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1 Week Japan Itineraries

Are you looking to book a 7 day holiday in Japan? Here are the best travel itineraries covering everything from the most popular destinations to off the beaten path experiences in just one week!  

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Our top itinerary ideas for a 7 day Japan trip

We've picked two of the best itineraries that will take you through Japan's most popular destinations in one week. These are perfect for the first-time traveller, covering everything from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto to delectable street food in Osaka.

ITINERARY 1
 

  • Tokyo - Visit the lively Sensoji Temple district. In the afternoon, head to Harajuku to visit the impressive Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park, a popular hangout with bands, drum circles, dancers and busking.
  • Kamakura - Take a train to Kamakura, a popular seaside location with a quaint village feel and stunning Zen temples. Visit the bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji. 
  • Hakone - Travel along the Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and visit the observatory. Stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn), sample tasty local cuisine and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs.
  • Kyoto - Spend a day exploring Kyoto’s renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. And don’t miss Gion, the city’s most famous geisha district.

Discover the full itinerary here: Best of Japan

Explore more 7 day Japan itineraries available on TourRadar.

Itinerary ideas for a 1 week snow-filled holiday in Japan this winter

Winter in Tokyo is sunny and stunningly beautiful, and you can avoid the tourist hordes that typically descend on the country during spring. Powdery snow in Hokkaido is praised by winter sports enthusiasts around the world, so get a day pass and hit the slopes. If you’re looking to explore Japan during the colder months, check out these itineraries to kick-start your travel plans.

ITINERARY 2
 

  • Sapporo - Go on a city walk and visit the Clock Tower, the former government office, the Hokkaido Shrine and the Sapporo Beer Museum set in a former brewery. 
  • Kiroro - Head for the mountains at Kiroro Ski Resort and take full advantage of a one-day lift pass, or just people-watch in a charming chalet with a mug of hot chocolate.
  • Niseko - This is the most famous ski resort in Japan because of its perfect powder and gorgeous scenery. Explore all that this epic mountain resort has to offer. 
  • Lake Toya - Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Toya. Go on an excursion to the other-worldly Jigokudani (aka Hell Valley), known for its sulfuric hot springs.

Discover the full itinerary here: Japan Winter

Explore more 7 day Japan winter itineraries available on TourRadar.

Snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs
Snow monkeys relaxing in hot springs

7 day Japan itinerary ideas for budget travellers

If you’re looking to explore Japan on a backpacker's budget, the itinerary suggestions below will let you visit some of the country’s most iconic and must-visit sites without breaking the bank. Planning on visiting multiple cities in a short period of time? Consider getting the JR Pass, which gives you unlimited train travel on Japan’s railway network. 

ITINERARY 3
 

  • Hakone - This place has beautiful views across Lake Ashi and amazing backdrops of the sacred Mount Fuji. Before the day is up, visit the Hakone Shrine and the famous red torii (gate) overlooking the lake.
  • Kyoto - Start off at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and Ryoan-ji Temple. After lunch, travel to the Heian Shrine before ending with a quick visit to the Gion district. 
  • Osaka - Explore the city starting with the majestic Osaka Castle. Later, make your way to the top of the Umeda Sky Building to feel the wind in your hair and to get epic views over the city.

Discover the full itinerary here: Japan Express

Check out more 7 day budget itineraries in Japan on TourRadar.

Japan 7 day cherry blossom itinerary ideas in April

Here are two sample itineraries to help you plan your Japan trip in April. The weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to see cherry blossoms as well. Try to avoid Golden Week, Japan's busiest holiday and be sure to check the official sakura forecast before finalising your departure date to maximise your chances of seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom!

ITINERARY 4
 

  • Tokyo - Take a morning stroll to Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa. Then board a boat for a short journey along the Sumida River. Drift past high rise apartments, secluded gardens and busy warehouses to gain a totally different perspective of the city. Then visit the Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku area, where the latest electronic gadgets dazzle from glowing shop-fronts.
  • Kanazawa - The city has shunned mass industrialisation and retains the charm of winding back streets, delicate tea shops and the beautiful autumn maples and spring cherry blossoms in Kenrokoen Gardens. 
  • Miyajima - The relaxed feel of this island is enhanced by the deer that roam freely through the streets.
  • Hiroshima - Visit the Peace Memorial Park and the museum on the site. Next, visit Miyajima (a small island off the coast of Hiroshima), known for the famous torii gate and deer that roam freely through the streets. 
  • Himeji - This city boasts a famous castle, known as the 'White Egret' because of its brilliant white walls and winged roof.Listed as a World Heritage Site, the castle complex is made up of over 80 buildings. 

Discover the full itinerary here: Highlights of Japan 

Compare more 7 day Japan itineraries in April on TourRadar.

Explore the Imperial Palace moat by rowboat during cherry blossom season
Explore the Imperial Palace moat by rowboat during cherry blossom season

7 day Japan itinerary ideas to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Each of Japan's big cities has its own unique culture and sites. Here are some suggestions if you want to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Fly straight into Haneda Airport and take advantage of the close distance to the city centre to make the most of your time in Tokyo. When in Kyoto, make sure you visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.

ITINERARY 5
 

  • Tokyo - Go on a fascinating sightseeing tour with a local guide from Asakusa Sensoji Temple to the Imperial Palace and the Meiji Jingu Shrine. You'll soon discover that this city isn't just about neon lights - it respects its heritage, too.
  • Kyoto - Walk the city’s sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable destination. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot geishas in the Gion district.
  • Osaka - There's plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka Castle or simply wander through the Dotonbori area for a taste of the city’s best street food. In the evening, opt for dinner at an Izakaya.

Discover the full itinerary here: Japan In A Week

Compare more 7 day Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka itineraries on TourRadar.

The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima
The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima

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