Seven days in Japan feels both impossible and inevitable — how do you compress an entire country into a single week? The good news is that with smart planning, a 7-day Japan itinerary can let you genuinely feel the place rather than simply rush through it. This route focuses on three cities that define Japan for first-time visitors: Tokyo's controlled chaos, Kyoto's ancient temples, and Osaka's unapologetic food culture. We've lived in Kyoto for over 30 years, and we've learned that one well-planned week is enough to leave a real mark on you. The key is choosing depth over breadth.
Before You Go: Planning Your 7-Day Japan Trip
Best Time of Year to Visit
When you go shapes everything else. For choosing the best time to visit Japan, here's the honest breakdown:
Cherry blossom season (late March–April) is Japan's most crowded and expensive period. Temples are breathtaking but packed, and accommodation prices spike 30–50%. If you love flowers and crowds don't bother you, book at least six months ahead.
Autumn foliage (November) is the mirror image: equally stunning, equally busy, but with perfect walking weather throughout. October is arguably the sweet spot with warm days, clear skies, and noticeably fewer tourists than either peak season.
Summer (June–August) brings punishing heat, humidity, and crowds. Temples remain magical, but budget an extra ¥2,000+ daily for air-conditioned transport breaks.
Winter (December–February) is genuinely underrated. It's cold, but temples are quieter, prices drop 20–30%, and clear skies make for better photography. Tokyo rarely sees snow, and Kyoto's dry gardens feel almost meditative without the rain-soaked crowds of spring.
The JR Pass: Do You Need It for This Itinerary?
This requires honest maths. The 7-day JR Pass costs approximately ¥50,000 (~$330 USD). Here's how the numbers break down:
- Tokyo–Kyoto Shinkansen (Hikari): ~¥14,000 each way = ¥28,000 return
- Kyoto–Osaka (Kansai region trains): ~¥560–1,200 total
- Tokyo metro and local transport: ~¥3,000–4,000
The reality: For this core itinerary with no day trips to Nikko or Mount Fuji, buying point-to-point tickets (~¥32,000 total) actually costs less than the pass. Worth noting, too, that the Nozomi Shinkansen — the fastest service at 2 hours 7 minutes — isn't covered by the JR Pass regardless, so you'd pay a surcharge on top.
When the JR Pass makes sense: If you're adding a side trip to Mount Fuji's Kawaguchiko (¥4,500 from Tokyo) or the Kii Peninsula from Osaka (¥6,000+), the pass starts to justify itself. For the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route alone, individual tickets are the smarter buy. You can check current fares on Japan Guide's Shinkansen fare reference (opens in new tab) and purchase the pass through the JR Pass official site (opens in new tab) if your wider plans make it worthwhile. Or purchase your JR Pass tickets on Klook (opens in new tab).
See our full guide on whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your trip for detailed cost calculations.
Getting a Suica IC Card on Arrival
This is non-negotiable. A Suica card (~¥2,000, with ¥1,500 in usable credit) works on every train, metro, and bus across Japan, as well as at convenience stores and vending machines. Pick up a Suica card on arrival at the airport — the Narita Express counter, Haneda Station, or any Suica shop. It works seamlessly in Kyoto and Osaka too, so load it once and forget about it.
Accommodation Strategy: Where to Stay in Each City
Tokyo: Base yourself in Shinjuku or Shibuya for easy metro access everywhere (¥6,000–12,000/night budget hotels; ¥15,000–25,000 mid-range). Shibuya puts you closer to the energy; Shinjuku is better for nightlife and airport connections.
Kyoto: Location matters more here than anywhere else. The Kawaramachi/Gion area puts you within walking distance of temples, Nishiki Market, and the evening atmosphere that makes Kyoto linger in your memory. Budget ¥5,000–8,000 for a modest hotel; ¥20,000+ for a traditional ryokan (worth it for at least one night — the kaiseki dinner and onsen bath are experiences in their own right).
Osaka: Namba or Shinsaibashi both work well, with budget hotels from ¥5,500–9,000/night. Namba is grittier and more local in feel; Shinsaibashi is shinier and better placed for shopping.
One practical trick across all three cities: use the Takkyubin luggage forwarding service (~¥1,500/bag) to send your suitcase ahead overnight. Drop it at your hotel, and it arrives at your next destination the following morning. Travelling between cities with just a daypack changes everything.
Days 1–2: Tokyo — Neon Lights and Ancient Temples
For a deeper look at what the city has to offer beyond this itinerary, see our guide to the top things to do in Tokyo.
