Japan is a country of contrasts, where ancient tradition meets modern technology and natural beauty blends with bustling cities. A 7-day itinerary is the perfect amount of time to explore some of the highlights of this fascinating country. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in Japan:
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo and explore the city Upon arrival in Tokyo, check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up. Then, head out to explore the city. Start at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can see the daily auction of fish and seafood. After that, take a stroll through the beautiful Imperial Palace East Gardens and see the impressive Tokyo Station building. Finally, end the day with a traditional Japanese dinner in one of Tokyo’s many restaurants.
Day 2: Tokyo Spend the day exploring more of Tokyo’s highlights. Take a train to the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its trendy fashion and cosplay culture. Afterwards, visit the Meiji Shrine and walk through the tranquil Yoyogi Park. In the evening, head to the Shinjuku area for some shopping and entertainment.
Day 3: Kyoto Take the bullet train to Kyoto and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s many temples and shrines, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. In the evening, take a walk along the charming Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walkway lined with cherry blossom trees.
Day 4: Kyoto Spend the day exploring more of Kyoto’s rich culture and history. Visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and a dinner of delicious Kyoto-style cuisine.
Day 5: Hiroshima Take the bullet train to Hiroshima and check into your hotel. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorate the atomic bombing of the city in 1945. Afterwards, take a ferry to the nearby Miyajima Island to see the iconic “floating” torii gate and visit the Itsukushima Shrine.
Day 6: Osaka Take the bullet train to Osaka and check into your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city’s many attractions, including the impressive Osaka Castle and the lively Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Japanese performance, such as a Kabuki play or a Bunraku puppet show.
Day 7: Departure Spend your last day in Japan doing some last-minute shopping and packing. Take a train to the airport and depart for your home.
This itinerary is only a suggestion and can be customized as per your preferences. Japan offers a lot to see and do, and this itinerary only scratches the surface of what the country has to offer. But it’s a good starting point for planning your trip, and will give you a taste of some of Japan’s most famous sights and experiences.
