🇯🇵 7 days in Japan: the perfect itinerary for your first visit

Japan is an ideal country for new experiences. Beautiful nature combined with vibrant city life and delicious, unusual food. And all this with the sauce of Japanese authenticity.

For those traveling to the country for the first time, there is a recommended route – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. This is the easiest way for travelers to get acquainted with the characteristics and diversity of Japan.

Tokyo and surroundings

Koishikawa Korakuen

You can start your acquaintance with the capital with the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Tokyo. In addition, it is one of the oldest, because it was created in the mid-17th century by the rulers of the Tokugawa clan. 

The architecture of the garden shows a subtle Chinese influence. Along the perimeter there are reproductions of Japanese and Chinese landscapes in the form of miniature hills, ponds, stones and trees. The circular path around the pond allows you to see new views every few steps.

Koishikawa Korakuen is beautiful at any time of the year. In autumn you can see the bright colorful leaves of the Japanese maple, in late winter you can see plum blossoms, and in summer you can see a variety of flowers. But it is especially beautiful here in the spring during the cherry blossom period.

Despite the location of the garden, surrounded by quite busy places, peace and tranquility reign inside. 

Nijubashi Bridge

One of the popular places for photos was the Nijubashi Bridge or “Double Bridge” near the park of the Imperial Palace. When looking at the bridge from the front, the two separate bridges appear to be one two-story bridge. In the foreground there is stone, in the background there is steel.

It is opened only on special occasions, for example, for official state guests and for ceremonies in the Imperial Palace. Also, on January 2 and December 23 each year, people are allowed to enter the East Plaza (Totei) of the Imperial Palace from the Nijubashi Bridge.

Asakusa area

One of the interesting areas of Tokyo is the Asakusa area. If you get to the Nakamise-dori shopping street, where numerous sellers offer tourists a variety of souvenirs and local delicacies, you won’t leave empty-handed.

In addition, the area has its own attractions. For example, the Buddhist temple Senzo-ji, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. According to legend, two brothers fished out a statue of the goddess of mercy Kannon from the river. They didn't know what to do with it and put it back into the river. But no matter how much the brothers tried to “fuse” the statue, it always returned. Then, not far from this place, they built a temple in honor of the goddess. Construction was completed in 645.

Sumida Park

Just a few minutes' walk from Asakusa Station is Sumida Park. Every year, large-scale events are held here and numerous fireworks explode in honor of the cherry blossoms. At night, the trees of the park are additionally illuminated by many lights – and it’s very beautiful. 

During the day, you can picnic in the park, ride the water bus, or stroll along the Sumidagawa River while enjoying views of Tokyo Sky Tree Tower.

Odaiba area

From the Asakusa pier you can take a small boat to the Odaiba area. It is located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It is a high-tech, modern and colorful island. There are plenty of attractions for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day. 

Since you're in Japan, it's worth taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. In the end, you will even try to make tea yourself under the strict guidance of a master. 

You can also go on an excursion “Tokyo Traditions” by public transport. If you are traveling with children, be sure to check the cost of travel for them in different classes of transport so as not to miss good discounts. You can read more about traveling to Tokyo with a child here.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park

After Tokyo, the next destination is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is divided into four regions: Mount Fuji and Hakone in the north, and the Izu Peninsula and Islands in the south. The landscape was formed as a result of millions of years of volcanic and tectonic activity.

In the park you can walk through the forest, explore lava caves and visit the Seikisho Outpost Museum, created in the traditions of the Edo era. And off the southern coast of Izu you can swim with dolphins.

In addition, Hakone is known as one of the best onsen resorts with hot mineral springs in Japan. 

In this area, everyone can choose an outdoor bath with mountain views to suit their needs, be it a family or a couple who wants privacy. It is worth considering that not all onsen allow people with tattoos.

If the baths are not attractive, then you can take a ride on the cable car and admire the magnificent views from above. And then you can go to Lake Asi (or Ashinoko). It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the last volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. Along the shores of the lake there are several small towns and a couple of resort hotels. 