Day 1: Arrival, Shibuya & Shinjuku
Most international flights land in the mid-afternoon. After collecting your Suica card and checking in (hotels typically release rooms from 3pm), head straight to Shibuya Crossing. Hit it around 5–7pm when the light turns golden and the scramble is at its most theatrical — 3,000 people crossing every 90 seconds, viewed from a café window above, is one of those sights that rewards patience.
From there, walk 15 minutes to Shinjuku for dinner in Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane Alley), a postwar maze of izakayas serving grilled yakitori under flickering neon. It's touristy, but authentically atmospheric. Order three or four skewers and a beer (¥600) — don't leave hungry.
Wrap up your evening wandering through Kabukicho or the quieter Golden Gai, where locals nurse whiskies in bars the size of wardrobes. If you still have energy, a late-night walk through Shinjuku Station's underground labyrinth feels genuinely futuristic.
Day 2: Asakusa, Akihabara & TeamLab (or Ueno)
Start early. Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa — Tokyo's oldest temple — opens at 6am, and arriving before 8am puts you there hours before the tour buses. Morning light filtered through incense smoke is something you won't forget quickly. Browse Nakamise shopping street afterwards for souvenirs (genuinely fun, despite being tourist-facing), then grab breakfast ramen at one of the neighbourhood's backstreet shops (~¥900).
For your afternoon, pick a path:
Path A — Akihabara: Anime, manga, multi-storey electronics shops, arcades, maid cafés. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here comfortably.
Path B — Ueno Park: Tokyo National Museum (¥1,000), Ueno Zoo, and the brilliant chaos of Ameya-Yokocho Market, where dried seafood and vintage fashion share the same narrow alleys. Better suited to a second Tokyo visit.
Evening option: TeamLab Borderless, now relocated to Azabudai Hills (2024), is Tokyo's most immersive digital art experience — rooms of projected flowers, light sculptures, and installations that respond to your movement. Entry is ~¥3,200; book ahead online, especially on weekends. Plan 2–3 hours. You can book tickets and experiences like this through Klook Japan (opens in new tab) alongside other passes and tours.
Use a Tokyo Metro day pass (~¥700) or your Suica card for all transport. A few ground rules: no eating while walking, keep voices low on trains, and avoid priority seats unless you genuinely need them.
Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
Taking the Bullet Train: Practical Tips
For a complete breakdown of the journey, including booking tips and seat selection, see our guide on taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Book an early-morning departure (7–8am from Tokyo Station) to give yourself a full Kyoto afternoon. You have two options:
- Nozomi (2 hours 7 minutes): Fastest service, but not JR Pass-covered — costs ~¥14,500
- Hikari (2 hours 40 minutes): Covered by JR Pass if you have one — costs ~¥14,000
Unless those 30 minutes genuinely matter to your day, the Hikari is the sensible choice. Arriving at 10:30am still leaves the bulk of the day ahead of you.
At Kyoto Station, use the coin lockers (¥400–600/day by size) to store your luggage while you explore hands-free. Your hotel will also hold bags overnight if you're arriving before check-in.
Afternoon in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha
First-time visitors to Kyoto have a non-negotiable stop: Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermillion torii gates tunnel up a forested mountainside in one of Japan's most iconic walks. It's a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Station (Nara/Inari Line, 2 stops, ~¥150).
Aim to arrive by 11am. Most tour groups descend between 1–3pm, so earlier is quieter. Walk uphill through the gates — the first summit offers the classic photo ops — then push on to the Yotsutsuji viewpoint (around 45 minutes in) for sweeping views over Kyoto Valley. Most tourists turn back before reaching it. The full mountain circuit takes 2–3 hours if you're keen.
Return to Kyoto Station by 4pm and check into your Kawaramachi or Gion accommodation. Spend the evening on Hanamikoji Street in the Gion district at dusk — you may catch a maiko (apprentice geisha) in full kimono on her way to an evening engagement. Never photograph anyone without permission.
Dinner that night: ramen (~¥900) if you've been hiking, or kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal, ¥8,000–15,000) if you want to mark the occasion properly.
Day 4: Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama & Hidden Temples
For more detail on structuring your Kyoto days, see our full Kyoto 3-day itinerary.
Morning: Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) opens at 9am — arrive at that exact time before tour buses arrive at 10am. Admission is ¥500. The gold-leaf exterior reflecting in the pond is touristy for good reason. Give it 30–45 minutes.
