How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Japan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Japan?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discovering Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Tsukiji Market

Start your day at Tsukiji Market, the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. Enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast at one of the local stalls.

¥1500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Experience the bustling Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple, offering traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kawaii Monster Cafe

Experience the quirky Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku for a unique, colorful dining experience.

¥2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Witness the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Explore the vibrant Shibuya district for shopping and entertainment.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi

Enjoy dinner at Gonpachi, the restaurant that inspired the famous fight scene in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill'.

¥4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Begin with a peaceful visit to Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area. Experience the traditional Shinto rituals and tranquil surroundings.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsuta

Savor a Michelin-starred ramen experience at Tsuta, known for its delectable ramen bowls.

¥1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

TeamLab Borderless

Explore the digital art museum, teamLab Borderless, for an immersive and interactive art experience.

¥3200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Akihabara District

Discover the anime, manga, and gaming culture in Akihabara. Shop for electronics, figurines, and indulge in themed cafes.

Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience the futuristic Robot Restaurant with its dazzling robot shows and vibrant atmosphere.

¥8000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Hakone Retreat

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Begin your day at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring a unique fusion of nature and art with stunning sculptures and installations.

¥1600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Togendai View Restaurant

Enjoy a scenic lunch overlooking Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains at Togendai View Restaurant.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hakone Ropeway

Take a breathtaking ride on the Hakone Ropeway, offering panoramic views of the volcanic valley and Owakudani.

¥1800, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relaxing Onsen Experience

Unwind in a traditional onsen (hot spring) for a rejuvenating and serene experience.

¥1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at a Ryokan

Indulge in a kaiseki (traditional multi-course) dinner at a ryokan (traditional inn) for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

¥7000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Kyoto Serenity & Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a tranquil stroll through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, capturing the beauty of the towering bamboo stalks.

Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a serene garden and stunning mountain views.

¥500, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shoraian

Delight in a refined vegetarian meal at the renowned Shoraian restaurant, known for its exquisite tofu cuisine.

¥3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the iconic Kinkaku-ji, a glistening golden pavilion set amidst a picturesque pond and meticulously landscaped gardens.

¥400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Savor a memorable dinner at one of the traditional restaurants in Pontocho Alley, known for its charming atmosphere and riverside setting.

¥3500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Heritage & Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Embark on a morning visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates creating a mesmerizing tunnel effect.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Indulge in a diverse array of street food and local delicacies at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen'.

¥1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Gion District

Stroll through the historic Gion District, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and the possibility of spotting a geisha.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea Ceremony at Camellia

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Camellia, a serene teahouse in the heart of Gion.

¥2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy an inventive kaiseki dining experience at Giro Giro Hitoshina, a modern and creative restaurant in Kyoto.

¥6000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Nara Ancient Wonders

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Explore the impressive Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues in the world.

¥600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Savor a unique and delicious experience with hand-pounded mochi (rice cake) at Nakatanidou.

¥1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nara Park

Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer considered as divine messengers in Shinto tradition.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Higashimuki Shopping Street

Explore Higashimuki Shopping Street for unique souvenirs, local snacks, and delightful street performances.

Variable, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kakinoha Sushi

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner featuring local delicacies, including the specialty kakinoha sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.

¥4500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Osaka Vibrancy

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Osaka Castle

Begin your day at Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol of the city's rich history and architectural grandeur.

¥600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Satisfy your taste buds with a wide array of fresh seafood, street food, and local gourmet delights at Kuromon Ichiba Market.

¥2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Dotonbori District

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, known for its lively entertainment, illuminated signboards, and mouthwatering food options.

Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Shinsekai Neighborhood

Discover the retro charm of Shinsekai, blending old-world ambiance with modern attractions and local eateries.

Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kitashinchi District

Indulge in a sophisticated dining experience at one of the upscale restaurants in Kitashinchi, known for its chic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

¥7000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Hakone Retreat

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 4: Kyoto Serenity & Culture

8:30AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Kyoto Heritage & Exploration

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Nara Ancient Wonders

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 7: Osaka Vibrancy

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

More About Japan

Plan Your Japan Trip