7-Day Japan Vacation Itinerary (Kyoto and Tokyo)
Here's an itinerary for 4 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto.
Here's an itinerary for 4 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto.
Tokyo
- Meiji Temple (Sundays for Shinto weddings)
- Harajuku area (Sundays for cosplay)
- Yoyogi Park (Sundays for the vibrant atmosphere)
- Shibuya district and the famous crossing
- Asakusa and Sensoji Temple
- Tsukiji Fish Market (closed Sundays)
- Tokyo Bay and Odaiba Island
- Shiodome business district + lunch at a sky restaurant
- Tokyo Tower
- Edo Museum
- The Imperial Palace (and its surroundings and gardens)
- Akihabara electronics quarter
- Tokyo National Museum
- Ueno
Day Trips from Tokyo
- Kamakura
- The Five Lakes of Mount Fuji
- Hakone
- Nikko
Activities for Your Japan Vacation
- Watch a Kabuki performance
- Try karaoke and/or pachinko
- Attend a traditional Tea ceremony
- Watch a Sumo training session or tournament
- Purchase the JR Pass for round-trip travel to Kyoto and airport transfers via the Narita Express.
Frequently asked questions
Seven days in Japan allow you to discover the highlights of Tokyo (4 days) and Kyoto (3 days). This itinerary is ideal for a first-time visitor, but you'll need to prioritize among the many sites worth exploring. We recommend choosing attractions based on your interests (culture, gastronomy, nature) to make the most of each day.
Yes, the JR Pass is highly recommended for this type of itinerary. It covers the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto on the Shinkansen (high-speed train), the Narita Express from the airport, and numerous local lines. It represents significant savings compared to purchasing individual tickets, especially if you plan day trips from Tokyo (Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone).
The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kyoto from Tokyo is the Shinkansen (high-speed train). The Shinkansen Nozomi journey takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. With the JR Pass, you can take the Hikari (slightly slower, 2 hours 40 minutes), which is covered by the pass, unlike the Nozomi.
In 3 days in Kyoto, don't miss Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, the historic Gion district, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. A tea ceremony in a traditional tea house is also an unforgettable experience.
The two best times to visit Tokyo and Kyoto are spring (late March to early May) for cherry blossoms (sakura), and autumn (October to November) for red and orange foliage. Avoid Golden Week (late April to early May), which is extremely crowded and expensive. Winter is mild and less crowded, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
