The Good 7-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Guests

Posted: 4/17/2024 | April Seventeenth, 2024

Japan captured my coronary heart from the second I firs visited. The scrumptious meals, the wealthy tradition, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant historical past, and the very pleasant and well mannered individuals – all of it blew my thoughts.

However Japan usually feels impenetrable, particularly to first-time guests. Whereas I feel Japan deserves a minimal of 10 days, I get that some individuals would possibly solely have per week, so I needed to put in writing this, my best seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time customer.

With solely per week, there’s not a lot you may see except you actually rush it. And I don’t assume it is best to do this.

So this itinerary solely focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the preferred locations) in addition to some day journeys from every. Should you needed to hurry issues a bit, you could possibly add in Osaka (extra on that on the finish).

(Observe: Should you bought a Japan Rail Go, activate it on arrival. That means, you may make the most of the free JR trains all through the town.)

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

With all of the attractive shrines, palaces, and temples; distinctive cocktail bars; and ample buying, you could possibly simply spend a complete week in Tokyo. However, with solely a few days, you’ll need to hit the highlights:

Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets
Treatment your jet lag with some meals! In 2018, Tokyo’s predominant fish market moved to Toyosu. It’s now twice the scale of Tsukiji (the outdated one), making it the most important such market on the planet. Right here you may eat contemporary sushi for breakfast, only a few ft from the place it was hauled in from the ocean, whereas marveling on the chaotic ambiance.

You may nonetheless head to the outdated market in Tsukiji to eat, store, and wander as nicely. I prefer it lots, as a result of there are extra meals choices! Food and drinks excursions of the Tsukiji Outer Market can be found for round 15,000 JPY.

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, although most retailers don’t open till 7am. Admission is free, however you must choose up a customer’s cross whenever you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market’s hours differ by store (normally 5am-2pm). Admission is free.

teamLab Planets
This digital artwork set up is a multi-sensory and immersive expertise through which you turn out to be a part of the paintings, strolling barefoot by the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you work together with the installations’ components in distinctive methods. It’s actually enjoyable! TeamLab is mostly sells out upfront, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

Take a strolling tour
Strolling excursions are a good way to get the lay of the land whereas connecting with an area information. I at all times go on one or two once I arrive someplace. Tokyo Localized gives many free excursions, together with a basic overview and ones of each the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour could be probably the most handy one after teamLab.

The Imperial Palace
Previously Edo Citadel, the Imperial Palace was constructed within the fifteenth century, and among the partitions and moats from that point are nonetheless in use to this present day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. When you can’t go inside, it’s surrounded by lovely grounds, a moat, and a park value wandering by. You may also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (although it’s comparatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.

Shinjuku Gyoen Nationwide Backyard
This park is over 144 acres and residential to some 20,000 bushes. A lot of the unique park was destroyed in World Battle II however was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. Throughout spring, it is without doubt one of the greatest locations to see cherry blossoms. My favourite space is the panorama backyard, which has a number of ponds with bridges and islands. It’s a peaceable oasis away from the city hustle and bustle.

Relying on how you are feeling relative to your jetlag, you could possibly match just a few extra actions earlier than you finish your day. Take a look at this submit for strategies.

Japan Itinerary Day 2: Tokyo

I might begin your second day by testing Asakusa. You may discover the world on a guided strolling tour or by yourself. Go early to keep away from the crowds and see the 2 predominant temples:

• Senso-ji – That is Tokyo’s hottest and well-known temple. Superbly painted, it sits in a scenic spot close to a pagoda and the beautiful Kaminari Gate. There’s an enormous statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the principle corridor. It’s very busy throughout the day, so possibly try the grounds within the night.
• Asakusa Shrine – This close by Shinto shrine is far more peaceable, with fewer guests, however with individuals praying, meditating, or performing conventional rituals. It was constructed throughout the Edo interval (1603–1868) and survived the air raids of World Battle II.

Afterward, head to Ueno Park. Spanning over 133 acres, Ueno Park was established in 1873 on land previously owned by a Seventeenth-century Buddhist temple. It will get tremendous busy in cherry blossom season, as there are over a thousand bushes right here. All through, you’ll discover varied stalls and distributors promoting snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. On weekends, there are normally cultural occasions or festivals showcasing conventional arts, music, and dance. 4 of Tokyo’s predominant museums are right here:

• Tokyo Nationwide Museum – Established in 1872 on the north finish, this large constructing is the oldest and largest artwork museum in Japan. It homes one of many world’s largest collections of artwork and artifacts from Asia, significantly Japan.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Artwork Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of up to date and conventional Japanese artwork.
• Nationwide Museum of Nature and Science – This museum options a variety of everlasting and non permanent exhibitions masking pure science and historical past.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This lovely Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doorways and different ornate carvings. It’s value seeing up shut!

