Japan’s harmonious blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity offers diverse experiences that captivate even the most seasoned travellers. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, Designer Journeys will lead you through a meticulously planned five-day journey, exploring iconic cities, experiencing high-speed bullet trains, savouring local culinary delights, and soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Japanese landscape. It is tailored to provide seasoned travellers with an engaging narrative of Japan, offering a balance of exploration, relaxation, and culinary delight. If you are a first-time visitor, you can check out our first-time visitors guide to get all the essential information, tips and more.
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Day 1: Tokyo – A Blend of Old and New
Morning: Tsukiji Market and Toyosu Market
Begin your journey in Tokyo, a city that perfectly encapsulates the harmonious blend of the ancient and the futuristic. Start early at the Tsukiji Outer Market, where the air is filled with the buzz of vendors and the fresh scent of seafood. Enjoy a traditional sushi breakfast at one of the many stalls, where chefs serve the freshest fish caught just hours before. After savouring the flavours of Tsukiji, make your way to the Toyosu Market, the new, modernized version of Tsukiji. Here, you can observe the famous tuna auction from a designated viewing platform, a spectacle of speed and precision.
Tsukiji Fish Market is the perfect place to start your itinerary in Japan.
Midday: Tokyo Tower and Modern Art
Next, visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for breathtaking panoramic city views. This 333-meter tall tower offers a unique perspective on Tokyo and is a great vantage point to plan the rest of your day. Following the visit, immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant art scene. Explore contemporary galleries in the Roppongi district, known for its dynamic art spaces like the Mori Art Museum.
The 333-meter tall tower offers a unique perspective on Tokyo.
Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and Shopping
As the afternoon unfolds, head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Experience the organized chaos firsthand—a true sensory overload—as you navigate through the crowds. Nearby, delve into some shopping, exploring both local boutiques and international brands along Shibuya’s bustling streets. This is also a great time to explore hidden alleyways where unique, eclectic shops offer everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.
Experience the organized chaos firsthand at Shibuya Crossing.
Adjacent to Shibuya Crossing is the Shibuya Station. Shibuya Station in Tokyo is not just a transit station; it’s a bustling epicentre of activity and one of the busiest railway stations in the world. Serving as a key connection point for commuters, it also acts as a cultural and entertainment hub, directly reflecting the dynamism of the surrounding Shibuya district.
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Evening: Dining in Golden Gai
Conclude your first day in the narrow alleyways of the Golden Gai district in Shinjuku. This area, known for its tiny, characterful bars and eateries, offers a glimpse into Tokyo’s post-war era. Each bar, with just a few seats, offers a personal and intimate dining and drinking experience. Choose a spot that catches your eye and enjoy conversations with locals and fellow travellers alike, often over a glass of shochu or a local beer. For dinner, indulge in yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) or other izakaya-style dishes, which are perfect for ending a busy day of exploration.
Golden Gai district in Shinjuku, known for its tiny, characterful bars and eateries.
Day 2: Kyoto – Timeless Traditions
Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Begin your second day in Kyoto, a city that epitomizes the soul of traditional Japan with its well-preserved temples, sublime gardens, and quiet back lanes. Start at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which trail into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Arriving early will help you avoid the crowds and provide a serene experience as you walk through the tunnels of gates, an iconic scene not just in Japan but globally recognized.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Midday: Nishiki Market and Lunch
After your morning exploration, head to the vibrant Nishiki Market, a narrow, five-block-long shopping street with over one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this lively market specializes in everything food-related, from fresh seafood to local specialities and Japanese sweets. Enjoy a variety of samples, such as pickled vegetables, fresh tofu, and Kyoto’s unique style of sushi. For lunch, choose from one of the many vendors offering dishes made from ingredients sold right at the market.
Kyoto’s Kitchen – Nishiki Market lively, specializes in everything food-related.
