4 Best Japan 7-Day Itinerary Suggestions For First Timers (2024 Guide)

Looking for the best Japan 7-day itinerary suggestions? You came to the right place.

Japan is one of the most exciting places to travel to.  

With the combination of history, culture, and awesome new technology, Japan is right up there on the list of every kind of traveler. 

Are you planning a trip to Japan and having trouble figuring out your Japan itinerary? We can’t blame you. 

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide how many different cities to try and visit, which cities to visit, which attractions to prioritize, and more. 

Here we share an overview of the best 7 days Japan itineraries.

Insider tip: Is this your first Japan trip and are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about planning this trip, what to see, and what to do in Japan? Check out our Japan travel planner. This document will help you plan your trip smoothly. 

Best 7-day Japan Itinerary Suggestions

As already mentioned, here we have some of the best Japan 7-day itineraries to help you out. 

Planning a trip to Japan can be quite a daunting task, especially for first-time visitors.  

Our 7-day Japan itineraries will help you narrow down the best way to see and enjoy Japan in just one week.   

Option 1: Spend 7 days in Tokyo

Our first itinerary option appears the simplest – a full 7 days in Tokyo – but it will be anything but bland. 

There are plenty of things to see in Tokyo. There’s plenty of food to try, and new experiences to unlock. This 7-day Tokyo Japan itinerary will surely cover so much.

This option also eliminates the need for long-distance travel between various cities. So, no multiple check-in and check-outs for different accommodations. 

But what to do during those 7 days? Here are our recommendations.  

Shinjuku

Start out strong by visiting some of the most well-known districts in Japan with Shinjuku. 

This is a very popular metropolitan area and is ideal for your first day in Japan. 

Visit the impressive and futuristic Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and observe the city from one of its multiple observation decks.

You can also spend time in the massive Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo’s largest park and popular picnic spot.

This is also one of the best places to watch the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

How to Get There

Shinjuku-gyoenmae subway station is about 5 minutes away from the Shinjuku entrance. 

Shinjuku Gyoen garden is also within walking distance of the large central Shinjuku station where both JR lines, as well as the metro (Tokyo Metro and Toei lines), stop.

Kabukicho and Golden Gai

Kabukicho and Golden Gai are both strong contenders for the evening with Golden Gai being well-known as the home of unique, small, sometimes exclusive bars and eateries.

This is highly recommended as a place to visit to experience authentic Japanese hospitality.

Kabukicho is generally considered one of the top nightlife areas in Tokyo with a wide array of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and everything in between. 

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Piss Alley. Strolling through these 2 narrow alleys next to Shinjuku station will give you the feeling you are in a Japanese mafia movie.

How to Get There

Shinjuku station is the closest station to Kabuchiko.  It is served by several JR lines and both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines.

Piss Alley is really close to the West Exit of Shinjuku train station.  The two alleys run parallel to the tracks.  You will see the entrance on your right if you face the Shinjuku Dai-Guard train bridge. 

Shibuya 

From here we recommend Shibuya, home to the world-famous scramble crossing.

It is also home to the statue of Hachiko, a dog loved by the entire nation and a representation of loyalty.

There are a number of buildings around the scramble crossing from which you can look down and people-watch.

The most popular of these is the Starbucks overlooking the crossing.

A more pricey but quieter option is the L’Occitane café opposite.

From here we can move on to Harajuku, Tokyo’s pop culture capital.

Takeshita Street is the famous ‘kawaii’ center of Tokyo with plenty of brightly-colored fashion shops, foods (rainbow fairy floss is the current favorite), and more.

If you prefer a more high-end, designer style, Omotesando is just outside of Takeshita St and is home to a number of designer brand flagship stores.

Harajuku is also ideally located to walk through Yoyogi Park and Meiji-jingu Shrine.

Meji-jingu Shrine is one of the largest shrines in Tokyo despite being one of the newer shrines.

It is surrounded by a large forest and Yoyogi Park, which is great for wandering through as it is regularly populated by dancers, musicians, and more.  

How to Get There

Shibuya station is right underneath this crossing.  Take the Hachiko exit.

Asakusa

A common recommendation of where to go in Tokyo from Japanese people is Asakusa.

This area is home to the very impressive Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo.

This is also the location of the Kaminarimon Gate, the extremely large lantern gate which appears in many iconic Tokyo photos.

The temple is surrounded by a number of shopping streets.

Many of these shops sell traditional street foods, while others sell various souvenirs.

How to Get There

Take the Ginza or Asakusa metro line to Asakusa station.  It’s a short 2-minute walk from the station to the entrance gate of the Nakamise shopping street.

Ueno Park

After the hustle and bustle of the crowds around Asakusa, Ueno Park is an ideal way to relax and enjoy the greenery.