Afterward, stroll right down to Akihabara to discover the online game parlors, arcades, and anime retailers. This very buzzy space is floor zero for all issues digital, and it’s enjoyable to play most of the video games. That is the place you’ll discover the well-known maid cafés, the place servers costume up as maids and serve you meals and drinks. These vary from massive touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the ladies on the road are selling the latter, that are much more culturally enjoyable). They aren’t low-cost, although, as you must purchase drink packages and pay a payment, however they’re kitschy and enjoyable.

Within the night, go to Shinjuku after which drink in Golden Gai. In Shinjuku, you’ll discover a plethora of cool bars, brilliant lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Remember to wander down Reminiscence Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of slender alleyways with a little bit of a red-light-district really feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s fairly touristy but additionally numerous enjoyable. I’ve had some wild nights right here!

With Arigato Excursions, you’ll be taught in regards to the neighborhood whereas stopping to pattern Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. The 23,900 JPY value features a drink and dishes at 4 stops.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 3: Tokyo

There’s lots to see and do in Tokyo (I cowl all of it right here and right here)! However take into account taking a day journey out of city to see some non-urban sights:

Kamakura
Right here you may see a 13-meter (43-foot) bronze statue of Buddha that was in-built 1252. It was initially constructed inside Kotoku-in Temple, however that has since been washed away by a number of storms, so it now sits within the open air. Admission to enter the temple grounds is 300 JPY, whereas it’s 20 JPY to go contained in the statue. The journey there — round an hour — is free with a Japan Rail Go.

Tokyo Disneyland
I’m a sucker for Disney. You’ll discover most of the identical basic rides from Disney World right here, like Splash Mountain, Large Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everybody’s favourite teacup trip, The Mad Tea Occasion. However there are a number of distinctive sights as nicely, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Heart of the Earth.

Ticket costs differ relying on the day and time, however full-day admission begins at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for kids. It’s greatest to guide upfront.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is positioned an hour exterior of Tokyo. An energetic stratovolcano (which final erupted in 1708) and coated in snow for nearly half of the 12 months, it stands a formidable 3,776 meters (12,389 ft) and supplies one of the iconic views within the nation. One of many Three Holy Mountains of Japan, Mount Fuji is each a Particular Place of Scenic Magnificence and a UNESCO Cultural Website. In the summertime, the mountain is open to hikers, who take 5-12 hours to succeed in the summit (historically, they depart at evening to reach on the high for the dawn).

Should you don’t need to hike, you may merely go to on a day journey. There are buses that may take you partway up, the place you’ll be provided sweeping vistas of the encircling space. Guided day excursions from the town value round 12,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 4: Kyoto

Residence to 1.5 million individuals and nestled within the mountains, Kyoto is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Japan. It’s crammed with traditional-style buildings, bamboo forests, numerous Zen gardens, and historical Buddhist and Shinto temples. It’s greatest to divide the town into half, as sights are type of clumped collectively and getting throughout city takes a very long time. Right this moment, it is best to do the western half:

Wander the Bamboo Forest
For a calming break, head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stands of bamboo envelop you. Positioned close to the well-known Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the lovely locations in the complete nation. It’s not that massive, however there are some hidden areas to discover. Simply be certain that to reach early if you wish to take pleasure in it with out the crowds (it fills up quick after dawn).

Whereas there, I might additionally suggest visiting the Okochi Sanso Backyard, which (together with the house) belonged to the well-known Japanese actor Denjir? ?ok?chi (1898–1962). It’s not free (it’s 1,000 JPY), but it surely’s very nice and has some fantastic views.

Go to the Golden Pavilion
Initially constructed within the late 14th century as a retirement villa for the shogun (navy governor), this iconic construction was later transformed right into a Zen Buddhist temple. The current-day edifice dates solely to the Nineteen Fifties, nevertheless, when a monk making an attempt to kill himself burned the historic unique to the bottom. The rebuilt temple is roofed in good gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Every of the three tales reveals a unique architectural model. Finishing the scene are the serene reflecting pool and conventional Japanese gardens that comprise lush foliage, manicured bushes, and scenic strolling paths.

