Here are some sample DIY Japan itineraries for Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for 4 DAYS, 6 DAYS, 7 DAYS (1 WEEK), 8 DAYS, and 15 DAYS. Each DIY itinerary has its own recommended minimum budget to help you manage your finances well.
This post covers only Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you’re looking for sample itineraries for Sapporo and Nagoya, we have separate samples in the posts below:
If you need help on how to start planning a multi-city tour across Japan, this post might help: Japan Travel Guide
Please take note of the following.
- All the itineraries below assume that you are a party of two, that you will be staying at a double room of a budget hotel or hostel (less than $80 per night), and that you will be splitting costs. The only exception is Tokyo Option 3 and the 15-day backpacking itinerary.
- If your hostel or hotel does not serve free breakfast, visit the supermarket on your first day to buy food (biscuits, drinks, bread).
- Set aside ¥1000 for every unspecified lunch or dinner.
- Airfare is not included in the costing.
- Estimated budget indicated is per person. However, note that this has a big allowance. For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.
Tokyo Budget Itinerary: 6 Days
Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
Estimated Budget: ¥35,000 (USD315, PHP15,600)
The BUDGET OPTION. This itinerary replaces the pricey Disneyland visit with a day trip in Odaiba and replaces double room with a bed at a capsule hotel.
Tokyo + Disneyland Itinerary: 6 Days
Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
Estimated Budget: ¥53,000 (USD475, PHP23,700)
This itinerary removes the visit to Kamakura and Yokohama and adds a visit to Sensoji Temple.
Tokyo + Disneyland + Kamakura and Yokohama Itinerary: 6 Days
Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
Estimated Budget: ¥56,000 (USD500, PHP25,000)
This is a pretty jampacked itinerary.
If you need more information about traveling on a budget in Tokyo, check this out: Tokyo Travel Guide
Osaka and Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days, 4 Nights
Estimated Budget: ¥38,000 (USD340, PHP17,000)
This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head).
If you need more help planning your Osaka-Kyoto trip, this post is for you: Osaka and Kyoto Travel Guide
Osaka – Nara – Kyoto Itinerary: 4 Days
Duration: 4 Days, 4 Nights
Estimated Budget: ¥45,000 (USD400, PHP20,000)
This itinerary assumes you will be landing at Kansai International Airport at night and will be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head). You will be visiting Nara but only on a day tour.
Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo Itinerary: 8 Days
Duration: 8 Days, 8 nights
Estimated Budget: ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)
This itinerary assumes you will be entering Japan via Osaka and leaving via Tokyo. You will also be staying in a double room at a budget hotel or hostel for ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.
Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days
Duration: 7 Days, 6 nights
Estimated Budget: ¥85,000 (USD760, PHP38,000)
This is the reverse of the Osaka-Tokyo itinerary above. This one assumes you’re landing in Tokyo and leaving via Osaka. Your hotel budget here is the same: ¥6000/night (¥3000/head) in Osaka/Kyoto and ¥9400/night (¥4700/head) in Tokyo.
Tokyo – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 15 Days
15-Day Budget Backpacking
Duration: 15 Days, 14 nights
Estimated Budget: ¥115,000 (USD1030, PHP51,200)
This one is for budget backpackers. This assumes you’ll be staying at hostel dorm (around ¥2000 per night). Because you will be visiting multiple cities including day tours in Ibaraki and Kawaguchiko, it would be great if you have a JR Pass.
You can check the updated rates or purchase one here: Check JR PASS Rates Here
Do you really need a JR Pass?
It depends on your chosen itinerary. In this post, we weighed in on the JR Pass. You might want to read it first before making a decision: For more info, read: Is the JR Pass Worth It?
Top Budget Hotels in Tokyo
According to TripAdvisor users as of Feb 2017.
