Planning my first trip to Japan felt overwhelming. How would I navigate without speaking the language? Would I master the complex train system? I spent countless hours researching, and after experiencing it firsthand, I’ve crafted a one-week itinerary that covers the best of Kyoto and Tokyo—including side trips to Nara and Mt. Fuji.
Now, I’m sharing everything I learned, from must-visit spots to insider tips, so you can explore Japan with confidence. If you’re a first-time traveller looking for a well-planned, stress-free itinerary, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in!
Essential Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Japan
Before my first visit to Japan, I spent hours researching the best ways to navigate, stay connected, and avoid common pitfalls. Now, after experiencing it firsthand, I’ve put together key travel tips to help you plan with confidence.
Here are the must-know essentials:
Japan Rail Pass
Japan’s train system is one of the most efficient in the world, making it incredibly easy to travel between cities. If you’re planning to explore beyond Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a game-changer.
I opted for the 7-day JR Pass, which costs around $220 for adults. While that might seem pricey, I did the math before my trip—just two Shinkansen (bullet train) rides, plus local JR trains and monorails, made the pass more cost-effective than buying single tickets. Plus, having unlimited access meant I could skip the hassle of buying tickets for every trip.
Why Get the JR Pass?
✔ Unlimited Travel – Covers all JR trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen.
✔ Cost Savings – Individual train tickets add up fast; the pass pays for itself.
✔ Convenience – No need to queue at ticket counters—just hop on and go!
Ticket Options: Ordinary vs. Green Car
Japan offers two JR Pass classes:
- Ordinary Pass – The best value! Just board and grab any available seats in the designated cars.
- Green Car (First Class) – Comfier seats, but requires seat reservations, adding extra logistics.
Important: Buy Your JR Pass Before You Arrive!
The JR Pass must be purchased before your trip—at least 14 days in advance. Once you buy it online, a voucher will be mailed to your home. Bring this with you to Japan and exchange it for the actual pass at the airport when you land.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossoms & Mild Weather
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit, thanks to the breathtaking sakura (cherry blossoms). The weather is pleasant, but expect crowds—especially in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. If you want to catch peak bloom, plan for late March to early April.
Fall (September–November): Stunning Autumn Foliage
If you love crisp air and fiery red maple leaves, fall is perfect. The scenery in Kyoto, Nikko, and Nara is spectacular. Plus, it’s less humid than summer, making it ideal for sightseeing.
Summer (June–August): Hot & Humid, But Great for Nature Lovers
Japan’s summers are hot and humid, but if you’re into hiking, Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps offer cooler escapes with lush landscapes. Be prepared for the rainy season (late May–July), which brings frequent showers.
Winter (December–February): Snowy Wonderland & Festivals
For a unique experience, visit northern Japan in winter. Places like Hokkaido and Nagano turn into a snowy paradise, perfect for skiing and soaking in onsen (hot springs). Plus, winter festivals like Sapporo’s Snow Festival add a magical touch.
Avoid These Busy Holiday Periods:
- Golden Week (April 29–May 5) – Expect packed trains, full hotels, and high prices.
- Obon Festival (Mid-August or Mid-July, depending on the region) – A major travel period for locals.
- Shogatsu (New Year’s, Late December–Early January) – Many businesses shut down, and transportation is crowded.
My Take: If you want mild weather and stunning scenery, visit in spring or fall. For a winter wonderland, head north in December–February. Want fewer crowds? Late May or early December could be your sweet spot!
Getting Around Japan
Use Google Maps
Google Maps will be your best friend when traveling in Japan. It provides accurate transit directions, showing different route options, estimated travel times, and ticket prices. Simply enter your destination, select the transit option, and it will tell you exactly which train to take, which platform to board from, and even the train schedules.
It also allows you to change the departure time if you need to plan your travels in advance. One of the most useful features is that Google Maps identifies which train lines are covered by the JR Pass, allowing you to make the most of your pass and avoid unnecessary expenses. It’s a good idea to download offline maps before your trip in case you ever lose internet access.
