Most first-timers find 10–14 days the sweet spot: enough for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and a couple of day trips without rushing. Here's what fits into different trip lengths.
5 days
Pick one or two bases: Tokyo with a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko, or Kyoto and Osaka with Nara. Don't try to do both regions — travel days eat into short trips.
7 days
Tokyo (3 nights) + Kyoto (3 nights) with a day trip to Nara and an evening in Osaka. See our itineraries.
10 days
Tokyo (4) + Hakone or Kawaguchiko (1) + Kyoto (3) + Osaka (2) with Nara and Himeji day trips.
14 days
The classic route plus Hiroshima and Miyajima, or Kanazawa, or the Japanese Alps (Takayama, Shirakawa-go). See our 14-day classic itinerary.
3 weeks or more
Add a region: Hokkaido, Kyushu (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima), Shikoku and the art island of Naoshima, or Tohoku (Sendai and beyond).
Rules of thumb
- Plan at least two nights in each place; three is better.
- Count arrival day as half a day — see your first day in Japan.
- Leave one unplanned day per week for rest, weather or rediscovered favourites.
- Use our region quiz if you can't decide where to go.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Japan?
Seven days is enough for Tokyo and Kyoto (with Nara or Osaka) at a reasonable pace. For more regions, aim for 10–14 days.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
Three to four full days gives a good first taste of Tokyo; add more for day trips.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: