Shorter days, parks and museums, and space to rest between cities.
7 nights from Tokyo to Tokyo
Before you fly, five things matter most: check your passport and visa, book your stays and tickets, buy an eSIM and travel insurance, and decide on a rail pass. Open the list for every step, with links.
2 nightsTokyo · AsakusaPrice level ¥Find stays
About Asakusa Stays link to partner sites. See the note under Find stays.
Old Tokyo by the river. A big temple at the front door, lower prices and early nights.
When to stay here. Stay here for a first visit with a love for temples and old streets.
Stay here if: You want the old city and a temple at sunrise. You want lower prices and big rooms.
Skip it if: You want big bars and clubs close by.
Day 1: steps for your landing time
Midday, 11:00 to 16:00
- Get an IC card. Get an IC card such as Suica or ICOCA at the airport, or add one to your phone. It pays for trains and many shops. First-day guide
- Get online. Pick up your SIM or switch on your eSIM before you leave the airport, so you have maps at once. First-day guide
- Send big bags ahead. If you have a big bag, send it from the airport to your hotel with luggage forwarding, and travel light. First-day guide
- Go to your hotel. Keep the hotel address in Japanese on your phone. If you arrive before check-in, ask if the hotel can hold your bags. First-day guide
- Drugstore run. Buy small things for the first days: wet wipes, bandages, snacks and anything that you forgot. What to buy
- A light meal or an easy walk. Keep the first day easy. Eat close to the hotel and walk around your area.
EveningTokyo Skytree views
Why it fits you. A very high view of the whole city. Book a ticket for a clear day.
Other options
MorningNakamise snack walk
Why it fits you. Rice crackers, sweet buns and green tea ice cream on the way to the temple.
Other options
EveningTokyo Bay evening cruise
Why it fits you. A short boat trip with the city lights. Good for a calm evening.
Other options
2 nightsKyoto · Kita: Kinkaku-ji and KitanoPrice level ¥Find stays
About Kita: Kinkaku-ji and Kitano Stays link to partner sites. See the note under Find stays.
A quiet north side with the Golden Pavilion, small shops and local food.
When to stay here. Stay here for a long trip, or when you want low prices.
Stay here if: You want a local, quiet area with low prices. You like to take buses.
Skip it if: You want rail links at your door.
Moving to Kyoto today? You can send big bags ahead. Luggage forwarding guide
EveningTraditional dance show
Why it fits you. A short evening show of music, dance and tea. A simple way to see the arts.
Other options
MorningKinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Why it fits you. A gold-covered pavilion above a pond. Go in the morning for the best light.
Other options
EveningKyoto-style ramen near the station
Why it fits you. A ramen street on the top floor of the station building. Strong soup, thin noodles.
Other options
1 nightsOsaka · Shinsekai and TennojiPrice level ¥Find stays
About Shinsekai and Tennoji Stays link to partner sites. See the note under Find stays.
Retro streets, a tower, a zoo and an old temple. Low prices and a local feel.
When to stay here. Stay here for a low-price stay with a strong local feel.
Stay here if: You want low prices and cheap food. You like retro streets.
Skip it if: You want a polished area.
Moving to Osaka today? You can send big bags ahead. Luggage forwarding guide
EveningAbeno Harukas view
Why it fits you. One of the tallest buildings in Japan, with a view deck and a department store below.
Other options
2 nightsTokyo · AsakusaPrice level ¥Find stays
About Asakusa Stays link to partner sites. See the note under Find stays.
Old Tokyo by the river. A big temple at the front door, lower prices and early nights.
When to stay here. Stay here for a first visit with a love for temples and old streets.
Stay here if: You want the old city and a temple at sunrise. You want lower prices and big rooms.
Skip it if: You want big bars and clubs close by.
Moving to Tokyo today? You can send big bags ahead. Luggage forwarding guide
EveningChidorigafuchi moat in spring
Why it fits you. A moat lined with cherry trees. In bloom season it is one of the best sights in the city.
Other options
MorningSenso-ji at opening
Why it fits you. The oldest temple in Tokyo. Go at opening time, before the tour groups arrive.
Other options
EveningConveyor-belt sushi
Why it fits you. A low-price, easy sushi meal. Take plates from the belt or order on a screen.
Other options
MorningEdo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum
Why it fits you. Old houses and shops from Tokyo history, moved to one park. You can walk inside many.
Other options
What this trip costs, in levels. Stay price levels for your budget: ¥. These levels are relative (one yen sign is low, three is high). Live prices come from the partner sites.