{"id":90728,"date":"2024-04-17T12:52:59","date_gmt":"2024-04-17T12:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/17\/the-perfect-7-day-japan-itinerary-updated-2024\/"},"modified":"2024-04-17T12:52:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T12:52:59","slug":"the-perfect-7-day-japan-itinerary-updated-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/17\/the-perfect-7-day-japan-itinerary-updated-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Updated 2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Posted<\/strong>: 4\/17\/2024 | April 17th, 2024<\/p>\n

Japan<\/a> captured my heart from the moment I firs visited. The delicious food, the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant history, and the very friendly and polite people \u2013 it all blew my mind.<\/p>\n

But Japan often feels impenetrable, especially to first-time visitors. While I think Japan deserves a minimum of 10 days, I get that some people might only have a week, so I wanted to write this, my ideal seven-day itinerary for Japan for a first-time visitor. <\/p>\n

With only a week, there\u2019s not much you can see unless you really rush it. And I don\u2019t think you should do that. <\/p>\n

So this itinerary only focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto (the most popular destinations) as well as some day trips from each. If you wanted to rush things a little, you could add in Osaka (more on that at the end). <\/p>\n

(Note: If you purchased a Japan Rail Pass<\/a>, activate it on arrival. That way, you can take advantage of the free JR trains throughout the city.)<\/p>\n

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Japan Itinerary Day 1: Tokyo<\/span><\/h3>\n

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Tsukiji and Toyosu Fish Markets<\/strong>
Cure your jet lag with some food! In 2018, Tokyo\u2019s main fish market moved to Toyosu. It is now twice the size of Tsukiji (the old one), making it the largest such market in the world. Here you can eat fresh sushi for breakfast, just a few feet from where it was hauled in from the sea, while marveling at the chaotic atmosphere. <\/p>\n

You can still head to the old market in Tsukiji to eat, shop, and wander as well. I like it a lot, because there are more food options! Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market<\/a> are available for around 15,000 JPY.<\/p>\n

Toyosu Fish Market is open Monday-Saturday 5am-5pm, though most shops don\u2019t open until 7am. Admission is free, but you have to pick up a visitor\u2019s pass when you enter. Tsukiji Fish Market\u2019s hours vary by shop (usually 5am-2pm). Admission is free.<\/em><\/p>\n

teamLab Planets<\/strong>
This digital art installation is a multi-sensory and immersive experience in which you become part of the artwork, walking barefoot through the four exhibition spaces and gardens as you interact with the installations\u2019 elements in unique ways. It\u2019s really fun! TeamLab is generally sells out in advance, so I recommend getting your tickets online ahead of time<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Take a walking tour<\/strong>
Walking tours are a great way to get the lay of the land while connecting with a local guide. I always go on one or two when I arrive somewhere. Tokyo Localized<\/a> offers many free tours, including a classic overview and ones of both the famed Harajuku and Shinjuku neighborhoods. Its Imperial Palace tour would be the most convenient one after teamLab. <\/p>\n

The Imperial Palace<\/strong>
Formerly Edo Castle, the Imperial Palace was built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from that time are still in use to this day. When the emperor moved from Kyoto<\/a> to Tokyo in 1869, he took Edo for his new palace and renamed it. While you can\u2019t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through. You can also see the changing-of-the-guard ceremony (though it\u2019s relatively low-key and unassuming). Admission to the grounds is free.<\/p>\n

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden<\/strong>
This park is over 144 acres and home to some 20,000 trees. Most of the original park was destroyed in World War II but was rebuilt and reopened in 1949. During spring, it is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. My favorite area is the landscape garden, which has several ponds with bridges and islands. It\u2019s a peaceful oasis away from the urban hustle and bustle.<\/p>\n

Depending on how you feel relative to your jetlag, you could fit a few more activities before you end your day. Check out this post for suggestions<\/a>.<\/em> <\/p>\n

Japan Itinerary Day 2: Tokyo<\/span><\/h3>\n

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