The Best 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Up to date 2024)

Posted: 4/17/2024 | April Seventeenth, 2024

Japan captured my middle from the instant I firs visited. The scrumptious meals, the wealthy tradition, breathtaking landscapes, colourful historical past, and the very pleasant and well mannered other folks – all of it blew my thoughts.

However Japan continuously feels impenetrable, particularly to first-time guests. Whilst I believe Japan merits no less than 10 days, I am getting that some other folks would possibly handiest have every week, so I sought after to jot down this, my splendid seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time customer.

With just a week, there’s no longer a lot you’ll see until you truly rush it. And I don’t assume you will have to do this.

So this itinerary handiest makes a speciality of Tokyo and Kyoto (the preferred locations) in addition to some day journeys from each and every. In the event you sought after to hurry issues just a little, it’s good to upload in Osaka (extra on that on the finish).

(Observe: In the event you bought a Japan Rail Move, turn on it on arrival. That approach, you’ll make the most of the unfastened JR trains all through the town.)

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

With all of the beautiful shrines, palaces, and temples; distinctive cocktail bars; and considerable buying groceries, it’s good to simply spend a whole week in Tokyo. However, with handiest a few days, you’ll wish to hit the highlights:

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
Remedy your jet lag with some meals! In 2018, Tokyo’s primary fish marketplace moved to Toyosu. It’s now two times the scale of Tsukiji (the outdated one), making it the biggest such marketplace on the planet. Right here you’ll devour recent sushi for breakfast, only a few ft from the place it was once hauled in from the ocean, whilst marveling on the chaotic surroundings.

You’ll nonetheless head to the outdated marketplace in Tsukiji to devour, store, and wander as neatly. I adore it so much, as a result of there are extra meals choices! Foods and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Marketplace are to be had for round 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Marketplace is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, even though most department stores don’t open till 7am. Admission is unfastened, however you need to pick out up a customer’s move while you input. Tsukiji Fish Marketplace’s hours range by way of store (generally 5am-2pm). Admission is unfastened.

teamLab Planets
This virtual artwork set up is a multi-sensory and immersive enjoy during which you turn out to be a part of the art work, strolling barefoot throughout the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you have interaction with the installations’ components in distinctive tactics. It’s truly a laugh! TeamLab is normally sells out upfront, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

Take a strolling excursion
Strolling excursions are a good way to get the lay of the land whilst connecting with an area information. I at all times pass on one or two once I arrive someplace. Tokyo Localized gives many unfastened excursions, together with a vintage review and ones of each the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace excursion will be the maximum handy one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace
Previously Edo Fort, the Imperial Palace was once constructed within the fifteenth century, and one of the vital partitions and moats from that point are nonetheless in use to this present day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. Whilst you’ll’t pass inside of, it’s surrounded by way of stunning grounds, a moat, and a park price wandering via. You’ll additionally see the changing-of-the-guard rite (even though it’s slightly low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is unfastened.

Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Lawn
This park is over 144 acres and residential to a couple 20,000 bushes. Many of the authentic park was once destroyed in Global Battle II however was once rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Right through spring, it is among the best possible puts to look cherry blossoms. My favourite space is the panorama lawn, which has a number of ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a calm oasis clear of the city hustle and bustle.

Relying on how you’re feeling relative on your jetlag, it’s good to have compatibility a couple of extra actions sooner than you finish your day. Take a look at this publish for ideas.

Japan Itinerary Day 2: Tokyo

I might get started your 2d day by way of testing Asakusa. You’ll discover the world on a guided strolling excursion or by yourself. Move early to steer clear of the crowds and spot the 2 primary temples:

• Senso-ji – That is Tokyo’s most well liked and well-known temple. Superbly painted, it sits in a scenic spot close to a pagoda and the stunning Kaminari Gate. There’s an enormous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside of the principle corridor. It’s very busy all through the day, so perhaps take a look at the grounds within the night.
• Asakusa Shrine – This within reach Shinto shrine is a lot more non violent, with fewer guests, however with other folks praying, meditating, or acting ordinary rituals. It was once constructed all through the Edo duration (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of Global Battle II.