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Andon Ryokan Check Rates |
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Top Budget Hotels and Hostels in Osaka (Under $70)
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Goen Lounge & Stay Check Rates
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Hostel Jin Check Rates
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Ark Hostel and Cafe Dining Check Rates
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Top Guest Houses in Kyoto (Under $70)
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MOSAIC HOSTEL KYOTO Check Rates
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2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣ (updated)
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 2️⃣5️⃣ (first up)
More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Is this post helpful to you?
I probably visit your japan articles for so many times as I am traveling to Japan next month (solo trip). I am pretty anxious about how much it would cost me.
Can I ask for advice if it’s better to get JR pass TOkyo-kyoto-osaka-tokyo is my itinerary.i wanted midnight bus but just wondering if it would cost the same if I have JR pass? Thanks!
More power!
Hi Weywey, overnight bus is a looot cheaper than JR Pass. If you can handle an 8-hour bus ride overnight, go for it.
Here’s our article about JR Pass: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/
Hi. This post is so helpful. I’m planning for a 8d/7n trip to Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo-Osaka, solo traveler btw. :)
Day 1 – Arrival
Day 2 – USJ + Dotonbori
Day 3 – Arashiyama / Fushimi Inari / Gion
Day 4 – Tokyo = Meiji Shrine / Shibuya + Hachiko / Takeshita / Sanrio Puroland
Day 5 – Disneyland
Day 6 – Ueno Park / Tokyo Museum / Akihabara / Return to Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka Castle / Umeda Sky Bldg / Back to MNL
If ever I get JR pass, do you think it will cost me the same if I use midnight buses back and forth Osaka? Or it’s better if I depart na lang from Tokyo to MNL? (Mas cheaper kasi sa Osaka. Hahaha.)
Thank you so much in advance. :)
Hi Dana,
If you haven’t booked your return flight yet, I would seriously consider exiting via Tokyo so you don’t need to go back to Osaka. Yes, it might cost more but it will give you more time too. :)
From Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo, take the overnight bus.
Hi! Would just like to ask if the budget you posted per option is on a per head basis? For example on option 7, budget is 38k pesos per person if there were 2 of us planning to take this trip?
Hi Meg, yes, that’s per person. But bear in mind that these are “overestimates.” For example, the ¥1000 budget per meal, which is used in these itineraries, is often too much because you can actually find a good bowl of ramen, even in Tokyo, for only ¥500. But it’s better to overestimate than under.
Almost 1/3 of the budget also goes to hotel accommodations. If you can find rooms cheaper than the price used in this itinerary, that would significantly bring the costs down.
Traveling Japan was one of my FAVORITE countries of all time. Kyoto was especially…well, special for lack of a creative word LOL Mindblowing might be more apt. Also, the Rail Pass was a HUGE cost saver. Great suggestion!
I’m curious if you guys can manage a budget trip like this for a ski trip, though. The snow is FANTASTIC out near Sapporo, but it was the most expensive part of my trip
Hi Lexi, oh the only time we tried skiing was at Fujiten (near Lake Kawaguchi). I think it’s a bit cheaper than other ski resorts, no entrance fee, but getting there was super expensive because if you don’t have a car (and we didn’t), the only way to get there was by taxi. And you know how costly Japan cab rides are.
Hi. We are 3 in the family going to Osaka next month for a week. Can you give us an itinerary for budget travellers? Thanks.
Hi Yoshke. Thanks for posting all these tips on Japan. I’d like to visit Hiroshima, would you mind sharing if you have been there. We would love to include it in our itinerary of osaka, kyoto amd Hiroshima. Thanks
Hi. I just want to ask for some advice. I have booked a plane ticket for Manila-Tokyo and vice versa this coming September. We plan to stay for a week but we thought that its too long if we will just stay in Tokyo. I just want to know if its practical to get a Whole Jr pass? Can we used that to go to Osaka and return to Tokyo? Hope you could help. Thank you
Hi Jenelyn, in my opinion, a week is still too short for Tokyo, there’s just a lot to do there. The surrounding destinations like Kamakura and Yokohama are also worth a visit. If you decided to stay in Tokyo, you don’t need a JR Pass.