Afternoon: Traditional Arts and Green Tea Ceremony
Post lunch, immerse yourself in the traditional arts of Kyoto. Participate in a green tea ceremony, an integral part of Japanese culture, in a traditional tea house. This ceremony is more than just drinking tea; it’s a choreographed art, focusing on aesthetics and bringing a sense of peace and harmony. Afterwards, explore some of Kyoto’s famous crafts by visiting workshops where artisans specialize in Kiyomizu pottery, Yuzen dyeing, or the making of folding fans.
You can visit workshops where artisans specialize in Kiyomizu pottery.
Image source: Japan National Tourism Organization
Evening: Traditional Japanese Dinner and Ryokan Experience
For dinner, indulge in a kaiseki meal, which is the epitome of Japanese haute cuisine. These meals are a compilation of skilful dishes that taste as exquisite as they look, each course designed to showcase seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation. After dinner, experience staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. These accommodations are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration, offering you a chance to bathe in communal hot springs and sleep on a futon placed on tatami flooring.
Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
Day 3: The Mount Fuji Experience
Early Morning: Travel to Mount Fuji
On your third day, prepare for an early departure from Kyoto to the iconic Mount Fuji area, a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey itself is part of the adventure, showcasing Japan’s efficient transportation system and scenic landscapes. Once you arrive, start your exploration at one of the many serene hot springs in the area, where you can relax and enjoy the health benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
Mount Fuji area, a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty.
Midday: Boat Ride and Lunch
After refreshing at the hot springs, embark on a boat ride on Lake Ashi or Lake Kawaguchi, both renowned for their stunning views of Mount Fuji. These peaceful boat tours offer great photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the mountain from different perspectives. For lunch, enjoy local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant, perhaps trying the famous Yamanashi prefecture speciality, Houtou noodles, which are hearty and warming—a perfect complement to the region’s cooler climate.
The peaceful boat tours on Lake Ashi offer great photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Hiking and Nature Exploration
Spend your afternoon engaging with the natural surroundings. If you’re visiting during the climbing season (July to early September), you might opt for a guided hike on one of Mount Fuji’s trails. For a less strenuous experience, explore the numerous walking trails around the Five Lakes area, each offering unique vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife. The Oishi Park is particularly beautiful, especially during the lavender blooming season.
The Oishi Park is particularly beautiful, especially during the blooming season.
Evening: Luxury Onsen Ryokan Stay
Conclude your day by checking into a luxury onsen ryokan, near Mount Fuji. These traditional inns combine the comfort of modern amenities with the charm of Japanese hospitality. Enjoy another dip in the hot springs, this time perhaps an outdoor bath with a view of Mount Fuji at sunset. Dinner will be another multi-course kaiseki meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients, allowing you to savour the region’s culinary delights.
Enjoy the relaxing hot spring in a luxury ryokan.
Day 4: Tokyo Revisited – Cherry Blossoms and Serenity
Morning: Meguro River Cherry Blossoms
Return to Tokyo in the springtime to catch the cherry blossoms—a quintessentially Japanese experience. Head to the Meguro River, where over 800 cherry trees line the canal, creating a stunning canopy of pink and white flowers. The sight is truly breathtaking and offers a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle. Take a leisurely stroll along the river; if you’re up early enough, you’ll avoid the larger crowds that gather later in the day.
Meguro River with over 800 cherry trees line the canal, creating a stunning canopy of pink and white flowers.
Midday: Lunch and Quirky Convenience Store Experience
For lunch, dive into Tokyo’s quirky culinary scene with a visit to one of its famed convenience stores. These are not your typical convenience shops; they offer an array of high-quality and innovative food options that are popular among locals and tourists alike. Sample some onigiri (rice balls), freshly made sandwiches, and perhaps a seasonal sweet or two.
After lunch, indulge in more shopping in Harajuku and Omotesando’s trendy districts. These areas are a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end fashion brands to unique, locally-made items. The streets here also showcase modern Japanese architecture and are great for people-watching and soaking up the contemporary urban culture.
Shopping in Harajuku’s trendy district.
