How to Spend a Week in Japan (Travel Guide)

After numerous visits in the past, including last year after spending 3 months back in Japan, in this travel guide I will be sharing how to spend a week in one of the most amazing and diverse places on earth.

Why Japan?

Japan is somewhere over the years which has kept pulling me back in time and time again, after you’ve visited once, you’ll be addicted for life. It’s safe to say after my recent third visit, Japan to me is the best country in the world, it has everything you could possibly imagine, day and night. There’s truly no place like it, and a major reason why it’s so popular is because of the wide variety of areas and locations you’re able to explore and enjoy. From the neon lit big hitter and futuristic powerhouse that is Tokyo, right through to the temple running experience in Kyoto, visiting the iconic Mt. Fuji, hitting up the seaside in Kamkura and beyond, there is so much to see and do in Japan, it’s hard to know where to start.

Each city and town brings its own change of pace and vibe, and that’s the most beautiful thing about it, and furthermore, the next gen network of transport options means it’s easy to get around. As I have found out, the only downside about visiting Japan is once you have been there, that then sets the bar for all future travel, and one I have honestly found incredibly hard to be beaten.

The Essentials

One of the first things you will want to do when you get to, or even before you arrive in Japan is to get a SUICA card. These can be purchased at either Airports, or at all major stations. Alternatively, if you have an iPhone, go into your Apple Wallet and under the transit cards option add the SUICA card. There are other options that all do the exact same thing, they are just named differently in various regions of Japan. This card is going to be used for your main transportation and all other payments. You can use it on most of the public transport options around Japan, and are even able to use it to pay for things in places where credit cards are not accepted. To top the card up, simply transfer the money onto the card across via Apple Pay.

Sticking with the money theme, cash is also an essential in Japan as a whole, with lots of small businesses especially in more remote areas not accepting any form of card payment.

A further essential is to download a translation app, you never know when you might need help or would like to communicate with the locals. Although English can be more common in the bigger cities, a lot of people naturally speak limited English.

When to Visit & How Long

After three previous visits to Japan, my most recent and notable time to visit is in October/November. Twice I have came this time of Year, and both times the weather was still pleasant, with days of glorious sunshine and blue skies around. I would avoid the summer months as I’ve heard from numerous others it’s hot and humid like hell, and most of Japan turns into a city baked oven. Alternatively, spring time around April/May is a beautiful time of year to visit Japan also, with the temperatures starting to warm up and the grey skies really starting to make way for brighter horizons.

Honestly, you could spend a week just in Tokyo alone, there is that much to do and see, both day and night. With a one week trip it’ll be fast paced and all systems go from the off to maximise your time in Japan visiting a number of cities. Early morning starts, late Karaoke nights, you’ll be exhausted by the end, but it’ll definitely be more than worth it.

Getting Here & Around

There are numerous ways to get around Japan, with the most easiest and efficient way being the train and metro systems. The transport network can look and feel incredibly complicated at first, especially for a first timer. However fear not, as with any kind of organised chaos, there is method to the madness, and you will soon understand and get the general feel of a cities JR Line trains and the metro links.

Most stations normally have English translations and announcements if in doubt, and furthermore in my experience there is always someone there to help you if they see you looking a little lost. I used Google Maps to plan routes around the city and it works perfectly, however on a side note things can get pretty busy on the train networks in Japan, especially around the busier areas, and during rush hour times. It’s best to plan your transportation out of these times.

An additional method of transport in Japan is to grab and flag down a Taxi. From memory, the Taxis are affordable and of course get you from A-to-B without the need to carry your luggage around the city, making them an easy and efficient option. However on the flip side, due to traffic within the city, sometimes taking a Taxi will take longer than the Train.

And finally, Walking is also of course a fantastic method of getting around when visiting Japan. For me personally, this is the best mode of transport (disregarding huge distances of course). This is because you will come across many beautiful and fun filled neighbourhoods and districts that you would otherwise miss and not see. In my most recent visit, through walking I discovered so much more of cities such as Tokyo I never knew existed, and even now after being in Japan for the third time, I feel there is still so much more I would love to see and explore.

Photography

As far as photography goes, I’ve never been somewhere more adapted and modernised to the world of photography. It’s very popular in Japan, you’ll regularly come across rows and rows of camera shops next to each other, they take it seriously here for sure. You’ll bump into fellow photographers at every twist and turn, Japan is immensely popular for a very good reason, there’s unlimited amounts to see and do, and therefore photograph.

