Get ready for an awesome week with our Japan Itinerary 7 Days plan! This country is full of cool stuff – old temples, busy cities, and delicious food. Our Japan Itinerary 7 Days adventure takes you through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Each place in this Japan Itinerary 7 Days tour has its own special things to see and do. Let’s get started on your exciting Japan adventure!
Before You Go: 7 Day Japan Itinerary and Travel Tips
Before you pack your bags, here are some tips to make your trip even better:
- Japan Rail Pass: This is a special ticket that lets you ride most trains in Japan, including the super-fast bullet trains (called shinkansen). It might seem expensive when you buy it, but it can save you a lot of money if you’re traveling to different cities. You need to buy it before you go to Japan, so plan ahead!
- IC Card: A smart card you can use to pay for trains and buses in cities. It’s much easier than buying tickets every time you want to ride. You can buy these at most major train stations when you arrive in Japan. Popular ones are Pasmo and Suica.
- Internet: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a Japanese SIM card. This way, you can use your phone to find your way around, translate menus, and share your cool photos online. You can rent these at the airport when you arrive.
- Japanese Words: Knowing a few easy Japanese words can make your trip more fun. Here are some to start with:
- Konnichiwa (Ko-nee-chee-wah) = Hello
- Arigatou (Ah-ree-gah-toh) = Thank you
- Sumimasen (Soo-mee-mah-sen) = Excuse me/Sorry
- People will be happy you tried!
- Be Polite: Japan has some special rules for being polite:
- Bow when you meet people (a small nod is fine for tourists)
- Take off your shoes when you go inside houses or some restaurants (look for shelves or slippers at the entrance)
- Be quiet on trains and buses
- Don’t eat while walking on the street
- Following these rules will help you fit in and show respect for Japanese culture.
- Cash is King: Even though Japan is a high-tech country, many places still prefer cash. Always carry some yen (Japanese money) with you. You can get yen from ATMs at 7-Eleven stores, which are everywhere in Japan.
- Public Transportation: Japan’s public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways, is efficient and convenient. It’s easy to navigate even if you don’t speak Japanese, making it perfect for tourists.
Now, let’s start your fun week in Japan!
Japan Itinerary Days 1-3: Tokyo – Big City Fun
Day 1: See Famous Tokyo Spots- Kickstart Your 7-Day Japan Itinerary
9:00 AM – Meiji Shrine
Your Tokyo trip kicks off at Meiji Shrine. Big wooden gates welcome you to a peaceful forest in the middle of the city. This quiet place honors Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who helped make Japan modern about 150 years ago.
Walk down the wide path with tall trees on both sides. You’ll see big barrels of sake (rice wine) with pretty designs. These are gifts to the shrine. At the main building, you can buy a wooden plaque called an ema. Write a wish on it and hang it up – maybe it’ll come true!
11:00 AM – Harajuku
Just a short walk away is Harajuku, and wow, is it different! This is where young people in Tokyo like to shop and show off cool clothes. Takeshita Street is the main place to go. It’s a narrow street full of colorful shops selling everything from crazy clothes to sweet snacks.
Look for people dressed up as cartoon characters – they love to take pictures with visitors. Try a crepe filled with ice cream and fruit – it’s what Harajuku is famous for! If you want cute souvenirs, check out the Line Friends store. Line is a popular app in Japan, and its characters are super cute.
2:00 PM – Shibuya Crossing
Next, check out the famous Shibuya Crossing. This huge intersection is known as the busiest in the world! When the lights change, people cross from all directions at once. It looks like a big dance. For the best view, go up to the Shibuya Sky observation deck.
While you’re in Shibuya, look for the statue of Hachiko, a famous dog. Hachiko waited at Shibuya Station every day for his owner, even after the owner died. It’s a story that makes many Japanese people cry!
7:00 PM – Tokyo Tower
End your day at Tokyo Tower. This tall tower looks a bit like the Eiffel Tower, but it’s orange and white. Go up to see amazing views of Tokyo. As it gets dark, watch the city light up. The view of Tokyo at night, with all its twinkling lights, is something you’ll never forget!
Japan Itinerary Day 2: Old and New Tokyo
9:00 AM – Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Today, we’re exploring old Tokyo in Asakusa. First, you’ll see the Kaminarimon Gate with its huge red lantern. This gate leads to the area around Senso-ji Temple.
