7-Day Japan Spring Itinerary

Arrival and Check-in

After immigration and luggage collection at Narita International Airport, follow signs for the Narita Express (N’EX) to Shinjuku Station. The journey takes roughly 90 minutes; reserved seats and airport-bound luggage space make it much easier than changing trains with suitcases. Allow about 2–3 hours from landing to your hotel, including immigration, the train, and check-in. A one-way ticket is typically around ¥3,250, though the N’EX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket can be better value if you return to Narita. If you arrive too late for the garden, keep the afternoon flexible rather than rushing.

Late Afternoon in the Gardens

Once settled, walk or take a short taxi ride to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. In early March, the famous cherry blossom season has not usually begun, but the garden is still a peaceful introduction to Tokyo, with spacious lawns, landscaped Japanese and French gardens, and a welcome break from the station district. It generally closes around 4:30–5:30 PM depending on the season, with last entry about 30 minutes beforehand; check the official schedule for your date and keep ¥500 for admission. From Shinjuku Station, the Okido or Shinjuku gates are convenient, and you should allow at least 1½ hours for an unhurried loop.

Evening Food and Skyline

Head back toward Omoide Yokocho, the tiny lantern-lit alley just west of Shinjuku Station, for a first taste of Tokyo’s informal drinking-and-dining culture. Spend around 45 minutes sampling yakitori or a small dish at one of the compact counters; many stalls are cash-only, seats are tight, and a small cover charge is common. Afterwards, walk or take the Toei Oedo Line one stop from Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station to Tochomae Station for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Its observation decks are free and usually open until around 10 PM, with last entry roughly 30 minutes before closing. Finish with dinner in Shinjuku—Omoide Yokocho is ideal for casual yakitori, while nearby Menya Musashi is a dependable ramen option, generally ¥1,500–¥4,000 per person. Expect a queue at popular restaurants, so use the wait to explore the neon streets around Kabukicho rather than committing to a rushed reservation.

Morning in Asakusa

Start early at Senso-ji, ideally around 8:00, before the main crowds gather. Enter through Kaminarimon Gate and walk up the lantern-lined approach to the temple; the grounds are free and open around the clock, while the main hall generally welcomes visitors from about 6:00 (from 6:30 October–March) until 17:00. Allow roughly 90 minutes for the temple, incense burner, and quieter side lanes around Asakusa. From Asakusa Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Tsukiji Station later—about 15 minutes, plus walking.

Continue along Nakamise-dori for about 45 minutes. This is the place for ningyo-yaki cakes, rice crackers, melonpan, and small traditional souvenirs, though many shops open closer to 10:00. Keep snacks light, since the next stop is lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market. Stalls and restaurants vary, but the market is liveliest from roughly 9:00 to early afternoon; expect ¥2,000–¥5,000 per person for sushi, tamagoyaki, grilled seafood, or bowls. Walk from Tsukiji Station or Tsukijishijo Station, and avoid carrying large luggage through the narrow lanes.

Afternoon and Evening Views

After lunch, take the Hibiya Line from Tsukiji Station to Kamiyacho, then walk into Azabudai Hills for teamLab Borderless. Allow around two hours, and book a timed ticket ahead—the museum’s hours and last admission vary by date. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid a long skirt if you want to fully enjoy the mirrored and floor-based installations; ticket prices commonly fall around ¥3,800–¥4,800 depending on the date. From Kamiyacho, the journey is short, but allow time to navigate the large complex.

Head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing by Tokyo Metro, changing as needed via Toranomon Hills or Ginza, and spend 45 minutes taking in the crossing from street level or a nearby café. Finish at Shibuya Sky, reached directly from Shibuya Scramble Square above the station. Reserve a sunset or evening slot well in advance—tickets are date- and time-specific, usually around ¥2,000–¥2,500. Arrive 20–30 minutes early for security and the elevator queue; the open-air rooftop can be windy, and some belongings must be stored in lockers. After the panorama, keep dinner flexible around Shibuya rather than rushing across town.

Morning: Arrive in Hakone and Explore Gora

Take the planned morning Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto, then leave large bags at your ryokan or use station lockers; you can travel more comfortably with just a day bag. From Hakone-Yumoto, the Hakone Tozan Railway takes about 35 minutes to Gora. Have a quick coffee or snack near Gora Station before walking roughly 10 minutes to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Allow around two hours for the sculpture gardens, indoor galleries, and mountain views; it usually opens at 9:00, with admission around ¥2,000. The outdoor exhibits are spread across sloping ground, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile.

Early Afternoon: Ropeway and Owakudani

From the museum, walk back toward Gora Station and take the short funicular connection to Sounzan, where you board the Hakone Ropeway toward Togendai. The full ride is about 30 minutes each way, but allow roughly 1½ hours with transfers and stops. Pause at Owakudani for about 45 minutes to see the steaming volcanic valley and try its famous black eggs; the small shops generally operate from late morning into the afternoon. Ropeway service can be suspended in strong wind or volcanic conditions, so check the official Hakone Navi service updates that morning. If visibility is good, this is one of the better places in Hakone for views toward Mount Fuji, though cloud is common.