If you’re interested in zoos, Ueno Park also houses Ueno Zoo, home to some of the few pandas in Japan.

There are also a number of museums in Ueno Park, such as the Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and more.

However, if you’re not interested in zoos or museums, don’t worry because Ueno Park still has plenty to offer.

Tokyo Skytree is a great way to end the day with panoramic views over the Tokyo night sky.

There are two main observation decks to choose from in Skytree.  

Note that the lines are often very long so we recommend you book skip-the-line tickets. These are currently cheaper when bought in advance than on-site.

How to Get There

Ueno station is a major hub of JR and is also served by the Ginza and Hibiya metro lines.

Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea

At this point, you might be ready for something a bit different.

Here is where we take what is technically a day trip from Tokyo.

Tokyo Disney consists of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea but is actually located in the neighboring prefecture of Chiba.

Tokyo Disneyland is similar to many other Disneyland parks, with a few unique Japanese quirks, while Disney Sea is larger and more catered to an adult audience.

Whether you choose to visit just one or both parks, Disney makes for a big day out.  

How to Get There

Take the JR Keiyo or JR Musashino lines to Maihama Station.
This is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.  At Maihama station you can change to the Monorail that will take you to the entrance of Disneyland or DisneySea.

Private transfers are also available for those who are looking for a comfortable ride to and from Disneyland or DisneySea.

Akihabara

If anime or manga is part of your motivation to visit Japan, you will likely be interested in visiting Akihabara, an area often considered the heart of anime/manga culture in Japan.

This area is home to many shops, big and small, providing all types of anime and manga goods you can imagine.

Even for those not interested in anime or manga, just seeing the sheer variety can be interesting.

Akihabara is also known as Electric City due to the many electronics stores in the area.

While this reputation was gained in the 90s, there are still a good number of these electronics shops around.

This is ideal for anyone interested in the latest electronic gadgets, or for anyone interested in just browsing and seeing some unique niche electronic items.

It is easy to spend an entire day shopping around Akihabara, but if you’re looking to move, the Imperial Palace is a great next stop.

How to Get There

Take the JR train to Akihabara station.

This station is also served by the Hibiya metro line.

Imperial Palace

A short train ride and a 10-minute walk bring you to the Imperial Palace and its amazing gardens.

The East Gardens, Kokyo Gaien National Garden, and the Kitanomaru Gardens are open year-round and provide a welcome respite into nature in the busy city.

The inner grounds are only open to the public during cherry blossom season and select other dates.  

For an exploration of various parts of Japanese history, a visit to the Japanese Sword Museum is a great choice.

Sword-making, and as an extension knife-making, is a proud Japanese tradition and a good sword or knife is considered the work of a craftsman.

Learning about the skill and techniques needed to create these swords is an interesting experience. This is also close to the sumo area of Tokyo, Ryogoku.

How to Get There

Take the JR train to Tokyo station.

This station is also served by the Marunouchi metro line.

Sumo Wrestling, Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium & Edo-Tokyo Museum

Sumo Match

If you are in town during the sumo season – January, May, and September – you can easily book tickets to watch a sumo match at the traditional Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium.

When and where to buy tickets

Tickets for grand tournaments go on sale at least a month in advance and you can buy them online.  

Keep in mind that sumo tickets are not cheap and if you don’t want to end up in nosebleed seats you might need to dig deep in your pocket, but if you can swing it, you won’t want to miss watching sumo in the Ryogoku Kokugikan. 

How to Get There

The sumo stadium is easy to reach, especially if you are using the JR line.  JR has a station right at the entrance of the stadium, the Ryoguku station.

You can also get there with the Oedo subway line.  The station is also named after the stadium, it is also really close by, but requires a slightly longer walk.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

Next to this stadium is the Edo-Tokyo Museum, another interesting and unique museum.

This museum focuses on the Edo Period of Japan (the 1600s to mid-1800s) but does feature some exhibits closer to the modern-day.

The exhibits are designed to be engaging and interesting in an entertaining way, rather than statically sitting behind glass.

These engaging exhibits, along with the helpful and informative guides make this museum a must-see if you are interested in Japanese history and a great visit even for beginners to Japanese history.  

How to Get There

The museum is right next to the stadium.

Take the JR or Oedo line to the Ryoguku station.

Studio Ghibli Museum

For lovers of Studio Ghibli films, the Studio Ghibli Museum in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka is a must-visit.

This museum commemorates everything about the whimsical, charming films of Hayao Miyazaki with a range of interesting exhibits.

Original works that have never been published are displayed, along with early drafts of some of Miyazaki’s most famous works.

There is also an on-site café and shop.

However, the museum has a number of rules, one of which is no photos.

When googling this museum, you can only find official photos.

