Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
With one week, two bases is the sweet spot. You'll see the modern energy of Tokyo and the traditional heart of Kyoto without wasting time on hotel changes. Fly into Tokyo and, if you can, out of Osaka Kansai (or ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo on the last day).
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Tokyo · Shinjuku evening
Get an IC card, check in, and head to Shinjuku: the free Metropolitan Government Building observatory, then dinner in Omoide Yokocho. Early night to beat jet lag.
Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara
Sensō-ji early, Nakamise street, then Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum. Afternoon in Akihabara or Yanaka; evening river views from Asakusa or Skytree.
Harajuku, Shibuya & Shimokitazawa
Meiji Jingu in the morning, Takeshita Street and Omotesando, then Shibuya Crossing. Book Shibuya Sky for sunset. Evening in Shimokitazawa or Ebisu.
Day trip: Kamakura or Hakone
Kamakura's Great Buddha and Zen temples (easy, by JR), or a long Hakone loop for onsen and possible Fuji views. Alternatively stay in Tokyo for teamLab, Ginza and Tsukiji Outer Market.
Shinkansen to Kyoto · Higashiyama
Morning Shinkansen (about 2h15m). Forward luggage the day before if you like. Afternoon in Higashiyama: Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine; dusk in Gion and dinner in Pontocho.
Fushimi Inari, Nara half-day
Fushimi Inari at dawn, then continue on the JR Nara Line to Nara: Todai-ji, the deer park and Kasuga Taisha. Back for dinner near Nishiki Market.
Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji · depart
Early bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji, then Kinkaku-ji. Depart from Kansai Airport (Haruka express) or return to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Transport & rail pass notes
A nationwide JR Pass is unlikely to pay off for this route — a single Tokyo→Kyoto Shinkansen plus local rides usually costs less. Use IC cards in cities. If flying out of Kansai, consider the open-jaw ticket to avoid backtracking.
What to book ahead
- Shibuya Sky sunset slot
- teamLab tickets if visiting
- Kyoto hotel (especially spring/autumn)
- Shinkansen seats at weekends/holidays
Ways to adapt this route
- Swap Kamakura for Nikko if you love shrines and nature.
- Add an Osaka evening on the last day for street food in Dotonbori.
- In winter, swap Hakone for a snow day trip to GALA Yuzawa ski resort by Shinkansen.