Walk down Nakamise Shopping Street, which has been selling snacks and souvenirs for hundreds of years. Try some ningyo-yaki, little cakes filled with sweet bean paste. You can watch them being made in some shops.
At the end of the street is Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. It’s over 1,300 years old! The story says two fishermen found a statue of Kannon (a Buddhist goddess) in the river, and the temple was built for it. Watch people light incense and wave the smoke over themselves – they think it brings good health.
Check out the big five-story pagoda next to the main hall. Don’t forget to look up at the roof of the temple gate to see the big gold statues!
Another must-visit attraction in Tokyo is the Imperial Palace, known for its historical significance as the residence of the Emperor of Japan and its beautiful park-like surroundings.
1:00 PM – Tokyo Skytree
Next stop is the Tokyo Skytree. This is the tallest tower in the world! Go up for views that seem to go on forever. On a clear day, you might even see Mt. Fuji far away.
The Skytree isn’t just for views – there’s a whole shopping center at the bottom called Solamachi. You can find all sorts of Japanese souvenirs here, and there’s even an aquarium!
4:00 PM – Sumida Park
If it’s spring, take a walk in nearby Sumida Park. The cherry blossom trees along the river are beautiful. Seeing the pink flowers with the tall Skytree in the background makes a great photo!
5:00 PM – Ueno Park and National Museum
Finish your day at Ueno Park. This big park has lots of museums, and it’s a nice place to relax after a busy day. If you like animals, check out Ueno Zoo – it’s Japan’s oldest zoo and home to some cute pandas.
If you like art and history, visit the Tokyo National Museum. It has the biggest collection of Japanese art in the world. You can see old samurai swords, beautiful pottery, and paintings from long ago. There’s even a room full of cool samurai armor!
As the sun sets, you might see street performers in the park. It’s a fun way to end your day exploring Tokyo’s mix of old and new.
Japan Itinary Day 3: Modern Tokyo and Pop Culture
10:00 AM – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Begin with a nice walk in Shinjuku Gyoen. This park has three different kinds of gardens: Japanese, English, and French. In spring, it’s one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. Even if it’s not spring, the park is still really pretty and a nice break from the busy city.
The Japanese garden has a tea house where you can try traditional green tea and sweets. Sitting by the pond, sipping tea, you might forget you’re in the middle of a huge city!
2:00 PM – Odaiba
In the afternoon, ride the driverless Yurikamome train to Odaiba. This man-made island feels like you’ve traveled to the future! The train ride itself is fun, especially when it crosses Rainbow Bridge with great views of Tokyo Bay.
Visit teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum where the art moves and changes. It’s like being inside a colorful, moving painting! You can interact with the art – in one room, you can draw sea creatures that then start swimming around you.
Don’t miss the giant Unicorn Gundam statue outside DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. Even if you don’t know the anime, this huge robot is really cool to see. It’s 19.7 meters tall, and at certain times of the day, it moves and lights up!
If you like science and technology, check out the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation). They have cool exhibits about space, robots, and future technology. You can even see ASIMO, Honda’s famous humanoid robot.
7:00 PM – Akihabara
Wrap up your Tokyo adventure in Akihabara, also known as “Electric Town.” This area is heaven for fans of anime, video games, and electronics. The streets are full of bright signs and game sounds. Try some uniquely Japanese games in the arcades, like taiko drumming or purikura photo booths where you can decorate your photos with cute stickers.
For a funny and very Japanese experience, visit a maid cafe. The waitresses dress up in maid costumes and act super cute. They might draw ketchup cats on your omurice (omelet with rice) or cast a “spell” to make your drink more delicious. It might seem weird, but it’s a big part of Japanese pop culture!
If you’re into anime or manga, don’t miss the huge stores like Animate or Mandarake. They’re multi-story buildings full of comics, figurines, and all sorts of character goods. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to look around.
As you head back to your hotel, your head will be spinning with all the amazing things you’ve seen in Tokyo. But your Japanese adventure is far from over – tomorrow, you’re off to the ancient capital of Kyoto!
Days 4-5: Kyoto – Step Back in Time
Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, and it shows. The city is full of old temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Get ready to experience the Japan of samurai and geisha!
