Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 65 travelers

A Week in Japan: Exploring the Land of the Rising Sun

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan! Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing. In the morning, witness the famous pedestrian scramble, where thousands of people cross at once. Afterward, visit Meiji Shrine, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, explore the trendy Harajuku district known for its quirky fashion and unique street food. As the evening sets in, head to Shinjuku and experience the dazzling neon lights of Kabukicho, Tokyo's entertainment district.

  • Shibuya Crossing: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Meiji Shrine: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Harajuku: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kabukicho: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
  • Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can indulge in fresh sushi and seafood delights. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 yen per person.
  • Enjoy a flavorful lunch at Ichiran Ramen in Shinjuku. This renowned ramen chain offers delicious tonkotsu ramen in a cozy, individual booth setting. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
  • Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Gonpachi in Nishiazabu. This iconic restaurant, also known as the "Kill Bill restaurant," serves up mouthwatering Japanese cuisine in a stylish and lively atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 5000 yen per person.
Saturday, December 23: Exploring Kyoto's Cultural Heritage

Take a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. In the morning, visit Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. Afterward, explore the historic district of Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. In the afternoon, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. As the evening sets in, experience a traditional tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse.

  • Kinkaku-ji: Admission fee - ¥400, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Gion: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Sunday, December 24: Serenity in Nara

Take a day trip from Kyoto to Nara. In the morning, visit Todai-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Great Buddha, the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. Afterward, explore Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. In the afternoon, visit Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine known for its lanterns. As the evening sets in, wander through Naramachi, a preserved historic district with traditional machiya houses.

  • Todai-ji: Admission fee - ¥600, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Nara Park: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Kasuga Taisha: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Naramachi: Free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, December 25: Magical Hiroshima

Take a bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. In the morning, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb. Afterward, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. In the afternoon, hike Mount Misen for breathtaking panoramic views. As the evening sets in, explore the quaint streets of Hiroshima's historic district, Hondori, and indulge in delicious local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

  • Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Admission fee - ¥200, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Miyajima Island: Ferry cost - ¥360 (round trip), estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Mount Misen: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Hondori: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Ancient Traditions in Kanazawa

Take a bullet train from Hiroshima to Kanazawa. In the morning, visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Afterward, explore the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, where samurai residences are preserved. In the afternoon, discover the charm of Higashi Chaya District, a traditional geisha area with tea houses. As the evening sets in, wander through Omicho Market, a bustling food market offering a wide variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies.

  • Kenrokuen: Admission fee - ¥310, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Nagamachi Samurai District: Admission fee - ¥320, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Higashi Chaya District: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Omicho Market: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Vibrant Osaka

Take a bullet train from Kanazawa to Osaka. In the morning, visit Osaka Castle, a magnificent feudal-era castle with a panoramic view of the city. Afterward, explore Dotonbori, a lively street famous for its neon lights and delicious street food. In the afternoon, visit the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building for a breathtaking view of Osaka's skyline. As the evening sets in, experience the vibrant nightlife in the Namba district.

  • Osaka Castle: Admission fee - ¥600, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Dotonbori: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Umeda Sky Building: Admission fee - ¥1,000, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Namba: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Thursday, December 28: Farewell Tokyo

Take a bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo. In the morning, explore the historic Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Afterward, take a cruise along the Sumida River and enjoy the scenic views. In the afternoon, visit the trendy neighborhood of Odaiba, known for its modern architecture and entertainment attractions. As the evening sets in, experience the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku or visit the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree for a stunning panoramic view of the city.

  • Asakusa: Free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Sumida River Cruise: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Odaiba: Cost varies, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Tokyo Skytree: Admission fee - ¥3,000, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Japan, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto for a peaceful natural escape. In Tokyo, explore the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, known for its vintage shops and indie music scene. In Hiroshima, take a stroll along the picturesque Shukkeien Garden. Lastly, in Osaka, venture beyond the city center to explore the serene beauty of Osaka Bay and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

For hotel and flight prices, check out KAYAK.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version