The Perfect 5-Day Japan Travel Guide From Tokyo to Kyoto
If you’re ready to cross off some places on your Japan bucket list in a short amount of time, this is the Japan travel guide for you! This 5-day Japan itinerary takes you to some of the best places to visit in Japan without feeling too rushed.
Read on to learn exactly what to see in Japan in 5 days. I give you a full first time in Japan itinerary with Tokyo and Kyoto complete with the best tours so your Japan trip planning is stress free!
The Perfect 5-Day Japan Travel Guide From Tokyo to Kyoto
Why You Will Love Visiting Japan
My husband and I visited Japan briefly on the way to Siargao, Philippines and I’m SO glad we did even though we didn’t have a lot of time. Why?! Because we fell in love!
Japan is extremely safe, the ancient culture is largely intact and celebrated (so rare!) and it’s honestly just beautiful. From the architecture to the minimalist style and gardens, you’re going to fall in love with how it *feels* to be in Japan.
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The Perfect 5-Day Japan Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Gyoen National Garden & Shinjuku
- Day 2: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku & Akihabara
- Day 3: Bullet Train to Kyoto & Exploring
- Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nara
- Day 5: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Tea Ceremony
Japan Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Depending on when your flight arrives in Japan, you may not have a full day the first day. We arrived just before sunset so we had the perfect amount of time to check in, get cleaned up and then explore Golden Gai!
Check-in at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku 🦖
The best place to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors is at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in the heart of the Shinjuku District. This iconic Japanese hotel is famous for the giant Godzilla that’s sticking out of the side of the building! It’s a beautiful hotel with excellent city views, and it makes the perfect base for exploring Tokyo.
Book your stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku here. (Bonus: it’s on Chase Sapphire rewards if you use that travel credit card.)
Afternoon: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 🌸
After refreshing yourself, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. This huge tranquil park right in the city has beautifully landscaped gardens, traditional Japanese teahouses and cherry blossoms trees that bloom in the spring.
Stroll through the various sections of the garden, including the French Formal Garden, English Landscape Garden and the Japanese Traditional Garden. You also MUST talk a walk through the greenhouse! Exploring this greenhouse was one of my favorite parts of our time in Tokyo because it’s incredible and I saw so many plants I’ve never seen before.
Evening: Explore Shinjuku at Night 🍶🏮
As night falls, Shinjuku transforms into a dazzling spectacle of neon lights and lanterns. Start your evening by exploring Omoide Yokocho, also known as “Memory Lane,” where you can find tiny izakayas serving delicious yakitori and other local delicacies. After enjoying a meal, make your way to Golden Gai, a famous nightlife area known for its narrow alleys lined with tiny bars, each with its own unique theme and character. Here, you can sip on cocktails or local sake while mingling with locals and fellow travelers in an intimate setting.
I highly recommend doing this pub crawl of Golden Gai if you want to have the time of your life and get access to hidden izakayas.
Golden Gai is a fantastic place to experience Tokyo’s vibrant bar culture, where you can find everything from jazz bars to themed establishments. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration. Your night will likely end in Golden Gai if you’re drinking, but if not, take a walk through the bustling streets of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s famous entertainment district. You can enjoy karaoke, visit themed cafés or just soak in the lively atmosphere.
Japan Itinerary Day 2: Discovering Tokyo (And Totoro)
Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
After a good night’s rest, start your second day in the Land of the Rising Sun with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest. After your visit, head to quirky Harajuku. Explore the vibrant streets of Takeshita-dori, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and sample delicious crepes.
Afternoon Option 1: Akihabara & Ueno Park
Next, make your way to Akihabara, the mecca for electronics and otaku culture. Browse through countless shops selling anime merchandise, video games and gadgets. Don’t forget to visit a themed café, like a maid café, for a unique dining experience. Afterward, head to Ueno Park, where you can visit museums, enjoy street food and relax by the pond. If you have time, consider visiting the Tokyo National Museum or the Ueno Zoo.
If you really want to have the time of your life, book a Go Cart Tour of Akihabara to see the best of this district with a guide and IN A GO CART!
