1 Week Japan Itinerary: Kyoto & Tokyo (7-10 Days)
- Japan
- 29 Mar, 2025
Experience the best of Japan with this classic itinerary, blending modern Tokyo and traditional Kyoto—perfect for first-time visitors with limited time.
Tokyo Tower © dnlrx
Itinerary Overview
- Duration: 7-10 days
- Best for: First-time visitors with limited time
- Cities covered: Tokyo & Kyoto
- Arrival airports: Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), or Kansai (KIX)
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Japan Rail Pass: A one-week pass may save money—check our Japan Rail Pass guide for details.
Need a Custom Japan Itinerary?
For a personalized travel plan, contact Japan Travel Consulting to work with a travel expert.
How to Split Your Time Between Tokyo & Kyoto
For most travelers, the ideal balance is:
- 2 full days in Tokyo (modern Japan)
- 4 full days in Kyoto (traditional Japan)
If you prefer modern attractions, adjust to 3 days in Tokyo and 3 in Kyoto. Kyoto is more relaxed, so extra time here enhances your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Most flights land at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Check our Tokyo Airport Transport Guide for transfer options.
Day 2: Tokyo – Modern Highlights
Explore Tokyo’s futuristic west side, including:
- Shibuya Crossing
- Shinjuku’s skyscrapers
- Harajuku’s fashion scene
Full details in our Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary.
Day 3: Tokyo – Traditional Side
Discover Tokyo’s historic east side:
- Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
- Ueno Park & museums
- Akihabara (for anime & tech lovers)
More in our Tokyo 2-Day Itinerary.
To-ji Temple © sorarium
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto & Explore Downtown
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train, ~2.5 hours)—see Tokyo to Kyoto transport guide.
- Spend the afternoon in Downtown Kyoto (Kawaramachi & Gion).
Day 5: Kyoto – Southern Higashiyama
Highlights:
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous torii gates)
- Gion’s historic streets
Full details in our Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary.
Day 6: Kyoto – Arashiyama
Must-see spots:
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Tenryu-ji Temple
- Monkey Park Iwatayama
More in our Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary.
Day 7: Kyoto – Kurama & Northern Higashiyama
- Kurama Onsen (mountain hot springs)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- Philosopher’s Path
Alternative: Day trip to Nara—see our Nara Travel Guide.
Day 8: Return to Tokyo
- Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (details here).
- Optional last-minute shopping/sightseeing.
If your flight departs after 3 PM, you can leave directly from Kyoto (see note below).
Day 9: Depart Japan
Fly home from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND)—check our Tokyo Airport Transport Guide.
Important Travel Tip: Leaving from Kyoto
If your flight from Tokyo departs after 3 PM, you can travel directly from Kyoto to the airport:
- To Narita (NRT): ~4 hours
- Take Shinkansen to Shinagawa, then transfer to the Narita Express.
- To Haneda (HND): ~3.5 hours
- Take Shinkansen to Shinagawa, then the Keikyu Line to Haneda.
More Japan Itineraries
- Japan Itineraries Overview
- 10-Day Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Kanazawa
- 10-Day Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Takayama
- 2-Week Japan Grand Tour
- 7-10 Days: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara & Hiroshima
- Japan with Kids Itinerary
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
- Check if a visa is required for Japan
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
- For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
- See my Packing List For Japan.
- Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
- Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
- Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
- Consider a travel insurance.