Afternoon and Evening: Lake Ashi and a Private Onsen

Continue by ropeway to Togendai, then board the Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise for roughly an hour. Stay outside on deck when the weather is clear for views of Hakone Shrine’s lakeside torii and the surrounding mountains. After disembarking, take a Hakone Tozan bus back toward Hakone-Yumoto—allow about 35–45 minutes depending on traffic—and finish at Hakone Yuryo, a short walk from the station. Reserve one of its private open-air baths in advance, particularly for a Saturday or Sunday; a private bath typically costs around ¥2,000–¥5,000 depending on the room and duration, with towel rental available. Plan about two hours to soak and unwind, then walk into Hakone-Yumoto for dinner—many restaurants close relatively early, so aim to eat by 7:00–7:30. A Hakone Freepass can simplify today’s trains, buses, ropeway, and cruise, but check exclusions and current 2027 prices before purchasing.

Morning Arrival and Nishiki Market

Leave Hakone around 8:00–9:00 so that, after the connection to Odawara and the Tokaido Shinkansen, you reach Kyoto Station around late morning or noon. Keep lunch flexible: Kyoto Station has coin lockers and luggage counters, but forwarding large bags to your hotel is much easier. From the station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Nishiki Market. Allow roughly 1½ hours to browse the covered arcade, sampling Kyoto-style pickles, yuba, grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, and seasonal sweets; budget ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. Go gently with the sampling—many stalls ask visitors to eat purchases directly in front of the shop rather than walking while eating.

Afternoon: Nijo Castle and Manga

From Nishiki Market, walk west toward Nijo Castle—about 20–25 minutes—or take the subway from Karasuma-Oike area if you prefer to save your legs. Spend around 1½ hours exploring the former shogunal residence, especially Ninomaru Palace, whose famous nightingale floors creak beneath your feet, and the landscaped gardens. The castle generally opens from 8:45 to 16:00, with last entry around 16:00; admission is usually roughly ¥1,300, though 2027 prices may change. Continue by subway or walk about 15 minutes to the Kyoto International Manga Museum at Karasuma-Oike. Its displays and enormous reading collection make a relaxed late-afternoon stop; expect around ¥1,200–¥1,500 admission and check the calendar because it is commonly closed on Wednesdays.

Evening in Pontocho

As the light fades, head toward Pontocho Alley, about a 20-minute walk from the museum via Sanjo-dori, or take the subway to Sanjo Keihan and walk south. The narrow lantern-lit lane is atmospheric rather than a sightseeing checklist, so stroll slowly and peek at the entrances without stopping in doorways. For dinner, choose a small Gion or Pontocho restaurant serving Kyoto obanzai, tofu cuisine, or a modest kaiseki set; reserve ahead where possible, and plan on ¥4,000–¥10,000 per person. If you want a quieter alternative to the busiest lane, look just east toward Kiyamachi, where restaurants open onto the Takase River and reservations are often easier to manage.

Early Morning: Fushimi’s Torii Trails

Leave central Kyoto around 6:30–6:45 for Fushimi Inari Taisha. From Kyoto Station, the JR Nara Line takes about five minutes to Inari Station; the shrine grounds are free and open 24 hours, so arriving before 8:00 lets you enjoy the lower torii gates before tour groups arrive. Allow about 2.5 hours if you climb through the quieter forest sections toward Yotsutsuji viewpoint, though you can turn back earlier. Wear shoes with good grip and bring water—there are vending machines, but cafés near the entrance open later.

Walk about 15–20 minutes to Tofuku-ji, arriving late morning. The temple grounds are usually open from around 9:00 to 16:00 or 16:30, with seasonal garden admission generally around ¥500–¥1,000 depending on the area. Spend an hour around the Zen gardens and the elegant Tsutenkyo Bridge; March can be relatively calm before the main cherry-blossom season. For lunch, keep it simple around Tofukuji Station—small noodle shops and set-meal restaurants are more convenient than trying to return to Kyoto Station.

Afternoon: Higashiyama Lanes and Kiyomizu-dera

Take a Keihan train from Tofukuji Station to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then walk uphill for roughly 25 minutes to Kiyomizu-dera. The temple generally opens from 6:00, with the main hall and paid areas costing about ¥400–¥500; allow 1.5 hours for the wooden stage, hillside buildings, and city views. The approach becomes busier after midday, so stay on the side streets and avoid relying on buses, which can be slow in Higashiyama. From the temple, continue downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, allowing around 1.5 hours for traditional houses, tea shops, ceramics, and small craft stores. This is a good place for a matcha break, but sit-down cafés often have queues—takeaway sweets are usually the faster choice.

