The Ultimate 7-Day Japan Itinerary for 2024

Japan Itinerary Day 2: Tokyo

I would start your second tour around Asakusa. You can either explore the area on a guided walk or venture on your own. To avoid the crowds and visit the two main temples:

• Senso-ji – This is Tokyo’s most visited and well-known shrine. Beautifully painted, it sits in a picturesque location near a pagoda and the charming Kaminari Gate. Inside the primary hall, there stands an enormous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It can get quite crowded during the day, so consider exploring the grounds in the evening.
• Asakusa Shrine – This nearby Shinto shrine is more serene with fewer visitors but still attracting people praying, meditating, or performing ancient rituals. It was constructed during the Edo period (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World War II.

Subsequently, proceed to Ueno Park. Stretching over 133 acres, Ueno Park was founded in 1873 on land formerly belonging to a 17th-century Buddhist temple. Its cherry blossom season sees huge crowds due to over a thousand trees present. Throughout the park, you will find various stalls and vendors selling snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are usually cultural activities or festivals exhibiting traditional arts, music, and dance. Four of Tokyo’s key museums are situated here:

• Tokyo National Museum – Established in 1872 on the north end, this enormous structure is Japan’s oldest and largest art museum. It boasts one of the world’s most expansive collections of art and artifacts from Asia, particularly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – Rotating displays of contemporary and traditional Japanese art are showcased here.
• National Museum of Nature and Science – Permanent and temporary exhibitions spanning natural science and history are displayed here.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This stunning 17th-century Shinto shrine features intricately carved gold doors and other ornate carvings. It’s definitely worth a close look!

After that, stroll down to Akihabara to delve into the world of video game parlors, arcades, and anime shops. This lively area is the epicenter for all electronic items, and it’s fun to try out many of the games available. The famous maid cafés, where staff dress in maid costumes and serve food and drinks, are also located here. These range from popular tourist spots to hidden gems promoting authentic cultural experiences. While they are not cheap (you have to purchase drink packages and pay a fee), they are quirky and entertaining.

In the evening, visit Shinjuku and then spend time at Golden Gai. Shinjuku is home to numerous trendy bars, bright lights, and small, hole-in-the-wall eateries. Be sure to explore Memory Lane (also known as Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya establishments and bars. Afterwards, head over to Golden Gai, a maze of narrow alleyways with a somewhat red-light-district feel, surrounded by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s fairly touristy but also a lot of fun. Some wild nights can be had here!

With Arigato Tours, you can learn about the area while sampling Japanese classics such as sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The cost of 23,900 JPY includes a drink and dishes at four stops.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 3: Tokyo

There’s a lot to see and do in Tokyo – complete guide of what to see and do here! But, think about taking a day off from the city to see some suburban sights:

Kamakura
Here, you can view a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze Buddha statue constructed in 1252. It was initially built within Kotoku-in Temple, but it has been washed away by various storms since then, so it now stands outdoors. Entrance to the temple grounds costs 300 JPY, while it’s an additional 20 JPY to enter the statue. The journey there usually takes about an hour and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Tokyo Disneyland
Who doesn’t love Disney? Tokyo’s version offers many of the same traditional attractions from Disney World, such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everyone’s favorite teacup ride, The Mad Tea Party. Additionally, there are unique attractions like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Prices fluctuate according to the day and time, but full-day entrance generally begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It is recommended to reserve in advance.

Mount Fuji
Situated an hour outside Tokyo, Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano (last erupting in 1708) cloaked in snow for nearly half the year. It rises a remarkable 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) above sea level and boasts one of the most iconic vistas in the country. One of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains, Mount Fuji is both a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a UNESCO Cultural Site. During summer, the mountain is open to hikers, who spend 5-12 hours ascending to the peak (usually departing at a night to catch the sunrise).