Afternoon Option 2: Ghibli Museum or Totoro’s Forest
If you’re a lover of Studio Ghibli (🙋♀️) and plan far enough in advance, you just might get tickets to the only official Ghibli museum in the world. This amazing museum has exhibits from all the biggest Studio Ghibli films and is often referred to as “Japanese Disney”.
Unfortunately we went to Japan last minute and all the tickets were sold out. If you’re planning on going, this Reddit thread has great insight into the ticket buying process. Alternatively, you can get tickets through this extensive Studio Ghibli tour that included tickets!
For something much more unique and off the beaten path, head to Totoro’s Forest in Samaya Hills. We did this kind of last minute and without much of a plan and had a really peaceful day walking through the forest and seeing the countryside houses of Japan. There’s not much going on in this area so just know that it’s a pretty low-key outing.
To get to Totoro’s Foest, you take a train to Seibu-Kyūjō-mae station and from there you can explore the area on foot. This blog post has all the information you could need on visiting Totoro’s Forest!
Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku & Observation Deck 🍜
Return to Shinjuku in the evening for a dinner of sushi, shabu shabu (hot pot) or ramen. If you don’t feel like hunting around for a restaurant, this food tour in Shinjuku ensures you don’t miss the best of Japanese food!
Psst, sushi enthusiasts: you can book a private sushi making class with a master chef here.
After your meal, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a stunning view (that’s free!) of the city skyline from the observation deck. On a clear night, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance!
Pro Tip: Make reservations in advance for the best restaurants in Tokyo and especially Kyoto, or you likely won’t be able to get in.
Japan Itinerary Day 3: Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto
Morning: Depart Tokyo for Kyoto 🚅
On your third day, wake up early to catch the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. The Tokyo Kyoto bullet train price is approximately $90 USD. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and you can enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way. Be sure to eat breakfast at the hotel or grab a bento box from the train station to enjoy during your ride.
You can buy your Tokyo Kyoto train ticket at the station and this guide from Seat 61 tells you everything you need to understand train travel in Japan.
Afternoon: Check-in at a Traditional Ryokan 👘
Upon arrival in Kyoto, check in at Ishibekoji Muan, a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), for the most amazing cultural experience. Ryokans feature tatami-matted rooms, traditional futon bedding and elaborate baths. Book Ishibekoji Muan ryokan here.
Read more about our amazing stay at this hidden gem right in Gion here.
For a more all-inclusive cultural ryokan experience, I recommend booking a stay through Wabunka, like this ryokan stay that includes a class on forging your own Japanese knife.
If the ryokans are all booked up (like most were on our visit) or they are out of your budget, you’ll love staying at Tomoya Residence Hotel in Kyoto. We stayed here for two nights before our ryokan stay and absolutely loooved it. The rooms are spacious and stunning, staff is so kind and there are bicycle rentals.
Evening: Wander Old Town Kyoto & Have Dinner 👹
Once you’re settled in, wander through the streets of Higashiyama (Old Town Kyoto). There are tons of cute shops (including a Studio Ghibli shop with a giant Totoro!), cafes and restaurants. Be sure to walk up the hill to Yasaka Pagoda, a 6th-century temple that’s still standing.
We also loved exploring the Kenninji Temple in Kyoto. There are beautiful zen gardens, traditional Japanese rooms and a famous painting on dragons on the ceiling.
If you don’t want to miss a thing, book this private walking tour to see the best of Kyoto without wasting time with directions.
After exploring to your heart’s content, find a traditional restaurant and indulge in the best Japanese cuisine!
Japan Travel Guide Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Nara
Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha ⛩️
Wake up early to hop on the train and visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The hike to the top of the mountain takes about 2-3 hours, but you can choose to explore as much or as little as you like. The stunning views and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit destination.
Read my guide on Visiting Fushimi Inari Shine for tips on getting the best photos and beating the crowds.
Afternoon: Lunch, Nara Park & Temples 🦌
When you’re done with Fushimi Inari Shrine, take a short train ride to Nara. Here you can see some of Japan’s oldest temples and free-roaming deer! Grab lunch then walk over to Nara Park, where you can feed the gentle deer and take photos.
Next, head to Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a giant bronze Buddha statue. The temple’s intricate architecture and calming atmosphere make it a must-visit Japanese temple. Afterward, visit Kasuga-taisha, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for hundreds of stone lanterns and lush forested surroundings.
