as well as see performances with a katana (Japanese longsword) and fan. Depending on what package you choose, you can even take a lesson in the traditional art of Kembu after the show.

If you choose to fly out of Tokyo, chances are you’ll lose most of your last day in Japan to traveling. Between catching the bullet train back to Tokyo from Kyoto, and having to arrive at the airport a few hours before your flight, you likely won’t get a whole lot of time to do any last minute exploring. If you get a minute to do some sightseeing, definitely go for it, but don’t miss your plane either!

How Much Should I Budget?

NOTE: Conversion Rate at time of writing: $1 USD = ¥110.99 JPY

For this 7 day japan itinerary, you’ll likely spend about ¥35,500 ($320 USD) on train and bus rides, depending on the route you take, and assuming you do not purchase any discount passes (see below). This estimate includes not only getting around within Tokyo and Kyoto, but also getting between Tokyo and Narita airport as well as the bullet train ride between Kyoto and Tokyo.

For this particular itinerary, I recommend NOT purchasing the Japan Rail Pass . The bullet train ride to Kyoto as well as the return ride back to Tokyo would total about ¥26,160. Even if you solely used JR trains in Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass would only cover about ¥27,360 of the ¥35,500 you’ll spend on transportation. A 7 day Japan Rail Pass costs ¥29,110, so it’s not quite worth the cost.

I do, however, recommend purchasing the Kyoto City Bus Pass and an IC Card . if you plan on using day 4 of this itinerary to take a day trip to Osaka, you may also want to buy the Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass . Lastly, you can also purchase a Tokyo Subway Pass , but the savings from the subway pass are minuscule, so it’s up to you.

The IC Card is a re-loadable card that you can use to pay for the train and bus. It is not a discount pass, although paying by IC Card is generally 2 – 9 yen cheaper than a ticket. Having one is more for convenience, so you don’t have to get in line to buy a ticket every time you want to ride the train or bus.

The Kyoto City Bus Pass is good for one day (so you’ll need to buy two of them for this itinerary) and allows you to ride the local buses an unlimited number of times. The local bus costs ¥230 ($2.08 USD) per ride, regardless of how far you are going. Over the course of your two days in Kyoto, you would spend about ¥1,840 ($16.60 USD) on bus rides. However, the price of two Kyoto City Bus Passes is only ¥1,200 ($10.83 USD), meaning you would save ¥640 ($5.77 USD).

The Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass covers train rides on the Keihan rail line. A 1-day pass costs ¥800 and a 2-day pass costs ¥1,200. Depending on what you do in Osaka and your route, this pass may save you some money on the train rides.

The Tokyo Subway Pass allows you to ride the subway an unlimited number of times within a certain time range, all for a flat fee. There are three different options for the Tokyo Subway Pass: 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. For this 7 day Japan itinerary, you would likely want the 48 hour pass for ¥1,200 ($10.83 USD). However, without the pass, you would likely spend about ¥1,240 ($11.19 USD) on the train and subway, so you would really only be saving ¥40 ($0.36 USD).

Unless you’re looking for the ultimate fine dining or sushi experience, you’ll likely pay about ¥1,000 ($9.01 USD) for a breakfast or lunch meal, and closer to ¥2,000 ($18.02 USD) for dinner. If you’re a nightlife person, I’d add an extra ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 ($18.02 – $27.03 USD) for drinks at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

For 7 days in Japan, a food budget of ¥30,000 – ¥40,000 ($270 – $360 USD) should be plenty.

Hotel prices vary greatly depending on the time of year that you visit and how far/close in advance you make your reservations, and where in the city you stay. It also depends on whether you a budget, luxury, or middle-of-the-road type of traveler.

Capsule hotels and hostels in Tokyo can run as cheap as $20 USD a night during the off season and slightly away from downtown. If you go during more popular times of the year and stay closer to downtown, it will likely cost closer to $50 – $70 USD a night.

More middle-of-the-road hotels in Tokyo are likely to be in the $120 – $150 USD range for the downtown area. If you get a few miles outside of downtown, you may find 3-star hotels more in the $70 – $100 USD range.

Luxury 5-star hotels can range anywhere from $230 – $920 USD per night. Top name hotels like Park Hyatt Tokyo will be around $700 per night and the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo is about $900 per night. Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo (which has a beautiful garden you should visit regardless of whether or not you stay at the hotel) is closer to $300 USD a night.

While in Kyoto, I recommend staying in a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese Inn). Prices of Ryokan usually vary between $70 – $200 USD per night depending on how fancy of a Ryokan you wish to stay at. Otherwise, Kyoto hotel prices are relatively similar to the ones in Tokyo.

Thankfully, most of the activities and sightseeing in this 7 day japan itinerary are free. However, there are a few that require an admission fee or tickets. If you plan on doing all of the activities on this itinerary, you can expect to spend about ¥7,544 – ¥16,784 ($68.10 – $151.51 USD).

The large price range is due to the different packages and plans available for some of the different activities. How cheap or expensive the Japan trip is totally up to you. You can see a breakdown of activity prices below.

Prices as of February 13th, 2019:

• Shinjuku Gyoen: ¥500
• Kinkakuji: ¥400
• Kimono Rental : ¥3,024 – ¥6,264
• Samurai Kembu Theater : ¥3,000 – ¥9,000
• Sagano Scenic Railway: ¥620

Chances are, you’re going to want at least one souvenir from Japan, especially if this is your first time. Thankfully, souvenir shopping is naturally built into this Japan 7 day itinerary. Districts like Akihabara, Shibuya, and Shinjuku are fantastic places to do some souvenir shopping.

A few other places to keep in mind for souvenir shopping while you make your way through Japan are Nakamise-dori (just outside Senso-ji), Takeshita-dori (Harajuku), and Kyoto Tower.

Like food, budgeting for souvenirs comes down to personal preference. I am obsessed with Japanese wall scrolls, so suffice to say I bought a lot those — most of which ranged from ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($9.01 – $18.02 USD) per scroll. Most smaller souvenirs like Japanese fans, chopsticks, maneki-neko (beckoning cats), Japanese towels, and such will likely be about ¥1,000 ($9.01 USD) or less per item.

As a general rule of thumb, I typically budget about $100 USD for souvenirs for every trip that I take, unless I know ahead of time what souvenirs I intend on buying.

The Total Budget

At the end of the day, how expensive your Japan trip comes down to how you like to spend your money. If you go for the cheaper hotel options and don’t go to fancy restaurants, you could probably get away with only spending about ¥120,000 ($1,100 USD) on this trip. However, if you prefer a little bit comfier hotels and want to do the more expensive packages for the activities, you will likely spend closer to ¥200,000 ($1,800 USD).

Figuring out where to go, what to do, and how much it all will cost is a big part of planning a trip to Japan. Unfortunately though, it’s not everything. Here are a few more articles that can provide even more helpful information when planning a 7 day trip to Japan.

• Navigating Japan’s Train System
• Best Japan Travel Apps

If you’re looking for some alternatives to the activities listed above, you can check out my in-depth itineraries.

• Tokyo in 5 – 7 days
• Kyoto in 2 – 4 days

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2 thoughts on “ultimate 7 day japan itinerary”.

HI.. am planning my trip to Japan and find your site so very useful. Thank you for your detailed descriptions. Can you please confirm if you have included the return train ticket from kyoto to Japan on the return leg in your above calculations. I read that a one way train ticket from tokyo to kyoto is 13,100 yen so return will be 26,200 approx right. Yet you say that undiscounted ticket costs for all travel incl. internal subways in both locations and airport transfers is 24500. Again thank you for your efforts in putting these guides together.

So exciting to be planning a trip to Japan! Glad you’ve found everything useful!

You are correct. It looks like I included the return trip to the airport from Tokyo, but missed the return ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo in my budget calculations. Thanks for pointing that out! I’ve updated the post accordingly!

Thanks, Kiyoko

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ASIA , JAPAN , TOKYO · March 19, 2018 Last Updated on March 16, 2024

THE PERFECT 7 DAY JAPAN ITINERARY

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Japan is more popular than ever – and for good reason, the country is teeming with gorgeous scenery, delicious food, and ancient culture. Going to Japan will leave you speechless and overload your senses, but in the best way possible. A week in Japan is usually classified as a quick trip, but it is the perfect amount of time to see everything from bustling cities to tranquil shrines.

Day 1 – Tokyo, Shibuya & Shinjuku

Try and book an overnight long-haul flight to Tokyo. This ensures that you land first thing in the morning and gives you the whole day to begin exploring.

The good news is Tokyo is lively and energetic with an abundance of things to do. This will help you acclimate to the time change.

Book your stay at Hotel Ryumeikan in Tokyo and take advantage of their refresh room (complete with showers) so you can enter the day fresh.

Shibuya District

Once you’re ready, head out first to Shibuya district. The famous Shibuya Crossing is one of those quintessential Japan experiences and the perfect way to start your trip. The sheer amount of people is overwhelming and awe-inspiring at the same time.

Near the crossing is also the Myth of Tomorrow mural and the Hachikō Statue – both can’t be missed.

Explore the many winding streets and shops that fill Shibuya. Once hungry grab a late lunch at Uobei Sushi .

Every seat has an iPad to order with. Once your order is in, sushi (and other dishes) come delivered to you on a conveyor belt directly in front of you, and fast! Not only is it a unique and totally Japanese experience it’s also a cheap eat.

As the sun sets, wander over to Shinjuku. The neon signs begin to light up and the district comes alive.

Grab dinner on Ramen road and get tickets to Robot Restaurant . One of the best shows in Tokyo, this is sure to keep you up!

The show is a mix of robots, scantily clad women, huge LED screens, dance numbers, and fight scenes. Seriously, go here. It’s awesome.

Day 2 – Tokyo, Imperial Palace & Harajuku

Reserve breakfast at Ritz-Carlton Tokyo . (Or stay there – the hotel is beautiful!) The views from the lobby and restaurants are some of the highest and most beautiful in all of Tokyo. Watching the sunrise over Tokyo is a moment you won’t soon forget.

In the morning head over to the Imperial Palace and gardens. The Imperial Palace is where the original Edo Castle once stood!