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can opt for a day excursion. Buses can ferry you partway up, allowing you to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding region. Guided day trips from the city are priced around 12,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 4: Kyoto

With a populace of 1.5 million and nestled amidst the mountains, Kyoto stands as one of the most charming cities in Japan. Boasting traditional-style buildings, bamboo forests, innumerable Zen gardens, and ancient Buddhist and Shinto temples, it is recommended to break the town into two halves due to the cluster of attractions and lengthy travel times. Today, you should tour the western half:

Stroll the Bamboo Forest
For a tranquil respite, visit Arashiyama and let the dense bamboo that tower over you envelope your senses. Located near the renowned Tenryu-ji temple, this site is one of Japan’s most scenic places. Though not expansive, there are hidden corners worth exploring. To avoid the crowds (which amass rapidly after sunrise), ensure an early arrival.

While there, consider visiting the Okochi Sanso Garden, a property belonging to the famous Japanese actor Denjir? ?k?chi (1898–1962). Although not free (priced at 1,000 JPY), the garden offers spectacular views and is truly captivating.

Marvel at the Golden Pavilion
Originally constructed in the late 14th century as a retirement residence for the shogun, this iconic structure later underwent conversion into a Zen Buddhist temple. Despite the present-day edifice dating only to the 1950s – when a monk attempted suicide and set the historic original ablaze – it is now covered in gleaming gold leaf, symbolizing purity and illumination. Each of the three stories showcases distinct architectural styles. Completing the scene are the serene reflection pool and traditional Japanese gardens replete with lush greenery, pruned trees, and scenic walkways.

1 Kinkakuji-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, +81 075-461-0013, shokoku-ji.jp. Open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is 500 JPY.

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple
This happens to be my personal favorite temple in Kyoto. Initially established in 1450 as the residence of a high-ranking samurai, it soon underwent conversion into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a mausoleum housing the relics of seven emperors. Its traditional rock and sand garden is lauded as one of the finest in the country. It also boasts a teahouse where you can participate in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) while overlooking the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are more temples in the vicinity to explore as well:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This extensive complex dating back to 1315 spans nearly 60 acres, housing numerous temples and displaying various Zen gardens and architectural styles. It is closely associated with the Japanese tea ceremony, as many of the country’s notable masters trained here.
• Toji Temple – Home to Japan’s tallest pagoda (five stories tall), Toji Temple was founded in 796 right after Kyoto became the capital city. It was one of only three Buddhist temples permitted in the city.

Embark on a sake brewery tour
Kyoto harbors a 400-year-long tradition of brewing sake (rice wine), renowned for some of the best globally due to the utilization of the region’s uncontaminated natural spring water in the brewing process. Arigato Tours offers a fantastic three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, incorporating halts at various breweries, a guided visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 5: Kyoto

Proceed with exploring the eastern section of town today:

Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Established in 711, this mountainside Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and abundance. It is distinguished by its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates forming a series of trails up Mount Inari. You can journey the trails independently while relishing panoramic views of Kyoto below or partake in a guided hiking excursion, allowing you to veer off from paved paths into concealed bamboo groves. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds.

68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, +81756417331, inari.jp. Open 24/7. Admission is free.

Explore Higashiyama
Dedicate an afternoon to walking the narrow alleys of one of the area’s oldest and well-preserved districts either solo or on a walking tour. Encompassed by traditional machiya structures (conventional wooden townhouses), these environs host small shops peddling local delicacies and handcrafted items, alongside eateries and teahouses. It’s a favored spot to experience a tea ceremony. Another excellent spot for a leisurely stroll within this neighborhood is the Philosopher’s Path, tracing a canal lined with cherry trees, exuding tranquility and introspection even outside cherry blossom season.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera
Amongst Kyoto’s many UNESCO sites, Kiyomizu-dera (translating to “pure water temple”) is perched in the foothills of Mount Otowa on the city’s eastern circuit. It ranks among Japan’s most renowned temples. Founded in 778, though most of the present buildings date back to the 17th century. The temple, which lacks any nails in its construction, is particularly impressive, notably its sprawling wooden terrace protruding from the hillside. The temple’s name references the nearby waterfall whose waters (suitable for drinking to this day) are alleged to possess wish-granting and therapeutic qualities