Quick Answer: The classic 7-day Japan itinerary covers Tokyo (3 days) → Kyoto (2 days) → Osaka (1 day) → Tokyo (1 day). Get a 7-day JR Pass (~$280) to cover all intercity travel.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tokyo | Arrive, Shinjuku, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free view) |
| Day 2 | Tokyo | Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Omotesando |
| Day 3 | Tokyo | Senso-ji Temple, Akihabara, Ueno Park, Ginza |
| Day 4 | Tokyo → Kyoto | Shinkansen to Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion district |
| Day 5 | Kyoto | Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nijo Castle |
| Day 6 | Kyoto → Osaka | Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, street food, Namba |
| Day 7 | Osaka → Tokyo | Shinsekai, Kuromon Market, Shinkansen back to Tokyo |
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Settle in and explore Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Afternoon
- Narita Airport → Shinjuku: Take the Narita Express (N'EX), ~60 min, covered by JR Pass
- Check in: Drop off luggage at your hotel
Evening
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Free observation deck with panoramic city views (open until 11 PM)
- Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane): Tiny alley with yakitori restaurants near Shinjuku Station
- Kabukicho: Tokyo's entertainment district — walk through, experience the neon lights
Day 2: Tokyo — Shibuya & Harajuku
Morning
- Meiji Shrine: Peaceful forest shrine near Harajuku. Free entry.
- Harajuku/Takeshita Street: Quirky fashion street, great for people-watching
Afternoon
- Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées — upscale shopping and architecture
- Shibuya Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Watch from Starbucks above or Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Evening
- Shibuya at night: Neon lights, restaurants, bars
- Dinner: Try ramen at one of Shibuya's many shops
Day 3: Tokyo — Asakusa & Akihabara
Morning
- Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo's oldest temple. Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds.
- Nakamise Shopping Street: Traditional snacks and souvenirs leading to the temple
Afternoon
- Akihabara: Electronics and anime district. Multi-story arcades, retro game shops, maid cafes
- Ueno Park: Museums, zoo, and beautiful grounds (free to walk)
Evening
- Ginza: Upscale shopping district, window shopping and dinner
- Tokyo Station area: Beautiful illuminated station, character street (underground shopping)
Day 4: Tokyo → Kyoto
Morning
- Shinkansen to Kyoto: ~2 hours 15 min from Tokyo Station. Covered by JR Pass.
- Check in: Drop luggage at hotel
Afternoon
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Thousands of orange torii gates. Free entry. 2-3 hours to explore.
Evening
- Gion District: Kyoto's geisha district. Traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses.
- Dinner: Try Kyoto-style cuisine — kaiseki, tofu, or yudofu
Day 5: Kyoto — Temples & Shrines
Morning
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Iconic gold-leaf temple. Entry: $4.
- Nijo Castle: Tokugawa-era castle with "nightingale floors." Entry: $6.
Afternoon
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Stunning bamboo forest. Free. Best in the afternoon when light filters through.
- Tenryu-ji Temple: Beautiful zen garden near the bamboo grove. Entry: $5.
Evening
- Nishiki Market: Kyoto's kitchen — street food, pickles, matcha everything
Day 6: Kyoto → Osaka
Morning
- Train to Osaka: ~30 min from Kyoto. Covered by JR Pass.
- Osaka Castle: Iconic castle with museum inside. Entry: $6.
Afternoon
- Shinsekai: Retro neighborhood with kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) restaurants
- Kuromon Market: Osaka's kitchen — fresh seafood, street food
Evening
- Dotonbori: Osaka's iconic neon-lit street. Glico Man sign, street food paradise.
- Must-try: Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), gyoza
Day 7: Osaka → Tokyo → Departure
Morning
- Last-minute shopping: Shinsaibashi or Umeda
- Shinkansen back to Tokyo: ~2.5 hours. Covered by JR Pass.
Afternoon
- Narita Airport: Take Narita Express from Tokyo Station (~60 min)
- Or stay extra: If your flight is late, explore more of Tokyo
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| JR Pass (7 days) | $280 | $280 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $140-280 | $560-1,050 |
| Food (7 days) | $100-175 | $280-560 |
| Activities & entry fees | $30-50 | $100-200 |
| Local transport | $30-50 | $50-100 |
| Total (7 days) | $580-835 | $1,270-2,190 |
Itinerary Tips
- Activate JR Pass on Day 1: This maximizes your 7-day window for all intercity travel.
- Start early: Popular spots like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama are best before 9 AM.
- Travel light: Use coin lockers at stations to store luggage while sightseeing.
- Book Shinkansen seats: Free with JR Pass — reserve at ticket offices.
- Carry cash: Many places don't accept cards. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post.
- Download Google Maps offline: Works perfectly for train navigation in Japan.