7 Days Japan Cherry Blossom Itinerary
This 7-day itinerary explores the vibrant cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, offering a balanced experience of cultural landmarks, culinary delights, and modern entertainment. It's designed for travelers on a moderate budget, focusing on affordable yet enriching experiences.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
March-May (spring, cherry blossoms) and September-November (autumn, colorful foliage) offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery
Activities
45
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Tokyo (3d), Kyoto (4d)
Pace
Fast
Japan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology. From serene temples and gardens to bustling cityscapes and delicious cuisine, it's a captivating destination for all types of travelers. The country is also known for its exceptional hospitality and safety.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 14 must-have experiences
A Temple
Day 2: Senso-ji Temple
A Shrine
Day 2: Meiji Jingu Shrine
A Food Market
Day 7: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
A Garden
Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Ramen Shop
Day 2: Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop in Asakusa
Train Ride
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto
Mountain
Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone
Bamboo Forest
Day 5: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Castle
e.g., Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle
Onsen
e.g., Hakone Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen
Tea Ceremony
e.g., Ippodo Tea Co. (Kyoto), Camellia Tea Ceremony (Tokyo)
Geisha District
Day 4: Gion District Walk
Deer Interaction
Day 6: Nara Park
Iconic Crossing
Day 2: Shibuya Crossing
Japanese cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. From delicate sushi to hearty ramen, the culinary landscape offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Expect a focus on umami and a visual presentation that's as important as the taste.
Must-Try Dishes
Vinegared rice paired with various toppings, most commonly seafood. Experience the freshness of the fish and the perfect balance of flavors. Nigiri (fish on rice) and Maki (rolled sushi) are popular choices.
📍 Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), local sushi restaurants (everywhere)
Noodle soup with a rich broth, toppings like pork belly (chashu), seaweed, and a soft-boiled egg. Each region has its own unique style of ramen, from tonkotsu (pork bone broth) to miso ramen.
📍 Ramen shops (everywhere), especially in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Sapporo
Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Enjoy the crispy texture and delicate flavors, usually dipped in a tentsuyu sauce.
📍 Specialized tempura restaurants, department store restaurants
Savory pancake containing flour, egg, shredded cabbage, and various ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables. Two main styles: Osaka-style (ingredients mixed together) and Hiroshima-style (layered).
📍 Okonomiyaki restaurants, especially in Osaka and Hiroshima
Food Neighborhoods
Known for fresh seafood and street food.
Known for its vibrant street food scene and iconic food signs.
Known for its retro atmosphere and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Known for traditional restaurants and teahouses along the Kamogawa River.
Vegetarian options can be limited, but look for dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, and vegetarian ramen (ask specifically). Communicating dietary restrictions clearly is essential, use a translation app if needed. Halal food can be challenging to find outside major cities; search for halal-certified restaurants beforehand. Common allergens include soy sauce, shellfish, and sesame.
It's customary to say "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisousama deshita" after. Slurping noodles is considered polite. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl. Using chopsticks to pass food directly to someone else is a funeral custom and should be avoided.
Cherry Blossom Season
HanamiPeak cherry blossom viewing season with picnics under blooming trees.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead - hotels sell out quickly
Golden Week
Japan's longest holiday period with multiple national holidays. Domestic travel surge.
Note: Book 3+ months ahead or avoid entirely
Gion Matsuri
One of Japan's most famous festivals with elaborate floats and traditional performances.
Note: Book 2 months ahead for mid-July
Autumn Leaves Season
KoyoPeak autumn foliage viewing with stunning red and gold colors across Japan.
Note: Book 2 months ahead for Kyoto
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport.$20-30
2:00 PM - Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport
Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to Shinjuku (NRT) or the Keikyu Line or Limousine Bus to Shinjuku (HND). Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on local trains and subways.
- 🚶Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus from Narita Airport or the Keikyu Line or Limousine Bus from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku Station. Walk or take a taxi to your hotel in Shinjuku.FREE
4:00 PM - Check into Accommodation in Shinjuku
Drop off your luggage and freshen up. Consider a hostel or budget hotel near Shinjuku Station for convenience.
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- 🚶Walk or take a short subway ride from your hotel to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.$5
5:00 PM - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Explore this beautiful garden, featuring Japanese, English, and French landscape styles. A peaceful escape from the city bustle. Note that there is an entrance fee.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).$15-20
7:00 PM - Dinner at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Experience the nostalgic atmosphere of this narrow alley filled with small yakitori (grilled skewers) restaurants. Try a variety of skewers and local beer.
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- 🚶Walk from Omoide Yokocho to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.FREE
8:30 PM - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks
Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the free observation decks. Open until late, offering stunning night views.
Book on Klook - 🚶Explore the Shinjuku area on foot.FREE
10:00 PM - Explore Shinjuku's Entertainment District
Wander through Shinjuku's vibrant streets, experiencing the neon lights and lively atmosphere. Be mindful of your surroundings.