If you really want to visit Osaka and your return flight will also be from Tokyo, the JR Pass isn’t the best option either. You can find cheap flights. Or if you’re up for it, take an overnight bus, which will also save you a hotel night.
More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/
Hi, Your link to Sappora Itinerary Sample and Nagoya Itinerary Sample on the top of your page are swapped. Maybe you didn’t notice it.
Hi Win! Great catch! Thanks for letting us know. Fixed now!
Hi does the budget includes transportation cost in japan during the trip?
hi po, pla po namin mag punta ng japan next month. me, husband and yung son ko. manila-osaka tokyo to manila po ang plano namin. first time namin sa japan, kailangan ba namin bumili ng jr pass? hingi po sana ako ng suggestion mo, kung ilang days namin kailangan mag stay ng osaka para makalibot and sa tokyo.. 10-13 days po kami mag stay ng japan.
If Osaka and Tokyo lang ang balak nyong puntahan and no side trips to other distant cities, you don’t need a JR Pass. This post explains it: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/is-jr-pass-worth-it/
If 10 days, I suggest 6 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Osaka+Kyoto.
If 13 days, 7 days in Tokyo and 6 days in Osaka+Kyoto.
Can you recommend a travel agencies that organise the itinerary tokyo with disneyland
We haven’t tried having a travel agency organize our Japan trip for us, so we can’t recommend anyone. :(
hi, so we are going to Japan for the first time in August. I’ve only booked 6D/5N going to Tokyo…. Reading your articles, seems that is too short, waaaah :( Anyway, so just to confirm, if we stay in TOkyo we won’t be needing the JR pass right? How will we get around the city? Also, where do you think is the best area to stay as springboard to must-go places in Tokyo? The only sure place we will visit is Tokyo Disney as well as Mt. Fuji tour. What else can you recommend?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Nicole,
Yep, you DON’T need a JR Pass if you’re staying in Tokyo.
My favorite base is Ueno. We explained why in our TOKYO TRAVEL GUIDE. You can find that here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/
Super thank you again!!! I’m going crazy making the itinerary…. All your articles are very helpful!
Hi Pwede po humingi ng soft copy of Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Iterynary. Thanks po
Do you have a itinerary for tokyo – hakone-mt fuji- kyoto- osaka- tokyo? Thanks.
Hi ask ko lng po if single entry lng ang visa. Can we enter in tokyo and exit in osaka? Or same exit din kame dapat kung saan ang point of entry nmin? Thank you!
Hi Chi, okay lang na magkaiba ang entry and exit points kahit single entry visa. Basta wag ka lang lalabas ng Japan tapos papasok ulit. :)
Hi! I love how comprehensive yet simple your website and itineraries are!
May I know though if can replace Disney Sea/Land with Fuji Q, in your 8-day Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary? We have exactly 8 whole days for touring, that is excluding our arrival and departure days. We will travel this September na. Just got our visa. hehe
Hi Isla, yes, that’s possible. :) You can visit Fuji Q as a day trip from Tokyo. :)
hi Yoshke I will travel with my wife and two daughters age 18 and 20 to japan in march for 35 days. we will use the 21 day japan rail pass. we would like to visit Okinawa also. we fly out of Edmonton alberta Canada and will fly to okinowa first then return from Tokyo. this is our first trip to japan. could you help us with this itinery or suggest a good site for this period of time. Thank you and any help is appreciated.
Hi Wayne,
Wow! 35 days! :D If I had that much time (and money), I would do it like this:
Days 1-5 Okinawa
Days 5-9 Fukuoka & Nagasaki
Days 9-12 Hiroshima
Days 12-15 Tottori
Days 15-20 Osaka & Kyoto
Days 20-25 Nagoya/Gifu
Days 25-29 Hokkaido
Days 29-35 Tokyo
To maximize your JR Pass, use it first when you travel from Fukuoka to Hiroshima (Day 9). This will allow it to be effective until Day 29. when you travel from Hokkaido to Tokyo. This way, you have covered most long-distance trips.
