How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 5 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 5 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate 5-Day Japan Itinerary: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm. It's famous for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere.

JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa. Walk around Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and traditional snacks. Open 6:00am to 5:00pm.

Free, 1h 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy authentic sukiyaki or shabu-shabu at Asakusa Imahan, a traditional restaurant famed for wagyu beef. Open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

JPY4000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine nestled in a forested area, followed by a relaxing stroll through the nearby Yoyogi Park. Open 5:00am to 6:00pm.

Free, 2h

5:00pm

Shopping and Evening Stroll in Harajuku and Omotesando

Experience Tokyo’s youth culture and high fashion district with quirky shops and cafes. Great for photo ops and light shopping.

Free, 1h 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the iconic Gonpachi restaurant, known as the inspiration for Kill Bill’s fight scene, serving delicious yakitori and izakaya fare. Open until 11:30pm.

JPY3500, 1h 30m

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Aaliya

Enjoy a creamy French-style soufflé pancake for breakfast at Café Aaliya, located in Minami Aoyama. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.

JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse yourself in futuristic digital art installations where you can walk through water and light. Opens at 10:00am, so arrive by opening.

JPY3200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Katsu Midori Sushi

Savor affordable and fresh conveyor belt sushi at Katsu Midori in Shibuya. Open 11:00am to 11:00pm.

JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the famous scramble crossing and visit the Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty, set right outside Shibuya Station.

Free, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping at Shibuya Center-Gai and Tokyu Hands

Browse trendy shops and pick up unique Japanese crafts and souvenirs at Tokyu Hands, open until 9:00pm.

Variable, 1h 30m

5:00pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Enjoy panoramic city views from the iconic Tokyo Tower observatory. Open 9:00am to 11:00pm.

JPY1200, 1h 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Afuri Ramen Ebisu

Delicious yuzu-flavored ramen served in a stylish eatery, open till 11:00pm.

JPY1200, 1h

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Tour

Kyoto, Japan on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station for a swift 2 hours 15 minutes journey.

JPY14000, 2h 15m

10:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a Japanese-style Western breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at this classic Kyoto cafe, open from 7:00am.

JPY1000, 1h

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of bright vermillion torii gates at this famous shrine open 24 hours, scenic and spiritual.

Free, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Musoshin

Taste traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in a tranquil setting. Open 11:30am to 2:00pm.

JPY3500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the historic temple with spectacular views of Kyoto, open 6:00am to 6:00pm. Check out the wooden stage and Otowa Waterfall.

JPY400, 1h 30m

4:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk the historic streets renowned for traditional tea houses and the chance to spot geisha. Best visited at dusk.

Free, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Nanba

Enjoy refined Kyoto kaiseki cuisine at this Michelin-starred restaurant, reservation recommended.

JPY8000, 2h

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto Higashiyama

Start with specialty coffee and light pastries in a picturesque café by the Kamo River, open from 8:00am.

JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the stunning bamboo stalks early to avoid crowds, open 24 hours.

Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.

JPY500, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Saga Tofu Ine

Relish vegetarian tofu specialties near Arashiyama, open 11:30am to 2:00pm.

JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the iconic golden temple shimmering by the pond, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.

JPY400, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Philosopher’s Path

Take a scenic walk along this cherry blossom-lined canal, connecting several temples, open 24 hours.

Free, 1h 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from numerous atmospheric restaurants along the Kamo River, ideal for traditional Kyoto cuisine and evening ambiance.

Variable, 2h

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Osaka City Tour

Osaka, Japan on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Train from Kyoto to Osaka

Take a quick 30-minute JR train to central Osaka for your day of exploration.

JPY600, 30m

8:45am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh street food like takoyaki, seafood, and traditional sweets at this vibrant market open from 9:00am.

JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its museum, open 9:00am to 5:00pm, featuring panoramic city views from the top floor.

JPY600, 1h 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Taste famous street foods like okonomiyaki and kushikatsu in this lively entertainment district.

JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Namba and Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and people-watch in Osaka’s premier shopping areas, enjoying both luxury brands and quirky boutiques.

Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for stunning sunset views overlooking Osaka, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.

JPY1500, 1h 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsuzushi

End your trip with exquisite sushi at one of Osaka’s highly rated sushi restaurants, known for fresh fish and omakase options.

JPY6000, 2h

Find Hotels in Osaka

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate 5-Day Japan Itinerary: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

8:30am

10:00am

12:00pm

2:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

8:00am

9:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Kyoto Cultural Tour

7:00am

10:00am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

Day 4: Kyoto Highlights

8:00am

9:30am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

Day 5: Osaka City Tour

8:00am

8:45am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

More About Japan

Plan Your Japan Trip