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.

Discover Japan in 7 Days

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market

Start your day with a fresh sushi breakfast at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the market.

£15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Ramen Restaurant

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

£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Harajuku District

Experience the vibrant and fashionable Harajuku district, where you can shop for trendy clothing and enjoy crepes from street vendors.

Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

End your day with a dinner at an Izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, in Shinjuku where you can try a variety of small dishes and drinks.

£20, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Modernity

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Head to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city from the observation decks, and explore the shopping and dining facilities at the base.

£25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kawaii Monster Cafe

Have a whimsical and colourful lunch experience at the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku, known for its quirky decor and themed dishes.

£30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Akihabara Electronics District

Discover the latest gadgets and electronics in Akihabara, the mecca for tech enthusiasts, and visit themed cafes for a unique experience.

Variable, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll in Ueno Park

Relax in the serene Ueno Park, visit the museums and temples within the park, and maybe catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms in season.

Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Indulge in a culinary experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo, savouring the delicate flavours of Japanese haute cuisine.

£100+, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Nishiki Market

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Nishiki Market, a bustling food market with various local delicacies.

£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, set amidst beautiful gardens and reflecting pond.

£5, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Kyoto Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style lunch at a local restaurant, featuring seasonal ingredients and delicate flavours.

£20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates lining the paths up the mountain.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to immerse yourself in the culture of Kyoto and learn about the art of tea preparation and etiquette.

£30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Explore the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a peaceful natural setting with towering bamboo stalks creating a serene atmosphere.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Discover Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering panoramic views of Kyoto city from its wooden terrace.

£10, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Traditional Machiya Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a traditional Machiya restaurant, housed in a historic wooden townhouse, and savour Kyoto's local delicacies.

£25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Gion District

Stroll through the iconic Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and the chance to spot geisha and maiko.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Kaiseki Restaurant

Indulge in a multi-course Kaiseki dinner, a traditional Japanese dining experience showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients in Kyoto.

£50+, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with a diverse breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling fresh seafood, street food, and local delicacies.

£15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's power and history, with a museum inside detailing the castle's significance.

£10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in street food and local specialties at Dotonbori, known for its vibrant neon lights, entertainment, and food scene.

£20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Shinsekai District

Wander through the retro Shinsekai district, with its iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, old-school eateries, and nostalgic atmosphere.

Variable, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Shop at Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, one of Osaka's main shopping areas, offering a mix of international brands and local boutiques.

Variable, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Takoyaki Restaurant

End your day with dinner at a Takoyaki restaurant, trying the famous Osaka street food of octopus balls cooked to perfection.

£15, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 6: Historic Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Okonomimura

Start your day with Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a multi-storey building dedicated to this savoury pancake dish.

£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, with the iconic A-Bomb Dome as a reminder of the past.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Have lunch at a local restaurant serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered version of the dish with noodles and a special sauce.

£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Miyajima Island

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

£20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Miyajima Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood dinner on Miyajima Island, tasting fresh local catches and specialties of the region by the waterfront.

£30, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 7: Relaxing Hakone

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast with a View

Start your day with breakfast overlooking Mount Fuji, enjoying the scenic beauty of Hakone's natural landscapes.

£15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, showcasing contemporary art installations in a beautiful outdoor setting with views of the surrounding mountains.

£20, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Traditional Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki lunch at a ryokan, complete with seasonal delicacies and impeccable hospitality.

£50, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in a natural hot spring onsen, soaking in the rejuvenating waters and taking in the peaceful surroundings of Hakone.

£25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Yakiniku Restaurant

End your day with a yakiniku dinner, grilling your own premium cuts of meat at the table for a fun and interactive dining experience.

£40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discover Japan in 7 Days

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

8:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Tokyo Modernity

9:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Historical Kyoto

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Osaka Highlights

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 6: Historic Hiroshima

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Relaxing Hakone

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:30PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

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