How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 8 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 8 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

A Cultural Odyssey Through Japan: 8-Day Family Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Exploring Asakusa

Kick off your adventure in the historical neighborhood of Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Nadan

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch featuring traditional tempura and soba noodles.

CURRENCY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll Through Nakamise Street

Wander through Nakamise Street, sampling street food and picking up souvenirs along the way.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Ueno Park Visit

Head to Ueno Park and explore its beautiful landscapes and museums, including the Tokyo National Museum.

CURRENCY620, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ueno Robatayaki

Experience robatayaki (grilled dishes) at this vibrant restaurant, perfect for family dining.

CURRENCY2500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: More of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hoshino Coffee

Start your day with fluffyJapanese pancake soufflés and coffee.

CURRENCY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Discover the serene Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area amid the bustling city.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Harajuku

Dive into the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku and grab lunch at Kawaii Monster Cafe.

CURRENCY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shibuya

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and enjoy shopping in the area.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Relish a unique ramen dining experience at Ichiran, where you can enjoy your meals in private booths.

CURRENCY1200, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at your hotel before the day of exploration.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Hop on the JR train for a scenic journey to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

CURRENCY2900, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the intricate designs of Toshogu Shrine, the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

CURRENCY1300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Savor local specialties including yakitori in a cozy atmosphere.

CURRENCY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, a perfect nature escape.

CURRENCY1000, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for the night.

CURRENCY2900, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Noodle Stand

End your day with some delicious udon or soba noodles from a convenient stand.

CURRENCY800, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for travel.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Experience the famous bullet train as you make your way to the historic city of Kyoto.

CURRENCY14000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji and its surrounding gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

CURRENCY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ramen Sen No Kaze

Enjoy a warm bowl of ramen in a delightful shop frequented by locals.

CURRENCY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Nijo Castle Tour

Explore Nijo Castle, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

CURRENCY1000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of dishes from various stalls at Nishiki Market, a perfect family foodie spot.

CURRENCY2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Full Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel to start the day.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.

CURRENCY0, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Ko

Taste delicious inari-zushi (sweetened rice wrapped in tofu skin) near the shrine.

CURRENCY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the tranquil pathways of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

CURRENCY500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Togetsukyo Bridge

Take in views of the river and mountains at the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Savor delicious soba noodles at this atmospheric riverside restaurant.

CURRENCY2000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast to kickstart your day in Kyoto.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Osaka

Experience a quick trip to Osaka, Japan's culinary capital.

CURRENCY560, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens and historical exhibits.

CURRENCY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Indulge in Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki at the famous Dotonbori district.

CURRENCY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Enjoy shopping at Osaka's bustling Shinsaibashi shopping area.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Experience a myriad of delicious local dishes at this lively food market.

CURRENCY2000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Hiroshima Exploration

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Board the Shinkansen for a journey to Hiroshima, known for its poignant history.

CURRENCY10000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at this significant historical site and explore the museum.

CURRENCY200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki at this dedicated food stand building.

CURRENCY1300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore Hiroshima Castle, a reconstruction that offers insight into the area's history.

CURRENCY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hassei

Enjoy more delicious okonomiyaki at Hassei, a local favorite.

CURRENCY1200, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for the night.

CURRENCY10000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 8: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day ahead.

CURRENCY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Universal Studios Japan

Spend a thrilling day at Universal Studios Japan, perfect for the entire family.

CURRENCY8000, 6 hours

4:00PM

Late Lunch at Mel's Drive-In

Enjoy a nostalgic late lunch at Mel's Drive-In inside Universal Studios.

CURRENCY2000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Finish your trip with a final dinner enjoying okonomiyaki at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu.

CURRENCY1600, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Relax and Pack

Spend your last evening relaxing, packing up the memorable souvenirs and reflecting on your journey in Japan.

CURRENCY0, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

A Cultural Odyssey Through Japan: 8-Day Family Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: More of Tokyo

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:30PM

8:00PM

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 5: Full Day in Kyoto

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Travel to Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 7: Hiroshima Exploration

7:00AM

8:30AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 8: Final Day in Osaka

8:00AM

9:30AM

4:00PM

6:00PM

8:00PM

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