7 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Kyoto for First Timers
One week, two bases: three nights in Tokyo for Shibuya, Senso-ji, and teamLab, then three in Kyoto for Fushimi Inari before the crowds, the Arashiyama bamboo, and a half day with the deer of Nara.
This itinerary splits one week between Tokyo and Kyoto with a single Shinkansen ride in the middle, so most of your time goes to temples, markets, and neon streets rather than trains.
It covers the sights most first timers come for: Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, a half day in Nara, and the food of both cities. Each day follows one route across town, and Senso-ji, the bamboo grove, and Fushimi Inari are timed for the early morning, before the tour groups. Open it in the free trip planner to set your dates and adjust anything.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Trip Overview
7/7 days plannedDay 1
Wednesday âĸ November 18, 2026
đŊī¸Meals & Dining(1)
Skewers and a drink in Nonbei Yokocho
'Drunkard's Alley', two lanes of tiny bars beside the JR tracks, three minutes from Hachiko. Most seat six to eight, and some charge a small cover posted on the door. An easy first night if jet lag hits early
đ¯Activities(2)
đ Morning
Arrive at Narita or Haneda, get a Suica card
Add Suica to your phone's wallet or buy a Welcome Suica at the airport station. From Narita the Narita Express runs direct to Shibuya in about 80 minutes; from Haneda the airport limousine bus takes about 45. Hotels will hold your bags until check-in, usually 3 PM
âī¸Afternoon
Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue
Thousands of people cross at once when the lights change. For a free view from above, stand at the window of the walkway linking JR Shibuya Station to Shibuya Mark City
On Japan's famous lists nearby
Day 2
Thursday âĸ November 19, 2026
đŊī¸Meals & Dining(1)
Tendon or eel lunch in Asakusa
Asakusa's old trades are tempura and unagi. Daikokuya, in business since 1887, is known for its tendon, tempura over rice in a dark, sweet sauce; expect a queue at noon
đ¯Activities(3)
đ Morning
Senso-ji Temple before 9 AM
Tokyo's oldest temple. The grounds never close and are free; before 9 the Nakamise stalls are still shuttered and the Kaminarimon gate photographs almost empty. The Ginza Line runs straight here from Shibuya in about 30 minutes
âī¸Afternoon
Ueno Park and the Ameyoko market street
Three stops on the Ginza Line. Walk past Shinobazu Pond, then down Ameya-Yokocho under the train tracks for fruit on sticks, dried seafood, and cheap sneakers
đEvening
Akihabara Electric Town
Two Yamanote Line stops south of Ueno, and at its brightest after dark. Start at the Radio Kaikan building's floors of figures, trading cards, and model kits. Most shops close around 8 PM
On Japan's famous lists nearby
Day 3
Friday âĸ November 20, 2026
4 activities
Day 4
Saturday âĸ November 21, 2026
4 activities
Day 5
Sunday âĸ November 22, 2026
4 activities
Day 6
Monday âĸ November 23, 2026
4 activities
Day 7
Tuesday âĸ November 24, 2026
2 activities
Use This Itinerary
Open this itinerary in our free trip planner to change dates, add activities, find hotels, and make it yours. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is one week enough for Japan?
One week is enough for a great first taste if you limit yourself to two bases. This plan gives you three nights in Tokyo and three in Kyoto, which covers the essentials of each city. Trying to add Osaka or Hiroshima in the same week usually means seeing less, not more.
Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto first?
This itinerary starts in Tokyo because most international flights land there and the city is an easier introduction to Japan. Kyoto second also means you end the trip on its calmer temples and gardens. If you can, book an open-jaw ticket into Tokyo and out of Kansai International, which saves the ride back; otherwise the Shinkansen returns you to Tokyo in about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Do I need a Japan Rail Pass for this trip?
No. The 7-day pass costs 50,000 yen on the official site, while a Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto is 14,170 yen with a reserved seat. Even with a Shinkansen back to Tokyo and the Nara day trip, single tickets come to well under the pass price. Get an IC card like Suica for city transport instead.
Where should I stay in Tokyo and Kyoto?
In Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku put you on the JR Yamanote line, with the Narita Express and airport buses leaving from the station. In Kyoto, staying near Kawaramachi or Kyoto Station keeps the main sights and the Shinkansen within easy reach.
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