Japan 5-Day Highlights
Five days for Japan's essentials: Tokyo's two faces, a Hakone or Fuji day, one Kyoto day by Shinkansen, and an Osaka finale.
Trip overview
- Tokyo plus Kyoto in five days
- One onsen day in Hakone
- Tsukiji's farewell breakfast
Best time to visit
March–May and October–November are ideal. Sakura weeks sell out — book the Kyoto night months ahead if blossoms are the goal.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Tokyo — Old East
- 🏮15:00Senso-ji at dusk
- 🍶19:00Asakusa izakaya dinner
- 🏮
Day 2 · Tokyo — Modern West
- ⛩️09:00Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
- 🌃15:00Shibuya & Shinjuku evening
- ⛩️
Day 3 · Hakone or Fuji Day
- 🚡08:00Romancecar to Hakone — ropeway & lake
- ♨️17:00Onsen hour before the train back
- 🚡
Day 4 · Kyoto Day Trip
- 🚄07:30Shinkansen to Kyoto
- ⛩️09:30Fushimi Inari's torii trails
- 🛕14:00Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama
- 🚄19:30Back to Tokyo
- 🚄
Day 5 · Center & Departure
- 🍣08:30Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast
- 🛍️12:00Ginza stroll
- ✈️16:00Airport
- 🍣
Budget
Estimated total cost: 620 USD for 5 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- March–May and October–November are ideal. Sakura weeks sell out — book the Kyoto night months ahead if blossoms are the goal.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Tokyo are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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