7-Day Japan Itinerary + Best Things to Do

Morning

Your Tokyo journey begins in its most sacred neighborhood, where ancient Buddhism meets the infectious energy of modern Japan. Sensō-ji isn't just Tokyo's oldest temple — it's the city's spiritual heartbeat, where clouds of incense mingle with the chatter of pilgrims and the click of cameras. The approach through Nakamise-dori shopping street builds anticipation perfectly, leading you to one of the most photogenic temple complexes in Japan.

• Sensō-ji — arrive by 8am to beat crowds; free entry; don't miss the giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate

Afternoon

From spiritual heights to imperial grandeur, you'll cross the city to explore the serene grounds where Japan's emperor once resided. Imperial Palace offers a completely different perspective on Japanese culture — where Sensō-ji buzzes with energy, these meticulously maintained gardens whisper of centuries-old traditions. The contrast between the temple's democratized spirituality and the palace's refined exclusivity perfectly captures Tokyo's layered identity.

• Imperial Palace — East Gardens open 9am-5pm; free entry; beautiful even without cherry blossoms; allow 2-3 hours for full exploration

Shibuya pulses with the electric energy of modern Japan — neon signs tower overhead while millions of people cross its famous scramble intersection daily, creating a symphony of urban chaos that somehow feels perfectly orchestrated.

Morning

Start your day seeking tranquility in the heart of Tokyo's busiest district. Meiji Jingu offers an extraordinary escape — the moment you pass through its towering torii gate, the city's noise fades to forest whispers. This peaceful shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, sits within a 175-acre forest that feels impossibly remote despite being minutes from Shibuya Station.

• Meiji Jingu — free entry; sunrise to sunset; early morning visits offer the most serenity

Afternoon

Emerge from the forest ready to dive into Shibuya's retail madness. The district transforms from spiritual sanctuary to shopping playground, where kawaii culture explodes in every direction and fashion trends are born on every corner.

• Shibuya Parco — 11am-9pm daily; Nintendo store on 6th floor; basement food court has incredible energy

• Takeshita Street — pedestrian paradise of colors, sounds, and kawaii overload; peak energy afternoons

Evening

Cap your day 230 meters above the chaos at Shibuya Sky, where Tokyo spreads endlessly in every direction. The 360-degree views transform the overwhelming street-level energy into a glittering urban tapestry — suddenly the madness makes perfect sense.

• Shibuya Sky — ¥2,000; 10am-10:30pm; sunset timing creates magical atmosphere

Day 3: Neighborhood Immersion

Today takes you deep into Tokyo's contrasting neighborhoods — from the overwhelming energy of Shinjuku's neon-lit urban maze to the bohemian charm of Shimokitazawa's artistic village atmosphere.

Morning

Begin your neighborhood exploration in Tokyo's most electric district, where skyscrapers pierce the sky and the energy never stops. Shibuya operates at a different frequency than the rest of Tokyo — louder, brighter, and more intense. Start early before the sensory overload reaches peak intensity, when you can still appreciate the architectural ambition and urban planning that makes this concrete jungle somehow work.

Afternoon

Shimokitazawa operates on Tokyo time, but to a completely different rhythm. This bohemian enclave feels like a village within the megacity — narrow streets wind past vintage shops, indie theaters, and hole-in-the-wall cafes where creativity flourishes. It's where Tokyo's artistic soul comes to breathe, attracting everyone from university students to aging hipsters who refuse to conform to salary-man culture. Don't miss the famous fluffy pancakes at Flipper's Shimokitazawa (10am-8pm) — use the takeout window to avoid long waits.

Evening

Return to Shinjuku as darkness transforms it into something almost mythical. The narrow alleyways that looked unremarkable in daylight now glow with lanterns and neon, revealing Tokyo's most atmospheric drinking districts. This is where salary workers decompress and visitors glimpse authentic Tokyo nightlife.

• Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane — open 24hrs; tiny yakitori stalls and nostalgic atmosphere; arrive before 8pm for seats

• Shinjuku Golden-Gai — 200+ tiny bars in compact maze; cover charges vary; respect photography rules

Day 4: Traditional Kyoto

Today immerses you in Kyoto's most quintessential experiences, from the iconic vermillion torii tunnels of Fushimi Inari to the preserved streets of Gion where geisha culture still thrives. This journey through sacred and cultural spaces reveals why Kyoto remains Japan's spiritual and artistic heart.

