7 Day itinerary toJapan
Local travel distance per day in km.
Day 1
Narita International AirportâžžTokyo City Center
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 75 km
Morning
- Arrive in Tokyo and take a short rest.
- Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and enjoy the surrounding historic Asakusa area.
- Stroll through the Nakamise Shopping Street, famous for traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Afternoon
- Explore the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, featuring impressive collections of art and archaeology.
- Visit the Ueno Zoo and see the captivating display of both domestic and exotic animals.
- Discover the architecture and history of the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan.
- Enjoy street food at Ameya-YokochĹŤ Market, where stalls offer diverse traditional delights.
Evening
- Relax at a traditional onsen spa, to soothe travel fatigue.
- Have dinner at a local Izakaya in Shinjuku district, enjoy Japanese pub-style dining.
Accomodation
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Tokyo
Day 2
Tokyo City CenterâžžShibuya
Travel time: 0.5 hr| Travel distance: 5 km
Morning
- Take a morning walk in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks.
- Visit Meiji Shrine and enjoy the tranquil forested area surrounding the shrine.
- Explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing and see the statue of Hachiko, the faithful dog.
Afternoon
- Indulge in shopping in Harajuku at Takeshita Street, where fashion and cute culture collide.
- Learn modern and traditional art at the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills.
- Explore Omotesando, known for its upscale shopping street and architectural sophistication.
- Enjoy local eateries and boutique stores on Cat Street. A famous pedestrian street in Harajuku.
Evening
- Attend a traditional tea ceremony experience at a local tea house in Ginza.
- Thrill yourself with a visit to Tokyo Tower and its panoramic views of the city's skyline.
Accomodation
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Tokyo
Day 3
TokyoâžžKyoto
Travel time: 3 hr| Travel distance: 450 km
Morning
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.
- Begin at the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning zen temple with its top two floors covered in gold leaf.
- Visit Ryoan-ji for its famous rock garden, a masterpiece of Zen Buddhist art.
Afternoon
- Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and marvel at its towering bamboo stalks.
- Explore the street of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, which demonstrate traditional Japanese architecture.
- Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. A spiritual site like no other.
- Enjoy a traditional Kyoto lunch at a local restaurant specializing in Yudofu, a tofu dish.
Evening
- Discover Kyoto's unique heritage by visiting the Gion district, famous for its preservation of traditional architecture and geisha culture.
- Relax and take in the ambiance of the Yasaka Shrine, which is particularly scenic at night.
Accomodation
- Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo, Kyoto
Day 4
KyotoâžžNara
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 40 km
Morning
- Travel to Nara; start with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant statue of Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Walk through Nara Park and enjoy interaction with the friendly local deer.
- Explore the unique architecture of Kasuga-taisha, Nara's most celebrated shrine.
Afternoon
- Visit the Nara National Museum to explore collections of traditional Japanese art and archaeological objects.
- Discover Isuien Garden, a fine example of a traditional Japanese garden with a harmony of natural elements.
- Visit Kofuku-ji Temple, famously housing a towering multi-story pagoda.
- Explore Naramachi, a preserved area of old merchant houses transformed into local shops, cafes and craft stores.
Evening
- Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a local sushi bar to taste fresh, local sushi.
- Take a nighttime stroll along the Kamo River for serene views.
Accomodation
- Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo, Kyoto
Day 5
KyotoâžžOsaka
Travel time: 1 hr| Travel distance: 55 km
Morning
- Depart to Osaka via train and start with a visit to Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city with extensive history and beautiful grounds.
- Visit the Osaka Museum of History, which provides insights into the city’s development from ancient to modern times.
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Afternoon
- Explore the bustling streets of Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights, extravagant signage, and street food specialties.
- Enjoy a lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, known for fresh seafood and street food options.
- Visit the Umeda Sky Building, known for its floating garden observatory offering panoramic views of Osaka.
- Take a relaxing boat ride along the Tombori River, perfect for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of Namba.
Evening
- Experience a local Karaoke in Namba, one of Japan’s unique cultural activities.
- Stroll around Shinsekai and try local specialty kushikatsu in the vibrant food district.
Accomodation
- Osaka Fujiya Hotel, Osaka
Day 6
OsakaâžžHiroshima
Travel time: 2 hr| Travel distance: 340 km
Morning
- Take an early train to Hiroshima and start your day with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of 1945.
- Explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the impact of nuclear weapons and the pursuit of global peace.
- Visit the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO world heritage site symbolizing the hope for peace.
Afternoon
- Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for its
- Walk through the pathway to Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating torii gate.
- Hike to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and glimpses of wild deer.
- Explore Momijidani Park, part of your hike to enjoy wonderful views of Hiroshima and picturesque colors, especially during autumn.
Evening
- Return to Hiroshima and enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner, a savory pancake dish local to Hiroshima.
- Stroll along Hiroshima's Hondori Shopping Street, a popular arcade street filled with shops and dining options.
Accomodation
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Day 7
HiroshimaâžžNarita International Airport
Travel time: 4 hr| Travel distance: 813 km
Morning
- Visit the Hiroshima Castle, reconstructed castle that stands as a testament to Hiroshima's history and bravery.
- Discover the Shukkeien Garden, originally built in 1620, a fine example of Japanese landscape gardening centered on a pond.
- Wander through Hiroshima Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of Western and Japanese art.
Afternoon
- Final opportunity to explore Hiroshima's shopping districts at your leisure.
- Enjoy a hearty lunch in the city center before departing.
- Prepare for departure to Narita International Airport to return home.
Evening
- Travel to Narita International Airport for the flight back home.
- Reflect on the enriching experiences over dinner at the airport.
Accomodation
- N/A
Summers in Japan are warm and humid; August temperatures in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima average around 24-31°C (75-88°F) with high humidity.
August is peak tourist season in Japan due to summer holidays and Obon Festivals, thus it's busier and travel prices might be higher.
- It is advisable to get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on most trains and certain buses throughout the trip.
- Signage is often in both Japanese and English, making it travel-friendly for non-Japanese speakers.
- Secure accommodations early given the peak season demand.
- Consider purchasing a mobile data package or pocket Wi-Fi for easy internet access while traveling, especially for navigation assistance.
- Prepare for variable weather including sudden rain showers, by carrying a compact umbrella.
Showing forecasted weather for the upcoming 16 days in Japan.