In a while, head to Ueno Park. Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was once established in 1873 on land previously owned by way of a Seventeenth-century Buddhist temple. It will get tremendous busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over one thousand bushes right here. All through, you’ll to find quite a lot of stalls and distributors promoting snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are generally cultural occasions or gala’s showcasing ordinary arts, tune, and dance. 4 of Tokyo’s primary museums are right here:

• Tokyo Nationwide Museum – Established in 1872 at the north finish, this huge construction is the oldest and biggest artwork museum in Japan. It properties probably the most global’s greatest collections of artwork and artifacts from Asia, specifically Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Artwork Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of recent and conventional Jap artwork.
• Nationwide Museum of Nature and Science – This museum options a variety of everlasting and brief exhibitions overlaying herbal science and historical past.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This pretty Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doorways and different ornate carvings. It’s price seeing up shut!

In a while, stroll all the way down to Akihabara to discover the online game parlors, arcades, and anime stores. This very buzzy space is floor 0 for all issues digital, and it’s a laugh to play lots of the video games. That is the place you’ll to find the well-known maid cafés, the place servers get dressed up as maids and serve you foods and drinks. Those vary from large touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the women in the street are selling the latter, which might be much more culturally a laugh). They aren’t reasonable, even though, as you need to purchase drink programs and pay a rate, however they’re kitschy and a laugh.

Within the night, seek advice from Shinjuku after which drink in Golden Gai. In Shinjuku, you’ll discover a plethora of cool bars, vibrant lighting, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. You’ll want to wander down Reminiscence Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. In a while, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of slender alleyways with just a little of a red-light-district really feel, flanked by way of diminutive backstreet bars. It’s slightly touristy but additionally a large number of a laugh. I’ve had some wild nights right here!

With Arigato Excursions, you’ll be informed concerning the community whilst preventing to pattern Jap classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY price features a drink and dishes at 4 stops.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 3: Tokyo

There’s so much to look and do in Tokyo (I quilt all of it right here and right here)! However believe taking an afternoon go back and forth out of the town to look some non-urban points of interest:

Kamakura
Right here you’ll see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was once inbuilt 1252. It was once to begin with built inside of Kotoku-in Temple, however that has since been washed away by way of a number of storms, so it now sits within the outdoor. Admission to go into the temple grounds is 300 JPY, whilst it’s 20 JPY to move throughout the statue. The adventure there — round an hour — is unfastened with a Japan Rail Move.

Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll to find lots of the identical vintage rides from Disney Global right here, like Splash Mountain, Large Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everybody’s favourite teacup journey, The Mad Tea Celebration. However there are a number of distinctive points of interest as neatly, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Adventure to the Middle of the Earth.

Price ticket costs range relying at the day and time, however full-day admission starts at 7,900 JPY for adults and four,400-6,200 JPY for kids. It’s best possible to e-book upfront.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is positioned an hour outdoor of Tokyo. An energetic stratovolcano (which remaining erupted in 1708) and lined in snow for nearly half of of the yr, it stands an excellent 3,776 meters (12,389 ft) and gives some of the iconic perspectives within the nation. Some of the 3 Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is each a Particular Position of Scenic Attractiveness and a UNESCO Cultural Website. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to achieve the summit (historically, they leave at night time to reach on the most sensible for the daybreak).

In the event you don’t wish to hike, you’ll merely seek advice from on an afternoon go back and forth. There are buses that may take you partway up, the place you’ll be presented sweeping vistas of the encompassing space. Guided day excursions from the town price round 12,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 4: Kyoto

House to at least one.5 million other folks and nestled within the mountains, Kyoto is among the most lovely towns in Japan. It’s full of traditional-style structures, bamboo forests, numerous Zen gardens, and historic Buddhist and Shinto temples. It’s best possible to divide the town into half of, as points of interest are form of clumped in combination and getting throughout the town takes a very long time. As of late, you will have to do the western half of:

Wander the Bamboo Woodland
For a soothing damage, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Situated close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s some of the stunning puts in all of the nation. It’s no longer that massive, however there are some hidden spaces to discover. Simply be sure you arrive early if you wish to experience it with out the crowds (it fills up rapid after daybreak).

Whilst there, I might additionally suggest visiting the Okochi Sanso Lawn, which (at the side of the house) belonged to the well-known Jap actor Denjir? ?ok?chi (1898–1962). It’s no longer unfastened (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it surely’s truly great and has some glorious perspectives.

