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 folks – all of it blew my thoughts.

However Japan typically feels impenetrable, particularly to first-time guests. Whereas I feel Japan deserves a minimal of 10 days, I get that some folks would possibly solely have every week, so I wished to jot down this, my superb seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time customer.

With solely every week, there’s not a lot you may see until you actually rush it. And I don’t assume you must try this.

So this itinerary solely focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the preferred locations) in addition to some day journeys from every. In case you wished to hurry issues somewhat, you might add in Osaka (extra on that on the finish).

(Notice: In case you bought a Japan Rail Go, activate it on arrival. That manner, you may reap the benefits of the free JR trains all through the town.)

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo

With all of the beautiful shrines, palaces, and temples; distinctive cocktail bars; and ample procuring, you might 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 primary fish market moved to Toyosu. It’s now twice the dimensions of Tsukiji (the outdated one), making it the biggest such market on the planet. Right here you may eat recent sushi for breakfast, only a few toes from the place it was hauled in from the ocean, whereas marveling on the chaotic environment.

You possibly can nonetheless head to the outdated market in Tsukiji to eat, store, and wander as properly. I prefer it so much, as a result of there are extra meals choices! Foods 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 outlets don’t open till 7am. Admission is free, however it’s important to decide up a customer’s move 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 wherein you turn into a part of the art work, strolling barefoot via the 4 exhibition areas and gardens as you work together with the installations’ components in distinctive methods. It’s actually enjoyable! TeamLab is usually sells out upfront, so I like to recommend getting your tickets on-line forward of time.

Take a strolling tour
Strolling excursions are an effective way to get the lay of the land whereas connecting with a neighborhood information. I at all times go on one or two after I arrive someplace. Tokyo Localized presents many free excursions, together with a traditional overview and ones of each the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour can 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. Whilst you can’t go inside, it’s surrounded by lovely grounds, a moat, and a park price wandering via. You too can 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 among 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’re feeling relative to your jetlag, you might match just a few extra actions earlier than you finish your day. Try this put up for options.

Japan Itinerary Day 2: Tokyo

I’d begin your second day by testing Asakusa. You possibly can discover the realm on a guided strolling tour or by yourself. Go early to keep away from the crowds and see the 2 primary 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 take a look at the grounds within the night.
• Asakusa Shrine – This close by Shinto shrine is way more peaceable, with fewer guests, however with folks 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 numerous 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 primary museums are right here:

• Tokyo Nationwide Museum – Established in 1872 on the north finish, this huge 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, notably 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 short-term exhibitions protecting pure science and historical past.
• Tosho-gu Shrine – This lovely Seventeenth-century Shinto shrine has carved gold doorways and different ornate carvings. It’s price seeing up shut!

Afterward, stroll right down to Akihabara to discover the online game parlors, arcades, and anime outlets. This very buzzy space is floor zero for all issues digital, and it’s enjoyable to play lots of the video games. That is the place you’ll discover the well-known maid cafés, the place servers gown up as maids and serve you meals and drinks. These vary from massive touristy ones to holes-in-the-wall (the women on the road are selling the latter, that are much more culturally enjoyable). They aren’t low-cost, although, as it’s important to 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, vibrant lights, and tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries. Make sure you wander down Reminiscence Lane (aka Piss Alley) for tiny izakaya joints and bars. Afterward, head over to Golden Gai, a warren of slim alleyways with a little bit of a red-light-district really feel, flanked by diminutive backstreet bars. It’s fairly touristy but in addition quite a lot of enjoyable. I’ve had some wild nights right here!

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

Japan Itinerary Day 3: Tokyo

There’s so much to see and do in Tokyo (I cowl all of it right here and right here)! However think about 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 lots of the identical traditional rides from Disney World right here, like Splash Mountain, Huge Thunder Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and everybody’s favourite teacup experience, The Mad Tea Social gathering. However there are a number of distinctive points of interest as properly, like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Journey to the Middle 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 youngsters. It’s greatest to e book upfront.

Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is situated an hour exterior of Tokyo. An energetic stratovolcano (which final erupted in 1708) and lined in snow for nearly half of the yr, it stands a formidable 3,776 meters (12,389 toes) and supplies one of the vital 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).

In case 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 price round 12,000 JPY.
 

Japan Itinerary Day 4: Kyoto

Residence to 1.5 million folks and nestled within the mountains, Kyoto is among 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 points of interest are kind of clumped collectively and getting throughout city takes a very long time. At present, you must do the western half:

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

Whereas there, I’d additionally suggest visiting the Okochi Sanso Backyard, which (together with the house) belonged to the well-known Japanese actor Denjir? ?okay?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 Fifties, nonetheless, 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 displays 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 every 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 top-of-the-line within the nation. There’s additionally a teahouse the place you may expertise the normal Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) as you overlook the Kyoyochi reflecting pool.

