visit japan in 6 days

6 Day Tokyo Itinerary: The Tokyo Guide For First Time Visitors

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Visiting Tokyo for the first time and not sure where to start planning? I’ve put together this 6 day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors to help!

Tokyo is my favourite city in the world. Most of my trips to Japan end or start with some time in Tokyo, and despite having visited so many times (including living there for over a month during one of my extended Japan trips), there is still so much left to explore.

A trip to Japan isn’t complete without spending at least some time in Tokyo, especially if it’s your first time. But where do you even start when it comes to Tokyo? Planning time in a city this big can be intimidating!

That’s why I put together a six-day Tokyo itinerary for people who are visiting this lively city for the first time. Below, you can find an in-depth breakdown of all the stops, along with essential travel info to make your time in Tokyo as stress-free as possible.

Let’s not waste more time, and dive in!

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Day 6 – day trip from tokyo, how to get to tokyo from narita airport.

6 Days in Tokyo – Overview & Map

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, so even with six days, it can be difficult to see it all. This city really has something for everybody, so I’ve tried to include a mix of everything. But remember, this is your holiday, so feel free to alter this itinerary to your wishes and preferences.

In this Tokyo itinerary, you’ll spend five days in the city exploring different areas. On the last day, you can take a day trip from Tokyo . I’ve included multiple day trip options, so you can pick one that fits your interest best.

During the six days, you can stay in the same hotel so you don’t have to worry about moving your luggage around. Further down the article, I go over my favourite hotels in Tokyo, but you can also check out my separate accommodation guide .

The map below includes all the highlights of this Tokyo itinerary. If you download Google Maps (one of my favourite travel apps in Japan ), you can use the interactive map during your trip. I’ve included some of my favourite shops, restaurants, cafes and viewpoints along with the main tourist sights .

Day 1 – Pink Day 2 – Yellow Day 3 – Teal Day 4 – Green Day 5 – Dark Blue Day 6 – Light Blue (not all options fit on the screenshot of the map)

If you’re looking for more travel advice and free itineraries for your trip to Japan, check out some of the following guides:

• Planning your first trip to Japan and want to see more than just Tokyo? Our 2 week Japan itinerary takes you along the golden route, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and more.
• Want to spend even more time in Japan? We have a 3 week itinerary that includes even more iconic spots, including some off the Golden Route.
• Interested in some extra evening options in Tokyo? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Tokyo at night .

Stay connected to the internet during your trip to Japan (essential for using apps like Google Maps & Translate!) with Pocket WiFi. Use code THENAVIGATIO15 for 15% off Ninja WiFi Pocket WiFi .

6 Day Tokyo Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Here is my in-depth itinerary on how you can spend six days in Tokyo:

Day 1 – Meiji ​Jingu Shrine, Harajuku & Shibuya

On the first day of this itinerary, we explore Harajuku and Shibuya. There is quite a lot to see in these districts, so prepare to get your steps in!

Meiji Jingu Shrine

We start our time in Tokyo at one of the largest and most iconic shrines of the city: Meiji Shrine . Located only a few minutes on foot from Harajuku Station, it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re staying in Tokyo. 

You’ll be welcomed by a large wooden torii gate at the entrance of the park in which the shrine is located. The shrine is free to visit and is open to visitors from dawn to dusk .

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. It was completed in 1920, eight years after his passing. After entering the temple grounds through the beautiful torii gate, you can enjoy a serene walk through a beautiful forest made out of more than 100,000 trees. It’s easy to forget you’re in one of the busiest metropolitan cities in the world! 

While walking through the forest towards the inner shrine, you’ll walk past a wall of beautifully decorated sake barrels . Not only are they a treat to look at, but these barrels also symbolise the spiritual connection between the people and the Shinto Gods. Drinking Japanese rice wine (sake) was believed to bring people closer to the Gods.

When you arrive at the main building of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, you might see a bunch of wooden plaques hanging closely together. These are called Ema plaques and are part of a Shinto ritual. You can buy one for a few hundred yen, write down a wish or prayer and hang it with the others. The profits are used to maintain the shrine and its gardens.

Exploring Harajuku

After visiting Meiji Shrine, walk back towards Harajuku Station. It’s time to explore the Harajuku District. Harajuku refers to the area between Shinjuku and Shibuya, near Harajuku Station, and is known for its quirky shops, vibrant fashion and pop culture. 

Start with Takeshita Street , probably the most famous street in Harajuku. Do prepare for some crowds on this street, it can get so busy that it’s hard to walk through it sometimes. You can also find some affordable secondhand kimono here (Chicago Inc. is a good spot for this!).

You can find some great street food here as well, including the popular Harajuku Crepe and Rainbow Cotton Candy . You can get the crepes with countless different fillings, sweet or savoury.

Harajuku also hosts a variety of Purikura booths, which can be fun to try. It’s similar to a photobooth, but they allow you to edit your photos afterwards (especially to look more cute, or kawaii ). You can enlarge your eyes, add sparkles and get a printed copy when you’re done.

If time allows it, wander around Ura-Harajuku . You’d be surprised by how many great fashion stores, coffee shops, and other brands you can find on the back streets of Harajuku. B-Side Label is one of the shops I usually stop by to buy some stickers – they’re worth a visit for sure!

Walk further down to get to Omotesando , another popular shopping area. Here, you can find more upscale and luxury brands than in Harajuku.

Shopping in Shibuya

After Harajuku, we move onto Shibuya. You can either take the Yamanote Line from Harajuku Station to Shibuya Station, or you can walk, which should only take 10–15 minutes. It’s a great way to see some more of the city, so I’d recommend walking!

Shibuya has a host of great shops to check out, including:

• Pokémon Center Shibuya: On the 6th floor of the Shibuya Parco shopping centre, you can find Shibuya’s Pokémon Center. Along with all the merchandise you can buy here, there’s a large Mewtwo statue outside.
• Nintendo Tokyo: Next to the Pokémon Center, Shibuya Parco also houses the Tokyo Nintendo Store. As you probably expect, they sell games and lots of merchandise of your favourite Nintendo franchises.
• Village Vanguard: A variety of pop culture items and souvenirs.
• MUJI: They sell a wide variety of items, focussed on minimalist design.
• Disney Store: Shibuya also has a Disney Store with an amazing storefront. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping by just to see it.
• Tokyu Hands: Another large household store, including stationary, DIY and craft items.
• MODI: A large mall with fashion stores, restaurants, bookstores and more.
• Mega Don Quijote : Large store selling pretty much anything you can think of, great for souvenirs.
• Shibuya 109 : This building is filled with smaller boutiques. It’s fun to browse, but I personally think it’s a little overhyped.

Shibuya Scramble

Then it’s time for the famous Shibuya Scramble. Yes, it’s just a crossing in a busy area, but it really does give you that “I’m in Tokyo” feel. Up to 3,000 people can cross the street here at the same time, making it the busiest crossing on the planet.

As soon as the traffic lights allow pedestrians to cross, a sea of people washes over the street. Especially during your first time in Tokyo, walking among the crowds is quite remarkable – one for the Tokyo bucket list for sure.

While walking the crossing is great, seeing it from above is even better. There are some lovely cafes and bars nearby from where you can get a great view of Shibuya Scramble. The Starbucks across from the station is a popular spot, plus it’s been recently renovated. 

If you are following this Tokyo itinerary, you’ll also get a great view of Shibuya Crossing when visiting Shibuya Sky , which is one of the next activities.

Hachiko Statue

Hachiko Statue outside of Shibuya Station is a popular meeting spot in Tokyo, but when you’re near Shibuya Crossing, you may as well stop by too. You might have seen the movie or heard the story of Hachiko. If not, here is the tale of this famous Akita dog:

Hachiko’s master, Professor Ueno of the Tokyo Imperial University, would take the train from Shibuya Station to his work every day. Hachiko would meet him at the station every day. 

Sadly, Professor Ueno passed away, but Hachiko continued to show up every day, even after his master’s death. The statue was created to commemorate his loyalty, and this beloved dog is now the mascot of the Shibuya area .

Enjoy the best views at Shibuya Sky

There are quite a few beautiful viewpoints in Tokyo, but Shibuya Sky is my favourite. This 360° panoramic view opened its doors to visitors in 2019 and has turned into a popular spot – and with good reason.

Located a stone’s throw from the Shibuya Scramble, Shibuya Sky sits on the 47th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square Tower. At 229 meters, this viewing platform lets you see as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day. 

I recommend going just before sunset hours . Seeing the sunset over Tokyo is magical! Since you have to book a timed entree ticket, you can check the sunset time for your preferred day before booking. 

Once you get up there, you can stay as long as you want , so it’s best to get a ticket for 30–60 minutes before sunset so you have enough time to get up there.

With views this beautiful, Shibuya Sky is a popular sight to visit so pre-booking is essential . Tickets on the day sell out quickly , and once they’re gone, you won’t be able to enter anymore. 

Wander through Centre Gai 

Once you’ve enjoyed the sunset at the top of Shibuya Sky, it’s finally time for some dinner. Since we’re already in Shibuya, I recommend walking towards Centre Gai . This lively street is filled with bars, izakayas, cafes and restaurants. There are some great spots for ramen, conveyor-belt sushi (a must-try when in Japan !), udon and more.

Day 2 – Shinjuku

Our second day in Tokyo will be spent in Shinjuku. While it’s possible to cramp Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku into one day (since they’re very close to each other), you’d have to skip a lot of highlights. And since we have six days in Tokyo, we’ll split them up to make the most of these iconic areas.

Shin-Okubo , also known as Korea Town, is located just above Shinjuku. If you’re into K-Beauty, K-Pop or Korean cafe culture, you can also spend a few hours here before heading towards Shinjuku. It’s a great spot to stock up on skincare! 

Walk Through Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

Even though Shinjuku is one of the busiest and most lively parts of Tokyo, it also has a beautiful green oasis where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. In this park, you can find a variety of French, English and Japanese gardens. As well as some beautiful pagodas, ponds, a large greenhouse, teahouses and cafes where you can buy fresh ice cream and mochi. 

Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is one of Tokyo’s largest and most beloved parks. In spring, it turns into one of the best places to enjoy the blossoms, especially since there are a variety of blossom trees spread across the park, each blooming at a different time. Autumn is another great time to visit this park, as the autumn foliage is almost just as beautiful.

At 144 acres, Shinjuku Gyoen is massive. But despite the size, you can see the skyscrapers in the backdrop of the park – a quick reminder that you are still in one of the largest cities in the world.

In the middle of the park, you can also find a Starbucks, which gives you a lovely view of part of the park. During cherry blossom season, this coffee shop gets very busy, so you may want to grab a drink from the vending machine instead.

It costs 500 yen to enter, and the park is open every day (apart from Mondays) from 9AM. You can easily spend 2–3 hours here without getting bored.

Enjoy a Free View at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

After some relaxing time in the garden, we head to the other side of Shinjuku Station. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers some great views of the city, and best of all, it’s completely free .

The building itself reaches 243 meters, but the free observation decks sit at 202 meters. More than high enough for some beautiful panoramic views for sure. If you happen to visit on a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Fuji. Some other famous landmarks can be spotted from here, including Tokyo Tower, the Sky Tree and Meiji Shrine.

After enjoying the view, you can also visit the two tourist information centres on the second floor of the building. One is dedicated to Tokyo, and the other one has information about every prefecture in Japan. If you’re planning to see more than just Tokyo, it can be a great spot to pick up some brochures or get some extra information.

Explore Kabukicho

In the evening, we’re heading towards Kabukicho in Shinjuku. This entertainment district in Shinjuku lights up at night, and there’s a lot to see and enjoy.

Kabukicho is known to be a bit stretchy, as it’s the red light district. However, you don’t have to worry! Just make sure you don’t get involved with people on the street trying to talk to you and get you to “have a drink at their bar”. It’s not a dangerous place, but it’s best to keep your wits about you. I’ve never had any issues visiting!

Before entering Kabukicho, stop by the Cross Shinjuku Vision billboard in front of the East exit of Shinjuku Station. This 3D billboard became famous for the cute 3D cat that shows up every now and then.

Walking through Kabuchiko, you can also see the iconic Godzilla head on top of the Gracery Hotel Shinjuku . Godzilla is the mascot of the Shinjuku area, and the massive head looks out over Kabukicho. The hotel itself has a rooftop bar next to the Godzilla head, and there are even some rooms inside that are Godzilla-themed.

Another note on Kabukicho is that despite Kabukicho Tower getting a lot of praise on social media, I personally didn’t like it at all. It looks pretty cool, but I found the arcade games to be very overpriced and it was overwhelmingly loud and crowded. It felt a bit like an overhyped tourist trap . I won’t be back there.

There are lots of other arcades nearby that can be a much better (and cheaper) option if you want to play some games. Make sure to check out more than just the first floor, as they’re often filled with claw machines only. Some more interesting games can be found from the second floor upwards.

Check out Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai

For dinner and drinks, you can head towards either Omoide Yokocho or the Golden Gai. 

Omoide Yokocho is a narrow but extremely atmospheric alleyway near Shinjuku Station. Decorated with lanterns and seasonal decorations (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves…), it shows the contrast between old and new in Tokyo. Especially with the big neon advertising boards luring in the background. 

You can find many traditional izakayas on this street. Small yakitori stands where smoke is being blown into the street from their grills. Sit down and enjoy some freshly grilled chicken skewers with a beer. Omoide Yokocho is open every day from 5PM till midnight.

Alternatively, you can head to Shinjuku’s Golden Gai . This area near Kabukicho has over 200 small restaurants and bars, giving you more than enough choices.

If eating at an izakaya seems a bit intimidating as a first-time visitor, you can book a guided tour of Omoide Yokocho and the Golden Gai . This 3-hour tour is a great way to experience it without having to worry about doing it all yourself.

Day 3 – Asakusa & Ueno

Since Asakusa is a more traditional part of Tokyo, this is also a great spot to try on kimono if this is something you’re interested in. There are multiple kimono rentals in Asakusa to choose from.

Walk through Nakamise Street

Around 250 meters long, Nakamise Street guides you to Sensoji Temple. You can find countless souvenir shops and street food vendors here. It can get a bit crowded here, so you can also walk at the back of the shops to have a bit more space. Most shops open around 10AM, so you can also arrive a bit earlier to avoid the big crowds.

In front of Nakamise Street, you can find the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center . It’s free to enter, and if you make it to the 8th floor, there is a free observation deck. Even though it’s nowhere near as high as the nearby Sky Tree, it gives you a lovely view of Nakamise Street leading towards Senso-ji. 

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon ) is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo , dating back to the year 645. Legend says the temple has been built for the goddess of mercy, Kannon.

Unsurprisingly, Senso-ji is one of the most popular sights in the city, so you can expect it to be quite busy . The earlier you can visit, the better. Alternatively, you can go later at night , when the temple is lit up beautifully.

The temple grounds are a treat to explore too. Alongside the main temple building, there are smaller temples, a pagoda and small gardens to enjoy.

At Senso-ji, and many other temples across Japan, you can partake in a form of Japanese fortune-telling, called o-mikuji (おみくじ). Since I usually visit Senso-ji when I’m in Tokyo, it’s the one place I always try o-mikuji. It’s become a bit of a tradition! 

The way it works is easy. You pay ¥100 and shake the wooden box filled with sticks. After shaking, you remove one of the sticks. This stick has a number written on it. You then match the number with the drawers and receive your fortune.

If you receive a bad fortune, you can tie the paper to one of the poles or a nearby tree. The idea is that the bad luck will stick to the poles or the tree instead of the person who drew it.

See Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Sky Tree is not far from Senso-ji, making it a great next stop on your Tokyo itinerary. At 634 meters high, the Sky Tree is the tallest tower in Japan . At night, the tower lights up and follows different lighting schedules. You can check the official website to see what’s on. 

There are multiple viewing spots in the Sky Tree, giving you a lovely view of the city. On the 340th floor, there’s even a small glass floor, showing you how high you really are. You can also find multiple restaurants and a Pokémon Centre in the Sky Tree.

If visiting the Sky Tree is something you absolutely want to do, it’s best to pre-book tickets as they can sell out quickly. However, if you’re following this Tokyo itinerary and have already visited Shibuya Sky, I don’t think it’s essential to go up the Sky Tree. It’s still very nice to see it from the streets of Asakusa though.

Go Knife Shopping in Kappabashi

From Asakusa, we’ll slowly make our way towards Ueno. But on the way, you can stop off at Kappabashi . This shopping street between the two districts is filled with around 170 kitchenware stores. 

While this may sound a bit too niche, it’s the perfect spot to buy a Japanese knife, bowls, cups, chopsticks, chopstick holders and more. You can even find stores that sell the iconic plastic foods that you can see outside of most Japanese restaurants.

A lot of stores have English-speaking staff, which can be very helpful if you’re looking to buy a Japanese knife. Just remember that buying a knife for someone can be seen as bad luck in certain cultures – there are lots of other great gifts to pick up here though!

Some of my favourite shops on Kappabashi include:

• Kiwami: Japanese knife shop. They have English-speaking staff and are happy to explain everything you need to know before deciding on what knife to buy. We bought our knives here and have been super happy with them!
• Dengama: Ceramic store with lots of bowls and cups for sale. They also have a large variety of chopstick rests to choose from, they make for a perfect gift to bring home.
• Kamata: Japanese knife shop. While we didn’t end up buying knives here, they had English-speaking staff and a very good variety of knives available. Prices are also very reasonable.
• Komatsuya: Ceramic store with a large variety of beautiful bowls and cups.
• Union: Coffee speciality shop. Everything you need if you’re a coffee lover.

It’s a great place to pick up some gifts for friends and family. All ceramics are wrapped very well, and once you’ve rolled them in a few more clothes in your suitcase, they are very likely to survive the flight home. All mine arrived home without any cracks, and drinking my morning coffee from them is a treat every morning at home.

Visit Ueno Park

This large park near Ueno Station has quite a lot to offer. The Ueno Zoo can be found here, which is the country’s oldest zoo, dating back to 1882. I’m not the biggest fan of animal tourism , so I haven’t visited the zoo myself.

What is worth visiting in Ueno Park is one of the museums. In the park, you can find the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Science Museum and the National Museum for Western Art. The National Museum is definitely worth a visit if time allows it.

Ueno Park is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot . With over 1,000 cherry trees, don’t miss it if you happen to visit between late March and early April (depending on the cherry blossom forecast). You can rent boats on the Shinobazu Pond too, which is especially beautiful when the blossoms are in full bloom.

You can find two of the Pokémon Manhole Covers in Ueno Park. These colourful manhole covers are scattered all across Japan, and if you’re a fan of the franchise (like me), they’re a fun thing to hunt down during your time in Japan. Don’t forget to join our Manhole Cover Club on Facebook and share your favourites!

Stroll through Ameyoko

After Ueno Park, head South to wander through Ameyoko (short for Ameya Yokocho). This busy market street sells anything from fashion items to food and spices. It’s quite the experience, and you can get goods here for a bargain — you can even haggle if you’re up for it.

The market has been here since after WWII, when it used to be the black market. Most shops are open until 8PM and there’s some street food to be tried here too.

Day 4 – Tokyo & Akihabara

Today, we’ll see a mix of Tokyo: the old and the new. Since Tokyo is known to be a city of opposites, it fits quite well. In the morning, you can visit Tokyo Imperial Palace, and head to Akihabara Electric Town in the afternoon/evening.

Check out the Tokyo Station Building

Marunouchi, the area between Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace is mainly a business area. However, since you can easily get to Tokyo Station on public transport, we start our day here.

Tokyo Station Building is quite unique too. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, this Western-style building made out of red bricks is the city’s transport hub. You can catch the JR lines, Tokyo Metro and the bullet train from here. On average, around half a million people use this station daily.

There is an underground mall under Tokyo Station. Inside it, you can find Character Street (home to 21 stores selling merch of your favourite animated characters), and Ramen Street (dare I say this doesn’t need any extra explanation).

Visit the Imperial Palace

From Tokyo Station, you can walk along one straight road to get to Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Interestingly, the capital of Japan has changed quite a few times, as it depends on where the Emperor is living at the time. Until 1867, Kyoto was the Emperor’s home, which made it the country’s capital for years. 

Since the Emperor moved to Tokyo in 1868, this has been Japan’s capital city since. The Imperial Family has been living at the Imperial Palace ever since. The palace was built on the grounds of Edo Castle, which used to be the home of the Tokugawa shogun.

To get the most out of your visit to the Imperial Palace, it’s best to book a guided tour . You’re not able to visit certain parts of the palace grounds without a guide. There are daily tours (in Japanese and English) starting at 10AM and 1:30PM (except Mondays, Sundays and National Holidays).

Make sure to stop by the Imperial Palace East Gardens before you leave. They’re free to enter and open to the public. Inside, you can find the foundation of the old Castle Tower and a beautiful Japanese garden.

Go to Kanda Myojin Shrine

Before we head to Akihabara, I recommend stopping at Kanda Myojin Shrine. This is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo, with nearly 1,300 years of history. It moved to its current location in 1616 and even survived the bombing during WWII. The shrine also hosts one of Tokyo’s three biggest Shinto Festivals, Kanda Matsuri, which happens in May in odd-numbered years.

Many people visit to pray for business success, wealth, and prosperity . Students also come here to pray before their university entrance exams. On one of the many walking tours I’ve taken through Tokyo, our guide told us she herself had visited her before her own exam years ago.

The shrine is beautifully decorated. It’s especially lovely when visiting during cherry blossom season as there are some blossom trees on the premises.

When visiting Shinto Shrines, make sure to not walk directly in the middle of the torii gate. This path is reserved for the Shinto Gods.

Shop and Play in the Arcades in Akihabara

The Akihabara area is also known as Electric Town . Back in the day, it was the first place in Tokyo where people could buy home appliances. It’s also the home base for many video game and anime companies. 

Akihabara is the place for all things Otaku Culture . Video games, anime, manga, you name it. The area is filled with shops selling anime figures, Gundam, manga, plushies, and (retro) video games and more. On top of that, you can find lots of gatchapon stores and arcades here.

The arcades are great fun to play in, but make sure you make it past the first floor of the arcades which are often filled with claw machines. Don’t get me wrong, I love the claw machines and I’ve spent my fair share of 100 yen coins to win some Pokémon plushies. But there are so many great arcade games to enjoy if you make it to the floors above.

If you’re looking to buy some retro video games in Japan , Akihabara can be a good spot to start your search. There’s a large selection of retro video game stores here, including Retro Game Camp, BEEP, Traders, Book Off and Super Potato.

Retro games in Akihabara have been getting quite overpriced in recent years. If you’re short on time and don’t mind paying a bit extra, it can still be a great place to browse. However, if you’re after cheaper games, it’s better to check different Book Off or Surugaya Specialty Store stores in other parts of the city (or even better, other cities further away from the capital).

Not far from the station, you can buy a Magicarp-shaped taiyaki . Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese sweet treat – it’s a small cake filled with either custard or sweet red bean, normally shaped like a fish. This shop sells them shaped like the fish Pokémon Magicarp.

There is a large Don Quijote in Akihabara too, which is a great shop to check out when you’re in Tokyo for the first time. You can find some cheap and quirky souvenirs here to take home for friends and family.

If Otaku culture isn’t really your thing, you can visit Ginza after the Imperial Palace instead. Ginza isn’t too far from the Imperial Palace and is an upmarket shopping and entertainment district. Alongside the more expensive brands, you can also find the Uniqlo and Muji flagship stores here. The ​ Kabukiza Theatre is also located in Ginza, you can buy tickets on the day for parts of the show.