Japan Itinerary Day 4: Kyoto’s Famous Sights
8:00 AM – Fushimi Inari Shrine
Your Kyoto adventure begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of orange torii gates. These gates make a tunnel-like path up the mountain. Each gate was donated by a person or business. As you walk through, it feels like you’re in another world!
The hike to the top of the mountain takes about 2-3 hours round trip, but don’t worry if you don’t want to go all the way. Even walking through the first part of the tunnel of gates is an amazing experience. The higher you go, the fewer people you’ll see. Take breaks at the clearings for great views of Kyoto.
Look out for the fox statues around the shrine. Foxes are thought to be messengers of Inari, the god of rice and business. You might see fox-shaped snacks or souvenirs for sale too!
1:00 PM – Kiyomizu-dera Temple
After lunch, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The name means “Pure Water Temple,” and it’s one of the most famous sights in Kyoto. This temple sits on the side of a mountain, and it’s especially beautiful in spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (colorful leaves).
The main hall has a huge wooden balcony that sticks out over the hillside. It was built without any nails – pretty amazing! From here, you can see all of Kyoto. There used to be a saying that if you survived jumping from the stage, your wish would come true. Don’t try it though – it’s dangerous and not allowed!
At the bottom of the temple, there’s a waterfall split into three streams. People drink from these streams for good luck, long life, and success in school. Each stream has a really long-handled cup attached to it so you can reach the water.
6:00 PM – Gion District
In the evening, take a walk through Gion. Many of the attractions in the Gion District are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the area on foot. This is Kyoto’s famous geisha district. The narrow streets and old wooden houses make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Keep your eyes open – you might see a geiko (Kyoto’s word for geisha) or maiko (geisha in training) walking to work in their beautiful kimonos and white makeup.
Walk down Hanami-koji Street to see some of the best-preserved buildings. Many of these are tea houses where geiko entertain guests. You probably can’t go in (they’re very exclusive), but it’s cool to see them from outside.
End your day with some Kyoto-style food. Try a kaiseki meal – it’s like many small, pretty dishes that change with the seasons. Or have some yudofu, which is hot tofu served with different sauces. It’s simple but delicious! Kyoto is also famous for its sweets, so don’t forget to try some wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets often served with tea).
Japan Itinerary Day 5: More Kyoto Treasures
9:00 AM – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Day five kicks off in Arashiyama, home to the famous bamboo forest. Walking through the tall bamboo is like being in a green, peaceful world. The bamboo makes a nice sound when the wind blows. It’s a great place for cool photos!
The bamboo grove can get crowded, so try to go early. If you want a different view, you can rent a bike and cycle through the area. It’s a fun way to explore and you can cover more ground.
11:00 AM – Tenryu-ji Temple
Near the bamboo is Tenryu-ji Temple. This Zen temple has a beautiful garden that looks good all year round. The garden is designed to include the nearby mountains as part of its view. It’s a great example of Japanese garden design.
2:00 PM – Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
In the afternoon, see Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This temple is covered in real gold leaf, so it shines brightly next to the pond. Walk around the pond to see the pavilion from different angles. Each view is amazing!
The garden around Kinkaku-ji is also very pretty. It’s designed to be beautiful in every season, whether there’s green leaves, colorful flowers, or even snow.
6:00 PM – Nishiki Market
Finish your Kyoto trip at Nishiki Market. People call it “Kyoto’s Kitchen” because it’s full of food! This long, narrow street has over 100 shops and stalls. It’s a great place to try different Japanese foods.
You can taste things like tako tamago (a small octopus with a quail egg inside – sounds weird but tastes good!), soy milk donuts, and Kyoto-style pickles. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s fun to see all the interesting foods!
Japan Itinerary Day 6: Nara and Osaka – Deer and Delicious Food
9:00 AM – Nara Park and Todaiji Temple
Nara, Japan’s first capital city. Nara is a popular day trip destination from Kyoto or Osaka. The main attraction here is Nara Park, home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer. These deer are seen as messengers of the gods, and they’re very friendly! You can buy special deer crackers to feed them.
Visitors can choose to spend either a short half-day or a longer full day exploring Nara. In the park, visit Todaiji Temple. This temple has one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in Japan. The building it’s in, called Daibutsuden, is the largest wooden building in the world! Look for the pillar with a hole in it – they say if you can fit through the hole, you’ll have good luck.
