How to Spend One Week in Japan

When you have one-week time in Japan, you can visit 3-4 cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Here are the details and thoughtful 7-day itinerary overviews.

Is a Week Enough for Sightseeing in Japan?

One week in Japan is enough for you to have a glance of this oriental country, even so, you can get an initial recognition to Japan only. In one week, you can skim a few cities in Japan and pay a visit to the best-known attractions in these cities. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the most-visited and most suitable cities for your one week in Japan.

However, an in-depth tour requires at least twice as long as the holiday to go around the Honshu Island.

Where to Visit within One Week in Japan?

1. Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine or Tokyo Imperial Palace & Shibuya

As the capital of Japan as well as a historical city in the country, Tokyo can never be ignored. Senso-ji Temple is a vital historical site in the city, with the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and Nakamise-dori Street together. Both Meiji Jingu Shrine and the Imperial Palace are also popular world heritage sites in Tokyo, showing the gorgeous Japanese history to you.

Besides, the bustling Shibuya is great to get to know the modern cityscapes of Japan, while Odaiba and Shinjuku are also optional to see the city.

2. Mt. Fuji: 5th Station & Lake Kawaguchi

Mount Fuji is the must-see as the world-famous landmark of entire Japan. Lake Kawaguchi down the mountain is the well-visited attraction as well as transportation hub to Mt. Fuji. You can enjoy cruise, ride Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and get a sightseeing bus to Mt. Fuji 5th Station halfway up the mountain at Lake Kawaguchi.

3. Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion & Arashiyama

Kyoto is the most glorious ancient capital of Japan with countless historical sites, where you can immerse in the fascinating cultural atmosphere. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the grandest shrine there with noted Senbon Torii, where more than ten thousands of red torii gates have been ranked along the path to mountain top.

Walking through the historical streets Sannenzaka and Ninezaka, you would get to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, over 1,300 years old, which is flourishing with the old architecture, spring cherry blossoms and fall foliage.

Gion is an old district to see geisha performance, while scenic Arashiyama is beautiful for sightseeing in the northwest suburbs of Kyoto downtown. You can put these attractions into your travelling plan if you are interested. Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Yasaka Shrine, etc. are all alternatives in Kyoto.

4. Osaka: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori

In Osaka, the landmark Osaka Castle is unmissable, to admire the Japanese castle in ancient times. Otherwise, Dotonbori is the best choice to experience modern Osaka with bars and restaurants; it is alluring to see Osaka’s nightlife there.

One of the places below can be added to your trip if time permits:

Hakone: Lake Ashi on the other side of Mt. Fuji with Hakone Komagatake Ropeway & onsen bath experience

Nara: Nara Park where Nara National Museum, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine insides

Shirakawa-go: a world heritage site where the folk houses were built with the gassho styled roofs; unparalleled snow-covered scenery

Nakasendo Hiking: old post road with post house towns, hiking between Tsumago and Magome

If you travel with kids, Tokyo Disney Resort or Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is also a great place for fun.