How to Plan a 7-Day Japan Itinerary

Planning a trip to Japan can feel like a thrilling yet overwhelming task. With its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, this beautiful country has so much to offer that squeezing it all into just seven days can seem impossible.

But don’t worry—with the right itinerary, you can make the most of your week in Japan and experience a bit of everything: history, culture, nature, and, of course, delicious food.

7-Day Japan Itinerary

In this guide, we’ll help you figure out how to plan a 7-day Japan itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and authentic experiences. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a returning traveler, this step-by-step plan will make your Japan adventure unforgettable.

For more inspiration, check out these guides:

Why Choose a 7-Day Japan Itinerary?

Seven days is enough time to get a taste of Japan’s most iconic destinations while still allowing for some downtime. It’s a manageable length for first-timers, especially if you’re traveling from abroad. With careful planning, you can:

Explore the bustling streets of Tokyo.
Dive into Kyoto’s rich history.
Witness Mount Fuji’s grandeur.
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine.
Experience the unique charm of Osaka.

The key to a successful week-long trip is to prioritize your must-sees and build a balanced schedule that includes cultural exploration, food adventures, and moments of relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning: Land and Settle In

Most international flights arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After landing, clear customs, pick up your JR Pass (if you’ve pre-purchased one), and grab a pocket Wi-Fi device for seamless connectivity. This is also the perfect time to exchange currency and stock up on essentials like an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) for public transport.

How to Get to Central Tokyo:

Narita Express (N’EX): A convenient way to reach Tokyo Station in about an hour.
Limousine Bus: Great if you’re carrying lots of luggage and want a direct ride to major hotels.
Haneda Monorail: Perfect for quick access to central Tokyo, especially if you’re staying near Shinagawa or Shibuya.

Afternoon: Explore Shibuya and Harajuku

Kick off your trip with Tokyo’s youthful energy:

Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian scramble. Grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks for an aerial view of the organized chaos.
Hachiko Statue: A tribute to loyalty and a popular photo spot.
Takeshita Street: Known for quirky fashion, crepes, and colorful shops. This is the epicenter of Harajuku’s trendy and playful culture.

Evening: Tokyo Tower or Skytree

Wrap up your first day with stunning city views:

Tokyo Tower: Classic and iconic, especially when lit up at night.
Tokyo Skytree: Taller and more modern, with a shopping complex and aquarium at its base.

Pro Tip: End your day with a relaxing meal at an izakaya (Japanese pub) to sample small dishes and drinks.

Day 2: Tokyo – Culture and Modernity

Morning: Traditional Tokyo

Start your day with a taste of history and tradition:

Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in Asakusa. Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and shop for souvenirs along Nakamise Street.
Meiji Shrine: Nestled in a serene forest near Harajuku, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The tranquil setting offers a peaceful escape from the city buzz.

Afternoon: Modern Tokyo

Head to Odaiba, a man-made island featuring:

TeamLab Borderless: An immersive digital art museum that will leave you in awe.
DiverCity Mall: Home to the life-sized Gundam statue, along with shopping and dining options.
Oedo Onsen Monogatari: Relax your feet in an onsen theme park.

Evening: Shinjuku Nightlife

Experience Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife:

Golden Gai: Tiny bars, each with its unique vibe. A great spot for adventurous drinkers.
Omoide Yokocho: A narrow alley filled with yakitori (grilled skewers) shops. Try the chicken and quail egg skewers!

Don’t Miss: Exploring Kabukicho, Tokyo’s red-light district, which has unique bars and entertainment spots.

Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Fuji

No trip to Japan is complete without seeing the iconic Mount Fuji. Take a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region or Hakone for breathtaking views and relaxing hot springs.

Morning: Kawaguchiko

Visit Lake Kawaguchi for postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji. Take a boat ride or rent a bike to explore the area.
Stop by the Chureito Pagoda, especially stunning during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. The view combines traditional Japanese architecture with natural beauty.

Afternoon: Onsen Experience

Relax in an onsen (hot spring) at Hakone:

Try the famous black eggs (boiled in sulfuric water) at Owakudani Valley. Legend says eating one egg adds seven years to your life.
Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring art installations set against stunning natural backdrops. Don’t miss the Picasso Pavilion!

Evening: Return to Tokyo

Catch an evening train back to Tokyo and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local ramen shop. Opt for a hearty bowl of miso or shoyu ramen.

