Japan Travel Guide: 7 Days and 14 Days of Temples, Sushi, and All the Neon
If Japan has been calling your name, I get it—this place is full of some of the most Google-searched destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. Whether you’ve got just a week or two, I’ve got you covered with the big highlights: temples, city skylines, sushi stops, and the magic of cherry blossoms if you time it right!
7-Day Japan Itinerary
With a week, you’ll focus on Tokyo, Kyoto, and a quick trip to Mount Fuji. This guide covers all the major must-sees without rushing (too much!).
| Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo | Dive right in with Shibuya Crossing and nearby Hachiko Statue. Explore Shinjuku and enjoy the neon vibes! | Shibuya Crossing is packed but so fun—get a pic from a high-up cafe! |
| Day 2 | Tokyo – Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree & Asakusa | Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and stop by the Tokyo Skytree for amazing views. | Try melonpan near Senso-ji—Japan’s famous sweet bread! |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Mount Fuji & Hakone | Take a day trip to Mount Fuji! Head to Hakone for hot springs and the scenic pirate boat on Lake Ashi. | On a clear day, Fuji views are stunning; plan ahead with the weather. |
| Day 4 | Tokyo to Kyoto – Bullet Train & Fushimi Inari Shrine | Hop on the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto and explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and its torii gates. | Bullet trains are fast, but book seats if you can—it’s worth it! |
| Day 5 | Kyoto – Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, & Gion | Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and wander the geisha district of Gion. | Kyoto is calm but busy—early mornings are best for fewer crowds. |
| Day 6 | Kyoto – Nijo Castle & Philosopher’s Path | Tour Nijo Castle and walk the Philosopher’s Path (perfect if cherry blossoms are in bloom!). | Philosopher’s Path is ideal for spring cherry blossoms or fall colors. |
| Day 7 | Return to Tokyo – Shopping & Sushi in Ginza or Akihabara | Head back to Tokyo for some shopping in Ginza or anime heaven in Akihabara before flying home. | Try conveyor-belt sushi in Tokyo—cheap and super fresh! |
14-Day Japan Itinerary
With two weeks, you get to explore Tokyo and Kyoto in depth, add in Osaka, Hiroshima, and even a few more nature spots like Nara and Miyajima Island. Let’s go!
| Day | Location & Activity | Must-See Highlights | Tips for Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Tokyo – Shibuya, Akihabara, Asakusa, & Day Trip to Nikko | Follow the first three days of the 7-day plan, and add a day trip to Nikko for temples and nature. | Nikko has stunning temples and waterfalls—super peaceful day trip! |
| Days 4-5 | Tokyo to Hakone & Mount Fuji | Explore Hakone (hot springs, cable cars, and lake views of Mount Fuji) before heading to Kyoto. | Stay overnight at a ryokan (Japanese inn) in Hakone—hello, onsen! |
| Days 6-8 | Kyoto – Deep Dive into Temples, Tea Ceremonies & Gion | Spend extra time in Kyoto’s temples, do a traditional tea ceremony, and enjoy evenings in Gion. | Try Kaiseki (multi-course) dining in Kyoto for a unique food experience. |
| Days 9-10 | Nara & Osaka – Deer Park & Dotonbori | Day trip to Nara for deer encounters and Todai-ji Temple, then stay in Osaka to explore Dotonbori. | Nara’s deer are friendly—buy crackers to feed them, but watch your bags! |
| Days 11-12 | Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park & Miyajima Island | Head to Hiroshima for Peace Park, then ferry to Miyajima Island for the “floating” torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. | Try okonomiyaki (savory pancake) in Hiroshima—it’s a local specialty! |
| Days 13-14 | Return to Tokyo – Last-Minute Sights and Shopping | Wrap up in Tokyo with a relaxing day at Ueno Park or the teamLab Borderless museum, plus some shopping. | Grab any last-minute souvenirs in Ginza or Shinjuku before you go! |
Top Tips for Traveling Japan
- Popular Attractions: Japan’s big sights like Fushimi Inari, the Golden Pavilion, and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing can get busy—going early helps a lot!
- Train Pass: Get a Japan Rail Pass if you’re doing a lot of traveling (it’s worth it for Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka trips).
- Food & Dining: Sushi and ramen are obvious musts, but don’t skip tempura, okonomiyaki, and Japanese sweets like mochi.
Japan’s most-searched spots are a dream come true for foodies, culture lovers, and nature fans alike—get ready for temples, neon lights, peaceful gardens, and a LOT of amazing meals!