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

• Daitoku-ji Temple – This huge complicated courting again to 1315 covers nearly 60 acres. It accommodates a number of dozen temples and is an efficient place to see quite a lot of Zen gardens and architectural types. 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 residence to Japan’s tallest pagoda (5 tales excessive). Based in 796, simply after Kyoto grew to become the capital, it was one in all 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 thought for among the greatest on the planet, as a consequence of utilizing the realm’s pure pure spring water within the brewing course of. Arigato Excursions presents a wonderful 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

At present, you’ll do the jap a part of city:

See the Fushimi Inari Shrine
This mountainside Shinto shrine, courting again to 711, is devoted to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity. It’s identified for its 1000’s of vibrant orange torii gates that kind a community of trails main up Mount Inari. You possibly can hike the paths by yourself whereas having fun with panoramic views of Kyoto under or be a part of a guided mountain climbing tour, on which you’ll get off the paved paths and into hidden bamboo groves. Get right here as early as doable 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 slim streets of one of many oldest and greatest preserved districts by yourself or on a strolling tour. The normal machiya buildings (conventional wood townhouses) are crammed with small outlets promoting native specialties and handicrafts, in addition to eating places and teahouses. It’s a preferred space wherein 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
One among quite a few UNESCO websites in historical Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera (which means “pure water temple”) is situated within the foothills of Mount Otowa within the jap a part of the town. It’s one of the vital well-known temples in all of Japan. It was established in 778, however many of the present 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 identified for its wood terrace that juts out over the hillside. The temple’s title comes from the close by waterfall whose waters (from which you’ll be able to nonetheless drink at the moment) are stated to have wish-granting and therapeutic powers.

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

Discover Shorin-ji Temple
This small temple dates again to the sixteenth century. What makes it price visiting is its meditation lessons. 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 quite a lot of depth and nuance to your go to (particularly if you happen to’ve seen quite a lot of temples). Simply make sure that to decorate comfortably.

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

Wander the Nishiki Market
Nishiki Ichiba is now one of many largest indoor markets on the town. Often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen” and spanning over 5 blocks, it is stuffed with distributors promoting conventional dishes from the area, traditional Kyoto souvenirs, and actually absolutely anything else. There are over 100 stalls right here, a lot of which have been in the identical household for generations. Opening hours rely upon 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 the easiest way to find out about 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 vital iconic and atmospheric areas of city. It’s identified for its conventional wood machiya homes, slim alleyways, cobblestone streets, and preservation of geisha (identified domestically as geiko) tradition. Lining the principle road are ochayas (teahouses the place geishas entertain), small outlets, and plenty of eating places, starting from upscale kaiseki eating places serving conventional Kyoto delicacies to informal eateries.

To actually be taught extra about this superb occasion of city and its previous, take a strolling tour of Gion. You’ll be taught a ton and get quite a lot of context. They price round 1,800 JPY.

At evening, go to the Pontocho Row, a slim road 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 tremendous, I like to recommend spending an evening. After the vacationers head again to the large metropolis within the late afternoon, you’ll see this small, charming vacation spot empty out and really feel like you’ve gotten 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 can be upwards of a thousand years outdated (which is uncommon in Japan, as a result of 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. Because the Seventeenth century, these in and across the metropolis have been thought of 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 wood constructing, residence 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 standard lunch.

Japan Itinerary Day 7: Tokyo

It’s time to wrap issues up and head again to Tokyo in your flight residence (or onward). In case you have extra time to spend, this put up right here will record tons of issues to see and do in your final. Nevertheless, one factor I’d actually suggest making an attempt to do is watch a Sumo match.

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

To be taught extra concerning the sport in within the low season, e book a tour of a sumo steady.
 

An Various Itinerary

The above itinerary, whereas quick, isn’t rushed. It does match so much in however at a tempo that’s slower than quite a lot of guests favor. Whereas I at all times counsel touring slowly and specializing in high quality over amount, some folks favor 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 lined above. As for Osaka, a few of my favourite issues to see and do:

Take a meals tour
Often called “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 possibly can 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
Probably the most well-known landmarks within the nation, the fort was initially constructed within the late sixteenth century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and performed a pivotal function within the unification of Japan throughout the Sengoku interval (1467-1615). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of occasions as a consequence 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 residence to a small however insightful museum and an commentary deck that provides some picturesque city views.

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

Shitennoji Temple
This temple is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, based in 593. The structure is a mix of conventional Japanese and East Asian types, that includes spectacular pagodas, gates, and shrines set amid serene gardens. Stroll via the tranquil grounds, admire the gorgeous structure, and be taught concerning 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 in all my favourite international locations. Whereas it’s comparatively small, it presents a tremendous array of issues to see and do (in addition to among the greatest meals on the planet). With seven days, you may simply see a superb variety of the principle highlights and get a style for the unimaginable historical past and tradition. Will probably 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 ensure you get a Japan Rail Go earlier than you go. Whereas it’s not as low-cost because it was once, it’s going to doubtless prevent money and time!