7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Japan

Sunday, March 31: Tokyo

Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and experience the rich history and culture. Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch in Ueno Park, followed by a stroll around the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in the afternoon. End your day with a visit to the bustling Shibuya Crossing and witness the famous scramble intersection.

• Senso-ji Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ueno Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Estimated cost - 500 yen, Time spent - 2 hours
• Shibuya Crossing: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Monday, April 1: Kyoto

Take a bullet train to Kyoto and immerse yourself in the city's cultural treasures. Start your day by visiting Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion. In the afternoon, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and visit iconic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple. End your day with a traditional tea ceremony experience in Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district.

• Kinkaku-ji: Estimated cost - 400 yen, Time spent - 1.5 hours
• Higashiyama District: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Gion Tea Ceremony: Estimated cost - 2,500 yen, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Tuesday, April 2: Osaka

Take a day trip to Osaka, known for its vibrant street food and lively atmosphere. Start your day by visiting Osaka Castle and learning about its historical significance. In the afternoon, explore the colorful Dotonbori district and indulge in delicious local street food. For the evening, head to the Umeda Sky Building to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

• Osaka Castle: Estimated cost - 600 yen, Time spent - 2 hours
• Dotonbori: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours
• Umeda Sky Building: Estimated cost - 1,000 yen, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, April 3: Hiroshima

Experience the resilient spirit of Hiroshima, a city with a profound history. Start your day with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the impact of the atomic bomb. Take a ferry to the nearby Miyajima Island in the afternoon and admire the breathtaking Itsukushima Shrine, known for its iconic torii gate. Enjoy a scenic hike on Mt. Misen for stunning views.

• Peace Memorial Park and Museum: Estimated cost - 200 yen, Time spent - 3 hours
• Miyajima Island: Estimated cost - Ferry - 360 yen, Shrine - 300 yen, Time spent - 4 hours
• Mt. Misen Hike: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Thursday, April 4: Nara

Visit Nara, home to some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. Begin your day at Nara Park, where you can feed and interact with the friendly deer roaming freely. Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha, and wander through the serene Isuien Garden. End your day with a visit to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Nara Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Todai-ji Temple: Estimated cost - 500 yen, Time spent - 1.5 hours
• Isuien Garden: Estimated cost - 900 yen, Time spent - 1 hour
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Estimated cost - 500 yen, Time spent - 1 hour

Friday, April 5: Hakone

Embark on a scenic escape to Hakone, known for its hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and admire the picturesque surroundings. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum and indulge in a relaxing onsen experience. End your day by riding the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views of the volcanic Owakudani area.

• Lake Ashi Boat Cruise: Estimated cost - 1,000 yen, Time spent - 1.5 hours
• Hakone Open-Air Museum: Estimated cost - 1,600 yen, Time spent - 2 hours
• Onsen Experience: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
• Hakone Ropeway: Estimated cost - 1,400 yen, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Saturday, April 6: Tokyo

Return to Tokyo and spend your last day exploring the diverse neighborhoods of the city. Visit the futuristic Odaiba district and enjoy attractions like TeamLab Borderless and the Gundam Statue. Spend the afternoon shopping in Harajuku and unravel the unique fashion culture. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Japanese dinner in the lively district of Shinjuku.

• Odaiba: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4 hours
• Harajuku: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 3 hours
• Shinjuku Dinner: Estimated cost - 3,000 yen, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Japan, don't miss out on these hidden gems and local favorites. Take a day trip to Nikko and explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Toshogu Shrine. Visit the charming town of Kanazawa and stroll through its historic Kenrokuen Garden. Lastly, indulge in the culinary delights of Osaka's Kuromon Ichiba Market, a food lover's paradise.

Before starting your journey, you can check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.