The rest of the neighborhood that surrounds the palace is a surprisingly modern place with huge skyscrapers. Nearby is Tokyo Station, newly renovated and expanded in 2014 for the centenary celebration, you shouldn’t miss it.

For lunch, make reservations at the Peninsula Hotel for their Strawberry Afternoon Tea. Enjoy lovely music from live violinists and pianists while sipping on world-class tea and cakes.

After lunch head to Harajuku, the center of Japanese youth and fashion culture. An extremely colorful district with tons to see and do, make sure you buy giant cotton candy from Totti Candy Factory  and shop till you drop at all the unique boutiques.

Our Top Places To Stay Near Tokyo, Japan

• Pullman Tokyo Tamachi
• Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
• The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
• Find the best price on hotels in  Tokyo, Japan

Day 3 – Mount Fuji

On day 3 wake up early and take a train from Tokyo Station to Hakone . The entire journey takes a little under two hours. Pray the weather is clear and luck is on your side because this town has fabulous views of Mt. Fuji.

Even if Fuji is covered in clouds Hakone is an excellent day trip from Tokyo. The small town packs so much adventure you shouldn’t miss it.

Hop aboard a Viking ship that sails up and down the lake. Into hiking? Check out the small island for some easy trails. Also, don’t miss the shrine and torii gate that sits right on the water!

For more information, be sure to read our complete guide to visiting Hakone !

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!

Day 4 – Tokyo, Fish Markets & Temples

Back to Tokyo and today is all about history and temples. Wake up early and wander the famous Tsukiji Fish Market . If you want to see the inside (along with the morning auction) you will have to begin queuing at 4 am. If you only want to view the outside and eat some great food, come around 9 am.

Once you’re full, take the train over to Meiji-jingu, but plan to arrive before 2 pm. Twice daily (8 am and 2 pm) you can watch nikkusai – a ceremonial offering of food and prayers to the gods. Even if you miss the ceremony the park is beautiful to walk around.

End your day by heading to Asakusa and visit the absolutely gorgeous Senso-Ji temple. Take a guided tour of the area. This district has a rich history; from old-school theatres to promiscuous red-light districts.

Near Asakusa is Roppongi Hills, which holds trendy food and upscale shops. Eat dinner in the area and then end the night by viewing the iconic Tokyo Tower. The tower is best viewed at night when it is illuminated and twinkles against the dark Tokyo streets.

Day 5 – Kyoto

Grab an early morning bullet train from Tokyo Station and arrive in Kyoto in under two hours. This ancient town has so much to offer but you can pack a lot into a couple days since the town is small and connected by an efficient bus service.

If you want to stay in luxury check out the newly opened Ritz-Carlton Kyoto . I didn’t get a chance to stay here so I can’t speak from experience, but everyone I met was telling me about it so I feel like I must mention it. Plus, it was named The Best Hotel in Japan by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for 2017.

Start your day exploring Kyoto at Yasaka Shrine, taking in the gorgeous gardens and temples. Behind the shrine is Maruyama Park which is impressive any time of year. In April, it comes alive with cherry blossoms and in the fall the changing leaves make it magical.

For a late lunch, stop in at Omen Kodaiji . This is a branch of Kyoto’s famous Omen noodle chain. Of course, order the signature udon noodles served in broth with a side of fresh veggies. (Vegan/Vegetarian options available)

After lunch, walk past Kodai-ji another gorgeous Buddhist temple. Then continue exploring over at the elegant Chion-in.

As dusk approaches, make your way back to Gion. Walk the streets as the street lights twinkle on, illuminating the tea houses and shops.

Day 6 – Fushimi Inari & Arashiyama

In the morning, head to Kyoto Station and grab breakfast at one of the many bakeries inside. From Kyoto Station take the Nara Line (JR train) out to Fushimi Inari-taisha . The ride will only take about 10 minutes total.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

The shrine is right outside the train station (you can’t miss it). Enjoy following over 4 km of winding paths filled with torii gates. You will easily understand why this is one of the most uniquely beautiful attractions in Japan.

Need a caffeine boost at this point? As you head down the mountain stop in at Vermillion Cafe and get the matcha (tea or coffee) which is sourced locally!

Related Post: How To Take An Incredible Photo At Fushimi Inari Shrine

Return by taking the same train back to Kyoto Station and then transfer to the San-in Line line (JR train). Take that line out to Arashiyama. This time you are on the train for about 6 stops and will depart at the Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Once in Arashiyama head first to Monkey Park. The admission is 500 Yen. Follow the well-maintained trail up to the top where hundreds of monkeys greet you. Take your time feeding and observing the monkeys, this is a once in a lifetime experience.

After head over to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Do know that the crowds are always thick, but if you stay as dusk starts they will thin out a bit.

At your leisure, take the same train back to Kyoto Station. Eat sushi at the awesome conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the train station called Musashi Sushi . Not only is the sushi delicious, but it is incredibly cheap!

Day 7 – Head Home

Take the train from Kyoto back to Tokyo and head to the airport. You made it! You saw so much in 7 days, now it’s time to relax… and don’t miss your flight!

Additional Japan Tips

Other tips for your trip to Japan:

• Japan is incredibly safe which makes it perfect for solo travel . Don’t be afraid to go alone!
• The Japan rail pass will save you money and you should definitely get it if you are heading from Tokyo to any other city.
• Tickets to Robot Restaurant vary greatly in price. Do your research before you go .
• Tokyo’s subway is easy to navigate and very efficient. Buy a Pasmo pass when you arrive to make it even easier. Full guide to Tokyo subway here.
• Japan is a non-tipping culture.
• There are tons of different views of Mt. Fuji, Hakone is only one option. The mountain is often covered in clouds. Each morning, take a look at the live webcams  to pick a good one to visit last minute.
• Plugs have two flat pins (like the US). Current is 100V (like the US). Any American appliance with a 3rd pin will need a converter .
• Dress nicely, even just when sightseeing. You don’t have to be fancy, but the Japanese are always ‘well put together’.
• Do not walk and eat food. It is frowned upon. Also, don’t eat in the subway.
• Under train stations and shopping centers are food halls with great cheap food!
• Find more tips for your trip to Japan!

What To Know For Visiting Japan

Japan visas.

Citizens of many countries can get a free 90 day entry to visit Japan for tourism.

Be sure to check the official Japanese Immigration Website for the latest information for your specific country.

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY) . The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 108 JPY. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google .

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.

Best Tours In Tokyo

Some of the best tours and things to do in Tokyo are:

• Tokyo Temples and Shrines Morning Tour
• Tokyo: Sushi Making Class
• 2-Hour Asakusa Food Hunt & Cultural Tour
• Photo Shoot in Tokyo with a Private Photographer

Where To Stay In Tokyo

We recommend booking your hotels on Booking.com to get the best rate and many hotels offer free cancellation in case your plans change.

Some of our favorite hotels in Tokyo are:

• Pullman Tokyo Tamachi : Luxury hotel with rooms bigger than more in Tokyo, located in the Minato district.
• Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo : Great hotel set in a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with its own pagoda.
• The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho : Perfect location and a luxury hotel with onsite restaurant and great views.

AirBnB is also a great option in Tokyo (and you can save $44 using that link to sign up!).

Best Time To Visit Japan

The best time to visit Japan is during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November . These times have the mildest temperatures and will be less crowded than summer.

Best Books About Japan

Read more about Japan before you go! Some of the best books about Japan are:

• Memoirs of a Geisha
• Shogun: The Epic Novel of Japan
• My Year of Meats

What Power Adapters Do You Need

Japan uses standard Type A and Type B adapters also commonly used in the USA. However, keep in mind that the voltage is different so be careful with your electronics and bring a voltage converter if necessary.

You can buy a universal adapter that will work in any country and has extra ports for USB cables to charge your phone and other devices.

We also always travel with a portable battery pack which is great to keep your phone charged on long journies.

Transportation In Japan

• Public Transportation: Japan has extensive public transportation by both bus and train. The high speed trains are particularly good.
• Rental Cars : If you want flexibility, we recommend renting a car at the airport. This provides the easiest way to see certain landmarks, though parking in Tokyo can be expensive.
• Uber: Uber is sometimes available in Japan, though it depends on the area (mostly in Tokyo and Kyoto). However, the rules are constantly changing about Uber in Japan due to the strict permits that are required for drivers to offer rides. Metered taxis are readily available. You can use the popular JapanTaxiApp instead of Uber.

Travel Insurance

Our top recommended travel insurance companies for Japan are:

• World Nomads : Comprehensive coverage for medical, travel delays, and electronics.
• SafetyWing : Cheaper monthly coverage primarily for medical, starting at $37 for 4 weeks of coverage.

For more information, read our article on why you need to book travel insurance for your next trip!

More Articles About Japan

• The Top 10 Things To Do In Tokyo
• How To Plan A Trip To Tokyo Disney In 5 Easy Steps
• Naoshima, Japan Will Surprise You
• Why You Should Consider Japan For A Solo Female Trip
• A Guide To Visiting Hakone, Japan
• 8 Things To Do In Japan Totally Worth The Hype
• 8 Off The Beaten Path Things To Do In Tokyo, Japan
• Why Every Traveller Should Experience A Traditional Japanese Ryokan
• Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting A Japanese Onsen
• 6 Fun & Free Things To Do In Kyoto

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Japan. If you have any questions about the itinerary please leave these in the comments below.

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March 20, 2018 at 3:36 am

I’m in Tokyo as I read this! The weather has been less than ideal unfortunately but that just gives me ANOTHER reason to return. I’m heaidng to Kyoto tomorrow so this guide is super handy. Thanks!

July 18, 2018 at 7:29 am

Seems like it was very exciting. Was it very expensive though? Would you mind sharing the final costs with me?

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The 7 Day Japan Travel Itinerary

If you’re on the hunt for a 7 day Japan itinerary , I have good news and I have better news. The good news? It is absolutely possible to get a taste of Japan in just a week.

The better news? When you follow the recommendations I’m about to set forth, you can focus less on the nuts and bolts of traveling, and more on experiencing Japan.