This isn’t for copyright reasons, but rather to maintain the wonder of seeing the art and exhibits for the first time for all visitors.

How to Get There

From Shinjuku station: Take the JR Chuo Line to the JR Mitaka station.

From the south exit of JR Mitaka Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Museum.

Gotokuji Temple

Another flight of whimsy is Gotokuji Temple or the lucky cat shrine.

This shrine is littered with hundreds, if not thousands of ‘maneki-neko’ or lucky cats. It is said to be the birthplace of the very popular figure of the lucky cat.

This shrine is often quiet, making it ideal for avoiding crowds, but it is also one of the more unique shrines in Tokyo.

How to Get There

The temple is located in the area of Setagaya.

From Shinjuku station, it is a 15-minute train ride and a 10-minute walk to the shrine.  

Option 2: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki

Day 1-2: Osaka

Osaka is generally considered the second most popular and famous city, ranking second to Tokyo.

Osaka is home to a wide range of attractions, both old and new, combining to form a unique atmosphere.

Two days is usually enough to see the top sights of Osaka without feeling too rushed.

Some of these sights include Osaka Castle, the pride and joy of Osaka. Osaka Castle was first built in 1583, but has since been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.

It now houses a small museum that provides some relevant history as well as genuine artifacts.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is surrounded by Osaka Castle Park, a beautiful sweeping park with many picnic spots, flower viewing areas, and more.

One of the best gardens in Osaka Castle Park is Nishinomaru Garden, which is adjacent to Osaka Castle.

This garden is beautiful year-round, but especially in Spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming.

How to Get There

The nearest subway station is Tanimachi Yonchome Station. 

You can get there with both the Tanimachi Subway Line and the Chuo Subway Line.

If you come by train you need to head to the Osakajokoen station which is conveniently located on the Osaka loop line served by JR.

Kuromon Ichiba Market and Namba

Kuromon Ichiba Market is a great place to stop for a walking lunch.

It is a historic marketplace that has been servicing Osaka restaurants and consumers for 150 years.

This is a great place to try various Osaka delicacies, such as Takoyaki or okonomiyaki.

From here, it is a short 10-minute walk to Namba where you can enjoy the lively and energetic atmosphere of Osaka.

Close to Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s most popular landmarks, and Shinsaibashi, one of the best shopping streets to explore, this area is ideal for spending an afternoon and evening.  

How to Get There

The closest metro station is Nippombashi Station. From this station take Exit 2, and walk for about 2 minutes, veering to the left, and you’ll be at the market.

The fastest option from Osaka Castle would be to first take the Tanimachi line at Tanimachiyonchome station and change for the Sen-Nichimae line at Tanimachikyuchome station.

The closest JR station is JR Namba station, it’s the terminal of the Yamatoji line.  Leaving Osaka Castle you take the JR Loop Line in Osakajokoen station towards Tennoji station. 

You can change trains at Tennoji station or any of the subsequent stations. From Tennoji station onwards until Imamiya Station both trains stop at all stations.

Osaka Aquarium, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Sky Building, and Shinsekai

Osaka Aquarium

For the second day, we recommend visiting the Osaka Aquarium.

The Osaka Aquarium is very popular among domestic tourists due to its variety of fish and marine wildlife.

With 15 different tanks representing different habitats around the Pacific Rim, it is a great way to both learn about the surrounding marine areas and enjoy the beautiful wildlife.

How to Get There

The Osaka Aquarium is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line (take exit 1).

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

It is also close to Tempozan Ferris Wheel, once the largest Ferris wheel in the world and still in the top 25.

This Ferris wheel offers amazing views over Osaka and is a great way to finish off a visit to the aquarium.

How to Get There

Tempozan Ferris Wheel is located at Osakako Station on the Chuo subway line (take exit 1 or 2).

Umeda Sky Building

For more spectacular views, we recommend visiting the Umeda Sky Building, home to a Floating Garden Observatory and unique futuristic design.

The futuristic building is only a 10-minute walk from Osaka station. 

The observatory offers 360-degree views from the open-air deck and windows of the 39^th floor.

How to Get There

Osaka station, the main JR hub in central Osaka, is the closest JR station.  7 JR lines stop at this station including the Osaka loop line, the Hida line, and the Hamakaze line.  

The closest subway station is Umeda Station on the Midosuji line.

Shinsekai

In contrast with the futuristic Sky Building, the retro district of Shinsekai is a must-visit.

Largely untouched since the mid-20^th Century, Shinsekai offers a step back in time to nostalgic, retro Japan.

It is also home to Tsutenkaku Tower, once the tallest tower in Asia, and modeled after the Eiffel Tower.

Tsutenkaku has 3 observation decks at different heights.

For more details about our recommendation in Osaka, check out our 2-day Osaka itinerary here.

