A Journey Through the Best of Japan in 7 Days

Japan is just not a country, but an experience

Tokyo – Yamanashi – Kyoto – Osaka – Tokyo

Japan is known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. It is an island country that rose from its ashes. It is commendable how technologically advanced this country is, despite the disasters it faced during World War II and being an earthquake-prone country. Japan is made up of over 6,800 islands, and although most of the population lives on the four main ones, each region offers a unique cultural experience. The country is also home to 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic monuments of Kyoto and the iconic Mount Fuji.

As soon as you land in Tokyo, skyscrapers and advanced technology will baffle you. At first glance, you may be inspired to believe that this country is all about modernity, but once you move out of Tokyo, you will find that culture has persevered in the roots of Japan, and the locals believe deeply in their customs and artwork. From centuries-old temples and traditional tea ceremonies to the graceful art of ikebana (flower arrangement) and calligraphy, the balance between innovation and tradition is truly fascinating. Japan is the country that gave us Studio Ghibli animation, anime, manga and authors like Haruki Murakami. 

I explored Japan for over a week, which included Tokyo, Yamanashi, Kyoto and Osaka. 

Below you will find a detailed itinerary for these places and everything you can cover in a week in Japan.

Things to Note Before Your Trip to Japan

JR Pass

The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a special all-inclusive train travel pass designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan. It’s one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel around the country, especially if you plan to visit multiple cities.

You can buy a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day pass for either ordinary or first-class travel. However, you must buy it before you reach Japan. 

It is also valid on Shinkansen bullet trains and Narita Express trains, providing great value for money.

In fact, you can also pre-order it online, and you will receive an Exchange Order which you can swap for a JR Pass when you arrive in Japan.

Pocket WiFi Device

You can also pre-order your pocket WIFI device, which is your hotspot to give you access to the internet, wherever you go. This will make your travel quite comfortable as you can easily get directions, train schedules or restaurants in the area. 

We travelled without a SIM card as we had this, and through this device, you can connect up to 5 devices. Pretty cool, eh?

7 Days in Japan – Japan Itinerary

Day 1 – Reach Tokyo

Japan is well connected to most Indian international airports. You can get both direct and connecting flights, but since it is quite far, I would advise you to plan ahead as the journey will be long and exhausting.

How to Reach Tokyo by Air from India

You will land at Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo. 

Tokyo Central is 60 km and 15 km from Narita and Haneda Airport, respectively. However, you get a range of options to reach the city from the airport. You can opt for JR trains, express trains, shuttles, taxis or limousine buses that you can take to reach the heart of the city from the airport.

JR Pass Holders

The Narita Express from NRT is covered by the JR Pass and will take you about an hour to reach the Tokyo station. 

For Haneda Airport, you would have to take the Monorail to Hamamatsucho from the airport and later, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. It will take about half an hour to reach Tokyo, and only half of the journey is covered by the JR Pass. 

Limousine Bus

An affordable option to travel from Narita Airport is to use the shared Limousine Bus. You can book your tickets from either of the airports. 

Taxi

Alternatively, you can book a taxi, but this will not be a budget-friendly option. If you are in a group and travelling late at night, this could be a good option for you. 

Days 2 & 3 – Explore Tokyo

Tokyo is a dazzling blend of ultramodern vibes, traditional temples, quirky pop culture, and peaceful gardens. Whether you’re into anime, sushi, fashion, or history, Tokyo has something for everyone.

Day 2

Asakusa

Asakusa is one of the most culturally rich neighbourhoods in Tokyo, with an old charm that will bring you the essence of Japan. You will find the famous Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples of Japan, here, followed by the vibrant Nakamise Street, where traditional shops sell souvenirs and other things alike.

Asakusa, Tokyo – One of the most visited tourist attractions in Japan

Shinjuku Street at Night

This is one of the most electrifying experiences you can have in Japan, transporting you to a cinematic set of a futuristic movie. There are a number of markets to explore, try new food and shop. You can also go to Robot Restaurant and get lost in the neon lights of the market by strolling around. Some of the famous streets are – Golden Gai, Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho. Catch live shows, karaoke, pachinko parlours, or head to an arcade for some retro gaming.

Day 3

TeamLab Borderless Museum (Azabudai Hills, Tokyo)

This place is a sensory overload. You’ll find floating lanterns that change colours and reflect in all directions, creating a magical, dreamlike illusion. There’s also a room full of shimmering crystals, making it feel like you’re walking through falling light.

Make sure to buy tickets well in advance, as this place is usually packed. While you can try to get tickets on the spot, chances are they’ll be sold out, especially on weekends or holidays.

You can get your tickets from the official TeamLab Borderless website.

Note: TeamLab Borderless has relocated to Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo (formerly in Odaiba), so double-check the address before you go!

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It’s a must-visit when you’re in Tokyo. With beautiful walks through peaceful forested paths, giant torii gates, and sights like the sake barrels and ema prayer plaques, it’s a perfect place to understand the culture, history, and spiritual side of Japan.

The serenity of this shrine contrasts beautifully with the buzzing city just outside its gates (right next to Harajuku!).

Baseball Match

This will be a very culturally rich experience because baseball is one of the most loved sports in Japan. The energy in the stadiums is infectious, with organised chants, cheering squads, and beer vendors running around!

