7-Day Japan Itinerary: A Detailed Guide with Budget Estimates

Japan offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and modern attractions. If you have 7 days to explore, you can get a taste of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. This itinerary provides a balanced approach to sightseeing, cultural experiences, and local cuisine. Below is a detailed plan with estimated costs to help you budget your trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning:

• Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Tokyo Monorail to Tokyo Station.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25) depending on the airport.
• Check-in at Hotel: Recommended areas include Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night for a mid-range hotel.

Afternoon:

• Explore Shibuya: Visit Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya 109.
• Cost: Free to walk around; shopping costs vary.
• Shibuya Sky: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 ($14 – $21).

Evening:

• Dinner in Shinjuku: Try ramen or izakaya.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21) per person.
• Visit Omoide Yokocho: Explore the traditional alleyway.
• Cost: Varies by bar; typically ¥500 – ¥1,500 ($3.50 – $10.50) for snacks.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥16,500 – ¥31,500 ($115 – $220)

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Morning:

• Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and Nakamise Street.
• Cost: Free; shopping and snacks are additional.
• Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy Tokyo’s skyline from the water.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Afternoon:

• Ueno Park: Visit Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum.
• Cost: Ueno Zoo ¥600 ($4), Tokyo National Museum ¥620 ($4.30).
• Lunch in Ueno: Try katsudon.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Akihabara: Explore electronic shops and anime stores.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Dinner in Akihabara: Enjoy dinner at a themed cafe.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,720 – ¥9,620 ($33 – $67)

Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning:

• Travel to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105) for a one-way ticket on the Nozomi or Hikari trains.
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Kyoto.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Visit the famous shrine with red torii gates.
• Cost: Free.
• Gion District: Explore historic streets and traditional culture.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and dining are additional.

Evening:

• Dinner in Gion: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 ($21 – $70) depending on the restaurant.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥26,000 – ¥45,000 ($182 – $315)

Day 4: Kyoto Exploration

Morning:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Visit this iconic Zen temple.
• Cost: ¥400 ($2.80).
• Ryoan-ji: Explore the famous rock garden.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Afternoon:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the bamboo forest.
• Cost: Free.
• Lunch in Arashiyama: Enjoy udon or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Pontocho Alley: Discover dining options.
• Cost: Varies; budget ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 ($14 – $35) for dinner.
• Stroll along the Kamo River: Enjoy the evening atmosphere.
• Cost: Free.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,900 – ¥12,900 ($41 – $90)

Day 5: Kyoto to Osaka

Morning:

• Travel to Osaka: Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
• Cost: ¥500 – ¥1,000 ($3.50 – $7).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Osaka.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Osaka Castle: Visit the historic castle.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4.30).
• Dotonbori: Explore this entertainment district.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.

Evening:

• Dinner in Dotonbori: Sample street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥11,100 – ¥24,600 ($78 – $171)

Day 6: Osaka Adventures

Morning:

• Universal Studios Japan: Spend the day at the theme park.
• Cost: ¥8,400 – ¥9,400 ($60 – $66) for a one-day pass.
• Lunch at Universal Studios: Various dining options inside the park.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Afternoon:

• Continue exploring Universal Studios: Enjoy attractions and shows.

Evening:

• Return to Osaka City: Relax or explore more dining options.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥10,900 – ¥13,400 ($76 – $94)

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Morning:

• Travel to Nara: Take the Kintetsu Express or JR train from Osaka to Nara.
• Cost: ¥500 – ¥800 ($3.50 – $5.50).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple: See the Great Buddha statue.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4.30).

Afternoon:

• Nara Park: Walk around and interact with deer.
• Cost: Free.
• Lunch in Nara: Enjoy sukiyaki or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Return to Osaka: Prepare for departure or enjoy one last evening.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,100 – ¥5,400 ($22 – $38)

Total Estimated Cost for 7 Days

• Accommodation: ¥70,000 – ¥140,000 ($490 – $980)
• Food: ¥20,000 – ¥50,000 ($140 – $350)
• Transportation: ¥30,000 – ¥45,000 ($210 – $315)
• Attractions and Activities: ¥8,000 – ¥15,000 ($56 – $105)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥128,000 – ¥250,000 ($910 – $1,750)

Conclusion

A 7-day itinerary in Japan allows you to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with a well-rounded mix of cultural sites, modern attractions, and local cuisine. With the provided budget estimates, you can plan your trip efficiently and enjoy a memorable Japanese adventure.