Japan-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  • Arrival: Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport
  • Transportation: Take a train or bus from the airport to your hotel ( approx. 1-2 hours)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi or ramen for lunch
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing and take a walk around the trendy Shibuya area
    • Explore the nearby Harajuku district, known for its unique fashion styles and shopping
  • Evening:
    • Take a stroll along the Sumida River and enjoy the evening views of Tokyo Skytree
    • Try some street food or visit a local izakaya (Japanese gastropub) for dinner

Day 2: Tokyo

  • Morning:
    • Visit the famous Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and seafood
    • Take a short subway ride to the Asakusa district, one of the oldest areas in Tokyo
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Senso-ji Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple with a giant paper lantern
    • Explore the nearby Nakamise Shopping Street, filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs
  • Evening:
    • Take a walk through the trendy Akihabara district, known for its electronics and anime shops
    • Enjoy some dinner at a local restaurant or try some street food

Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

  • Morning: Depart from Tokyo by bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto ( approx. 2.5 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Check-in to your hotel and take some time to rest
    • Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some traditional Japanese cuisine like kaiseki or shojin-ryori for dinner

Day 4: Kyoto

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a stunning temple covered in gold leaf
    • Take a stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former residence of the shogun
    • Explore the nearby Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former palace of the Emperor of Japan
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some traditional Japanese tea ceremony or try some local sweets

Day 5: Travel to Osaka

  • Morning: Depart from Kyoto by train ( approx. 1 hour) and arrive in Osaka
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Osaka Castle, a beautiful castle with great views of the city
    • Explore the nearby Dotonbori district, known for its vibrant nightlife and food scene
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some dinner at a local restaurant or try some street food

Day 6: Travel to Hiroshima

  • Morning: Depart from Osaka by bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hiroshima ( approx. 2 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the famous Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
    • Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, famous for its beautiful scenery and wildlife
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy some dinner at a local restaurant or try some street food

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Afternoon: Depart from Hiroshima by train ( approx. 2 hours) and arrive back at Narita or Haneda airport for your return flight

Important Information

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, can enter Japan without a visa.
  • Transportation: Japan has an excellent public transportation system. You can use buses, trains, and subways to get around. You may also want to consider purchasing a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy travel.
  • Language: While many Japanese people speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic phrases like “konnichiwa” (hello), “arigatou” (thank you), and “sumimasen” (excuse me).
  • Money: Japan uses the yen as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops.
  • Food: Japanese cuisine is known for being fresh, seasonal, and local. Be sure to try some traditional dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura.

Other Tips

  • Respect for Tradition: Japan has a rich cultural heritage. Be mindful of customs and traditions when visiting temples or shrines.
  • Onsen (Hot Springs): Many onsen in Japan are segregated by sex. Men’s onsen typically have separate bathing areas for men only, while women’s onsen have separate bathing areas for women only.
  • Tattoos: Tattoos are not widely accepted in Japan. Some public bathhouses and gyms may not allow people with tattoos to enter.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Japan!