Japan 🇯🇵 6 Day First-Timer’s Itinerary (Budget-Friendly)

Start your trip off in Tokyo, the largest city in the world! Head to Shibuya Scramble Crossing and watch as thousands of people cross this massive intersection (and walk through it yourself!). You can get a great view of the action from the Starbucks overlooking the crossing.

Nearby, go to Shibuya Sky for a great view of Tokyo. The city sprawls as far as the eye can see, only stopped by the mountains and the ocean. On a clear day, you’ll have views of Mount Fuji!

I recommend doing a free walking tour to get a better understanding of Tokyo. I did the Harajuku Meiji Shrine tour with Tokyo Localized and learned so much about the cultural history of Japan. Since the tour is free to sign up, you’re expected to tip what you feel is fair at the end.

Here’s the link for the free walking tour: https://www.tokyolocalized.com/

Finish the night with one of the most “only in Japan” experiences: go karting through the streets of Tokyo! You can dress up and live out your real-life Mario Kart dreams. Note: you must bring an International Drivers Permit (IDP) in order to participate.

Sign up for the Go Kart tour here: https://viator.tpx.lt/2K2Gj2wT

Start your day off by visiting the Imperial Palace and Senso-Ji temple and then walking to the Tokyo SkyTree. Here you can get another view from above the city and explore the connected mall. There are also tons of restaurants inside and plenty of great places to eat.

Afterwards, make your way to teamLab Planets for a truly incredible immersive art experience. I’m usually not a big art person but this was VERY cool and fun for all ages.

If you have time, stop by the iconic Tokyo Tower before heading to Ginza for a food tour. Japanese food is so much more than just ramen and sushi and this tour will show you the best stuff. I promise you’ll leave full and happy!

Here’s the link to the food tour we did: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/tours/allstar/

On day 3, escape the city and the crowds for the peace of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding lakes. This day really is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern Japan.

After taking the train out to Kawaguchiko Station, we met up with our private local guide to take us around the area, away from the touristy photo spots and instead discovered local temples and hidden gems. This day turned out to be the surprise highlight of our Japan trip!

At the end of the day, before we headed back to the train station, our guide took us to a local store run by one of his friends that sells Koshu Inden deer leather goods. These incredible pieces are pricey but very high quality, beautiful, and durable. We each bought a wallet and they’ve held up incredibly well for the past 3 years.

I cannot recommend this tour enough: https://viator.tpx.lt/BeQDhxAU

After you return to Tokyo, head to Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley) to see the narrow lantern-lit street and stop in at one of the small bars and restaurants for dinner.

It’s time to say goodbye to Tokyo and catch a bullet train southwest to Kyoto. Kyoto has retained much of its ancient charm, in part because it was spared from bombing during WWII. Compared to Tokyo’s modern flare, Kyoto is like stepping into the past.

Upon arrival, head to the sprawling Imperial Palace on your way to Ninenzaka street. Here you’ll find a Starbucks located in a traditional Japanese house with tatami mat seating (be careful if you’re tall!).

Then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates). Here you will walk through thousands of red torii gates. If you’re up for a hike, the path will take you all the way to the top of a hill. It is a bit strenuous, but there are several shops selling water and snacks along the way.

End the day at Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Temple due to the gold-leaf that covers the exterior.  

On day 5, get an early start and head to Arashiyama Monkey Park. Here you’ll get to walk up a mountain surrounded by snow monkeys who roam freely. If you want, you can even feed them!

When you’re done, you can continue walking to the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is one of the top sights in Kyoto. This short path will have you forgetting that you’re in the middle of a city!

To continue with today’s theme of “nature in a city,” take the train out to Nara and visit the famous deer park. Here, you can feed the deer and some of them will even bow to you to ask for food! Be careful though, as some of the deer can be a bit aggressive.

Finish off your time in Kyoto with a free walking tour. You’ll be able to learn more about Kyoto’s role in Japanese history - it used to be capital and was one of the most isolated parts of the country from foreigners.

This is the free walking tour I recommend: https://www.kyotolocalized.com/

For your last day, take the train to Osaka and then head out to the nearby city of Kobe for an iconic meal of Kobe beef in Kobe, Japan. It really doesn’t get much better! 🥩 Note: a reservation is required!

Then head back to Osaka to check out the sights before finishing your trip with a short hike at Minoh Falls in the outskirts of the city.

I recommend spending the night in Osaka and flying home the next day. You can either fly out of Osaka or take the bullet train back to Tokyo to catch a flight.