2:00 PM – Osaka Castle
In the afternoon, head to Osaka to see Osaka Castle. This castle looks old on the outside, but inside it’s a modern museum about Japanese history. Climb to the top floor for great views of Osaka city. The park around the castle is huge and beautiful, especially in cherry blossom season.
7:00 PM – Dotonbori
End your day in Dotonbori, Osaka’s famous food street. This area is known for its huge, colorful signs and delicious street food. Try Osaka specialties like takoyaki (fried balls with octopus inside) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with lots of toppings).
Don’t miss the Glico Running Man sign – it’s been there since 1935 and is a symbol of Osaka. The neon lights and busy atmosphere make Dotonbori exciting at night!
Japan Itinerary Day 7 : Last Day in Tokyo
10:00 AM – Tsukiji Outer Market
On the last day you should be at Tsukiji Outer Market. Tsukiji Outer Market is a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions from Tokyo. Even though the famous fish auction moved, this area is still great for fresh sushi and seafood. Have a sushi breakfast and watch the busy shopkeepers setting up for the day.
2:00 PM – Harajuku or Akihabara
Spend your last afternoon doing some shopping. Go back to Harajuku if you like fashion, or Akihabara if you prefer anime and electronics. Buy some souvenirs to remember your trip!
7:00 PM – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
For a calm end to your trip, go up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s free and offers beautiful night views of Tokyo. It’s a great way to say goodbye to the city and remember all the amazing things you’ve seen in Japan.
Remember, this trip can be changed to fit what you like. Japan has great trains, so it’s easy to go to different places. Have an awesome time in Japan!
Wrapping Up Your Japan Adventure
Wow! You’ve just had an amazing week in Japan. From the busy streets of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, you’ve seen so much of what makes Japan special. Let’s look back at some of the cool things you’ve done:
- Walked through thousands of orange gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Seen the busiest crossing in the world at Shibuya
- Fed deer in Nara Park
- Eaten delicious street food in Osaka
- Experienced the mix of old and new in Tokyo
- Possibly spotted a geisha in Kyoto’s Gion district
- Ridden the super-fast bullet train
You’ve tried new foods, seen amazing sights, and experienced a culture very different from your own. That’s what travel is all about!
Some Final Tips
- Take lots of photos, but don’t forget to enjoy the moment too. Sometimes it’s nice to just look at things with your own eyes, not through a camera.
- Try to talk to local people. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, a smile and a few simple words can lead to fun interactions.
- Be brave with food. Japan has so many delicious things to eat. Try something new every day!
- Keep a journal. Write down what you did each day. You’ll love reading it later and remembering your trip.
- Respect the culture. Remember to be quiet on trains, take off your shoes when asked, and bow to say thank you.
- Don’t try to do everything. This itinerary shows you a lot, but there’s always more to see. It’s okay to take it slow sometimes and really enjoy where you are.
- Save some space in your suitcase. You’ll probably want to buy souvenirs to take home!
When You Get Home
When you get back home, you might feel a bit sad that your trip is over. That’s normal! Here are some ways to keep your Japan memories alive:
- Look through your photos and make an album
- Cook some Japanese food at home
- Watch Japanese movies or anime
- Start learning Japanese
- Plan your next trip to Japan!
Remember, Japan is a country that’s easy to fall in love with. Many people who visit once end up going back again and again. There’s always something new to discover.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary gives you a taste of the amazing things Japan has to offer. You’ve seen ancient temples and modern cities, eaten delicious food, and experienced a culture that’s both familiar and wonderfully different.
Japan is a country that mixes old and new in a way that’s really special. You might have seen a Buddhist monk with a smartphone, or a high-tech toilet in a traditional inn. It’s these contrasts that make Japan such a fascinating place to visit.
Whether you loved the excitement of Tokyo, the history of Kyoto, the deer of Nara, or the food of Osaka best, you’re sure to have made memories that will last a lifetime.
Japan has a saying: “Ichi-go ichi-e” (一期一会). It means “one time, one meeting” and reminds us that each moment is unique and special. Your trip to Japan is something that can never be exactly repeated, so we hope you enjoyed every moment of it!
Thank you for joining us on this virtual tour of Japan. We hope it’s inspired you to visit this amazing country yourself one day. Until then, sayonara (さようなら) and happy travels!