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

Admire Ryoan-ji Temple
That is my favourite temple in Kyoto. Initially established in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai, it was quickly transformed right into a Zen temple and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website, with a mausoleum that homes the stays of seven emperors. Its conventional rock and sand backyard is taken into account among the finest within the nation. There’s additionally a teahouse the place you may expertise the standard Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

There are different temples within the space to take a look at as nicely:

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This large complicated relationship again to 1315 covers virtually 60 acres. It incorporates a number of dozen temples and is an effective place to see a wide range of Zen gardens and architectural kinds. It’s additionally deeply linked to the Japanese tea ceremony, as a number of of the nation’s most noteworthy masters studied right here.
• Toji Temple – That is dwelling to Japan’s tallest pagoda (5 tales excessive). Based in 796, simply after Kyoto turned the capital, it was one among solely three Buddhist temples allowed within the metropolis.

Go on a sake brewery tour
Kyoto has a sake (rice wine) brewing custom going again 400 years and is understood for among the greatest on the planet, because of utilizing the world’s pure pure spring water within the brewing course of. Arigato Excursions gives a superb three-hour tour of Fushimi (the brewing district) for 23,320 JPY, together with stops at a number of breweries, a guided tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and tastings.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 5: Kyoto

Right this moment, you’ll do the jap a part of city:

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine
This mountainside Shinto shrine, relationship again to 711, is devoted to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s recognized for its hundreds of vibrant orange torii gates that type a community of trails main up Mount Inari. You may hike the paths by yourself whereas having fun with panoramic views of Kyoto under or be part of a guided climbing tour, on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get right here as early as attainable to keep away from the crowds.

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

Stroll round Higashiyama
Spend a day strolling alongside the slender streets of one of many oldest and greatest preserved districts by yourself or on a strolling tour. The standard machiya buildings (conventional picket townhouses) are crammed with small retailers promoting native specialties and handicrafts, in addition to eating places and teahouses. It’s a well-liked space through which to take part in a tea ceremony. One other good place to walk on this neighborhood is the Thinker’s Path, which follows a cherry-tree-lined canal that’s lovely and meditative even when the blossoms aren’t in season.

Go to Kiyomizu-dera
Certainly one of a lot of UNESCO websites in historical Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (that means “pure water temple”) is positioned within the foothills of Mount Otowa within the jap a part of the town. It’s one of the well-known temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, however a lot of the current buildings date to the Seventeenth century. There’s not a single nail used within the building, which turns into all of the extra spectacular when you see how massive the temple is, which is greatest recognized for its picket terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s identify comes from the close by waterfall whose waters (from which you’ll be able to nonetheless drink right now) are mentioned to have wish-granting and therapeutic powers.

1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, +81 75-551-1234, kiyomizudera.or.jp. Open day by day 6am-6pm. Admission is 400 JPY.

Discover Shorin-ji Temple
This small temple dates again to the sixteenth century. What makes it value visiting is its meditation courses. You’ll get to tour the temple after which be instructed in zazen, the Japanese model of meditation. It’s a really distinctive expertise and one thing that I feel will add numerous depth and nuance to your go to (particularly for those who’ve seen numerous temples). Simply be certain that to decorate comfortably.

15 Chome-795 Honmachi, +81 75-561-4311, shourin-ji.org. Open day by day 10am-4pm. Admission is 800 JPY.

Wander the Nishiki Market
Nishiki Ichiba is now one of many greatest indoor markets on the town. Referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over 5 blocks, it is stuffed with distributors promoting conventional dishes from the area, basic Kyoto souvenirs, and actually absolutely anything else. There are over 100 stalls right here, lots of which have been in the identical household for generations. Opening hours rely on the store however are usually from 9am to 6pm.

To dive deeper into Japanese meals tradition, you may take a meals tour of the market. It’s one of the best ways to study all of the meals you’ll see, in addition to the market’s historical past.

Discover Gion
Gion, the historic geisha district, is famend as being one of the iconic and atmospheric areas of city. It’s recognized for its conventional picket machiya homes, slender alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (recognized domestically as geiko) tradition. Lining the principle avenue are ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), small retailers, and plenty of eating places, starting from upscale kaiseki eating places serving conventional Kyoto delicacies to informal eateries.

To essentially be taught extra about this superb celebration of city and its previous, take a strolling tour of Gion. You’ll be taught a ton and get numerous context. They value round 1,800 JPY.

