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 55 travelers

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

Friday, November 10: Arrive in Tokyo

Start your trip in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temples. Take a stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street, filled with traditional Japanese souvenir shops and street food vendors. In the afternoon, explore the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its vibrant street fashion and quirky shops. Don't miss out on the serene Meiji Shrine located in the adjacent Yoyogi Park. As evening falls, experience the dazzling lights and energy of Shinjuku, home to neon-lit streets and entertainment districts.

  • Senso-ji Temple: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Harajuku: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Shinjuku: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - Evening
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market. Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi at this famous market. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 yen per person.
  • For lunch, try out Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya. This popular ramen chain offers flavorful tonkotsu ramen with customizable options. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
  • Indulge in a delicious dinner at Gonpachi in Nishi-Azabu. This traditional Japanese restaurant is famous for its yakitori and sushi. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 yen per person.
Saturday, November 11: Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Begin your morning by exploring Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, set amidst beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the historic district of Gion, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. Take a relaxing walk along the picturesque Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry blossoms in spring. As evening sets in, catch a traditional Geisha performance and savor delicious Kyoto cuisine in Pontocho, a narrow alley filled with charming restaurants.

  • Kinkaku-ji: Cost Estimate - ¥400 ($4), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Gion: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Pontocho: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - Evening
Sunday, November 12: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

Dedicate this day to a meaningful trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Morning: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the tragic events of World War II. In the afternoon, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Explore the island's lush forests, hike Mount Misen for breathtaking views, and interact with friendly deer. Enjoy a classic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner before returning to Tokyo in the evening.

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Cost Estimate - ¥200 ($2), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Miyajima Island: Cost Estimate - Ferry fee: ¥360 ($3.60), Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Okonomiyaki dinner: Cost Estimate - ¥1,500 ($15), Time Spent - Evening
Monday, November 13: Osaka

Venture to vibrant Osaka, known for its modern architecture, mouth-watering street food, and lively atmosphere. Morning: Explore Osaka Castle, a prominent symbol of the city's history, and enjoy panoramic views from its observation deck. Visit the bustling Dotonbori district in the afternoon, famous for its vibrant neon signs and delectable street food. Don't forget to try Osaka's renowned takoyaki (octopus balls). Spend the evening in Shinsekai, a neighborhood that evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of old Osaka with its retro charm and local eateries.

  • Osaka Castle: Cost Estimate - ¥600 ($6), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Dotonbori: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Shinsekai: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - Evening
Tuesday, November 14: Nara

Embark on a day trip to Nara, a city renowned for its ancient temples, friendly deer, and serene parks. In the morning, visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the impressive Daibutsu (Great Buddha) statue. Explore Nara Park and feed the deer that roam freely. In the afternoon, wander through the charming streets of Naramachi, a preserved merchant district dating back to the Edo period. Don't forget to try Nara's specialty, mochi, before heading back to Tokyo.

  • Todai-ji Temple: Cost Estimate - ¥600 ($6), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Nara Park: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Naramachi: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Wednesday, November 15: Mount Fuji and Hakone

Embark on a journey to the majestic Mount Fuji and the scenic Hakone region. Morning: Take a bus or train to Mount Fuji's 5th Station for panoramic views of the iconic volcano (weather permitting). In the afternoon, explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring stunning sculptures in a picturesque setting. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi and take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. Rejuvenate yourself in a traditional hot spring (onsen) before returning to Tokyo in the evening.

  • Mount Fuji 5th Station: Cost Estimate - ¥1,100 ($11), Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum: Cost Estimate - ¥1,600 ($16), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Lake Ashi and Hakone Ropeway: Cost Estimate - ¥2,000 ($20), Time Spent - Afternoon
  • Onsen Experience: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - Evening
Thursday, November 16: Tokyo

Spend your final day in Tokyo doing some last-minute exploration. Morning: Visit the futuristic neighborhood of Odaiba and explore attractions like the teamLab Borderless digital art museum or the Palette Town entertainment complex. In the afternoon, discover the serene atmosphere of Ueno Park, home to numerous museums and Tokyo's oldest zoo. Stroll through Ameya-Yokocho Market for a taste of vibrant street shopping. As evening sets in, enjoy a farewell dinner in Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most iconic districts, known for its famous scramble crossing and vibrant nightlife.

  • Odaiba: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Ueno Park: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
  • Ameya-Yokocho Market: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
  • Shibuya: Cost Estimate - Varies, Time Spent - Evening

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When in Tokyo, venture off the beaten path and discover the charming neighborhoods of Yanaka and Shimokitazawa. In Yanaka, stroll through the quiet streets lined with traditional houses and visit the picturesque Yanaka Cemetery. Shimokitazawa offers a bohemian atmosphere with its vintage shops, trendy cafes, and live music venues. Spend an afternoon exploring these hidden gems to experience the local side of Tokyo.

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