You can catch a game either at Tokyo Dome (home of the Yomiuri Giants) or Jingu Stadium (home of the Yakult Swallows). The season runs from late March to October, with matches on most days except Mondays.

Japan Zebra Crossing (Shibuya Crossing)

You probably know about Shibuya’s iconic pedestrian crossing if you’ve watched any movie set in Tokyo. It’s a sight to see with thousands of people crossing from all directions under giant neon signs and screens.

Day 4 – Tokyo to Yamanashi

Travel to Yamanashi the next day with buses that connect Tokyo to Yamanashi and take about two hours to reach. This city is home to the famous and breathtaking Mount Fuji. 

Mt Fuji is open to hikers from June to mid-September. If you have enough time, you can opt for the hike. If not, read below to know what you can explore in Yamanashi in half a day:

Mt. Kachi Kachi Ropeway

The rope-way is located in Lake Kawaguchi, offering a magnificent view of the lake, city and Mt.Fuji.

Eat the Houto Noodle

Yamanashi’s Houto is flat udon noodles stewed with vegetables in a miso-based soup. We had a chance to see a local family cook the noodles. 

Chureito Pagoda

This is one of the most iconic places of Japan to visit, with five stories and Mount Fuji overlooking in the background. The Pagoda is located in Arakura Sengen Shrine. If you are visiting this place during the cherry blossom season, that will be a cherry on your cake.

Visit a Winery

Yamanashi is Japan’s wine capital and is famous for the Koshu grapes. Go for one of the wine tours in a winery and indulge in wine tasting.

Day 5 – Yamanashi to Kyoto

Take a bullet train or also known as Shinkansen, to reach Kyoto. If you have a JR Pass, it will help you travel comfortably. 

Kyoto is like stepping into a time machine, filled with ancient temples, peaceful gardens, traditional tea houses, and geishas gliding through lantern-lit streets. It’s one of Japan’s most culturally rich and picturesque cities.  Also, if you want to experience Japanese culture in the truest sense in Kyoto, stay in a Ryokan in Kyoto. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers an insight into how the Japanese lived centuries ago. 

Some of the must-see places that can be easily covered in half a day are listed below:

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

The shrine is the head shrine with about 5000 red torii gates like a tunnel. The shrine is at the base of a mountain (233 m), which has a trail up the mountain and spans 4 KM. It is open 24/7, and I would suggest you visit the shrine early in the morning or late evening to avoid the crowd.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

After visiting the shrine, go to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The landscape of Arashiyama is simply amazing, and you will find mountains, a river and a beautiful bridge here. However, the most iconic spot of this place is the Bamboo Groves, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rickshaw Ride in Gion

The Gion district is the historic geisha district with wooden teahouses and traditional architecture. Nishiki Market in Gion is the best traditional food market in the city. You can enjoy the street food and take a rickshaw ride, wear a kimono and experience the rich Japanese culture. There are many tourists and locals who roam around this street in kimonos. It is one of the most authentic cultural experiences. Kyoto, being the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony, is one of the best places to experience the grace and mindfulness of matcha preparation.

Day 6 – Kyoto to Osaka

The best way to travel to Osaka from Kyoto is via rail. You can use your JR Pass to take the bullet train or the budget-friendly regular train.  

Osaka is Japan’s kitchen and the party city with a more laid-back vibe. Upon reaching Osaka, you can either go for a katana experience, the traditions of the samurai or visit Universal Studios, but Osaka’s best essence can be seen at night, as the whole city is lit up with neon colours.

Go to the energetic and famous Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka’s nightlife, and eat delicious local food. Do not forget to try Takoyaki or octopus balls. 

Day 7 – Osaka to Tokyo and Back Home

You can take a flight back directly from Osaka, or fly to Tokyo and take the return flight from Narita Airport, whichever is cheaper and convenient for you. 

Best Time to Visit Japan

The best time to visit Japan is, of course, during the cherry blossom season in Spring from March to May. The weather is mild, fresh, and the entire country is extremely photogenic. However, since everyone flocks to Japan during this period, do expect a lot of crowds. 

Regardless, even the other seasons are pretty great in Japan. If you want to experience autumn with pleasant weather, consider visiting between September to November. 

Winters are cold and great for skiing or snowboarding. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a highlight in February. Moreover, the Onsen or hot springs are magical at this time of the year. 

Eating in Japan as an Indian Vegetarian

As a vegetarian, I did not have the freedom to try Japanese cuisine, since it is primarily non-vegetarian oriented. However, you will find Indian restaurants in every city, on every corner. So, if you are like me, do not worry, food will not be one of your concerns. 

If you are a non-vegetarian, Japan would be a heaven for you. Start with sushi and sashimi, have ramen, gyoza or Japanese dumplings, and do not forget to try out Takoyaki. 

I loved my stay in Japan thoroughly. A week doesn’t seem enough in Japan, and if you have more time, I suggest you include the following cities too:

• Nara: With a historical and gentle vibe, the place is famous for housing a giant Buddha statue. 
• Hiroshima: This historical city will humble you, with its war remnants and peace memorials.
• Kanazawa: Famous for its geisha district and Edo-era architecture.
• Sapporo in Hokkaido: It is famous for its winter festival and seafood.

In case you have already visited Japan, I would love to hear your thoughts!