Afternoon: Cultural Sites and Relaxation
Post-shopping, dedicate your afternoon to exploring some of Tokyo’s lesser-known cultural sites. Visit local shrines and temples, and perhaps find a quiet spot to sit and reflect on your journey. The Nezu Museum in Minato, known for its beautiful blend of modern architecture and traditional gardens, is an excellent place to continue your exploration of Japanese art and aesthetics.
The Nezu Museum is known for its beautiful blend of modern architecture and traditional gardens.
Image source: Nezu Museum
Evening: Shibuya Sensory Overload
As evening approaches, return to Shibuya to experience its transformation at night. The area around Shibuya Crossing lights up with neon signs and bustling activity, offering a sensory overload that is distinctly Tokyo. Dine at one of the local izakayas, where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes in a lively setting. This is also a great opportunity to sample some Japanese craft beers or sake.
Dine at one of the local izakayas is a fun experience after a long day exploring Japan.
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Day 5: Departure from Narita Airport
Morning: Last Minute Shopping and Sightseeing
On your final day in Japan, depending on your flight schedule, take the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. If you’re staying in central Tokyo, areas like Asakusa offer a chance to pick up traditional souvenirs such as handmade yukata, folding fans, or beautifully crafted samurai replicas. Visit the historic Sensō-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temples, for a reflective start to your day.
The historic Sensō-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temples.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for something closer to Narita Airport, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a great option. This impressive temple complex has a history that extends over a thousand years and provides a peaceful walking path, perfect for contemplation and enjoying your last few hours in Japan.
Midday: Reflective Lunch
For your last meal, choose a restaurant overlooking one of the many scenic spots in or near Narita. Reflect on your journey over a bowl of soba or udon, popular Japanese noodles that are both simple and comforting. This meal provides a moment to ponder the diverse experiences you’ve had over the past five days—from the bustling markets of Tokyo to the tranquil beauty of Kyoto and the majestic views of Mount Fuji.
A bowl of soba, popular Japanese noodles that are simple and comforting.
Afternoon: Departure Preparations
Head to Narita Airport well before your flight time to avoid any last-minute rush. Narita is known for its excellent shopping and dining options, so if you have some spare time, explore the airport’s offerings. You can find everything from last-minute gifts to exclusive duty-free products.
Head to Narita Airport well before your flight time to avoid any last-minute rush.
Before boarding, take a moment at one of Narita’s observation decks. Watching planes take off and land against the backdrop of a distant Tokyo skyline offers a quiet end to your busy travel itinerary.
Secret Tip: Japan Rail Pass – The Traveler’s Gateway
The Japan Rail Pass (often abbreviated as JR Pass) is a highly cost-effective travel option for tourists wanting to explore the breadth of Japan. It offers unlimited use of most Japan Rail National trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, for a set period of seven, fourteen, or twenty-one days.
Eligibility and Purchase
The JR Pass is available only to foreign tourists visiting Japan from abroad for sightseeing under the entry status of “Temporary Visitor.” Passes must be purchased outside of Japan from specific vendors or online. Upon purchasing, travellers receive an exchange order, which they must exchange for the actual pass upon arrival in Japan, presenting their passport and the order at a JR exchange office.
Benefits and Usage
The primary benefit of the JR Pass is economical and convenient travel across Japan’s extensive and efficient railway network. It covers travel on all JR national trains, including some local and regional trains, and even the JR Ferry to Miyajima Island.
The high-speed bullet train.
For those planning extensive travel, such as a trip that includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido, the pass offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets. It also simplifies the travel experience, eliminating the need to purchase separate tickets for each journey.
Shibuya Station and the Japan Rail Pass collectively embody the accessibility and convenience of Japanese public transportation, enhancing the travel experience for tourists and making Japan one of the most traveller-friendly countries in the world.
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As you prepare for your flight, reflect on the blend of traditional and contemporary elements that define Japan. Each location you visited contributed a piece to the intricate mosaic of Japanese culture, history, and modernity. From the serene cherry blossoms along the Meguro River to the sensory overload of Shibuya at night, your journey has been filled with moments that capture the essence of Japan—a nation that respects its past while rapidly advancing into the future.