Evening: Bicycle Along the Kamo River & Get Dinner 🚲
Once you’re back at your hotel in Kyoto, rent a bicycle and ride along the Kamo River that runs right through Kyoto. It’s so peaceful taking in the scenery and all the locals relaxing along the river bank at sunset.
Return your bicycles or find a legal place to park them (so they don’t get towed like ours) and eat dinner at our favorite Kyoto restaurant: Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu.
This spot has matcha beer, people! And the wagyu gyukatsu is the most delicious meal. You get a plate of sliced and breaded wagyu beef that you cook over a hot pot and dip in like 7 sauces. It’s to die for! Plus, it’s right around the corner from Ishibekoji Muan, making it super convenient spot if you stay there.
Japan Travel Guide Day 5: Bamboo Forest & Tea Ceremony
Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 🎋 🍣
Start your day with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a gasp-worthy forest of towering bamboo stalks. As you begin the walk to the forest, don’t miss out on Okochi Sanso Garden—a stunning traditional garden that’s quiet and away from the crowds.
Walking through the grove feels like stepping into another world! While the bamboo grove is cool, my favorite part about this Japan itinerary stop was walking along the Katsura River afterward. It’s just so beautiful and SO JAPAN.
Grab a sushi lunch at a local eatery before heading back to Kyoto. We loved the fresh fish sushi we ate at Sushi Naritaya. It’s right in the main shopping area not far from the river so it’s a convenient stop as you make your way back to the train.
Afternoon: Relaxing Back in Kyoto 😌
Once you’re back in Kyoto, spend some time relaxing in the bath at your ryokan, walking around or taking a nap.
Evening: Traditional Tea Ceremony Back in Kyoto & Dinner 🍵
In the evening, participate in a traditional tea ceremony where you’ll learn all about the art of tea preparation and the significance of tea in Japanese culture. Enjoy the calming atmosphere as you sip matcha tea and savor traditional sweets. Book a traditional tea ceremony in an exclusive, 160-year-old tea room here.
Enjoy the finest Japanese ingredients and presentation in a kaiseki meal for your farewell dinner. This traditional, multi-course is sure to leave an impression for your last night in Japan!
How Many Days Do You Need in Japan?
If you’re only visiting Tokyo and Kyoto, like we did, I’d recommend 5-10 days. This gives you enough time to experience both the modern energy of Tokyo and the traditional charm of Kyoto without feeling like you’re constantly rushing between attractions. I think spending around 3-5 days in Tokyo and 3–4 days in Kyoto strikes the perfect balance.
Here’s a quick guide based on your trip length:
5–6 days: A fast-paced trip. Spend 3 days in Tokyo and 2–3 days in Kyoto, focusing on the major highlights. This is what we did and while I would have preferred more time we still got to see a lot and I didn’t feel rushed.
7–8 days: The sweet spot for most travelers. You’ll have time to explore different neighborhoods in Tokyo, visit iconic temples and shrines in Kyoto, and still leave room for great food and spontaneous discoveries.
10+ days: A more relaxed pace. You can revisit your favorite areas, take your time exploring each city, and even add a day trip from Tokyo (like Hakone or Kamakura) or Kyoto (like Uji Nara) if you want.
If it’s your first trip to Japan, I wouldn’t try to squeeze in too many destinations. Tokyo and Kyoto offer completely different experiences and give an excellent introduction to Japan. Slowing down and fully enjoying these two cities is often far more rewarding than spending your vacation checking into new hotels and rushing to catch trains!
What Is Japan Known For?
Japan is known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern cities. On this itinerary, you’ll experience everything from Tokyo’s vibrant food scene and neon-lit streets to Kyoto’s peaceful temples, historic districts and zen gardens. Along the way, you’ll discover incredible Japanese cuisine, rich cultural traditions, centuries-old shrines and stunning scenery. It’s this mix of unique foods, ancient history and unforgettable landscapes that makes Japan such a memorable destination.
Why Should You Visit Japan?
Whether you’re doing a Japan honeymoon, solo trip or family vacation, you’re going to see the most iconic Japan travel destinations with this 5 days in Japan itinerary. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, this trip offers a perfect balance of must-do Japan experiences and traditional culture!
