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.

7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast items at the Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to 2pm, offering a lively atmosphere and authentic tastes.

JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple located in Asakusa, featuring the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and shopping street Nakamise-dori for souvenirs and local snacks. It is open 24 hours with main halls accessible from 6am to 5pm.

Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Stroll around Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park for gardens, pond, and cultural sites including Tokyo National Museum (open 9:30am-5pm) for a deep dive into Japanese history and art.

JPY620, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Isetan Shinjuku Food Hall

Enjoy a variety of Japanese delicacies such as bentos, soba, or tempura in this well-known department store food hall.

JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience the tranquil grounds of Meiji Shrine, an important Shinto site, and enjoy a walk in nearby Yoyogi Park which is ideal on a sunny afternoon.

Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Dive into one of Tokyo’s most vibrant youth fashion districts. Perfect for trendy shops, cafes, and a lively street scene.

Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous Gonpachi restaurant, known as the inspiration for Kill Bill's iconic fight scene, serving classic izakaya dishes from 5pm to midnight.

JPY3500, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a floral-themed breakfast surrounded by fresh flowers in this unique café open from 8am.

JPY1800, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit the teamLab Planets Tokyo

Experience immersive digital art installations that blend technology with creativity at teamLab Planets, open from 10am to 7pm.

JPY3200, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk in Odaiba

Explore Odaiba’s futuristic entertainment and shopping district, including the Rainbow Bridge views and Palette Town, open throughout the day.

Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at DiverCity Food Court

Enjoy a variety of Japanese fast foods and international cuisines here, with great views of the Gundam statue.

JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Visit Tokyo Tower observation deck for panoramic views of the city, open 9am to 11pm.

JPY1200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Roppongi Hills

Explore the upscale Roppongi Hills complex for gallery visits, shopping and cafés.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Savour Japan’s famous tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran Ramen, open 24 hours and renowned for its individual dining booths.

JPY1200, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Nature and Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Tokyo Hotel

Enjoy a traditional or western style breakfast at your hotel before departing to Hakone.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar express train to Hakone, approximately 1.5 hours.

JPY2200, 1h30m

10:00am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the museum’s outdoor sculptures and impressive indoor exhibitions, open from 9am to 5pm.

JPY1600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at the museum café

Enjoy light Japanese meals and desserts in the pleasant surroundings of the museum café.

JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi, with views of Mount Fuji on clear days; cruises run until evening.

JPY1000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Visit the serene Hakone Shrine near the lake, known for its red torii gate standing in the water, open until sunset.

Free, 45m

5:00pm

Check-in to Ryokan with Onsen

Experience a traditional Japanese inn and relax in hot spring baths, ensuring advance booking for this soothing cultural experience.

JPY20000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan featuring seasonal and local ingredients.

Included, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Cultural Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan before heading to Kyoto.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station, about 2 hours.

JPY13000, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore famous thousands of torii gates pathways at one of Kyoto’s most iconic shrines, open 24 hours.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion - espresso bar & info

Enjoy light meals and excellent coffee conveniently located near Fushimi Inari.

JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage temple with stunning views over Kyoto, open from 6am to 6pm.

JPY400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Higashiyama District

Stroll this well-preserved historic district with charming shops and teahouses.

Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Savour classic Kyoto cuisine with a modern twist in the historic Gion district.

JPY3500, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on July 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto

Start with a traditional Japanese-Western style breakfast at this local favourite, open from 7am.

JPY1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest, best early morning to avoid crowds, open 24 hours.

Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

Explore the beautiful temple and zen gardens nearby, open from 8am to 5pm.

JPY500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shigetsu, Tenryu-ji

Enjoy a serene shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) meal inside the temple grounds.

JPY3000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf covered temple and surrounding gardens, open 9am to 5pm.

JPY400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Nijo Castle

Visit the historical castle famous for its nightingale floors and beautiful gardens, open 8:45am to 5pm.

JPY1000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at one of the many traditional or modern restaurants along the atmospheric Pontocho Alley.

JPY4000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick breakfast at Kyoto Station before leaving for Nara.

JPY800, 30m

7:30am

Train to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara, about 45 mins.

JPY710, 45m

8:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Admire the Great Buddha statue and explore one of Japan’s most renowned temples, open from 7:30am to 5:30pm.

JPY600, 1h30m

10:30am

Explore Nara Park

Enjoy walking amongst freely roaming deer in this famous park, open all day.

Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Try famous yomogi mochi rice cakes in Nara’s popular sweet shop.

JPY500, 30m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore the shrine known for its many stone lanterns, open from 6am to 6pm.

Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto via the JR Nara Line.

JPY710, 45m

5:00pm

Relax at Kyoto Station Area

Spend the afternoon enjoying shopping or visiting Kyoto Tower's observation deck on your return.

JPY770, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Ramen Koji

Sample varied regional ramen styles in this popular ramen street inside Kyoto Station.

JPY1200, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Urban and Cuisine

Osaka, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kyoto, mixing Japanese and western options.

Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

Short 15-minute train ride via Shinkansen or local train to Osaka city centre.

JPY1400, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic castle and museum, open from 9am to 5pm, with panoramic city views.

JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki street foods in bustling Dotonbori, open throughout the day.

JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s longest shopping street featuring both luxury and bargain stores.

Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit the Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for breathtaking views of Osaka skyline, open 10am to 10:30pm.

JPY1500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Indulge in Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers at this iconic kushikatsu restaurant, open until late.

JPY3000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

8:00am

9:30am

11:30am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

7:30am

9:00am

11:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Nature and Hot Springs

7:00am

8:00am

10:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Cultural Heritage

8:00am

9:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

6:30pm

Day 5: Temples and Gardens

7:30am

9:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

7:00am

7:30am

8:30am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:00pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:00pm

Day 7: Urban and Cuisine

8:00am

9:00am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:30pm

6:00pm

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