Japan-Guide .com has an online forum too. Maybe you can post this on their forum. :D
Hi! I want to Travel to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto but I have roundtrip ticket MNL-NRT. No exact days yet since I can still rebook my flight but still with NRT. Is it okay not to get JR Pass? Or I do I need it to get back to Tokyo?
The number of days of your trip is a key factor in determining whether you need a JR Pass or not. So decide muna how long your trip is.
But yes, it’s possible to travel from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto and back even without JR Pass. You can take the bus.
hi Sir .. good day po . we’re planning to visit japan this november . 2 adult and 1 kid i saw your iteneray .. can you help me look for a budget hotel wre we can stay .gusto ko po sana na eto mga puntahan namin 7 days po tokyo kyota osaka wla po kase kayong hotel na nailagay. buget hotel po sna .. salamat
You may check out our individual travel guides for info and recommendations on WHERE TO STAY:
Osaka: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/what-to-do-in-osaka/
Kyoto: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/things-to-do-in-kyoto-itinerary/
Tokyo: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/
Hello
I have a question on the itinerary particularly on Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days.
1. What type of pass or card recommended to use on this itinerary? Is PASMO card enough to use in all the transportation needed?
2. PASMO card is accepted also in OSAKA and Kyoto train/buses?
1. When is your trip? We will be publishing better, more cost-efficient sample itineraries later this month.
2. Yes, PASMO card is accepted by any train gate or bus with an IC reader. Not all buses have IC readers though, I think.
Hi. Would a single-entry visa suffice if we fly to Osaka then fly out from Tokyo?
Hi Louise, yes, as long as you’re not flying out of Japan in between!
Hi, Me and my brother are planning to explore Japan later this month for the first time. And we’ll be spending 10 days. Our flight will be MNL-OSAKA-MNL. What mode of transportation can you recommend if we want to go to Tokyo and come back to Osaka? And what are other itineraries can you recommend? Thank you so much.
Hi Rhona, if budget traveler kayo, okay i-take ang bus. Overnight bus, pwede rin para tipid.
We’ll be creating more sample itineraries soon!
Hi, paano mo gumawa ng itinerary templates for 7 days? Any app you can recommend? Love your blog and it’s so helpful! Thank you!
Hi Girlie, we make our itineraries based on experience lang.
Hello. I want to consider your 8 days / 7 days multi city itinerary, might follow it sa planned Japan trip. One question though, would want to include in the itinerary the visit to see Mt. Fuji. What route can you recommend in between those days? Thank you!
Hi sir,
We would like to follow the 8 days intinerary (osaka – kyoto – tokyo )
1. Do we need to get JR pass?
2.. in your itinerary , is it DIY? If so we need to buy all the tickets in advance thru klook or at site(japan)
3. Or you have arrange tour packages in agency?
Hope you can ease my mind and help me with this.
More power to you!
Thank you
Hi Alex,
1. If your entry point is Osaka and exit is Narita/Haneda, no need for JR Pass. I’m assuming you’re taking the bus to Tokyo.
2. Yep, it’s DIY.
3. It’s DIY.
Hi Yoshke Dimen,
Greetings to you from Singapore.
I am planning a family trip of 10 days to Osaka/Nara/Kobe/Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka in mid Nov this year. My tentative itinerary is as follows. Appreciate for your input. TQVM.
Day 1 Arr at Osaka at night
Day 2 Osaka city tour
Day 3 Nara day tour with train from Osaka
Day 4 Kobe day tour with train from Osaka
Day 5 Leave for Nagoya from Osaka- Nagoya castle
Day 6 Shirakawa-go day tour
Day 7 Ohsukamon & Ohsu shopping street
Day 8 Leave for Kyoto from Nagoya
Day 9 Visit Kyoto
Day 10 Leave from Kyoto to Osaka for afternoon flight to Sg
Is the route feasible & practical? Appreciate for your suggestions. TQVM.