Morning

Your Kyoto adventure begins with one of Japan's most iconic experiences — climbing through thousands of vermillion torii gates that tunnel up Mount Inari like a sacred highway to the gods. Fushimi Inari Taisha delivers on every Instagram promise while revealing deeper spiritual layers the higher you climb. The early morning light filtering through the torii creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere, and you'll have the most photogenic sections largely to yourself.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha — open 24hrs; free entry; full hike takes 2-3 hours; sunrise visits offer magical lighting

Afternoon

Gion represents everything foreigners dream Kyoto will be — preserved wooden buildings, stone-paved streets, and the tantalizing possibility of glimpsing a geisha hurrying to an appointment. The afternoon light brings out the warm tones of traditional architecture, making every corner worthy of a postcard. Don't miss Kiyomizu-dera, the UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its wooden stage that juts dramatically over the hillside, offering stunning city views.

• Kiyomizu-dera — ¥400; 6am-6pm; UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning city views; famous wooden stage juts out over hillside

Evening

As twilight descends, Gion transforms into something almost cinematic. The preserved district glows with warm lantern light, and the chances of encountering geisha increase as they head to evening engagements. The atmosphere becomes more intimate and mysterious, especially around Yasaka Shrine where traditional lanterns illuminate the small park area.

• Yasaka Shrine — free entry; open 24hrs; beautiful illumination after dark; small park area with traditional snacks

Morning

Begin your day in nature's cathedral, where thousands of bamboo stalks create a green canopy that filters sunlight into an ethereal glow. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest sounds almost too Instagram-famous to deliver genuine magic, but the towering stalks swaying in the breeze create an acoustic experience as mesmerizing as the visuals. Morning visits capture the most serene atmosphere before tour groups arrive.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — free access; open 24hrs; early morning offers best lighting and fewer crowds; easy walk from Arashiyama Station

Afternoon

From bamboo forest to golden temple, you'll witness Kyoto's most photographed landmark reflecting in mirror-still pond waters. Kinkaku-ji achieves something remarkable — despite being impossibly famous, the first glimpse of those gold-leafed walls still takes your breath away. The afternoon light brings out the pavilion's shimmer while providing perfect reflection conditions.

• Kinkaku-ji — ¥500; 9am-5pm; famous Golden Pavilion covered in gold leaf; viewing path offers multiple photo angles

Evening

Wind down your temple-hopping with a stroll through Kyoto's culinary heart. Nishiki Market stretches for five blocks of food stalls, knife shops, and pickle vendors — it's touristy but undeniably fun, especially as vendors begin their evening routines.

• Nishiki Market — most stalls open until 6pm; "Kyoto's Kitchen" with 400 years of history; perfect for food souvenirs

Osaka Castle dominates the city skyline like a feudal-era skyscraper, while Dotonbori pulses with neon-soaked food culture that defines Osaka as Japan's unofficial culinary capital.

Morning

Start early at Osaka's crown jewel, where samurai history meets modern reconstruction in one of Japan's most photogenic castles. The surrounding park offers peaceful walking paths and volunteer guides eager to share stories of siege warfare and political intrigue.

• Osaka Castle — ¥600; 9am-6pm; 8-story museum inside; elevator to top floors; beautiful cherry blossom views in spring

Afternoon

Transition from historical grandeur to culinary chaos as you enter Osaka's most famous food district. Dotonbori assaults your senses with giant mechanical crabs, takoyaki steam, and the infectious energy of people eating their way through Japan's most food-obsessed city.

• Kuromon Market — 9am-6pm; "Osaka's Kitchen" with 150+ stalls; fresh wagyu, seafood, and fruit; cash recommended

Evening

As darkness falls, Dotonbori transforms into a neon wonderland where every surface advertises another must-try dish. The district reaches peak energy as locals finish work and join the eternal quest for the perfect bowl of ramen or plate of okonomiyaki.

• Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant — 11am-11pm daily; famous Osaka-style okonomiyaki; halal options available; expect 30-min wait during peak times

Morning

Your final day takes you to Japan's ancient capital, where sacred deer roam freely through one of the country's most enchanting parks. Nara Park offers something completely unique — over 1,200 wild sika deer who bow for crackers and create an almost fairy-tale atmosphere among ancient temples and pristine gardens. The morning energy is gentle and magical as deer emerge for breakfast alongside early-rising visitors.

• Nara Park — free entry; open 24hrs; deer crackers (shika senbei) ¥200; 35-45 min train from Osaka/Kyoto; deer are wild animals — follow posted guidelines

Afternoon

Within the park stands one of Japan's most awe-inspiring temples, housing a Buddha statue so massive it defies comprehension until you're standing beneath it. Tōdai-ji represents the pinnacle of ancient Japanese craftsmanship — the wooden hall itself ranks among the world's largest wooden structures, while the bronze Buddha within radiates centuries of spiritual devotion.

• Tōdai-ji — ¥600; 7:30am-5:30pm; houses 15-meter bronze Buddha; massive wooden architecture; famous pillar with hole for good luck