How to Spend Seven Days in Japan – Best Cities & Highlights

Planning to spend seven days in Japan but not sure where to start? You’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey through a country where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology.

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers an incredible diversity of experiences in just one week.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the perfect 7-day Japan itinerary, highlighting the must-visit cities and attractions that showcase the best of Japanese culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.

Let’s discover how to make the most of your week in the Land of the Rising Sun!

Best Time to Visit Japan for a 7-Day Trip

The ideal time to spend seven days in Japan depends largely on what you hope to experience during your visit.

• Spring (March-May) offers the famous cherry blossom season, with peak bloom typically occurring in late March to early April.
• Summer (June-August) brings festivals and outdoor activities, though it can be hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).
• Fall (September-November) showcases spectacular autumn foliage, particularly in Kyoto and mountainous regions.
• Winter (December-February) provides opportunities for skiing in Hokkaido and viewing snow-capped Mount Fuji, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to below freezing.

For balanced weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting during late May or early October when you can experience comfortable temperatures and avoid the peak tourist seasons.

Planning Your 7-Day Japan Itinerary: Transportation Basics

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, understanding Japan’s transportation system is crucial for maximizing your seven days in the country.

• The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is highly recommended for tourists spending seven days in Japan, offering unlimited rides on JR trains, including most Shinkansen bullet trains.
• A 7-day JR Pass costs approximately ¥29,650 (around $200), which will likely save you money compared to purchasing individual tickets.
• Purchase your JR Pass before arriving in Japan, as it’s only available to foreign visitors and must be ordered online before your trip.
• Within cities, prepaid IC cards like Suica or Pasmo work across various transportation systems and can even be used for purchases at convenience stores.
• Google Maps works exceptionally well for navigating Japan’s public transportation, providing accurate routes and real-time updates.
• Consider downloading offline maps and translation apps before your trip to navigate more efficiently during your seven days in Japan.

Day 1-2: Tokyo – The Vibrant Capital

Day 1: Eastern Tokyo Exploration

• Your seven-day Japan adventure begins in Tokyo, a city where ultra-modern meets traditional.
• Start your morning in Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple dating back to 645 CE.
• Walk through the famous Kaminarimon Gate and shop along Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs and snacks like senbei (rice crackers).
• Head to nearby Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure at 634 meters, offering panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis.
• For lunch, try a bowl of authentic Tokyo-style ramen at one of the many shops in the area.
• In the afternoon, explore Ueno Park, home to multiple museums, including the Tokyo National Museum where you can view priceless Japanese artifacts.
• End your first day in the electrifying district of Akihabara, Japan’s epicenter for anime, manga, and electronics.
• Experience the sensory overload of arcades, maid cafes, and electronics shops that define this unique neighborhood.

Day 2: Western Tokyo Highlights

• Begin your second day in Tokyo at Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection where up to 3,000 people cross at once during peak times.
• Visit the famous Hachiko statue, commemorating the loyal dog who waited for his deceased owner for nine years.
• Explore the trendy shops and cafes of Shibuya and neighboring Harajuku, known for its colorful fashion scene and youth culture.
• Take a peaceful break at Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set within a 170-acre forest in the heart of Tokyo.
• Spend your afternoon in Shinjuku, home to the world’s busiest train station serving over 3.6 million passengers daily.
• Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free panoramic views from its observation decks.
• End your evening in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, a network of narrow alleys housing over 200 tiny bars, each seating only 5-10 customers, for an authentic local nightlife experience.

Day 3-4: Kyoto – Japan’s Cultural Heart

Day 3: Eastern Kyoto Temples and Gardens

• On the morning of your third day, take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Nozomi train.
• Begin your Kyoto exploration in the eastern part of the city, home to some of Japan’s most significant temples and shrines.
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on the hillside of eastern Kyoto, offering stunning views of the city and famous for its wooden stage that extends from the main hall.
• Stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama District with its narrow lanes, traditional wooden buildings, and shops selling local crafts and snacks.
• For lunch, try yudofu (boiled tofu), a Kyoto specialty, at one of the traditional restaurants in the area.
• In the afternoon, visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a stone path following a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
• End your day in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where you might glimpse geiko (Kyoto’s geishas) or maiko (apprentice geishas) heading to evening appointments.