The rules around photography here are much more relaxed and widely accepted compared to various other places in the world, however people will make it clear when they don’t want to be photographed, and you’ll have to respect that. The vast majority of people in Japan are extremely respectful and polite, and will therefore avoid confrontation, please don’t take advantage of that, always respect their wishes.

The Itinerary

I feel the best way to suggest how to spend a week in Japan is by as if it’s for a first timer, therefore the cities and areas mentioned will all be the perfect ideal scenario for a visit of a week. However please remember, in a week there is only so much you will be able to visit.

A top tip I found during my first two visits to Japan is to arrive in Tokyo, and depart from Osaka. This of course is airline dependent, as not all airlines will fly in and out of both Haneda & Narita airports in Tokyo and also Osaka Kansai airport, however it is definitely worth researching as of course it will give you extra time to explore Japan, instead of having to use up time with a travel day to get back up to Tokyo from Osaka. As an example, I flew with Cathay Pacific on my first two visits, and they allowed me to do just this.

Tokyo (Day 1 &2)

So this it, your Japanese adventure will of course more than likely start in the capital of Tokyo. Welcome, to the land of the weird and the wonderful, a futuristic centre of mayhem just waiting to be explored. A major reason why Tokyo is world renowned is because of the variety of historical features and distinctive adventures you’re able to enjoy. From the bright lights and the glamour of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to the calm and relaxing neighbourhoods such as Yanaka, each district in the city brings its own change of pace and vibe.

With a week to play with I suggest spending 2 days in Tokyo, making your way across the city. In total I’ll be suggesting 8 districts to visit, 4 for a day in the east, and 4 to visit for a day in the west, although of course these can be chopped, changed and swapped out to your liking. If you would like further information of how to spend your time in Tokyo, I’ve previously created a Tokyo Travel Guide here, and also a more in-depth breakdown of a number of the Districts of Tokyo which can be read here.

Day 1 of your Japanese adventure and it’s all systems go on a day of activities and exploration in the east of Tokyo. It’s an early start in the district of Asakusa, full of tradition and culture. Located in the north east of the city, this district is popular with locals and tourists alike because of its famous temples such as the Senso-ji, and the areas energetic streets. Asakusa is a must visit for any visitor to Tokyo, especially if you’re into photography. The bustling alleyways and heaps of interesting characters in traditional clothing highlight Asakusa as one of the cities oldest and native districts.

Next up, we start moving south to experience a more upmarket side of Tokyo, and to the district of Ginza. Known for its famous shopping departments and fancy boutiques, Ginza is very much a high-end area of Tokyo full of fancy choices and delights. The mood and feeling is different here compared to elsewhere in the city, everything feels very modern and spotless clean. It’s more spaced out, wide roads and attractive architecture are a common theme, the choice of dress code here is smart, alluding to the many offices and workplace spaces the district provides.

Just a stones throw away down the road from Ginza is the Tsukiji Fish Market. As a world famous location, the market offers ample selections of seafood and tight winding alleyways to explore. The vibe here is one of energy and controlled chaos, lines and heaps of traders offering their services. If you’re a lover of seafood, this place will feel like heaven, and even if you’re not, there is plenty of different food choices to select from as well. Furthermore, I found Tsukiji to be a great place for street photography, capturing the chaotic but also respectful nature of the market on the day. However as the location is very well known, it does get a little busy.

To finish day 1, on the opposite side of Ginza, and heading closer towards the Tokyo Tower, is where you’ll find the district of Shimbashi. An interesting explore during the day, but as with a lot of the districts in Tokyo, it’s at night where it really comes to life. Shimbashi is a popular area for locals to visit after working hours for some food and drink, with multiple rows of restaurants and bars straddling each side of the narrow streets. As mainly a night life area, it has more of a dirtier and rougher round the edges kind of feel, an older style of Japanese orientation. Start from the station and work your way out, making your way through the billowing smoke from the Yakitori grills and bars pouring out into the streets around you. This area is also another fun and unique place to photograph.

Hope you’re well rested and ready to go again today on Day 2, as yesterday was just a taster, today we step it up a gear.

Starting the day in Yanaka, this is a quiet and peaceful district, but one definitely not to be slept on. Full of small streets and twisting alleyways, the area isn’t big by any stretch, however the sense of a small local community within such a bustling city such as Tokyo makes for a lovely change of pace. Overall, it is a beautiful place to explore, and after numerous visits to Tokyo over the years I wish I knew about Yanaka sooner, as I can honestly say it’s one my favourite districts within Tokyo.

