Japan Travel Itineraries
Expert-crafted travel plans from 7 days to 3 weeks โ for first-time visitors, returning Japan lovers, and every traveller in between.
Find Your Perfect Japan Itinerary
Whether you have 7 days or 3 weeks, our hand-crafted itineraries help you make the most of every moment in Japan โ balancing iconic landmarks with hidden gems and authentic local experiences.
7-Day Classic
Tokyo โ Hakone โ Kyoto. The perfect first-time Japan itinerary for those with limited time. Fast-paced but deeply satisfying.
10-Day Golden Route
Tokyo โ Mount Fuji โ Kyoto โ Nara โ Osaka. Japan's most beloved route, now with more time to breathe and explore.
14-Day Deep Japan
The Golden Route plus Hiroshima, Miyajima, and the Japanese Alps. An immersive journey for the curious traveller.
๐๏ธ 7-Day Classic Japan
Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto โ the perfect introduction to Japan's contrasts of ultramodern metropolis and ancient imperial capital.
Arrive in Tokyo โ Shinjuku & Orientation
- Land at Narita or Haneda, take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel
- Afternoon: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building free observation deck for city panorama
- Evening: explore Shinjuku โ Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, izakaya dinner
Tokyo โ Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara
- Morning: Senso-ji Temple before the crowds; Nakamise shopping street
- Midday: Ueno Park and National Museum
- Afternoon: Akihabara electronics and anime district
- Evening: Shibuya Crossing experience; dinner in Shibuya
Tokyo โ Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Roppongi
- Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine โ serene forested walk
- Midday: Harajuku Takeshita Street; Omotesando upscale shopping
- Afternoon: teamLab Planets digital art museum (book ahead!)
- Evening: Roppongi Hills Mori Art Museum night panorama
Hakone Day Trip โ Fuji Views & Onsen
- Morning: Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 min)
- Midday: Hakone Open Air Museum
- Afternoon: Ropeway over volcano and Lake Ashi cruise with Fuji views
- Evening: Stay in Hakone ryokan with private onsen (highly recommended)
Travel to Kyoto โ Fushimi Inari & Gion
- Morning: Shinkansen from Odawara or Tokyo to Kyoto (2h 20min)
- Afternoon: Fushimi Inari โ hike the torii gates
- Evening: Gion district evening stroll โ Hanamikoji Street; dinner at a local izakaya
Kyoto โ Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji & Nishiki Market
- Morning: Arashiyama bamboo grove before 8am โ magical with no crowds
- Tenryu-ji Zen garden; boat ride on Oi River
- Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion; Ryoan-ji rock garden
- Evening: Nishiki Market food walk; kaiseki dinner in Kyoto
Nara Day Trip & Departure
- Morning: Day trip to Nara โ Todai-ji Great Buddha; Nara Park deer
- Kasuga Grand Shrine; Naramachi traditional district
- Afternoon: Return to Osaka or Kyoto for international departure
- Evening: Celebrate with a final Japan meal before flying home
๐บ๏ธ 14-Day Deep Japan
The full Golden Route plus Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Nikko โ for travellers who want to go beyond the highlights.
Days 1โ3: Tokyo
Full Tokyo experience โ all major neighbourhoods, Skytree, Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, teamLab, day trip to Kamakura's Giant Buddha
Day 4: Nikko
Day trip to Nikko's ornate Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Chuzenji Lake โ stunning in autumn foliage
Days 5โ6: Hakone & Mount Fuji Area
Overnight in Hakone ryokan with Fuji views, onsen, and Lake Kawaguchi exploration
Days 7โ9: Kyoto
Three full days โ Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion, Kinkaku-ji, Philosopher's Path, tea ceremony, kimono experience
Day 10: Nara
Full day in Nara โ Great Buddha, sacred deer, Kasuga Shrine, Naramachi
Days 11โ12: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Peace Memorial Park and Museum; overnight on Miyajima Island for dawn torii gate magic
Days 13โ14: Osaka & Departure
Dotonbori food crawl, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai; fly home from Kansai International Airport
Itinerary Planning Tips
Budget Planning
Budget: ยฅ6,000โ8,000/day. Mid-range: ยฅ15,000โ25,000/day (including ryokan nights). Luxury: ยฅ50,000+/day. The JR Pass (7-day ยฅ50,000) pays off on any itinerary covering Tokyo + Kyoto + Hiroshima.
Essential Apps
Google Maps (transit), Google Translate (camera mode for menus), Hyperdia or Jorudan (train routes), Tabelog (restaurant reviews in Japanese, use Google Translate), and Japan Official Travel App.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi router at the airport (Sakura Mobile, IIJmio, etc.) or get a Japan SIM card for unlimited data. Staying connected is essential for navigation, translation, and real-time train info. From ยฅ300/day.
Need a Custom Itinerary?
Our Japan travel experts can create a personalised day-by-day itinerary tailored to your interests, budget, travel dates, and travel style โ from solo adventures to family trips.
Request Custom Itinerary