Day 4: Western Kyoto’s Bamboo Groves and Golden Temple

• Start your fourth day at the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, best visited early morning to avoid crowds and capture the magical light filtering through the towering bamboo stalks.
• Nearby, explore Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of Japan’s finest Zen gardens.
• Take a break at the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River, with mountains forming a picturesque backdrop.
• For lunch, try Kyoto-style kaiseki, a multi-course meal emphasizing seasonal ingredients, at one of the traditional restaurants in Arashiyama.
• In the afternoon, visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection in the surrounding pond.
• Continue to Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden, consisting of 15 rocks arranged on white gravel.
• End your day at Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, featuring “nightingale floors” that squeak when walked upon to alert occupants of intruders.

Day 5: Nara – Ancient Capital and Deer Park

• Take a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital established in 710 CE.
• Begin your day at Nara Park, home to over 1,200 free-roaming deer considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto religion.
• Purchase shika senbei (deer crackers) from vendors throughout the park to feed the deer, who often bow to visitors before receiving treats.
• Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) at 15 meters tall within the largest wooden building in the world.
• Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns that are lit during special festivals.
• For lunch, try kakinoha-zushi, a Nara specialty of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
• In the afternoon, wander through Naramachi, the former merchant district with well-preserved traditional houses, shops, and cafes.
• Return to Kyoto in the evening, or consider staying overnight in Nara for a more relaxed pace during your seven days in Japan.

Day 6: Hiroshima and Miyajima – History and Sacred Island

• Take an early Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes) to make the most of your day.
• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a powerful reminder of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, and the city’s subsequent commitment to peace.
• See the A-Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), the skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall that survived the blast and now stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• For lunch, try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, cooked on a hot plate right in front of you.
• In the afternoon, take a ferry from Hiroshima Port to Miyajima Island (about 10 minutes), home to the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
• Explore the shrine complex built over water, creating the illusion that it’s floating during high tide.
• Hike or take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Misen for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea and its scattered islands.
• Return to Hiroshima and take an evening Shinkansen back to Kyoto or continue to your next destination.

Day 7: Mount Fuji and Hakone – Natural Beauty

• On your final day, travel from Kyoto (or Tokyo if you returned there) to Hakone, a popular hot spring resort area near Mount Fuji.
• Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited use of local transportation, including the scenic railway, cable car, ropeway, and sightseeing cruise.
• Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan’s oldest mountain railway, zigzagging up the mountainside offering beautiful views, especially during hydrangea season (June-July).
• Take the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting) and the volcanic Owakudani Valley with its active sulfur vents.
• At Owakudani, try the famous black eggs cooked in the natural hot springs, said to add seven years to your life.
• Enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship, with Mount Fuji creating a perfect backdrop on clear days.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring over 100 sculptures displayed across its spacious grounds, including works by Picasso, Henry Moore, and Rodin.
• Relax in one of Hakone’s many onsen (hot springs) to soothe tired muscles after your seven days of exploring Japan.
• Return to Tokyo in the evening to prepare for your departure the next day.

Japanese Cuisine: What to Eat During Your 7-Day Trip

• During your seven days in Japan, experiencing authentic Japanese cuisine is an essential part of your journey.
• Try sushi at its freshest at Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, where restaurants serve fish directly from the nearby wholesale market.
• Sample ramen variations across different regions, from Tokyo’s shoyu (soy sauce) based broths to Kyoto’s cleaner, more delicate flavors.
• Experience a traditional kaiseki meal in Kyoto, consisting of multiple courses that highlight seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation.
• Don’t miss street food delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) in Osaka if you have time to visit, or at food stalls throughout major cities.
• Try okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that varies by region, with Hiroshima’s version incorporating layers of noodles and Osaka’s mixing all ingredients together.
• Experience an authentic Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and rice—available at most traditional accommodations.
• For a quick meal, convenience stores (konbini) like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer surprisingly high-quality and affordable food options.

Cultural Tips for Your 7-Day Trip to Japan

Understanding Japanese customs will enhance your seven-day journey through Japan.

• Remove your shoes when entering traditional accommodations, homes, and some restaurants—look for shelves of shoes or slippers at the entrance as a clue.
• When visiting temples and shrines, follow proper etiquette: bow slightly before entering, cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain, and avoid pointing directly at religious objects.
• Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion or discomfort—instead, show your appreciation through polite words and gestures.
• Learn basic Japanese phrases like “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you), “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry), and “onegaishimasu” (please) to connect with locals.
• Carry a small towel or handkerchief, as many public restrooms don’t provide paper towels or hand dryers.
• Be mindful of garbage disposal—Japan has strict recycling laws, and it can be challenging to find public trash bins, so be prepared to carry your waste until you find appropriate disposal facilities.
• Public transportation etiquette is important: avoid talking on phones, eating on short train rides, and always give up priority seating to elderly, disabled, pregnant, or those with small children.