Whether it’s your first trip to Japan and you want to focus on destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, or you’re coming back and want to zero-in on somewhere more obscure, you’ll definitely want to continue reading, as it will help you plan for your trip to Japan.

How many days does one need to explore Japan?

• A Week in Japan for Returning Travellers

Longer Trips to Japan

The bottom line, share this:.

Let’s start with a dose of reality: A 7 day Japan itinerary isn’t enough to see everywhere in the country, or even close to it.

However, its DOABLE.

You’ll need to choose a limited range of destinations, and be as efficient as possible in the way you explore them, and how you travel between them. You won’t have a great deal of room for error.

Another thing that’s important to consider, particularly if you’re coming from Europe or North America, is the timing of your flights to Japan. Since you’re looking at a minimum of 12 hours in transit each way (plus a time change), you’ll need to devote at least 8-9 days of your life to enjoy 7 days on the ground in Japan.

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to Japan to tick off this 7 Day Japan Travel Itinerary – 

• Book your Rental Car in Japan on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Japan Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator   or Klook
• Book your Accommodation in Japan on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get the best flight deals on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Japan, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Japan.

Top Places to Travel in Japan for First Time Visitors

Not counting the day you land, I recommend you spend only your first two days in Japan in Tokyo . Spend one full day enjoying Tokyo’s tourist trail, from ancient Asakusa to futuristic Shibuya and everywhere in-between. On day two, you can either visit secondary attractions like eclectic Odaiba and hip Setagaya , or taking day trips to spots like Kamakura and Nikko . You can even get a Photoshoot done in Tokyo , and take back some really memorable souvenirs from your trip to Japan.

PS – Tokyo is also one of the best places to visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan ! 

Continue your 7 day Japan itinerary by heading west toward Mt. Fuji . Note that I don’t (necessarily) mean climbing Fujisan , which requires at least part of two days. Rather, spend a night in either Kawaguchiko (in the Fuji Five Lakes region) or the hot springs town of Hakone , both of which offer phenomenal views of Japan’s tallest and most famous mountain.

After two days in the Tokyo area and one in the vicinity of Mt. Fuji, spend a day (preferably) two ticking off things to do in Kyoto . I recommend focusing on the temples of historical Higashiyama on day one, then visiting Sagano Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama and/or Fushimi Inari Shrine (which you can combined with a half-day trip to deer-filled Nara ) on day two.  Both, the Sagano Bamboo Grove  and the Fushimi Inari Shrine  are some of the most Instagrammable locations in Japan. Yes, they will be crowded, but if you are smart, you will manage to get a few Insta Worthy shots.

If you decide to spend just one full day in Kyoto, you can add a one-day trip to Osaka to your 7 day Japan itinerary. Whether you come here for the day (Kyoto is just 30 minutes by train each-way) or get a hotel, divide your time between ancient attractions like Osaka Castle and Shi-tenno-ji temple, and the neon lights and street food of modern Dotonbori pedestrian street.

Is Hiroshima worth visiting? Yes, and not just for the reasons you imagine. After riding a Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto or Osaka to Hiroshima, pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Park and A-Bomb Dome . Before sunset, ride a local train to Miyajimaguchi , where you can take a ferry to Miyajima island and its famous, “floating” Itsukushima Shrine .

Day 1 and 2 –  Tokyo

Day 3 – Fuji Five Lakes Region

Day 4 and 5 – Kyoto – Higashiyama | Sagano Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama | Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 6 – Osaka – Osaka Castle | Shi-tenno-ji temple | Dotonbori pedestrian street

Day 7 – Hiroshima | Miyajimaguchi | Miyajima island | Itsukushima Shrine.

A Week in Japan for Returning  Travellers

If you’ve traveled to Japan in the past and want to spend another week there, you’ll likely want to jettison the tourist trail entirely. The most manageable option for doing this would be traveling off the main island of Honshu. This could involved visiting balmy Kyushu or Shikoku (Japan’s most spiritual island), skiing for a week in Hokkaido , or beaching it up in the Okinawa archipelago.

Return visitors, when making their Japan Trip Plan, can also devote their 7 day Japan Travel Itinerary to exploring a lesser-visited region. Tohoku north of Tokyo is a veritable winter wonderland, while a trip to San’in  in Japan’s far west is like a trip back in time. Hokuriku , on the Sea of Japan coast, centers around Kanazawa , i.e. the “Kyoto of the North.”

If you are wondering Where to Stay in Japan? Check out your options below ⬇︎

As a general rule, I do recommend spending at least two weeks in Japan —especially if this is your first time. For travellers who plan to stay along the tourist trail, this allows you to spend more time both in Tokyo and Kyoto, and prevents you from having to choose between Mt. Fuji, Osaka or any other number of destinations between Tokyo and Hiroshima.

More broadly I’d say the answer to how long to spend in Japan is “as long as possible,” even if you’re on a return trip and want to explore off the beaten path. While you can discover aforementioned Shikoku in just a week, for example, having two weeks (or longer) allows you to dig deeper into its nooks and crannies, and to attune yourself to its famously slow pace of life.

Whether you need a 7 day Japan itinerary for a first-time trip or to come back and dig deeper, you’re in the right place. On one hand, a week isn’t very long to explore a huge, diverse, rich country like Japan. On the other hand, if you’ve got a good plan for your trip to Japan and a commitment to execute it, you can cover more ground than you expect. Japan, after all, is as much about the experiences you have as it is the destinations you visit. You’re just as likely to find magic strolling down a random street as watching the sunset behind Fujisan .

Also, don’t forget to get a Travel Insurance for your 7 Day Trip to Japan.

We hope you found this 7 Day Japan Travel Itinerary , to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource to plan for your Trip to Japan. Don’t forget to Pin these images , and save this One Week Japan Travel Itinerary, for future travel planning.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Japan Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , for other Asian / South East Asian destinations as well.  

• 7 Day Phuket Dive + Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Malaysia Travel Itinerary
• 10 Day Laos Travel Itinerary
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• One Week in Kerala – God’s Own Country
• The Epic 7 Day Leh Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Cambodia – Travel Guide and Itinerary

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7 Day Itinerary in Japan

Stefanie Akkerman moved from the Netherlands to Japan in 2013 with her Japanese husband and son. She jumped into the niche of Dutch tour guiding in Tokyo and Kamakura in 2015 and occasionally writes articles about all the great sights and activities Japan has to offer. She loves (Japanese) food, and to work that all off she goes diving, snorkeling, cycling, or hiking.

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Will you only have a week to travel in Japan but really want to make the most of your limited time? There are so many amazing destinations in Japan that it can be hard to decide which cities and sightseeing spots to hit and which to skip for the time being. Let us help you out with this popular one-week itinerary in Japan that includes Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Kyoto, Nara/Uji, and Osaka.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Day 2: touring tokyo, day 3: kawaguchiko, day 4: arrival in kyoto, day 5: kyoto, day 6: nara, uji, osaka, day 7: osaka and departure, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might like.

If you arrive in Tokyo in the morning and managed to catch some z’s on the plane, you will already be off to a great start! You can reach central Tokyo within 1.5 hours from Narita and within 30 minutes from Haneda , and we recommend opting for a hotel in a central area like Ginza , Daimon, Shinjuku, or around the Tokyo Station area. Drop your luggage off at the hotel, and let’s start discovering the world’s largest metropolis! 

Day one is dedicated to the most central parts of Tokyo. To minimize travel time, we recommend the following day itinerary, which will take you about 5 hours total:

• Imperial Palace : Take a picture with the famous ‘Megane bridge’ in the background and enjoy a walk through the Imperial East Gardens.

• Ningyocho : This picturesque local neighborhood is a bit off the beaten track but worth a visit if you are in the area for its small traditional shops selling delicious treats like ningyoyaki and hojicha tea-flavored ice cream.

• Nihonbashi : The “Kilometer Zero” is a former and current commercial district where you can find several antenna shops from other prefectures and other traditional shops.

• Ginza : This luxury shopping district is not only great for finding upscale brands and products, but it is also a beautiful area to walk around and admire the creative modern architecture. Also, don’t forget to check out the basement of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store with all kinds of high-end foods and drinks.

If you still have energy left for a typical Tokyo dinner, why not head to Yurakucho to sample typical izakaya food?  These types of restaurants are popular amongst salarymen and office ladies who just finished working and need a bite after a long day.

• Tsukiji Fish Market : Tsukiji is one of the world’s biggest fish markets, and although the inner market is no longer in the area, the outer market is still much alive and bustling with 400 plus shops that sell the freshest seafood and eats. That being said, it can be hard to decide where to go and where to skip. Let us help you with our guided tour !

On day two, you will spend the entire day visiting some of the most iconic spots in Tokyo. Start in northern tourist highlight Asakusa to see the impressive Sensoji Temple and then go south to Akihabara to discover Tokyo’s funkiest subcultures and all things manga, anime, and games. 

Next, hop on the train to dive into the throbbing heart of Tokyo’s youth culture on the western side of the city. Start in Shibuya to experience the famous scramble crossing, see the loyal dog Hachiko’s statue, and shop till you drop! Then you can walk or take the train just one stop to Harajuku , Tokyo’s funky fashion district that is especially loved by teens. Finish the day in the peaceful Meiji Shrine , an oasis of calm in the busy city. If you still have some energy to go out in the evening, Shinjuku is a must hit night spot . There are endless delicious eats and bars that make for a great time. If you’re unsure of how to maneuver the area, we have a fun and exciting bar hopping tour that will take you to the best spots!

Would you like to focus on enjoying your day without having to worry about logistics while getting interesting background information? Then booking one of our full-day private tours is a great option!

For day three, you will wake up early and take the train to Kawaguchiko , a pretty little village at the foot of Mt Fuji . This is the best place to admire the majestic Mt Fuji from multiple angles. Spots that you should definitely check out are the popular 5th Station which is as high as you can go by car/bus, the view from the platform on the top of the Kachikachi Ropeway, the Oishi Park with colorful fields, and Mt Fuji in the background, the quirky Kubota Museum, and the famous view of the Chureito Pagoda with the mountain.

You can also book a private tour of Kawaguchiko to see all the highlights around the area comfortably and efficiently.