If you have only one day in Osaka, click here.

Day 3: Make a Day Trip from Osaka

One of the best things about Osaka is how centrally located it is within the Kansai area.  

This makes it ideal to use as a base for day trips to nearby cities that don’t require a longer visit. Here we have some of the top day trips to take from Osaka.  

Nara

When talking about day trips from Osaka, Nara often tops the list.

This historic city was once the capital of Japan, before the Kyoto period. There are many famous temples and shrines of great historical significance in the area.

Nowadays, Nara is perhaps more well-known for the deer which roam freely through the city.

They largely converge on Nara Park, which is conveniently close to many of the most famous temples, such as Todaiji and Kofukuji.

The deer are wild, but are accustomed to people and will approach people to beg for food. Vendors throughout the park sell deer cookies that you can feed to the deer.

Nara Park and the surrounding temples are a unique and interesting experience and are located just 30-40 minutes outside of Osaka.

For more information on day trips in Nara, see our previous post here.  

How to Get There

If you have a Japan Rail pass, you can use the JR Yamatoji line. The trajectory is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass, as well as the Kansai area pass, and takes about 50 minutes.

If you don’t have a JR Pass you might prefer the Kintetsu Nara Line.  The Rapid Express Kintetsu train reaches Nara in only 39 minutes and the Kintetsu station is more centrally located in Nara.

Kintetsu has a faster limited express train but it costs twice as much and it only saves you 5 minutes.

The Kintetsu trains leave from Osaka Namba station.

Tickets for the JR trains ( without having the JR pass) as well as the Kintetsu trains are 810 yen.

Kobe

Kobe is perhaps most well-known globally for Kobe beef, a very high grade of Wagyu beef.

However, there is much more to see and do in this interesting port city in West Japan. 

Things to do in Kobe

Kobe is one of Japan’s largest port cities and has a long and international history.

It is home to one of Osaka’s largest Chinatowns, and exploring this area can be a great experience, especially if it is around Lunar New Year or another Chinese festival.

This is an ideal opportunity to take a break from Japanese food and experience some Chinese cuisine or the unique Chinese-Japanese fusion that is often served in these areas.

Ikuta Shrine

If you’re looking to experience some more Japanese culture, Ikuta Shrine is just a 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. This is one of the largest and most well-known shrines in Kobe.

It has ongoing popularity, partly due to its specialty in love and marriage wishes.

Mt. Rokko Or Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

For some more nature, Mt. Rokko or Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens are great options.

Mt Rokko is located just outside the city and can be ascended either by a short cable car or a few hours of hiking. The top of the mountain offers beautiful views over Kobe and the port.

There is also a garden to stroll through at the top, as well as a café to enjoy.

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is located closer to Shin-Kobe station and offers a more European atmosphere.

This is also at the top of a mountain, with a ropeway providing access.

Throughout the area, there are various motifs of different European countries and styles.

For example, the “Welcome Garden” is designed around Wartburg Castle, a traditional German castle.

This is a unique way to explore some of Kobe’s international past. Visiting Kobe can be a relaxing experience after the crowds and fast-paced energy of Osaka.  

How to Get to Kobe

Kobe is located in the neighboring prefecture to Osaka and is easily accessible by train.

If you have a JR Rail Pass, you can take a Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Kobe in just 12 minutes.

If you are traveling without the JR Rail Pass, or just want to take a more local train, it is just 22 minutes from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station (a central Kobe station) on the Special Rapid train. 

Kurashiki

Kurashiki is an often under-appreciated small city located a short distance outside the city of Okayama.

Sometimes called the “Venice of Japan”, it is hard to see why so many people skip this treasure of a town. 

Things to do in Kurashiki

Despite being a fairly small city, there is still a plethora of things to enjoy in Kurashiki.

The nickname, “the Venice of Japan”, largely comes from the canal area of the town, which dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867).

These canals are meticulously maintained, as are the beautiful willow trees which line the canals.

There are a number of traditional buildings in this area that have also been carefully preserved as an homage to traditional architecture and culture.

Many of the buildings were once rice storehouses, as Kurashiki was a key rice distribution center but now serve as museums, traditional displays, teahouses, and more.

Strolling through these traditional streets, and exploring the various museums is a great way to have a quiet yet informative morning.

One of these museums, the Ohara Museum, is quite extraordinary as it houses a large collection of artworks from famous Western artists, such as Picasso, Cezanne, Monet, and El Greco.

The Japan Rural Toy Museum is another unique museum, displaying Japanese toys and cultural artifacts dating from the 1600s through to the 1980s.  

How to get to Kurashiki

Kurashiki is a small city outside of Okayama so the best way to get there is via the Shinkansen to Okayama and then a local train to Kurashiki.

This trip will take about 1.5 hours.