Day 5 – Minato, Roppongi & Akasaka

This is our last full day in Tokyo, as we’ll be taking a day trip on the sixth day. To make the most of it, we’ll visit some new areas, including Minato, Roppongi and Akasaka.

Visit Zojoji Temple

There are enough temples to choose from in Tokyo, but when you’re in this area, Zojoji Temple is a must. Not only does it look absolutely beautiful, especially with Tokyo Tower in the background, but it carries significant historical value. Here, you can find the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns. 

In the gardens of the temple, there are rows of jizo statues . These are there to protect children and travellers.

If you’ve ever watched the 90s anime Sailor Moon, you may already be somewhat familiar with this area of Tokyo. The main characters of the show attend school in the Minato district of Tokyo, and some of the iconic landmarks are seen back in the anime. 

Recently, five Sailor Moon manhole covers were installed in the Minato area. So if you’re a fan and want to go around hunting them down, don’t miss out!

See Tokyo Tower

Afterwards, head towards Tokyo Tower. This iconic piece of Tokyo stands 333 meters tall, making it the second tallest structure in Japan. Despite being modelled after the Eifel Tower, Tokyo Tower is 13 meters taller!

You can visit the main deck at 150 meters for a small fee. This can be reached with an elevator or the stairs – both are paid. You can go even higher to the top deck at 250 meters . It is, in my opinion, a little pricey though. 

Especially since we’ve already visited Shibuya Sky and the Shinjuku Government Building during this itinerary, I don’t think it’s necessary to go up Tokyo Tower. On top of that, if you’re on top of Tokyo Tower, you won’t be able to enjoy Tokyo Tower as part of the skyline.

Visit Roppongi

Roppongi is one of the high-class districts of Tokyo. With a vibrant nightlife scene and some of the best art museums in the city, it’s a great spot to add to your itinerary. The name of this Tokyo ward literally translates to “six trees”.

Three of the best art museums in Tokyo are located within walking distance of each other in the Roppongi Art Triangle . They include the Mori Art Museum , the National Art Museum and the Suntory Museum of Art .

The open-air observation deck on the Mori Tower allows you to see Tokyo from above (with the iconic Tokyo Tower right in the middle). Go all the way to the top of the Mori Tower to find the “ Tokyo City View ”, which sits at 250 meters in height.

Walk Through Hie Shrine’s Torii Gates

North of Roppongi, you’ll find Akasaka. This is where we’ll spend our evening. But before that, stop by Hie Shrine.

While it’s not quite the same as the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, it does have a very similar feel to it. Hie Shrine has 90 red torii gates lined up towards the top of the hill on which the main shrine is located.

Akasaka turns into a lively neighbourhood at night, with lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. So you can stick around for some dinner and a couple of drinks before heading back to your hotel.

Tokyo is fantastic, but there are some great day trip options from Tokyo that make for a perfect ending to your six days in Tokyo. I’ve added some of my favourite day trips below, so you can pick one that fits your interests:

Mount Fuji isn’t too far from Tokyo, making it a great day trip to add to your time here. Japan’s most famous and iconic volcano is often pictured when portraying the country and if you can find a clear day during your time in Tokyo, it’s 100% worth making the trip out.

To get the best views of Mount Fuji, you’ll want to make your way to Kawaguchiko Station. There are multiple ways to get here, including:

• Bus: Cheapest option, takes around 2 hours each way.
• Train: You have the option to use the express or local train. The express train is a bit more expensive but will get you there quicker.

Staying overnight near Lake Kawachugi is a great idea to have more time to explore the area, especially because taking the bus here can take a few hours. 

However, if you only have one day, I recommend booking a guided tour with a travel company . They will drive you to all the good viewing spots, so you don’t have to worry about taking multiple local trains to get there yourself. Alternatively, you can book a private driver to take you to the best spots, but this is a more costly option.

Because Mount Fuji likes to hide in the clouds, it’s worth checking the visibility forecast before making the trip out. It would be a shame to travel there and not see anything but clouds.

Because of its beautiful scenery, Hakone is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. It’s a little getaway from the busy city and a great spot to try the Japanese hot spring baths (onsen). From Tokyo, it takes around 1–1.5 hours to get to Hakone. 

Here are a few things you should check out when in Hakone:

• Hakone Shrine: Possibly the most famous attraction in Hakone is Hakone Shrine (pictured below). This large torii gate stands on the banks of Lake Ashi. Especially after having spent a few days in the busy metropolitan city of Tokyo, taking some time to enjoy the serene atmosphere of this shrine is a perfect way to unwind.
• Visit an onsen: Known for its many onsens, Hakone is the place to visit one yourself. These hot springs are very popular in Japan – by both tourists and locals alike – and make for a unique experience. Keep in mind that you’ll have to enter naked in most onsen, and genders are separated.
• Owakudani (Boiling Valley): Following the Hakone Loop, you can take a ropeway up to see the remains of an erupted volcano. Even though it’s been over 3,000 years since this volcano erupted, the smoke is still coming out of the Earth. Once you get up here, you can try the famous Black Eggs (Kuro Tamago), which has been cooked in naturally boiling water. Legend says eating one will prolong your life by 7 years (worth a shot, right?). 

For a more in-depth route, you can check out my one day Hakone itinerary guide. It includes more information about all the sights, how to get to Hakone and how to efficiently make your way around when spending one day here.

Disneyland Tokyo or DisneySea

Tokyo has not one, but two Disney parks! Disneyland Tokyo and DisneySea.

Both parks are a great visit if you like theme parks and/or Disney, but since DisneySea is the only one of its kind in the world, my preference is to go there. Obviously, there are many reasons to pick one over the other, and it’s a very personal choice.

Since you cannot buy tickets for either park at the gate, you HAVE to pre-book them . You can either do this online on sites like Klook or buy them in Japan at convenience stores.

Other Tokyo Day Trips

There are so many great day trip options from Tokyo, but I won’t bore you with more information on them. Instead, I’ll link some of my favourite day trip itineraries from Tokyo below, so you can check them out:

• Kamakura day trip : A lovely seaside town around one hour from Tokyo.
• Kawagoe day trip : A historic side of Tokyo, around 30 minutes from the city centre. Goes by the nickname “Little Edo”.
• Yokohama day trip : Japan’s second-largest city is only 30–45 minutes from Tokyo, home to one of the largest Chinatowns in the country.
• Nikko day trip : A bit further from Tokyo (2–3 hours), Nikko is a lovely town located in the Tochigi mountains. If nature and history are your thing, it’s definitely one to consider.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Since Tokyo is one of the biggest cities on the planet, it may be a little overwhelming to decide where to stay. Since this itinerary includes five days of exploring Tokyo plus a day trip from Tokyo, you can stay in the same hotel for the full six days.

I have a fully dedicated guide on where to stay in Tokyo , but if you don’t have time to read it, I’ll share my favourite picks below.

How to get to Tokyo from the Airport

Tokyo has two airports, Narita and Haneda . Either airports have relatively easy access to the city centre, even though Haneda is located much closer to the centre. 

Depending on which airport you arrive and where you’re going in Tokyo, there are multiple options on how to get there. Google Maps is your friend here, especially when using public transport!

How to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport?

Haneda Airport is located around 15 kilometres from the city centre, making it very easy to get to Tokyo.

• Limousine Bus: You can also take the limousine bus (which is essentially a coach) from Haneda Airport, which stops at major hotels and train stations. You can easily store your luggage and it’s a very affordable way to get to the city without any hassle. It’ll take between 30–60 minutes depending on your destination, but prices are the same no matter where you go. Pre-book your tickets here .
• Metro : From Haneda Airport, you can get on the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station. From there, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, which loops around the city and stops at popular areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ueno. It’ll only cost you a few hundred yen and is relatively quick (around 15 minutes to Shinagawa Station, then an extra 10-20 depending on your final destination).
• Taxi: As you’d expect at an airport, taxis will be readily available. However, they can get very expensive (you can expect to pay between $40 – $70+).

Narita Airport sits a bit further from the city centre, at around 80 kilometres. However, it’s still quite easy to make your way to Tokyo – I’ve done it multiple times without any issues. 

Many people say you should fly to Haneda if you can, but I honestly think you should focus more on what flights work for your budget- and time-wise, rather than what airport they land at. The only issue occurs when arriving at Narita late at night , as public transport won’t be an option anymore.

If you land at Narita, there are multiple ways to get to your hotel in Tokyo, including:

• Narita Express (train): This train can get you from Narita Airport straight to Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku Station. It’ll cost around 3,000 yen per person (depending on the destination) and will take around 1–1.5 hours.
• Keisei Line (train): This is a commuter line, which will take longer compared to the Narita Express. However, it’s also a cheaper option. Since it’s a commuter line, it’s best to avoid it during rush hour if you’re carrying suitcases due to limited space.
• Keisei Skyliner (train): This is the fastest way to get to the city from Narita Airport, getting you to Nippori in just over half an hour and to Ueno Station in around 40 minutes.
• Limousine Bus: This coach will take you to some of the major hotels and train stations in the city. You can easily store your luggage for the journey, and it’s relatively affordable. Make sure you pre-book your tickets beforehand though.
• Taxi: Similarly to Haneda Airport, there will be more than enough taxis available, but you can expect to pay high prices for these. Especially since Narita is further from the city than Haneda, it’ll be even more expensive. A taxi ride will take around 90 minutes and will cost you $200+.

How to use Public Transport in Tokyo

Since this six-day Tokyo itinerary takes you to multiple different areas in the city, you’ll have to use public transport to get around. Luckily, it’s very easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak Japanese .

The easiest thing to do is to get a Suica or Pasmo card . These are IC travel cards that you can load up with money. You simply tap in and out at the stations, and it will automatically take the correct change from the card. This saves you from having to buy individual tickets every time you use the metro, it’s so much easier.

Because of the current chip shortage, it’s not always possible to buy them at the airport, so you can also add it to your Apple Wallet if you use an iPhone. You can then top it up through your Apple Wallet too, which is very convenient.

Once you’ve got your Suica or Pasmo card ready, you’ll be able to use the metro without any issues. The easiest way to get directions is by using Google Maps . Multiple navigation apps work well in Japan, but I always use Google Maps and never have any issues.

Once you put in your destination, Google Maps will show you what metro/train station to use, what line you want to go to and in how many minutes your train will arrive. And luckily, since you’re in Tokyo, it won’t matter if you miss the metro – there will be another one in a few minutes.

To make navigating Tokyo easier with the help of Google Maps, you’ll need a steady internet connection. Use code THENAVIGATIO15 for 15% off Ninja WiFi Pocket WiFi .

6 Days in Tokyo – Conclusion

Six days in Tokyo may not be enough to see everything (I’ve spent weeks in Tokyo and there’s still so much left to explore), but it’s definitely enough to get a good idea of what this incredible city has got to offer.

As I keep returning to Tokyo, I’ll be sure to keep updating this guide with any new places I find and think are worth visiting on your first trip. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to comment them below.

Happy travelling!

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

33 thoughts on “6 Day Tokyo Itinerary: The Tokyo Guide For First Time Visitors”

If I didn’t want to go to toyko before then I definitely do now! Everything looks amazing, and Im not going to lie the Pokémon mega store sounds like a dream in itself. Id literally end up buying everything x

Kayleigh zara 🥀 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com

Thank you Kayleigh, such a sweet comment! So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Haha, I definitely had to keep an eye on my purse when going to the Pokemon store – so much cute plushies!!

What an amazing post! So detailed and your photos are incredible! I’d loooooove to visit Tokyo one day.

Thank you Olivia, so glad you enjoyed the post. Hope you get to visit it one day, it’s such an amazing city <3

Japan is one of those places that is on my bucket list. I am fascinated by all the contrasts you can find in there – Tokyo is a perfect example. I have to admit crossing that road seems frightening! I always wonder when I think about visiting there whether it’s an overwhelming place. I loved reading this post and your pictures are amazing.

Thank you Madi! <3 Such a sweet comment 🙂 I really loved seeing the contrast in the city, from such old temples to the latest high-tech. Haha, I can see why you think it might be a bit scary - it's definitely super busy but when you cross it yourself, it doesn't feel as bad! I thought it felt really cool, actually ^^

Wish i had spent more time in Tokyo and hope to go back!

I hope so too, Roo! Miss it so much!

Oh my gosh this post is amazing! I love how detailed you’ve been and I have wanted to go to Tokyo for so long, there are definitely some places I’ve added to my list for Tokyo!

Love, Amie ❤ The Curvaceous Vegan

Thank you Amie, super glad you liked the post! If you need any help planning a trip to Japan, feel free to ask me anything! <3

Never noticed how bright and rich in colour Tokyo is till I read your post and saw all your pics! Looks like you’ve had an adventure-filled week! Also the pic of you sitting on the street with all that life around you is dope!

Akihabara is definitely a town I wanna visit as gaming was such a big deal in my childhood and it’d be nice to literally go to a place that’s heavily inspired. Since some of the biggest gaming consoles and PCs I played on were manufactured in Japan.

Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures https://johnnystraventures.com

Thank you Johnny, what a lovely comment to read! I’m so happy I was able to bring that across through my photos 🙂

Akihabara is THE place for you then, my friend! Such a cool part of Tokyo, especially if you like video games 🙂

The crepe looks good!

It was delicious!

You packed so much into your time! Your photos are amazing, and it sounds like you had an incredible time. I gotta say, all of that food looks delicious and has made me hungry haha. Cora | http://teapartyprincess.co.uk/

Hahaha, we tried to make the most of it! Thank you so much, it really was such a beautiful city to visit – I’d love to go back soon!

This is such a beautiful post, especially since Tokyo has been on my wishlist for the longest time and I am hoping to be there this Autumn. Your post will surely help me plan my days there. I love the pictures too

So glad you enjoyed the post! If you need any help with planning your Japan trip, feel free to message me 🙂

Love how detailed this itinerary is. Japan has to be my number one place I want to travel right now! Thanks for the well-rounded post!

Thank you for those kind words! Hope you get to visit Japan soon, it really is such an amazing country!

Loving this guide – Japan is next on my list. P.S that curry looks AMAZING. drooling.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/carrieproject/

Lovely detailed post Nele, we recently saw a lot of the same places on our trip, except Disney. We’ve just come back from our third Japan trip and miss it like crazy!

I am travelling with four kids….and have googled so many things about what to do in one week stay in Tokyo. Your detailed account is very helpful and very detailed. I am better prepared. Thanks again.

I really loved your detailed post about Tokyo. It was my daughter who provided me the link to it because I am really trying to convince my wife for a 7-day stay in that city. Since we will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary next year in April, it might be the perfect timing to do so. We will surely need some more time to do the things you did and described so well. I cannot wait till the moment that the flight tickets come on sale! I think I will feel a kind of lost in this Tokyo world but I am sure I will be loving it.

One thing though: what is the best way to get from the closest airport to the city?

Hey! Thank you so much for your comment, super glad to hear you enjoyed the post. I think Tokyo would be fabulous for a 7-day stay with your wife. There is so much to do and see, and it really makes you appreciate the culture in Japan.

As for your question, I’d recommend flying to Haneda airport because it’s located close to the city. From Haneda, it’s really easy to take public transport (like the train or tram) and it takes you to the centre of Tokyo in about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from there (it’ll just be a bit more expensive) – Hope that helps! 🙂

Hi. Very useful post. I’m planning on taking my two teenage kids to Tokyo soon. I’m sorry to ask the obvious question, but how much did the week there cost you, a rough ball-park figure, of course. Thanks.

Thanks so much James, really glad you enjoyed the post! I have a full budget breakdown of our trip here: https://thenavigatio.com/is-japan-expensive/ – hope that helps ^^

Wow that’s a great list ,comprehensive and so useful

Tokyo is one of my favourite places in the world! I just loved the contrast between the history and temples to the modern bustle and manga culture. Can’t believe I totally missed Ginza and Koto City, gives me a reason to go back I guess! My favourite area was Akihabara haha

Missing Japan so much after reading this article! I thoroughly enjoyed Tokyo during my trip a few years ago but didn’t manage to go to Nikko, which sounds really interesting. Also, the culture tips section is very useful, well done!

I have been twice to Tokyo and there are still a few things from your list I didn’t do! Thanks to you I know what to do next time I will go there!

I’m one of the few people in the world that has never really been interesting in traveling to Japan, but in recent years I’m getting more and more curious. I suppose Tokyo would be the first place I would visit once I go so this is super helpful!

Im so sad coz i was meant to be flying there in May! thanks for this article, im saving it for when i reschedule!

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Six Days in Japan is great for planning a trip see Japan’s vibrant capital of Tokyo, with enough time left over to explore the surrounding area. Spend a few days delving into some of the city’s history, modern culture, and top-tier food. Only in Tokyo can you find such a fascinating mix of ancient and futuristic must- sees. Discover Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, which features the Kaminarimon “Gate of Thunder”, in which hangs a massive red paper lantern. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, currently the tallest tower in the world, presenting a 360-degree panoramic view of incredible cityscape. Get a feel for the pulse of vibrant Tokyo life in fashionable shopping districts like Harajuku, Ginza, and Shibuya. After your tour of Tokyo, take time to discover the most delightful destinations not more than a day trip away. Take in the beautiful temples of Nikko: opulent Toshogu Shrine bordered in gorgeous cedar trees, and the breathtaking Lake Chuzenji, which reaches peak beauty in autumn or spring. Travel through some of Japan’s most spectacular natural splendor in Hakone, which features the primordial volcanic caldera of Owakudani, wreathed in sulfur and home to steam-cooked local delicacies. Take the opportunity while in Hakone to see Mount Fuji up close. The Kyoto area is also an ideal destination for a 6-day tour, for travelers with an interest in Japan’s ancient culture and traditions. With hundreds of temples and shrines scattered around the city, not to mention museums and landscape gardens, you will find endless opportunity to immerse in Japan’s feudal Edo era. Top must-sees of the city include the Golden Pavilion with its golden phoenix, Kiyomizu Temple’s dramatic stage, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Round out the itinerary with a day in Nara to meet the cute and friendly Sika deer as well as some time in Osaka to see Osaka castle and eat the finest Dotonbori has to offer.

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Home » Travel » Destinations » Tokyo Itinerary: 6 Days of Sightseeing and Hidden Gems

Tokyo Itinerary: 6 Days of Sightseeing and Hidden Gems

Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Ancient shrines sit across from busy shopping centers.  Cherry blossom trees grow in front of flashing billboards. Narrow alleys with tiny restaurants hide behind six-lane roads and skyscrapers. And with this 6 day Tokyo itinerary, you’ll have time to experience the city’s highlights and hidden gems.

6 days in Tokyo might seem like a lot, but this massive metropolis has so much to offer. From UNESCO sites to parks to gaming arcades, this city wants for nothing.

It’s home to the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten, and is surprisingly budget-friendly. And best of all, you can get off the beaten path with minimal knowledge of Japanese!

Heads up: This is a comprehensive Tokyo itinerary! I suggest pinning it now so you can refer back later.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Table of Contents

Know before you go: tokyo travel tips, best time to spend 6 days in tokyo, getting to tokyo, getting around tokyo, where to stay in tokyo, day 1: akihabara, jinbocho, ueno park, day 2: studio ghibli museum, inokashira park, shinjuku, day 3: shibuya, harajuku, shimokitazawa, day 4: tsukiji outer market, chiyoda, ginza, rainbow bridge, day 5: kagurazaka, asakusa, day 6: kamakura, more ideas for spending 6 days in tokyo, tokyo 6 day itinerary map.

Estimated Budget (excluding transportation and accommodation): $300 / 40,000 yen

Cash is still king in Japan, and Tokyo is no exception. Despite the country’s modernization overhaul for the 2020 Olympics, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops that only take yen.

Definitely bring a coin purse with you, as the yen coins go all the way up to 500 before paper money kicks in.

Also, not all ATMs in Japan work with foreign cards . Keep an eye out for green 7-Bank (owend by 7-Eleven) and Japan Post Office ATMs. These work with most international, chip-enabled cards. You’ll find them in Japan’s major airports, convenience stores, and post offices.

RELATED: Comprehensive Japan Travel Checklist for First Time Visitors

Finally, I highly suggest you arrive with some yen or cash to exchange. You never know if your card will have issues, or your bank will decline a transaction. And that could cost you precious time out of your 6 day Tokyo trip.

You’ve probably read a lot of conflicting advice about how much Japanese you need to know for visiting Tokyo. Speaking from experience, I promise that learning a handful of basic travel phrases is absolutely worth your time.

While most people in the city can speak a bit of English, you’ll put people at ease if you use a little Japanese. And frankly, it’s downright rude to not thank people for a meal or say excuse me if you bump into them, merely because you didn’t bother learning a couple phrases.

The 10 phrases below are plenty for spending six days in Tokyo. I strongly recommend downloading Google Translate on your phone and adding these phrases into your phrasebook. And be sure to download the Japanese dictionary for offline use!

• Hello – Konnichiwa ( cone-nee-chi-wa )
• Good morning – Ohayo ( oh-high-yo )
• Good evening – Konbanwa ( cone-bahn-wa )
• Thank you – Arigatou Gozaimasu ( a-ree-ga-toe go-zeye-mus )
• Excuse Me – Sumimasen ( sue-me-mah-sen )
• Yes – Hai ( hi )
• Do you understand English? – Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? ( ay-go gah ha-nah-say-mas kah )
• Sorry, I don’t understand – Sumimasen, wakarimasen ( sue-me-mah-sen, wah-kah-ree-mah-sen )
• (I’d like) this, please – Kore o kudasai ( koh-reh oh koo-dah-sigh )
• Can I have the bill, please? – Okanjo o onegaishimasu ( oh-kahn-jo oh oh-neh-guy-she-mas )

My Favorite Japan Travel Planning Books

These books win my travel blogger Seal of Approval for vacation planning:

• Cool Tokyo Guide: Adventures in the City of Kawaii Fashion, Train Sushi and Godzilla
• Lonely Planet Japan
• Super Cheap Japan: Budget Travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Surrounding Areas

I’ve written an entire post on Japanese culture and things to avoid in Japan . But if you’re looking for the cliff notes version, here’s what you should know before spending 6 days in Tokyo:

• Never leave a tip , including for taxis, hotels, and restaurants. It’s not culturally acceptable, and your server will come running after you to return it.
• Always wear or carry socks. Some museums, restaurants, and shrines require you to swap your shoes for slippers, and bare feet are a no-no.
• Don’t ask for meal customizations . If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll have a somewhat difficult time, as most Japanese sauces and broths contain meat or fish. And if you have food allergies, you should bring a Japanese/English allergen card to help you communicate with your server.
• Bring hand sanitizer everywhere . Not all bathrooms have soap.
• Never eat on public transit unless you’re riding the Shinkansen (bullet train). And if you’re on the street, don’t walk and eat/drink.

It’s tough to choose the best time to go to Tokyo. Each season offers benefits and drawbacks, from weather to events to cost. Here’s some information to help you plan a visit to Tokyo:

• December to February  is chilly (around 40-50°F/5-10°C), but the crowds are much thinner and travel is cheaper (except for New Year’s). Christmas is surprisingly a big deal, and you’ll see shops and courtyards decked out with light displays. Late February is also plum blossom season, a lovely alternative to its more famous cherry blossom sister.
• March to May  sees warmer temps (starting at 50°F/10°C and nearing 70°F/20°C) and beautiful cherry blossom trees. The peak hanami  (cherry blossom viewing) season for Tokyo changes each year, but is usually around mid April.
• June to August  is best avoided. It’s peak domestic travel season, and the weather is hot and humid. It’s also the time of the rainy and typhoon season. However, there are summer festivals and fireworks to take your mind off the heat.
• September is a good time to visit Tokyo, as the humidity and crowds of summer dissipate. You’ll get shoulder season prices and shorter queues, as well as a few autumn festivals.
• October and November are all about festivals, vibrant red maples, and decent weather. Visiting Japan in October means lighter crowds and cheaper accommodation. But if you want to catch peak fall foliage in Tokyo, plan your trip for early to mid-November.