Talk over with the Golden Pavilion
Firstly constructed within the overdue 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (army governor), this iconic construction was once later transformed right into a Zen Buddhist temple. The prevailing-day edifice dates handiest to the Nineteen Fifties, then again, when a monk making an attempt to kill himself burned the ancient authentic to the bottom. The rebuilt temple is roofed in sensible gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Each and every of the 3 tales reveals a unique architectural genre. Finishing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and conventional Jap gardens that comprise lush foliage, manicured bushes, and scenic strolling paths.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open day by day 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Recognize Ryoan-ji Temple
That is my favourite temple in Kyoto. Firstly established in 1450 as a place of dwelling for a high-ranking samurai, it was once quickly transformed right into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO Global Heritage Website, with a mausoleum that properties the stays of 7 emperors. Its ordinary rock and sand lawn is thought of as probably the most best possible within the nation. There’s additionally a teahouse the place you’ll enjoy the normal Jap tea rite (chanoyu) as you omit the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are different temples within the space to take a look at as neatly:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This huge advanced courting again to 1315 covers nearly 60 acres. It accommodates a number of dozen temples and is a superb position to look a number of Zen gardens and architectural kinds. It’s additionally deeply related to the Jap tea rite, as a number of of the rustic’s maximum noteworthy masters studied right here.
• Toji Temple – That is house to Japan’s tallest pagoda (5 tales excessive). Based in 796, simply after Kyoto was the capital, it was once certainly one of handiest 3 Buddhist temples allowed within the town.

Move on a sake brewery excursion
Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing custom going again 400 years and is understood for one of the vital best possible on the planet, because of the use of the world’s natural herbal spring water within the brewing procedure. Arigato Excursions gives a very good three-hour excursion of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, together with stops at a number of breweries, a guided excursion of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 5: Kyoto

As of late, you’ll do the japanese a part of the town:

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine
This mountainside Shinto shrine, courting again to 711, is devoted to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s recognized for its hundreds of colourful orange torii gates that shape a community of trails main up Mount Inari. You’ll hike the paths by yourself whilst playing panoramic perspectives of Kyoto under or sign up for a guided mountaineering excursion, on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get right here as early as conceivable to steer clear of the crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is unfastened.

Stroll round Higashiyama
Spend a day strolling alongside the slender streets of probably the most oldest and best possible preserved districts by yourself or on a strolling excursion. The standard machiya structures (ordinary wood townhouses) are full of small stores promoting native specialties and handicrafts, in addition to eating places and teahouses. It’s a well-liked space during which to take part in a tea rite. Any other great position to walk on this community is the Thinker’s Trail, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s stunning and meditative even if the blossoms aren’t in season.

Talk over with Kiyomizu-dera
Considered one of a variety of UNESCO websites in historic Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (which means “natural water temple”) is positioned within the foothills of Mount Otowa within the japanese a part of the town. It’s some of the well-known temples in all of Japan. It was once established in 778, however lots of the current structures date to the Seventeenth century. There’s no longer a unmarried nail used within the building, which turns into all of the extra spectacular if you see how huge the temple is, which is best possible recognized for its wood terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s identify comes from the within reach waterfall whose waters (from which you’ll nonetheless drink as of late) are mentioned to have wish-granting and therapeutic powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open day by day 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Discover Shorin-ji Temple
This small temple dates again to the sixteenth century. What makes it price visiting is its meditation categories. You’ll get to excursion the temple after which be recommended in zazen, the Jap genre of meditation. It’s an overly distinctive enjoy and one thing that I believe will upload a large number of intensity and nuance on your seek advice from (particularly should you’ve observed a large number of temples). Simply be sure you get dressed conveniently.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open day by day 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Marketplace
Nishiki Ichiba is now probably the most largest indoor markets on the town. Referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over 5 blocks, it is filled with distributors promoting ordinary dishes from the area, vintage Kyoto souvenirs, and truly absolutely anything else. There are over 100 stalls right here, a lot of that have been in the similar circle of relatives for generations. Opening hours rely at the store however are most often from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Jap meals tradition, you’ll take a meals excursion of the marketplace. It’s one of the best ways to be informed about all of the meals you’ll see, in addition to the marketplace’s historical past.

Discover Gion
Gion, the ancient geisha district, is famend as being some of the iconic and atmospheric spaces of the town. It’s recognized for its ordinary wood machiya properties, slender alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (recognized in the neighborhood as geiko) tradition. Lining the principle side road are ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), small stores, and plenty of eating places, starting from upscale kaiseki eating places serving ordinary Kyoto delicacies to informal eateries.

