Japan is a country where every corner reveals something fascinating—futuristic cities, tranquil temples, steaming hot springs, and world-class cuisine. But with so much to see, planning a short trip can feel overwhelming. If you only have a week, how can you experience both the traditional and modern sides of Japan without feeling rushed?
This guide provides a sample 7 day Japan itinerary covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. You’ll also find transport advice, budget and luxury options, and tips for first-time travelers to make the most of your precious week.
1. Introduction: A Short Trip in a Big Country
Seven days in Japan is enough to see highlights but not everything. The key is choosing a manageable route. For first-time visitors, the “Golden Route”—Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—is the most popular. Adding Hiroshima offers a meaningful historical and cultural perspective, while still fitting within a week.
This 7 day Japan itinerary balances sightseeing, culture, food, and free time, so you leave with lasting memories rather than travel fatigue.
2. Example Itinerary: Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport.
- Check into your hotel in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa.
- Evening: Explore Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho for izakaya dining or enjoy Tokyo Skytree’s night views.
💡 Tip: If you arrive early, visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and take a Sumida River cruise.
Day 2: Tokyo Highlights
- Morning: Meiji Shrine and Harajuku’s Takeshita Street.
- Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue, then shop in Shibuya or Omotesando.
- Evening: Akihabara for anime and electronics, or teamLab Planets digital art museum.
Optional day tours: Mount Fuji and Hakone for nature lovers.
Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train): ~2 hours 20 minutes.
- Afternoon in Kyoto: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and stroll Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
- Evening: Explore Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, and try kaiseki dining.
Day 4: Kyoto Temples and Shrines
- Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates.
- Midday: Nijo Castle or Kyoto Imperial Palace.
- Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).
- Evening: Relax with matcha tea in a traditional teahouse.
Day 5: Day Trip to Nara or Osaka
- Option 1: Nara: Todai-ji Temple (Great Buddha), Nara Park deer, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- Option 2: Osaka: Visit Osaka Castle, Dotonbori for neon lights and street food, and Shinsekai for kushikatsu.
Stay overnight in Osaka if continuing to Hiroshima the next day.
Day 6: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (~2 hours).
- Visit: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and museum.
- Afternoon: Ferry to Miyajima Island for Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii gate.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Day 7: Return to Tokyo (or Osaka for departure)
- Shinkansen from Hiroshima back to Tokyo (~4 hours) or Osaka (~2 hours).
- Last-minute shopping at Tokyo Station’s Character Street or Osaka’s Namba Parks.
- Departure flight.
💡 Note: Adjust depending on your arrival/departure city. If flying out of Kansai Airport (Osaka), skip the Tokyo return.
3. Transport Advice
Efficient travel is key to any 7 day Japan itinerary. Here are the main options:
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
- What it is: Unlimited travel on JR trains (including shinkansen) for a fixed period.
- Cost: 7-day ordinary pass ~¥50,000 ($330).
- Best for: Long-distance trips (Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima).
- Worth it?: Yes, if you’re covering multiple cities; no, if staying mostly in one region.
Regional Passes
- JR Kansai-Hiroshima Pass or JR East Pass can be cheaper if you focus on one area.
Flights
- Domestic flights connect Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima, but shinkansen are usually faster and more convenient.
Buses
- Overnight buses are cheaper but less comfortable. Great for budget travelers with flexible schedules.
Local Transport
- IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) make city transport seamless.
- Metro day passes can save money in Tokyo and Osaka.
4. Budget vs Luxury Options
Your 7 day Japan itinerary can be tailored to your travel style.
Budget Travel (~–0 per day)
- Accommodation: Hostels, capsule hotels, or business hotels (~¥3,000–¥7,000 per night).
- Food: Conbini meals, gyudon chains (Yoshinoya, Sukiya), ramen (~¥500–¥1,000 per meal).
- Transport: JR Pass for long-distance travel; metro day passes in cities.
- Attractions: Many shrines and temples are free or under ¥500.
Mid-Range (~0–0 per day)
- Accommodation: 3-star hotels or ryokan (~¥10,000–¥20,000 per night).
- Food: Mix of izakaya, sushi, and regional specialties (~¥2,000–¥4,000 per meal).
- Extras: Tea ceremonies, cultural workshops, or guided tours.
Luxury (0+ per day)
- Accommodation: Luxury hotels or high-end ryokan with private onsen (~¥30,000+ per night).
- Food: Kaiseki dining, Michelin-starred sushi, wagyu beef dinners.
- Transport: Green Car (first-class shinkansen) for comfort.
- Experiences: Private guides, geisha dinners, helicopter tours over Tokyo.
5. Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Book Accommodation Early
Popular cities like Kyoto sell out months ahead during cherry blossom or autumn season. - Travel Light
Japanese trains and hotels have limited space. Use luggage forwarding (takkyubin) to send bags ahead. - Cash and Cards
Credit cards are increasingly accepted, but rural areas still prefer cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven accept foreign cards. - Learn Basic Japanese Phrases
Simple greetings like arigatou (thank you) go a long way. - Etiquette Matters
- No talking on phones in trains.
- Remove shoes when entering tatami rooms.
- Be mindful of queues and personal space.
- Timing is Everything
- Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms.
- Autumn (October–November): Red leaves.
- Summer (July–August): Festivals, but hot and humid.
- Winter (December–February): Skiing and snow festivals.
- Stay Flexible
Weather can change plans quickly—have indoor options like museums or shopping streets as backups.
6. Conclusion
A week in Japan may feel short, but with the right planning, you can see the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. This 7 day Japan itinerary blends modern city life, ancient traditions, and moving history into one unforgettable trip.
By choosing the right transport passes, tailoring your budget, and preparing for cultural differences, you’ll maximize your time and minimize stress.
👉 : Book your Japan Rail Pass here
👉 : Find affordable Japan hotels on Booking.com
👉 : Join guided tours on Klook or GetYourGuide
With thoughtful planning, your 7-day adventure will offer a perfect introduction to Japan—and likely inspire you to return for a longer stay.