RELATED: 5 Day Japan Itinerary Ideas to Suit Any Travel Style

There are literally hundreds of public transit routes leading to Tokyo, too many to cover in this post. I also realize you may be coming from elsewhere in Japan to start this 6 day Tokyo itinerary.

However, I’ll share a few optimal routes from Tokyo’s major airports into the city.

A note on the Japan Rail (JR) pass

If you only follow this Tokyo itinerary and don’t venture further out in Japan, there’s no need to buy a JR pass. It’s more cost effective to pay for transit as you go.

However, if you’re planning to take more day trips, or travel on to Kyoto/Osaka/etc., consider buying one.

Having a Japan Rail Pass can save you a ton of time and money when traveling around Japan. I’ve used a JR pass for two out of three Japan trips, and here’s why:

– Easy to use: Just show your pass to the gate attendant and walk to your train!

– Free bullet trains: Quickly travel all over Japan to maximize vacation time.

– Affordable day trips: Visit popular places like Nara, Takayama, Nikko, and more without spending a fortune!

Order your Japan Rail Pass today!

Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo (N’EX TOKYO)

This express train (abbreviated N’EX TOKYO)is the fastest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo. It takes about 50 minutes to travel from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station. From there, you can continue on to Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and a few other stations.

Although it’s around 4,000 yen for a round trip ticket, you’ll get to Tokyo much faster without needing to navigate any subway changes. You can buy these tickets in the basement-level JR office at the airport, or in advance online .

The Japan Rail Pass covers the Narita Express. However , all Narita Express seats are reserved. So, you must make your seat reservation right when you pick up your pass from the JR office .

After you’ve purchased your tickets/made a reservation, follow the signs to head down to the N’EX (Narita Express) platform. Look at your ticket to see which car number you’re in, and wait by that number on the platform.

Once on the train, you can store large luggage near the doors. Backpacks and small roller bags will fit in the overhead area or under the seat.

Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

JR pass holders can take the Tokyo Monorail for free. It’a a short 14 minute journey to Hamamatsucho Station. From there, you can take the JR Yamanote line pretty much anywhere in the city, including Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Keikyu Line from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

If you don’t have a JR pass, I recommend taking the Keikyu train line into the city. Fares range from 500-600 yen, with journey times between 20-30 minutes depending on where you get off. You can also use a Suica card to pay for the journey.

Tokyo is famous for its incredibly efficient and affordable public transit system. And you’ll be making good use of it for this 6 day Tokyo itinerary.

Buying and using a Suica (IC) card

The first thing you should do when you arrive in Tokyo is buy a Suica (IC) card . You’ll find Suica machines at basically every station in Tokyo.

Once at the machine, choose your language and select the option to buy a new card. You’ll need to load money onto the card, plus an initial 500 yen deposit. Most Suica machines accept credit card, but some are cash-only.

If you’ve traveled to London or other places that use a contactless metro card system, you won’t have any trouble using your Suica. Just tap your card onto the reader at the station gate, and tap out when you exit at the next station. You can check and reload your Suica balance at most subway stops.

And Suica cards aren’t just for public transit! You can even use them at vending machines and convenience stores like Lawson’s and Family Mart. It’s a great way to use up excess balance before you leave Tokyo.

JR operates a number of Tokyo’s major metro lines, and Japan Rail Pass holders can ride them for free!

Tokyo’s transit system is well-labeled in English, and even has English announcements at the platforms and onboard the trains. However, choosing the right route from point A to B is not easy without an app.

Google Maps is a life-saver for finding the best subway routes, and will even give you the correct train platform and fare information.

Having cell data is essential for getting around Tokyo . Streets are not labeled like they are in Western countries, and it’s very easy to get turned around. Plus, Tokyo’s complex subway system can be overwhelming to navigate without Google Maps. If your phone plan/device won’t work in Japan, you should rent a pocket WiFi or a phone. Fortunately, you can order your pocket WiFi rental online , and even have it delivered directly to your hotel!

Tokyo’s excellent train and subway system means you can stay pretty much anywhere. However, for this particular Tokyo itinerary, I highly recommend staying in either Shinjuku , Shibuya , Minato , or Kanda .

All of these wards offer a wide range of accommodation, food/drink, and access to Tokyo’s main subway lines.

In terms of accommodation types, Tokyo has everything from hostels to high end ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). If money is extremely tight, you could even rent overnight space in a manga cafe (though you’ll have a painful six days in Tokyo).

After Japan’s 2018 overhaul of accommodation regulations, you’ll be hard-pressed to find rentals by owner (i.e. Airbnb, Homeaway/VRBO). That being said, there are some amazing apartment-style accommodations in Tokyo, like this stylish modern apartment in trendy Shibuya .

I’ve personally stayed at the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku and the Tokyo Prince Hotel right next to Tokyo Tower.

The former is a solid mid-range option with plenty of nearby restaurants, shops, and metro stations, and ideal if you’re planning on late nights of drinking or karaoke.

Depending on the dates of your Tokyo itinerary, the  Tokyo Prince Hotel  costs about as much as any other nice hotel in the city center but comes with spacious rooms, killer views (half of the rooms overlook Tokyo Tower), and gorgeous facilities and restaurants. Plus it’s a short walk to the stations with direct links to Narita and Haneda Airports, so your jet-lagged self won’t have far to navigate after arriving.

6 Day Tokyo Itinerary

I can’t think of a better way to start a Tokyo itinerary than a trip to Akihabara. Known as Electric Town or Akiba, this neighborhood is the epicenter of Japan’s anime and gaming culture.

Multi-story arcades, themed cafes, and colorful billboards fill the streets and skyline. Even if you’re not an otaku, Akiba is an incredibly fun place to explore, especially if you’re fighting extreme jet lag.

You could easily spend an entire day in Electric Town, but here are the must sees in Akihabara:

• Visit the Mandarake Complex  for eight floors of collectibles, cosplay gear, games, manga, and more.
• Check out Super Potato  for endless shelves of retro video games, accessories, and vintage arcade machines. They even have old consoles set up, so you can your original Donkey Kong or Super Mario World fix.
• Bring your 100 yen coins to Yodobashi Camera’s Gachapon Corner , where people of all ages come to collect tiny prizes from the capsule-dispensing machines.
• Head to the GiGO Arcade  (formerly the iconic SEGA building) to sample Tokyo’s hottest arcade titles, from frantic rhythm games to realistic racers. And try not to spend all your money attempting to win a Snorlax plushie from the crane games.
• Escape the crowds at the beautiful  Kanda Myojin shrine , where gamers take their consoles to be blessed for good luck.

After all this excitement, you’ll be ready for refreshment. Know that the popular themed cafes, like the one for Square Enix, require online reservations. So, you’ll need to plan a few days or weeks in advance if you want a Moogle milkshake.

There are also Tokyo’s infamous maid cafes , where girls in cute maid costumes will treat you like a king (or queen) and typically serve you cutesy dishes. Each maid cafe is unique, but most involve singing, dancing, and other entertaining interactions throughout the meal.

Also, please note that it’s rude to take photos of the maids who stand outside and promote the cafe, unless you’re a paying customer.

Akihabara also has delicious street food, from sweet crepes to savory takoyaki (octopus fritters). You should definitely try taiyaki, a fish-shaped pastry. Traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, this fried delight can be stuffed with anything from nutella to apple custard.

Once you’ve finished exploring Akihabara, walk southwest across the Kanda River towards Jinbocho.

Jinbocho serves as a stark contrast to the mild chaos of Electric Town. Known as the used book capital of Tokyo, Jinbocho boasts over 150 bookstores. Here, you’ll find everything from antique manuscripts to discount manga shops.

Even if you don’t read Japanese, there’s plenty to do in this underrated neighborhood. Otakus should not miss Village Vanguard Ochanomizu , essentially a Super Potato shop without the pressing crowds. Whether you’re in the market for a Studio Ghibli jewelry box or an Inuyasha t-shirt, Village Vanguard probably has it.

Then, stop into Isseido Booksellers near Jinbocho Station for two floors of vintage books and scrolls. The second level houses rare illustrated manuscripts and old English language texts.

At this point, you’ll probably be ready for a hearty meal. Because it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal in Japan, I won’t recommend specific restaurants for each of the 6 days in Tokyo. However, you cannot leave the city without trying one of the city’s best curries.

RELATED: Must Eat Food in Japan: Where to Find the Best Dishes

Head to Curry Bondy for their famous plate of rich and savory beef curry, topped with a little cheese. And if that’s not enough, it all comes with a side of steamed potatoes!

Getting here can be a bit tricky, as the entrance is in a back alley off the main road. It’s definitely one of those secret places in Tokyo that few tourists know about. However, they’ll probably be a small line of people outside waiting for a seat.

When I was there, the hostess spoke some English. However, you’ll want to know some basic Japanese to explain how many are in your party and place your order. It’s truly the perfect place to experience Tokyo like a local .

After lunch, take the Shinjuku line from Jinbocho Station to Iwamotocho Station. Then, walk north to Akihabara Station and take the Hibiya line to Ueno Station.

Ueno Park is a sprawling complex of green space, shrines, and museums. It’s a popular fall foliage and cherry blossom viewing spot. And no matter the season, there’s an excellent view of the Tokyo skyline from across Shinobazu Pond.

There’s no admission fee for Ueno Park itself, making it one of the best budget-friendly excursions in this 6 day Tokyo guide.

At the northern end of Ueno Park lies  Tokyo National Museum , a sprawling complex of Japanese art and archaeological treasures. There are multiple buildings, but you’ll probably only have time (and energy) to wander the central Honkan gallery.

Here, you’ll see everything from centuries-old tapestries to samurai armor. Admission is 1000 yen (as of 2023)

Save me for later!

Studio Ghibli Museum

Forget Tokyo Disney. If you want to be transported into a fairy tale, book a visit to the Studio Ghibli Museum.

This interactive museum celebrates Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films, from My Neighobr Totoro ‘s Cat Bus to original drawings for  Howl’s Moving Castle . There’s even a replica Miyazaki office that seems plucked from a storybook.

Studio Ghibli Museum tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out very quickly, sometimes in a single day. JTB USA stopped selling individual tickets, so US travelers will need to go through Lawson’s online portal. Lawson’s sells tickets for the following month beginning at 10:00am Japan time on the 10th of the month (i.e. tickets for March dates go on sale February 10th). Adult tickets cost 1000 yen.

The Studio Ghibli Museum was a major highlight of my 6 days in Tokyo, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Getting here is easy. Just take the JR East like to Mitaka Station, and follow the adorable street signs to reach the entrance.

Inokashira-koen

Before boarding the train back to central Tokyo, visit one of the city’s most beautiful parks. Inokashira Park is gorgeous year round, though it’s simply idyllic during cherry blossom season and autumn.

Walk along the paths and bridges and watch rowboats glide across the pond. There’s also a shrine and Japanese garden to explore.

After soaking in the peace and quiet, head back to Mitaka Station and take the Chuo line to Nakano Station.

Nakano Broadway

Nakano Broadway is such an underrated area. This massive covered shopping arcade is a dream for anyone into anime, manga, electronics, and other collectibles.

While it’s similar to Akihabara, the shops of Nakano Broadway have far more merchandise on offer at more reasonable prices, and with fewer crowds. There’s also a bigger selection of unique and throwback items, like Sailor Moon iPhone 5 cases and Inuyasha lunchboxes from the 90s.

The streets surrounding the main complex are full of charm and make for excellent photos. You can easily spend hours exploring and browsing, so keep and eye on the time lest the day get away from you!

When you’re ready to leave, go back to Nakano Station and take the Chuo Line down to Shinjuku Station.

RELATED: What to do in Nagano Japan: A 5 Day Nagano Itinerary

I think Shinjuku is one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo. Though it’s mainly a commercial and residential area, there’s plenty of fun to be had around town.

From Shinjuku Station, head two blocks west to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building . Unlike Tokyo Skytree, the observation decks here are completely free and offer amazing views over Tokyo.

You can access the observation decks via the 1st floor elevator, though be prepared for a short-ish queue depending on the day and time of your visit.

Afterwards, walk back towards the station and keep going east. You’ll soon reach Shinjuku Park , a massive green space in the heart of Tokyo.

Pay the 500 yen admission fee and wander the numerous garden paths, which are lined with cherry blossoms in the spring. There’s also a great view of the city skyline.

At this point, it should be close to dark, and that’s when Shinjuku comes alive.

Tucked away next to the tracks of Shinjuku Station,  Omoide Yokocho  is one of the coolest places you’ll visit during your six days in Tokyo. Meaning “Memory Lane”, this lantern-lit alley is jam-packed with tiny izakaya (Japanese pubs), yakitori shops, and watering holes.

I loved peering into the restaurants through the hazy coal fire smoke. It felt like a place stuck out of time.

Head east from Shinjuku Station to Golden Gai , a grungier version of Omoide Yokocho that’s home to some of the more niche bars in Tokyo.

Though it’s fun to wander the area, I don’t recommend going in any Golden Gai bars without a guide . It’s one of the few places in Japan where foreigners are often overcharged. Plus, some of these intimate, 5-seat  izakaya  are havens for locals looking to escape the crowds.

Instead, I suggest booking a guided tour with a local who can help you get an authentic Shinjuku experience.

One block west of Golden Gai is the infamous Kabukicho , the “red light district” of Tokyo. You’ll find endless streets of hostess clubs, love hotels, and karaoke bars beneath the flashing lights.

Despite its reputation, Kabukicho is perfectly safe and plenty of fun, especially if you rent a karaoke room for an hour or two. Just be mindful of the prices, which can get pretty out of hand on weekends when places increase their cover charges (we once paid $80 USD for two hours of karaoke and one drink)

People think Shibuya is the most hectic neighborhood in Tokyo. But in reality, this ward is home to Tokyo’s largest park and one of the most famous shrines.

Exit Shibuya Station and witness one of Tokyo’s most iconic scenes: hundreds of people passing through Shibuya Crossing . If you want a cool aerial view of the spectacle, there’s a Starbucks in the train station with a glass wall overlooking the crosswalk.

To be fair, this area IS chaotic nearly 24/7, with a mix of pedestrians and cyclists making their way through the zebra crossings. That being said, it’s worth taking a few passes through the intersection to really absorb the different angles and flashing billboards.

Don’t miss the the Hatchiko statue near the Shibuya Station’s northwest exit, which memorializes the famously loyal Akita who waited here for his owner each day.

Shibuya is a shopper’s paradise, and new complexes like Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Stream brought even more opportunities to buy souvenirs, clothes, homeware, and pretty much anything your heart desires.

Even if you’re not up for retail therapy, you absolutely need to make a stop at Shibuya Scramble Square to experience the newly crowned “best view over Tokyo”: Shibuya Sky .

This three-storey observation area is located on floors 45-46 plus the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance, and it’s become a popular spot to watch the sunset in Tokyo.

To avoid getting stuck waiting in line for an entry ticket, I highly recommend buying your timed entry tickets in advance. You’ll get a QR code emailed that you can show on your phone for fast entry.

While there are plenty of signs directing visitors to the right elevators for Shibuya Sky, you should know that you need to take one of the elevators on the 1st or 2nd floor on the exterior of Shibuya Scramble Crossing in order to reach the 14th floor where the Shibuya Sky entry gates are. From there, you’ll be directed to another elevator that goes directly up to Shibuya Sky.

Once you’re up there, the views are absolutely incredible. And in true Japanese style, there are organized queues at a couple locations to snap photos with no people in the background.

Note: This next stop is for Nintendo fans . If that’s not you, skip down to Yoyogi Park .

Anyone who grew up with Nintendo’s games (or still playes them today!) needs to make 84 Cafe –a.k.a. the “secret Nintendo bar”–a non-negotiable in their 6 day Tokyo itinerary. I recently had the chance to visit, and it will live among my top travel memories of all time.

84 Cafe started out as a private space for Nintendo staff to kick back, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Relics from visitors like Koji Kondo and Chokan, the cafe’s owner (real name Toru Hashimoto), cover the walls, furniture, and even the ceiling. Everywhere you look, there’s another autographed sketch or vintage video game box to take you down memory lane.

In 2022, Chokan opened the space to the public, so we can all bask in the nostalgia and get the inside scoop of what it’s like to work at Nintendo and develop some of its most iconic games. He worked on many of my favorite childhood games including Yoshi’s Island, Pokemon, and Hey You, Pikachu!, so I had tons of fun chatting with him.

Because the cafe’s location is a secret and it’s a place best explored with no spoilers, I won’t go into many more details here. In order to access the cafe, you’ll need to  make a reservation online  (with advance payment). Bookings are 90 minutes long and come with free Japanese snacks and a drink.

Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about stumbling about Shibuya looking for the place or not being able to communicate in Japanese. After your reservation is confirmed, you’ll be emailed a meeting spot and time where your English-speaking guide will escort you to the cafe and help translate.

Now it’s time to leave the hustle and bustle of central Shibuya behind for Yoyogi Park .

This sprawling green space is where locals come to picnic, unwind, and play with their children. If you’re visiting in late February to early April, you’ll be greeted with pink fluffy trees of plum and cherry blossoms.

As you head further northeast, the vast open park transitions into the tranquil forest of Meiji Jingu Garden.

I’ll never forget my first visit here. It was a cool, rainy morning, and there was a slight mist hovering in woods. It was completely quiet, save for the occasional shuffle of feet as we passed other walkers. I honestly could not believe I was still in Tokyo.

At the park’s northern end, you’ll find the massive wooden torii gates of  Meiji Jingu Shrine . Continue into the massive complex, where you’ll find several buildings. Be sure to stop by the massive wall of ceremonial sake barrels–it’s one of the top Instagram spots in Tokyo !

The Meiji treasure house and annex stores kimonos and personal effects of current and former royal family members. You can go inside for 500 yen. There’s also the inner garden, where irises bloom in late June (also 500 yen admission).

After you’ve finished exploring, walk south down the main pathway towards Harajuku Station.

Harajuku is the epicenter of cute things to in Tokyo. As you walk down  Takeshita Dori , the main shopping street, you’ll see everything from Lolita costumes to towering parfaits.

If you’re into quirky Japanese fashion (or need a break from the pressing crowds), get off the main road and into the alleys. Here, vendors sell the latest clothing and accessory trends, though they don’t come cheap.

And it wouldn’t be a visit to Harajuku without an over-the-top dessert crepe. There are a dozen crepe stands in Harajuku, but I personally loved Angels Heart .

Finish up your crepe before heading to to Harajuku Station, where you’ll take the Chiyoda line to Shimo-Kitazawa Station.

A note on animal cafes in Tokyo: One of Tokyo’s most popular attractions are its animal cafes. These places offer visitors a chance to interact with everything from cats to hedgehogs to owls. Unfortunately, the well-being of these animals often comes second to making a profit . There’s not much information on ethical animal cafes in Tokyo, though owl cafes have been the worst offenders.

Shimokitazawa

Unlike the manic-pixie vibe of Harajuku, Shimokitazawa has a more alternative, indie feel.

Anyone who loves thrift stores, record shops, and good coffee should feel right at home in this quiet neighborhood. And it’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing evening before tomorrow’s busy central Tokyo itinerary.

If you’re visiting during plum blossom season, make sure to pass through Hanegi Park . They hold a festival every year complete with performances and street food, and there’s an entire grove of plum blossom trees to meander through. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance!

Tsukiji Outer Market

When you think of delicious Japanese dishes , I bet sushi comes to mind. And what better way to start the day than an ultra-fresh sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market?

The site of the famous 5am tuna auction, Tsukiji’s inner market moved in early 2019 to a new location. However, the outer market remains, and dozens of chefs are still serving up the morning catches for hungry customers.

Don’t stress about going to Sushi Daiwa or the other “best” places, where 3 hour lines are the norm. You can’t really go wrong with a morning sushi set from any of the stalls.

The easiest way to reach Tsukiji Outer Market is via the Tsukiji subway stop on the Hibiya line.

Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward is home to some of the city’s most prominent buildings, including Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.

The Tokyo Imperial Palace serves as the official royal residence of Japan. The palace itself is only open one day a year, though the splendid East Garden is open year-round free of charge.

You can also book an advanced tour of the inner garden by filling out this application .

Hie Shrine sits southwest of the palace complex. Said to enshrine the guardian diety of Tokyo, Hie is among the city’s most important places. People also come here to pray for business success, and it’s common to see dozens of well-dressed men and women milling about the complex during lunch and after the work day ends.

The main draw for tourists, however, is the torii gate pathway on the complex’s southwest side. It’s like a far less crowded version of Fushimi Inari shrine and well worth a visit.

When you’re ready for lunch, walk east to Tokyo Station. Beneath the platforms lies a magical place: Tokyo Ramen Street . All of Japan’s top ramen shops vie for a coveted slot in this row of restaurants, and eating here is one of the best things to do in Japan .

You can’t really go wrong when choosing a place to eat, because they are all the best of the best. However, I recommend Rokurinsha for tsukemen, Oreshiki for tonkotsu, and Hirugao for shio-based ramen. Most use a machine ordering system where you select your toppings and sides.

Ginza is akin to NYC’s Fifth Avenue. The world’s most fashionable and high-end brands are sold here, from Prada to Cartier. Even if you’re not a big spender, it’s still fun to walk around the glitzy streets.

Chuo Dori is the place to be on the weekend, and Tokyu Place Ginza has an excellent selection of restaurants. If you’re feeling peckish or weren’t insterested in ramen, there’s a tasty and affordable conveyor belt ( kaiten ) sushi place called Nemuro Hanamaru on the upper floor.

Depending on where you wrap up in Ginza, you’ll head south to Daimon Station using one of the various metro stations and lines.

Tokyo Tower

Considered the Eiffel Tower of Japan, Tokyo Tower’s red and grey structure serves as a radio tower, observation deck, and nighttime illumation complete with color changes according to the season.

Given that you’ll have seen Tokyo from above twice already (with the potential for a 3rd viewing tomorrow), you can skip the paid observation deck and instead stroll around Shiba Park and Zojo-ji. Dating back to the 1600s, Zojo-ji’s beautiful red temple and main gate look particularly cool amid the backdrop of modern Tokyo Tower.

Afterwards, head back to Daimon Station and take the Asakusa Line south to Sengaku-ji Station.

You may not have heard of Sengaku-ji , but you’re probably familiar with Japan’s 47 Ronin (Keanu Reeves starred in a 2013 film based on the story).

In 1702, feudal lord Asano Naganori was forced to take his own life after assaulting an important court official. A year later, the samurai warriors who served him–now ronin (leaderless samurai)–killed the court official to avenge their master’s honor, knowing fulll well that they would be sentenced to die for the act.

Thanks to the public’s support, however, the ronin were allowed to commit seppuku instead of being executed, which was viewed as an honorable death.

The 47 Ronin were buried alongside their master at Sengaku-ji temple, and today, visitors can honor their memory by placing burning incense at each of their gravestones. It’s a beautiful ritual that I highly recommend if you have the time and aren’t bothered by smoke.

