Japan-6-day-itinerary

Japan Travel Itinerary: 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  • Arrival: Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport
  • Transportation: Take a train or bus from the airport to your hotel (approximately 60-90 minutes)
  • Place to Go: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, entrance fee: 500 yen)
    • A beautiful garden with three different gardens: Japanese, French, and English styles
  • Thing to Know: Don’t forget to try a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel or a local restaurant!
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel in Shinjuku area

Day 2: Tokyo Explorations

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Tokyo Skytree (open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, entrance fee: 2000 yen)
    • The tallest tower in Japan with great views of the city
  • 11:00 AM: Explore Asakusa, a historic district famous for Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street
    • Try some traditional Japanese snacks at Nakamise Shopping Street
  • 1:00 PM: Lunchtime! Try some tonkatsu or tempura at a local restaurant
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken (free admission)
    • A peaceful oasis in the midst of bustling Tokyo

Day 3: Tokyo to Nikko

  • 7:00 AM: Take a train from Tokyo to Nikko (approximately 2 hours)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (entrance fee: 1300 yen)
    • A beautiful shrine with ornate decorations and tranquil gardens
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the Rinno-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple famous for its beautiful garden and peaceful atmosphere (free admission)
  • 1:00 PM: Lunchtime! Try some local specialties at a restaurant near the train station
  • 2:30 PM: Return to Tokyo by train

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

  • 7:00 AM: Take a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto (approximately 3.5 hours)
  • 10:30 AM: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates (free admission)
    • A beautiful and iconic shrine with great hiking trails
  • 12:30 PM: Lunchtime! Try some kaiseki cuisine at a local restaurant
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous temples in Japan (entrance fee: 500 yen)
    • A beautiful temple with great views of Kyoto

Day 5: Kyoto Explorations

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Kyoto
    • Take a stroll through the serene bamboo forest
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous temples in Japan (entrance fee: 500 yen)
    • A beautiful temple with great gardens and tranquil atmosphere
  • 12:00 PM: Lunchtime! Try some local specialties at a restaurant near the train station
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Gion district, famous for its geisha culture and traditional Japanese architecture (free admission)

Day 6: Departure from Kyoto

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
  • 11:00 AM: Check-out of your hotel and head to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight

Visa Requirements

  • No visa required for tourist stays up to 90 days for citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and most European countries. Check with the Japanese government’s website for specific requirements.

Transportation

  • Japan has an excellent public transportation system, including trains (bullet trains, local trains), buses, and subways.
  • Buy a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on public transportation.

Other Tips and Reminders

  • Try to learn some basic Japanese phrases, such as “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or shrines.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Try some local specialties, such as sushi, ramen, or tempura.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!