This morning you will take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Kyoto Station . If you arrive before lunchtime, you can drop off your luggage at your hotel and head to Nishiki Market for some delicious traditional street food like takotamago and yuba tofu skin. After lunch, let’s go to the impressive Kiyomizu-dera temple with its large wooden stage. Then you can walk through the artisan district Higashiyama near the temple all the way to Gion, where you can spot some maiko or geisha on their way to work if you are lucky.

If you can wake up early today, you should head to Fushimi Inari Taisha first thing. This famous shrine with many vermillion torii gates gets crowded in the daytime but is nice and tranquil earlier in the morning before tour groups arrive. Next up is Arashiyama , famous for its mysterious bamboo forest and the beautiful Tenryuji temple.

After lunch, let’s go to the Kinkakuji Temple , also known as the Golden Pavillion, and the Ryoanji, with its Zen garden full of stones. If you still have time, you can stop by Nijo Castle or the Imperial Palace .

If you’re a bit worried about being able to hit all of these spots in the most timely manner, it is always a good idea to book a day tour with one of our expert English speaking guides. Not only will you be able to do everything more efficiently, but you will also get a much better understanding of each spot you go to as well. Have a look below!

Today, you’re taking a trip outside of Kyoto to Nara , Japan’s first capital city. Nara’s main places of interest are around Nara Park and Todaiji Temple , which houses a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue . The park is teeming with semi-tame deer who are all too happy to take some special deer crackers off your hands. As some of them were raised well, there are some deer who will politely bow to you if they want a cracker. The deer are the symbol of Nara city and are seen as messengers from the gods.

In the afternoon, we recommend a stop at Uji , a village that is famous for its production of high-quality Japanese tea and its connection to the Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s classic books. The Byodoin temple is also in Uji, this temple is known for being the image shown on the 10-yen coin. Late in the afternoon, it is time to travel to Osaka, which has many of its attractions best enjoyed in the evening. Osaka is also known as the “ Kitchen of Japan ,” and for good reasons, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Kitashinchi boast hundreds of smaller and larger restaurants with the most delectable dishes of Japanese cuisine.

Depending on when your flight leaves, you may still have some time left to explore Osaka . Many people don’t want to miss Osaka Castle for a glance at the city’s illustrious history and a ride up with the elevator in the Umeda Sky Building for an amazing city view and interesting modern architecture. When it is time to head to the airport, you can reach KIX by train within 50 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station or by bus from Namba Station within 45 minutes.

Does reading this itinerary spark your interest in traveling to Japan? There is so much to see, do, and experience in the Land of the Rising Sun that it can be hard to choose which activities and cities to include in your travel plan! Booking a private guide who can always adjust the itinerary to fit your interests and needs makes the planning of your Japan trip much easier. Your local expert guide is also always happy to give you insider tips on restaurants and sightseeing in their city as well.

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.  From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!  In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help! 

▶ Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides! 

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.

▶ Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.

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Happy traveling!

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7 days, 6 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 7 days and 6 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Tokyo 's Narita Airport .

Day 1 - Arrive at Narita Airport

Day 2 - Tokyo

Day 3 - Tokyo to Kyoto

Day 4-5 - Kyoto

Day 6 - Kyoto to Tokyo

Day 7 - Depart from Narita Airport

Regular train tickets will be considerably cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates .

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Japan in 7 days: Travel itinerary

Japan in 7 days: Travel itinerary

November 8, 2022

Visiting Japan for the first, second or even third time can be scary. It is not an easy task to get around in Tokyo or figure out what to see from the countless number of giant temples, beautiful parks, large shopping streets and fresh restaurants.

That is why we have prepared our top “7 days in Japan” itinerary and recommendations so that you can travel, see and explore the greatest sights of the country with your Japan Rail Pass.

Day 1: Tokyo

Arriving at narita or haneda airport.

Refer to our three days in Tokyo article for more detailed information on how and where to exchange your Japan Rail Pass, take the Narita Express  (or the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda) and arrive at the city center of Tokyo.

Odaiba, Hama Rikyo and the Edo-Tokyo Museum

• Start your trip off by visiting Odaiba , one of the newest, most vibrant shopping and entertainment centers of Tokyo.
• While there, take advantage and visit the Tokyo Tower , a communication station and a Japanese replica of the Eiffel tower, offering fantastic views of the city from above.
• Escape from busy Tokyo life by visiting Hama Rikyu, a small but lovely park, offering beautiful walks among 300-years old trees and fish ponds.
• And for a piece of history, the remarkable  Edo-Tokyo Museum is the place for children and adults to discover the past of Japan, specifically focusing on the Edo period between 1603 and 1868.

Day 2: Tokyo and Kamakura

Taking a trip to kamakura.

Just an hour away from Tokyo, the Kamakura region has plenty to offer. You can get there with your Japan Rail Pass, by taking the Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station and making one connection at Totsuka Station, by changing to the Yokosuka Line, until you arrive at Kamakura Station.

Once there, make sure not to miss:

• Zeniarai Benten Shrine – A magical place, where people (local as well as foreigners) go to wash their money and have a spiritual experience. The saying goes that whatever you wash in the shrine’s spring, it will double.
• The Kamakura Beaches – Whether you are going in the summer and wish to experience the cultural difference between your home beaches and those of Japan, or you are visiting in the autumn/winter seasons, you shouldn’t miss out on the sandy coast Kamakura has to offer.

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Day 3: Tokyo

Shibuya, yanaka and ueno.

• Yanaka – Just a 40 minute ride away (take the Yamanote line), Yanaka will fascinate you with its fully reconstructed temple, narrow streets, and tiled-roof houses. Yanaka is not the most touristic place, which makes it perfect for a peaceful walk, filled with history and stories from the past.
• Ueno – Within walking distance from the Yanaka area, the gorgeous and never-ending Ueno area includes the Ueno Park and Zoo, Tokyo University of Arts, National Museum of Nature and Science, National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan concert hall and more.

Day 4: Kyoto

Arashiyama, iwatayama and tenruy-ji temple.

• Monkey Park Iwatayama – A must for nature and animal lovers. You can walk freely around this area where monkeys live and play. It’s safe to give them food and watch how mothers and their little ones walk around and study you, just like you are studying them.
• Tenruy-ji temple –  a world heritage site, this is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Kyoto, especially during the cherry blossom season (last week of March – first week of April). The gardens are gorgeous and boast a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, especially when the sun rises.

Check out our article  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and district  for more details.

Day 5: Kyoto

Nanzen-ji, fushimi inari and kinkakuji (golden pavilion).

• Nanzen-ji – This Zen temple is the very definition of a perfect Japanese temple. With its Zen gardens, giant entrance doors, and some smaller temples, the Nanzen-ji has everything there is to offer to Japanese culture lovers.

• Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) – A unique Zen temple whosre top floors are covered in gold leaf. Visitors are not allowed on the first floor of the building, which houses historical Buddha statues. However, the windows on this floor are usually open, so tourists can look through and enjoy the ancient ambiance of the temple. Close to the exit, you can sip on traditional tea and tasty treats.

Day 6: Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station for less than an hour to reach Nara – the first permanent capital of Japan and one of the few cities packed with so much cultural heritage, including:

• Isuien Garden – Gorgeous ponds give life to the incredible nature surrounding the gardens, making you feel welcome and at peace. Isuien has actually two different parts, each offering tea houses and authentic Japanese atmosphere.

• Hōryū-ji Temple – Founded by Prince Shotoku in 607, this temple was designated a World Heritage Site in 1993. It’s a must-visit just to see some of the oldest surviving wooden buildings in the world!

Day 7: Back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen  train back to Tokyo and get ready for your trip back home. Depending on your schedule, you can check out the districts of Asakusa and Harajuku , the first stops on our 10-day itinerary and  14-day sample itinerary .

Otherwise, you can say goodbye to the city with the views from the top of the Metropolitan Government Building in West Shinjuku.

Note : Do not forget that you can use your Japan Rail Pass to take the Narita Express or the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda airport for free. Make sure to reserve your seats before boarding!

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Hello, is it possible to go from Tokyo to Okinawa with JR Pass? Thanks! Viktoria

Hi Viktoria! Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than 150 distinct islands, all of which lie 400 miles from mainland Japan. This sets Okinawa apart and thus most travelers to Okinawa do so by air. Alternatively, ferries depart for Okinawa from Kagoshima. None of this is covered by the Japan Rail Pass . Happy travels!

Can you look at the map before asking such a silly question? Can you take Amtrak from Miami to Puerto Rico? Pfew!

I’m travelling to Japan on July with my daughter, I have a tourist visa but my daughter is now a Canadian citizen, so she doesn’t need a “Tourist Visa”… can I still get a JR pass for her?

Hi Gerz! Due to diplomatic agreements, citizens from selected countries are exempt from applying for a formal Japanese Visa prior to the travel. In these cases, the traveller´s passport will be stamped with the Tourist Visa during the Immigration check upon arrival in Japan. Remember that the Tourist Visa is the only visa which allows you to obtain and use the Japan Rail Pass . Happy travels!

Will I be able to take the shinkansen on May 6? I read something online that the train is not available on Apr 27- May 6 and I won’t be able to ride the train on those dates. Please confirm that I will be able to leave from Tokyo to Osaka on May 6 with the shinkansen using the JR pass. Thank you for your help.

Hi Angie! During the Golden Week , which makes 10 bank holidays in the country, Shinkansen bullet trains will still be working since there will be more people than usual travelling around the country. Happy travels!

Hello; How do I go from Tsuruhashi station (in Osaka) to Nara using my JR pass?

Very respectfully Fernando Dietrich

Hi Fernando! First you will have to reach JR Osaka Station and once there take the Yamatoji Rapid Train to JR Nara Station. These trains run once per hour; the trip lasts around 45 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass . Happy travels!

Hello, My husband and I are traveling to Japan for his 30th birthday on May 27th. After reading several comments I am still a tad confused. I want to purchase the 7 day JR pass, however, I am confused on what it entails. If I purchase the 7 day pass are we on the train for 7 days straight? Or do we get on the train in the morning and go home(to our hotel) each night? Also, does this pass also work for the smaller metro stations for touring locally around the city of Tokyo? Or any other major cities? Please help! Thank you!