Budget Planning for Seven Days in Japan

A seven-day trip to Japan can accommodate various budgets, but proper planning is essential.

• Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $70-100 per day, including hostel accommodations, affordable meals from convenience stores or budget restaurants, and using public transportation efficiently.
• Mid-range travelers should budget around $150-250 daily, allowing for business hotels or budget ryokans, regular restaurant meals, and some paid attractions.
• Luxury travelers might spend $300+ per day, enjoying high-end ryokans or hotels, fine dining experiences, private guides, and exclusive cultural activities.
• The Japan Rail Pass at approximately $200 for seven days is a significant initial investment but typically pays for itself with just one round-trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Set aside about $30-50 per day for meals if eating at moderate restaurants, less if utilizing convenience stores for some meals.
• Museum and temple entrance fees generally range from $3-15 per site, so budget accordingly based on your sightseeing plans.
• Consider setting aside approximately $100-200 for souvenirs and shopping, depending on your interests.

Packing Essentials for Seven Days in Japan

• Pack strategically for your seven-day journey through Japan to ensure comfort and convenience.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes as you’ll likely walk 8-12 miles daily while exploring cities and attractions.
• Pack clothing appropriate for the season, keeping in mind that Japan experiences four distinct seasons with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to above 30°C (86°F) in summer.
• Carry a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card for navigation and translation assistance throughout your seven days in Japan.
• Bring a small gift from your home country if you plan to meet Japanese friends or homestay hosts, as gift-giving is an important cultural practice.
• Pack a small umbrella or rain jacket, especially during the rainy season (June-July) or typhoon season (August-October).
• Bring any necessary medications in their original packaging along with a doctor’s note, as some common overseas medications are restricted in Japan.
• Consider packing a portable phone charger as you’ll likely use your phone extensively for navigation, translation, and photography during your seven days in Japan.

FAQs

Is 7 days in Japan long enough?

Yes, 7 days in Japan is enough to experience the highlights. You can comfortably explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with a well-planned itinerary. Use the Japan Rail Pass to maximize travel efficiency.

How much would 7 days in Japan cost?

A 7-day trip typically costs:

• Budget: $800–$1,200

• Mid-range: $1,500–$2,500

• Luxury: $3,500+
  This includes flights, hotels, food, local transport, and sightseeing.

Is $5000 enough for a week in Japan?

Yes, $5,000 is more than enough for a comfortable to luxury 7-day Japan trip. With this budget, you can stay in high-end hotels, enjoy fine dining, and travel first-class on the Shinkansen.

Is 1 lakh enough for a Japan trip?

1 lakh INR (~$1,200 USD) is just enough for a budget trip if you book affordable flights and use hostels or capsule hotels. Avoid peak seasons and stick to regional travel to save money.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Japan is moderately expensive, but it’s manageable with smart planning.

• Meals can cost as little as ¥500 (₹300 / $4)

• Hostels from ¥2,000 (₹1,100 / $15) per night

• Rail passes save money on travel

Should I go to Osaka or Kyoto?

Kyoto is best for traditional culture, temples, and tea houses, while Osaka is known for street food, nightlife, and a modern vibe. They’re only 30 minutes apart by train—visit both if possible.

Conclusion: Making the Most of Seven Days in Japan

Spending seven days in Japan offers a perfect introduction to this fascinating country, balancing traditional culture with modern innovations.

This itinerary focuses on the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and nearby areas, providing a comprehensive yet manageable experience for first-time visitors.

While seven days won’t allow you to see everything Japan has to offer, it provides enough time to experience the country’s highlights and diverse attractions.

Japan’s efficient transportation system makes it feasible to cover significant ground in just one week, though you’ll want to prioritize quality experiences over quantity.

Many travelers find that their first seven days in Japan inspires them to return for deeper exploration of regions not covered in this initial visit.

With careful planning, an open mind, and this comprehensive guide, your seven days in Japan will create memories to last a lifetime, showcasing why this island nation captivates visitors from around the world.