Day 4: Kyoto – The Heart of Tradition

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto in the morning. The journey takes about 2.5 hours and offers glimpses of Japan’s countryside.

Morning: Arashiyama

Stroll through the Bamboo Grove, a tranquil and photogenic spot. It’s especially magical in the early morning when the light filters through the towering bamboo.
Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park for great views of the city and a close encounter with monkeys.

Afternoon: Temples and Tea

Stop by Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf. It’s one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse. Learn about Japanese tea culture while savoring matcha.

Evening: Gion District

Explore Kyoto’s geisha district:

Walk along Hanami-koji Street, lined with wooden machiya houses.
Enjoy a kaiseki (multi-course meal) dinner for an authentic taste of Kyoto cuisine.

Day 5: Nara and Osaka

Morning: Day Trip to Nara

From Kyoto, take a short train ride to Nara, home to:

Todai-ji Temple: Houses the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s largest bronze statues. The temple’s scale and history are awe-inspiring.
Nara Park: Famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer. Buy special deer crackers to feed them, but watch out—they can get playful!

Afternoon: Osaka Street Food

Head to Osaka, Japan’s kitchen, for a foodie adventure:

Visit Kuromon Market for fresh seafood and street snacks.
Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) in Dotonbori.

Evening: Dotonbori

Stroll along Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Glico Running Man sign!

Day 6: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Take an early morning Shinkansen to Hiroshima. The journey takes about 2 hours from Osaka and offers plenty of time to explore this historic city and its surrounding treasures.

Morning: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Begin your visit with a solemn and educational experience:

Atomic Bomb Dome: This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a stark reminder of the impact of nuclear war. It’s a preserved structure from the 1945 bombing and a place of reflection.
Peace Memorial Museum: Dive deep into Hiroshima’s history and learn about the city’s journey from devastation to recovery.
Children’s Peace Monument: Pay your respects at this poignant statue inspired by Sadako Sasaki, a young victim of the bombing.

Afternoon: Miyajima Island

Hop on a ferry to Miyajima, known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic sights:

Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its floating torii gate, this shrine appears to float on water during high tide.
Mount Misen: Take the ropeway or hike up the mountain for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Street Food: Sample local delicacies like grilled oysters, momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), and anago meshi (grilled eel over rice).

Evening: Return to Osaka or Kyoto

Head back to your base city for a restful evening. Enjoy a quiet dinner or unwind at your hotel to prepare for the final day.

Day 7: Departure or Free Day

Option 1: Last-Minute Shopping

In Tokyo, explore Akihabara for electronics, Shibuya for trendy fashion, or Ginza for luxury goods.
In Osaka, visit Shinsaibashi for a mix of high-end and affordable shopping options.

Option 2: Relaxation

Enjoy a final onsen experience to relax before your flight.
Take a leisurely stroll through a local park, like Yoyogi Park in Tokyo or Nakanoshima Park in Osaka.

Option 3: Discover Hidden Gems

Explore lesser-known neighborhoods or unique attractions for a quieter, more personal experience. For example:
- Daikanyama in Tokyo for boutique shops and cafes.
- Nakazakicho in Osaka for vintage stores and art galleries.

More Options for Your Japan Travel Dreams

If you’re planning to extend your trip or customize your itinerary, consider these exciting additions:

Hokkaido

Ideal for winter sports, natural hot springs, and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Don’t miss Nijo Market in Sapporo for fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Okinawa

Perfect for beach lovers and those seeking a tropical vibe. Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and Okinawan cuisine.

Kanazawa

Explore the preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kenrokuen Garden, and the stunning 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.

Nagano

Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to see snow monkeys soaking in hot springs. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and winter travelers.

Final Tips for Planning Your 7-Day Japan Itinerary

Invest in a JR Pass: If you’re traveling between cities, the pass can save you money and make transportation seamless.
Pack Light: Japan’s efficient coin lockers make it easy to store bags while sightseeing.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Simple words like “arigatou” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me) go a long way.
Tailor Your Trip: Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or nature lover, customize your itinerary to match your interests.

With this 7-day Japan itinerary, you’ll experience the best the country has to offer. From neon-lit cities to serene temples, every moment will be a memory to treasure. For more travel tips and destination guides, visit JapanTravelDreams.com. Happy travels!