7-Day Japan Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Tokyo

Morning: Arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport and transfer to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and get acclimated to the city.

Afternoon: Visit Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and explore the surrounding Asakusa district with its traditional shops and street food stalls.

Evening: Head to Shibuya Crossing to experience the bustling city vibe and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Morning: Explore the expansive Meiji Shrine nestled amidst a forested area, then walk through Harajuku for unique fashion and boutique shopping.

Afternoon: Visit Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views and stroll around the Ginza district for high-end shopping.

Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Shinjuku, including dinner at an izakaya and a visit to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Morning: Take a train to Hakone and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to see outdoor sculptures against stunning natural backgrounds.

Afternoon: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) and take a cruise on Lake Ashi to view Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Evening: Return to Tokyo for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Kyoto's Temples & Culture

Morning: Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen. Upon arrival, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

Afternoon: Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates, then stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district.

Evening: Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Exploring Kyoto & Nara

Morning: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple.

Afternoon: Take a short train ride to Nara to see the friendly deer in Nara Park and visit the Tōdai-ji Temple.

Evening: Return to Kyoto for dinner and rest.

Day 6: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Morning: Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome.

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate.

Evening: Return to Hiroshima or stay overnight on Miyajima.

Day 7: Return & Farewell

Morning: Head back to Tokyo or your departure city, reflecting on your trip.

Afternoon & Evening: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departing from the airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sensō-ji Temple & Asakusa District — 2 hours — ¥0
• Tokyo Tower — 1 hour — ¥3,000
• Meiji Shrine & Harajuku — 2 hours — ¥0
• Tokyo Station & Ginza Shopping — 2 hours — ¥0
• Shinjuku Observation Deck — 1 hour — ¥2,000
• Hakone Open-Air Museum — 2 hours — ¥1,600
• Lake Ashi Cruise — 1 hour — ¥1,000
• Kyoto Kinkaku-ji — 1 hour — ¥400
• Fushimi Inari Shrine — 1 hour — ¥0
• Gion District — 1-2 hours — ¥0
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji — 2 hours — ¥500
• Nara Park & Tōdai-ji — 2 hours — ¥600
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum — 2 hours — ¥200
• Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine — 2 hours — ¥300

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately ¥15,000

Tips

If you have limited time, consider focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto, which offer the most iconic sights. To extend your trip, include more days in Hakone, Hiroshima, or explore other regions like Osaka or Takayama for a richer experience. Conversely, reducing the trip to 4-5 days can still give you a great overview by prioritizing major highlights.