Overview

Experience the best of Japan in a week: Tokyo’s cutting-edge neighborhoods and Kyoto’s serene temples and lanes. This itinerary balances essential sights with authentic food stops and smooth logistics between cities.

Quick Logistics

• Airports: Fly into HND/NRT (Tokyo); depart from ITM/KIX (Kyoto/Osaka) if possible to avoid backtracking.
• Transit: Use IC cards (Suica/PASMO; mobile versions work on most phones). Buy Shinkansen tickets Tokyo–Kyoto (Nozomi ~2h15m).
• Luggage: Consider same-day/overnight luggage forwarding (takkyubin) from Tokyo hotel to Kyoto.
• Money: Cards widely accepted; keep some cash for small shops and shrines.

Where to Stay

• Tokyo (3 nights): Shinjuku or Shibuya for transport and nightlife access.
• Kyoto (3 nights): Gion/Higashiyama for historic atmosphere or Kyoto Station area for convenience.

Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1: Arrival & Shibuya–Shinjuku

Arrive in Tokyo. Check in and refresh. Walk Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko statue, and Center Gai. Head to Shinjuku: Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai for tiny bars. Dinner: ramen (Ichiran, Afuri) or yakitori in Memory Lane.

Day 2: Old Tokyo—Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara

Morning at Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street snacks. Optional Sumida River stroll. Continue to Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum. Afternoon in Akihabara for electronics and retro arcades. Dinner at a casual izakaya; try karaage, sashimi, and sake.

Day 3: Culture & Future—Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Odaiba

Start at Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park. Explore Takeshita Street (crepes, thrift stores) and Omotesando (architecture, design shops). Afternoon: teamLab Planets (book ahead) or Odaiba for skyline views. Evening in Roppongi Hills or Shibuya Sky observatory.

Day 4: Markets & Bullet Train to Kyoto

Morning at Tsukiji Outer Market for sushi breakfast and kitchenware. Pick up bento for the train. Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2h15m). Check in, then sunset walk through Gion and along Shirakawa; spot geiko politely. Dinner on Pontocho Alley (reservations recommended).

Day 5: Eastern Kyoto—Higashiyama & Philosopher’s Path

Early visit to Kiyomizu-dera for fewer crowds; wander Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka lanes. Stop for matcha sweets. Continue to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park. Afternoon stroll the Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion). Dinner: kaiseki or obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).

Day 6: Arashiyama, Zen Gardens & Nishiki Market

Arrive at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at dawn; visit Tenryu-ji and its gardens. Optional Sagano scenic walk or Hozu River boat. Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji’s rock garden. Return via Nishiki Market for street bites (tofu doughnuts, yakitori).

Day 7: Fushimi Inari & Departure

Sunrise hike through Fushimi Inari’s torii gates (do a short loop if time-limited). Optional half-day to Nara (Todaiji’s Great Buddha and friendly deer) or tea ceremony in Kyoto. Last-minute shopping around Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi. Depart.

Food & Drink Highlights

• Tokyo: Sushi breakfast (Tsukiji Outer Market), standing sushi bars, craft coffee in Omotesando, late-night ramen in Shinjuku.
• Kyoto: Yudofu near Nanzen-ji, matcha in Uji (side-trip), Kyoto-style kaiseki, sake tasting in Fushimi.

Practical Tips

• Etiquette: Queue neatly, keep voices low on trains, and avoid eating while walking in crowded areas.
• Connectivity: eSIM or pocket Wi‑Fi for maps and translations.
• Reservations: Book teamLab, popular restaurants, and kaiseki in advance.