Perfect 8 Day Japan Itinerary for First Timers
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With so much to do and see in the immense country of Japan, it can be difficult to plan a relatively short trip. My eight day itinerary includes stays in the two most popular cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as day trips to see some incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I’ve included my original plans below as well as changes we made along the way, and options to customize your trip!
Day 1- Arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
We arrived at 5 pm and went to the appropriate office to pick up the Japan Rail Pass (highly recommended) we preordered, which we would begin to use the next day. We also purchased tickets for the Sky-Liner as our transport into the city.
You may also want to get the SUICA card at this point so you won’t have to calculate exactly how much you need to pay for each subway ticket. Travel on all JR lines are already covered on the JR pass, but sometimes only subway lines are available for your route.
If you arrive earlier in Narita you can take advantage of free tours of the surrounding area. You can find out more here.
Our Airbnb was located near the Asakusabashi station, which was a good area since it is only one station away from Akihabara station with its many connections around the city. We had planned to explore the area after dinner but we lost a lot of time trying to find the apartment, so we did that a different night.
If you want a smoother first night, then stay in a hotel which will be easier to find. On the other hand, we met so many super nice and helpful locals while trying to find the apartment!
Day 2- Tokyo's Historic Side with a Local Guide
We started our first full sightseeing day in Japanese fashion by grabbing breakfast at 7-11 so we had time to explore the area surrounding our apartment before meeting our guide at 9 am.
I highly recommend applying for the Tokyo Free Guide program which will give you a customized personal tour with a local. Our guide was very well prepared, friendly, and flexible.
He gave us a great overview of all the historical places in Tokyo by taking us to Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace East gardens, Sensoji Temple, a lookout point in Asakusa, and some shopping area.
We ended our tour in Nippori Fabric Town so I could do some shopping. We then had dinner at Michelin-Starred cheap eat Tim Ho Wan which specializes in Dim Sum.
Since Tokyo has the most Michelin Stars of any city in the world, I encourage you to try one since there are many budget friendly options available. It’s also possible to explore Akihabara or Ginza for the evening.
Day 3- Shiba-Sakura (Pink Moss) festival at Mt.Fuji
We got up very early to take the bus from Akihabara to the Festival grounds located near Mt. Fuji. To find out if the festival is being held when you are in Japan check out the festival website, which also has a great outline of transportation options.
We stayed there till around 1:30 to take in the beautiful setting and enjoy the food festival also held there.
Then we went to Fuji-Q Highland Amusement park, which is ideal for those who want the thrills without the frills. To end the day, we headed back to Tokyo and explored the shops of Akihabara. To get more details about how to plan this day trip check out my other post here.
If this festival is not being held during your visit then I encourage you to see Mt.Fuji by visiting Hakone or taking one of these organized trips to the area. If you prefer to expand on the amusement park plan, then by all means visit Tokyo DisneySea!
Day 4- Modern Tokyo
By 9:30 am we made it to Meiji Shrine, and since we visited on a Saturday, we were able to see many traditional wedding processions. We then shopped in Harajuku which is practically across the street and was very busy.
Be sure to stop into Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku Mall for a photo with the famous mirrors above the escalator. Grab a coffee while you are there at the rooftop Starbucks, complete with a serene garden area.
In the afternoon we observed the chaotic Shibuya Crossing, then caught the sunset from the free 45th floor observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
While we opted to stay in the area for dinner, you could cross town to check out the National Museum or book tickets ahead of time for the teamlab Borderless digital art museum, both of which are open late on weekends.
Day 5- Temples and Waterfalls in Nikko
While Nikko slides under the radar most, it is definitely worth venturing out of the city for. There you get to see the natural beauty of Japan’s mountains, lakes, and waterfalls; in addition to a unique array of temples.
It is a two hour train journey from Tokyo and then you can just walk up the main street lined with cute shops to see all the main sights. It takes you to Shinkyo bridge and then continues up the stairs up into the park where there are several notable temples.
There is also a bus that can take you to these sights, which you’ll then take to Keagon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. There are several more shops and restaurants near these sights, but be sure not to miss the last trains back to Tokyo which can be as early as 5.
There is a lot of personnel available at the JR Nikko station that can assist you in knowing the train schedule, buying bus tickets, and other tourist information, so this is an easy place to visit without a lot of planning. Check out my post all about making the day trip to Nikko for more details.
Day 6- Kyoto's Arishiyama and Cultural Classes
Take the bullet train in the morning from Tokyo to Kyoto for a relaxing and fast ride to Japan’s old capital. While we arrived a little too late for the tea ceremony we had scheduled, we did make it to a radan craft class which was really nice and great break from the heat outside.
Afterwards, we crossed Togetsu-kyō Bridge and it was late enough that we had the bamboo forest to ourselves.
That evening we had a personal cooking class that was very thorough and gave us further insight to the Japanese culture.
The chef also let us know about an authentic Geisha show the following night, which we are so happy we got to see!
Day7- Kyoto
Kyoto also has a free guide program that all should take advantage of, at least for overcoming the language barrier! Our guide was super friendly and met us in the morning after we saw Fushimi Inari Taisha with it’s famous red gates.
We continued by seeing Kiyomizu Dera (UNESCO site), Gion (Geisha district), and Nijo castle. Other points of interest in the area are Kenniji, Nanzenji, Ginkakuji, the Philosopher’s path, and the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, so we definitely could have spent another day here!
Day 8- Back to Tokyo
We did some last minute souvenir shopping at Nishiki Market and another shopping arcade before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Once we arrived in Tokyo we left our baggage in lockers at the station and made our way to the teamlab Borderless digital art museum I mentioned earlier.
This is an absolute must-do for every age! We had dinner at the mall before getting our bags and going to Narita where we booked a hotel near the airport which would be convenient for our early flight the next day.
If you were able to cover this museum earlier in your visit then you can spend more time in Kyoto since there are many more historical sites we didn’t get to go to.
You could also extend your trip by going to Nara, Osaka, or one of the nearby castles, and then fly out of Osaka instead.
Summary
Day 1- Arrival
Day 2- Imperial Palace East Gardens, Sensoji Temple, Nippori, Ginza
Day 3- Mt Fuji, Festival, Fuji-Q, Akihabara
Day 4- Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Metropolitan Building, National Museum
Day 5- Nikko
Day 6- Kyoto’s Arishayama, craft/cooking class or tea ceremony
Day 7 – Temples of Kyoto,
Day 8- Teamlab Borderless Digital Art Museum
