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7-day first-time Japan — Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka

The classic golden route for first-time visitors. Tokyo as your base, Shinkansen to Kyoto with Mt. Fuji on the way, finish in Osaka. Balanced pace with room to explore.

7 daysModerate pace

Best for: First-time visitors who want the highlights without rushing

Day-by-day plan

1
Tokyo

Arrive & settle in

  • Land at Narita/Haneda, transfer to hotel
  • Activate eSIM, get IC card (Suica/Pasmo)
  • Evening walk around your neighbourhood — Shinjuku or Asakusa
Airport transfer to hotelStay: Shinjuku
See hotelsBook airport transfer
2
Tokyo

Classic Tokyo highlights

  • Morning: Senso-ji temple (Asakusa)
  • Afternoon: Akihabara or Ueno Park
  • Evening: Shibuya crossing → Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Tower
Stay: Shinjuku
See hotelsSee Tokyo activities
3
Tokyo

Explore deeper or day trip

  • Option A: Harajuku → Meiji Shrine → Omotesando → Shinjuku Gyoen
  • Option B: Day trip to Nikko (2.5h) — stunning shrines in the mountains
  • Option C: Tsukiji outer market → TeamLab → Odaiba
Stay: Shinjuku
See hotelsBook Nikko day trip
4
Tokyo → Kyoto

Shinkansen day — see Mt. Fuji

  • Take Tokaido Shinkansen Tokyo → Kyoto (2h15m)
  • Sit on the right side (E seat) for Mt. Fuji view
  • Afternoon: Fushimi Inari — walk the torii gates
  • Evening: Gion district walk
Shinkansen (single ticket is often cheaper)Stay: Kyoto Station area
See hotelsCompare train tickets
5
Kyoto

Temples & traditions

  • Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) → Ryoan-ji
  • Afternoon: Arashiyama bamboo grove + monkey park
  • Evening: Pontocho alley for dinner
Stay: Kyoto Station area
See hotelsSee Kyoto activities
6
Kyoto → Osaka

Nara detour + Osaka night

  • Morning: Day trip to Nara (45 min) — deer park + Todai-ji
  • Afternoon: Train to Osaka (30 min from Nara)
  • Evening: Dotonbori street food — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, gyoza
JR Nara Line + JR to OsakaStay: Namba / Dotonbori
See hotelsSee Osaka activities
7
Osaka → Depart

Last morning + fly home

  • Morning: Osaka Castle or Shinsekai district
  • Head to KIX (Kansai Airport) for departure
  • Alternative: Shinkansen back to Tokyo if flying from Narita/Haneda
Nankai/JR to Kansai Airport, or Shinkansen to Tokyo

The Shinkansen on Day 4 is the anchor of this trip. Book the right-side seat (E) for the Fuji view. JR Pass is usually not worth it for this simple route. Single tickets are often cheaper unless you add Hiroshima, multiple long-distance rides, or return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Next steps

Keep planning — don't lose momentum.

Compare JR Pass vs single tickets

Usually worth it only for multiple long-distance rides.

Compare JR Pass

Get Japan eSIM

Set up data before landing — maps, translate, transit apps.

Get eSIM

Airport transfer

Plan your Narita/Haneda to city route.

Compare options

Where to stay in Tokyo

Compare Shinjuku, Ueno, Asakusa for your base.

Compare areas

Partner links shown where they match the planning step.