Japan in 5 Days: 3 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Japan
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- Tyler. P
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- Anthea. A
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Japan 5-day itinerary options
Don't just take our word for it. Here are some of our 5-day Japan itinerary suggestions you can consult.
Itinerary #1: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Nara Essentials
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a day of exploration | City sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Transfer from the capital city to Hakone via train, spend a leisurely day | Leisure |
| Day 3 | Catch the bullet train to Kyoto and go sightseeing | City sightseeing |
| Day 4 | Embark on a day trip to Nara via express train, returning later to Kyoto | Outdoor exploration |
| Day 5 | Travel back to Tokyo on the bullet train |
Iconic cities, landscapes backdropped by Mount Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and historical monuments. This itinerary will take you from Tokyo to Hakone to Kyoto to Nara. Fill up on the capital’s famous landmarks, like Tokyo Skytree, Sensō-ji, Kabukicho district and the Ghibli Museum. Using the inclusive Hakone Freepass, ride the cable car and take in the views of the country’s famous snow-capped giant. Hakone onsen baths are highly recommended. Then, traveling at lightning speed on a bullet train, uncover Kyoto’s delights, including the old townhouses, cobbled alleyways, and mesmerizing Bamboo Forest. Next up is Nara, a temple-hopping playground where eight temples and shrines await. Finally, take a bullet train back to Tokyo from Kyoto to conclude your Japan trip.
Itinerary #2: Iconic Cities, UNESCO Sites and Traditions
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Say hello to the Japanese capital and explore Shinjuku district | City sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Enjoy a tour of Tokyo | City sightseeing |
| Day 3 | Catch the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto for a day of temple visits | Temple visits |
| Day 4 | Travel to Nara for temple tours, continue onward to Osaka | Temple visits |
| Day 5 | Say goodbye in Osaka |
It’s time to tick off some of your Japanese dream list items: The Imperial Palace, Meiji Temple, Kinkaku-ji “Golden Pavilion,” Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Isuien Garden and Osaka Castle! These 5 days in Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto overflow with activities like temple-hopping, day trips and tours of the country’s most treasured sites. You’ll begin in Japan’s capital city, you will deep dive into Tokyo’s rich medley of culture on a guided tour. Continue to Kyoto, where geisha traditions run strong, for an extensive sightseeing tour. Day four is dedicated to exploring Nara en route to Osaka — the street food capital of Japan. Your last evening ends on a high note, experiencing the city’s famed nightlife scene.
Talk to our local experts for a personalized Japan tour similar to the one above.
Itinerary #3: Onsens, Samurai Experiences and Museums
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Land in Tokyo and get acquainted with the megacity | City sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Visit major sightseeing hotspots including a cruise on Tokyo Bay and discover Asakusa | Cruise |
| Day 3 | Rise in Tokyo and head to Kamakura | City sightseeing |
| Day 4 | Travel to the Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba (Healing Village) and Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Back to Tokyo | Cultural sightseeing |
| Day 5 | Time to say sayōnara |
Eat, shop, play and sightsee your way through the Big Mikan during 5 days in Tokyo and its nearby wonders. The first two days are all about the capital city, visiting cultural hubs, famous districts and must-see Shinto shrines. Then, we are off to the epicenter of medieval Japan: Kamakura. Unwind with a classic onsen bath experience and get dressed in traditional Yukata robes for a Kaiseki feast. Learn about the history of the revered Samurai at a recreated Japanese Healing Village (plenty dress ups and photo ops included). The Itchiku Museum is filled with artistic textiles, views of Mount Fuji and a tea room for tastings. The tour ends in Tokyo. See all cultural tours in Japan.
Planning an itinerary to Japan for 5 days?
Whether it’s Kyoto, Tokyo or Osaka (or all three) that’s tugging on your travel strings, these 5-day Japan itinerary plans guarantee a satisfying holiday rich in history, culture and traditions. One of the biggest blessings is the country’s amazingly quick bullet train. Choose to travel around using this high-speed transport system (where feasible), hire a car or even embark on a motorbike adventure. Alternatively, join one of our guided trips to Japan or connect with our local travel experts for a personalized itinerary to Japan.
Still debating how many days to stay in Japan? Check out our itinerary suggestions for 10 days and 2 weeks in Japan.
More information:
What to do in Japan
4 days in Japan
6 days in Japan
7 days in Japan
When to visit Japan