From Yanaka head south on the Yamanote Line, where the ever flamboyant and entertaining district of Akihabara awaits. The district is a main central hub for those who are fans of anime and gaming, every street is full of colour, energy, and life. It really is a bundle of fun to experience and thoroughly enjoy, and even if you’re not a massive fan of anime etc. like myself, it’s still an amazing area to explore. Especially in the evenings, there’s an electric atmosphere in Akihabara which is hard to replicate elsewhere. On a side note, on Sundays the main road is closed for traffic, allowing everyone to walk right down the middle of the prolific electric town street. Akihabara is also where I stayed during my most recent visits to Tokyo, something which I can definitely recommend.

Heading west, now we come to probably the most well known areas of Tokyo, and we’ll start with the ever vibrant district of Shinjuku. This district has two sides to it, and can be very different come day and then night.

Firstly, during the day you have the usual busy shopping district and also the beautiful Gyeon Park, then come night once again the neon lights fill the night sky, and the energy that everyone feeds off bares all to show and tell. During the day the focus within Shinjuku can be put on exploring the many wandering side streets, and as mentioned the amazing Gyoen Park. Think Central Park, but on a smaller scale. A leisurely walk through the park with the view of the city skyline beyond really does put the whole city into perspective.

At night of course aim your focus towards the nightlife areas. Shinjuku is best explored by getting lost and leaving yourself wandering, each street at night is a sight to behold. As a suggestion, aim to walk towards an area known as the Golden Gai, which hosts a collection of small bars. Overall the atmosphere in Shinjuku is amazing, neon packed streets, vibrant life at every turn, Shinjuku really is the jack of all trades.

Finally and last but not least, how else to finish your time in Tokyo than to visit the home of the world famous Shibuya Crossing. Full of energy and fun during the day, however it’s during the night when it really comes to life. Shibuya attracts millions of people around the world each year, it’s a huge pull and a major attraction of Tokyo and Japan as a whole. When you think of Japan, you think of the neon lit lights and those chaotically energetic nights, Shibuya is a must visit district in Tokyo. The area is also home to many various restaurants, bars and shopping choices, there is always something going on here. If you’ve only got limited time in Tokyo, this is the place to be.

To gain a stunning view of Shibuya and the whole of Tokyo and beyond from above, be sure to book in advance a visit to Shibuya Sky, you will not be disappointed.

Tokyo Viewpoints

The infamous city of Tokyo, a metropolitan area spread far and wide. Within the vast landscape of the city, it hosts a unique and special skyline renowned around the World. To gain and be able to see and understand the pure scale and size of Tokyo, the best way of viewing the city is from above. Furthermore, if you’re lucky and it’s a clear and sunny day, from a number of viewpoints it’s also possible to view Mt. Fuji.

To view more information regarding Tokyo Viewpoints, click here. In this blog I share some of the best viewpoints I’ve visited during numerous visits over the years to Tokyo. Considering the huge nature of the city, the number of incredible viewpoints is aplenty, and therefore even though the blog linked covers a number of main and important locations, both paid and free, there are also many more out there for all to find and discover. Each location that is covered in the blog is open to the public, and also easy to get to and access.

Kyoto (Day 3 &4)

On day 3, it’s time to jump on the Shinkansen and speedily head south to the wonderful and traditional Japanese city of Kyoto. The city is a must visit and a pivotal part of any journey to Japan, and it heavily showcases a blend of culture and history through its plethora of temples and shrines. Once more the best way to split your time in Kyoto is by dedicating each day to a specific area of the city.

On your first day in Kyoto, it makes sense to keep central and to go temple running straight from the off. Starting early, begin the day with visiting probably one of the most popular tourist and photographed locations in all of Japan. Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine easily recognised by its large collection of vibrant orange tori gates collated together to create winding paths across the mountain-side. The start of the trail will be relatively busy depending on what time you arrive, however the further you climb up the mountain of course the quieter the trail becomes. Truth be told, it’s a location you could easily spend hours at, it really is a sight to behold. The route all the way to the top is well worth completing, and at times giving you stunning views across the city.

Once you’ve finished marvelling over the colour orange and the thousands of tori gates at Fushimi Inari, it’s time to really set the pace visiting various temples along the east side of the river. I’ve always found exploring Kyoto to be such a joy, and actually it’s best to not even use a map, because heading north means you will come across temple after temple, time after time. There is so many to choose from and visit, so just to name a few, Kiyomizu-dera, the Hokan-ji Temple & Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine are well worth visiting however the list goes on and on. Therefore depending on your temple limitations, you could easily visit numerous temples and cultural locations throughout the day.

