Tokyo
Group days by east and west Tokyo to reduce backtracking.
Cities, craft and changing landscapes
Plan a Japan itinerary that leaves room to look around
Japan rewards a clear route more than a long wish list. For a first journey, choose two or three bases, keep long-distance travel together and leave unplanned time for neighborhoods, gardens and meals discovered along the way.
Customize this tripChoose the right scope
How long to spend in Japan
- 7 days · Tokyo plus one regional base
- 10 days · Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
- 14 days · Add Hiroshima, the Japanese Alps or Kyushu
Kyoto and Nara
Use Kyoto as a base, with Nara as a focused day trip.
Osaka
Add for food districts, contemporary city energy and transport connections.
Hakone or Fuji Five Lakes
Choose one for scenery and a slower overnight between cities.
A useful starting point
Sample Japan itinerary
This editorial sample shows one sensible flow. Customize it around your dates, energy and interests.
Day 1
East Tokyo
- Morning
- Begin around Asakusa and the lanes near Sensō-ji.
- Afternoon
- Continue through Ueno for museums, parkland or market streets.
- Evening
- Choose a dinner area around Ueno, Ginza or Tokyo Station rather than crossing the city again.
Day 2
West Tokyo
- Morning
- Start near Meiji Jingu before the surrounding districts become busy.
- Afternoon
- Walk through Harajuku and Omotesando, then continue toward Shibuya.
- Evening
- Explore Shinjuku at street level or choose a quieter neighborhood meal.
Day 3
A change of pace
- Morning
- Travel to Hakone for mountain scenery or Kamakura for temples and coast.
- Afternoon
- Keep the route compact around one area rather than collecting distant stops.
- Evening
- Return to Tokyo, or stay overnight in Hakone if the wider itinerary allows.
- Alternative
- In poor weather, use the day for a focused Tokyo museum and food district.
Day 4
Kyoto’s eastern districts
- Morning
- Travel to Kyoto, leave luggage and begin around Higashiyama.
- Afternoon
- Link a small number of temples and traditional streets on foot.
- Evening
- Walk near Gion or the Kamo River, respecting residential areas.
Day 5
Kyoto beyond the headline sights
- Morning
- Choose Arashiyama early or explore the city’s northwest.
- Afternoon
- Return through a market or craft-focused district.
- Evening
- Finish with an unhurried meal close to your accommodation.
Before you lock it in
Practical planning notes
Suggested pace: balanced
- Reserve long-distance rail seats when your route or travel period makes certainty important.
- Temple, museum and attraction access can change seasonally; confirm official information before each day.
- An open-jaw flight can avoid returning to the same city after a multi-region trip.
Official planning resourcesJapan National Tourism Organization itinerariesJNTO guide to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Make it personal
Customize your Japan itinerary
Use your own dates, interests, budget and travel pace.
Personal itinerary
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