Hi Pris,
Switch Day 3 and Day 4 so that you’ll visit Nara on Day 4. Then, get a 5-Day Kintetsu Rail Pass, which will cover your journey from Osaka to Nara, Osaka to Nagoya, and Nagoya to Kyoto. :)
Replace Day 7 with the Day 4 in the sample itinerary here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/05/nagoya-japan-travel-guide/
We will soon be updating this post because we now have better sample itineraries. But we’re still trying to find time to update.
Hi Yoshke Dimen,
Greetings from the Philippines
My friend and her 2 sons will visit(1st time) Japan this June 20 to 26. Our entry is at Narita Airport, We dont have yet a place but we plan to stay in Tokyo, would you recommend any please? Or if not in Tokyo, where? Thanks in advance!
Hi Donna, this post might help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2016/12/tokyo-travel-guide-expenses/
Hi! I’m planning to follow your Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo itinerary but will tweak it a bit to make it a 10-day trip. Our itinerary is still flexible. I’m planning to add one full day for Universal Studios in Osaka, and another for a day tour in Mie, specifically in Nabana no Sato. Any tips on which pass/es to use and if it’s necessary to go back to Osaka or go directly to Kyoto? Thank you in advance!
Hi Margaret,
If you’re visiting Mie too, consider getting a Kintetsu Rail Pass. :)
Have you considered making a stop in Nagoya? It sits right between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo, and it’s the city closest to Nabana no Sato.
Hello! Thanks for replying. I’m thinking of adding Nagoya to our itinerary as well. Is a day tour to Shirakawa-go worth it in the spring season + Takayama (we’re travelling april 2020 btw)? Or should we go there in autumn/winter instead? Any suggestions for this itinerary? Thank you!
Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka (visit places covered by Osaka Amazing Pass)
Day 2 – Universal Studios Japan + Dotonbori
Day 3 – Nara Day Tour
Day 4 – Transit to Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Gion District
Day 5 – Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Transit to Nagoya
Day 6 – Free morning + Nabana no Sato in the afternoon
Day 7 – Nagoya Castle, Toyota Museum, Sakae District
Day 8 – Transit to Tokyo, Ueno Park, Akihabara
Day 9 – Shinjuku
Day 10 – Shibuya, Harajuku
Day 11 – Departure from Tokyo
Hi Margaret, yes, Shirakawa-go is worth it. Takayama is lovely too. I love small Japanese cities and villages so I’m a bit biased, haha.
I think your itinerary is good. A bit too fast-paced for me — I would insert a couple of free days — but since you only have 11 days and if you have the energy, go for it! :)
Hello Miss Yoshke Dimen,
I and my friends will be visiting Tokyo in October but we only plan to visit Hitachi Seaside Park, Tokyo Disneysea and Mt. Fuji. Is it practical to get the JR pass? We will be only be there for 5 days.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Russel, parang hindi practical for you.
Consider Tokyo Wide Pass. Covered nya Fuji, but I’m not sure about Hitachi Seaside Park. I think some parts of Ibaraki prefecture (where Hitachi Park is located) are covered though, di ko lang alam yung extent.
Hi!
We’ll be travelling Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo by February 29 for 8 days trip with group of 8 adults and 1 child.
please check if my itinerary is doable and any suggestion?
Thank you so much!
Day 1 PM flight.
Day 2 Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori
Day 3 USJ
Day 4 Kyoto Day Tour: Arashiyama, Fuji inari shrine, gion district
Day 5 Tokyo: Yoyogi Park or Ueno Park???
Day 6: DisneySea
Day 7: Shibuya, Akihabara
Day 8 Manila
Hi Ana, it looks doable. My only comment is, Yoyogi Park is best if sa Day 7 rin since it’s located in Shibuya. Then ung Ueno Park and Akihabara naman yung magkalapit. :)
Maluwag yang itinerary na yan, which is okay if big group tapos may bata. :)
Hello! We already Visited Japan(tokyo, osaka, yokohama, atami) as a couple but we wanted to go back with kids this time. May you please suggest an itinerary that includes Disneyland, UStudios, hokkaido and other places that we have not visited yet. Thank you!
