One Week in Japan Itinerary

If you have a week to explore in Japan flying in and out of Tokyo or flying in Tokyo and out of Osaka, it's very important to have a well-crafted itinerary to make the most of your trip.

As passionate travelers, we understand traveling to Japan and only having one week is overwhelming, but it shouldn't be.

Below is an itinerary to help you navigate the must-visit destinations.

• Tips Before Your Trip

  • Pocket Wifi or Sim Card/E-Sim

  • JR Pass

  • Plug Adaptor

  • Japanese Yen

  • Accommodation

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Day 1-2: Arrival in Tokyo and Exploring Tokyo

  • Where to Stay in Tokyo

  • Things to Do in Tokyo

    • Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street

    • Tokyo Tower

    • Shibuya Crossing

    • Hachiko Statue

    • Meiji Shrine

    • Takeshitadori

    • Tsukiji Fish Market

• Day 3: Tokyo to Fuji

  • How to Get There

  • Fuji 5th Station

  • Kawaguchiko

  • Arakurayama Sengen Park

• Day 4-5: Tokyo to Kyoto

  • How to Get There:

  • Hotel Recommendations in Kyoto

  • Things to Do in Kyoto

    • Fushimi Inari Shrine

    • Kinkakuji

    • Kiyomizudera Temple

    • Gion District

    • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Day 6: Osaka

  • Hotel Recommendations in Osaka

  • Things to Do in Osaka

    • Osaka Castle

    • Dotonbori

    • Umeda Sky Building

• Day 7: Hiroshima / Nara to Tokyo

  • How to Get to Hiroshima from Osaka

  • Things to Do in Hiroshima

    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

    • Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima

  • How to Get to Nara from Osaka

  • Things to Do in Nara

    • Todaiji Temple

    • Nara Park

Tips Before Your Trip

Below are some of the things you need to prepare before going to Japan. These items will help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip!

Pocket Wifi or Sim Card/E-Sim

Stay connected all throughout your trip with a reliable internet connection. E-SIM vending machine are available at major airports, and you can pre-order pocket Wi-Fi to pick up upon arrival.

JR Pass

Ideal for traveling between distant cities, the JR Pass offers unlimited rides on most trains, including Shinkansen, making it convenient and cost-effective depending on your itinerary.

Plug Adaptor

Japan uses Type A and B plugs. Make sure you bring an adaptor to keep your devices charged.

Japanese Yen

While credit cards are widely accepted, some places may only take cash.

Accommodation

Book hotels nearby train stations for a convenient stay. No more lugging your heavy suitcase around.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Expect a lot of walking, so bring shoes that are comfortable.

Day 1-2: Arrival in Tokyo and Exploring Tokyo

Arrival Tips:

• Visit Japan Web allows you to perform arrival procedures "immigration ", "customs", and "Tax-free shopping service"

• Upon landing at Haneda or Narita airport, pick up your pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card and JR Pass.

• E-SIM vending machines are located in the airport, and pocket Wi-Fi can be collected based on your pre-selected airport and terminal.

• Claim your JR Pass at JR East Travel Service Centers—Narita Airport has one on B1F, while Haneda’s is on 2F.

From the airport, take a train to your hotel’s nearest station.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Here are some hotel recommendations on where to stay in Tokyo:

Luxury: The Peninsula Tokyo

Mid-Range: Shinjuku Granbell Hotel

Budget: Hotel Meigetsu

Things to Do in Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street

Located in Asakusa, Sensoji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple. This temple attracts many visitors everyday with the giant red chouchin at the entrance. When entering the main gate, there's a bunch of shops lined up called the Nakamise Shopping Street, you can find different souvenirs from food to daily essentials. At the end of the street, you will find the pagoda and the main shrine.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo tower is an iconic tower to Tokyo's Skyline. It was modeled after Eiffel Tower. It's a great spot for Insta-worthy photos!

Shibuya Crossing

World's busiest pedestrian crossing. It is easily accessible from JR Shibuya Station. It's a must-visit and must-experience for people visiting Tokyo.

Hachiko Statue

Visit the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog known for his devotion, located near Shibuya Station. Always a crowded area, people usually decide this spot as their meeting place.