It is also possible to travel on local trains only, however, this will take longer. 

If you are still looking for an alternative day trip out of Osaka, check out our previous list of Osaka day trips.  

Day 4-5: Kyoto

Kyoto is known as the traditional and cultural center of Japan and with thousands of shrines and temples to choose from, organizing just a few days can be a daunting task.

We have a number of recommendations to make sure you see the top sights while also getting off the beaten path for some hidden gems.

Kyoto is very large and the sights are spread all throughout the city, meaning it is necessary to arrange your days by district or proximity.

Kinkakuji

For this reason, we start at Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, and then center the rest of the first day’s activities around Arashiyama.

Kinkakuji is one of the most famous spots in Kyoto, and with its distinctive gold-leaf coating, it’s easy to see why.

The beautiful gold of the temple, the surrounding scenery, the lake, and cultural significance all add to the atmosphere.

However, as this is so popular, it is often very crowded.

Therefore, it is best to get to Kinkakuji early and then move on.

From here, we go to Arashiyama.

Arashiyama

In Arashiyama, there is the ever-popular bamboo forest (and a slightly less popular, but just as beautiful one).

Togetsukyo Bridge is another very distinctive sight and is especially popular in autumn when the changing foliage provides a beautiful backdrop.

When walking through the main bamboo forest, you can find Tenryuji temple, the main temple of Arashiyama.

This temple has an amazing walking garden which is ideal for taking a break from the crowds in the bamboo forest.

At the top of the mountain is Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe and buy food for native monkeys.

Near here is Saga Toriimoto Street, a street of traditional houses and businesses.

From Saga Toriimoto, you can easily walk to Adashi no Nenbutsuji Temple and Otagi Nenbutusji Temple, two quiet and peaceful temples.

Adashi no Nenbutsuji has its own mini bamboo grove which is just as beautiful as the larger bamboo forest, and it’s better for photos as there are usually very few or no people around.  

How to Get There

Getting to Arashiyama from the Kinkakuji temple

To get to Arashiyama from the Kinkakuji temple you first take bus 205 from Kinkakuji-Michi to Kitano-Hakubaicho.  (3 stops) Here you change for the Keifuku Randen Tram Line towards Arashiyama.  You will need to change trams in Katabiranotsuji.

The tram line is the fastest option to get to Arashiyama but is not covered in the city subway and bus passes mentioned earlier in this article.

If you have a city subway and bus pass or city bus pass you could alternatively take bus 205 to Nishinokyo-Enmachi (6 stops) where you change for bus 93 to Arashiyama. (18 stops).

Getting to Arashiyama from the Kyoto station

Holders of a JR pass are best off taking the JR Sagano Line (JR San-in line) to Saga-Arashiyama station.  The route is completely covered by the JR pass.

Alternative options are offered by the private rail companies Keifuku railways and Hankyu railways.  These trains leave from other stations relatively close to Kyoto Station.  These are private companies so they don’t accept the JR Pass.

Keifuku trains leave from Omiya station, 30 minutes north of Tokyo station, or from Kitanohakubaicho Station which is still further north.  

The Hankyu trains for Arashiyama leave from Katsura station, west of Kyoto station.  If you’re staying in central Kyoto you can take a Hankyu train at any of the stations along the Hankyu Kyoto line and change trains at Katsura station.

Fushimini Inari Taisha Shrine

On the second day in Kyoto, you can start with an early morning in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

This is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines in Japan and is home to thousands of tori gates.

You can also skip ahead to Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion.

How to Get There

Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second stop on the JR Nara line starting from Kyoto Station (5 minutes, 140 yen one way from Kyoto Station, not served by rapid trains). The shrine can also be reached after a short walk from Fushimi Inari Station along the Keihan Main Line.

Ginkakuji

Ginkakuji is often seen as the sister temple to Kinkakuji, but it is subtle and subdued whereas Kinkakuji is bright and flashy.

Ginkakuji is well-known for its sand gardens, moon-viewing area, and commitment to Buddhist design ideals.

From here we move to the Philosopher’s Path, a very popular walking path along the Biwa canals.

This area is especially popular in Spring when cherry blossoms bloom all along the path creating a pink canopy.

How to Get There

Take the Kyoto City Bus No.101, 102, 204 or 205 from Kyoto Station to the Kinkakuji Michi bus stop.

Take the Kyoto City Bus No.12, No.59 to the Kinkakuji Mae bus stop.

Nanzenji Temple

We then come to Nanzenji Temple, one of the most important Zen Buddhism temples in Japan.

Soon after Nanzenji Temple is Chionin Temple, well-known for its enormous sanmon gate at 24 meters tall and 50 meters wide.

This is next to the beautiful Maruyama Park and close to Yasaka Shrine.