The best views of the lake and Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the private Hakone Palace Gardens or from the excursion boats that ply the lake. The main thing is to be lucky with the weather and Fuji does not hide in the clouds. 

On the way to Kyoto, you can see the 15th century Odawara Castle, which was destroyed by earthquakes and people. However, at the end of the 20th century it was restored again according to ancient drawings from the Edo period. 

Kyoto

This city was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1869. For centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by wars and fires, but due to its historical value, the city was included in the UNESCO list. Today, the city has preserved a large number of temples, shrines and historically significant buildings.

Gion District

The most famous geisha district in Kyoto is Gion, located between Yasaka Shrine in the east and Kamo in the west. The area contains shops, restaurants and tea houses where geishas and their apprentices (maiko) entertain. 

Throughout Gion there are many traditional trading houses called matiya. When property taxes were calculated based on the size of the facade facing the street, houses were built narrow and long. 

Higashiyama area

A visit to Gion is best combined with a walk through the nearby Higashiyama district between Yasaka and Kiyomizu-dera temples. The latter is located on wooden stilts on the very slope of the hill and is surrounded by many sakura trees. This view has become the hallmark of the city. This area has the most preserved streets and traditional shops with all kinds of local products, crafts and souvenirs.

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple, better known as the Golden Pavilion, is located in the north of Kyoto. The two upper floors of the temple are completely covered with gold leaf. An impressive structure overlooking a large pond in which it is reflected, the only surviving building of the entire complex. Although it burned several times. The last time it was set on fire was in 1950 by a fanatical monk, but the building was restored.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is famous for the creaking of its floorboards, imitating the singing of birds. The castle grounds can be divided into three parts: Honmaru (the main defense circle), Ninomaru (the second defense circle) and the gardens. The entire castle grounds and Honmaru are surrounded by stone walls and moats.

Ninomaru Palace served as the shogun's residence and office during his visits to Kyoto. Honmaru was the site of a second palace complex and a five-story castle keep, but both buildings were destroyed. In their place, the residence was moved from the Katsura Imperial Palace, where it remains today, but as the Honmaru Palace.

Several gardens around the castle are popular for their variety of cherry blossoms, which bloom from late March to late April. The castle also has a plum garden, which usually blooms at the end of February. There's also Seiryuen, a half-Japanese, half-Western garden built for tea ceremonies and other events.  

Osaka

It is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, formerly known as Naniwa. At a time when the capital moved with the rise of a new emperor, Naniwa was the first known capital of Japan. 

Nara

From Osaka it is very convenient to get to Nara, famous for its herds of deer wandering around the impressive city park. Although the deer are wild, they are accustomed to people. They bow in greeting, for which visitors treat them with special crackers. 

There are also many ancient shrines in the city, eight of which are marked by UNESCO. For example, Kofuku-ji Temple, some of whose buildings are over 1000 years old. Visiting the temple is free, with the exception of some halls. The exceptions are the Central Golden Hall with Yakushi Buddha, the Eastern Golden Hall and the National Treasures Museum.

Not far from Kofuku-ji is the Isuien Garden – “garden based on water.” There are several tea houses inside. And the garden itself is a wonderful example of Japanese Zen.

One of Nara's most famous buildings is Todai-ji Temple. It is the world's largest wooden structure. The Great Buddha Hall houses the world's largest Daibutsu-san, or Bronze Buddha statue.

Finally, you can stroll along the Higashimuki shopping street and between the rows of Mochiidono. Here you will find kimonos, ceramics, traditional Japanese sweets and handkerchiefs. You can also have a tasty snack here. 

Himeji

From Osaka you can go to Himeji, famous for its feudal castle of the same name. The complex of buildings may be known as White Heron Castle due to its white color. It is large, beautiful, but with complex territory. The castle buildings were not affected by wars or fires. 

You can plan a trip to Japan yourself by researching information in advance, booking hotels and selecting guides. You can read about the peculiarities of the country here. However, keep in mind: during the cherry blossom period there will be a lot of people interested. If difficulties are not for you, then entrust your vacation to the tour operator Trip.com.