Your last destination for the day is a bit more involved to reach. The most straight-forward way is to go back to Sengaku-ji Station, take the Asakusa Line north to Shimbashi Station, and then take the Yurikamome Line south to Daiba Station.

However, you can also walk 30 minutes to the Rainbow Bridge Promenade entrance and cross the bridge on foot to reach Daiba Park. I suggest using Google Maps to help you decide on a route.

Rainbow Bridge

Wrap up the evening with a sunset view over Tokyo at Daiba Park. This island is also offers excellent views of Rainbow Bridge, which lights up at night. There’s also a miniature Statue of Liberty that makes for great photographs.

Today’s Tokyo itinerary is all about the city’s oldest places.

Start the day in Kagurazaka, a neighborhood known for preserved Edo buildings and old alleys. However, a quick stroll around the area reveals its mix of modern and historic architecture.

During your meandering through the alleys, pay a visit to  Zenkoku-ji . It’s an Edo period temple dedicated to the God of Treasure. Across the river, you can buy an amulet for good luck in romance at  Tokyo Daijingū.

Before you leave, stop into Kyourakutei , where you can eat Michelin-starred soba in a traditional setting.

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s oldest neighborhoods, with narrow alleys and preserved Edo period buildings.

It’s an amazing example of Tokyo’s blend of old and new, where 150-year-old restaurants sit beneath multi-story apartment complexes. And it’s home to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo.

From Asakusa Station, head one block over to Nakamise street . Here, hundreds of shops and market stalls sell everything from fresh fruits to keychains.

Continue north to reach Senso-ji Temple complex. Within this area, there are multiple shrines, gates, a garden, and a five-story pagoda. Spend some time exploring the complex before entering the main temple.

Note that Senso-Ji is one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo, so expect crowds no matter the season.

From the temple, head east towards the river and Sumida Park . There are great views across the river here, as well as prime cherry blossom viewing opportunities.

The park is actually split across the Sumida River, so you’ll need to cross the bridge near the Air Raid Memorial monument to reach the other side.

From the eastern half of Sumida Park, walk east towards Tokyo Skytree . Though it’s most famous for it’s 350m high observation deck, Tokyo Skytree also houses an aquarium, a shopping mall, and an epic basement food court.

Personally, I do not recommend paying for the observation deck view ,  as the Government Building offered a similar view.

I realize this post is about what to do in Tokyo in 6 days, not 5. But it would be crazy to miss a day trip to Kamakura when you’re so close. This seaside town was once the capital of Japan, and it’s full of incredible shrines and temples.

It’s an easy, 50 minute ride on the Yokosuka line from Tokyo Station to Kita-Kamakura station. The fare is only 800 yen, and you can use your Suica card to pay.

I recommend starting at Kita-Kamakura and making your way south, where you’ll eventually return to Tokyo from Kamakura Station. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your Kamakura day trip from Tokyo:

• From the station, walk to Tokei-ji , which shines during fall foliage season.
• Continue south to Jochi-ji , one of Kamakura’s five great Zen temples.
• Start on the Daibutsu Hiking Trail , a gorgeous mountain path that feels like something from a Studio Ghibli film. There are branching paths, so I recommend saving an offline version of Google Maps for the area before you head out.
• Explore a bit of Genjiyama Park , a quiet place with several statues and pretty flowers.
• Return to the hiking course and continue west. You’ll soon reach Z eniarai Benzaiten , a cave shrine where visitors wash their money in the spring-fed pool for good luck.
• Carry on down the paved road and turn right. You’ll eventually come to some torii gates that lead to Sasuke Inari Jinja, where thousands of tiny porcelain foxes decorate the shrines.
• Return to the hiking path and follow signs for the Daibutsu (Kotoku-in Temple).
• Kotoku-in Temple  is Kamakura’s most famous, because it houses the 2nd largest Daibutsu (Great Buddha statue) in Japan. Admisison to Kotoku-in Temple is 300 yen, and you can pay an extra 20 yen to go inside the Daibutsu.
• Grab some lunch from the nearby town area and walk to Yuigahama Beach . In the summer, it’s a popular surfing spot.
• Head north to Kamakura Station and take the Yokosuka line back to Tokyo.

If you want to skip Kamakura or swap out something else in this 6 day Tokyo itinerary, here are a few suggestions:

• Take a guided tour to Mount Fuji and the iconic Lake Kawaguchiko.
• Catch a traditional Kabuki theatre performance at Ginza’s renowened Kabuzi-za .
• Head to the top of Roppongi’s Mori Tower for amazing city views and the contemporary Mori Art Museum .
• Unwind at Thermae-Yu onsen , a luxurious hot spring in the heart of Shinjuku.
• Have a moment of zen at Rikugien Park , one of Tokyo’s most beautiful, especially in autumn.
• Visit some of the non-touristy neighborhoods like Akasaka and explore the shrines and temples (pictured above, Akasaka Hikawa is lovely)
• Japan Rail pass holders could swap Kamakura for a Kanazawa day trip , the ancient samurai town of Japan.
• Check out my list of Tokyo day trips by bullet train for more ideas!

RELATED: Nara Day Trip Itinerary: The Magical Deer City of Japan

Click here for the full interactive map!

Have any questions about this 6 day Tokyo itinerary? Let me know in the comments section!

8 thoughts on “Tokyo Itinerary: 6 Days of Sightseeing and Hidden Gems”

It looks like you had an incredible trip! Japan is #1 on my bucket list, and you’ve made me even more excited to go!

Glad to hear it, Brittany! Japan was also my #1 bucket list destination. Have a great trip 🙂

This is such a helpful guide and makes me want to visit Tokyo even more! I’ve never been before and will absolutely reference this guide when I do go!

Thanks Danielle! Tokyo is an amazing destination, and I’m sure you’ll have a great visit 🙂

Thank you so much for writing this post! My friend and I are going to Tokyo in February 2020 and this has been so helpful and comprehensive. I’ve found out about some places I hadn’t read about yet, and the key phrases and advice were really appreciated too. Bravo!

Thanks so much, Kayleigh! Tokyo is one of my favorite places in the world. I hope you both have a fantastic trip!

Awesome article, loved the detailed itinerary, very useful to inspire my next trip. I definitely need to visit Kamakura next time and of course Fuji (visibility was too low to justify the trip last time I was in Tokyo :p). Oh well.

You should definitely do some more articles on hidden gems! Always have a hard time discovering new ones.

Happy you enjoyed it, Corey! Hopefully you get a better view of Mt. Fuji on your next trip.

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Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima

The perfect 6 days itinerary.

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Japan, exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, the cultural treasures of Kyoto, the historic landmarks of Nara, and the poignant sites of Hiroshima. This itinerary blends the ultra-modern with the deeply traditional, offering a comprehensive experience of Japan's rich heritage and cutting-edge urban life.

What to do in Japan: Tokyo?

This 6 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Japan: Tokyo. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Discover Tokyo's Dynamic Heart

Start your adventure in Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital. Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views. Explore the nearby Zojoji Temple , a serene contrast to the urban environment.

Head to the vibrant Shibuya Crossing , one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Don't miss the chance to see the famous Hachiko Statue . Continue to Harajuku to experience Tokyo's youth fashion and pop culture.

Dine in Shinjuku , known for its skyscrapers and entertainment options. Explore the nightlife or relax at a local izakaya (Japanese pub).

Day 2: Kyoto: City of a Thousand Temples

Travel to Kyoto, the heart of Japan's cultural heritage. Visit the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) , a stunning Zen Buddhist temple. Explore the Ryoan-ji , famous for its rock garden.

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion , known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and as a district where Geiko and Maiko entertain. Visit the Kiyomizu-dera , a historic temple that offers spectacular views over Kyoto.

Experience a traditional tea ceremony or enjoy a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course Japanese meal.

Day 3: Nara: Ancient Capital with Timeless Beauty

Head to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. Visit the Todai-ji Temple , home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue. Wander through Nara Park , famous for its free-roaming deer.

Explore the Kasuga Taisha , a Shinto shrine known for its lantern-lined paths. Visit the Nara National Museum for a deeper understanding of Japanese Buddhist art.

Relax in a traditional Japanese garden or dine in a local restaurant that serves authentic Nara cuisine.

Day 4: Hiroshima: Reflection and Resilience

Travel to Hiroshima and start with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb in 1945. Reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome , a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island , famous for its floating Itsukushima Shrine . Enjoy the scenic views and vibrant wildlife.

Return to Hiroshima for dinner, perhaps trying the local specialty, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake).

Day 5: Return to Tokyo: Modern Marvels and Traditional Arts

Return to Tokyo. Visit the Meiji Shrine , dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Explore the Imperial Palace grounds, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan.

Visit the Tokyo National Museum to see the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Stroll through Ueno Park , a beautiful public space that houses several major museums and a zoo.

Enjoy your last night in Tokyo by visiting a high-end sushi restaurant or catching a performance at a kabuki theater.

Day 6: Departure and Reflection

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or a local café. Reflect on the memories and experiences of your trip.

Prepare for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, explore any last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Tokyo.

Head to the airport for your flight home, taking with you a piece of Japan in your heart.

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6 days in Japan: Our Itinerary

In December 2013 we embarked on our first trip to Mainland Japan ; we explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in 6 days. I know it’s been a WHILE since that trip (lol!) but I’ve decided to share more of our travel itineraries with you! We visited shrines and temples, learned all about Hayao Miyazaki’s animation magic, traveled at 320 km/h on the shinkansen (bullet train), walked along 10,000 red torii gates, searched for geisha’s in Gion and left a love lock on top of Osaka.

Day 1: Tokyo

  We arrived at Haneda Airport in the morning and took the long way/the cheap way to arrive at The New Sanno , a military hotel in the city. We left our bags and went off to explore Shibuya , infamously known for having the busiest crosswalk in the world.

Day 2: Tokyo + Mitaka

  Our first stop on our second day was Sensōji Temple , the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo. We souvenir shopped around Nakamise Street, tried agemanju with bean paste, took a billion photos around the temple before heading towards the Sky Tree, which is only one train stop away. Tickets were a little pricy and it was crazy busy so we decided against it, but ate some Cold Stone ice cream at the mall to make up for it. Afterward, we headed to the Imperial Palace East Gardens… but sadly it’s closed on Mondays and we hadn’t realized it until we reached the gate. Feeling defeated we walked back and took the train to Mitaka Station where we took the cat bus to the Studio Ghibli Museum !!

Day 3: Tokyo + Kyoto

  Before heading off to Kyoto we walked around the Imperial Palace East Gardens on a very rainy morning. We got to see all the autumn colors (it was my first time seeing them!) but we were a bit bummed that we couldn’t actually SEE the Imperial Palace. No idea it was only open to the public during New Years’ and the Emperor’s birthday in February, but you can visit the grounds on a tour! Afterward, we took the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. We stayed at the MyStays Hotel Kyoto Shijo and the location was really good! We mostly hung around Shijo Dori, the main shopping area in Kyoto, which coincidentally was where our hotel was located.

Day 4: Kyoto

  On our second day in Kyoto, we headed to the Fushimi Inari Shrine , which was #1 in my Japan bucket list and still is hands down my favorite place in all of Japan. We later saw the tallest pagoda at Toji Temple , photographed more autumn leaves and tried a tea with gold leaves (it wasn’t good, lol!). Later in the afternoon we searched for geishas/maikos in Gion until the sun went down.

Day 5: Kyoto – Osaka

  On our second day in Kyoto, we headed straight to Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavillion , one of the most famous temples in Japan. It was super busy, but the pavilion is so breathtaking it’s worth a visit at any time. It was a short stint in Kyoto , but know hat it was not the last time we visited this magical city!! Afterward, we headed to Kyoto Station and took the train to Osaka. We left our suitcases at the train station and visited Osaka Castle .

Day 6: Osaka

  On our second day in Osaka, we headed to Dotonbori Street first thing in the morning, grabbed some Starbucks coffee, did some shopping and took a boat tour around the canals. Afterward, we took the train to the Umeda Sky Building to visit their 360-degree observatory and get see a nice view of downtown Osaka. We had a lock customized with our wedding anniversary and we left it in their Lumi Deck. Since we visited a few weeks before Christmas we were surprised to find an authentic German Christmas Market outside the Umeda Sky Building! We did some souvenir Christmas shopping, ate, drank some German beer and shared a cup of warm glühwein. It was the perfect way to end our first trip to mainland Japan.

Like I said above this was just the first of MANY trips to mainland Japan, six to be exact. Click to go through all of my Japan posts . You can also see them organized by trip: Mainland Japan Trip (this one), Japan Girls Trip , Japan Winter Trip With Friends , Spring in Japan, Mainland With Friends and Last Japan Trip . I’m hoping to write down more of our itineraries and when I do I’ll link them here as well. I hope all of these posts get your excited to visit Japan!!

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Kiyomizudera temple, matsumoto castle + seikando bookstore, himeji castle.

SolaraStills

• solarastills
• May 9, 2023
• 18 min read

Japan - A 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Updated: Oct 17, 2023

Welcome to my travel blog about Japan, a country known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Join me on a journey through the Land of the Rising Sun as we explore the bustling cities, serene countryside, and rich cultural heritage that make Japan such a fascinating destination.

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, Japan offers a wealth of experiences that are sure to captivate and inspire. Whether you're interested in sampling the local cuisine, immersing yourself in traditional arts and crafts, or simply taking in the stunning natural scenery, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and dynamic country.

With just six days, we'll make the most of our time in Japan and create memories to last a lifetime. So sit back, relax, and let's get started on this exciting adventure!

>> Got a question about this itinerary that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending.

Vegetarian Food In Japan

Language problems, japan arrival formalities, where to stay.

Senso-Ji Temple

Sumida River Cherry Blossoms

Meiji-Jinju Shrine

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade

Shibuya Crossing

Mt.Fuji Day Trip

Train To Kyoto

Cherry Blossom Boat Tour

Kinkakuji Shrine

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (in a kimono!)

Nijo Castle

Kiyumizu-dera

Gion Walking Tour

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Samurai Sword Experience

Todaiji Temple

Nara Bowing Deer

If interested in seeing the sakuras (cherry blossoms) like we did, mid March to early April is the best time to visit Japan. The peak cherry blossom week changes from year to year and region to region. Starting in early January, there are a number of websites that accurately predict peak season. Check these websites before finalizing your travel dates. The weather is also very mild during sakura season, with temperature highs averaging in the mid 60s.

Another big attraction to visit Japan is to hike up Mt.Fuji. The climbing season is from early July to early September, when the hiking trails open up. Although this is peak tourist season, this is also the time when the entire country is sweltering hot, with hurricane season starting in September. Another popular time to visit this magical country is mid October to late November, to see the amazing fall colors dotting the hills and mountains of Japan.

What you have heard is true - it is not easy to find restaurants that serve vegetarian food in Japan. Although restaurants may claim that they have vegetarian noodles, please note that almost all noodles are soaked in a fish stock called Dashi by default. When on the go, it is extremely hard to find a vegetarian restaurant that serves Japanese food without dashi in it. The one exception is Tan Tan, which is a vegan outlet, located in 3 or 4 of the metro stations in Tokyo. We made it a point to visit the hard-to-find location in Tokyo station, and we were pretty happy with the golden sesame noodles that we ordered. Do give Tan Tan a try, if you are seeking vegetarian Japanese food.

Even pasta and pizza places are hard to come by. One night our dinner consisted of McD fries and apple pie! However, on most days, we were lucky enough to find an Indian restaurant close by, both in Tokyo and Kyoto. So a tip here is to make a note of vegetarian restaurants close to a tourist attraction, and plan your visit around lunch or dinner time. All 6 days we were in Japan, we made do with 1 meal a day, compensating other meals with snacks, pastries and coffee from the vending machines. By the way, Japan has the most amazing looking pastries. They have mastered the art of window displays, and it is hard to just ogle at the displays, and not go in to buy one.

Language was never a problem wherever we went in Japan. Local folks either spoke good or broken English, or understood what we were trying to communicate and would respond back with hand gestures. We never found a need to use Google Translate. Most signs in the touristy areas and in the stations were both in English and Japanese.

Whether you arrive in Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo, there are a number of formalities to take care of, before heading into the city.

As of April 2023, all visitors to Japan are required to complete the digital forms at Visit Japan Web for Immigration and Customs requirements. Obtaining a QR Code on this site, prior to arriving in Japan, is crucial for a fast and easy immigration process.

To travel within Japan, it is essential to have a JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass). Use this link to check if JR Pass is worth the money for your itinerary. It definitely helped save $$$ for the itinerary I have listed here. This needs to be ordered online atleast a month prior to your travel date, so the voucher for the pass can be delivered to your home address. There are numerous reliable websites that sell JR Pass. Look for one that does not charge any shipping fee. You can also book some of the popular train routes (eg. the Fuji Express), while you are in the US. Once you arrive in Japan, and clear immigration and customs, head to the JR Pass office, located both in Narita and Haneda airports, and exchange the voucher for an actual pass. Be prepared for long lines at the JR Pass office, as many tourists like you will have the same plan to have the pass in hand before starting their Japan sojourn. You can also get confirmed tickets for any train journey you had booked online.

Another useful card/pass to have is the Suica or Pasmo card. You will need one of these ALONG with your JRPass. ie. the latter will not substitute for the former. Suica and Pasmo can be used as a commuter pass in most major Japanese towns, as well as for small purchases in convenient stores and vending machines throughout Japan. Both cards can be easily added on to your iphone wallet. If you are an android user, then you need to purchase these cards at the station within the airport before you catch your first metro train.

Another wonderful convenience available in Japan is luggage delivery. If you want to start your sightseeing straight out of the airport, you can use the luggage delivery service to forward your luggage to your hotel, while you check out the town and check into your hotel at the end of the day. Yamato is a popular and reliable luggage delivery service, with convenient kiosks located both in Narita and Tokyo airports.

Japan is a cash-friendly country. We were able to withdraw Yen from conveniently located ATMs everywhere we went. We mostly used cash in the mom and pop stores, credit cards at big stores and restaurants, and suica/pasmo cards at vending machines.

Once you have cleared all of the above formalities, its time to finally hit Tokyo and explore. With a complex and well planned Metro system, almost all parts of Tokyo are accessible by the subway system. Multiple subway lines pass through the two airports, making it easy to get into the city.

There are many hotel and location options in Tokyo. Most tourists stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku, which are the main tourist hubs in the city. As for the hotels, option range from ryokans to temple hotels to capsule hotels, with the latter being the cheapest. We did not get adventurous, and stayed at the Tobu Hotel in Asakusa , just two minutes walk from the most popular tourist attraction in Tokyo, the Senso-ji Shrine. Located across from the Tobu Asakusa station, it is centrally placed for shopping, sightseeing and dining. The hotel rooms are beautifully appointed with modern utilities, although the rooms are slightly small in size, when compared to their American counterparts. The rooms can be booked with or without breakfast, which consists of Japanese and western dishes. I highly recommend this hotel for your stay in Tokyo, as long as you are not traveling with large suitcases, as they can make the room feel cramped.

Having arrived in the city from Haneda airport, we took the first day to acclimatize ourselves to the surroundings, and the Tokyo metro system which seemed very overwhelming at first.

A stones throw away from our hotel was the spectacular Senso-Ji Temple. Staying so close, we had the opportunity to view the temple during the daytime as well as at night, when it was illuminated. This temple is the oldest Buddhist shrine in Tokyo, and most photographed. The temple was built in the honor of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. As we entered the temple complex via the main gate, the Kaminarimon Gate, we were welcomed by a giant red lantern, behind which lies a long stretch of shops, which lead to the main temple. These shops on Nakamise shopping street sell traditional souvenirs, snacks and sweets. There are many kimono rental shops along this stretch and we noticed a number of women, locals and foreigners alike, clad in kimonos, window shopping. For a history of the area, we followed this audio walking tour, which costs $7 to download at the time of writing. Expect to spend atleast 2 hours to visit Senso-Ji Shrine and browse the shops along Nakamise street. Although the temple opens early at 6am, the shops do not open until 10am. So plan your visit accordingly.

Entrance to SensoJi temple with the huge red lantern at the gate

Sensoji Temple, by day and by night

Nakamise shopping street by day, and by night.

Sumida Park Cherry Blossoms

If you are in Tokyo during cherry blossom season, then Sumida Park is one of the prime areas to visit to view the sakura. Just a two minute walk from Tobu hotel, the park runs along the Sumida River and is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. An early morning walk to view the blossoms in all their splendor as the sun rises, or a late evening walk to see the trees illuminated, is a must. The view of the Tokyo Skytree from the Sumida Park Promenade is quite spectacular.

Cherry blossoms along Sumida River, with Tokyo skytree in the background.

Tokyo Skytree at sunrise.

Meiji-Jinju

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Surrounded by a serene forest of over 100,000 trees, Meiji Jingu offers visitors a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city. The shrine's main building, made of Japanese cypress and copper roofing, reflects the blend of traditional Japanese and Western influences during the Meiji era. The massive torii gate made of 1,500-year-old cypress wood marks the entrance to the shrine, and the treasure museum houses a collection of artifacts related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, as well as gifts from other countries. Meiji Jingu is not only a popular tourist destination but also a living shrine actively used by the local community for ceremonies and events, making it an important cultural landmark in Japan. We signed up for this Viator Walking Audio Tour to learn more about this beautiful shrine and its history.

Meiji-jinju shrine

Very close to the Meiji Jinju Shrine is Harajuku, a vibrant and trendy neighborhood located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. It is known for its fashion-forward youth culture, which blends elements of Japanese street fashion, cosplay, and Western styles. The area is also home to many small independent boutiques, cafes, and art galleries. Takeshita Street, a pedestrian-only street in Harajuku, is particularly famous for its colorful storefronts and unique fashion offerings. We were shocked by how crowed Takeshita Street was, with hardly any walking room. But it was definitely a neat experience to see a different face of Tokyo with the young, trendy teens enjoying street food and sweet treats.

The extremely crowded Takeshita Street.

Little girls enjoying sweet treats on Takeshita Street.

Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade is a popular destination in Tokyo, during the spring season when the cherry blossoms bloom. The Meguro River runs through several neighborhoods of Tokyo, and the promenade stretches along its banks, offering visitors a scenic stroll under a canopy of pink and white blossoms. The trees are illuminated at night, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Promenade attracts locals and tourists alike and is a beloved symbol of springtime in Tokyo.

A canopy of Cherry blossoms

A castle peeks through the cherry blossoms along Meguro River.

Shibuya is a bustling district in Tokyo, akin to New York's Time Square, famous for Shibuya Crossing, also known as "The Scramble". This world-famous massive pedestrian crossing, has an average of 2,500 people cross every time the lights change. The sheer number of people crossing at once is an impressive sight and has made the intersection an iconic landmark in Tokyo. The surrounding area is a popular shopping and entertainment district, and the crossing is surrounded by large billboards and screens displaying advertisements. The best way to experience Shibuya Crossing is from the windows of the first floor of Shibuya Starbucks. It is particularly breathtaking at night when the surrounding buildings are lit up, creating a vibrant and electric atmosphere. Another popular attraction in this area are the multiple 3D billboards, specifically the Hachiko dog billboard which runs at the top of the hour in front of Shibuya station. We spent an entire hour gawking at the numerous vibrant billboards that flank Shibuya Crossing.

