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 51 travelers

7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan

Saturday, September 9: Tokyo

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the historic Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, explore the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its quirky fashion and street art. In the afternoon, head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. As the evening sets in, dine in a traditional izakaya and experience the local nightlife.

  • Meiji Shrine: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Harajuku: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Shibuya Crossing: Free to witness, estimated time spent: 1 hour.
  • Local Izakaya: Estimated cost: ¥3,000-¥5,000 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Restaurants
  • Morning Wood Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot known for its delicious pancakes and fluffy omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ¥1000 per person.
  • Kawaii Sushi is a popular lunch spot offering a wide variety of fresh sushi rolls and sashimi. Average cost for a meal is about ¥1500 per person.
  • Izakaya Yokocho is a traditional izakaya serving a range of small plates and grilled skewers, perfect for a satisfying dinner. Average cost for a meal is about ¥2500 per person.
Sunday, September 10: Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Begin your morning at the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest of towering bamboo. Afterward, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and visit the beautiful Kiyomizu-dera Temple. As the evening approaches, experience a traditional tea ceremony in a local tea house.

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple: Entrance fee ¥400, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Higashiyama District: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Entrance fee ¥400, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony: Estimated cost: ¥3,000-¥5,000 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Monday, September 11: Hiroshima

Take a day trip to Hiroshima, a city with a resilient spirit. Begin your morning by visiting the Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. Afterward, explore the Hiroshima Castle, a beautifully reconstructed fortress. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate. As the evening sets in, enjoy local Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish.

  • Peace Memorial Park: Free to visit, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Hiroshima Castle: Entrance fee ¥370, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Miyajima Island: Ferry fee ¥180, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
  • Itsukushima Shrine: Entrance fee ¥300, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki: Estimated cost: ¥1,000-¥2,000 per person, estimated time spent: 1 hour.
Tuesday, September 12: Osaka

Visit the bustling city of Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene. Start your morning by exploring the historic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. In the afternoon, experience the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori, a street filled with neon lights and countless food stalls. Indulge in local delicacies like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. As the evening sets in, enjoy a thrilling ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the city.

  • Osaka Castle: Entrance fee ¥600, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Dotonbori: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Local Street Food: Estimated cost: ¥1,000-¥2,000 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Entrance fee ¥800, estimated time spent: 1 hour.
Wednesday, September 13: Nara

Embark on a day trip to Nara, a city filled with ancient treasures. Begin your morning at Nara Park, where you can encounter friendly deer roaming freely. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the famous Great Buddha statue. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its surrounding forest. As the evening approaches, stroll through the serene Isuien Garden and admire its traditional architecture.

  • Nara Park: Free to visit, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Todai-ji Temple: Entrance fee ¥500, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Entrance fee ¥500, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Isuien Garden: Entrance fee ¥900, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
Thursday, September 14: Hakone

Explore the scenic beauty of Hakone, famous for its hot springs and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Start your morning with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi, surrounded by volcanic mountains. Afterward, take a cable car ride to the Owakudani Valley, known for its active volcanic activity. In the afternoon, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and admire its collection of contemporary sculptures. As the evening sets in, unwind in a traditional onsen (hot spring) and indulge in a kaiseki dinner.

  • Lake Ashi Boat Ride: Estimated cost: ¥1,000-¥1,500 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Owakudani Valley: Cable car fee ¥1,040, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum: Entrance fee ¥1,600, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Traditional Onsen: Estimated cost: ¥3,000-¥5,000 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
Friday, September 15: Tokyo

End your trip by revisiting Tokyo and exploring its hidden gems. In the morning, visit the serene Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditional Japanese garden with a teahouse. Afterward, immerse yourself in the futuristic district of Odaiba, known for its shopping malls and entertainment centers. In the afternoon, explore the historic Asakusa district and visit Senso-ji Temple. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the lively Shinjuku area.

  • Hamarikyu Gardens: Entrance fee ¥300, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Odaiba: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Asakusa District: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
  • Senso-ji Temple: Free to visit, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
  • Traditional Japanese Dinner: Estimated cost: ¥2,000-¥4,000 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Japan, make sure to visit some off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. In Tokyo, venture to Yanaka Ginza, a charming retro shopping street that offers a glimpse into the past. In Kyoto, explore the peaceful Philosopher's Path, a scenic canal lined with cherry blossoms. In Osaka, don't miss the Shinsekai district, known for its nostalgic atmosphere and delicious kushikatsu skewers. Finally, in Hakone, take a peaceful stroll along the ancient cedar-lined path of the Hakone Shrine.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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