At evening, go to the Pontocho Row, a slender avenue lined with eating places, hole-in-the-wall bars, and jazz golf equipment. It’s one of many extra energetic areas in Kyoto.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 6: Nara

Many vacationers go to Nara on a day journey from Kyoto. Whereas that’s completely superb, I like to recommend spending an evening. After the vacationers head again to the massive metropolis within the late afternoon, you’ll see this small, charming vacation spot empty out and really feel like you may have it a bit to your self, together with the locals.

Nara was the capital of Japan within the eighth century, so there are many buildings and temples right here which might be upwards of a thousand years outdated (which is uncommon in Japan, because of the prevalence of fires and earthquakes, in addition to World Battle II). Some issues to do:

• Frolic with deer – The actual attract Nara are the deer. For the reason that Seventeenth century, these in and across the metropolis have been thought-about sacred. You should buy crackers to feed them or simply watch them stroll round carefree.
• See the Buddha – Don’t miss a go to to Todai-ji, the world’s largest picket constructing, dwelling to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was in-built 738 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
• Take a strolling tour – This guided half-day strolling tour for 11,500 JPY consists of all of Nara’s highlights in addition to a conventional lunch.

Japan Itinerary Day 7: Tokyo

It’s time to wrap issues up and head again to Tokyo on your flight dwelling (or onward). When you’ve got extra time to spend, this submit right here will checklist tons of issues to see and do in your final. Nevertheless, one factor I might actually suggest attempting to do is watch a Sumo match.

Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s most well-known sumo wrestling enviornment, hosts tournaments 3 times annually, in January, Could, and September. Tickets promote out rapidly, so guide on-line upfront. Costs differ however begin round 3,200 JPY for enviornment seats. You may guide a ticket on-line right here (you’ll be accompanied by a information too, so you may be taught extra in regards to the custom because it unfolds earlier than your eyes).

To be taught extra in regards to the sport in within the low season, guide a tour of a sumo secure.
 

An Various Itinerary

The above itinerary, whereas quick, isn’t rushed. It does match lots in however at a tempo that’s slower than numerous guests choose. Whereas I at all times counsel touring slowly and specializing in high quality over amount, some individuals choose to cram extra into their journey.

So, if you wish to add one other metropolis to this itinerary you may comply with this breakdown:

• Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
• Days 3 & 4: Kyoto
• Day 5: Nara
• Days 6 & 7: Osaka

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nara are all coated above. As for Osaka, a few of my favourite issues to see and do:

Take a meals tour
Referred to as “the Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka boasts a various culinary scene. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be discovered right here in abundance. Plus, there are native specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and greens) and kushikatsu (kebab skewers). You may take a meals tour for round 13,000 JPY, a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY, or simply wander and eat.

Osaka Citadel
One of the vital well-known landmarks within the nation, the fort was initially constructed within the late sixteenth century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and performed a pivotal position within the unification of Japan throughout the Sengoku interval (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of occasions because of wars, fires, and pure disasters. The present model dates to 1931. The fort is located amid sprawling grounds and surrounded by a moat. It’s additionally dwelling to a small however insightful museum and an statement deck that provides some picturesque city views.

Dotonbori
That is arguably Osaka’s most iconic district, recognized for its vibrant nightlife (bars, golf equipment, theaters, and music venues), colourful signage, and scrumptious meals. It’s greatest seen at evening because of the plethora of big neon lights and indicators lining each the canal and streets, which have turn out to be symbols of Osaka’s nightlife. A guided strolling tour that features Dotonbori as nicely adjoining neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Shitennoji Temple
This temple is without doubt one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, based in 593. The structure is a mix of conventional Japanese and East Asian kinds, that includes spectacular pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll by the tranquil grounds, admire the gorgeous structure, and be taught in regards to the temple’s historic and cultural significance on the museum. The temple is 300 JPY to enter, the backyard is 300 JPY, and the museum is 500 JPY.
 

Japan is one among my favourite international locations. Whereas it’s comparatively small, it gives an incredible array of issues to see and do (in addition to among the greatest meals on the planet). With seven days, you may simply see an excellent variety of the principle highlights and get a style for the unimaginable historical past and tradition. It is going to be a busy week, however this itinerary ensures you’ll nonetheless have a while to decelerate, chill out, and take within the native tempo of life.

Simply be sure to get a Japan Rail Go earlier than you go. Whereas it’s not as low-cost because it was once, it should seemingly prevent money and time!

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