The Top 5 Itineraries for One Week in Japan

Japan is a popular family trip destination for its food, geishas, kimono, samurai, Pokemon Center, and more. Many families make Japan their first choice for holidays, as do many couples.

One week in Japan is not a long time, but it's enough to visit the highlights of two or three cities. Tokyo and Kyoto are usually on the top of the list, and you can see their highlights in a day-trip.

In this article, we recommend to you five itineraries that travel around Japan in one week. Choose an itinerary you like, contact us, and we will provide you with professional advice and adjust it to suit you.

What to See in Japan in One Week?

Geishas, Japan

• Tokyo is the center of Japan's economy, politics, and transportation. You can feel its awesome combination of traditional history and high-tech modernity. Anime, sumo, samurai, and Disneyland are all part of the essence of the city.
• Kyoto is a medieval capital with a long history. Shrines, geisha, and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) are highlights you can't miss.
• Osaka, "the kitchen of Japan", is a great place to sample authentic Japanese food. Universal Studios is also there.
• Hakone, home of onsens (hot springs), is where you can see Mt. Fuji and stay at a ryokan.
• Hiroshima is an education in itself that calls on everyone to love peace.

We can arrange plenty of experiential activities to help you have a memorable trip. Just contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.

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Sharon has been very helpful since the… Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More May, Jul 2023

When I first book I was scared of what… When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More Saul Velez, Jul 2023

Albee was very helpful and responsive… Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More Bhavini Patel, Jul 2023

Alisa was a perfect tour consultant Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More Matha Goram, Jul 2023

I highly Recommend Asia Highlights For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More Jessalynn Flores, Jul 2023

Working to put together a custom trip… Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More Marc, Jul 2023

Wonderful Service from Sharon! Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More Ali Tahir, Jul 2023

Wonderful trip We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More Happy Customer, Jun 2023

Just got to say Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More Teri, Jun 2023

Monica is fantastic Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More Philip Sheldon, Jun 2023

Me and my son are traveling to Japan Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More Ana Letícia Urbanin, Jun 2023

A great way to plan a dream vacation Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More KC, May 2023

Yeliz - Asia Highlights Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More Cyndie, May 2023

Sharon’s was very patient and helpful… Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More Jonny Abad, May 2023

Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!! Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More Lianne Stone, May 2023

11 days trip to Japan I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More LE, May 2023

Japan trip Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More Serene Storslett, May 2023

Quick, easy and detailed service Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More Lynette Whittle, Apr 2023

Japan Tour Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More Madhu, Apr 2023

I organized a trip to Japan for my I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More Luisa, Apr 2023

The Top 5 Itineraries for a Week in Japan

1) Classic Japan: Tokyo–Kyoto with a Side Trip to Osaka, Hakone, or Hiroshima

Tokyo and Kyoto are must-see cities in Japan. On a week-long trip, it is perfect to spend three days in each, and then choose one of the surrounding cities of Hakone, Osaka, or Hiroshima for a day-trip.

Tokyo: 3 days

Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan

International flights to Tokyo are plentiful, so it is the ideal first stop for Japan travel. Visit Tokyo's Meji Shrine, sample local cuisine at Tsukiji Market, shop for anime books and products in Akihabara, go to the Pokemon Center (recommended for families)…

Kyoto: 3 days

Explore the Gion district and have an afternoon tea with a geisha, enjoy a steaming tea at an ochaya (tea house), meander around Fumi Inami Shrine, wear a kimono (traditional Japanese clothing) and take photos, stay at a ryokan to experience traditional Japanese accommodation...

Suggested reading: Kyoto vs Osaka: Which is Better to Visit in One Week?

Day trips from Tokyo or Kyoto:

Hakone, Osaka, and Hiroshima are all great for a day-trip, you don't have to stay overnight. You just need to book hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Mt.Fuji and Lake Ashi in Hakone

• Hakone: It takes about an hour to get from Tokyo to Hakone by Shinkansen (bullet train). Enjoy hot springs in any season, and look up at Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi.
• Osaka: It only takes 15 minutes to travel from Kyoto to Osaka by Shinkansen. Visit historic Osaka Castle, taste street food in Dotonbori. Osaka is close to Kansai Airport, so you can choose to leave Japan from Osaka.
• Hiroshima: It's 2 hours from Kyoto to Hiroshima by Shinkansen. You may want to go to Peace Memorial Park to see the atomic bomb site. This is a great opportunity for teenagers (and anyone) to learn about this historical event.

You can tell us your preferences and requirements for your vacation in Japan, and we will customize a tour for you. If you're travelling with your kids and aging parents, you could get more ideas about How to Plan a First-Time Family Trip to Japan>>>

You enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).

