If you’ve got about a week to spend and this is your first trip to Japan, this Classic Japan itinerary is for you. You’ll experience modern Japan in Tokyo and traditional Japan in Kyoto.
Tokyo Tower © dnlrx
Itinerary Summary
- Duration: 7 to 10 days
- Perfect for: First time visitors to Japan with limited time.
- Cities visited: Tokyo and Kyoto
- Arrival City/Airport: Most people fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports to do this itinerary. You can also fly via Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is the nearest international airport to Kyoto/Osaka.
- Best Season: Any time of year.
- Japan Rail Pass: A one-week Japan Rail Pass will save you a bit of money. For more details, see our Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It? page.
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How much time should you spend in Tokyo and Kyoto?
A crucial question you must ask yourself is how much time to allot to each city. For most people, the ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Tokyo and 4 full days in Kyoto (travel days are not considered full days). If you are more interested in modern Japan, then you could spend 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto. For most people, Kyoto is more relaxing and more manageable, so spending more time in Kyoto results in a more enjoyable vacation.
The Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
You’ll probably arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT), but some flights also go into the more convenient Haneda International Airport (HND). See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for details on getting into Tokyo from the airports.
Day 2: Tokyo: Modern Tokyo
On your first full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the modern west side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.
Day 3: Tokyo: Traditional Tokyo
On your second full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the traditional east side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.
To-ji Temple © sorarium
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto, Explore Downtown Kyoto
Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and costs Y13,080 (you can use a Japan Rail Pass to cover this trip). For details, see our How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto page. You’ll probably have some time after arriving in Kyoto to explore. We recommend checking out the downtown area on this day.
Day 5: Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama
On your first full day in Kyoto, you’ll explore the temple-packed Southern Higashiyama area. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.
Day 6: Kyoto: Arashiyama
On your second full day in Kyoto, travel west to the Arashiyama district, which is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.
Day 7: Kyoto: Kurama and Northern Higashiyama
On your last full day in Kyoto, consider a trip to Kurama and then explore the lovely Northern Higashiyama area. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details. Another option on this day would be a day or half-day trip to Nara. For information on Nara, see our full Nara guide.
Day 8: Travel from Kyoto back to Tokyo
Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo. For details, see our How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto page. You’ll probably have some time in the afternoon to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Note, if your flight out of Tokyo leaves after 3pm, you might be able to spend this night in Kyoto (see the note below).
Day 9: Leave Japan
Return to Narita or Haneda airport and fly home. See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for transport details.
Important Note on Leaving Kyoto and Flying Out of Tokyo the Same Day
If your departure from Tokyo is after 3pm, you do not have to spend your last night in Tokyo; you can leave from Kyoto and still make your flight. As a rule, to travel from Kyoto to Narita takes around 4 hours, with transfers. The best way is to take a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and transfer to the Narita Express there (if you change at Tokyo Station, you have to walk VERY far to reach the Narita Express platforms).
If you you’re flying out of Haneda Airport, allow about 3.5 hours travel time from Kyoto to Haneda. The best way is a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and then the Keikyu Line to Haneda.
Japan Itineraries:
- Japan Itineraries Overview
- 1 Week Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Kyoto
- 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
- 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama
- 2 Week Japan Itinerary: The Grand Tour
- 7 to 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima
- Japan With Children Itinerary
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Icoca card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
FAQs
Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Tokyo? ›
If you prefer big cities, modern technology, nightlife and a huge selection of restaurants, Tokyo is for you. If you're after temples, shrines, garden, geisha and hiking, Kyoto is for you. If you've got 4 or more days in Japan, you should see both.
Is 1 week enough to travel Japan? ›Of course, there is so much to see in Japan, but if you have a limited time frame for your Japan itinerary, seven days is a really good amount of time to get to know a few places in the country. Plus, even if you can't see everything, one week in Japan is going to be magical regardless!
How many days in Kyoto is enough? ›Five days in Kyoto is the perfect amount of time to spend in Kyoto. You can explore the main sightseeing districts and take a daytrip to Nara. This itinerary allows you to get the best out of five full days in the city.
Is 7 days too long in Tokyo? ›It really depends on your interests and what you want to do in Tokyo. However, many people find that 3-7 days is a good amount of time to explore the city and experience its many attractions, such as visiting temples and shrines, trying local food, shopping, and taking in the vibrant nightlife.
How much is bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto? ›The cost of a round-trip from Tokyo to Kyoto costs 28,100 yen by Shinkansen train. This is almost the cost of a 7-day Japan Rail Pass (29,650 yen).
Is it cheaper to fly to Tokyo or Kyoto? ›Depending upon where you are flying from, it may be cheaper to fly into Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda (HND) than into KIX. It costs about Y15,000 and takes about five hours to get from Narita to Kyoto by train (by the N'EX express train and shinkansen).
How many days to visit Tokyo and Kyoto? ›For most people, the ideal breakdown is 2 full days in Tokyo and 4 full days in Kyoto (travel days are not considered full days). If you are more interested in modern Japan, then you could spend 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto.
What must I see in Japan for 1 week? ›With a week to spend in Japan, some travelers focus on Tokyo, adding side trips to Hiroshima and Mount Fuji. If you're eager to experience a more traditional side of Japanese culture, consider a weeklong itinerary that takes you to Osaka, Kyoto, the shrines of Nara, and the sacred temples of Koyosan.
Where should I go for my first time in Japan? ›As a first timer in Japan, you should definitely visit the main tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto and/or Osaka. In addition, you can also visit some isolated areas such as some the beautiful islands like Hokkaido and Okinawa!
What's better Osaka or Kyoto? ›Kyoto vs Osaka for Expats
Kyoto – Laidback, traditional, authentic, less noisy, a lot of things to see and do, and more affordable. Osaka – Big city life, lots of tourists, expensive, great food, and better nightlife, etc.
Should I go to Osaka or Kyoto first? ›
The biggest decision you must make is which city to visit first: Osaka or Kyoto? Here, we'll suggest visiting Osaka first, but you could easily switch them around. Note that the two Osaka days here are a summary version of our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary.
What is the best month to visit Kyoto? ›The best times to visit Kyoto are October/November (fall) and March/April/May (spring). You can visit Kyoto at any time of year because the weather is temperate. Summer (June/July/August) in Kyoto is hot and humid. Winter (December/January/Febuary) in Kyoto is cold.
What should I avoid in Tokyo? ›- Don't arrive late.
- Don't tip at restaurants.
- Don't make phone calls on the train.
- Don't stand on the right side of the escalator.
- Don't take small children on the subway at rush hour.
- Don't turn up at Tokyo Skytree without a ticket.
- Don't expect to find restaurants on the ground level.
Osaka vs Tokyo: The Bottom Line
If you want to be at the heart of everything, Tokyo can be your best bet. But, if you want to enjoy a lower cost of living and friendlier neighbors, Osaka can be the better choice. Both cities have something unique to offer, and living in either city can be a fantastic experience.
Mount Fuji is about 100km or 62 miles west of Tokyo. There are many ways to get from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, but the most convenient way for those who want to climb the mountain (or just visit it) is a direct highway bus from the Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal.
How far is Mt Fuji from Kyoto by train? ›From Kyoto, the distance is 248 miles (399 km) and will take you at least 4 hours to get there. The best option is by train, which is also the shortest. There is a transfer at Shin-Fuji (Shizuoka) and from there take a taxi for the last leg of your trip—altogether taking 4 hours.
Is Osaka worth visiting? ›Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan and it's location in the Kansai region makes it a great jumping off point to fascinating destinations like Kyoto and Nara. There's much to love about this city that's become one of our favorites in Japan.
How far apart are Kyoto and Tokyo? ›Kyoto is 283 miles (445 km) from Tokyo, but you can get from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over two hours if you travel on a high-speed shinkansen (bullet train).
What month is the cheapest ticket to Japan? ›High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is February.
How long is the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto? ›Timetables and fares
A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen.
What is the best month to go to Japan? ›
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery.
What is the best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto? ›The shinkansen (bullet train) is the best way to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. It takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs Y13,080 between Tokyo and Kyoto(non-reserved seat). You don't need to reserve seats on the shinkansen if you travel outside of peak travel hours and outside of peak travel seasons.
How to get to Mt Fuji from Tokyo? ›Reaching Mount Fuji from Tokyo is straightforward, most easily done via Shinjuku Station. Running on the Fujikyu Railway Line, the Limited Express Fuji Excursion runs direct from Shinjuku to stations including Otsuki, Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko – taking around 115 minutes / JPY4130 to make the journey.
Is Kyoto worth visiting? ›We've visited many prefectures and cities in Japan through the years, but Kyoto remains one of the most special. It is without a doubt the heart and soul of traditional Japan.
How many days in Tokyo is enough? ›If you had the time and money, you could spend a month in Tokyo and not feel that you were wasting your time. But, for most mortals with jobs and limited budgets, I'd suggest spending three or four days in Tokyo. For example, if you have a week to spend in Japan, I'd recommend three days in Tokyo and four in Kyoto.
How much is 7 days Japan tour package? ›| Japan Packages for 7 Nights 8 Days | Day/Night | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry Blossom Special Japan 2023 Package | 8 Days/7 Nights | ₹2,83,896 |
| Single Traveler | Two Travelers | |
|---|---|---|
| Low Budget | 3,500 - 7,800 yen | 7,000 - 15,600 yen |
| Medium Budget | 8,800 - 18,500 yen | 13,600 - 28,000 yen |
| High Budget | over 18,500 yen | over 28,000 yen |
Mt Fuji, Yamanashi
Japan's crown jewel and arguably the most beautiful place in the country, Mt Fuji is a must for any visitor. There are plenty of places to see the grand mountain, but the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which boasts the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and from Lake Kawaguchi best capture its beauty.
- Dont walk while eating.
- Hang on to your rubbish.
- Don't count your change.
- Don't bombard the geishas and maiko for selfies for your gram.
- Don't blow your nose in public.
- Know your way around the Escalator.
- Be quiet on public transport.
- Take your shoes off indoors.
Absolutely! From Tokyo to Kyoto, the best mode of transportation is through the shinkansen or bullet train. The Nozomi line takes approximately 3 hours one way and costs about 13,000 yen one way per person.
Should I spend more time in Kyoto or Osaka? ›
It really depends on what you're interested in. If you're looking for culture and history then choose Kyoto. If you're looking for nightlife, clubs & fun, then choose Osaka.
Is 2 days in Kyoto enough? ›Thanks to the city's sightseeing bus loop, 2 days in Kyoto is just enough time to catch the major highlights. You won't have much time for relaxing or aimless wandering, but you'll check off many popular attractions from the typical Kyoto bucket list. If you can spare an extra day or two, I highly recommend it!
What is the best month to visit Tokyo Japan? ›- You can visit Tokyo at any time of year because the weather is temperate.
- The best times to visit Tokyo are fall (late September to November) and spring (March/April/May)
- Summer (late June to the end of August) in Tokyo is hot and humid.
Timetables and fares
A standard Tokyo to Kyoto trip with the JR Pass takes close to 2 hours and 40 minutes, taking the Hikari Shinkansen. Unlike Hikari, all Kodama trains need around 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Kyoto from Tokyo.
As a first timer in Japan, you should definitely visit the main tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto and/or Osaka. In addition, you can also visit some isolated areas such as some the beautiful islands like Hokkaido and Okinawa!
What is the most beautiful part of Japan? ›Mt Fuji, Yamanashi
Japan's crown jewel and arguably the most beautiful place in the country, Mt Fuji is a must for any visitor. There are plenty of places to see the grand mountain, but the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which boasts the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and from Lake Kawaguchi best capture its beauty.
Not only is Kyoto a very walkable city, but navigating its streets on foot also enables you to discover lots of lesser-known but no less impressive spots.