How many days do you have for that trip?
Hi, Do you have sample itinerary trip in Japan for 1 week during January.
including skiing.
Hi, Yoshke!
Do you have a priced version of you Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka Itinerary: 7 Days? Just so I could see the breakdown of the Php38,000.00, too.
By the way, thank you for the detailed itinerary. I’ll be sure to use your affiliate links. :)
Thanks,
Rina
Hi Rina, unfortunately, I didn’t keep the breakdown when I made this. We’re planning to write a more detailed Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka itinerary with breakdown of expenses though, but not sure how soon we can do it as we’ll be hitting the road soon.
Hi, Yoshke!
I’ll be touring Osaka (3days) -Kyoto (2days) -Tokyo (4days). I’ll be getting the JR pass but Im still confused if I ALSO need to get the ICOCA. Can I use the JR pass around Tokyo, or there’s a different pass for this? Thank you!
Hi Lei, as long as JR ang sasakyan mo, pwede mong gamitin ang valid na JR Pass.
If hindi JR yung train, you can buy a separate single ticket na lang or use ICOCA/SUICA. Depende yan sa specifics ng itinerary mo.
Hi do you have recommended itinerary for 12 days? Tokyo day 1-5 transit to Osaka day 6 then day 7-12 kansai region. Hope to hear from you. Thank you!
is the amount indicated like the osaka kyoto tokyo, around 38k, is that good for two or per person? We got a bit confused with the intro of this article. Just want to clarify. Thanks
Hi Patty, as stated, estimated budget is PER PERSON, but it’s assuming there are 2 people traveling and splitting the cost of accommodations.
If it’s confusing, we’ll probably revise the article and exclude hotel in the computation in the future.
Hi Yoshke! Your blog is so informative. Thank you for all the details. :) I would just like to ask help with the best itinerary for us, a family of 4 (kids are 10 and 1 yr 4 months). We will be going to Japan this coming Feb 10-19 and Osaka is our entry and exit. We are planning to tour Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Tokyo including USJ and Disney Sea if possible with the length of stay we have. Since we have a toddler with us and a senior citizen, can you give/suggest to us the best possible itinerary with the pass we need to buy? Hope to hear from you! Thank you very much!
Hi Lorby,
Since Kansai Airport is both your entry and exit, visit Tokyo first. It’s always a good idea to visit the farthest destination first so you don’t stress yourself out trying to catch your flight out.
Day 1 – Arrival/Transit to Tokyo
Day 2 – Disney Sea
Day 3 – Shibuya (Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing)
Day 4 – Transit to Osaka, Namba/Dotonbori
Day 5 – Nara Day Tour
Day 6 – Kyoto Day Tour
Day 7 – Osaka Tour
Day 8 – Universal Studios Japan
Day 9 – Departure
If you want to take the train for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka, get a nationwide JR Pass and make sure that long distance trips (Osaka-Tokyo, Tokyo-Osaka, Osaka-Nara) are all within 7 days.
If you want to fly for Osaka-Tokyo-Osaka instead, get separate city/regional passes na lang for the trains/subway.
Need your help if possible, this it our (adult son/me) first trip to Japan and we would like to visit everywhere but I know we can’t. I have already booked a hotel in Tokyo, purchased the 14 days JR pass and booked a couple of shows/places (below) which apparently sell out. Still pending to book the One Piece Tower/Park and Ghibli Museum. We are traveling during year end and I know many things are closed which is where am having a hard time. We want to spend a couple of days in Hokkaido/Sapporo and then go back to Tokyo, visit Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa, etc. We want to visit Mt. Fuji, Bamboo Forest the Temples, the Golden Castle, and the Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, the deer, Disney, etc. I know it’s a lot and have no clue where to go first b/c I don’t know what will be closing down for new years. I also need an idea for my son’s New Year’s birthday. How can I make the most of my trip and plan it to make it super worth it. We are from Miami, FL USA it’s a very long trip and not sure how many times I can go again.
DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM
27 Day 2 –
28 Day 3 –
29 Day 4 –
30 Day 5 –
31 Day 6 –
JAN 1 Day 7 – My son’s birthday
2 Day 8 –
3 Day 9 – have tix for TEAMLAB BORDERLESS (TOKYO) ENTRANCE 12:00 noon
4 Day 10 –
5 Day 11 –
6 Day 12 –
7 Day 13 –
8 Day 14 –
9 Day 15 – have tix for YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM
10 Day 16 –
11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm
Hi Rita,
My concern is your TeamLab borderless visit is smack in the middle of your itinerary, which throws a wrench into any smooth-flowing itinerary I could suggest.
Is that final or can that visit be moved towards the end of your trip?
Thank you for response and trying to help us. It ca be moved..
To be honest, 17 days is too short for all the places you want to visit. But if you really want to visit all those, here’s a simplified itinerary.
Note, however, that the journey to and from Sapporo by train is looooong. That’s why I always recommend flying when going to or coming from Tokyo or anywhere south of it.
I also didn’t consider the days when some attractions are possibly closed (especially on the days around New Year’s Day).
DEC26 Day 1 – Arrival at Narita Airport 3:20 PM
27 Day 2 – Tokyo to Sapporo
28 Day 3 – Sapporo
29 Day 4 – Sapporo
30 Day 5 – Sapporo to Osaka
31 Day 6 – Osaka
JAN 1 Day 7 – Nara Day Tour (son’s birthday)
2 Day 8 – Kyoto Day Tour
3 Day 9 – Osaka to Hiroshima
4 Day 10 – Hiroshima
5 Day 11 – Miyajima Day Tour
6 Day 12 – Hiroshima to Kanazawa
7 Day 13 – Kanazawa
8 Day 14 – Kanazawa to Tokyo
9 Day 15 – Tokyo, including YAYOI KUSAMA MUSEUM – TOKYO 1:00 PM
10 Day 16 –Tokyo
11 Day 17 – Departure from Narita Airport at 6:45 pm
My reco is to remove Sapporo. It’s beautiful but it’s out of the way.
If Sapporo is non-negotiable, then probably remove Kanazawa then maximize your stay in Tokyo (there’s A LOT TO DO IN TOKYO) or insert a destination in Tohoku Region just to break the long train journey from Sapporo to Osaka.
Thank you so much for the help. I will further research the New Years shut down for the attractions and see what I can remove / change. Again thank you so much for all the info it is greatly appreciated. I will definitely will need to plan more than one trip.
No prob, Rita. It’s really hard to build a Japan itinerary because there’s SO MUCH to see. :S
Sorry just noticed I had a few typos. I can change it for later in the trip, that is not a problem.
I know! I have been trying myself for a while, thank you so much for your help. I am very exited!! Will tell you all about it when I come back.
Hi!! Please help.. im planning to visit kyoto and nara for 2 days then ride a bus overnight to tokyo. Should i buy a pass? Hope you reply.. thanks!!
In Kansai, where will you be based?
Hi, ask lang po san po best mag palit ng currency dito na sa pilipinas o dun na po sa japan? Thanks
Thanks to these itinerary references to create my own itinerary and have a budget for every place to visit for the first time. Because of the pandemic, I still have more time to save money. :) I’m a big fan of this Blog. Try to listen also to their Podcast on Spotify to have more details about their travel experience.
Hi, we are planning for 10D9N trip (Tokyo – Nikko – Kurakama – Hakone – Mt Fuji – Lake Kawaguchiko). Is JR tokyo wide pass + SUICA enough for us? thanks
Hi! Can you recommend an 8 day trip for Nagoya-Tokyo area? Or if you have a better suggestion for the itinerary, arrival and departure is in Nagoya. Thank you!!