7 day itinerary for Japan

Itinerary

A 7-day trip to Japan is a perfect amount of time to explore some of the country's most iconic destinations. Here's an itinerary that will take you from Osaka to Tokyo, with stops in Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, and Nara.

Day 1: Osaka

Start your trip in Osaka, one of Japan's largest cities. Spend the day exploring the city's vibrant neighborhoods, such as Dotonbori and Shinsekai. Visit Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 16th century and offers stunning views of the city. In the evening, try some of Osaka's famous street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).

Day 2: Hiroshima

Take a morning train to Hiroshima, which is about two hours away from Osaka. Spend the day visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the atomic bombing of the city during World War II. You can also visit the nearby island of Miyajima, which is known for its beautiful Itsukushima Shrine and friendly deer.

Day 3: Nara

Take a train to Nara, which is about an hour away from Osaka. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital and is home to many historic temples and shrines. Visit Todaiji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is known for its thousands of lanterns. You can also feed the friendly deer that roam freely around Nara Park.

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Take a train to Mount Fuji, which is about two hours away from Tokyo. Mount Fuji is Japan's highest mountain and is considered a sacred site. You can hike to the summit or take a bus tour around the base of the mountain. Make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as houtou (a hearty noodle soup) and Fujisan no tamago (eggs boiled in the hot springs).

Day 5: Hakone

Take a train to Hakone, which is about an hour away from Mount Fuji. Hakone is a popular hot spring resort town that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. Take a cable car or ropeway to the top of Mount Komagatake for panoramic views of the area. You can also visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features sculptures by famous artists such as Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso.

Day 6-7: Tokyo

Take a train to Tokyo, which is about two hours away from Hakone. Spend your last two days exploring Japan's capital city. Visit famous landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace. Explore neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku, which are known for their fashion and street food. Don't forget to try some of Tokyo's famous sushi and ramen!

That's it! This itinerary will take you through some of Japan's most iconic destinations, from bustling cities to serene mountain landscapes. Enjoy your trip!