Understanding the Rail Networks
Japan’s train and metro stations are well-organized and easy to navigate. Signs are available in both Japanese and English, with each train line assigned a specific color to help travelers find the correct platform. Once you arrive at a station, look for overhead and wall signs displaying the rail line’s name and color, and double-check the next station’s name to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
Trains in Japan run with incredible punctuality, so make sure you’re on the platform a few minutes before departure. If your JR Pass doesn’t cover a metro ride, an IC card will allow for seamless tap-and-go access to subways, buses, and private rail lines.
Detailed 7 Day Japan Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
Get Aquainted with Tokyo
Landing in Tokyo marks the start of an unforgettable adventure. As Japan’s busiest international hub, it’s the perfect place to kick things off. After adjusting to the time zone, dive straight into the city’s vibrant culture.
Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Market
My first stop was Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. Legend has it that an ancient statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, is enshrined here, making it a deeply spiritual site. The surrounding Nakamise Market is the perfect spot to grab authentic souvenirs and street food like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) and senbei (rice crackers).
Tokyo Skytree – A View From Above
Just a short walk away, Tokyo Skytree towers over the city at 634 meters. The observation deck offers breathtaking 360° views, and on clear days, you might even spot Mt. Fuji in the distance. A visit here is the best way to appreciate the sheer scale of Tokyo.
A Quirky First Night – Maid Café Experience
Tokyo is full of eccentric experiences, and Maid Cafés are among the most famous. Located in Akihabara, these themed cafés have servers dressed in doll-like costumes who greet customers with cheerful phrases and serve adorable food. It’s weird, whimsical, and uniquely Japanese—a perfect way to wrap up the first night before catching up on much-needed sleep.
Full Day Exploration in Tokyo
With only one full day in the city, an early start is a must!
Toyosu Fish Market & Sushi Breakfast
For seafood lovers, the legendary Tsukiji Fish Market has moved to Toyosu, just 2.3 km from its original location. The famous tuna auction now takes place here, but it’s no longer open to the public. If waking up at 3:30 AM for an auction isn’t your thing, the market itself opens at 9:00 AM. Wandering through 900+ stalls, I watched expert fishmongers slice massive tuna with precision before sitting down for the freshest sushi breakfast of my life.
Sengakuji Temple – The 47 Ronin Graves
For a break from the crowds, I visited Sengakuji Temple, the final resting place of the 47 Ronin—one of Japan’s most legendary samurai stories. Visitors can light incense as a sign of respect, making this a peaceful and meaningful stop.
Harajuku – Tokyo’s Trendsetting Hub
In the afternoon, I headed to Harajuku, Tokyo’s fashion capital. This quirky district is known for its bold street style, where Lolita fashion, cosplay, and Rockabilly Boys all coexist. Strolling through Takeshita Street, I explored unique boutiques, popped into themed cafés, and even tried the famous rainbow cotton candy. Whether you love fashion or just want to experience something truly Tokyo, Harajuku never disappoints.
Days 3-4: Hakone
Exploring Hakone’s Natural Beauty
After the fast pace of Tokyo, Hakone is a breath of fresh air—literally! Known for soothing hot springs, stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and scenic landscapes, this mountain town is a perfect place to slow down and soak in Japan’s natural beauty. While many do Hakone as a day trip, I highly recommend staying at least one night to fully experience its charm.
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo
The quickest way to reach Hakone is via the Odakyu “Romance Car” from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto (about 85 minutes). The Hakone Free Pass covers the base fare, but upgrading to the Romance Car (about $10 extra) is worth it for a smooth, scenic ride.
Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara and transfer to a local train, but the Romance Car is the most direct and stress-free option.
