Country Itinerary
The Perfect 6-Day Japan Itinerary
Japan 🇯🇵 · Built from 57 real traveler plans · 39 spots
Japan is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 57 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 6-day plan — built around the 39+ places people actually saved, ranked by how often they show up. No filler, no tourist traps nobody bookmarks: just the spots real travelers keep choosing for Japan.
24 of these places were found in real travel videos — TikToks, Reels and YouTube guides that travelers imported into Triply — not scraped from a top-10 list. Where a spot kept showing up across creators, we say so.
This is a whole-country plan, so the days below move between places rather than circling one base. Travelers who planned Japan on Triply averaged 6 days; the stops are ordered by how often they were saved, so the first days are the ones almost nobody skips. For a single base, see the city guides for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Have 5 or 7 days instead of 6? 5-day Japan itinerary · 7-day Japan itinerary — same ranked list, cut to fit, further down this page.
6-Day Japan Itinerary
Day 1
Kyoto's most famous and iconic bamboo forest, known for its beauty but also for being very crowded, especially during peak hours.
Tokyo's oldest temple, located in the historic Asakusa district, featuring a large red lantern at its entrance and a long shopping street.
Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.
Day 2
Shibuya Crossing is one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, famous for its synchronized scramble crossing where thousands of people cross simultaneously from all directions. It is a vibrant symbol of modern Tokyo.
Explore Kyoto's 'Kitchen,' a lively covered market offering an incredible array of local foods, produce, and culinary delights.
Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a vast forest that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Visitors can witness traditional rituals and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 3
Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the sacred mountain, a truly popular and scenic experience.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant entertainment district known for its dazzling neon lights, street food, and lively atmosphere.
A large public park in Nara, home to hundreds of wild sika deer that are considered messengers of the gods. Visitors can feed the deer special crackers, making for a unique and interactive experience, especially enjoyable in the daytime.
A majestic castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century, surrounded by a beautiful park.
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, especially during cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
Day 4
Takeshita Street is a vibrant pedestrian shopping street in Harajuku, famous for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and shops catering to youth fashion and pop culture. It is a popular spot for people-watching and experiencing Tokyo's youth scene.
Pontocho Alley is a narrow, atmospheric alleyway running parallel to the Kamo River, lined with traditional wooden buildings housing a variety of restaurants and bars. It is particularly enchanting in the evening.
Day 5
A 360-degree open-air observation deck located on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, offering panoramic views of Tokyo, including Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and sometimes Mount Fuji.
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, offering wide lawns, ponds, and forested areas perfect for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities. It is a popular spot for locals to gather, especially on weekends.
Explore the volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs, famous for its black eggs cooked in the natural hot pools.
Day 6
Explore the former site of Edo Castle, offering a glimpse into Japan's imperial past with beautiful gardens and historical ruins.
Hand-cut soba noodles made with domestically sourced buckwheat in a leafy riverside locale.
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, characterized by traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and restaurants. It is an area where visitors might catch a glimpse of geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) walking through the streets.
5-Day Japan Itinerary
Short on time? These are the 25 places travelers save most, in 5 days: skip the rest without regret.
- Day 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Senso-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji → Tokyo Skytree → Ueno Park
- Day 2: Shibuya Crossing → Tenryu-ji Temple → Tokyo National Museum → Nishiki Market → Meiji Jingu
- Day 3: Fushimi Inari-taisha → Dotonbori → Nara Park → Osaka Castle → Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Day 4: Takeshita Street → Pontocho Alley → Nakamise-dori Street → Todai-ji Temple → Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Day 5: Ichiran Shibuya → Ichiran Ramen Ueno → Shibuya Sky → Yoyogi Park → Owakudani
7-Day Japan Itinerary
With 7 days you get past the headline sights into the places people only reach on a longer Japan trip. Days 7–7 are the extra stops.
- Day 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Senso-ji Temple → Kinkaku-ji → Tokyo Skytree → Ueno Park
- Day 2: Shibuya Crossing → Tenryu-ji Temple → Tokyo National Museum → Nishiki Market → Meiji Jingu
- Day 3: Fushimi Inari-taisha → Dotonbori → Nara Park → Osaka Castle → Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Day 4: Takeshita Street → Pontocho Alley → Nakamise-dori Street → Todai-ji Temple → Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Day 5: Ichiran Shibuya → Ichiran Ramen Ueno → Shibuya Sky → Yoyogi Park → Owakudani
- Day 6: Gion Karyo → Imperial Palace East Garden → Shinsekai → Arashiyama Yoshimura → Gion
- Day 7: Ginza → Lake Ashi → Ginza Wako → Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street → Omoide Yokocho
Top Things to Do in Japan
- Senso-ji Temple — ★ 4.6 (saved by 33 travelers)Tokyo's oldest temple, located in the historic Asakusa district, featuring a large red lantern at its entrance and a long shopping street.
- Kinkaku-ji — ★ 4.6 (saved by 27 travelers)Historic, tranquil temple with a gold-leaf facade set amid landscaped gardens & a reflecting pond.
- Tokyo Skytree — ★ 4.4 (saved by 26 travelers)World's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower with an observation deck boasting 360-degree views.
- Shibuya Crossing — ★ 4.5 (saved by 22 travelers)Shibuya Crossing is one of the world's busiest pedestrian intersections, famous for its synchronized scramble crossing where thousands of people cross simultaneously from all directions.
- Tenryu-ji Temple — ★ 4.5 (saved by 21 travelers)
- Tokyo National Museum — ★ 4.5 (saved by 21 travelers)
- Meiji Jingu — ★ 4.6 (saved by 18 travelers)Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a vast forest that provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
- Fushimi Inari-taisha — ★ 4.6 (saved by 18 travelers)Walk through thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding up the sacred mountain, a truly popular and scenic experience.
Where to Eat in Japan
- Pontocho Alley — ★ 4.5
- Ichiran Shibuya — ★ 4.4
- Ichiran Ramen Ueno — ★ 4.3
- Gion Karyo — ★ 4.4
- Arashiyama Yoshimura — ★ 4.2
Japan Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Japan?
Most travelers planning Japan on Triply spend about 6 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Senso-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji — without rushing. This page also has 5-day and 7-day versions of the same plan.
What are the top things to do in Japan?
Based on 57 real Japan itineraries, the most-saved spots are Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Senso-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji, Tokyo Skytree, Ueno Park, Shibuya Crossing.
Where should I eat in Japan?
The most-saved places to eat in Japan are Pontocho Alley, Ichiran Shibuya, Ichiran Ramen Ueno, Gion Karyo, Arashiyama Yoshimura.
Is Japan worth visiting?
Japan is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 57 traveler itineraries covering 39+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 6-day trip.
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