Hi Mrs. Grimes! The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use all-you-can-ride discounted rail ticket. It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, as well as JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. Happy travels!

Hi there, We are going to Japan this coming May for 6 days, is there a JR pass for 6 or 5 days only just to cover the days that we are in Japan. Thank you very much. Mahalia

Hi Mahalia! A Japan Rail Pass can be valid for either 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days and hence you wouldn’t be able to purchase a pass of a different duration. Please note the Japan Rail Pass is the biggest discount on public Japanese transport available and usually even when one travels less days than pass it still pays off. Happy travels!

Hello, can someone please help me know which trains to take for the travel itinenary below:

From Tokyo -> Hiroshima -> Kyoto –> Tokyo on a 7 day rail pass.

Please find directions below, all of them fully included in your Japan Rail Pass :

– From Tokyo to Hiroshima : You can use your JR Pass to take the Tokaido Shinkansen line’s Hikari bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, Shin-Kobe Station or Himeji Station. Once in one of these stations, you can transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen (Sakura train) and arrive in Hiroshima at Hiroshima Station. – From Hiroshima to Kyoto: Kyoto and Hiroshima are connected by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You can use your JR Pass and the journey between Kyoto Station and Hiroshima Station. – From Kyoto to Tokyo: You should take the Shinkansen Hikari bullet train from Kyoto Station and arrive at either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo.

Happy travels!

my 2 sister and i are planing to visiti nagoya -tokyo-hokkiado this may. can you helpy me the cheapest transportation from nagoya-tokyo-hokkaido? our travel date is may 28-may 5 flight mnl-nagoya & Sapporo-manila :).

Hi Joy! In your case even when you are just making 2 big trips a 7-day Japan Rail Pass would be cost effective. Nagoya to Tokyo already costs 10,500 yen and Tokyo to Sapporo (in Hokkaido island) 26,500 yen. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs 29,110 yen which is less than the 37,000 yen you would pay in individual tickets. In addition, when you start factoring in the money you would spend on the metro, buses, transfers, and ferries, then the savings become a must. Happy travels!

Hi. Need help with an itinerary. We plan to visit the following places in Japan: Tokyo, Alpine Route, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. I’m confused, it’s overwhelming to me. My concerns are: 1. How much would our budget be for all these OR for some of these? Our budget is between big savings and comfort as well. So please send us some options. 2. Among those places, what can we afford to miss? We are first-timers. Thanks so much! We look forward to your response. Sincerely,

Hi Lissie! We recommend you to contact a travel agency. We only have details on Japan Rail Pass cost and thus are unable of providing costs for different itineraries. We would like to recommend you to check our article How much does it cost to go to Japan? in case it is of help. Happy travels!

Hello! Can someone help me know which stations to travel?

We are going from Tokyo -> Hiroshima -> Kyoto – Tokyo on a 7 day rail pass.

Also, 9 of us travelling but my one daughter is on student exchange which means she has a student visa. I just read she is not eligible. Now I am in a bit of a panic – what do I do for her?

Hi Kristin! As you have read, the Tourist Visa is the only visa which allows you to obtain and use the Japan Rail Pass . We recommend you to purchase individual tickets for the person that is not eligible for the pass. Happy travels!

Hello, We are travelling to Tokyo and staying there for 4 nights (July 10-14). We plan to visit Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Kyoto (including major tourist sites and nara) by using Japan rail pass as our main means of transportation. Any suggestions on the train stations and if there are any other passes we need to purchase in conjunction with the JR pass.

Hello we are traveling to Japan In July arriving in Tokyo July 9th and leaving July 17th out of Tokyo. I am thinking we will do Tokyo and Kyoto as home bases but def want to visit the Mt. Fuji region. Where is it easiest to do a day/overnight trip from? Also looking for must see sights on our 7 day trip and the most economical way to do that using the pass.

Hi Bronislava! It will be easier to visit the Mount Fuji area from Tokyo.

Hi Team! We’re going to travel in Japan for 9 days and our target places are in Chubu area, Osaka & Tokyo. Can we use it in those places? Are there connecting lines in each of it? Are target places in Chubu are Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu & Nagano. What is the best option? Looking forward to your response. 🙂

Regards, Rona

Hi, we’ll be in Japan for 7 nights flying into and out of Tokyo Narita, and we just bought the JR Rail Pass. We are considering the following itinerary options. Which would you recommend? Or something else? 1. arrive Tokyo, immediately take train to Kyoto. Spend 3 nights in Kyoto. Train to Hakone. 1 night Hakone. Train to Tokyo. 3 nights Tokyo 2. Same as above but 4 nights Kyoto and we won’t visit Hakone on this trip.

Hi Greg! Our best tips for a 7-day trip around Japan is the one described in this article. Japan is a huge country but we believe you can get a good taste of it!

Hello we are going to travel to Japan on May 27 Arriving at Narita Airport and depart Japan on June 4 , 2018 via Kansai Osaka airport. I plan to visit Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka and what some other places Iyou can recommend if I will buy Japan rail pass is it Fitted in my etinerary if not What Pass can u recommend. I will be staying 3 night in Tokyo( May 27 to 30 ) and 3 night in Osaka ( June 1 to 4) . Im still in the decision making if Where Im gonna spend my 2 nights ( May 30 and 31). I need advice Thank you in advance.

Thank you very much, Margie Judan

Since you are staying longer than the travel period stated in this article we recommend you to check the followig: 10 days in Japan: Travel itinerary . There you will find our best recommendations to get to seize your Japan Rail Pass while discovering the whole country in 10 days.

Our family of 5 is traveling to Japan in April and looking for your advice for the most efficient use of our pass and best time to cover cherry blossom season. We are purchasing a 7 day Green pass. Planning to stay for 3 nights in Tokyo with possible day trip to Nikko, 3 nights in Osaka with day trips to Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji and 1 night in Odawara / Hakone to see Mt. Fuji. We are arriving to Narita on April 2 around 4 pm and flying out of Narita on April 9 at 5:45pm.

Thank you for your help!

Hi Travelty! We recommend you to check our 2018 cherry blossom forecast for Japan You can still see the full bloom in Tokyo (until around April 3rd), and this weekend in Kyoto (until around April 5th). Please keep in mind that most flowers usually take a week to reach full bloom once flowering has begun and that full bloom also lasts around a week.

Hello! I will be flying into Narita on May 15 2018, then flying out from Narita on May 20th 2018. I want to see Kyoto during my 5 day visit, was wondering if you can recommend the best way to fit in a trip to Kyoto in a 5 day trip. I plan on purchasing a JR Rail pass and will rely heavily on public transportation throughout my trip. Thanks!

Travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto is extremely easy with the Japan Rail Pass. You should take the Shinkansen Hikari train from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in central Tokyo, and arrive at Kyoto Station. A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 1 hour and 40 minutes taking the Hikari Shinkansen so it should be easy to include a day trip to Kyoto.

For some great suggestions and recommendations on which places to visit and what to do in Kyoto, check out our Japan in 14 days (day 4-6) article.

Enjoy your time in Japan!

I am travelling with my parents (in early 70s) together with my 2 siblings to Tokyo on Feb 25, 2018. We plan to go places on our own (without tour guide) so we can visit places on our own pacing exploring Tokyo. Initially, I wanted to stay the whole 7 days in Tokyo. But if I’m going to buy the JR Pass East, we might as well visit Nagano or Niigata to experience the cold Winter (will it still be cold?). OR can we just visit Mt. FUji and still have the Snow experience? How do we go to the local places? Do I need to buy tickets for taking local bus transpo or does the JR Pass covers it.

I hope you can help to give more recommendations.

Thank you, Tine

Hello JR team,

Any recommendation on my earlier email?

Hi Christine!

The way to both Nagano and Niigata from Tokyo is included in your Japan Rail Pass . The Hokkaido Shinkansen departs from Tokyo Station and rides all the way to Nagano Station. The Joetsu Shinkansen will take you straight from Tokyo to the Niigata prefecture in just two hours. Those locations are among the preferred visits for skiers and snowboarders so you may get a chance to experience the cold.

Mount Fuji will also provide a good snow experience and is accessible almost fully with the Japan Rail Pass too. To get there take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass. Once at Kozu (Kanagawa), take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu, also included in the JR Pass, and get off at Gotemba Station. Once at Gotemba station, take a bus to Subashiri 5th station (not included in the pass), the gateway to climbing Mount Fuji.

We hope you enjoy your trip!

I am travelling to Japan for the first time in April/May with my elderly father, we are keen to visit Tokyo, Kyoto (probably via day trip) and Osaka during our 7days in your country.

Grateful if you could assist us in navigating the best options for rail travel for our proposed itinerary. We would like to get the full bullet train experience from Tokyo to Osaka (and return) if possible. Can you please also advise if JR / Shinkansen offers discounts to seniors/over 70years?

Monday 30 April – arrive Tokyo (Narita) at 1755hrs – we will be staying in the Shinjuku area

Thursday 3 May – travel from Shinjuku to Osaka – we will be staying in the Dotonbori area

Monday 7 May – Osaka (Dotonbori area) to Tokyo (Narita) airport – departing Toyko (Nartia) at 1955hrs

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my query.

No senior discounts apply to the Japan Rail Pass . However, keep in mind that the Japan Rail Pass prices allow to save up to 62% in individual train tickets.

The Japan Rail Pass will cover all your itinerary:

– Transportation from Narita Airport to Tokyo city center in the Narita Express . This same train will take you to Shinjuku Station . – Shinjuku is also part of the Yamanote Line which is probably the most popular and convenient way for getting around Tokyo. – Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are connected with by the Tokaido Shinkansen line, included with the Japan Rail Pass. – While in Osaka, you will be entitled to make full use of the Osaka Loop Line .

I want to use the Itinerary for my trip in March 2018 – can you tell me which lines I should take to make it to the places on the itinerary?

Hi Natalie!

You can check the transportation you need to take for your itinerary at Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It will enable you to precisely plan your trip in Japan from station to station with punctuality to the second.