Shibuya Crossing and 3D billboard

One of the top bucket list items for anyone visiting Japan is to view and photograph Mt Fuji in all its majesty. The three top locations from which to view Mt Fuji are Lake Kawaguchiko (Fuji Five Lakes area), Hakone and the Chureito Pagoda. It is an easy day trip from Tokyo, on the Fuji Express shinkansen. But bear in mind, since this is an extremely popular route, tickets get booked months in advance.

Right from the start, we were unsure if we should make the trip to Mt Fuji, for two reasons : firstly, there is only a 40-50% chance of seeing the peak, without any cloud cover, and almost always the clouds engulf the mountain by 11am.. Secondly, given this probability we did not think it was wise to spend the entire day for the trip, when we had so little time to spend in Tokyo. We soon realized that Chureito Pagoda location would best serve our dilemma, as that location provided the most iconic view of Fujisan, and it was only a half day trip from Tokyo.

We took the very first JR Chuo train out of Shinjuku station to Otsuki, where we transferred to Fujiyuko commuter train to Shimoyoshida train station. All along the way, we had a clear view of Mt Fuji and were thrilled that there were no clouds in sight. From Shimoyoshida station, it is a 10 minute walk to the huge tori gate at the entrance of Chureito Pagoda. There are over 400 steps to climb to reach the base of the pagoda, but the view at the end was totally worth each step we climbed. With the beautiful sakura lining our view, we were able to capture the most spectacular photographs of Mt Fuji with Chureito Pagoda and the sakuras in the foreground. We were thrilled that we were able to witness the majesty of this great mountain and were glad that we did not decide against making this trip.

On our return from Mt.Fuji, we decided to explore the busy streets of Shinjuku, which was the final stop of the JR Chao trains in Tokyo. If Shibuya crossing is to Tokyo what Time Square is to New York, then Shinjuku is the 5th Avenue of Tokyo. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including the famous Kabukicho entertainment district, which is home to many bars, nightclubs, and hostess clubs. A popular landmark in this area is the calico cat 3D billboard, located in front of the East entrance of the Shinjuku train station. The billboard features a large 3D image of a calico cat, with its head and paw peeking out from the side of a building. The cat's eyes light up at night, creating a striking and eye-catching display. It offers a fun and unique photo opportunity and a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the area.

Train to Kyoto

Ending our 3 day stint in Tokyo, we took an evening train to Kyoto from Tokyo station. There are numerous shinkansen trains that ply between Tokyo and Kyoto. The JR Rail pass came in handy to reserve our seats and change our reservations in the last minute to the time that was convenient for us. We were extremely impressed by the shinkansen (bullet) trains. Although not as fast as the trains in Europe, these bullet trains look impressive from the outside and the ride is extremely smooth and we never realized when the train was moving or had stopped at a station.

Kyoto is a city located in the Kansai region of Japan and is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural scenery. The city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines and its historic district, Gion, is a popular destination for tourists, where they can explore traditional Japanese architecture, dine at local restaurants, and catch a glimpse of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking along the streets. While it was easy to navigate Tokyo by using its complex, yet efficient Metro system, we found it easier to move around Kyoto by using both the local bus as well as the Metro systems.

We stayed at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji, which is a temple hotel, ie. it has a buddhist shrine associated with it. Being a temple hotel, it features a sleek and minimalist design, with comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms that offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The guest rooms here were much larger than the ones in our Tokyo hotel. The hotel's location is convenient for exploring the city, with many popular attractions within walking distance, including the Gion district.

The cherry blossom season continued to be at its peak when we moved from Tokyo, southward to Kyoto. The Nanzenji Funadamari cherry blossom boat tour is a popular attraction in Kyoto, that offers us a unique way to experience the beauty of the cherry blossoms in the springtime. The tour takes place on a traditional Japanese boat, known as a "yakatabune," that sails along the canal in the Nanzenji area. The canal is lined with cherry trees, which bloom in beautiful shades of pink and white in the spring, creating a stunning and picturesque scene. The boat tour is a relaxing and peaceful way to take in the sights and sounds of the city. The tour commentary is only in Japanese and the tour lasts for approximately 50 minutes. This is a popular tour, and I had booked it online a couple of weeks ahead of our trip.

The boat dock of the Nanzenji Funadamari cherry blossom boat tour

A traditional Japanese boat, "yakatabune", carrying tourists, floats along a cherry blossom lined canal

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning Buddhist temple in Kyoto, known for its striking architecture and shimmering gold-leaf exterior. Originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple and has since become a popular tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage site. We admired the temple's beauty from various vantage points throughout the surrounding garden, which is meticulously landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers, and water features.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Very close to Kinkakuji Temple, in a traditional Japanese house, is Tea Ceremony Koto , an establishment that offers a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony experience. For an added fee, we enjoyed the ceremony in a rented Kimono. During the ceremony, we learnt about the history and the different tea-making methods from an English-speaking tea master from Urasenke, the biggest school of tea ceremony in Japan. We also learnt how to make matcha tea and the etiquette of serving tea. We also got to taste "Dango", a Japanese sweet made out of red bean paste and rice flour. Although I booked this experience about a month ahead of my trip, I was unable to get a reservation for the most sought after tea experiences offered by Kyoto Maikoya.

Learning to make matcha tea

The famous "dango" sweet of Kyoto

Nijo Castle is a popular tourist destination and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich history and cultural heritage. It was built in 1603 as the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns, who ruled Japan from the 17th to the 19th century. The castle is surrounded by a moat and a stone wall and is famous for its stunning architecture and intricate design.

One of the most notable features of Nijo Castle is its "nightingale floors," which are designed to make a chirping sound when walked upon. The floors were created to serve as a security measure, as they would alert the inhabitants of any potential intruders.

In addition to its unique floors, Nijo Castle is also known for its beautiful gardens and impressive collection of artwork and artifacts. We explored the various buildings on the grounds, including the Ninomaru Palace, which features stunning paintings and carvings.

The grand entrance to Nijo castle

The white guards house and moat surrounding Nijo castle

The beautiful garden of Nijo Castle

Kiyomizu-dera is a historic Buddhist temple known for its impressive wooden structure that juts out from a hillside overlooking the city. The temple was first built in 798 AD, but its current buildings date back to 1633. One of the most unique features of the temple is the large wooden veranda that extends from the main hall, offering stunning views of the surrounding forested hills and the city below. The temple is also renowned for its sacred waterfall, where visitors can drink from the streams believed to have healing properties. During sakura season, it is even more popular for sakura viewing and illumination. The uphill road that leads to the shrine is crowded with souvenir shops and small cafes offering local Japanese delicacies. This tourist attraction is also extremely popular for wedding photoshoots. We planned our visit to coincide with the sunset, when the entire pagoda complex looked even more beautiful against the colors of the setting sun.

Kiyumizu-dera temple complex at sunset

Different views of Kiyumizu-dera pagoda

Gion is a famous district in Kyoto, known for its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and geishas. We booked a walking tour of Gion to explore the district's many sights, sounds, and flavors. The tour typically started near the famous Kabuki theatre in downtown Kyoto, and continued through the historic streets of Gion, which are lined with tea houses, restaurants, and shops selling traditional Japanese goods. Along the way, we saw geishas walking to their appointments. The tour guide gave us a great insight of the life of a geisha in modern day Kyoto. We booked the tour through Kyoto Localized and we loved seeing Kyoto through a local's perspective.

Cherry blossoms along the Tatsumi bridge in Gion

Geishas in Gion

The very first Kabuki theatre in downtown Kyoto

We started our day early to beat the crowds at Fushimi Inari-taisha. Fushimi Inari-taisha is a popular Shinto shrine located in southern Kyoto, famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates that wind their way up the mountain behind the shrine.The shrine was first built in the 8th century and is dedicated to the god of rice and sake, Inari. We entered the shrine's main gate and walked through a series of smaller shrines and torii gates, each donated by individuals or businesses as a form of prayer or gratitude. The trail led up the mountain and can take several hours to complete. Along the way, we saw beautiful views of Kyoto, sacred fox statues, and small waterfalls. We did not complete the trail and turned back when it was time to visit our next, and most exciting stop.

Entrance to Fushimi Inari-taisha

The orange gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha

Fushimi Inari-taisha temple complex

S amurai Sword Experience

Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan to experience samurai culture, and one of the most unique and exciting ways to do so is by participating in a samurai sword experience. We signed up for this experience through this Maikoya link. The experience took place in the Samurai And Ninja Museum, where we learnt about the history and techniques of samurai sword fighting and even tried our hand at wielding a real samurai sword. We were taught by a skilled instructor, who guided us through the proper techniques of drawing, swinging, and sheathing the sword. We also learned about the different types of swords and their uses throughout history. The experience lasted for two hours, and also included a lesson for Ninja star-throwing. We got to wear traditional samurai clothing for an added immersive effect. A samurai sword experience is a fun and memorable way to learn about Japan's rich martial arts traditions and gain a deeper appreciation for the samurai way of life.

We dedicated the second half of the day to visit Nara, a city rich in cultural heritage, just an hours train ride from Kyoto. This small town is particularly famous for Todaiji Temple and the bowing Sika deer.

Todaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple which was first constructed in the 8th century and is one of Japan's most famous and important temples. It is particularly famous for its Daibutsu, or Great Buddha statue, which is the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. The statue stands over 15 meters tall and weighs over 500 tons. It is housed in the temple's Daibutsuden hall, which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. The hall itself is an impressive feat of engineering, built using traditional Japanese techniques and without the use of any nails or screws. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of Japan's most important cultural treasures.

Nandaimon gate - the largest wooden gate in all of Japan

Nara's Bowing Sika Deer

Around the Todaiji Temple complex roam hundreds of friendly deer, who have a unique habit of bowing. The deer are known to bow to visitors in exchange for a tasty treat of deer crackers, which can be purchased throughout the park. This behavior is believed to have originated from the practice of bowing in Japanese culture as a sign of respect and gratitude. The deer have learned to associate the act of bowing with receiving food from visitors, and will often bow in anticipation of a treat. The deer are considered a cultural treasure in Nara and are protected by the local government. This was a very cute and fun experience for us. Plan your visit early in the day, so the deer are hungry and will show their appreciation when you feed them.

We spent the morning doing some last minute shopping for various Japanese handicrafts and souvenirs to take home, before our flight from Narita in the evening. Our Kyoto hotel was located around the corner from Kyoto's main shopping drag, Kawaramachi street and the Takashimaya department store, which made shopping a breeze. Our journey back to Tokyo was a breeze, on the shinkansen, and we caught the Narita Express from Tokyo Station to Narita airport.

In conclusion, traveling to Japan is an incredible experience that offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. From the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps, there is something for every type of traveler. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, Japan has something to offer. With its welcoming people, efficient transportation system, and awe-inspiring sights, it's no wonder that Japan has become a top travel destination for people from all over the world. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Japan!

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6 days, 5 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 6 days, 5 nights in the Kansai Region around Kyoto .

A nationwide Japan Rail Pass does not pay off for this itinerary, but we recommend to use Haruka 1-Way Tickets for your transport to/from Kansai Airport and a 1-day Kansai Area Pass for your daytrip to Himeji . Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates .

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Sample JAPAN ITINERARIES with Estimated Budget: 4, 6, 7, 8, 15 Days

Here are some sample DIY Japan itineraries for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for 4 DAYS, 6 DAYS, 7 DAYS (1 WEEK), 8 DAYS, and 15 DAYS. Each DIY itinerary has its own recommended minimum budget to help you manage your finances well.

This post covers only Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you’re looking for sample itineraries for Sapporo and Nagoya, we have separate samples in the posts below:

• Nagoya Sample Itinerary
• Sapporo Sample Itinerary

If you need help on how to start planning a multi-city tour across Japan, this post might help: Japan Travel Guide

Please take note of the following.

• All the itineraries below assume that you are a party of two , that you will be staying at a double room of a budget hotel or hostel (less than $80 per night), and that you will be splitting costs. The only exception is Tokyo Option 3 and the 15-day backpacking itinerary.
• If your hostel or hotel does not serve free breakfast, visit the supermarket on your first day to buy food (biscuits, drinks, bread).
• Set aside ¥1000 for every unspecified lunch or dinner .
• Airfare is not included in the costing.
• Estimated budget indicated is per person. However, note that this has a big allowance. For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Tokyo Budget Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥35,000 (USD315, PHP15,600)

The BUDGET OPTION. This itinerary replaces the pricey Disneyland visit with a day trip in Odaiba and replaces double room with a bed at a capsule hotel.

Tokyo + Disneyland Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥53,000 (USD475, PHP23,700)

This itinerary removes the visit to Kamakura and Yokohama and adds a visit to Sensoji Temple.

Tokyo + Disneyland + Kamakura and Yokohama Itinerary: 6 Days

Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥56,000 (USD500, PHP25,000)

This is a pretty jampacked itinerary.

If you need more information about traveling on a budget in Tokyo, check this out: Tokyo Travel Guide

Osaka and Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration : 4 Days, 4 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥38,000 (USD340, PHP17,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head).

If you need more help planning your Osaka-Kyoto trip, this post is for you: Osaka and Kyoto Travel Guide

Osaka – Nara – Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days

Duration : 4 Days, 4 Nights Estimated Budget : ¥45,000 (USD400, PHP20,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head). You will be visiting Nara but only on a day tour.

Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo Itinerary: 8 Days

Duration : 8 Days, 8 nights Estimated Budget : ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)

This itinerary assumes you will be entering Japan via Osaka and leaving via Tokyo. You will also be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.

Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days

Duration : 7 Days, 6 nights Estimated Budget : ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)

This is the reverse of the Osaka-Tokyo itinerary above. This one assumes you’re landing in Tokyo and leaving via Osaka. Your hotel budget here is the same: ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.

Tokyo – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 15 Days

15-Day Budget Backpacking Duration : 15 Days, 14 nights Estimated Budget : ¥115,000 (USD1030, PHP51,200)

This one is for budget backpackers. This assumes you’ll be staying at hostel dorm (around ¥2000 per night). Because you will be visiting multiple cities including day tours in Ibaraki and Kawaguchiko, it would be great if you have a JR Pass.

Do you really need a JR Pass?

It depends on your chosen itinerary. In this post, we weighed in on the JR Pass. You might want to read it first before making a decision: For more info, read: Is the JR Pass Worth It?

Top Budget Hotels in Tokyo

According to TripAdvisor users as of Feb 2017.

Search for more: Tokyo Hotels

Top budget hotels and hostels in osaka (under $70), search for more: osaka hotels, top guest houses in kyoto (under $70), search for more: kyoto hotels.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 2️⃣5️⃣ (first up)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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I probably visit your japan articles for so many times as I am traveling to Japan next month (solo trip). I am pretty anxious about how much it would cost me. Can I ask for advice if it’s better to get JR pass TOkyo-kyoto-osaka-tokyo is my itinerary.i wanted midnight bus but just wondering if it would cost the same if I have JR pass? Thanks! More power!

Hi Weywey, overnight bus is a looot cheaper than JR Pass. If you can handle an 8-hour bus ride overnight, go for it.

Here’s our article about JR Pass: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

Hi. This post is so helpful. I’m planning for a 8d/7n trip to Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Osaka, solo traveler btw. :)

Day 1 – Arrival Day 2 – USJ + Dotonbori Day 3 – Arashiyama / Fushimi Inari / Gion Day 4 – Tokyo = Meiji Shrine / Shibuya + Hachiko / Takeshita / Sanrio Puroland Day 5 – Disneyland Day 6 – Ueno Park / Tokyo Museum / Akihabara / Return to Osaka Day 7 – Osaka Castle / Umeda Sky Bldg / Back to MNL

If ever I get JR pass, do you think it will cost me the same if I use midnight buses back and forth Osaka? Or it’s better if I depart na lang from Tokyo to MNL? (Mas cheaper kasi sa Osaka. Hahaha.)

Thank you so much in advance. :)

If you haven’t booked your return flight yet, I would seriously consider exiting via Tokyo so you don’t need to go back to Osaka. Yes, it might cost more but it will give you more time too. :)

From Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo, take the overnight bus.

Hi! Would just like to ask if the budget you posted per option is on a per head basis? For example on option 7, budget is 38k pesos per person if there were 2 of us planning to take this trip?

Hi Meg, yes, that’s per person. But bear in mind that these are “overestimates.” For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal, which is used in these itineraries, is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.

Almost 1/3 of the budget also goes to hotel accommodations. If you can find rooms cheaper than the price used in this itinerary, that would significantly bring the costs down.

Traveling Japan was one of my FAVORITE countries of all time. Kyoto was especially…well, special for lack of a creative word LOL Mindblowing might be more apt. Also, the Rail Pass was a HUGE cost saver. Great suggestion!

I’m curious if you guys can manage a budget trip like this for a ski trip, though. The snow is FANTASTIC out near Sapporo, but it was the most expensive part of my trip

Hi Lexi, oh the only time we tried skiing was at Fujiten (near Lake Kawaguchi). I think it’s a bit cheaper than other ski resorts, no entrance fee, but getting there was super expensive because if you don’t have a car (and we didn’t), the only way to get there was by taxi. And you know how costly Japan cab rides are.

Hi. We are 3 in the family going to Osaka next month for a week. Can you give us an itinerary for budget travellers? Thanks.

Hi Yoshke. Thanks for posting all these tips on Japan. I’d like to visit Hiroshima, would you mind sharing if you have been there. We would love to include it in our itinerary of osaka, kyoto amd Hiroshima. Thanks

Hi. I just want to ask for some advice. I have booked a plane ticket for Manila-Tokyo and vice versa this coming September. We plan to stay for a week but we thought that its too long if we will just stay in Tokyo. I just want to know if its practical to get a Whole Jr pass? Can we used that to go to Osaka and return to Tokyo? Hope you could help. Thank you

Hi Jenelyn, in my opinion, a week is still too short for Tokyo, there’s just a lot to do there. The surrounding destinations like Kamakura and Yokohama are also worth a visit. If you decided to stay in Tokyo, you don’t need a JR Pass.

If you really want to visit Osaka and your return flight will also be from Tokyo, the JR Pass isn’t the best option either. You can find cheap flights. Or if you’re up for it, take an overnight bus, which will also save you a hotel night.

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

Hi, Your link to Sappora Itinerary Sample and Nagoya Itinerary Sample on the top of your page are swapped. Maybe you didn’t notice it.

Hi Win! Great catch! Thanks for letting us know. Fixed now!

Hi does the budget includes transportation cost in japan during the trip?

hi po, pla po namin mag punta ng japan next month. me, husband and yung son ko. manila-osaka tokyo to manila po ang plano namin. first time namin sa japan, kailangan ba namin bumili ng jr pass? hingi po sana ako ng suggestion mo, kung ilang days namin kailangan mag stay ng osaka para makalibot and sa tokyo.. 10-13 days po kami mag stay ng japan.

If Osaka and Tokyo lang ang balak nyong puntahan and no side trips to other distant cities, you don’t need a JR Pass. This post explains it: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/

If 10 days, I suggest 6 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Osaka+Kyoto.

If 13 days, 7 days in Tokyo and 6 days in Osaka+Kyoto.

Can you recommend a travel agencies that organise the itinerary tokyo with disneyland

We haven’t tried having a travel agency organize our Japan trip for us, so we can’t recommend anyone. :(

hi, so we are going to Japan for the first time in August. I’ve only booked 6D/5N going to Tokyo…. Reading your articles, seems that is too short, waaaah :( Anyway, so just to confirm, if we stay in TOkyo we won’t be needing the JR pass right? How will we get around the city? Also, where do you think is the best area to stay as springboard to must-go places in Tokyo? The only sure place we will visit is Tokyo Disney as well as Mt. Fuji tour. What else can you recommend? Thanks in advance!

Yep, you DON’T need a JR Pass if you’re staying in Tokyo.

My favorite base is Ueno. We explained why in our TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE. You can find that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

Super thank you again!!! I’m going crazy making the itinerary…. All your articles are very helpful!

Hi Pwede po humingi ng soft copy of Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Iterynary. Thanks po

Do you have a itinerary for tokyo – hakone-mt fuji- kyoto- osaka- tokyo? Thanks.

Hi ask ko lng po if single entry lng ang visa. Can we enter in tokyo and exit in osaka? Or same exit din kame dapat kung saan ang point of entry nmin? Thank you!

Hi Chi, okay lang na magkaiba ang entry and exit points kahit single entry visa. Basta wag ka lang lalabas ng Japan tapos papasok ulit. :)

Hi! I love how comprehensive yet simple your website and itineraries are! May I know though if can replace Disney Sea/Land with Fuji Q, in your 8-day Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary? We have exactly 8 whole days for touring, that is excluding our arrival and departure days. We will travel this September na. Just got our visa. hehe

Hi Isla, yes, that’s possible. :) You can visit Fuji Q as a day trip from Tokyo. :)

hi Yoshke I will travel with my wife and two daughters age 18 and 20 to japan in march for 35 days. we will use the 21 day japan rail pass. we would like to visit Okinawa also. we fly out of Edmonton alberta Canada and will fly to okinowa first then return from Tokyo. this is our first trip to japan. could you help us with this itinery or suggest a good site for this period of time. Thank you and any help is appreciated.

Wow! 35 days! :D If I had that much time (and money), I would do it like this:

Days 1-5 Okinawa Days 5-9 Fukuoka & Nagasaki Days 9-12 Hiroshima Days 12-15 Tottori Days 15-20 Osaka & Kyoto Days 20-25 Nagoya/Gifu Days 25-29 Hokkaido Days 29-35 Tokyo

To maximize your JR Pass, use it first when you travel from Fukuoka to Hiroshima (Day 9). This will allow it to be effective until Day 29. when you travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo. This way, you have covered most long-distance trips.

Japan-Guide .com has an online forum too. Maybe you can post this on their forum. :D

Hi! I want to Travel to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto but I have roundtrip ticket MNL-NRT. No exact days yet since I can still rebook my flight but still with NRT. Is it okay not to get JR Pass? Or I do I need it to get back to Tokyo?

The number of days of your trip is a key factor in determining whether you need a JR Pass or not. So decide muna how long your trip is.

But yes, it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto and back even without JR Pass. You can take the bus.

hi Sir .. good day po . we’re planning to visit japan this november . 2 adult and 1 kid i saw your iteneray .. can you help me look for a budget hotel wre we can stay .gusto ko po sana na eto mga puntahan namin 7 days po tokyo kyota osaka wla po kase kayong hotel na nailagay. buget hotel po sna .. salamat

You may check out our individual travel guides for info and recommendations on WHERE TO STAY:

Osaka: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/what-to-do-in-osaka/

Kyoto: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/things-to-do-in-kyoto-itinerary/

Tokyo: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

I have a question on the itinerary particularly on Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days. 1. What type of pass or card recommended to use on this itinerary? Is PASMO card enough to use in all the transportation needed? 2. PASMO card is accepted also in OSAKA and Kyoto train/buses?

1. When is your trip? We will be publishing better, more cost-efficient sample itineraries later this month.

2. Yes, PASMO card is accepted by any train gate or bus with an IC reader. Not all buses have IC readers though, I think.

Hi. Would a single-entry visa suffice if we fly to Osaka then fly out from Tokyo?

Hi Louise, yes, as long as you’re not flying out of Japan in between!

Hi, Me and my brother are planning to explore Japan later this month for the first time. And we’ll be spending 10 days. Our flight will be MNL-OSAKA-MNL. What mode of transportation can you recommend if we want to go to Tokyo and come back to Osaka? And what are other itineraries can you recommend? Thank you so much.

Hi Rhona, if budget traveler kayo, okay i-take ang bus. Overnight bus, pwede rin para tipid.

