Japan is one of the best countries you can visit when venturing into Asia. The country is filled with vibrancy, positive vibes, and great foods you love.
But if you’re limited on time and only have one week to explore Japan, please read further.
If you plan to take a trip to Japan anytime soon, here’s a 1 Week in Japan Itinerary you can follow.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
As soon as you arrive in Tokyo, make your way to the hotel and check-in. Once you’re all settled in, start exploring the city.
Visit popular tourist spots like Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, wander around Shibuya and see the famous Shibuya Crossing, or go shopping in Ginza. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Tokyo’s many fantastic restaurants.
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Visiting Asakusa and Sensoji Temple
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist destinations. The area is home to Sensoji Temple, the city’s oldest and most popular temple. The temple is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture; its grounds are always bustling with activity.
Visitors to Asakusa can also enjoy the many shops and restaurants in the area. The shopping street leading up to Sensoji Temple is especially popular, as it is lined with traditional Japanese shops selling souvenirs and other goods.
If you’re looking to experience traditional Japanese culture, visiting Asakusa is a must. The area is also very convenient, as it is just a short train ride from Tokyo’s main station.
Exploring Shibuya
Shibuya is one of the most popular districts in Tokyo and is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of things to do in Shibuya, from shopping and dining to clubbing and exploring. If you’re only in Tokyo for a week, include some of these activities in your itinerary.
1. Shop at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is a large shopping complex with over 200 stores. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion brands to affordable Japanese retailers. There’s also a food court on the top floor with a variety of international cuisine.
2. Visit Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Meiji Emperor. It’s located in a forested area and is a popular spot for visitors to learn about Japanese culture and history. The shrine is also surrounded by a large park, making it the perfect place to break from the bustling city.
3. Eat at a Robot Restaurant
The Robot Restaurant is a popular spot in Shibuya for its eccentricity. As the name suggests, the restaurant is themed around robots and serves an array of Japanese dishes. The robot show is the main attraction and is something you won’t want to miss.
4. Drink at a Local Bar
Shibuya is home to many bars and clubs, making it the perfect place to go for a night out. Plenty of local bars serve delicious cocktails if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out one of the city’s famous dance clubs.
5. Explore Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a large park located just minutes from Shibuya station. It’s the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace. The park is also home to many events throughout the year, so check the schedule before you visit.
These are just a few things you can do in Shibuya. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder this district is one of the most popular in Tokyo.
Day 2: Explore TokyoSome More
On your second day in Tokyo, continue exploring the city and visit some of the other popular tourist spots, such as Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Akihabara. If you’re a fan of anime or manga, Akihabara is the place to be! In the evening, catch a sumo wrestling match or enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner.
Check Out Tokyo Sky Tree
Tokyo Skytree is a popular tourist destination in Japan. It is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest structure in the world.
There are many things to do at Tokyo Skytree, including taking in the views from the observation decks, shopping at the adjacent mall, and enjoying the views of Tokyo from the top of the structure.
One of the most popular things at Tokyo Skytree is to take in the views from the observation decks. The main deck, which is 350 meters (1,148 feet) high, offers stunning views of Tokyo and its surrounding area. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the deck.
The second deck, which is 450 meters (1,476 feet) high, offers even better views of the city. To get the best views of Tokyo Skytree and the surrounding area, you should visit the observation decks.
Another popular thing at Tokyo Skytree is shopping at the adjacent mall. The mall has over 200 shops and restaurants, so you can find anything you need. The mall also has many attractions, such as an aquarium and a planetarium.
If you want to stay close to Tokyo Skytree, the mall is the perfect place to do your shopping.
Explore Akihabara
Akihabara is a well-known place in Japan, not just for electronics but also for anime and manga. This is a mecca for otaku culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do here.
There are plenty of electronic stores in Akihabara, selling everything from the latest gadgets to vintage electronics. If you’re looking for anime and manga, plenty of shops also sell these items. You can also find plenty of cosplay shops, where you can buy costumes and accessories to dress up as your favorite character.
There are also several cafes and restaurants in Akihabara, many of which cater to the otaku crowd. These cafes and restaurants often have themed decor, and some even have cosplay events.
Day 3: Day trip to Nikko
Nikko is a beautiful town located about two hours north of Tokyo. It’s renowned for its stunning scenery and many historical shrines and temples. Some main attractions include Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnoji Temple.
After exploring Nikko, take a dip in the Kegon Falls before heading back to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 4: Day Trip to Hakone
Hakone is another great day trip option from Tokyo. It’s a popular hot spring resort town in the mountains and offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
You can do many different activities in Hakone, such as taking a dip in the hot springs, riding the cable car up Mt. Komagatake, or taking a cruise on Lake Ashi. In the evening, head back to Tokyo and enjoy a traditional Japanese bath at your hotel.
Day 5: Explore Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and it’s known for its delicious food and lively atmosphere. Start your day by wandering around Dotonbori, the city’s main entertainment and food district. And there are many things you can do in Osaka.
You can catch the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and arrive in Osaka within hours, which is super convenient if you’re tight on time.
Here are some of the many things you can do in Osaka, including visiting Osaka Castle, exploring the Umeda Sky Building, and shopping at Namba Parks.
Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner or go out for some karaoke in the evening.
Be sure to try some of Osaka’s famous dishes, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki. In the afternoon, visit Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples, or explore the Osaka Castle grounds. In the evening, enjoy a fun night out in Namba, Osaka’s nightlife district.
Day 6: Explore Kyoto
Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital, filled with historical temples and shrines. Start your day by visiting Kinkakuji, a beautiful temple with a golden pavilion, and then head to Gion to see the traditional Japanese geisha.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Philosopher’s Walk and visit Nanzenji Temple. In the evening, catch a traditional Japanese dance performance, or go shopping for souvenirs in the bustling Kawaramachi district.
Kyoto is a beautiful city itself with many traditions and cultures of Japan, which you can explore throughout your stay.
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Day 7
On your last day in Japan, take some time to relax and enjoy your hotel’s amenities. If you have time, do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. In the evening, head to the airport and catch your flight home.
Thoughts and Conclusion
The country is amazing, but with a 1 Week in Japan Itinerary, you’ll have plenty to see and plenty of things you can do around the big cities such as Tokyo or Osaka. You can also venture out to Kyoto as well by catching the Shinkansen.
We hope you enjoyed this one-week in Japan itinerary. With this trip plan, you’ll be able to see many of Japan’s highlights and create unforgettable memories.