Visit Hakone Shrine
Start your day at Hakone Shrine, a picturesque Shinto shrine nestled in the forest along Lake Ashi. The iconic torii gate standing in the water makes for a stunning photo backdrop. To get there, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H) from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Moto-Hakone Pier (about 35 minutes), then walk 5-10 minutes to the shrine.
Book now: Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise and Bullet Train
Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi
One of the best ways to take in Hakone’s scenery is by hopping on the Pirate Ship Cruise across Lake Ashi. This 30-minute boat ride, included in the Hakone Free Pass, offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji—especially if you head to the upper deck! The best time for a clear Fuji view is in the morning or just before sunset.
Ride the Hakone Ropeway
From the other side of Lake Ashi, take the Hakone Ropeway, a cable car that glides over the Owakudani volcanic valley. The views of Mt. Fuji and the steaming sulfur vents below make this one of the most memorable experiences in Hakone.
Tip: Try the famous “black eggs” (kuro-tamago), boiled in Owakudani’s sulfur-rich hot springs. Legend says eating one adds seven extra years to your life!
Relax & Wander Around Hakone
Soak in an Onsen
No visit to Hakone is complete without a dip in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring). If your hotel doesn’t have one, try Tenzan Onsen or Yunessun (a fun onsen theme park with sake and coffee baths!).
Strolling, Soba, & Ice Cream
Back in Hakone-Yumoto, take a leisurely walk through the town, popping into souvenir shops and small eateries. I stumbled upon an amazing soba restaurant tucked away on a side street (the menu was all in Japanese, which made it feel even more authentic!).
For dessert, grab some matcha or black sesame ice cream from a local shop, then head to a foot bath café—where you can soak your feet in warm onsen water while enjoying your ice cream.
Days 5-7: Kyoto
Once the imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is a treasure trove of ancient temples, serene gardens, and traditional culture. It’s one of the few places where you can still see geisha in training, and in spring, cherry blossoms transform the city into a picture-perfect scene. With so much to see, let’s dive into the must-visit spots for your three days in Kyoto.
Explore Kyoto’s Iconic Temples & Shrines
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Start your day at Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto’s famous golden temple. Nestled beside a peaceful pond and surrounded by lush greenery, this Zen temple looks straight out of a postcard. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take in the breathtaking reflection of the temple in the water.
Nijo Castle – A Walk Through History
Next, head to Nijo Castle, an opulent shogun residence built in the 1600s. Walk through its “nightingale floors”—designed to chirp like birds as a security measure against intruders. The beautifully landscaped gardens here make for a relaxing stroll.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha – The Endless Torii Gates
One of Kyoto’s most famous sights, Fushimi Inari-Taisha, is an absolute must-see. This Shinto shrine, dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, is known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a mesmerizing pathway up the mountain. If you’re up for it, hike to the top (about 2 hours round trip) for an incredible view of Kyoto.
Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Traditional Kyoto
Step into a dreamlike world at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks sway gently in the breeze. Walk through the bamboo path, and if you visit early in the morning, you’ll have the place almost to yourself.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
For a bit of adventure, hike up to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, home to wild Japanese macaques. Unlike zoos, these monkeys roam freely, and you can even feed them while enjoying a stunning panoramic view of Kyoto from the top.
Strolling Through Gion – The Geisha District
As the sun sets, head to Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. Wander through Hanamikoji Street, lined with traditional wooden teahouses, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) gracefully walking to an evening performance.
One week is just a glimpse into the heart of Japan, and it only leaves me wanting more. There’s still so much to experience—wandering through Kyoto’s temples in cherry blossom season, climbing Mt. Fuji at sunrise, or discovering hidden gems beyond the main cities.
If you’re planning 7 days in Japan, this itinerary is a great starting point, but Japan’s depth and beauty call for a return trip. If you’re planning your own adventure, be sure to explore my detailed blog posts, where I’ve shared in-depth insights, tips, and personal experiences from each stop.
Further Readings & Resources
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