9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka

2) One Week with Cherry Blossoms: From March to May

March to May is the best time to enjoy cherry blossom in Japan. It is the tourism peak season, as tens of thousands of travelers from Japan and abroad go to be in the best spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms for the short blooming period.

Having a picnic under the cherry trees while enjoying the blossoms and tasty snacks could be a memorable moment for your family, or just you and your partner.

Here is an itinerary for your inspiration (contact us for further details):

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–6: Kyoto
• Day 7: Depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka

10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring Mini-Group Tour Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

3 days in Tokyo: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi are the top three places to see cherry blossom. These attractions are easily accessible. You could visit them all in one day or you could just choose one of them. Visit Tokyo's landmark building, Tokyo Tower. Sample fresh sashimi and sushi at Tsukiji Market.

Chidorigafuchi in cherry blossom season

3 days in Kyoto: Meander around the Philosopher's Path and admire the cherry blossom along the street. At Gion you can see geishas in kimonos and watch them perform. Taking a day-trip in Nara, you could feed the deer at Nara Park. Hike on Mt. Yoshino if you want to be right in the middle of swathes of cherry blossom.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip

3) One-Week Countryside Itinerary: Tokyo–Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go

For those who want to discover rural life in Japan and visit small cities that are less crowded, Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go are the best choices.

Here is our suggested itinerary (contact us for further details) :

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–6: Kanazawa, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go
• Day 7: Back to Tokyo and departure

Days 1–3 Tokyo: Make sushi with your family at a local home, wear samurai armor at the Samurai Museum, stroll through Asakusa to experience the traditional Japanese style of the Edo period (1603–1867).

Days 4–6:

Wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go

• Kanazawa: gold-leaf products, Japanese-style garden of Edo period, and the national brew
• Takayama: a well-preserved old town with onsens, ryokans, and Hida beef
• Shirakawa-go: traditional and stylish gassho-zukuri farmhouses, beautiful wintry lighting in January and February

11-Day Classic Japan Tour Tokyo - Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa - Kyoto

4) One Week for Anime Lovers: Tokyo–Osaka

Akihabara has many anime shops

For people who like Japanese anime and games, Japan is a paradise. You'll find all the anime books and products you like. Explore any anime museums that interest you.

Tokyo: 6 days

From manga magazines to anime-themed cafes, you can find whatever anime you like in Akihabara and Ikebukuro, where most of the anime shops in Tokyo are gathered. Go to the Ghibli Museum, the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum, or the Pokemon Center if you're interested in their collections.

Every year in late March, Tokyo holds the world's largest anime expo, where you can see a variety of anime characters' cosplay and buy a variety of anime products.

Osaka: 1 day

Nihonbashi is the main anime place in Osaka: all the manga you're looking for can be found there.

17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation Experience Oriental Summertime

5) One-Week Foodie Itinerary: Osaka–Kyoto–Tokyo

Sushi is the traditional Japanese food

Japanese cuisine is famous around the world, and a lot of travelers come to Japan for authentic ramen, sushi, sashimi, etc. How to eat well and travel well in one week?

Here is a sample itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–2: Osaka
• Days 3–4: Kyoto
• Days 5–7: Tokyo

2 days in Osaka: Osaka is known as "the kitchen of Japan", and Dotonbori is the food center of Osaka, where you can sample a variety of traditional Japanese cuisines. Take a day-trip to Kobe and taste the most famous Kobe beef.

2 days in Kyoto: Sample ramen, fried pork chops, and tofu dishes. Taste high-class kaiseki. Enjoy natural beauty at Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and see local people in kimonos.

3 days in Tokyo: Taste the freshest sashimi and sushi at Tsukiji Market, try the most authentic ramen and tempura, enjoy a steaming tea at Hamarikyu Garden, and eat traditional snacks in Asakusa.

8-Day West Japan Mountain & Sea Highlights Tour The best of West Japan

How Much Does It Cost for One Week in Japan?

Japan is one of the most affordable destinations in the developed world. It offers memorable attractions, high-quality accommodation, delicious restaurants, and warm service.

A 4-star hotel, private guide, private car, and tickets for attractions for full-day itineraries costs 350-400 USD per person per day. Contact us for more recommendations and suggestions.

A 5-star hotel, private guide, private car, and tickets for attractions costs around 500 USD per person per day.

Prices are higher during cherry blossom season.

Suggested reading: How Much Is a Trip to Japan

Further Reading

How Long Should You Spend in Japan: From 5 Days to 4 weeks

How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand