The Ultimate 7-Day Tokyo to Kyoto Itinerary
Planning your first trip to Japan? This is the 7-day itinerary I actually recommend to friends—balanced, realistic, and optimized for crowds and transit.
Day 1-3: Tokyo
Day 1: Shibuya & Harajuku
Start in the heart of Tokyo's youth culture. Hit Shibuya Crossing around sunset for the lights, then wander backstreets. Walk to Meiji Shrine early—quiet and restorative.- Food: Conveyor sushi (Uobei) for quick bites; crepes on Takeshita Street.
- Timing: Meiji Shrine by 8-9am, Shibuya Crossing at golden hour.
- Photo: Shibuya Crossing from Shibuya Sky.
Day 2: Asakusa & Akihabara
Experience old Tokyo at Senso-ji Temple; go before 9am to avoid tour buses. Grab ningyo-yaki cakes on Nakamise-dori. Afternoon: Akihabara arcades and retro game shops.- Food: Kurikoan taiyaki; Akiba curry or maid café if you're curious.
- Timing: Senso-ji first thing; Akiba after 1pm when shops are fully open.
- Photo: Senso-ji pagoda at dusk.
Day 3: TeamLab & Tsukiji
Immerse yourself in digital art at TeamLab (book ahead). Then head to outer Tsukiji Market for sushi, tamagoyaki sticks, and wagyu skewers.- Food: Sushi breakfast; uni shots if you’re adventurous.
- Timing: TeamLab morning slot; Tsukiji lunch before 1pm.
- Photo: TeamLab light room glow.
Day 4: Travel Day & Hakone
Take the Shinkansen to Hakone (Odawara) for onsen and Fuji views. Stay at a ryokan if budget allows; otherwise day-use onsen + hotel works.
- Loop: Ropeway + pirate ship on Lake Ashi; black eggs at Owakudani.
- Timing: Clear mornings for Fuji; ropeway pauses in high wind.
- Photo: Lake Ashi torii and ship.
Day 5-7: Kyoto
Day 5: Eastern Kyoto
Start at Fushimi Inari just after sunrise—nearly empty. Wander Higashiyama to Kiyomizu-dera, then stroll Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka.- Food: Yatsuhashi sweets; matcha soft serve in Higashiyama.
- Timing: Fushimi 6-7am; Kiyomizu by 9-10am.
- Photo: Torii tunnel glow.
Day 6: Arashiyama
Explore the Bamboo Grove before 8am, then Tenryu-ji gardens and the monkey park. Afternoon boat ride or café along Katsura River.- Food: Yudofu (tofu hot pot) near Tenryu-ji; warabi-mochi for a snack.
- Timing: Bamboo grove at dawn; monkey park after 10am for views.
- Photo: Bamboo grove morning light.
Day 7: Final Explorations
Visit Kinkaku-ji early, then Nishiki Market for snacks and souvenirs. Wrap with a simple kaiseki or izakaya in Pontocho.- Food: Fresh mochi, grilled seafood skewers, Kyoto pickles at Nishiki.
- Timing: Kinkaku-ji at opening; Nishiki before lunch crowds.
- Photo: Golden Pavilion reflection.
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