To truly be informed extra about this superb birthday party of the town and its previous, take a strolling excursion of Gion. You’ll be informed a ton and get a large number of context. They price round 1,800 JPY.

At night time, pass to the Pontocho Row, a slender side road covered with eating places, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz golf equipment. It’s probably the most extra energetic spaces in Kyoto.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 6: Nara

Many vacationers seek advice from Nara on an afternoon go back and forth from Kyoto. Whilst that’s completely wonderful, I like to recommend spending an evening. After the vacationers head again to the massive town within the overdue afternoon, you’ll see this small, captivating vacation spot empty out and really feel like you will have it just a little to your self, at the side of the locals.

Nara was once the capital of Japan within the 8th century, so there are many structures and temples right here which can be upwards of one thousand years outdated (which is unusual in Japan, because of the superiority of fires and earthquakes, in addition to Global Battle II). Some issues to do:

• Frolic with deer – The true attract Nara are the deer. Because the Seventeenth century, the ones in and across the town were thought to be sacred. You’ll purchase crackers to feed them or simply watch them walk round carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t leave out a seek advice from to Todai-ji, the sector’s greatest wood construction, house to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was once inbuilt 738 and is now a UNESCO Global Heritage Website.
• Take a strolling excursion – This guided half-day strolling excursion for 11,500 JPY comprises all of Nara’s highlights in addition to a conventional lunch.

Japan Itinerary Day 7: Tokyo

It’s time to wrap issues up and head again to Tokyo on your flight house (or onward). You probably have extra time to spend, this publish right here will listing heaps of items to look and do to your remaining. Then again, something I might truly suggest seeking to do is watch a Sumo fit.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most renowned sumo wrestling area, hosts tournaments thrice each and every yr, in January, Would possibly, and September. Tickets promote out temporarily, so e-book on-line upfront. Costs range however get started round 3,200 JPY for area seats. You’ll e-book a price tag on-line right here (you’ll be accompanied by way of a information too, so you’ll be informed extra concerning the custom because it unfolds sooner than your eyes).

To be informed extra concerning the game in within the low season, e-book a excursion of a sumo strong.
 

An Choice Itinerary

The above itinerary, whilst rapid, isn’t rushed. It does have compatibility so much in however at a tempo this is slower than a large number of guests desire. Whilst I at all times counsel touring slowly and specializing in high quality over amount, some other folks like to cram extra into their go back and forth.

So, if you wish to upload any other town to this itinerary you’ll apply this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all lined above. As for Osaka, a few of my favourite issues to look and do:

Take a meals excursion
Referred to as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a various culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe red meat and Jap BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be discovered right here in abundance. Plus, there are native specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and greens) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You’ll take a meals excursion for round 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking elegance for 9,500 JPY, or simply wander and devour.

Osaka Fort
Some of the well-known landmarks within the nation, the citadel was once firstly constructed within the overdue sixteenth century by way of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and performed a pivotal position within the unification of Japan all through the Sengoku duration (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it’s been destroyed and rebuilt more than one instances because of wars, fires, and herbal failures. The present model dates to 1931. The citadel is located amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by way of a moat. It’s additionally house to a small however insightful museum and an remark deck that provides some picturesque city perspectives.

Dotonbori
That is arguably Osaka’s maximum iconic district, recognized for its colourful nightlife (bars, golf equipment, theaters, and tune venues), colourful signage, and scrumptious meals. It’s best possible observed at night time because of the plethora of large neon lighting and indicators lining each the canal and streets, that have turn out to be symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided strolling excursion that incorporates Dotonbori as neatly adjoining neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple
This temple is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, based in 593. The structure is a mix of ordinary Jap and East Asian kinds, that includes spectacular pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Walk throughout the tranquil grounds, respect the gorgeous structure, and be informed concerning the temple’s ancient and cultural importance on the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to go into, the lawn is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.
 

Japan is certainly one of my favourite nations. Whilst it’s slightly small, it gives a fantastic array of items to look and do (in addition to one of the vital best possible meals on the planet). With seven days, you’ll simply see a excellent collection of the principle highlights and get a style for the implausible historical past and tradition. It’ll be a hectic week, however this itinerary guarantees you’ll nonetheless have a while to decelerate, calm down, and take within the native tempo of existence.

Simply be sure you get a Japan Rail Move sooner than you pass. Whilst it’s no longer as reasonable because it was once, it’ll most probably save you time and cash!