Thanks for sharing this post. It’s really a big help for us during our last visit in Japan.

Cheers from Cebu!

Would like to ask about the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. It is ¥10,000 & have to use it for 3 consecutive days. May I know which area does this covers? Planning to go to Disneysea, Mt Fuji & Gala Yuzawa using this method. Please advise.

All details regarding JR Tokyo Wide Pass are available at JR East official website. Please make sure to visit it to have the most updtaed information.

I will be arriving Haneda Airport, what train to take to go to Hotel Mystays Hamamatsucho? We will be in Japan for 7 days, trying to put together a list of all place to visit. Any suggestion?

From Haneda Airport you can take the Tokyo Monorail, covered by the Japan Rail Pass, to central Tokyo. Once you are there you can take any of the JR lines included in the Japan Rail Pass that take you around the city: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu Line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. Just make sure to locate your hotel and what lines take you there!

Our best recommendation for a 7-day trip in Japan is available in this article you have already read. We recommend you to further surf our blog if you want to get further insight on what to see when you are in Japan.

I will be in Japan for 7 days ( November 15th – November 21st 2017) ( party of 3 ). We would like to visit Kyoto & Tokyo using Japan Rail Pass.

My question is : should I fly in Kyoto first then leave from Tokyo ? Please advise

Hi Richard!

You can visit first any of the cities since it makes no change – just plan your trip as you prefer. If you travel with a Japan Rail Pass you are entitled to transfer from Narita Airport to Tokyo and also from Kansai Airport to Kyoto at no additional charge, as well as to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto unlimitedly.

This is my itenerary for Japan…. I want to purchase a 7 day rail pass, but when do you think it makes most sense to use up the 7 days considering I will be in Tokyo for 10 days….see below itenerary. I would rather save the 7 days for when the costs will be highest. Any advice?

April 19 Thursday Tokyo – Arrive in airport at 10pm April 20 Friday Tokyo April 21 Saturday Tokyo April 22 Sunday Tokyo (possible day trip to nakamura) April 23 Monday Tokyo (day trip to Nikko) April 24 Tuesday Travel to Mt Fuji April 25 Wednesday Travel to Kyoto April 26 Thursday Kyoto April 27 Friday Osaka April 28 Saturday Osaka April 29 Sunday – Leave to Osaka Airport

The most important to keep in mind is that the Japan Rail Pass will be more economical the more you travel. Please be aware you can use it in most of your trip:

– From Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express to central Tokyo at no additional cost. – Once you are in Tokyo, you can use several lines within the city: the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu line and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines.. However please make sure to check which parts of the city you want to visit since most likely you won’t be able to access them all only using your Japan Rail Pass. – Nikko is one of many interesting day trips from Tokyo made possible using your Japan Rail Pass since traveling time is less than 2 hours from Tokyo by train and at no additional charge when traveling with the Japan Rail Pass. – Mount Fuji can be easily reached with the Japan Rail Pass via Gotemba: you just have to take JR Tokaido line for Kozu from Tokyo Station, using your JR Pass; once at Kozu, take the JR Gotemba Line for Numazu and get off at Gotemba Station. – Travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with the Japan Rail Pass is easy. You should take the Tokaido Shinkansen line that connects three cities. – Numerous trains in and around Kyoto can be accessed using your Japan Rail Pass. – While in Osaka, you will be entitled to use the Osaka Loop Line at no additional cost if travelling with the Japan Rail Pass. – Last but not least, to get from Osaka to Kansai Airport you can take the Haruka Express , also included in the Japan Rail Pass.

If you want to check the costs of each individual trip to make your decision you can check Hyperdia – the number 1 Japanese online transportation planning tool. It has the most updated and useful information you can get.

Very happy travels!

Hello, confirmed our trip to Japan from Jan. 1 to Jan. 6.

Jan. 1 – arrive Narita 2 PM start exploring Tokyo after check in Jan. 2 – explore Tokyo Jan. 3 – depart for Mt. Fuji area (is a day trip enough for Mt. Fuji?) – taking train to Kyoto late afternoon (bullet train?) Jan. 4 – Kyoto (doing a Ryokan for 1 night). Is it better to do the Ryoan in the Mt. Fuji area? Jan. 5 – Kyoto area – depart for Osaka in the morning Jan. 6 – Fly out of Osaka late afternoon

Will the JR pass be able to cover all the routes mentioned above? Do we need to stay overnight at Mt. Fuji and do the Ryokan there or is it better to do a day trip to Mt. Fuji area and do the Ryokan at Kyoto coming from Mt. Fuji? Also, is it better to buy the JR pass here in the US now than getting it close to our travel date or getting it there perhaps? Any recommendations or suggestions for this short trip? Looking forward to your response. Thank you!

Yes – the Japan Rail Pass will cover all of your trips.

– To get to central Tokyo from Narita Airport you can take the Narita Express at no additional charge. – Within Tokyo there are some lines you can use to explore the city, such as the Yamanote Line , the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Rapid Chuo Line, the local Chuo-Sobu and other metropolitan lines that circulate on the outskirts of the city such as the JR Keiyo, Musashi, Nambu and Yokohama lines. – Mount Fuji can be scheduled as a day trip from Tokyo since it should be only a little over 2 hours from Tokyo.

Regarding where to purchase the Japan Rail Pass, it would be adviceable to purchase it in advance. The JR Pass can be purchased online or through specialized agents, like this website. However, since March 8, 2017, and on a trial basis, the pass is also sold at selected stations inside Japan, at an increased cost. While you are now able to purchase the JR Pass in Japan, please keep in mind that it is only sold in particular stations, at a higher price and you are required to pay in Yens, as no other currency will be accepted.

Have an amazing trip!

Dear JRpass team,

Thank you so so much for your prompt and very detailed and helpful reply. We highly appreciate your assistance.

May I ask another question. Since my daughter shall travel further to Hiroshima and Nagoya after Tokyo-Osaka, we wish to ask you if she can use JR pass for traveling from Osaka to Hiroshima, and then from Hiroshima to Nagoya, and finally from Nagoya to Tokyo? If the answer if affirmative, we will get her a 14 day JR pass.

Again, thank you so so much for your assistance and we look forward to hearing further from you in due course.

Hi Dzung Nguyen!

Sure – your daughter is entitled to do these trips if she holds a Japan Rail Pass :

– To get from Osaka to Hiroshima , from the city center, take the JR Haruka Express to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen line (westbound, Hikari trains). This trip takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes. – From Hiroshima to Nagoya she will need to take the Shinkansen Sakura in Hiroshima to Shink-Kobe station. Once there she will need to transfer to Shinkansen Hikari until she gets off at Nagoya. – And last but not least, to go from Nagoya back to Tokyo the quickest option would be taking the JR Tokaido Shinkansen, accessible using your JR Pass.

Remember you can purchase your Japan Rail Pass here .

Hi JRpass team,

We plan to visit Tokyo-Osaka areas for 10 days. We arrive Tokyo (Narita airport), stay in Tokyo for 3 days and then move to Osaka and then back to Tokyo-Narita airport. Whuile in Osaka, we plan to stay in Osaka and make one-day round trips from Osaka to different places like, for example, Osaka-Kobe, Osaka-Kyoto, Osaka-Nara/Nagoya/Hokune.

We want to buy 7 day JR pass to save costs. May I ask you to look at our plan below:

Day 1 (11Aug): Arrive Narita Airport and to Tokyo city – no JR pass used.

Day 2&3 (12 & 13Aug): Sightseeing in Tokyo – no JR pass used.

Day 4 (14Aug): Travelling from Tokyo to Osaka (Shinkansen) – IR pass used.

Day 5 (15Aug): Going to Kyoto (Mt. Fuji, etc….)and back to Osaka (one day trip). Can we use JR pass on this route?

Day 6 (16Aug): Going to Kobe and back to Osaka. Can we use JR pass on this route?

Day 7 (17Aug): Travelling around Osaka: Dontobori, Kuromon market, etc..) Can we use JR pass on this route?

Day 8 (18Aug): Travelling around Osaka: Universal Studio Japan in Osaka. Can we use JR pass on this route?

Day 8 (19Aug): Sightseeing in Osaka. Can we use JR pass on this route?

Day 9 (20Aug): Travelling back to Tokyo from Osaka (Shinkansen). JR pass is used.

Day 10: going home from Narita.

In Osaka, we stay in walking distance from Nipponbashi station. So do you think our plan would work? Can we use JR pass for travelling/sightseeing in Osaka, for going to Kyoto, Kobe as I plan?

Thank you so much for your assistance and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks and best regards,

Dzung Nguyen

Your plan sounds great!

– Going from Osaka to Kyoto and back is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Travelling between Kyoto and Osaka is now easier than ever. Just take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. You will get between Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station in less than 30 minutes! – If you plan to visit Hakone area ( Mount Fuji ) from the Kansai region (Osaka and Kyoto), you will have to take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama and some Hikari trains, please check) from Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka station (covered by the Japan Rail Pass) and get off at Odawara station. Then take the Hakone Tozan train for Hakone-Yumoto Station (not covered by JR) and finally get off at Hakone-Itabashi Station. – To go from Osaka to Kobe you have two options, both fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass: you may take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station. This trip lasts approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you may take a JR Special Rapid Train from Osaka Station to the Kobe Sannomiya Station, with a trip duration of around 20 minutes. – To travel within Osaka city you can use the Osaka Loop Line that circles through downtown Osaka. – To get to Universal Studios Japan from Osaka Station, take the Osaka loop line to Universal City Station. From Nishikujo Station, you can also take the JR Sakurajima line (also called Yumesaki line). The park is a five-minute walk from the station. This trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. – To go from and to Narita Airport you can use the Narita Express , covered by your Japan Rail Pass.

Hai.. We are planning to explore japan in this winter for 14 days.. From sapporo to tokyo.. If we buy the jrails pass for 14 days, can it cover all of the transportation from sapporo until tokyo? Are we just need to take a shinkasen to go to hokkaido from tokyo? Thankyou.

Hi Nana yee!

To go from Sapporo to Tokyo you will need to take the Hokuto limited express in Sapporo and go all straight to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Once there you will have to transfer to the JR Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen that will get you all straight to Tokyo. This trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Have a nice trip!

