7-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo Kyoto & Osaka Highlights

Draft Notice: This itinerary draft relies on the provided sources and may benefit from additional local tips, budget estimates, and festival schedules to round out planning.

Budget breakdown per day
Peak-season reservation advice
Suggested packing checklist

Before You Go: Rail Pass & Connectivity

Traveling across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Mt Fuji regions is easiest with a Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The nationwide JR Pass covers Shinkansen (bullet trains) and many local JR lines, saving time and money for long-distance travel [1]. For regional side trips—such as Hakone—you can combine the JR Pass with the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited local transport.

Stay connected with:

Portable Wi-Fi or a prepaid SIM card for mobile data.
IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) for seamless subway, bus and convenience store payments [1].

Day 1-2: Tokyo’s Shibuya, Shinjuku & Asakusa

Day 1: Shibuya & Shinjuku

Shibuya Crossing: Experience one of the world’s busiest intersections—best viewed from the second-floor Starbucks.
Hachikō Statue: Pay respects to Tokyo’s famous loyal dog.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: A calm oasis amid skyscrapers.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory: Free panoramic views of the city, including Mt Fuji on clear days.
Golden Gai: Explore narrow alleys lined with tiny bars and eateries.

Day 2: Historic Asakusa

Sensō-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple with a vivid red gate.
Nakamise-dōri: Shop traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy a boat ride with skyline views.
Optional photo stop at Tokyo Skytree nearby for modern contrast.

Day 3: Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Trip

Set out early from Tokyo to Odawara Station by Shinkansen, then pick up the Hakone Free Pass. Highlights include:

Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani Valley: See volcanic steam vents and try black “sulphur eggs.”
Lake Ashi Cruise: A scenic boat trip with views of Mt Fuji on clear days [2].
Hakone Shrine: Tori gate rising from the lakeshore.
Optional onsen: Relax in a hot spring before returning to Tokyo.

Day 4-5: Kyoto Temples & Gion District

Day 4: Southern Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha: Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates on Mount Inari.
Kiyomizu-dera: A wooden-stage temple with views over Kyoto.
Higashiyama District: Stroll preserved streets lined with shops and teahouses [2].

Day 5: Northern Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Iconic gold-leaf temple reflecting in its pond.
Ryoan-ji: Famous rock garden.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Early morning visit to avoid crowds.
Gion District: Spot geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and enjoy traditional cuisine.

Day 6: Osaka Food Streets & Castle

Dōtonbori: Neon-lit canal lined with food stalls—try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake) [3].
Kuromon Market: Fresh seafood and local snacks.
Osaka Castle: Explore the grounds and museum detailing samurai history.
Umeda Sky Building: Floating garden observatory for city views at sunset.

Day 7: Nara Park & Departure

Morning train to Nara (35–45 minutes from Osaka).
Tōdai-ji Temple: Home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu).
Nara Park: Friendly deer roam freely—purchase deer crackers to feed them.
Return to Kansai International Airport (via Nankai Line or JR) for departure, or back to Tokyo by Shinkansen if flying out of Narita or Haneda.

Where to Stay & Transport Tips

Tokyo: Shinjuku or Tokyo Station area for quick airport and regional access.
Hakone: Traditional ryokan with onsen near Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Kyoto: Central Kawaramachi or near Kyoto Station for bus/train convenience.
Osaka: Namba or Umeda districts for nightlife and transit.
Reserve accommodations early during peak cherry blossom (late March–early April) and autumn leaf (November) seasons.

Cultural Etiquette & Seasonal Advice

Bow when greeting; remove shoes indoors (homes, temples, some ryokan).
Keep voices low on public transport and avoid phone calls on trains.
Respect temple and shrine customs: cleanse hands at chozuya (water pavilion) and follow photography rules.
Seasonal highlights:
• Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom late March–early April.
• Autumn foliage peaks in November.
• Summer festivals (matsuri) and fireworks from July to August [1].

Conclusion

This 7-day Japan itinerary covers the urban energy of Tokyo, the historical charm of Kyoto, culinary adventures in Osaka and a scenic day trip to Mt Fuji and Hakone. With proper planning—JR Pass, accommodations and respect for local customs—you’ll experience the very best of Japan’s culture, cuisine and landscapes.