Evening: Gion Performance and Dinner

Walk north toward Gion Corner for an early-evening show, usually at 18:00 or 19:00 depending on the season; confirm the March 2027 schedule before setting out. The program lasts about an hour and combines several traditional arts, with tickets commonly around ¥5,500–¥6,000. Arrive 20–30 minutes early, as performances are popular and seating is generally first come, first served. Afterward, walk a few minutes to Izuju near Gion-Shijo, a long-established restaurant specializing in Kyoto-style sushi such as mackerel and sea-bream pressed sushi. Budget approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person; dinner service can be limited, so check hours and reserve if possible. From Gion-Shijo Station, the Keihan Line is the easiest return route, while Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station is also nearby.

Morning: Kyoto to Osaka and Osaka Castle

Check out and take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station around 8:30–9:00. The ride to Osaka Station takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately ¥580; an IC card is easiest. On arrival, leave larger bags with your hotel or at station lockers, then take the Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station to Osakajokoen Station—about 10 minutes. Allow roughly two hours for Osaka Castle and its park: the museum usually opens at 9:00, with admission around ¥1,200, while the grounds are free. The castle interior is museum-like, but the surrounding moat, stone walls, and broad lawns are the real highlight, especially in early March when plum blossoms may still be present.

Lunch: Kuromon Ichiba Market

From Osakajokoen Station, take the Osaka Metro to Nippombashi Station, then walk a few minutes to Kuromon Ichiba Market. Aim to arrive around 12:30–13:00, when many seafood stalls are operating but before the busiest lunchtime crush. Spend about 1½ hours grazing on grilled scallops, oysters, tamagoyaki, wagyu skewers, and seasonal fruit; budget ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Most stalls are open roughly 9:00–18:00, though individual vendors vary, and it is best to buy small portions from several counters rather than one large meal.

Afternoon and Evening: Hozenji Yokocho, Dotonbori, and Harukas 300

After lunch, walk south toward Hozenji Yokocho, a narrow stone-paved lane tucked behind the main Namba streets. Spend 45 minutes around Hozenji Temple, where visitors traditionally splash water over the moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue; keep voices low, as this remains a working neighborhood shrine. It is only a short walk from there to Dotonbori, where you can wander beside the canal, browse the neon signs around Ebisu Bridge, and try takoyaki or okonomiyaki if you still have room. Around 17:00–18:00, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Namba Station to Tennoji Station for Harukas 300, arriving in time for sunset or the city lights. The observatory generally operates until 22:00, with last admission around 21:30; admission is approximately ¥2,000, and advance online tickets are worthwhile on clear evenings.

Morning: Sumiyoshi’s Shrine Grounds

Start with Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Osaka’s oldest shrines and a particularly atmospheric place in the morning, when the grounds are quieter and locals are arriving for prayers. From central Osaka, take the Nankai Main Line from Namba Station to Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station—about 10 minutes, roughly ¥290 each way—then walk a few minutes to the entrance. Allow around 1½ hours to see the distinctive arched Sorihashi Bridge, main shrine buildings, stone lanterns, and quiet wooded paths. Admission is free, and the grounds are generally open from early morning; go before 9:00 if you have a later flight, as this also keeps the airport transfer relaxed. Store luggage at your hotel or at Namba Station lockers before sightseeing.

Late Morning and Lunch: Retro Shinsekai

Return toward Namba, then take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station—about 10 minutes—and walk into Shinsekai, the retro neighborhood around Tsutenkaku. Spend an unhurried hour wandering the colorful Janjan Yokocho arcade and nearby streets, where old-fashioned shop signs, game parlors, and tiny eateries give the area its wonderfully scruffy character. For lunch, settle into one of the casual kushikatsu restaurants along Jan Jan Yokocho; Kushikatsu Jan Jan or Kushikatsu Tsuji are convenient choices, with a meal usually costing ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Remember the local rule: don’t double-dip skewers into the communal sauce—use the serving spoon instead.

Early Afternoon: Nakanoshima and the Airport

After lunch, take the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line from Dobutsuen-mae toward Kitahama, changing if needed according to the day’s service, and allow roughly 25–30 minutes. Walk through Nakanoshima Park for a final peaceful hour beside the Dojima and Tosa rivers; the rose garden is most attractive when in bloom, while the surrounding promenades offer a pleasant contrast to Shinsekai. From Kitahama or Yodoyabashi, return to Namba for your luggage, then take either the Nankai Rapi:t—about 35–40 minutes, reserved seats and approximately ¥1,450—or the cheaper Nankai Airport Express, about 45–50 minutes. For an international flight, leave central Osaka roughly three hours before departure, allowing extra time for luggage collection, airport check-in, and the walk to your terminal at Kansai International Airport.