If by this point you are all templed out or just want to finish the day with something different, head back south alongside the river for a beautiful walk within nature until you come round to the Kyoto Train Station. Here you will be able to marvel at the stunning architecture of the station with its next generation build and futuristic design. Directly opposite the station, finish the day at Kyoto Tower for a lovely view across the city and beyond.

Day 4 of this Japanese adventure and today we’re heading out to the countryside and to Arashiyama in the west of Kyoto. Arashiyama is mostly known for its famous bamboo forest, however I feel it also offers a whole lot more. First of all, I would suggest heading straight to the bamboo forest itself as it naturally gets increasingly crowded as the day goes on. Work your way through the unlimited amount of bamboo, winding your way through the maze from one end of the forest to the other.

Once you’ve figured out how to escape the forest, take your time to explore the beautiful little town full of delightful little shops and cafes. From there, head to the bottom of the main street where you’ll come to the river and open countryside. Make your way across the bridge and take a stroll along the river, or better yet take a boat out onto the river and paddle away to your hearts delight.

To round off your time in Kyoto, and before heading back into the city centre, I suggest a visit to the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji. This golden pavilion is placed on the side of a picturesque lake and is a World Heritage Site, therefore a key symbol of Japanese architecture. Once you’ve completed the walk round the lake viewing the temple from every angle possible, make your way home towards the city for a spell of retail therapy, or if in doubt… there will still be a large of amount of temples for you to find and explore.

Osaka (Day 5 & 6)

On day 5 of your week long journey through Japan we make the short 40 minute (or 10 minute by Shinkansen) journey across to the fun and vibrant city of Osaka. Best known for its local speciality food and neon-lit nightlife, the area is integrated with historical and cultural features scattered around the city, creating an atmospheric blend and a location well worth spending time within to explore.

In order to settle into the lifestyle and pace of Osaka I suggest on the first day to stay central and explore what the heart of the city has to offer. First up, I recommend visiting one of the most historic and famous landmarks of the city and Japan as a whole, the Osaka Castle. This stunning piece of architecture is a standout feature of Osaka, signifying the importance and history of the imperial periods in the past. The castle itself is located within a park area complete with a moat and open landscape areas, perfect for a stroll on a beautiful day.

Moving into the afternoon and evening, it’s time to visit one of the most vibrant and fun filled areas within the whole of Japan, Namba and more specifically Dotonbori. Starting at the river, here is where you will find a stream of neon signs towering up above. The area is host to a wide collection of restaurants, clubs, and bars attracting locals and tourists alike. Simply put, the whole area is full of the Japanese vibe you’d expect from a place full of nightlife.

Time to wake up early and hit the streets, because on your second day in Osaka and on day 6 of your Japanese adventure it’s time to go temple running once more. Throughout the city the cultural influence is clear and evident to find.

Start off at the Namba Yasaka Shrine (seen below) where its unique architecture and features attract locals and visitors from far and wide. From here, work your way east across to Shitennō-ji Temple. In the temple gardens you’ll find historic buildings and a large collection of Turtles swimming their way around the ponds. Inside the main section of the temple it is dominated by a 5-story Pagoda towering into the sky above.

As the evening draws nearer and the night begins to fall, I suggest making your way to the Tsutenkaku Tower and the surrounding area. During the day this area is a fun experience, but it’s at night when everything really comes to life.

The area is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, marketplaces and arcades, full of local delicacies and delights for all to indulge in and enjoy well into the night. Furthermore, the atmosphere here is electric, and the neon lit architecture all around naturally adds to the overall feel and vibe.

Nara (Day 7)

On day 7 and on your last full day in Japan, if you have time and depending on where you’re flying out from, I highly recommend visiting the nearby city of Nara.

As a city of historical importance, Nara stands as an area full of national treasures and cultural exploration, and that’s not to mention the Deer… lots of Deer.

In the accompanying Nara travel guide which can be read here, I share how to make the most out of a beautiful day in Nara, one of the most famous and best day trips within Japan.

As previously mentioned, Japan is a hugely vast landscape with an extreme amount of wonderful cities and towns to explore. If you would like to mix the route around to your liking, I can also recommend visiting various other areas of Japan to visit. Places such as Kamakura by the seaside an hour from Tokyo, travel guide here, and Fujiyoshida, a sleepy town at the base of Mt. Fuji, the travel guide of which you can read here, are just two options available to you.

However, I suggest not to try and cram too much into a week in Japan, it is the most amazing place to visit, and most importantly you will learn to love and enjoy it, so just don’t over do it.

For further information, guides and blogs regarding Japan, click here.