Soon after this is the Higashiyama historic district, an area full of traditional architecture, teahouses, museums, and more.

It is also close to Kiyomizudera, another of the top temples of Kyoto.

How to Get There

The nearest subway station is Keage Station on the Tozai Line.

You could also take the bus from Kyoto station to Nanzenji-Eikando-michi bus stop. From here it is a 5-10 minute walk.

Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera is famous for its entirely wooden construction, and large viewing platform over the amazing scenery.

We finish the time in Kyoto by exploring the traditional geisha district of Gion.

Kyoto is an amazing city full of famous sites and hidden treasures. For more information on our recommendations, please see our Kyoto itinerary here. 

How to Get There

Take the Keihan Railway Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station. From there it is a 20-minute walk.

Take bus #100 or #206 from Kyoto station to Gojo-Zaka or Kiyomizu-Michi bus stop. Walk 10 minutes uphill to the temple.

Day 6: Hiroshima

Hiroshima is commonly known as the site of the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan at the end of World War II.

While this event was terrible, the city has used its tragic history to rebuild and create a city that is all about celebrating peace.

Many of the top places to visit in Hiroshima are related to the atomic bomb or WWII, but they are all unique and the various monuments provide an opportunity to reflect on our history.

The best way to start is with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This large park is home to a number of memorial spots and is close to others.

The park is also beautiful for just strolling through and enjoying the calm, relaxing gardens. In the center is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

The museum is carefully arranged to truly communicate the devastation that occurred during the bombing of Hiroshima.

This is done through projections, timelines, exhibits, and genuine historical artifacts.

There are also personal accounts of normal citizens of the day and the rebuilding of the city afterward.

National Peace Memorial Hall

After walking through the park you will find the National Peace Memorial Hall, which houses the names and photographs of all the victims of the atomic bomb, along with accounts from survivors.

Memorial Cenotaph and Flame of Peace

This is right next to the Memorial Cenotaph, a unique monument carefully placed so you can see the Flame of Peace when looking from one end and the A-bomb dome when looking from the other.

The Cenotaph also has the names of all victims engraved on it.

Children’s Peace Monuments

When walking on from the Cenotaph and Flame of Peace, you will find the Children’s Peace Monument, built in memorial of the children who suffered during the bombing of Hiroshima.

It was also built using funds raised by students, both in Japan and internationally.

A-Bomb Dome

Across the river from the Memorial Peace Park is the A-bomb dome, a building that is often considered a miracle of the bombing.

Located right at the center of the blast, half of the building was destroyed but half remained fully intact.

Some see this as representative of Hiroshima, damaged but not destroyed by the bombing.

About 15 minutes from the A-bomb dome is Hiroshima Castle.

Hiroshima Castle

The current castle is a reconstruction as the original was destroyed in the bombing.

The castle houses a museum and balcony on the top level. A short walk from Hiroshima Castle is Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful walking garden.

This garden is like an oasis in the city, with its lovely landscapes, pond, and carefully created scenery.

Car fans may also want to fit in a visit to the Mazda museum to learn more about the history and future of the famous car manufacturer.

For more information about our recommendations in Hiroshima, see our previous post here.  

Day 7: Nagasaki

Nagasaki is similar to Hiroshima in that it is the location of the second atomic bomb in Japan, yet is very different in the rest of its history.

The city is also home to a Peace Park and Museum, yet they are quite different from Hiroshima’s.

Nagasaki Peace Park

The Peace Park in Nagasaki is arranged in two sections.

The Memorial Park features the Peace Fountain and Peace Statue.

It is also located next to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

This museum also exhibits artifacts from the day of the bombing, true accounts of survivors, timelines up to the day of the bombing, the day itself, the aftermath, and more.

However, if you feel you got enough from the Hiroshima locations, it is fine to skip the Nagasaki locations.

Nagasaki is one of the more international cities in Japan, as it was once one of the only ports that foreign ships could come to.

For this reason, there is a large and lively Chinatown in Nagasaki which is great to explore.

Kofuku-ji Temple

About 10 minutes from Chinatown is Kofuku-ji Temple, an Obaku Zen temple, also designed in a very architecturally Chinese way.

This makes it quite unique among the standard Japanese designs, and well worth a visit.

Dejima, the area traditionally used by Dutch and Portuguese traders, has also been well-preserved and functions as a sort of museum of the Dutch trade with Japan.

How to Get There

This is located about 15 minutes by walking or 5 minutes by bus from Kofuku-ji Temple.

Mount Inasa

Mount Inasa, a small mountain on the western side of the city, is ideal for panoramic views over the city. It is accessible by a scenic ropeway and is popular for night views over the city.

Mt Inasa is about 15 minutes by bus from Dejima. For more recommendations on what to do in Nagasaki, see our previous post here.  