We’ll be creating more sample itineraries soon!

Hi, paano mo gumawa ng itinerary templates for 7 days? Any app you can recommend? Love your blog and it’s so helpful! Thank you!

Hi Girlie, we make our itineraries based on experience lang.

Hello. I want to consider your 8 days / 7 days multi city itinerary, might follow it sa planned Japan trip. One question though, would want to include in the itinerary the visit to see Mt. Fuji. What route can you recommend in between those days? Thank you!

We would like to follow the 8 days intinerary (osaka – kyoto – tokyo ) 1. Do we need to get JR pass? 2.. in your itinerary , is it DIY? If so we need to buy all the tickets in advance thru klook or at site(japan) 3. Or you have arrange tour packages in agency?

Hope you can ease my mind and help me with this.

More power to you!

1. If your entry point is Osaka and exit is Narita/Haneda, no need for JR Pass. I’m assuming you’re taking the bus to Tokyo.

2. Yep, it’s DIY.

3. It’s DIY.

Hi Yoshke Dimen,

Greetings to you from Singapore.

I am planning a family trip of 10 days to Osaka/Nara/Kobe/Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka in mid Nov this year. My tentative itinerary is as follows. Appreciate for your input. TQVM.

Day 1 Arr at Osaka at night Day 2 Osaka city tour Day 3 Nara day tour with train from Osaka Day 4 Kobe day tour with train from Osaka Day 5 Leave for Nagoya from Osaka- Nagoya castle Day 6 Shirakawa-go day tour Day 7 Ohsukamon & Ohsu shopping street Day 8 Leave for Kyoto from Nagoya Day 9 Visit Kyoto Day 10 Leave from Kyoto to Osaka for afternoon flight to Sg

Is the route feasible & practical? Appreciate for your suggestions. TQVM.

Switch Day 3 and Day 4 so that you’ll visit Nara on Day 4. Then, get a 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass, which will cover your journey from Osaka to Nara, Osaka to Nagoya, and Nagoya to Kyoto. :)

Replace Day 7 with the Day 4 in the sample itinerary here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/05/nagoya-japan-travel-guide/

We will soon be updating this post because we now have better sample itineraries. But we’re still trying to find time to update.

Greetings from the Philippines

My friend and her 2 sons will visit(1st time) Japan this June 20 to 26. Our entry is at Narita Airport, We dont have yet a place but we plan to stay in Tokyo, would you recommend any please? Or if not in Tokyo, where? Thanks in advance!

Hi Donna, this post might help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/

Hi! I’m planning to follow your Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary but will tweak it a bit to make it a 10-day trip. Our itinerary is still flexible. I’m planning to add one full day for Universal Studios in Osaka, and another for a day tour in Mie, specifically in Nabana no Sato. Any tips on which pass/es to use and if it’s necessary to go back to Osaka or go directly to Kyoto? Thank you in advance!

Hi Margaret,

If you’re visiting Mie too, consider getting a Kintetsu Rail Pass. :)

Have you considered making a stop in Nagoya? It sits right between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo, and it’s the city closest to Nabana no Sato.

Hello! Thanks for replying. I’m thinking of adding Nagoya to our itinerary as well. Is a day tour to Shirakawa-go worth it in the spring season + Takayama (we’re travelling april 2020 btw)? Or should we go there in autumn/winter instead? Any suggestions for this itinerary? Thank you!

Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka (visit places covered by Osaka Amazing Pass) Day 2 – Universal Studios Japan + Dotonbori Day 3 – Nara Day Tour Day 4 – Transit to Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Gion District Day 5 – Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Transit to Nagoya Day 6 – Free morning + Nabana no Sato in the afternoon Day 7 – Nagoya Castle, Toyota Museum, Sakae District Day 8 – Transit to Tokyo, Ueno Park, Akihabara Day 9 – Shinjuku Day 10 – Shibuya, Harajuku Day 11 – Departure from Tokyo

Hi Margaret, yes, Shirakawa-go is worth it. Takayama is lovely too. I love small Japanese cities and villages so I’m a bit biased, haha.

I think your itinerary is good. A bit too fast-paced for me — I would insert a couple of free days — but since you only have 11 days and if you have the energy, go for it! :)

Hello Miss Yoshke Dimen,

I and my friends will be visiting Tokyo in October but we only plan to visit Hitachi Seaside Park, Tokyo Disneysea and Mt. Fuji. Is it practical to get the JR pass? We will be only be there for 5 days.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Russel, parang hindi practical for you.

Consider Tokyo Wide Pass. Covered nya Fuji, but I’m not sure about Hitachi Seaside Park. I think some parts of Ibaraki prefecture (where Hitachi Park is located) are covered though, di ko lang alam yung extent.

We’ll be travelling Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo by February 29 for 8 days trip with group of 8 adults and 1 child. please check if my itinerary is doable and any suggestion? Thank you so much!

Day 1 PM flight. Day 2 Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori Day 3 USJ Day 4 Kyoto Day Tour: Arashiyama, Fuji inari shrine, gion district Day 5 Tokyo: Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park??? Day 6: DisneySea Day 7: Shibuya, Akihabara Day 8 Manila

Hi Ana, it looks doable. My only comment is, Yoyogi Park is best if sa Day 7 rin since it’s located in Shibuya. Then ung Ueno Park and Akihabara naman yung magkalapit. :)

Maluwag yang itinerary na yan, which is okay if big group tapos may bata. :)

Hello! We already Visited Japan(tokyo, osaka, yokohama, atami) as a couple but we wanted to go back with kids this time. May you please suggest an itinerary that includes Disneyland, UStudios, hokkaido and other places that we have not visited yet. Thank you!

How many days do you have for that trip?

Hi, Do you have sample itinerary trip in Japan for 1 week during January. including skiing.

Hi, Yoshke!

Do you have a priced version of you Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days? Just so I could see the breakdown of the Php38,000.00, too.

By the way, thank you for the detailed itinerary. I’ll be sure to use your affiliate links. :)

Thanks, Rina

Hi Rina, unfortunately, I didn’t keep the breakdown when I made this. We’re planning to write a more detailed Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary with breakdown of expenses though, but not sure how soon we can do it as we’ll be hitting the road soon.

I’ll be touring Osaka (3days) -Kyoto (2days) -Tokyo (4days). I’ll be getting the JR pass but Im still confused if I ALSO need to get the ICOCA. Can I use the JR pass around Tokyo, or there’s a different pass for this? Thank you!

Hi Lei, as long as JR ang sasakyan mo, pwede mong gamitin ang valid na JR Pass.

If hindi JR yung train, you can buy a separate single ticket na lang or use ICOCA/SUICA. Depende yan sa specifics ng itinerary mo.

Hi do you have recommended itinerary for 12 days? Tokyo day 1-5 transit to Osaka day 6 then day 7-12 kansai region. Hope to hear from you. Thank you!

is the amount indicated like the osaka kyoto tokyo, around 38k, is that good for two or per person? We got a bit confused with the intro of this article. Just want to clarify. Thanks

Hi Patty, as stated, estimated budget is PER PERSON, but it’s assuming there are 2 people traveling and splitting the cost of accommodations.

If it’s confusing, we’ll probably revise the article and exclude hotel in the computation in the future.

Hi Yoshke! Your blog is so informative. Thank you for all the details. :) I would just like to ask help with the best itinerary for us, a family of 4 (kids are 10 and 1 yr 4 months). We will be going to Japan this coming Feb 10-19 and Osaka is our entry and exit. We are planning to tour Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo including USJ and Disney Sea if possible with the length of stay we have. Since we have a toddler with us and a senior citizen, can you give/suggest to us the best possible itinerary with the pass we need to buy? Hope to hear from you! Thank you very much!

Since Kansai Airport is both your entry and exit, visit Tokyo first. It’s always a good idea to visit the farthest destination first so you don’t stress yourself out trying to catch your flight out.

Day 1 – Arrival/Transit to Tokyo Day 2 – Disney Sea Day 3 – Shibuya (Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing) Day 4 – Transit to Osaka, Namba/Dotonbori Day 5 – Nara Day Tour Day 6 – Kyoto Day Tour Day 7 – Osaka Tour Day 8 – Universal Studios Japan Day 9 – Departure

If you want to take the train for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka, get a nationwide JR Pass and make sure that long distance trips (Osaka-Tokyo, Tokyo-Osaka, Osaka-Nara) are all within 7 days.

If you want to fly for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka instead, get separate city/regional passes na lang for the trains/subway.

Need your help if possible, this it our (adult son/me) first trip to Japan and we would like to visit everywhere but I know we can’t. I have already booked a hotel in Tokyo, purchased the 14 days JR pass and booked a couple of shows/places (below) which apparently sell out. Still pending to book the One Piece Tower/Park and Ghibli Museum. We are traveling during year end and I know many things are closed which is where am having a hard time. We want to spend a couple of days in Hokkaido/Sapporo and then go back to Tokyo, visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, etc. We want to visit Mt. Fuji, Bamboo Forest the Temples, the Golden Castle, and the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, the deer, Disney, etc. I know it’s a lot and have no clue where to go first b/c I don’t know what will be closing down for new years. I also need an idea for my son’s New Year’s birthday. How can I make the most of my trip and plan it to make it super worth it. We are from Miami, FL USA it’s a very long trip and not sure how many times I can go again.

DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM 27 Day 2 – 28 Day 3 – 29 Day 4 – 30 Day 5 – 31 Day 6 – JAN 1 Day 7 – My son’s birthday 2 Day 8 – 3 Day 9 – have tix for TEAMLAB BORDERLESS (TOKYO) ENTRANCE 12:00 noon 4 Day 10 – 5 Day 11 – 6 Day 12 – 7 Day 13 – 8 Day 14 – 9 Day 15 – have tix for YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM 10 Day 16 – 11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm

My concern is your TeamLab borderless visit is smack in the middle of your itinerary, which throws a wrench into any smooth-flowing itinerary I could suggest.

Is that final or can that visit be moved towards the end of your trip?

Thank you for response and trying to help us. It ca be moved..

To be honest, 17 days is too short for all the places you want to visit. But if you really want to visit all those, here’s a simplified itinerary.

Note, however, that the journey to and from Sapporo by train is looooong. That’s why I always recommend flying when going to or coming from Tokyo or anywhere south of it.

I also didn’t consider the days when some attractions are possibly closed (especially on the days around New Year’s Day).

DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM 27 Day 2 – Tokyo to Sapporo 28 Day 3 – Sapporo 29 Day 4 – Sapporo 30 Day 5 – Sapporo to Osaka 31 Day 6 – Osaka JAN 1 Day 7 – Nara Day Tour (son’s birthday) 2 Day 8 – Kyoto Day Tour 3 Day 9 – Osaka to Hiroshima 4 Day 10 – Hiroshima 5 Day 11 – Miyajima Day Tour 6 Day 12 – Hiroshima to Kanazawa 7 Day 13 – Kanazawa 8 Day 14 – Kanazawa to Tokyo 9 Day 15 – Tokyo, including YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM 10 Day 16 –Tokyo 11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm

My reco is to remove Sapporo. It’s beautiful but it’s out of the way.

If Sapporo is non-negotiable, then probably remove Kanazawa then maximize your stay in Tokyo (there’s A LOT TO DO IN TOKYO) or insert a destination in Tohoku Region just to break the long train journey from Sapporo to Osaka.

Thank you so much for the help. I will further research the New Years shut down for the attractions and see what I can remove / change. Again thank you so much for all the info it is greatly appreciated. I will definitely will need to plan more than one trip.

No prob, Rita. It’s really hard to build a Japan itinerary because there’s SO MUCH to see. :S

Sorry just noticed I had a few typos. I can change it for later in the trip, that is not a problem.

I know! I have been trying myself for a while, thank you so much for your help. I am very exited!! Will tell you all about it when I come back.

Hi!! Please help.. im planning to visit kyoto and nara for 2 days then ride a bus overnight to tokyo. Should i buy a pass? Hope you reply.. thanks!!

In Kansai, where will you be based?

Hi, ask lang po san po best mag palit ng currency dito na sa pilipinas o dun na po sa japan? Thanks

Thanks to these itinerary references to create my own itinerary and have a budget for every place to visit for the first time. Because of the pandemic, I still have more time to save money. :) I’m a big fan of this Blog. Try to listen also to their Podcast on Spotify to have more details about their travel experience.

Hi, we are planning for 10D9N trip (Tokyo – Nikko – Kurakama – Hakone – Mt Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko). Is JR tokyo wide pass + SUICA enough for us? thanks

Hi! Can you recommend an 8 day trip for Nagoya-Tokyo area? Or if you have a better suggestion for the itinerary, arrival and departure is in Nagoya. Thank you!!

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

⛩️ 10 Epic Days in Japan: A Unique & Active Itinerary

Japan, one of Asia’s most popular destinations , is home to shrines, cherry blossoms, hot springs, and the iconic Mt. Fuji.

Ten days is enough time to visit several of the country’s best travel spots and experience their top attractions.

This Japan itinerary visits the three major cities and covers two epic, off-the-beaten-path adventures . It’s ideal for those who want to visit the highlights while being active and adventurous. This post covers:

• 🗓️ 10-day unique itinerary
• ⭐️ Top attractions in 7 destinations
• 📍 Japan map with key places
• 💎 Hidden gems & firsthand tips
• 🏠 Where to stay
• ✏️ Japan trip planner

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Japan .

• Itinerary Route
• About This Itinerary
• Essential Tips
• 10-Day Itinerary
• Days 1-2: Tokyo
• Days 3-4: Mt. Fuji
• Days 5-6: Kyoto
• Days 7-8: Shimanami Kaido
• Day 9: Osaka, Hakone, or Nara
• Day 10: Departure
• With More Time

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Japan Itinerary Route

This itinerary takes you to some of  Japan’s best places :

• Tokyo – the most popular destination.
• Kyoto – the city of a thousand temples.
• Osaka – the city known as the kitchen of Japan.
• Mt. Fuji – one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
• Shimanami Kaido – a unique and tranquil biking route.

About This Japan Itinerary

This Japan itinerary efficiently sequences attractions and activities the island country is famous for. It gives you the opportunity to:

• Hike to the summit of the iconic Mt. Fuji
• Visit famous shrines and relax in onsens
• Bike through six Japanese islands
• Eat your way through several diverse markets
• Marvel at modern landscapes mixed with nature

6 Essential Tips for Visiting Japan

Before getting into the itinerary, here are practical tips to know when traveling to Japan.

🎟️ 1. Consider getting the Japan Rail Pass.

Public transport is the best way to get around Japan . Trains in Japan are efficient, well-maintained, and widespread.

The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited rides on JR trains, including bullet trains (called Shinkansen), for a set period. Although it’s not cheap, the pass is usually worth it if you want to save significant time when traveling long distances on a high-speed bullet train.

I recommend getting the 7-day JR pass for this Japan itinerary like I did. The pass made traveling more  convenient  and helped me  save money .

🍙 2. Shop at Japan’s convenience stores.

Japan’s convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson, are clean, affordable, and provide great fast food options. They will even heat refrigerated meals for you.

Convenience stores can be found everywhere in Japan, including prominent tourist locations and rural areas.

Many visitors traveling to Japan experience jet lag, so they tend to wake up early to see the top attractions when it’s least crowded. These convenience stores not only provide quick breakfast options early in the morning, but they’re also great places to stop for snacks.

I visited a convenience store almost every morning , including right before I hiked to the top of Mount Fuji , an experience featured in this itinerary.

☀️ 3. Travel to Japan during the summer or fall.

Japan has two peak seasons when the country is stunning:

• Spring (March to early April) – when the cherry blossoms bloom
• Fall (September to November) – when the autumn foliage covers Japan in shades of red and orange

However, the best time to travel is  between July and September  if you want to experience fewer crowds or hike Mount Fuji . 

Mt. Fuji’s hiking season lasts only two months every year, between early July to early September.

Learn what Japan is like in September or December .

💰 4. Carry yen bills and coins.

Japan’s official currency is the yen. Major businesses accept credit cards, but many places are still cash-only .

In some cases, you’ll even need to carry coins . For example, coins are needed for coin-operated luggage storage, bathrooms on Mt. Fuji, and vending machines.

This Japan cost breakdown shares all the places where I needed cash.

🥾 5. Pack like you’re going to exercise.

Pack a few pieces of athletic clothing , as Japan can be hot and humid, and you’ll likely be walking a lot.

Many tourists, including myself, wear hiking shoes that double as rain boots during the rainy or typhoon season.

In this Japan itinerary, you’ll also do a medium-hard hike and two days of cycling at your own pace.

✈️ 6. Fly into Tokyo.

Japan has five international airports in Tokyo, Osaka, Chiba, and Aichi.

If this is your first time visiting Japan, you’ll likely want to fly into Tokyo . It’s convenient and a great place to start and end your trip .

• Haneda Airport (HND) – This is the better airport to fly into as it’s located in Tokyo. Haneda Airport is about a 30-minute train ride or 45-minute bus ride into the city’s central area. I flew in and out of this airport.
• Narita Airport (NRT) – Narita Airport is another popular international airport near Tokyo, but it’s a two-hour train ride from the city’s center, so it’s much further out.

Learn other  practical tips when traveling to Japan .

This map has all the  recommended places  in the Japan travel itinerary below.

10-Day Itinerary for Japan

Below is a great way to spend ten days in Japan. To help you plan efficiently, I’ve included  suggested times for each activity  based on my firsthand experience.

The Japan trip planner below has this itinerary prefilled.

All prices mentioned here are in USD 💵 .

Tokyo (Days 1-2)

Fly into Tokyo and start your Japan trip there.

🇯🇵 Why Visit Tokyo?

Tokyo is Japan’s most visited city. It’s a metropolis with a plethora of authentic food, outdoor spaces, modern architecture , and distinct districts with unique atmospheres.

With endless attractions and activities, it’s a great city that acts as an excellent introduction to Japan for travelers with varying knowledge of Japanese culture .

Tokyo also has many green spaces and local parks, like Yoyogi Park and Hibiya Park, if you want to start leisurely after an international flight.

🚇 Getting to Tokyo

From Haneda Airport, public transport is the best way to get to central Tokyo. From the airport, most visitors travel to one of the city’s major train stations:

• Shibuya Station – Take the Keikyu Airport Line or the Tokyo Monorail, then transfer to the Yamanote Line to Shibuya. You can check out the famous Shibuya Crossing here as your first stop.
• Shinjuku Station – The most direct and easiest way to get to Shinjuku is to take the Haneda-Airport Limousine Bus. This is how I got to Tokyo because my accommodation was nearby and it only cost $9.
• Tokyo Station – You can take the Keikyu Airport Line or the Tokyo Monorail to the station, then transfer to one of the many other lines.

⭐️ Top Attractions in Tokyo

Tokyo has enough attractions that you could spend more than a week exploring them and still not exhaust all of them .

With two days in Tokyo, the best way to explore it is by splitting the city into West and East Tokyo . You can start on either side.

🗓️ Day 1 in West Tokyo

Here are West Tokyo’s biggest attractions, sequenced in the most efficient order:

Stop #1: Shibuya Scramble Crossing

The Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world and one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. You can come here as your first stop or at any time you want.

Shibuya Crossing is almost always busy, but it’s busiest on weekdays between 3 and 6 pm.

💰 Admission Fee : Free ☀️ Opening Hours : 24/7

If you want some coffee to start your day, Tokyo has a lot of cafes. You can also try coffee with more unique combinations. For example, Komeda’s Coffee is a Japanese chain that serves sweet red beans with coffee , which I found delicious.

Stop #2: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku

Meiji Jingu is one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines and is surrounded by a beautiful park. The park is next to Harajuku, a bustling area famous for its eccentric youth street fashion .

💰 Admission Fee : Free ☀️ Opening Hours : Meiji Shrine is open from sunrise to sunset

As you consider your lunch options , know that Tokyo has an abundance of delicious local restaurants, but they’re not always easy to find. To find excellent, authentic restaurants, use Tabelog, a free Japanese crowdsourcing website .

Stop #3: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

After the chaotic streets of Harajuku, go on a leisurely walk through Shinjuku’s national garden. The garden features three beautiful gardens and is particularly stunning in the fall.

💰 Admission Fee : 500 yen (approximately $3) , advanced tickets not necessary ☀️ Opening Hours : 9 am–4 pm

Stop #4: Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Government Building

Visit Shibuya Sky for a breathtaking view of Tokyo around sunset. You’ll also see the iconic Shibuya Scramble from above during a busy time.

💰 Admission Fee : Starts at 2,200 yen (approximately $15) ☀️ Opening Hours : 10 am–10:30 pm

If you don’t want to avoid paying Shibuya Sky’s admission fee, the Tokyo Government Building features free observation decks on its 45th floor, which also has a stunning view of Tokyo’s skyline.

💰 Admission Fee : Free ☀️ Opening Hours : 8:30 am– 5 pm, closed on weekends

Stop #5: Roppongi or Night Food Tour

At night, head over to Roppongi, Tokyo’s biggest nightlife district.

Alternatively, if you’re a foodie or want to learn about Japanese cuisine , go on a highly-rated food and bar night walking tour .

Return to itinerary ↑

🗓️ Day 2 in East Tokyo

Here are East Tokyo’s top attractions sequenced efficiently:

Stop #1: Asakusa

Asakusa is a historic area featuring temples in a traditional atmosphere . Senso-Ji Temple is the most well-known temple in the area.

The area is packed with street food stalls serving everything from dango (mochi on a stick) to crispy curry bread, meaning you can spend over an hour doing a food crawl here.

💰 Admission Fee : Free ☀️ Opening Hours : Varies by store, but typically 10 am–7 pm

Asakusa is next to the Sumida River , which is lined with landmarks and attractions. You can take a boat ride if you have extra time, or you can do the ride on your last day.

Stop #2: Tokyo Skytree or Ueno Park

You can stay in Asakusa longer, but visit Tokyo Skytree, the city’s tallest building , if you want to move on.

Alternatively, take a short train ride to Ueno Park, Tokyo’s biggest public area .

💰 Tokyo Skytree Admission Fee : Starts at 1,800 yen (approximately $12) 💰 Ueno Park Admission Fee : Free, but some facilities have a small fee

Japan is generally very cycling-friendly . You can take a half-day Tokyo biking tour through some hidden gems. This is one of the tours I wish I had taken in Tokyo.

Stop #3: Ginza

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most famous and upscale shopping districts . UNIQLO’s and MUJI’s flagship stores are located in Ginza. Both buildings have over six floors of goods from two of Japan’s most internationally-recognized brands.

☀️ Opening Hours : Varies by store, but most open at 10 am

For more affordable clothing , check out UNIQLO’s sister store, GU. Japanese clothing styles tend to be oversized, and the clothing proportions are excellent for short and medium-height people .

Stop #4: Akihabara

Akihabara is a famous district known for anime , video games, manga, electronics, and maid cafes.

If you’re unfamiliar with anime, you can still spend an hour or two playing arcade games , watching pros win at claw machine games, or exploring electronics stores.

Akihabara is near the famous Tsukiji Fish Market . I recommend skipping it and using Tabelog to find alternative places to eat. While the food at the market is decent, it primarily caters to tourists and is overpriced .

🏠 Where To Stay in Tokyo

You’ll be relying on trains when exploring Tokyo, so staying  near a major and central train station  like Shinjuku, Tokyo, or Shibuya Station is a good idea.