Walk 15 minutes to Ryoan-ji for the deliberate contrast: a Zen rock garden of 15 stones arranged on raked gravel, with no gold in sight. Admission: ¥600. Sit at the viewing platform for ten minutes. The garden's power lies in its emptiness and whatever your mind chooses to place there.
Both temples are served by bus #59 from Kyoto Station. Allow 2–3 hours total.
Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji
Head west to Arashiyama — Kyoto's most tourist-dense neighbourhood, but genuinely worth it. The Sagano Bamboo Grove is free and, yes, crowded. The solution is simple: go at 8am or after 5pm. Midday is a photoshoot queue.
Tenryu-ji temple (¥500 garden; ¥500 extra for the interior) is one of Japan's finest Zen gardens, its lake perfectly framing the Arashiyama mountains behind it. The garden is the main draw; the building's sliding-door paintings are secondary. Spend 1–2 hours here.
If you want to go off the beaten path, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (¥600) is filled with 1,200 individually carved rakan (Buddhist disciples) tucked into a hillside that almost no tourists visit. The quiet is remarkable. Allow 45 minutes.
Evening: Bike Tour or Philosopher's Path
Option A: Rent a bike (¥1,000/day at Noru Kyoto) and explore Arashiyama's back roads — rice paddies, quiet village temples, local cafés. You'll see more in two hours on a bike than most visitors see in a full day on foot.
Option B: Walk the Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-Michi), a 2km canal-side route lined with cherry trees (late March–April) or maples (November). Outside those seasons, it's pleasant enough but not essential — save the time for temples.
Dinner in Arashiyama: tofu kaiseki, ramen, or a riverside restaurant. Budget ¥2,000–8,000 depending on how formal you want to go.
Day 5: Kyoto Temples, Nishiki Market & Gion
Morning: Heian-Jingu and the Philosopher's Path
Heian-Jingu Shrine was built in 1895 to mark Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary, and its scale is immediately striking — one of Japan's largest vermillion torii gates marks the approach. Entry to the grounds is free; the garden costs ¥600. Cherry trees and iris beds surround a large central pond that's at its best in spring but peaceful year-round. Allow an hour.
Walk south along the canal to Nanzen-ji temple (free grounds; ¥600 for the Hojo garden). The temple's brick aqueduct — built in 1890 as part of Japan's modernisation push — sits incongruously beautiful inside an ancient complex. It's one of those details that stops you short. Allow another hour.
Afternoon: Nishiki Market and Kiyomizu-dera
Nishiki Market is Kyoto's covered kitchen — a 400-metre arcade of 100+ vendors selling pickled vegetables, fresh tofu, matcha sweets, and fish straight off the boat. Plan to spend ¥500–1,500 on tastings; go for the eating rather than the photography. Arrive by 1pm before the evening rush builds.
Walk ten minutes south to Kiyomizu-dera (¥500 admission) — the famous wooden-stage temple cantilevered above the hillside with panoramic views over Kyoto. Visit by 3pm before the crowds spike toward evening. The wooden stage itself carries centuries of legend; the saying "to jump from Kiyomizu stage" means committing to something with no return.
For lunch between the two, Pontocho Alley — a lantern-lit passageway of traditional restaurants running parallel to the Kamo River — is less formal and cheaper at midday (¥3,000–6,000 for set meals). If you want dinner here instead, book ahead.
Evening: Gion and Kyoto Nightlife
Gion district is where Kyoto's geisha culture still genuinely exists rather than just being performed for tourists. Walk Hanamikoji Street at dusk (5–7pm) for the best light and the occasional maiko sighting. Note that several Gion alleyways now restrict tourist photography to protect residents' privacy — stick to main streets and always ask before pointing a camera at anyone.
Dinner in Gion ranges from ¥8,000–20,000 for kaiseki, sushi, or tempura. Budget options exist but require searching. Pontocho Alley gives you atmosphere with excellent food at a slightly more accessible ¥5,000–12,000.
Optional late-night: Rock Bar ING, tucked into Gion's back alleys with no sign outside, is a tiny counter bar where whisky flows alongside local salarymen and long-term expats. It's the Kyoto that most visitors never find. Ask your hotel to write directions in Japanese.
Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka (with an Optional Nara Day Trip)
Option A: Half-Day in Nara Before Osaka
Nara — Japan's ancient capital and home to free-roaming sacred deer — makes an excellent half-day detour between Kyoto and Osaka. See our guide to a day trip to Nara for full timing and logistics.
Kyoto to Nara: Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Kyoto Station (45 minutes, ~¥760). Store your luggage at Kyoto Station before you leave — you won't need it.
