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.

Exploring the Wonders of Japan: An 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your journey with fresh sushi breakfast from renowned stalls at Tsukiji, the best place for seafood in Tokyo.

JPY 1,500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, where the atmosphere is rich and vendors line the streets with Japanese snacks.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Asakusa

Enjoy tempura at Daikokuya, a famous local tempura restaurant near Senso-ji.

JPY 2,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park, where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms, especially in spring.

Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Akihabara

Savor ramen at Ichiran Ramen, known for its private booths and decadent broth.

JPY 1,500, 1 hour

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bread, Espresso &

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this quaint café known for its artisanal bread and espresso.

JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the tranquil Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush trees and traditional architecture.

Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Harajuku Shopping

Wander around Takeshita Street for unique fashion finds and quirky shops.

Free (shopping depends on individual), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Omotesando

Dine at Uobei Sushi, a fun revolving sushi joint where plates are delivered via an automated system.

JPY 1,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Get a panoramic view of Tokyo from one of its iconic landmarks.

JPY 1,200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Shibuya

Try out authentic izakaya (Japanese pub) at Shibuya’s Han no Daidokoro.

JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel before departing for Kyoto.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen for a swift ride to Kyoto, one of Japan's ancient capitals.

JPY 14,000, 2 hours 30 mins

11:00AM

Arrive and Explore Kinkaku-ji

Visit the stunning Gold Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, embraced by beautiful gardens.

JPY 400, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste local delicacies at Nishiki Market, a bustling street market with diverse food options.

JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wander among thousands of brilliant vermillion torii gates leading to the taisha at Fushimi Inari.

Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion

Try kaiseki (iconic Japanese multi-course dinner) at Gion Karyo for a taste of tradition.

JPY 5,000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Kioto Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at A bit more

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this cozy café known for its wholesome dishes.

JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the serene bamboo forest in Arashiyama and take in the unique atmosphere.

Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Indulge in yudofu (tofu hot pot) at Shoraian, set amidst beautiful surroundings.

JPY 2,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple and its exquisite gardens.

JPY 500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Admire the stunning views from Kiyomizu-dera and soak in the historic charm.

JPY 400, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience the atmosphere of Kyoto with dinner at a traditional izakaya in the lantern-lit Pontocho Alley.

JPY 4,000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast in your hotel before heading to Osaka.

Included with the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the train to Osaka, Japan's kitchen, famous for street food.

JPY 1,000, 30 mins

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle surrounded by gardens and a beautiful park.

JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor delicious takoyaki and okonomiyaki at Dotonbori, bright with neon lights.

JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Browse through the shops at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, a blend of local and international brands.

Free (shopping depends on individuals), 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this prominent restaurant in Osaka.

JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 6: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to start the day right before heading to Hiroshima.

Included with the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and prepare for a day of poignant history.

JPY 10,000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at Peace Memorial Park, commemorating the tragic history of Hiroshima.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Village

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, layered and savory, at Okonomiyaki Village.

JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its lovely grounds.

JPY 370, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Don Quijote

Savor lunch at Don Quijote, well-known for its quirky shopping and food.

JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 7: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before catching a ferry to Miyajima.

Included with the stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Catch a ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate.

JPY 1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Marvel at the Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate during high tide.

JPY 300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on Miyajima

Indulge in grilled oysters and anago (conger eel) at a local restaurant.

JPY 2,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiking Mount Misen

Take a scenic hike up Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.

JPY 1,800, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner back in Hiroshima

Return to Hiroshima and have dinner at Hassei for more okonomiyaki.

JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 8: Return to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before your final exploration.

Included with the stay, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Catch the Shinkansen back to Osaka and prepare for last-minute shopping.

JPY 1,000, 30 mins

11:00AM

Shopping at Namba

Spend some time shopping in Namba, one of Osaka's busiest districts.

Free (shopping depends on individuals), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsusaka Beef Yakiniku

Enjoy a glorious yakiniku (grilled meat) lunch featuring Matsusaka beef.

JPY 6,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Discover the wonders of the sea at one of the largest aquariums in the world.

JPY 2,300, 2 hours

5:30PM

Departure Dinner at Dotonbori

Enjoy your farewell dinner in Dotonbori at Zuboraya, famous for its fugu (pufferfish).

JPY 4,500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Exploring the Wonders of Japan: An 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

5:00PM

Day 4: Kioto Cultural Immersion

8:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Kyoto to Osaka

7:30AM

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

Day 6: Osaka to Hiroshima

7:30AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 7: Day Trip to Miyajima

7:30AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 8: Return to Osaka

9:00AM

10:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

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