I stayed in two hotels in the Shinjuku and Nihombashi areas (the latter is near the Tokyo Station):

• Hotel near Shinjuku Train Station: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku
• Hotel near Tokyo Train Station: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nihombashi Kayabacho

Like many hotel rooms in Japan, my rooms were tiny . I didn’t mind because I spent very little time in them, and I wanted to prioritize affordable hotels that were centrally located.

🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for Tokyo

Having been to Tokyo twice, here are my general tips for visiting this city:

• Skip things if it’s too much – Tokyo can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to visit many of the top attractions in a few days. The itinerary above is packed. Don’t feel you need to do everything, so skip things to fit your travel pace and interests better.
• Learn to use Tabelog – Tokyo’s abundance of amazing food is unparalleled. But it’s also crowded with overpriced, touristy restaurants. Learn how to use the  free Japanese crowdsourcing website Tabelog  to find authentic food.

• Have a slower day if you’re hiking Mt. Fuji next – I hiked Mt. Fuji on my third day in Japan, and if you’re planning to do the same as this itinerary suggests, make sure to rest well the day before.

Hike Mount Fuji (Days 3-4)

On your third day in Japan, travel east for an epic sunrise hike.

🌋 Why Visit Mt. Fuji?

Mt. Fuji is an iconic landmark that has been culturally significant for centuries. It is Japan’s highest mountain, one of its most enduring symbols, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While many visitors visit Mt. Fuji from afar, hiking to the top is a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience . About 300,000 locals and visitors hike Mt. Fuji annually, meaning less than 1% of the 30 million visitors do it.

Hiking to the summit is challenging (it’s not an easy hike), but you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds and a feeling of personal achievement.

Mt. Fuji is  open for hiking only two months  yearly, from early July to early September. If you can’t make it during the hiking season, you can take a  five-star Mt. Fuji day trip  to admire its beauty from afar and then spend an extra day in Kyoto.

🚇 Getting to Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji has four distinct trails that you can take to the top. The trails start in different areas, so how you get to the trailheads varies by trail.

In general, you will need to take a train and bus to get to one of its trailheads from Tokyo.

I did the Subashiri Trail , the most scenic route on Mt. Fuji, which starts near Gotemba City. I took a local train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Gotemba Station. I caught a direct bus near the station to the trailhead.

🍀 Lukiih’s Tips on Climbing Mt. Fuji

Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji was one of the best things I did in Japan. The experience was remarkable, and I recommend it to anyone who can do it.

For some people, this hike will require some physical and mental preparation . It’s not an easy hike, and you should take it seriously (several hikers mistakenly don’t every year).

This Mt. Fuji hiking guide details everything you need to know.

Kyoto (Days 5-6)

On the fourth day, descend Mt. Fuji and take the train to Kyoto. Relax at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

Ryokans are usually attached to onsens (hot springs) and provide a set dinner, making them the perfect place to relax after hiking. I stayed at a ryokan on the outskirts of Kyoto .

⛩️ Why Visit Kyoto?

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most beloved big cities. It has preserved its historic architecture and traditional atmosphere while developing into a modern city.

Kyoto is nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Temples” for a good reason. The city is home to thousands of famous temples and shrines that attract visitors from around the world.

It’s also well known for its Japanese gardens, natural beauty, and geisha culture.

🚇 Getting to Kyoto

From one of Mt. Fuji’s towns (e.g., Gotemba City), you can take a train to Kyoto Train Station.

Kyoto Station is the city’s largest railway station, connecting trains, subways, and bullet train lines.

⭐️ Top Attractions in Kyoto

When planning your Kyoto trip, it’s a good idea to space out your temple visits and give yourself enough time to appreciate them. This itinerary does just that and balances top attractions with different activities.

🗓️ Day 5 in Kyoto

Here’s how to efficiently see some of Kyoto’s top attractions on the first day there:

Stop #1: Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a historic and scenic district where visitors can spend half a day to a full day exploring its many attractions.

Its most famous attraction is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (get there before 9 am to avoid some of the crowd). Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Tenryu-Ji temple, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park are also popular.

💰 Admission Fee : Varies by attractions. Most are free, while others, like the Monkey Park, have small admission fees.

While I enjoyed many of Arashiyama’s main attractions, I also highly recommend walking further north to explore all the smaller, less crowded temples that cost about $3 each. One of my favorite ones is the small, mossy Gioji Temple.

Stop #2: Nishiki Market

Head over to the famous Nishiki Market for lunch. Nicknamed “ Kyoto’s Kitchen ,” this market is filled with food stalls selling skewered meats, matcha-flavored desserts, seafood, pickled vegetables, and more.

Tako tamago , octopus stuffed with quail egg, is one of Nishiki Market’s most popular snacks .

💰 Admission Fee : Free for entering the market ☀️ Opening Hours : Varies by stall, but typically 9 am–6 pm

If you want to sample and learn about the history of the food from a local guide , go on this highly-rated food and cultural walking tour of the Nishiki Market .

Stop #3: Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Kinkaku-ji

After lunch, visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic Buddhist temples, which offers scenic views and is an architectural marvel (its main hall was built entirely without a single nail).

💰 Admission Fee : Less than 500 yen (less than $4) ☀️ Opening Hours : 6 am–6 pm

Alternatively, travel further to see Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion.” The building’s beauty will be immediately apparent .

💰 Admission Fee : Starts at 400 yen (less than $3) ☀️ Opening Hours : 9 am–5 pm

Stop #4: Gion

At night, walk around the Gion district, known for its geisha culture, teahouses, and traditional art. Its streets are decorated with lights, making it a pretty area to stroll through at night.

Finding a great place to eat on the weekend in popular Gion can be challenging, so  make a reservation  or have several ideas on where to eat. I was lucky to get a spot at Arakawa, a cozy  yakiniku  restaurant serving delicious grilled meat.

🗓️ Day 6 in Kyoto

Here’s an optimized itinerary for the second day in Kyoto:

Stop #1: Fushimi Inari Taisha

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is Kyoto’s  most famous Shinto shrine , with around 10,000 red Torii Gates.

While many tourists only visit the beginning of the gates, you can spend over an hour “hiking” through them . The earlier and higher you go, the fewer crowds you’ll experience.

Stop #2: Nanzen-ji Temple or Imperial Palace

If you’re up for another temple, visit Nanzen-ji Temple, which has a  stunning garden  and surroundings. It’s also walking distance from the next attraction.

Alternatively, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace to learn more about Japan’s history or are tired of temples.

💰 Nanzen-ji Admission Fee : Parts of Nanzen-ji have a small entrance fee (less than 500 yen) 💰 Imperial Palace Admission Fee : Free

Stop #3: Philosopher’s Path

After visiting two big attractions, enjoy a more tranquil stroll through a scenic walkway called the Philosopher’s Path.

The path has smaller, hidden temples that you can check out, but you can simply walk on the path the entire time and enjoy the atmosphere .

As mentioned before, Japan is very cyclist-friendly . If you’d rather pass through the Philosopher’s Path and other smaller gems while on a bike, you can do that with rental bikes and a local guide .

Stop #4: Onsen or Massage

End your day in Kyoto by booking a relaxing massage or taking a dip in an onsen in Kyoto.

I walked into a random massage place and got an amazing massage for less than $30.

🏠 Where To Stay in Kyoto

When in Kyoto, it’s a good idea to stay near a major, central station like Kyoto Station.

I stayed at JP Inn , which is a convenient ten-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The accommodation is on a tranquil street with a traditional atmosphere. The rooms are modern and very spacious for Japan, with an in-unit washer and dryer.

🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for Kyoto

Like many other visitors, Kyoto was my favorite city out of Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. The combination of traditional architecture in a city landscape is incredibly unique.

Here are my general tips for visiting Kyoto:

• Prioritize visiting famous attractions early in the morning – Given how crowded Kyoto’s top attractions are, it’s a good idea to select the top attractions you want to visit early in the morning to minimize crowds. For the itinerary above, I suggest visiting Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari Shrine on different days for this reason.
• Spend some time wandering local streets – You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and explore the more authentic side of the city this way.
• Aim to visit two to four temples at most per day – Kyoto has over 1,000 temples, and it’s tempting to see as many as possible. Pace yourself and give yourself the time to enjoy each temple or shrine.

Cycle the Shimanami Kaido (Days 7-8)

After Kyoto, get ready to cycle through six Japanese islands.

🚲 Why Cycle the Shimanami Kaido?

The Shimanami Kaido is a 37-mile cycling route passing through six Japanese islands in the Hiroshima and Ehime prefectures. A large portion of the path is next to the ocean, so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views in a largely tranquil area .

While the Shimanami Kaido is considered a “famous” cycling route, it’s not a crowded, sought-after activity among many tourists, so it’s a unique experience .

The route also has several attractions , restaurants, souvenir shops, and views that you can stop at. One of my favorite stops was a roadside vendor that sells divine salted ice cream .

🚇 Getting to the Shimanami Kaido

You can start the Shimanami Kaido from either end of the route: in Onomichi City or Imabari City.

I took the train from Kyoto to the Onomichi Station to start my ride there.

🍀 Lukiih’s Tips for the Shimanami Kaido

The Shimanami Kaido, along with  hiking Mt. Fuji , was a highlight of my Japan trip . I should add that while I’m not a cyclist, I am comfortable on a bike.

Here’s everything you need to know about cycling the Shimanami Kaido .

Day Trip: Osaka, Hakone or Nara (Day 9)

After finishing the Shimanami Kaido on the eighth day, you can take a train from the Imabari Station (where the cycling path ends) to the next major destination of your choice.

At this point of your Japan trip, you will have seen many attractions, hiked Japan’s tallest mountain, and cycled through several islands. How you spend your last two days in Japan depends on what else you want to see and experience.

Below are three great destinations that are ideal for a day trip and are located between Imabari City and Tokyo.

Osaka (Option 1)

🤔 Why Visit : Osaka is one of the three major cities in Japan often included in first-time visitors’ trips. Called the “Kitchen of Japan,” it is best known for its food culture and culinary prowess.

📍 Location : Osaka is three hours east of Shimanami Kaido and two-and-a-half hours west of Tokyo by train, making it an ideal midpoint for this itinerary.

Osaka has one of Japan’s major international airports, Kansai International Airport (KIX). You can fly out of here to spend two days in Osaka instead of returning to Tokyo.

⭐️ Top Attractions : Osaka’s top attractions are:

• Osaka Castle – a historically significant icon.
• Dotonbori – an entertainment district known for its neon lights.
• Osaka Aquarium – one of Japan’s most impressive aquariums.
• Kuromon Ichiba Market – one of the city’s most bustling markets filled with diverse food.

This award-winning food tour in Osaka takes you through the backstreets of the city to sample traditional food .

🍀 Lukiih’s Experience : I spent a full day in Osaka and could only prioritize three out of the four attractions above, so be prepared to be unable to do everything in a day.

Having visited Kyoto and seen many of its impressive temples, I would skip Osaka Castle if you have limited time. However, I found the Osaka Aquarium more unique and well-designed than expected.

Hakone (Option 2)

🤔 Why Visit : Hakone is a picturesque town surrounded by beautiful nature and renowned for its  onsens  (natural hot springs). It’s also one of the few towns where you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day.

📍 Location : Hakone is six hours east of the Shimanami Kaido and two hours west of Tokyo, making it a good spot to be closer to Tokyo towards the end of your trip.

⭐️ Top Attractions : Hakone’s top attractions are:

• Hakone Open-Air Museum – a unique museum featuring art that interacts with the outdoor environment.
• Lake Ashi – one of Hakone’s most iconic natural attractions.
• Owakudani – a volcanic valley and a natural wonder.

🍀 Lukiih’s Experience : I went to Hakone for the onsens. I stayed at a beautiful ryokan with a private onsen, which was ideal after an active, busy trip.

I got to experience Hakone during the fall season, and even the train ride to this town was stunning.

Nara (Option 3)

🤔 Why Visit : Nara has gone viral on social media because it has free-roaming deer that bow to visitors. Besides its virality, Nara is a city known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful nature.

📍 Location : Nara is four hours east of the Shimanami Kaido and three hours west of Tokyo, making it another great midpoint for this itinerary.

⭐️ Top Attractions : Nara’s top attractions are:

• Todai-ji Temple – the city’s most famous temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Nara Park – home of all the free-roaming deer.
• Kasuga Taisha Shrine – a famous Shinto shrine.

If you’re not tired of being on a bike at this point, you can see the top attractions on a Nara half-day biking tour .

🍀 Lukiih’s Experience : I ended up skipping Nara, but from what I’ve heard, it seems like a great place to visit if you like interacting with deer. Many visitors find it delightful to run into a free-roaming deer while wandering the streets of Nara.

Depart From Tokyo or Osaka (Day 10)

If you go to Osaka on day 9, you can fly out of Osaka’s international airport. If you go to Hakone or Nara, take a train to Tokyo for your last day in Japan.

During your last day in Tokyo, I recommend prioritizing delicious meals using the Tabelog website and shopping at stores like Don Quixote, a Japanese megastore, for souvenirs and unique snacks to bring home.

If you want to do something more relaxing, consider taking a two-hour river cruise down the Sumida River , which is a great way to end your Japan trip.

How much will a trip set you back? I share my travel expenses in this Japan budget breakdown .

With More Time: 2-Week Itinerary for Japan

If you have extra days in Japan, extending your time and modifying the itinerary above is easy. Below are two options for what an optimized Japan itinerary can look like for two weeks.

Two weeks is how long I traveled during my second Japan trip . My actual trip resembled the first option more, but I wished I had visited more areas like the second option below.

🗓️ 14-Day Japan Itinerary (Option 1: More Depth)

You can easily extend your stay in any major city: Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. Each has enough to do for  at least three to five days .

If you want to minimize moving around different places, an optimized two-week itinerary for Japan can look like this:

• Tokyo – 3 days
• Mt. Fuji – 2 days
• Kyoto – 3 days
• Shimanami Kaido – 2 days
• Osaka – 2 days
• Tokyo – 2 days

🗓️ 14-Day Japan Itinerary (Option 2: More Breadth)

Alternatively, if you want more breadth, you can see many places during your first trip to Japan. You can visit up to nine different cities and towns in two weeks, but this can get tiring for some travelers.

If you want to visit more places, an optimized two-week itinerary for Japan can look like this (you should feel comfortable skipping one or two places if it’s too much):

• Hakone – 1 day
• Kyoto – 2 days
• Hiroshima – 1 day
• Osaka – 1 day
• Kobe – 1 day
• Nara – 1 day
• Tokyo – 1 days

Japan Trip Planner 2024

To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.

My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Japan Travel Guides

• 🇯🇵 Planning a Trip to Japan: 11 Practical Things To Know
• ⛩️ 10 Epic Days in Japan: A Unique & Active Itinerary
• 💰 My 2024 Japan Trip Cost: A Budget Breakdown
• 🌋 Hiking Mt. Fuji: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🚲 Cycling the Shimanami Kaido: Firsthand Review & Tips
• ⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🙅🏻‍♀️ Etiquette in Japan: 13 Things Tourists Should Not Do
• ☀️ Visiting Japan in September: Tips & What To Know
• ❄️ Visiting Japan in December: Tips & What To Know

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The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – In 2018, Tokyo’s main fish market moved to Toyosu, which is twice the size of the old one, Tsukiji, making it the largest in the world. While a lot of good restaurants moved too (Sushi Dai being the most famous), I find the place itself very stale, since you can no longer wander the floor (you look down via a walkway above; you also need a visitor’s pass to enter).

The old outer market in Tsukiji is still great though, and you can still find food and stores there too. You can wander alone and just eat and shop until you can’t anymore! Most businesses open at 6am, so it’s a perfect place to go in the morning when you wake up early because of jet lag. Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo. Though you can’t go inside (or get very close), the building is amazing. It is surrounded by lovely grounds and a park, and there’s a moat around the stone walls. You can also see the changing of the guard, though it’s a relatively low-key and unassuming ceremony.

Watch a sumo match – Kokugikan, Japan’s most famous sumo arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The wrestling that we see today dates to the 17th century, though its origins go back even further, and it’s still one of the most popular traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do! Tickets sell out quickly, so act fast. You can book a ticket online here (you’ll be accompanied by a guide too, so you can learn more about the tradition as it unfolds before your eyes).

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion, the historic geisha district, is renowned as being one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town. It’s known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (known locally as geiko) culture. Lining the main street are ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), small shops, and many restaurants, ranging from upscale kaiseki restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine to casual eateries.

To really learn more about this amazing party of town and its past, take a walking tour of Gion . You’ll learn a ton and get a lot of context. They cost around 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. It’s not that big, but there are some hidden areas to explore. Just make sure to arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds (it fills up fast after sunrise).

While there, I would also recommend visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, which (along with the home) belonged to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it’s really nice and has some wonderful views.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. Originally established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was soon converted into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country. There’s also a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony ( chanoyu ) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

Wander the Nishiki Market Nishiki Ichiba is now one of the biggest indoor markets in town. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over five blocks, it is full of vendors selling traditional dishes from the region, classic Kyoto souvenirs, and really just about anything else. There are over a hundred stalls here, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Opening hours depend on the shop but are typically from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese food culture, you can take a food tour of the market . It’s the best way to learn about all the food you’ll see, as well as the market’s history.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Discover the tropical paradise of Okinawa, Japan, a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan, is a chain of islands boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant coral reef, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Experience the Ryukyuan culture through traditional music, dance, and crafts, and savor the unique Okinawan cuisine, known for its health benefits. Visit the World Heritage sites like Shuri Castle, and pay respects at the Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of WWII. Okinawa's subtropical climate makes it a year-round destination. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Okinawa offers an unforgettable journey.

6 -Day Itinerary

Exploring motobu and naha.

Start your day with a visit to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium , one of the largest aquariums in the world. Here, you can see a wide variety of marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays.

Enjoy a traditional Okinawan lunch, which typically includes dishes like goya champuru (bitter melon stir fry) and Okinawa soba.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Ocean Expo Park , where you can enjoy beautiful tropical gardens and a native Okinawan village.

Have dinner at a local izakaya, where you can try a variety of small dishes, such as sashimi, yakitori, and tempura.

Take a leisurely stroll along Kokusai Street, known for its bustling nightlife, shops, and street food stalls.

Historic Naha

Visit the historic Shuri Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try Okinawan cuisine, such as goya champuru and Okinawa soba.

Explore the Tsuboya Pottery District , where you can see traditional Okinawan pottery being made and even try your hand at it.

Enjoy a traditional Okinawan dinner, which often includes dishes like goya champuru and Okinawa soba.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Naha Harbor Diner, where you can enjoy the beautiful night view of the city.

Itoman and Naha's History and Culture

Start your day with a visit to the Peace Memorial Park , a park dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum , where you can learn about the history and culture of Okinawa.

Okinawan Culture and Nature in Nanjo

Start your day with a visit to the Okinawa World , a theme park that showcases Okinawan culture and nature.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Gyokusendo Cave , the second largest cave in Okinawa, located within the Okinawa World .

Beaches and Ruins in Nakijin

Start your day with a visit to the Kouri Island , known for its beautiful beaches and the Kouri Bridge, the longest toll-free bridge in Japan.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Nakijin Castle Ruins , a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Natural Wonders in Kunigami

Start your day with a visit to the Cape Hedo , the northernmost point of Okinawa, known for its stunning cliffs and views of the ocean.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Daisekirinzan , a natural park known for its unique rock formations and subtropical forest.

Attractions in Itinerary ( 12 )

1 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life including whale sharks and manta rays.

2 Ocean Expo Park

A large park in Motobu, Okinawa, that houses the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

3 Shuri Castle

A Ryukyuan gusuku in Shuri, Okinawa. Between 1429 and 1879, it was the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

4 Tsuboya Pottery District

A district known for its traditional Okinawan pottery, with many shops and studios open to the public.

5 Peace Memorial Park

A park dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II.

6 Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum

A museum showcasing Okinawa's history, culture, and art.

7 Okinawa World

A theme park showcasing Okinawan culture, including a recreated traditional village, a snake museum, and a limestone cave.

8 Gyokusendo Cave

Okinawa's largest cave that offers a unique underground experience.

9 Kouri Island

A small island connected to Okinawa's main island by a bridge, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.

10 Nakijin Castle Ruins

A UNESCO World Heritage site that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the ocean.

11 Cape Hedo

Cape Hedo is the northernmost point of Okinawa Island, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. It's also home to a monument dedicated to peace and friendship between Japan and the United States.

12 Daisekirinzan

Daisekirinzan is a sacred site known for its unique rock formations, walking paths, and stunning views. It's considered a power spot, a place of strong spiritual energy.

Local Food and Drinks ( 12 )

Goya Champuru

A popular Okinawan stir-fry dish made with bitter melon (goya), tofu, eggs, and pork. It's a staple in Okinawan cuisine and a must-try for its unique flavor.

Sata Andagi

These are Okinawan sweet deep-fried doughnuts. They are crispy on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside. A popular treat in Okinawa.

Okinawa Soba

A noodle soup dish that is a staple in Okinawa. It's made with wheat noodles, pork, and a savory broth.

This is a traditional Okinawan dish made from pig's ears. They are typically boiled, sliced thin, and served with a peanut sauce.

A classic Okinawan dish made from pork belly that's been slow-cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and awamori (Okinawan liquor).

A traditional Okinawan alcoholic beverage made from rice. It's often served straight, on the rocks, or with water.

A popular local beer in Okinawa. It's light, crisp, and refreshing, making it a perfect drink for the tropical climate of Okinawa.

A fusion dish popular in Okinawa that combines elements of Mexican and Japanese cuisine. It consists of taco-flavored ground beef served over rice.

Also known as sea grapes or green caviar, this is a type of seaweed that's popular in Okinawa. It's often served with a dipping sauce as an appetizer.

Shikuwasa Juice

A refreshing beverage made from shikuwasa, a citrus fruit native to Okinawa. It's tart and sweet, similar to a lime or lemonade.

Mozuku Seaweed

A type of seaweed that's popular in Okinawa. It's often served in a vinegar dressing as an appetizer.

Beni Imo Tart

A dessert made from beni imo, a purple sweet potato that's native to Okinawa. The tart is sweet and creamy, with a distinct purple color.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Okakina, Japan is typically from late March to early May when the weather is mild and the island's iconic cherry blossoms are in bloom. Another great time is from October to November when the weather is comfortable and the autumn foliage is beautiful. However, if you're interested in diving or beach activities, the summer months from June to September offer warm sea temperatures, despite being Okinawa's rainy season.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

How to get around

Okinawa's public transportation is not as developed as in other parts of Japan, so renting a car is a popular option for tourists. It provides the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. International driving permits are required for foreign drivers.

There are bus services that cover Okinawa Main Island and some of the smaller islands. The Okinawa Bus is the main operator on the main island, with routes connecting Naha with other cities. The buses are reliable but can be infrequent in rural areas.

The Okinawa Monorail, also known as Yui Rail, operates in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa. It runs from Naha Airport to the city center, making stops at key attractions like Shuri Castle and Kokusai Street.

Taxis are readily available in Okinawa, especially in Naha and other urban areas. They can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked in advance. Taxis are metered and can be a convenient option for short distances.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber are not widely available in Okinawa. However, there are local apps like JapanTaxi that operate similarly, allowing you to book a taxi from your smartphone.

Ferries are a common way to travel between the islands of the Okinawa archipelago. There are regular services from Naha to the Kerama Islands, Miyako Island, and Ishigaki Island, among others.

