Classic First Timer — 7 Days
Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Osaka
The perfect introduction to Japan — ancient temples, neon cities, and everything in between on this classic 7-day route.
Highlights
Meiji Shrine, Hakone onsen, Fushimi Inari, Dotonbori
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Japan! After clearing customs at Narita Airport, activate your 7-day Japan Rail Pass and take the Narita Express to Shinjuku — the journey takes about 80 minutes.
Check into your hotel, then head out for a gentle introduction to Tokyo. Stroll through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, grab your first bowl of authentic ramen, and soak in the energy of a city that never sleeps.
In the evening, your concierge will send a welcome message with tomorrow's detailed schedule and any tips for the day ahead.
Morning: Meet your guide at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine, nestled in a dense forest in the heart of the city.
Late morning: Walk through Harajuku's Takeshita Street — a kaleidoscope of fashion, crepe shops, and kawaii culture.
Afternoon: Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian intersection.
Evening: Head to Asakusa and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, beautifully illuminated after dark.
Morning: Start early at Toyosu Market (the new Tsukiji) for the freshest sushi breakfast you've ever had.
Midday: Visit teamLab Borderless or teamLab Planets — an immersive digital art experience.
Afternoon: Dive into Akihabara, the electric town. Whether you love anime, manga, retro gaming, or cutting-edge electronics.
Evening: Free time in Shinjuku's Golden Gai — a labyrinth of tiny bars, each with its own unique theme.
Morning: Board the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (approx. 85 minutes). Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
Midday: Take the Hakone sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship, then ride the Ropeway over volcanic Owakudani valley — try the famous black eggs!
Afternoon: Arrive at your ryokan. Unwind in the private onsen.
Evening: Savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner. Sleep on a futon in a tatami room, the traditional Japanese way.
Morning: Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto (35 min). Head to Fushimi Inari — walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Afternoon: Visit Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage temple with panoramic Kyoto views. Explore Higashiyama's traditional wooden houses.
Evening: Guided walking tour through Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. Look out for maiko heading to appointments.
Morning: 45-min train to Nara. Enter Nara Park — over 1,000 free-roaming deer. Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) and feed them!
Midday: Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha in the world's largest wooden building.
Afternoon: Walk the lantern-lined path to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, then explore Naramachi old town.
Evening: Return to Kyoto for a free evening.
Morning: Shinkansen to Osaka (15 min). Visit Osaka Castle, surrounded by moats and parkland.
Afternoon: Explore Shinsekai, a retro neighborhood modeled on 1920s New York and Paris. Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
Evening: Dive into Dotonbori — Osaka's neon-lit street food capital. Must-try: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, gyoza.
Your concierge will provide airport transfer details for tomorrow's departure.
Pricing & Accommodation
From $2,500/ person
Included
• 7 nights accommodation (3-star hotels + 1 night traditional ryokan)
• Japan Rail Pass (7-day ordinary)
• Airport transfers (Narita → Tokyo, Osaka → Kansai)
• Daily breakfast at hotel
• Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji guided walking tour
• Hakone sightseeing cruise & ropeway
• Fushimi Inari & Gion evening walking tour
• 24/7 bilingual travel concierge support
Not Included
• International flights
• Lunches and dinners (except where noted)
• Personal expenses (shopping, souvenirs)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Accommodation
Tokyo (3 nights): Modern business hotel in Shinjuku area, walking distance to stations. Western-style rooms with private bathroom, free Wi-Fi.
Hakone (1 night): Traditional ryokan with private onsen (hot spring). Includes kaiseki multi-course dinner and Japanese breakfast.
Kyoto (2 nights): Boutique hotel near Gion district. Combines Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort.
Osaka (1 night): Hotel in Namba/Dotonbori area, perfect for evening food exploration.
Important Information
Best season: March–May (cherry blossom) or October–November (autumn foliage). This itinerary runs year-round with seasonal adjustments.
Japan Rail Pass must be activated at the airport upon arrival. We will send detailed instructions before departure.
Luggage forwarding service available (extra cost) — travel light between Tokyo and Hakone/Kyoto while your suitcase meets you at the next hotel.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Expect 5,000–10,000 steps per day with temple/shrine visits involving stairs.
Travel Tips
Get an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) at Narita Airport for seamless local transit. Works on trains, buses, and even convenience store purchases.
Download Google Maps offline — it works perfectly for Japan transit routing even without data.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) are your best friend for quick meals, ATMs, and essentials. Open 24/7.
Carry cash — many smaller restaurants and shops in Japan are cash-only.
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes be considered rude. Excellent service is simply part of the culture.
Traveler Reviews
Sarah M.
Absolutely perfect for our first trip to Japan. Every detail was thoughtfully planned — from the ryokan in Hakone to the food tour in Osaka. The 7-day pace was just right.
James L.
Great itinerary that hits all the must-see spots. The JR Pass made travel between cities effortless. Only wish we had an extra day in Kyoto!
Emily & Tom
We loved the balance of guided activities and free time to explore. The concierge support was invaluable when we needed to change a dinner reservation last minute.