7-Day Japan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Japan tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Japan, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  The cultural route spans 5 major cities: Tokyo's Sensoji Temple, Mount Fuji area, Hamamatsu's landmarks, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, and Osaka Castle. Includes 6 nights in 3-star hotels, bullet train rides, and professional guiding for approx. $190 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tokyo

    Begin your Japan adventure in the dynamic capital. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is perfect for city views - "The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers incredible views of the skyline." Plan to visit right before sunset for the best photos. On your first full day, explore key areas. Start at Odaiba in the morning before the crowds arrive at 10 AM. Next, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for lunch but remember most shops close by 2 PM. Finish your day in Asakusa where Sensoji Temple looks stunning with evening lighting.

    
  • Day 3

    Mount Fuji Region

    Leave Tokyo early to get the best views of Mt. Fuji in the morning light. Visit Gotemba Peace Park but take note of this visitor tip: "Skip the Fuji museum if time is tight - the outdoor viewing areas offer better experiences." Pack some snacks for the 3-hour drive to Hamamatsu since food stops are limited.

    
  • Day 4

    Hamamatsu to Osaka

    Start at the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the tour groups. Once in Osaka, spend your afternoon at Osaka Castle and the lively Dotonbori district. Look for restaurants on the quieter side streets off Dotonbori where locals eat.

    
  • Day 5

    Kyoto Day Trip

    Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Try to get seats on the right side for possible Mt. Fuji views on clear days. A recent visitor shares: "Go early or late - the paths are packed between 10 AM and 4 PM" at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before 9 AM for the best photos. Save Kinkakuji for late afternoon when the sun makes the Golden Pavilion shine.

    
  • Day 6

    Osaka

    Take time to explore Osaka at your own pace. The subway system is easy to navigate with English signs. Try local restaurants for lunch when prices are often half of dinner rates. Osaka is famous for its food scene.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    If leaving during morning rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM), give yourself extra time to reach Kansai International Airport. The airport express train from Osaka Station takes about 50 minutes and runs often.

    

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• 7 Days in Japan, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  This Japanese adventure spans 6 cities over 7 days, featuring a 5-hour Tokyo tour, Mount Fuji's Fifth Station at 2,305 meters, and Kyoto's UNESCO sites. Includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and traditional ryokan stay for approx. $280 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tokyo

    Start in Tokyo but take it easy on Day 1 due to jet lag. Pick a hotel in Shinjuku or Shibuya to stay close to main transportation. On Day 2, visit Sensoji Temple right when it opens at 6:30 AM. A recent visitor shared: "The early morning light at Sensoji was magical, and we practically had the temple grounds to ourselves before 8 AM."

    
  • Day 3

    Mount Fuji & Kawaguchiko

    Check the weather before heading to Mount Fuji since clouds often block the view later in the day. Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park between 8-10 AM for the best photos. Bring extra clothes because it gets cold at the 5th Station, even in summer. Your night at a traditional ryokan will be special. Just know that hot spring baths are separated by gender and you'll need to bathe without clothes.

    
  • Day 4

    Kawaguchiko to Kyoto

    The train ride to Kyoto takes about 4 hours. Spend your afternoon walking through the Gion district. Most people don't realize this area is busiest from 5-7 PM when geishas go to their evening appointments.

    
  • Day 5

    Kyoto

    Get to Fushimi Inari Shrine before 8 AM to avoid crowds at the red gates. The full trail goes up the mountain for 4 km so wear comfortable shoes. Visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning or at sunset when the light looks best through the bamboo.

    
  • Day 6

    Nara & Osaka

    Go to Nara in the morning when the deer are most active and looking for crackers you can buy there. Check out the giant Buddha at Todaiji Temple and look for the wooden pillar behind it with a hole that's supposed to grant wishes if you can fit through.

    
  • Day 7

    Osaka

    Start your last day in the Dotonbori district. Most food places open at 11 AM but you can get great sushi for breakfast at the fish market near Nippombashi Station from 6 AM.

    

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• 7 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  The route spans 800km across 8 major Japanese cities over 7 days. Notable stops include Sensoji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. Package includes 5 meals and accommodation at Shinagawa Prince Hotel.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tokyo

    Start your Japan journey in Tokyo by taking the shared shuttle bus from the airport. It's cheaper than taxis and runs well even in rush hour. On your first full day visit Zojoji Temple around 8 AM before the crowds arrive to get great Tokyo Tower photos. Head to Shibuya Crossing between 10 AM and 3 PM when it's less busy. Get an IC card at the airport or any major station - you can use it for all metros and most buses during your trip.

    
  • Day 3

    Tokyo to Kyoto

    Take an early bullet train to make the most of your Kyoto day. The trip takes just over 2 hours to cover 500km. Sit on the right side for possible Mt. Fuji views on clear mornings. Once in Kyoto go straight to Fushimi Inari before the crowds build up. Visit the Gion district in the evening when you're more likely to see geishas on their way to appointments.

    
  • Day 4

    Nara & Osaka

    Get to Nara early to see the giant Buddha at Todaiji before tour groups arrive. Bring coins for deer crackers but keep your distance since the deer can get pushy around food. Spend your evening in Dotonbori, Osaka's bright entertainment district. Plan your meals carefully as many restaurants close between 2-5 PM.

    
  • Day 5

    Himeji & Okayama

    Start at Himeji Castle first thing in the morning. It's the best original castle in Japan and gets crowded quickly. Visit the nearby Korakuen Garden in Okayama later in the day. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll do lots of walking.

    
  • Day 6

    Hiroshima

    Visit the Peace Memorial Museum early before the crowds arrive. Take a ferry to see the "floating" Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Check tide times beforehand since the view looks best at high tide.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Tokyo

    The train ride back takes about 4 hours. Book a late afternoon flight if leaving today or stay an extra night in Tokyo since you'll arrive around 2 PM.

    

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