Japan, I often tell my private clients, is a much bigger country than it appears to be on the map. I’ve been back over 50 times, in addition to having lived there for almost a year—and I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.
Now, this is not to say you need weeks or months to take a worthwhile trip, even though you can obviously cover more ground the longer you stay. Likewise, if you’ve already been to Japan and want to dive deep into one particular region on a return trip, you might not need more than a few days.
My itinerary for one week in Japan, to be sure, is probably the shortest trip I’d ever recommend for a Japan newbie, at least one who wants to explore the country to even a quasi-comprehensive degree. Here’s how much ground you can expect to covid if you can only spare seven days (at least for now) to explore Japan.
Why Most Travelers Shouldn’t Visit Japan for Less Than a Week
I often say that when you plan a Japan itinerary, 7 days is the minimum amount of time you should spent, at least if it’s your first time in Japan. You’ll definitely want to see Tokyo and Kyoto, each of which require a minimum of two days, and are two hours apart, even via Shinkansen bullet train. You may even want to visit cities like Osaka or Hiroshima, or the Mt. Fuji area, where for an overnight stay or as a day trip from Tokyo.
Now, there are exceptions to this rule. First, if you’ve been to Japan before, and want to come back to explore a particular city or region. I’m thinking a road trip along Japan’s Sanriku Coast in the Tohoku region, or maybe even visiting Hokkaido’s lavender fields in the summer. Alternatively, if you live in Asia and can reach Japan in just a few hours, then a weekend trip in Tokyo or Osaka might be feasible.
Where to Go With Just a Week in Japan
Tokyo
It should almost go without saying that a 1 week Japan itinerary should include Tokyo. However, the Japanese capital might not be the only place in the Kanto region that’s part of your trip. For example, after spending a full day exploring central Tokyo neighborhoods like Asakusa, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku, you could spend one or even two days taking day trips, most likely to Nikko or Kamakura.
Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan’s former capita, is another essential stop if you have just 1 week in Japan. You can spend anywhere between 2-4 days here, depending upon where else you go. As was the case in Tokyo, you can combine central districts like Higashiyama, Arashiyama and Fushimi with day trips to the deer-filled city of Nara, or to Himeji Castle.
Osaka
Or to Osaka. Now, it might sound strange to see one of Japan’s largest cities—one of the largest cities in the world—on a day trip. But with only a Japan 1 week itinerary to play with, it can be more sensible to leave Kyoto (which is only 30 minutes away) in the morning, and plan on coming back late at night (after street food along the Dotonbori canal, of course!).
Mt. Fuji
Likewise, in the context what to do in Japan for a week, Mt. Fuji (and in particular, the Fuji Five Lakes region at the base of the mountain) might make more sense as a day trip (from Tokyo) than as an overnight destination. Thankfully, direct train service from Shinjuku to major stations like Kawaguchiko and Shimoyoshida makes this easy.
Hiroshima
Last but not least on this Japan 7 day itinerary is Hiroshima. Now, a lot of people think that Hiroshima might not interest them if they aren’t interest in World War II—this simply isn’t true. Whether you watch the sunset behind the “floating” gate at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island, or gorge yourself on savory okonomiyaki pancakes, Hiroshima is a city that’s easy to love.
How Much Does One Week in Japan Cost?
In recent years, the exchange rate of the Japanese yen has been very favorable to foreign travelers. As a result, I like to say that thrifty travelers can get by for as little as 100 USD per person, per day, not including the cost of individual flights. There’s not really any limit on the high end, but I find that the average couple rarely spends more than 500 USD per per, per day.
In other words, you can expect your 7 day Japan itinerary to cost around 700-3,500 USD per person. While I realize that this is a wide range, the reality is that Japan is a destination you can explore in almost endless ways, as a bare-bones backpacker or as a five-star sophisticate. I always recommend that my private clients aim a little higher for their budget. In most cases, they’re pleasantly surprised when they don’t come near their number.
Other FAQ About Spending a Week in Japan
Can you do Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in a week?
You can absolutely do Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in a week, though there are a few options for this. I’d probably recommend splitting the week between Tokyo and Kyoto (four nights in one, three in the other) and taking a day trip to Osaka from Kyoto.
Is $5,000 enough for a week in Japan?
For most single travelers, $5,000 is more than enough for a week in Japan. However, if you’re a couple or family, or if you simply prefer to travel at a high level of luxury, you may exceed this amount, particularly when you factor in the cost of international flights.
What to visit in Japan in 1 week?
First-time Japan travelers will want to visit top-tier Japan destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Mt. Fuji with 1 week in Japan. However, if you’re returning to Japan after having been in the past, you can consider your week an opportunity to dive deep, off the beaten path.
The Bottom Line
You can’t see “everywhere” with just one week in Japan. That doesn’t mean, however, that it can’t be a worthwhile trip. First-time visitors can see Tokyo and Kyoto, and potentially even see Osaka, Mt. Fuji or Hiroshima, ideally (but not necessarily) on day trips. If you’re coming back to Japan, meanwhile, a week-long trip can provide the ideal frame for exploring secondary and tertiary Japanese destinations, or for spotlighting one of Japan’s well-defined seasons. That’s the good news. The better news? You can further ensure the most efficient, effectively and memorable week-long trip to Japan by hiring me to plan it.
