7 Days Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
This 7-day itinerary explores the highlights of Japan's main island, Honshu, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It offers a balanced mix of cultural immersion, historical sightseeing, and culinary delights, all while staying within a moderate budget.
Duration
7 days
Budget
$700-1400
Best Time
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, or Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures
Activities
40
Daily Avg
$150/day
Cities
Japan (2d), Kyoto (5d)
Pace
Fast
Japan offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology. From serene temples and gardens to bustling cityscapes and vibrant pop culture, it's a journey that stimulates all the senses. The country's exquisite cuisine, unparalleled hospitality, and efficient transportation make it an unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 15 must-have experiences
Castle
Day 6: Osaka Castle
Temple
Day 3: Senso-ji Temple
Shrine
Day 2: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Onsen
e.g., Hakone, Kusatsu
Food Market
e.g., Tsukiji Outer Market, Nishiki Market
Garden
Day 1: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Optional)
Ramen Shop
Day 3: Nakamise-dori Shopping
Train Ride
Day 3: Shinkansen to Kyoto
Mountain
e.g., Mount Fuji, Mount Takao
Tea Ceremony
e.g., Ippodo Tea Co., Camellia Tea Ceremony House
Street Food
Day 2: Harajuku: Takeshita Street
Bamboo Forest
Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Geisha District
Day 5: Gion District
Arcade
e.g., Round One, Taito Station
Department Store Food Hall
e.g., Isetan, Mitsukoshi
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
- 🚶Take the Airport Limousine Bus or Narita Express/JR Line from Narita (NRT) or the Keikyu Line/Tokyo Monorail from Haneda (HND) to Shinjuku Station.$30-40 (transport)
2:00 PM - Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport
Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel in Shinjuku. Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on local trains and buses.
- 🚶Hotel is usually a short walk from Shinjuku Station.FREE
4:00 PM - Check into Hotel in Shinjuku
Settle into your accommodation. Consider hotels near Shinjuku Station for easy access to transportation.
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- 🚶Walk from the hotel to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (approx. 15 minutes).FREE
5:00 PM - Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Enjoy free panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation decks. Arrive before sunset for the best lighting.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to Omoide Yokocho (approx. 10 minutes).$15-25
7:00 PM - Dinner at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)
Experience a nostalgic atmosphere and try yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at this famous alleyway. Choose a stall with a lively crowd.
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- 🚶Walk from Omoide Yokocho to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (approx. 20 minutes) or take a short taxi ride.$5
8:30 PM - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Optional)
If time permits and the garden is open late (check hours), enjoy a peaceful stroll through this beautiful garden.
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Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a vibrant hub with excellent transport links, diverse dining options, and iconic landmarks.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, or Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures.
The weather during spring and autumn in Japan is generally mild and sunny, with comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Rainfall is moderate, but occasional showers are possible.
Spring and Autumn offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, making them popular travel seasons.
Golden Week (late April-early May) and Obon Festival (mid-August) are peak travel periods with higher prices and crowds.
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
$250-500Food
$200-400Activities
$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 doing a lot of long-distance train travel.
- Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel on local trains and buses.
- Learn basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Carry cash, as many smaller establishments do not accept credit cards.
- Be mindful of Japanese customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes indoors and not talking loudly on trains.
- Utilize coin lockers at train stations to store your luggage.
- Download a translation app on your phone for easy communication.
- Always carry your passport with you, as it is required for tax-free shopping.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Lightweight clothing suitable for the season
- 3A reusable water bottle
- 4A small backpack for day trips
- 5A universal adapter
- 6A portable charger
- 7A phrasebook or translation app
- 8Medications (if needed)
- 9Sunscreen and a hat
- 10A small towel
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?
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are ideal due to pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. However, be prepared for larger crowds during cherry blossom season and Golden Week.
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