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Explore the Best of Japan in 7 Days!

Thursday, August 10: Tokyo

Begin your adventure in the bustling city of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the historic Asakusa district, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. Immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere as you explore Nakamise Shopping Street. For lunch, indulge in delicious sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market. In the afternoon, head to the futuristic Odaiba area and enjoy panoramic views from the Rainbow Bridge. As the evening sets in, experience the vibrant nightlife of Shibuya Crossing.

  • Senso-ji Temple: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Tsukiji Fish Market: Estimated cost: ¥3,000 ($27), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Odaiba: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Shibuya Crossing: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Friday, August 11: Kyoto

Take a bullet train to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. In the morning, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama district and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for breathtaking views of the city. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in Gion, the famous geisha district. In the afternoon, discover the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple. End the day with a tranquil boat ride along the Hozu River.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Entrance fee: ¥400 ($4), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Gion district: Estimated cost for lunch: ¥2,500 ($23), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Tenryu-ji Temple: Entrance fee: ¥500 ($5), estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Hozu River Boat Ride: Estimated cost: ¥4,000 ($36), estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
Saturday, August 12: Hiroshima

Take a day trip to Hiroshima to learn about the city's history. In the morning, visit the Peace Memorial Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy a delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for lunch. In the afternoon, hike to the Mount Misen summit for panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.

  • Peace Memorial Park: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Atomic Bomb Dome: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Miyajima Island: Ferry cost: ¥360 ($3), estimated time spent: 4 hours
  • Mount Misen: Cable car round trip cost: ¥1,800 ($16), estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Estimated cost: ¥1,500 ($14)
Sunday, August 13: Osaka

Travel to Osaka, a vibrant city known for its delicious street food and lively atmosphere. In the morning, explore the famous Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park. Enjoy a mouthwatering takoyaki for brunch. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Dotonbori district, known for its neon signs and delicious local cuisine. End the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.

  • Osaka Castle: Entrance fee: ¥600 ($5), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Takoyaki: Estimated cost: ¥500 ($5)
  • Dotonbori district: Estimated cost for food: ¥2,000 ($18), estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Umeda Sky Building: Entrance fee: ¥1,500 ($14), estimated time spent: 1.5 hours
Monday, August 14: Nara

Embark on a day trip to Nara, famous for its friendly deer and historical sites. In the morning, visit Nara Park and feed the deer while exploring the stunning Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in the park. In the afternoon, explore the serene Isuien Garden and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto for a relaxing evening.

  • Todai-ji Temple: Entrance fee: ¥500 ($5), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Nara Park: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Isuien Garden: Entrance fee: ¥900 ($8), estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Entrance fee: ¥500 ($5), estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Traditional Japanese Lunch: Estimated cost: ¥1,500 ($14)
Tuesday, August 15: Hakone

Escape the city and relax in the natural beauty of Hakone. In the morning, take a scenic boat ride across Lake Ashi and admire the picturesque views of Mount Fuji. Visit the Hakone Shrine and explore the Owakudani volcanic valley. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch with a view. In the afternoon, relax in a traditional hot spring onsen before heading back to Tokyo.

  • Lake Ashi Boat Ride: Estimated cost: ¥1,000 ($9), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Hakone Shrine: Entrance fee: ¥500 ($5), estimated time spent: 1 hour
  • Owakudani: Estimated cost for cable car: ¥1,080 ($10), estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Traditional Japanese Lunch: Estimated cost: ¥1,500 ($14)
  • Hot Spring Onsen: Estimated cost: ¥3,000 ($27), estimated time spent: 1 hour
Wednesday, August 16: Tokyo

End your trip by discovering more of Tokyo's wonders. In the morning, explore the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku and visit Meiji Shrine. Enjoy a delicious ramen lunch in Shinjuku. In the afternoon, shop till you drop in the famous Shibuya district. As the evening sets in, experience the dazzling lights of Tokyo from the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree.

  • Meiji Shrine: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 2 hours
  • Ramen Lunch: Estimated cost: ¥1,000 ($9)
  • Shibuya district: Estimated cost for shopping: variable, estimated time spent: 3 hours
  • Tokyo Skytree: Entrance fee: ¥3,000 ($27), estimated time spent: 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique off the beaten path experience, visit Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. Explore Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, and immerse yourself in the traditional samurai district of Nagamachi. Don't miss the stunning 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and indulge in local delicacies at Omicho Market.

For local favorites, head to Osaka's Shinsekai district. This nostalgic area offers a glimpse into the old Osaka with its retro shops, street food stalls, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Try kushikatsu, a popular local dish, and finish off with delicious ice cream from one of the many shops.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com.

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