Cycling is a popular way to get around in Okinawa, especially on the smaller islands. Many places offer bicycle rentals. However, be aware that Okinawa is hilly and can be hot, so this option may be physically demanding.

Walking is a viable option in the more compact areas of Okinawa, such as Naha city center. Many of the main attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance of each other.

Important information

Currency ¥ JPY

Time zone UTC+9

Driving side Left

Emergency phone Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110

Drinking water Yes

Power sockets

Voltage 100 V

Things to know about Okinawa, Japan as a first time visitor

Okinawa has a subtropical climate, meaning it is generally warm and humid throughout the year. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 89°F (32°C), while winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 59°F (15°C).

The official language is Japanese, but the local dialect, Uchinaguchi, is also spoken. English is not widely spoken, so it may be helpful to learn some basic Japanese phrases.

The currency used in Okinawa is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or street vendors.

Okinawa is known for its unique Ryukyuan culture, which is distinct from mainland Japan. This includes traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Okinawa's cuisine is unique and heavily influenced by its history and geography. Don't miss trying local specialties like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), Okinawa soba, and awamori (local liquor).

Okinawa follows Japan Standard Time (JST), which is 9 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+9).

Public transportation in Okinawa is reliable but not extensive. Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Driving is on the left side of the road, and an international driving permit is required for foreign drivers.

Okinawa is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Remember to respect the marine life and avoid touching or disturbing the coral reefs.

Typhoon season in Okinawa runs from June to November. Be sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Okinawa has a slower pace of life compared to mainland Japan. Embrace the local philosophy of 'nuchi du takara' (life is a treasure) and take the time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Tipping is not customary in Japan, including Okinawa. Good service is expected and is included in the price.

Okinawa has a rich history, particularly related to World War II. It's important to be respectful when visiting war memorials and historical sites.

Okinawa is home to many unique species of flora and fauna. Be respectful of the wildlife and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.

The Okinawan people are known for their longevity, with one of the highest rates of centenarians in the world. This is often attributed to their healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Okinawa has a unique tradition of pottery called 'yachimun'. You can visit pottery villages and even try your hand at making your own.

The traditional Okinawan garment is the 'bingata', a brightly colored fabric with unique patterns. It's a popular souvenir and can be found in many local shops.

Okinawa has a strong tradition of martial arts, being the birthplace of karate. You may have the opportunity to watch or even participate in a karate class.

Okinawa has a unique form of traditional music called 'sanshin'. It's worth seeking out a live performance during your visit.

Okinawa has a number of traditional festivals and events throughout the year. If your visit coincides with one, it's a great opportunity to experience local culture.

Basic Japanese to know as a first time visitor

Packing list.

Underwear (6 pairs)

Socks (6 pairs)

T-shirts (6)

Shorts (2 pairs)

Long pants/jeans (1 pair)

Lightweight jacket

Comfortable walking shoes

Sandals/flip-flops

Hat/cap for sun protection

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Shampoo and conditioner

Body wash/soap

Razor and shaving cream

Lip balm with SPF

Makeup and makeup remover

Hairbrush/comb

Travel-sized first aid kit

Prescription medications

Hand sanitizer

Travel documents and essentials

Driver's license/ID

Credit and debit cards

Cash (Japanese yen)

Travel insurance documents

Hotel and/or car rental reservations

Emergency contacts and important addresses

Maps and guidebooks

Electronics and gadgets

Charger for smartphone

Universal power adapter

Headphones/earbuds

Charger for camera

Portable power bank

Laptop/tablet (optional)

Charger for laptop/tablet (if applicable)

Miscellaneous items

Travel pillow

Earplugs and eye mask

Water bottle

Books or e-books for entertainment

Travel-sized laundry detergent

Plastic bags for dirty clothes

Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket

Phrasebook or translation app

Weather Conditions

Okinawa, Japan, is known for its subtropical climate, which means it experiences warm weather throughout the year. However, it's important to note that the weather can vary significantly depending on the season. During the winter months, from December to February, Okinawa experiences mild weather with average temperatures ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). This is a great time to visit if you prefer cooler temperatures. However, it's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Spring, from March to May, sees temperatures rise to between 68°F and 82°F (20°C to 28°C). This is a beautiful time to visit as the island is in full bloom. However, it's also the start of the rainy season which typically runs from late May to early June. So, don't forget to pack a raincoat or umbrella. Summer, from June to August, is hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 89°F (32°C). If you're planning to visit during this time, be prepared for high humidity and occasional tropical storms. It's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Autumn, from September to November, is typhoon season. While the temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 73°F to 86°F (23°C to 30°C), the weather can be unpredictable. If you're planning to visit during this time, it's important to stay updated on the weather forecast and have a flexible itinerary. Regardless of when you visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly. Okinawa is a beautiful destination with a lot to offer, but like any tropical location, the weather can be unpredictable.

Did you know?

Did you know that Okinawa has a unique wildlife, including the Iriomote cat, which is found only on the Iriomote Island?

Did you know that Okinawa, Japan is known as the 'Hawaii of Japan' due to its subtropical climate and beautiful beaches?

Did you know that Okinawa is home to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world?

Did you know that Okinawa is famous for its unique Ryukyuan culture, which is distinct from mainland Japanese culture?

Did you know that Okinawa is home to many U.S. military bases, which have a significant impact on the local economy and culture?

Did you know that Okinawa has the highest proportion of centenarians in the world, leading to its reputation as a 'Blue Zone' for longevity?

Did you know that Okinawa is known for its traditional music and dance, including the lively Eisa dance?

Did you know that Okinawa is the birthplace of karate, and many dojos in the area offer lessons to visitors?

Did you know that Okinawa's traditional cuisine, including dishes like goya champuru and Okinawa soba, is believed to contribute to the locals' long lifespan?

Did you know that Okinawa is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Shuri Castle and the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu?

Places near by Okinawa, Japan

A city known for its active stratovolcano, Sakurajima, hot springs, and samurai residences.

A modern city known for ancient temples, beaches, and modern shopping malls.

A city known for its classical Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses.

A large port city and commercial center known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and hearty street food.

Japan's bustling capital, known for its neon skyscrapers, historic temples, and pop culture.

The capital of South Korea, known for its modern skyscrapers, high-tech subways, and pop culture.

China's biggest city and a global financial hub, known for its skyscrapers, historic buildings, and bustling markets.

Other trips in Okinawa

4-Day Exploration Guide to Okinawa, Japan

6-Day Relaxing Food & Wine Retreat for Couples in Okinawa, Japan

3-Day Ultimate Adventure Tour in Okinawa, Japan

3-Day Relaxing Sightseeing Journey for Couples in Okinawa, Japan

3-Day Okinawa Food, Wine & Nightlife Adventure With Friends

5-Day Excursion Guide to Okinawa, Japan

Other destinations in japan.

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How to See the Best of Japan in A Week (1 Week Japan Itinerary)

January 5, 2023 by Silvia 32 Comments

Updated January 2023

I always call Norway my second home, but there’s also another country that I lived in almost as long as Norway – Japan!

I spent a year in Nishinomiya, near Kobe, and two years on Tanegashima in southern Japan, and yet I’ve never really written much about travel in the country. I traveled loads during my time in Japan, but that was in my pre-blogging days. So when the Tokyo Metropolitan Government invited me on a one week trip to Japan, I immediately jumped on board – especially when I saw the itinerary.

Of course, there is so much to see in Japan, but if you have a limited time frame for your Japan itinerary, seven days is a really good amount of time to get to know a few places in the country. Plus, even if you can’t see everything, one week in Japan is going to be magical regardless!

Japan is such a unique country that pretty much anything you do there will be a remarkable experience (like, even using a Japanese toilet is something to blog home about), but there are two things everyone visiting Japan should try to experience: Tokyo and rural Japan.

Japan is a land of both deep traditions and modern innovation, and while there’s no better place to experience Japan’s modern, almost futuristic side than Tokyo, to experience the beauty of traditional Japanese culture you’ll want to head away from the major cities and into the countryside.

And that’s exactly what I did during my 7 days in Japan! My one-week itinerary started off in Tokyo, and then took me on a flight down to Yamaguchi prefecture.

I’m sure I’ll write more about some of these places, but here’s an overview of my one week Tokyo + Yamaguchi itinerary:

Table of Contents

One Week in Japan Itinerary

Days 1, 2 & 3: tokyo.

You could easily spend your entire 1 week in Japan in Tokyo alone (in fact I’ve done that in the past), but considering you only have a week in Japan, two days is at least enough time to see the main sights.

I wandered around Shinjuku, and then headed to the Roppongi Hills, Tokyo’s famous expat neighborhood, to see the views of the city at Tokyo City View .

I can’t believe I had never been here before because it was so cool to see Tokyo from above! I’d definitely, 100% recommend heading here when you’re in Tokyo, especially if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Tokyo under clear skies.

See ticket prices + more details here

There’s also a coffee shop in the building called Gorilla Coffee where you can sit with a view over the city. I grabbed a cup of coffee and totally pretended I was a local getting some work done next to this amazing view, like no big deal.

Other Tokyo suggestions:

Hato Bus // If you’ve never been to Tokyo and want to get a quick feel for the city, the open top Hato Buses run tours around the city. This was my first time taking a bus tour of Tokyo, and I really enjoyed it! It gave me a quick feel for the layout of the city, which I realized I had been missing since I usually get around Tokyo underground on the subway.

If you can’t get onto a Hato Bus tour, then you may also like these sightseeing tours:

• Half- day Sightseeing Tour – This 4 hour tour will take you around the city’s famous landmarks like the Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Kannon Temple, the Imperial Palace, and more. Check prices and availability here
• Private Tour – For a more unique, customized tour, try this one. Check prices and availability here
• Cycling Tour – This bicycling tour is such a fun way to exlore Tokyo. Check prices and availability here

Sushi Ikki // If you do take a Hato Bus, stop by Sushi Ikki for lunch. It’s right by the Hato Bus stops and super delicious! The fish portions were really generous, and my set lunch even came with some delicious matcha ice cream for dessert.

Shibuya // You might know Shibuya’s famous pedestrian crossing from like, any film ever set in Tokyo, and this area is also full of really fun shops and restaurants. When I’m not staying in Shinjuku in Tokyo, I always try to stay in Shibuya .

Check here for unique tours around Shibuya .

Kyuemon // I ate dinner at  Kyuemon,  a traditional izakaya (kind of like the Japanese version of a pub) in the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku with a really nice atmosphere. Alternatively, you could also go super modern and check out something like the popular Kujira Entertainment , also in Shinjuku. 

Shinjuku Hotel

I stayed in the Keio Plaza Hotel , which is enormous, so if you get a room on a top floor you can totally live out your Lost in Translation fantasies. I’ve actually stayed here on several different trips to Tokyo since it’s so central, easy access to Haneda Airport, and there’s a range of different room types you can get – including Hello Kitty themed rooms! It’s definitely my go-to hotel whenever I’m in the city.

I’ve also written an entire guide to where to stay in Tokyo here , which goes through the best neighborhoods to stay in as well as all the different accommodation options for every budget.

Day 4: Iwakuni, Yanai, and Yamaguchi

Most people probably associate Japan with train travel, but if you’re on a tight schedule and want to see a different region of the country it’s easiest (and usually cheaper) to fly.

I was traveling together with a journalist named Noam, and we got a morning flight to Iwakuni City, where we started off our journey around Yamaguchi.

In Yamaguchi, you’ll ideally want to rent a car , as the train lines don’t cover all areas of the prefecture and the buses aren’t super frequent. And if you’re only in Japan for a week, you really don’t want to be wasting time waiting around for buses.

If you’ve never driven on the left before don’t worry, I promise you get used to it really quickly! I’ll admit I’m not the best driver and I never had any problems driving in rural Japan (I don’t think I would dare drive in Tokyo though).

Kintaikyo Bridge

Kintaikyo Bridge is probably one of the most famous sights in Yamaguchi and as soon as I saw it I understood why. This wooden arch bridge was originally built in 1673 and has been periodically rebuilt so that future generations will continue to know how to construct and maintain it.

There’s also an art museum right by the bridge, Iwakuni Art Museum, where you can see an impressive collection of samurai armor and swords.

Side note, if you’re really intrigued by Yamaguchi’s samurai history, you may want to try this samurai experience later in Shimonoseki.

Irori Sanzoku

We stopped at Irori Sanzoku for lunch, which is an enormous roadside restaurant complex (I counted at least three separate dining areas on the grounds), including outdoor seating under kotatsu tables, which are covered in thick blankets and have heaters under them to essentially give you the coziest dining experience ever.

Irori Sanzoku is famous for their grilled chicken and enormous Sanzoku musubi rice balls, which are apparently the same size that bandits would order when eating here in the past.

Downtown Yanai has a beautifully preserved Edo Period neighborhood, Shirakabe No Machi ,  including old family homes and warehouses.

Yanai is famous for goldfish lanterns, so we, of course, had to stop in at  Yanai Nishigura for a quick workshop to learn how to make them. 

And then I just wandered down the old Edo Period streets and imagined that I was living in 17th century Japan. And since Yanai was so quiet – I think Noam and I must have been the only tourists there – I almost could picture what it was like hundreds of years ago.

Ruriko-ji Temple Pagoda

Our last stop for the day was one of my favorites of the entire trip: Ruriko-ji Temple.

Ruriko-ji Temple is a Japanese National Treasure, and it easily rivals the most magnificent temples I’ve seen in Kyoto – except that here there were no tourist crowds or streets full of souvenir shops, so I could enjoy it in quiet.

And if you want the full Japanese experience, you can go to the nearby  Yamaguchi City Saiko and get dressed up in a traditional kimono or warrior outfit. You can take photos in your kimono in the gardens there or, if you’re good at walking in a kimono (which I am not!), you can go to Ruriko-ji Temple for some photos.

Hagihonjin Hotel

We stayed the night at Hagihonjin Hotel , which was an experience in itself! It’s set on the top of a hill overlooking Hagi, so I woke up to beautiful views in the morning, and it also has both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, which is the perfect (and most Japanese!) way to relax after a day of travel.

We also had dinner and breakfast here, both with traditional Japanese food that was super delicious. And the son of the hotel owner studied in California, so you can totally get by here with only English.

For other places around Hagi, check out the options on Airbnb , like this room only a 5-minute walked from Kintai Bridge, a room in this friendly home , or a private room in this centrally-located hostel .

Day 5: Hagi, Nagato, and Shimonoseki

Hagi was definitely one of my favorite cities in Yamaguchi, and if you can only see a few places in the area I would definitely prioritize Hagi. The city itself is beautiful, set in the mountains right on the seaside, and there’s such a strong sense of history and tradition here.

We stopped at the  Hagi Uragami Museum , which has collections of both traditional and modern art, and the Meirin School Building ,  which has been turned into a museum showcasing Yamaguchi’s role in the Meiji Period, which saw the country’s evolution from an isolated feudal society to modern Japan. I learned so much about Japanese history here, which I guess was appropriate considering I was in an old school building!

We also ate lunch at a small restaurant in the school building, which I’d highly recommend – get the set lunch of the day, you will not be disappointed.

I also loved just wandering through the traditional homes and Japanese gardens in  Hagi Castle Town , which again felt like something you can experience in Kyoto, but without the crowds.

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Motonosumi Inari Shrine was one of the highlights of Yamaguchi for me (do I keep saying that? I really mean it this time!). The location on the edge of the sea is stunning, and it might have the most beautiful set of torii gates I’ve seen in Japan – including the famous gates in Kyoto and Miyajima.

At the top of the 123 torii gates, you’ll find the shrine, with what locals joke is the most challenging offertory box in all of Japan. I tried and failed to donate my 10 yen many times!

Tsunoshima Bridge

Tsunoshima Bridge has actually topped a lot of lists for most beautiful bridges in Japan, so I was really excited to finally get to see it in real life.

The bridge is over a mile long and the ocean views over it show off one of my favorite things in Japan: the amazing beaches! Seriously, Japan has some of the best beaches I’ve ever been to, they always tend to be totally empty, and the water temperature in the summer is perfect.

It was too cold to go swimming in October, but the water still looked super inviting!

We had dinner and spent the night at Yamamura Annex, a traditional Japanese ryokan that again also had hot spring baths.

Before dinner, I took a walk along the river that goes through the town and it was so peaceful and quiet – exactly what I love most about traveling away from the big cities in Japan. They even had free hot spring foot baths set up along the river, and I was told that the fireflies in the summer there are amazing.

I’m not sure any of the staff here spoke English, but Yamaguchi prefecture offers a free 24/7 telephone service in several languages that you can call to get help speaking with a Japanese person.

Day 6:  Akiyoshidai, Shimonoseki, and Ube

Akiyoshidai caves.

I was prepared to be unimpressed by the Akiyoshidai caves because I feel like most of the caves I’ve visited have turned out to be kind of the same, but I was surprised by how massive they are! Plus the entrance to the caves was really beautiful.

Karato Market

Karato Market in Shimonoseki is the biggest fish market I’ve been to, and even Noam, who lives in Tokyo, said it could totally rival the famous Tsukiji fish market.

At most stands, you can just get a box and pick out whichever sushi you want, and it might have been the best sushi I’ve ever had – probably because the fish portions were enormous! My mouth is watering just thinking about it…

Nagayama-honke Shuzo Sake Brewery

We stopped at this sake brewery in Ube on our way to the airport, and while I’m not a big sake fan I imagine it would be really exciting for those who are! We were shown around the brewery and got to see some of the sake fermenting, and then the tour ended with a tasting of all their different variations. So if you have some extra time and are like sake, this could be worth a stop!

Then Noam and I got a flight from Yamaguchi Ube Airport back to Tokyo.

Since I had an early morning flight, I stayed at the Keikyu Ex Inn right by Haneda Airport (they have a free shuttle to/from the airport, so it was super convenient).

Day 7: Return home

I was flying back to New York, and this trip was actually the first time I’ve flown directly to Tokyo and it made the journey so much easier! I’m not sure if JFK <-> Haneda (I flew with ANA, which I can wholeheartedly recommend) is a new route or not, but I think now I’ll always try to get direct connections when I can, because having an early morning layover in LA or Chicago is always such a pain. Lesson learned!

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Arielle says

November 9, 2017 at 7:46 pm

Ok so I’m in a class right now (I know, I’m a bad student) and all these pictures of amazing Japanese food are making me HUNGRY. I’m living in Spain right now and the Japanese food is just very underwhelming 🙁

Silvia says

November 17, 2017 at 6:29 pm

Seriously, it was almost painful editing the food photos – I want to eat everything again!

June 9, 2018 at 10:47 am

Ok so I am thinking of going to Japan in October–I was wondering if this is a good itinerary for the fall? Or are there other places you’d recommend more for fall in Japan?

June 11, 2018 at 9:45 pm

I did this trip in October, so it definitely works for the fall! Though you probably won’t find the best fall colors here as it’s more of a beachy place, so if you’re after fall colors I’d stick closer to Tokyo or Osaka – or go north to Hokkaido! I loooove Hokkaido.

November 9, 2017 at 10:20 pm

Wow, when you said enormous roadside restaurant complex, I didn’t think it would like something out of a fairy tale… And those hotels with the hot spring baths… I love them! Onsen! And that pagoda… And and and… I need to get back to Japan, and Yamaguchi has just been bumped up a number of places on my wish list!

November 17, 2017 at 6:28 pm

I need to go back as well – there’s just so much to see in Japan!

Eduardo C says

November 10, 2017 at 5:07 pm

Very jelly. So the govt paid for the trip on condition you blog about it?

November 17, 2017 at 6:08 pm

Yes, they paid me to come and cover the trip on my blog as well as write up a report of the experience for their website.

Miro Hristoff says

November 13, 2017 at 5:54 am

Kintaikyo Bridge is my favorite from all the places you’ve pictured. As always Japan looks like it’s from another planet. Beautiful!

November 17, 2017 at 6:03 pm

Kintaikyo Bridge was one of my favorites as well!

Annabloem says

November 13, 2017 at 6:17 am

Oh my, this looks amazing. I’m currently living in Japan, so I’ll definitely have to add Yamaguchi to my list of places to go. It’s so far, but totally worth it, from what I’ve read here.

November 17, 2017 at 6:00 pm

Definitely worth it! And if you live near an airport it’s easy to fly to.

November 21, 2017 at 7:33 am

Unfortunately I live pretty much in the middle of nowhere xD getting to a city with better connections takes three hours by bus, and that’s only to go to the closest big city xD Still, definitely worth it from reading this ^^

November 27, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Aah yeah, I can feel your pain there – I used to have to get a 3h ferry just to get to the mainland. But living in the countryside is definitely special!

Victoria @TheBritishBerliner says

November 16, 2017 at 8:45 am

Looks amazing! I don’t blame you for flying back to Japan pronto! You did a hell of a lot in a week, but judging by the photographs and destinations, well worth it!

I especially like the old Edo Period streets. Very nice indeed!

November 17, 2017 at 5:53 pm

Yes, it was a busy schedule, but I really wouldn’t cut any of it out! I think I had missed Japan so much that I wanted to cram extra much in, haha.

Eva Maris says

November 17, 2017 at 11:30 am

Beautiful country of Japan. What a lovely valuable information sharing….All pic’s are wonderful

November 17, 2017 at 5:48 pm

It’s a beautiful country!

Alina Jack says

December 29, 2017 at 12:13 pm

Wow!!! What a beautiful country. Now I am feeling jealous of you. If i will plan the next vacation then Japan will be in my list. Thanks for sharing.

December 31, 2017 at 1:09 pm

You definitely should – Japan is such a special country!

Heather says

July 9, 2018 at 10:25 pm

Can you give advice about how to rent a car or where to rent a car. I like your idea of flying to Yamaguchi and renting a car.

July 18, 2018 at 5:08 am

i really enjoyed your blog. this gives me some great ideas for when we go to japan in december. we will only have 1 -2 weeks, so your itinerary looks great. thank you!

August 21, 2018 at 2:43 pm

Hi Silvia, what a great journey. How have you been traveling – did you took the train?

August 22, 2018 at 12:44 am

I didn’t take the train on this trip, but I’ve traveled a lot in Japan by train on other trips and it’s been amazing!

Gujarat And Around says

September 19, 2018 at 1:22 pm

japan is a very beautiful palace thank for sharing.

November 12, 2018 at 7:50 am

Hi Silvia, My wife and I intend to visit Japan next year and it’s so fortunate for me that I came by your blog, which made me realized how fool I was initially making plan for just 4 days. Now it’s official difficult for us to fix the itinerary as there’re so many wonderful things to see and experience in this country and leaving out even one or two things can also be a regret :). May I ask whether you would recommend renting a car and driving from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, maybe passing 2 days at foot of Fuji mountain? We set out around 10 days to complete the trip by the way. We thank you so much for your recommendation and wish you a lot of joys and happiness on your travelling journey ahead, Khang

September 30, 2019 at 10:32 pm

I will be in Japan in November, thanks for sharing this with the world. Watching your Japan food vlogs makes me very excited! I can’t wait to feast.

From one nomadic heart to another, Tawny

Asif Javed says

October 2, 2019 at 7:53 pm

Hi dear Good evening

MAKOTO SHIMIZU says

October 1, 2023 at 3:49 pm

What about Mount Fuiji, the Five Lakes region, Aomori or Hokkaido, Okinawa, Hiroshima?

Abdulla says

March 4, 2024 at 11:16 am

Ratna Steeltech says

March 11, 2024 at 1:12 pm

thank you so much for sharing

theallianceiq says

May 30, 2024 at 4:22 am

thanks for sharing this blog with us.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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