Book on Klook
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a vibrant hub with excellent transport links, diverse dining options, and plenty of entertainment.
📅 Best Time to Visit
March-May (spring, cherry blossoms) and September-November (autumn, colorful foliage) offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery.
The weather during the shoulder seasons is generally mild and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Expect comfortable temperatures during the day and cooler evenings.
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are considered shoulder seasons in Japan, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak seasons.
Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon Festival (mid-August) are major holidays when travel can be crowded and more expensive.
Getting Around
World-class public transport with punctual trains and buses
Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA
Get a Japan Rail Pass for multi-city travel. Trains stop around midnight.
Travel
$150-300 (includes Shinkansen and local transport)Accommodation
$250-400 (hostels, budget hotels, or Airbnb)Food
$200-300Activities
$100-200Eat at convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. They offer a vast selection of fresh, affordable, and surprisingly delicious meals, snacks, and drinks (onigiri, bento boxes, sandwiches).
Take advantage of lunch sets (teishoku) or 'setto' menus at restaurants. These are typically much cheaper than dinner options for the same quality of food.
Indulge in a traditional ryokan stay with a kaiseki dinner. It's a full cultural experience including elaborate multi-course meals, private onsen (hot spring) baths, and impeccable service.
Experience high-quality Wagyu beef or an authentic sushi omakase (chef's choice) dinner. While pricey, the quality and culinary artistry are unparalleled.
Visit supermarkets in the evening (typically after 7 PM) for discounted fresh food items, including bento boxes, sushi, and baked goods, as they clear out inventory for the next day.
Explore 'depachika' – the food halls located in the basement of department stores. They offer an incredible array of gourmet foods, and sometimes offer samples or discounted items, especially towards closing time.
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on extensive train travel.
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on local trains and subways.
- Learn basic Japanese phrases – it will enhance your experience.
- Carry cash – many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards.
- Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette (e.g., bowing, removing shoes).
- Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
- Utilize convenience stores (konbini) for affordable meals and snacks.
- Consider pocket wifi or a local SIM card for internet access.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Adaptor for Japanese outlets (Type A/B)
- 3Portable charger for your phone
- 4Reusable water bottle
- 5Small backpack for day trips
- 6Light jacket or sweater (even in summer)
- 7Phrasebook or translation app
- 8Medications (with prescriptions)
- 9Eye mask and earplugs for travel
- 10Wet wipes or hand sanitizer
Flights and Accommodation
Book at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (cherry blossom, fall foliage) or popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, to secure preferred options and better prices.
Japan Rail Pass (if applicable)
If planning extensive travel across multiple regions, calculate if a JR Pass is cost-effective. Purchase before arriving in Japan, as buying inside Japan is significantly more expensive.
Ghibli Museum Tickets
Tickets are notoriously hard to get and sell out instantly. Purchase online via official channels (e.g., Lawson Ticket in Japan, or authorized international resellers) exactly one month in advance, usually on the 10th of the preceding month.
Popular Restaurant Reservations
For high-end or highly sought-after restaurants (especially Michelin-starred), book 1-3 months in advance. Many require hotel concierge assistance for foreign visitors.
Pocket WiFi or SIM Card
Pre-order online for convenient pickup at major airports upon arrival. This ensures immediate connectivity as soon as you land.
Ryokan Stay (Traditional Inn)
Especially popular ryokans or those with private onsen rooms can book out 3-6 months in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
TeamLab Borderless / Planets Tickets
These popular digital art museums often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. Book online a few weeks to a month in advance.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Mobal website (ships internationally) or Narita/Haneda Airport
📍 Japan Wireless website (delivery to hotel or airport)
📍 Holafly website
Free WiFi is increasingly available in hotels, cafes (Starbucks, Tully's), and some public areas, especially in major cities. However, connection speeds and reliability can vary. Pocket WiFi or SIM card is highly recommended for consistent connectivity.
Useful Apps
Purchase your SIM card or pocket WiFi in advance for convenience. Consider an eSIM if your phone is compatible. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Check the coverage area of your chosen provider, especially if you plan to travel to rural areas. Ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a SIM card.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
100V
50/60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — tipping can be considered rude
Not expected
Not expected; leave a tip in an envelope if desired
Japan has a no-tipping culture. Excellent service is the standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Japan is generally a very safe country for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
119
119
English support available at #7119 (medical) and #9110 (police non-emergency)
Payments
Cash is still widely used, especially at small shops and rural areas
Accepted at major stores and hotels; less common at small restaurants
IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) widely accepted at convenience stores and transit
Carry cash — many places are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.
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How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Japan are during spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage. The weather is pleasant, and the scenery is stunning during these periods.
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