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 in 7 Days

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market

Start your day with a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market to witness the bustling seafood auction and enjoy fresh sushi for breakfast.

500 JPY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Senso-ji Temple

Head to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant temples. Take a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shibuya Crossing

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and have lunch at one of the many trendy cafes overlooking the bustling intersection.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the serene Meiji Shrine in the heart of bustling Tokyo. Take a peaceful walk through the lush forested grounds.

500 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinjuku

Indulge in a variety of dining options in Shinjuku, from traditional izakayas to modern restaurants. Don't miss the vibrant nightlife.

2000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Modern & Traditional

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit TeamLab Borderless

Spend the morning exploring the digital art museum of TeamLab Borderless for an immersive and interactive experience.

3200 JPY, 2 hours

12:00PM

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a tea house in Tokyo to learn about the cultural significance of tea.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lunch at a Ramen Shop

Enjoy a delicious bowl of authentic Japanese ramen for lunch at a local ramen shop.

800 JPY, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Harajuku District

Stroll through the trendy streets of Harajuku, known for its quirky fashion boutiques, crepe stands, and vibrant youth culture.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience the futuristic and eccentric Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku with a dazzling show and themed dinner.

8000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Start your day by visiting the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

400 JPY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple and Monkey Park.

300 JPY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savor a variety of Kyoto's local specialties at Nishiki Market, known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', offering fresh seafood, pickles, and sweets.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates winding up the mountain.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, a historic street lined with exclusive restaurants and tea houses.

5000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto city and cherry blossoms in spring.

300 JPY, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Gion District

Walk through the historic Gion District, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, known for its traditional machiya houses and tea houses.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Enjoy a variety of dining options at Kyoto Station, from bento boxes to upscale restaurants, offering a mix of traditional and modern cuisine.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Explore the ornate Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and the famous 'Nightingale Floors'.

600 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion Shijo

Indulge in a Kaiseki dinner at a traditional restaurant in Gion Shijo, known for its refined Kyoto cuisine and elegant ambiance.

6000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Osaka Day Trip

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Start your day by exploring the impressive Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's power and history, surrounded by beautiful parks and moats.

600 JPY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Dotonbori District

Stroll along the lively Dotonbori Canal, known for its neon lights, street food stalls, and iconic Glico Running Man sign.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies at Kuromon Ichiba Market, a bustling food market in the heart of Osaka.

2000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Shitenno-ji Temple

Explore one of Japan's oldest temples, Shitenno-ji, known for its colorful pagoda, peaceful garden, and cultural significance.

300 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinsekai District

Experience the retro vibes of Shinsekai District and try Osaka's famous street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu for dinner.

2500 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 6: Memorial Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum.

200 JPY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic 'floating' torii gate and friendly deer roaming the island.

300 JPY, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Miyajima Specialty Restaurant

Indulge in local Miyajima specialties like grilled oysters and Momiji Manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) at a traditional restaurant.

2500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Cooking Class

Learn to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with ingredients, in a cooking class to experience local cuisine hands-on.

4000 JPY, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hondori Street

Enjoy dinner at Hondori Street, a bustling shopping and dining street in Hiroshima offering a variety of restaurants and nightlife.

2000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 7: Historic Nara

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Begin your day with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue and surrounded by friendly deer in Nara Park.

600 JPY, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Nara Park

Stroll through Nara Park to encounter the roaming deer, visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and enjoy the serene nature of the park.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sanjo Dori

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a restaurant along Sanjo Dori, a charming street lined with shops and eateries.

1500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Horyu-ji Temple

Explore Horyu-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest wooden structures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing a treasure trove of Buddhist artifacts.

1000 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Naramachi

Indulge in a farewell dinner at Naramachi, a historic district with preserved merchant houses, offering a mix of traditional and modern dining options.

3000 JPY, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Japan in 7 Days

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

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Historic Kyoto

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Osaka Day Trip

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Memorial Hiroshima

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Historic Nara

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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