Option 3: Tokyo, Yudanaka, Kanazawa, Hakone, Tokyo

Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo and travel to Yudanaka-Day 2: Yudanaka 

The first day of this itinerary is largely a traveling day as it encompasses both arriving in Tokyo and traveling on to Yudanaka.  

Things to do Yudanaka

Snow Monkeys

The name Yudanaka may not be well-known, but the images of snow monkeys relaxing in warm onsens are very famous and Yudanaka is the location to visit to see these for yourself.

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to a number of wild Japanese Macaques as well as some hot springs.

During the winter, the monkeys like to use the hot springs just as humans do, to relax and warm up.

The monkeys are accustomed to humans, meaning visitors can get reasonably close without scaring the monkeys away.  

Onsen

This area is also home to a number of onsens and onsen towns, which are ideal for warming up yourself after a day out watching the monkeys.

One of the most popular is Shibu Onsen, a small hot spring town with a traditional atmosphere.

There are nine public hot springs located around the town and you can easily wander from one to another.

To see more about our stay in Yudanaka, check out our post here.  

How to get to Yudanaka

If you are traveling by train from Tokyo, it is best to travel directly from Tokyo to Nagano by the shinkansen, then change to a local train to get to Yudanaka.

This will take 2-3 hours, depending on which trains you take. It is important to note that the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka is not covered by the JR Rail Pass.  

Day 3-4: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is often referred to as “Little Kyoto” due to the many shrines, temples, historic areas, teahouses, and more, and the similar traditional atmosphere to Kyoto.

However, it has a quieter, more relaxed feel as there are fewer people and fewer crowds.

Kanazawa is home to one of Japan’s top 3 gardens, Kenrokuen. Kenrokuen was designed to be beautiful regardless of the season, with a variety of features that can shine in different seasons.

This is located close to Kanazawa Castle, the historical home of the Maeda Clan, a significant part of Japanese history.

When exploring Kanazawa, you can’t miss the Higashi-chaya district, a historical teahouse district with many traditional teahouses still in business, about a 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Castle.

Some teahouses and traditional houses in the area now function as small museums or displays of traditional culture.

Exploring this area is a unique and interesting way to learn more about Japanese culture.

For more ideas of things to do and see in Kanazawa, see our Kanazawa itinerary here.  

Wondering where to stay in Kanazawa? Check out our overview of the best ryokans in Kanazawa.

Day 5-6: Hakone 

Hakone is a famous hot spring town, well-known for its gorgeous hot springs and amazing views of Mt. Fuji.

The Hakone-Yumoto area has a wide variety of onsens, but there are onsens located all throughout the Hakone area.

Lake Ashi is beautiful to visit to enjoy the natural scenery, views of Mt. Fuji, and its scenic ropeway.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is also a unique location, with a variety of unique, modern art exhibits located throughout the natural landscape.

Hakone Shrine is ideal to visit to get the postcard-perfect floating tori gate photo. For more suggestions on what to do in Hakone, see our previous post here.  

How to get there  

Hakone is located in Kanagawa and so the best way to get there from Kanazawa is through Tokyo.

This requires taking a shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo, then changing to Odawara Station. Finally, you will need to take a bus from Odawara Station.  

Day 7: Back to Tokyo

After a long week exploring various parts of Japan, we now head back to Tokyo.

For the final day in Tokyo, there are multiple ways to organize the day.

One option is simply to choose any of the days from our 7-day Tokyo option and slot it into the final day here.

Alternatively, you can start the day in Shibuya to see the famous scramble crossing and Hachiko statue before moving on to Harajuku to explore the craziness of Takeshita St and have a relaxing morning tea or lunch at a stylish café on Omotesando.  

In the afternoon, you could either explore Ueno Park and its many museums, landscaped gardens, temples, and zoo.

If you want to stay with the city atmosphere, travel a few stops along the Yamanote line to Akihabara to wander through the anime and manga goods stores and the electronics shops.  

How to get to Tokyo: 

To return to Tokyo from Hakone, there are a few options.

You can return to Odawara and then take either a Shinkansen or a local express train back to Tokyo.

However, depending on where in Hakone you are staying, it may be best to take a train from the local station, such as Hakone-Yumoto Station.  

Option 4: Osaka, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Osaka

Day 1: Osaka

Our fourth option starts in Osaka.

The lively energy of this vibrant city is ideal for starting a trip on the right foot.

Whether it’s shopping in Shinsaibashi, exploring counter-culture shops in Americamura, visiting Osaka Castle, or even relaxing at the multilevel super-sent SpaWorld, Osaka is an ideal starting spot.

Not enough time to visit both Takayama and Kanazawa? Here we share the biggest differences between the two cities and help you decide which city you prefer.