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a serene Shrine surrounded by a lush forest. It's the perfect spot if you want to be away from the city for awhile.

Takeshitadori

Takeshitadori is a street filled with quirky fashion and trendy shops. Discover unique clothes and accessories and don't forget to visit the sweets shop and have a taste of their crepes!

Tsukiji Fish Market

This market is a foodie wonderland. A famous market where you can taste fresh seafood. Explore small stores and eateries as you go around the market.

Day 3: Tokyo to Fuji (Day Trip)

How to Get There

Take the JR Chuo Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujisan Limited Express to reach Kawaguchiko Station.

Things to Do

Fuji 5th Station

A popular starting point for climbing Mount Fuji, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot to take in the majesty of the mountain.

Kawaguchiko

Spend some time to relax by the serene Lake Kawaguchi while gazing at the stunning views of Mount Fuji.

Arakurayama Sengen Park

Arakurayama Sengen is an Instagrammable spot that can be reached by climbing a lot of stairs. The overlooking view nearby the pagoda is very mesmerizing which is why it is one of the most visited spots near Mt. Fuji!

Day 4-5: Tokyo to Kyoto

How to Get There:

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto station for a swift and scenic ride. Reserve a seat from the right window to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji along the way.

Hotel Recommendations in Kyoto

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Mid-Range: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Budget: Sakura Terrace

Things to Do in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the thousands of red torii gates. Take note that the deeper and higher you go up the mountains, the lesser people there will be, which is perfect for that solo shot. The torii gates lead up to the top of the mountain where the main shrine is and it takes hours to reach it.

Kinkakuji

Japan's golden pavilion. An iconic golden temple that sits on a pond. It is picture perfect when the leaves are freshly green or even when the leaves turn its colors.

Kiyomizudera Temple

This historic and spacious temple has the famous wooden stage where you can overlook Kyoto. During autumn, a light up would make the scenery more amazing than it is during daytime.

Read More: Casual Stroll in Kyoto: Kyoto Station, Arashiyama and Kiyomizudera

Gion District

Gion District is a traditional geisha district with historic tea houses. You can experience having a tea ceremony or watch geisha shows.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest takes you to another world with its towering bamboos. Wander through this bamboo grove and visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Day 6: Osaka

How to Get There:

Take a short train ride to Osaka, Japan's culinary capital. Visit Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building and Dotonbori as you discover savory food.

Hotel Recommendations in Osaka

Luxury: St. Regis Osaka

Mid-Range: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka

Budget: Picnic Hostel Osaka

Things to Do in Osaka

Osaka Castle

A historic symbol surrounded by picturesque park. During spring, cherry blossoms turn this place into a lovely place. One great way to experience this place is by riding a boat around the moat!

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is known for its neon lights, street food, and shopping. Try some takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancake) as you explore the area.

Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy breathtaking views of Osaka from the floating garden observatory. Go up the instagrammable stylish escalator and take in the wonderful panoramic view during your favorite time. Sunsets and night views are amazing.

Day 7: Hiroshima / Nara to Tokyo

For your final day, choose between two day trips. In Nara, visit Todaiji Temple and wander through Nara Park. Alternatively, head to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the floating torii gate. Return to Tokyo or Osaka for your departure.

How to Get to Hiroshima from Osaka

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station.

Things to Do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

See the memoirs of the people who were affected and greatly devastated by the impact of World War II. The A-Bomb Dome serves as a somber reminder of the past.

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima

See the famous floating torii gate and bump into some deer. If you're lucky, you will be able to go near the torii gate, during low tide. If time allows, why not take the ropeway and go up Mt. Misen and see amazing views from above.

How to Get to Nara from Osaka

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station.

Things to Do in Nara

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple was once one of the Seven Great Temples in Japan. Explore this grand temple housing a massive bronze Buddha statue.

Nara Park

Wander through this expansive park known for its friendly deer. You can buy the crackers from nearby shops or stalls and feed the deer. The deer in Nara Park are friendly but can get quite assertive when they catch sight of the deer crackers. Be prepared for a bit of a frenzy as they might gather around you eagerly, hoping for a treat!

Return to Tokyo or Osaka for your departure.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the highlight of Japan’s culture, history, and natural beauty, all within a week. Enjoy your trip!