Hello.. just booked my flight from Mumbai to Tokyo and returning from seoul to Mumbai to celebrate New year.. I will be spending 7 nights in Japan.. I will be traveling with my wife and 1 year infant daughter.. I indent to cover Tokyo, Kyoto, mt Fuji.. I thought to spend New year Eve in Kyoto .. kindly advise your views on my plan.. also let me if I have JR pass I still need to reserve seat if yes than what is the procedure to do that.. I also indent to do some scenic train trip in your country..

Regards Vishal

Hi Vishal Dhanuka!

Your trip sounds awesome! When travelling with the Japan Rail Pass you will still need to reserve seats (free of charge).

To reserve your seat, please go to any Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), located in all Japanese train stations. The kind Japanese staff will ask for your Japan Rail Pass, which allows you to book seats for free. State your destination and preferred departure time and let the staff member find the best option for your trip.

From February 2017, passengers can make seat reservations online for certain trains at the JR East Train Reservation Service. After arriving in Japan, passengers can collect their seat reservation tickets at their chosen location. These include designated JR East and JR Hokkaido stations and JR travel service centres and information desks, as well as JR West Kanazawa and Toyama stations.

Good morning. Planning to go to Tokyo (handeda) mid November for 6 nights and 3 night to Kyoto. Then exit at kansai airport. Is it advisable to get the 14 days JR pass?

It will always depend on the trip you schedule. The Japan Rail Pass will make your journey easy and it will for sure cover all the mentioned trips: from Haneda you can take the Tokyo Monorail to and from Hamamatsucho Station, on the Yamanote line in central Tokyo; while in Tokyo you will also be able to take advantage of certain JR lines within the city as well as within Kyoto and to reach Kansai Airport through the Haruka Express .

Besides this the Japan Rail Pass will be more convenient the more you travel so make sure to plan your trip in advance to assess how to get the most out from your trip in the country.

Have an amazing vacation!

Comments are closed.

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9 Tips for Japan Travel You Can't Afford To Miss

I f you’re planning a trip to Japan, know that the process is a commitment . We’ve gone all over the world and back again, even traveling full-time for two years with our young children.

Even so, planning a trip to Japan sometimes felt like a Herculean task. There are so many moving parts, rules and barriers that it was easy to be overwhelmed at times. After putting together what I’d deem a very successful first visit, I’ve put together some of my best Japan travel tips to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

I promise, you won’t want to miss these tips for traveling to Japan – they’ll help you make the most of your time with the fewest hassles.

1. Plan as far in advance as you can

As frequent readers of this website know, we’re avid travelers and have been all over the world – sometimes hopping countries on just a few days’ notice.

Japan isn’t a place where I’d want to do that. Ever.

The most important of my tips for Japan travel is to give yourself as much lead time as possible.

We were shocked at just how important it is to plan a trip to Japan well in advance. In my experience particularly if you plan to visit during a peak time (roughly March through May and, to a lesser extent, September and October) you’ll be happiest if you start arranging your hotels 4-6 months in advance. Even 4 months before our March trip, a few small or specialty hotels were already sold out. When I looked to shift our itinerary 3 months in advance, our hotel in Tokyo was double the price I had paid.

But it isn’t just about booking your flights and hotels. There are so many cool attractions in Japan that require booking at least a month in advance. It’s not just the obvious ones! Everything from TeamLab Tokyo (which we got) to Pokemon Cafe (which we didn’t) sells out. Heck, even the wonderful onsen we visited had limited availability for private rooms a month in advance.

Unfortunately the need to lock down times and places so far in advance can make Japan travel planning very tricky. Give yourself plenty of time and try not to get overwhelmed – take it one area at a time and don’t be too disappointed if you can’t get into one specific attraction or hotel. Know that you’ll still have an incredible trip and you’ll be starting to consider a return visit while you’re still there!

Pro tip: When you’re planning, don’t be afraid to book through Klook ! It’s one of the most popular sites for booking activities throughout Asia. It’s easy to use and has a great reputation. We used it many, many times without a hitch.

2. Consider the overall structure of your itinerary

Obviously the first thing to nail down when you’re planning a trip to Japan is the basic framework of your trip: your flights and roughly which regions you’ll visit when. There are a few ways to do it, which I’ll go over here. Here are some ideas for family-friendly Japan itineraries .

If you’re coming from North America, chances are you’ll fly into one of Japan’s three main international airports: Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND) or Kansai (KIX). West coasters may have the luxury of choosing where they’ll go, while travelers coming from the midwest and east coast will probably have to take what they can get based on how their connections work out.

Both Narita and Haneda are in greater Tokyo, but Haneda is much much more convenient: our taxi ride was an easy 20 minutes, which we appreciated after spending most of a day traveling. Narita would have taken over an hour and been more expensive for our family of four.

The other airport option is Kansai, which is about an hour from downtown Osaka by train. A west coast family member recently chose an open-jaw itinerary that arrived in Osaka and departed from Haneda. That was a great option as it avoided an extra few hours of train travel – and depending on your itinerary it could allow you to choose a shorter duration Japan Rail Pass (but more on that later). When we considered a similar itinerary, unfortunately the connections weren’t as favorable and the price was a lot higher but be sure to evaluate options for your airport and dates.

The second half of structuring your itinerary is figuring out the order in which you want to visit Japan’s wonderful and diverse regions. On a first visit, most tourists split their time between Tokyo , Kyoto /Osaka and Hiroshima . It’s worth considering the order of your trip, especially if you end up with a roundtrip ticket to Tokyo (as most visitors do). If you’re lucky enough to have a KIX flight on one leg, your itinerary will mostly build itself.

There are two schools of thought on how to structure your Japan itinerary . This excellent book recommends exchanging your Japan Rail Pass voucher at the airport when you arrive and immediately hopping on a bullet train for Hiroshima as one of the top tips for travelling in Japan. In theory you could also take a short domestic flight to Hiroshima, as it’s less than 2 hours and sometimes only $50 per ticket. You’ll then slowly make your way back up to Tokyo to finish out your trip. The benefits of this option are that you’ll be able to sleep for much of the 6 hour travel time (since most visitors are exhausted after crossing so many time zones) and you’ll also start off in the quieter parts of the country before tackling the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

We took a different approach and it worked out fine as well. Our trip started with 5 nights in Tokyo, which was just a busy as advertised but allowed us to settle in and feel as rested as possible when we were clocking 10 miles on foot each day. Then once we had our bearings we went all the way to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Our final stay was in Kyoto , halfway between Tokyo and Hiroshima. With only 10 nights in Japan, our stays in Miyajima and Kyoto was shorter and might have been harder with the kids right when we’d gotten off the plane.

I’d probably avoid closing out your trip in Hiroshima. The security line when we returned to Haneda was one of the longest I’ve ever waited in and you would likely have to build in three hours to check in and get through security, whether you’re taking the 5-6 hour train ride or the 2 hour domestic flight (remembering to allow 60 minutes to get to the Hiroshima airport from downtown or 2.5 hours from Miyajima Island and 2 hours for domestic check in). Going through all of that followed by an incredibly long international flight is just too brutal.

3. Always factor transportation into your advance planning

Speaking of transportation, there’s a lot of it in Japan and it should factor into your planning from the beginning in terms of both time and money.

Japan is famous for its shinkansen bullet trains, but in reality the nation’s transportation network is far more vast than most people realize until they visit. Japan has more than 30,000 km of rail, which would get your 3/4 of the way around the globe if it was all laid end-to-end. Those rails are part of everything from the bullet train lines that travel at 200 mph to regional railways to local subways.

Even within a single municipality, there can be multiple overlapping transit lines run by the government, private companies or public-private partnerships. As a visitor, it can sometimes be confusing or even frustrating.

You’ll want to download the excellent JapanTravel app by NAVITIME to your phone. You can also use it on your computer though I found that it didn’t work as well. Where this app is a standout is that it allows you to select which transit passes you have (or are considering purchasing) and shows you which routes are included and which ones aren’t.

Before we talk about money, passes and more I’ll just share a quick note about the time aspect of taking trains in Japan. Overall they’re extremely efficient and get you from A to B. But Japan is home to 46 of the 50 busiest train stations in the world, and when you first arrive prepare to be a little lost. When you’re taking local trains, I recommend allowing plenty of buffer time to what the directions tell you. A “20 minute trip” could easily take you 30 minutes if you struggle to find the platform for your connection or figure out which exit the walking portion of your directions indicate. It’s not your fault, but plan accordingly if you have time-specific activities.

The first piece to figure out – at least a month before your trip but not more than 90 days – is whether or not a Japan Rail Pass is right for you. This pass gives you access to nearly every Japan Rail operated line in the country for a specific number of consecutive days. If you’ll be flitting around to different regions in a fairly short period of time it can be a great savings! You won’t typically need it for your entire itinerary. For example, we made sure that we only needed ours for 7 of our 10 days.

To give you a sense of our our calculations worked, on the second day of our JR Pass we traveled from Tokyo to Hiroshima. On the final day of our pass we traveled from Kyoto to Tokyo. Those two legs alone would have cost us more than the 7 day pass, and of course we used it many times in between.

The very fastest bullet trains – which cut an hour off of the transit between Tokyo and Hiroshima – aren’t currently included with the Japan Rail Pass but they will be when the rail pass price increases in early 2024. That price increase is going to hurt and you’ll really have to evaluate whether or not the pass makes sense for you if you’re visiting beyond 3/31/2024 (the initial announcement indicated October 2023, but it seems to have been pushed back). Of course it’s also possible that fares for individual tickets will rise as well.

Fortunately there’s no need to worry about spending for the fancy “Green Car” service. The regular class is plenty comfortable and very spacious, with reclining seats and tray tables for your bento box. And families rejoice: children 6-11 can get half-price rail passes! Each adult can also take up to two children ages 1-5 on their laps (though only one is realistic) and babies travel free.

Things get much more complicated when you’re talking about local and regional transportation.