For more suggestions, see our 1-day Osaka itinerary here. 

Day 2-3: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is perfect for exploring traditional Japanese culture, architecture, and more.

From Kanazawa Castle to the Nagamachi Samurai District, home to many samurai families during the feudal era of Japan and currently home to a number of small museums, Kanazawa has something for everyone.

Omicho Market, one of the best fresh seafood markets due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan, is also a must-visit, especially to taste the amazing seafood dishes prepared fresh on-site.

For more places to go in Kanazawa, please see our Kanazawa itinerary.  

How to Get from Osaka to Kanazawa

The fastest and most direct route from Osaka to Kanazawa is via the Thunderbird Limited Express train from Shin-Osaka station. This takes about 2.5 hrs.  

Day 4-5 Takayama and Shirakawa-go 

Takayama

Takayama is a great place to visit to experience traditional Japanese design and culture.

Hida Folk Village

Hida Folk Village is a collection of around 30 traditional houses from Edo Period Japan, relocated from the Hida region to Takayama in the 1970s.

The ‘village’ is really an open-air museum, with various houses containing information about different aspects of traditional Japanese culture, daily life, and other interesting features.

Visitors are also able to look inside the houses to get an even better idea of how life in those times worked.  

The Old Town

Takayama also has a well-preserved ‘Old Town’, where a number of houses, businesses, and entire streets have been preserved in their Edo Period style.

Sannomachi Street is perhaps the most well-known in this area due to its well-maintained traditional atmosphere.

There are many businesses in this area that have been operating for centuries.

A number of the houses operate as small museums or display houses showing traditional houses as they would have been during the Edo Period.

To see more about our visit to Takayama, see our previous post here.  

Shirakawa-go 

Shirakawa-go is a traditional village close to Takayama.

Throughout the village, you can see over 100 traditional “gassho-zukuri” houses.

The difference between these houses and the ones in the Takayama Hida Folk Village is that these houses are still in use.

The residents of Shirakawa-go live a fairly traditional existence, with some modern amenities, of course.

This makes it one of the most authentic ways to experience traditional Japan. There are also no other villages like it, making it truly unique.

How to Get There

Shirakwa-go is located an easy 50-minute bus ride from Takayama.  

Day 6-7: Kyoto 

Many first-time visitors to Japan have Kyoto as one of the must-sees, so we’ve added Kyoto to this itinerary.

Well-known for its famous temples, shrines, and castles, it is no wonder that Kyoto continues to be one of the top tourist destinations in Japan.

Whether you prefer the gentle calm of the smaller temples, such as Adashi no Nenbutsuji or Otagi Nenbutsuji, or the bigger, more distinctive features of some of the more famous sites like Kinkakuji or Fushimi Inari Shrine, there is something to entertain and excite everyone in Kyoto.

For more ideas on what to do in Kyoto, see our more extensive Kyoto itinerary here.  

We end this option in Osaka to best access the international airport in Kansai (KIX).  

Japan Travel Tips

Here we answer the most common questions you may have.

Are 7 days Enough for Japan? 

7 days is a good amount of time for the first visit to Japan.

While you won’t be able to see and do everything, it is long enough to get a good variety of experiences without getting overwhelmed.

It will also help you to plan a follow-up visit if you want to see more of Japan. 

Is it Worth Going to Japan for a Week? 

It is absolutely worth going to Japan for a week.

While a week can seem short, if you maximize each day that you spend in Japan, you can have an amazing array of experiences – different food, shops, cultural sites, gardens, pop culture sites, and more.  

How Much Do You Need for 7 days in Japan? 

Japan isn’t a cheap country to visit with quite high costs of airfares, accommodation and more. However, there are definitely ways to cut costs and budget carefully.

It also depends on what is important to you on a holiday.

If you want to be able to go shopping without worrying about your budget, maybe you can avoid expensive restaurants.

On the other hand, if you are interested in experiencing the best of Japan’s cuisine, maybe you could avoid or minimize attractions with expensive admission prices.  

Are 7 days Too Long in Tokyo? 

Some first-time visitors may think 7 days is too long to spend in one city when the whole country is there, unexplored.

However, Tokyo is such a large metropolis that you could spend weeks, months, or even years in Tokyo and still not have seen it all.

There is always something new and interesting to discover in Tokyo, even for those who’ve been there multiple times.  

Conclusion 

Japan is a land of great contrast, from the serenity of shrines and temples to the crowds of the city centers.

This can make the process of planning a trip to Japan difficult; what to prioritize and what to avoid.

Our visitor’s guide makes this planning process easy with a variety of 7-day Japan itineraries to suit various travel styles and make your next Japan holiday a success.  

Here you can find our other Japan itineraries:

• 5 days in Japan
• 14 days in Japan
• 3 weeks in Japan