In Nara (3–4 hours): - Nara Park is free, and the deer that roam it will bow for crackers (¥150 from any vendor near the entrance) - Todai-ji Temple (¥600) houses Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue — the scale of it in person is genuinely striking - Kasuga Taisha Shrine (free grounds) is a vermillion Shinto shrine deep in the forest, lit by hundreds of stone lanterns.
Grab lunch at a local ramen shop (~¥900), then catch a train to Osaka (30–45 minutes from Nara, ~¥880).
Skipping Nara: If the detour feels rushed, go direct. The JR Line from Kyoto to Osaka takes 30 minutes (~¥1,200 or JR Pass) and buys you three extra hours in the city.
Arriving in Osaka: Dotonbori and Street Food
Arrive by early afternoon and check into a hotel near Namba (grittier, more local) or Shinsaibashi (polished, shopping-focused). Both are metro-adjacent and well placed for everything on this itinerary. For a full overview of what the city has to offer, see our guide to the best things to do in Osaka.
Head straight to Dotonbori — Osaka's neon-soaked canal district and the polar opposite of everything you've just experienced in Kyoto. Pachinko noise, food stalls competing at full volume, the famous Glico Running Man sign — it's sensory overload in the best possible way.
Essential eating in Dotonbori: - Takoyaki (octopus balls, ¥500): Any stand will do. They're all good. - Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes, ¥1,000–1,500): Available Osaka-style (mixed and cooked flat) or Hiroshima-style (layered with noodles). Kiji is the famous name but often queued; a smaller neighbourhood stall will serve you just as well. - Kushikatsu (fried skewers, ¥1,500–2,500): Vegetables, meat, and seafood on skewers. The one rule: dip once in the shared sauce. Double-dipping is the Osaka equivalent of a cardinal sin.
End the night browsing Shinsaibashi shopping arcade and catching a drink at one of the small bars near Namba Yasaka Park. Osaka's nightlife is younger and looser than Kyoto's — lean into it.
Day 7: Osaka — Castles, Culture & Farewell
Morning: Osaka Castle and Shinsekai
Osaka Castle (¥600 admission, free grounds) is one of Japan's most historically significant structures, though the building you see is a 1931 reconstruction — the original was lost to fire in 1868. The museum interior is decent, but the real draw is the castle's exterior reflected in the moat, particularly in the early morning light. Arrive at 9am opening and allow 1–1.5 hours. Nishinomaru Garden (¥200) is quieter, cherry-tree-filled, and a genuinely good escape from the main crowds.
From there, walk or take one stop south to Shinsekai — a retro 1950s neighbourhood that feels untouched by gentrification. Cheap kushikatsu restaurants, vintage shops, and Tsutenkaku Tower (~¥800 observation deck) fill the alleys. Locals still eat here, which says everything you need to know.
Afternoon: Universal Studios Japan or Kuromon Market
Option A — Universal Studios Japan (USJ): If theme parks are your thing, USJ deserves a full day. Tickets cost ¥8,600–10,400; book in advance.
Harry Potter: Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World are the headline attractions. Crowded even off-peak, but genuinely excellent.
Option B — Kuromon Ichiba Market: Osaka's working fish and produce market. Grab fresh sashimi and a seafood lunch (¥2,000–4,000 for a sit-down meal) or pick your way through the stalls. Darker and less polished than Kyoto's Nishiki Market, but more authentically Osaka. Allow two hours, then head to Amerikamura for vintage shops, independent cafés, and the kind of street culture that makes Osaka feel like a city with its own distinct personality.
Departure Tips
Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen (if you're returning to fly home): Often more straightforward than retracing to Kyoto first. The journey takes 2.5–3 hours and costs ¥13,000–14,000. Depart from Shin-Osaka Station.
To Kansai International Airport (KIX): The Nankai Rapi:t train runs from Namba Station every 15 minutes (~¥1,200, 75-minute journey). Afternoon departures work well from Osaka.
To Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): For domestic connections to Tokyo, Sapporo, or Fukuoka — only 30 minutes from Umeda Station.
Budget summary for 7 days in Japan: - Budget traveller: ¥80,000–100,000 total — hostels and budget hotels, street food, free temple grounds - Mid-range: ¥150,000–200,000 total — decent hotels, a mix of casual dining and sit-down restaurants - Luxury: ¥300,000+ — ryokan stays, kaiseki dinners, guided tours, and paid experiences throughout.
For accommodation across all three cities, Booking.com's Japan listings (opens in new tab) are a reliable starting point with cancellable options at most price points.