If you’re traveling kid-free or your kids are 0-5, your simplest option is to buy an IC card . These are essentially reloadable debit cards that can be used on nearly every transportation system in areas where tourists go in Japan, plus you’ll use them for cashless payment at lots of businesses and kiosks in the country. To make your life easy, once you get your IC card add it to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay app. You can even top up your IC card directly from your phone, and Apple Watch users can scan into trains with their wrists. With an IC card you won’t have to buy individual tickets for train rides, though if you’re taking lots of trains you may end up spending more than if you purchased a train pass – more details on those below.

Unfortunately for families with kids over 6, an IC card isn’t quite so simple. First, for your children to receive discounted child fares when they tap in to a train they have to be on a child IC card. You’ll need to bring the kid and their passport to the JR East office to get it (this is the same place where you’ll exchange your JR Pass voucher for actual tickets). Second, unless they have their own cell phone they won’t be able to use the digital option and will need to carry the physical card and top it up at an actual kiosk.

Given the different fares, shopping opportunities and different reloading options, you may wind up with times when most of the family is topped up and ready to go but a kiddo’s card needs money unexpectedly at the turnstile. The upside is the most of the time you can board basically any train in the country with a simple tap and no worrying about which train line you’re taking. Some families even load their kids’ souvenir shopping money on to the IC card and empower them to stay within their budgets. That’s a great hack for family travel in Japan!

If dealing with IC cards sounds like a headache or you think you’ll ride local trains a lot, there are some additional train passes worth considering. Our family got excellent value out of the 72 hour Tokyo subway pass . It covered nearly every non-JR train we needed to take around the city, including the one conveniently located underneath our hotel . The cost of that pass just can’t be beat!

As you go in the Kansai region (encompassing Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and more) you can consider the Kansai Thru Pass for 2 or 3 days (and kids at half price). It covers nearly all non-JR rail lines plus bus lines and can be used on non-consecutive days. If you have an active Japan Rail pass you can use that for select rides in the city as well, but JR lines aren’t as ubiquitous as elsewhere.

Whether or not a pass makes sense for you will depend on how much you plan to use public transportation versus taxis and Ubers. That said, there’s also the convenience factor of nearly every trip being covered without having to stop at a ticket machine every time you want to board. You could also consider separate passes for Keihan , Hankyu and buses.

There were a few times when we felt like a taxi was the best option, for instance when we were heading to the train station with all of our luggage in the pouring rain on our last morning in Japan. I was so glad that we brought folding car seats for our kids to ride safely – I consider them a “must” to travel Japan with a family!

Want to organize your plans?

Grab our fully-customizable Japan digital travel planner!

4. Get comfortable with Google Translate

The most useful app for Japan is definitely Google Translate. Unless you’re fluent in Japanese (reading and speaking) you’ll use it all day, every day. If you only take away two traveling in Japan tips, it should be this one along with planning as early as possible.

We encountered so many people in Japan who were eager to help us in our travels but virtually none of them spoke English. And that’s understandable, because it’s their country and Japanese is the local language. Thankfully Google Translate was there to bridge the divide. We had plenty of “conversations” that consisted of us typing a few sentences into our app and a Japanese person typing their reply into their own Google Translate.

The other piece of Google Translate that’s indispensable is translating text in images, whether it’s a sign on a storefront or a Japanese-only menu. Particularly if you have any dietary restrictions, you’ll want to take advantage of this.

I recommend that you download the Japanese dictionary within your Google app before you go. When you go to the translation module, click “Detect language” and find Japanese on the list. Then click the download icon to the right. Your translations will be faster when you’re on the ground and you won’t have to worry about using mobile data.

5. Bring power backups for your phone

If you’re anything like us, you’ll use your phone all day long in Japan. Directions, photos, translations and more… it all takes a toll.

We love this portable charger because it plugs directly into our iPhones without a cord and still fits in our pockets. There’s an Android-friendly version as well. We brought one with us, but only because I forgot the second one charging at home when I packed! There were plenty of days we wished we had the second battery pack. It tops my list of what to bring to Japan.

On our smarter days, we brought a USB charging cable and wall plug with us. Plenty of restaurants in Japan have outlets near the tables so we were able to charge while we ate.

Speaking of plugs, Japan uses the same style outlets as the USA. Even so, I ended up bringing this gadget because it saved tons of space and energy on USB wall adapters!

Other things to put in your day pack for Japan: a plastic bag to carry around your trash, a small travel washcloth and hand sanitizer.

6. Pack strategically

I have plenty more to say about what to pack for Japan specifically, but as you’re planning your trip it’s helpful to have an overall strategy that takes your itinerary into account.

First, packing light is always a good thing. I love the travel capsule wardrobe strategy for maximizing my outfits while minimizing my luggage.

Second, if you plan to take trains around the country (which nearly everyone does) know that there’s limited space for huge suitcases in each compartment. Carry-on suitcases and travel backpacks will fit on the overhead racks without issue.

For our family of four, we traveled with two carry-on suitcases, one 35L travel backpack (which I’m wearing above) and our kids backpacks. We also tucked this awesome packable daypack into our luggage to use on the ground. Since we were sharing luggage, we made liberal use of packing cubes to organize everyone’s stuff. Japan isn’t a country that requires a lot of specialized equipment and we made sure to book one hotel with laundry , so packing light was easy!

Now for the strategy part… our itinerary included a very busy 48 hour stretch that saw us taking trains, buses, boats and taxis as we went all the way down to Miyajima Island and doubled back to Kyoto with a half-day stop in Osaka. It was a whirlwind!

But thanks to the excellent Ta-Q-Bin luggage forwarding service run by Yamato, we didn’t have to lug all of our stuff with us. Ta-Q-Bin is beloved by locals and visitors alike, as it reliably and affordably moves your items around the country. The service is available via 7-11 and many hotels. We arranged it the night before with the concierge at our Tokyo hotel . For just $50 we sent both of our suitcases and a supplied cardboard box containing the kids’ backpacks to Kyoto, and we just brought our 35L backpack and daypack for two nights on Miyajima Island. Without a hitch, our items were waiting in our hotel room in Kyoto when we got there!

Having the freedom to move through busy parts of your itinerary unencumbered is amazing. Sure there are luggage lockers in many places (the one time I tried to snag one they were full) but we didn’t always go and come back the same way.

Some visitors also use Ta-Q-Bin on the day they arrive in Japan. While the service generally calls for about 48 hours of lead time, Yamato offers same-day service within Tokyo from the airports if your flight comes in early enough. That means you can drop off your luggage when you arrive and immediately go sightseeing without stopping at your hotel first!

7. Engage with Japanese people

While it’s true that Japanese people are generally quiet and respectful in public, don’t let that scare you from interacting. Overall we found warmth, generosity and an overwhelming desire to help us as tourists – all of this despite the understandable language barrier.

We encountered kindnesses of all sizes, from the businessman who went ten minutes out of his way to help us find a hidden train station to the young people who saw us picnicking and offered us a spare tarp to sit on. Even though there are differences in how we approach public life, plenty of Japanese people we met were happy to chat about their favorite restaurants, the sports teams they support and all of the other normal aspects of daily life.

Private or small-group tours are a great way to forge those connections, even for the DIY traveler. You’ll have an opportunity to ask all of your burning questions about life in Japan and hear an insider’s perspective from someone who is eager to be a bridge.

8. Don’t be afraid of unfamiliar (or inexpensive!) foods

I’m not afraid to say that Japan’s food scene is incredible. Whether you’re craving fresh, creative, comforting or affordable you’ll find it in spades. But the most important thing to bring when you dine (other than perhaps a reservation) is an open mind.

You’ll undoubtedly encounter plenty of foods in Japan that you never imagined, from cabbage-laden okonomiyaki to octopus-filled takoyakio to sakura mochi wrapped in salt-pickled leaves for dessert. As long as they’re within any particular dietary restrictions you have, give it all a shot!

On the note of dietary restrictions, be sure to have your Google Translate app ready at restaurants if you’re particular about what you’re eating. It can be tough.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for pork-free ramen or vegan ramen in Tokyo, don’t miss the rainbow ramen at Afuri. There are locations throughout the city.

By the same token, don’t discriminate against affordable food in Japan. There are plenty of solid options where you can get yakitori , sushi or fried chicken for just a few dollars and they’re absolutely delicious. Many Japanese people grab sandwiches or other simple lunch foods at convenience stores like 7-11 or Lawson’s – these are perfect to bring along for a lunch picnic in one of the thousands of beautiful parks you’ll stumble across.

I’ll be honest and say that we had one of our most filling and satisfying breakfasts at Denny’s of all places – but it was delicious chicken and rice porridge for the adults and broiled salmon with rice for the kids. You could eat for $15-20 per day and really enjoy a huge range of Japanese food!

9. Plan some unique activities

With the ever-increasing costs of flights and hotels, it’s tempting to try to save on other parts of your trip to Japan. There are plenty of free things to do in Japan, from visiting all of the unique temples and shrines to searching out your favorite garden.

But it would be a shame to miss out on some of the more unique things to do in Japan that you have to pay for. Check out some of these great only-in-Japan experiences that we loved:

• Take an in-home cooking class
• Dress in a kimono and participate in a traditional tea ceremony
• Attend a sumo tournament
• Stay in a traditional ryokan where you can enjoy everything from sleeping on futons to soaking in an onsen to dining on a local gourmet breakfast

Of course there are a million other things you can do in Japan! One fact is certain: no matter where you go or what you, you’ll walk away anticipating your next visit.

Planning your trip to Japan

I hope these travel tips for Japan have give you the confidence to plan your own adventure!

Ready to dive in? Don’t miss these helpful resources for planning your own Japan trip!

• Buy your Japan Rail Pass
• Best Things to do in Japan With Kids: A Kid’s Take
• Essential Japan Itinerary: 10 Days of Family-Friendly Travel
• What to Pack for Japan in Spring (and What to Leave at Home)
• Things to do in Tokyo With Kids: Itinerary for 4 Days of Old and New
• The Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families (and How to Choose Yours)
• Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips
• Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
• Awesome Pokémon Things to do in Japan
• Visiting the A-Bomb Sites in Hiroshima with Kids
• 10 Japan Cultural Activities & Attractions For Your Bucket List

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