Practical Tips for Your 7-Day Japan Itinerary
Getting Around: IC Cards, JR Pass & City Transport
Your Suica card (~¥2,000) is your single most important piece of travel kit. It works on every metro, bus, and train in Japan, plus convenience store purchases. Buy it at the airport on arrival — it's faster than learning individual ticket machines and saves real time across seven days.
On the JR Pass: For this itinerary alone, individual point-to-point tickets are almost certainly cheaper. The flexibility of booking specific trains also beats the low-level pressure of getting value from an expensive pass. Our full guide on whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your trip covers side-trip scenarios in detail.
Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin): ¥1,500–2,000 per bag, dropped at your hotel or station the night before and waiting at your next hotel the following morning. For a multi-city week, this service transforms the experience — there's no overstating how much easier travel feels with just a daypack.
Money, Budgeting & Tipping Culture
Cash is still essential in 2025. Card acceptance has improved across Japan, but small restaurants, temples, and neighbourhood shops frequently remain cash-only. Carry ¥5,000–10,000 on you daily. Convenience store ATMs (7-Eleven, Family Mart) accept most international cards reliably.
There is no tipping in Japan. It's not a cultural modesty — tipping is genuinely considered rude, implying the service was below standard and required compensation. Many restaurants will chase you down the street to return money left on the table. The bill is the bill.
Cards are widely accepted at: chain restaurants, department stores, hotels, and major shops. For smaller or traditional restaurants, call ahead or assume cash.
For detailed financial planning across your trip, the Japan National Tourism Organization's official travel site (opens in new tab) carries current entry requirements, regional information, and practical guidance worth bookmarking.
Japanese Etiquette Essentials
- Bowing: A light nod of the head covers most situations. Don't overthink it, and don't expect deep bows in return from strangers - Queuing: Japan takes orderly queuing seriously — for trains, restaurants, and temple entries alike - Eating: No eating while walking, except at outdoor food markets where it's expected. Slurping noodles is polite — it signals enjoyment - Trains: Keep voices low, take calls outside the carriage, and never use priority seats unless you genuinely need them - Temples and shrines: Remove shoes at marked entrances; follow posted signs; don't touch sacred objects.
One week in Japan, planned thoughtfully, will surprise you with how much it gives back. The cities in this 7-day Japan itinerary — Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — aren't just convenient stops on a tourist trail. They're genuinely different from each other, and moving between them in a single week makes those contrasts land harder. Tokyo's scale sets a benchmark; Kyoto quietly dismantles it; Osaka sends you home wondering why everywhere else doesn't take food this seriously.
Plan ahead for the big experiences (Fushimi Inari early, TeamLab tickets, Shinkansen seats), stay flexible for the small ones, and let the days unfold from there. Japan rewards the traveller who looks up from the guidebook.
For current entry requirements and travel advisories, check the Japan Tourism Agency's official website (opens in new tab) before you fly.
FAQs
Is 7 days enough for Japan?
Seven days is enough to experience Japan's three essential cities — Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — with time to go beyond the surface highlights. You won't see everything, but a well-planned 7-day itinerary gives you two full days in Tokyo, two days in Kyoto, one day in Nara, and two days in Osaka, which covers the most important cultural, historical, and food experiences Japan offers first-time visitors.
Do I need a JR Pass for a 7-day Japan itinerary?
For a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route, a 7-day JR Pass costs around ¥50,000 and covers the Shinkansen between cities. However, if you're only making one return journey between Tokyo and Osaka, individual tickets may work out cheaper. Calculate your specific route before buying — the JR Pass makes clear financial sense if you're adding side trips to Hiroshima, Hakone, or Nara.
What is the best time of year to visit Japan for 7 days?
Spring (late March to mid-April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (mid-November) for fall foliage are Japan's most spectacular seasons, but also the busiest and most expensive. If you want fewer crowds with still-pleasant weather, aim for early April after peak blossom, or late October before peak autumn colour. Winter offers Kyoto and Tokyo at their quietest, with the chance of snow, especially beautiful at Kinkakuji and Kurama.
How much does a 7-day trip to Japan cost?
Budget travellers can expect to spend around ¥100,000–140,000 (approximately $700–950 USD) for 7 days excluding flights, covering hostels, convenience store meals, and public transport. Mid-range travellers spending on comfortable hotels and restaurant dining should budget ¥200,000–280,000 ($1,300–1,900 USD). Luxury travellers staying in premium ryokan with kaiseki dinners should plan for ¥400,000+ ($2,700+ USD) for the week.
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