8-Day Japan Itinerary: Best Locations to Visit

Planning a trip to Japan? This 8-day itinerary covers the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more—perfect for Indian travellers seeking a mix of tradition, culture, and modern life. Whether it’s cherry blossom season or autumn colours, this guide helps you explore top spots with ease, including travel tips, food options, and JR Pass insights. Ready to discover Japan’s highlights in just over a week? Let’s get started!

Travel Essentials for Japan

Before you set off on your Japan adventure, here are some must-know travel tips and essentials—especially curated for Indian travellers looking for a smooth, well-organised trip.

Japan Travel Tips for Indians

• Currency: Japanese Yen (¥). Carry cash for local shops and street food. Use a travel wallet to keep your currency, cards, and receipts safe and sorted.

• Transport Cards: Get a Suica or PASMO card for metro, buses, and convenience store purchases.
• JR Pass: Ideal for intercity travel—especially between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Order online before you arrive in Japan.
• Connectivity: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or pick up a local SIM card at the airport.
• Documents: Carry your passport, visa printouts, and travel insurance. A sleek passport cover from The Black Box Co. keeps them protected and handy at all times.

Where to Stay in Japan

• Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya or Asakusa—great access and sightseeing.
• Kyoto: Gion or Kawaramachi for temples, tea houses, and a cultural vibe.
• Osaka: Namba or Umeda—ideal for street food and shopping.

Packing Smart for Japan

• Use a durable, cabin-friendly duffel bag—easy to carry on Japan’s efficient train systems.

• Pack light layers for spring/autumn, comfortable shoes, power adapters, and a compact umbrella.
• Consider travel pouches or organisers to keep your luggage neat (bonus: makes unpacking in small hotel rooms easier).

Food Tips for Indian Travellers

• Vegetarian options are available—look for signage or use the HappyCow app.
• Indian restaurants can be found in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
• Try local Japanese dishes like veggie ramen, tempura, or onigiri from convenience stores.

8-Day Japan Itinerary Breakdown

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming with so much to see. This 8-day itinerary takes the guesswork out and helps you experience the best of Japan—from dazzling cityscapes and ancient temples to breathtaking nature and unforgettable food. It’s ideal for first-time travellers from India looking for a culturally immersive yet well-paced journey.

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo – First Glimpse of Japan

• Airport: Land at Narita or Haneda International Airport. Clear immigration and pick up your pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card, pre-booked for easy connectivity.
• Travel Tip: Activate your Japan Rail (JR) Pass at the JR Office and load a Suica/PASMO card for local trains and metros.
• Check-In: Stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya, areas with easy train access, great food, and vibrant nightlife.

What to See:

• Shibuya Crossing – Capture the buzz of Tokyo at the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble.
• Hachiko Statue – A heartwarming local icon right outside Shibuya Station.
• Takeshita Street, Harajuku – Trendy fashion, street food, and souvenirs.

Optional: Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo for a surreal digital art experience or unwind at an onsen (hot spring bath) in Odaiba.

Essentials: Carry your documents, cash, and JR Pass safely using a sleek travel wallet from The Black Box Co.

Day 2: Explore Tokyo – Modern Marvels Meets Old-World Charm

• Morning: Head to Asakusa and explore the historic Senso-ji Temple. Walk down Nakamise-dori for local snacks and souvenirs.
• Midday: Visit Tokyo Skytree for sweeping city views or explore the serene Ueno Park, home to museums and seasonal cherry blossoms.
• Evening: Dive into Akihabara, Japan’s tech and anime district. Visit a maid café, shop for gadgets, or hunt down retro video games.

Dining Tip: Try vegetarian ramen or visit Indian favourites like Moti, Annam Indian Restaurant, or Vege Herb Saga.

Day 3: Day Trip – Mt. Fuji & Hakone OR Nikko

Option 1: Mt. Fuji & Hakone

• Take an early train to Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone for views of Mt. Fuji.
• Ride the Hakone Ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, and relax in a hot spring (onsen).
• Visit the Owakudani volcanic valley and try black eggs boiled in sulphur springs!

Option 2: Nikko

• Visit Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO site with intricate woodwork.
• Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, nestled in the mountains.

Return to Tokyo by evening and rest up. Use a compact duffel bag for your day-trip gear and snacks.

Day 4: Bullet Train to Kyoto – The Cultural Capital

• Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto. With the JR Pass, it takes around 2.5 hours.
• Enjoy scenic views of Mount Fuji (right-hand side window if you're headed west).
• Check in to a hotel in Gion, Kawaramachi, or Higashiyama—ideal for exploring Kyoto’s historical heart.

What to See:

• Gion District – Lantern-lit alleys, geisha spotting, and traditional tea houses.
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Famous wooden stage and panoramic city views.

Optional: Book a kimono experience or attend a tea ceremony to truly soak in Kyoto’s cultural vibes.

Day 5: Kyoto – Temples, Shrines & Natural Beauty

• Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early to walk through thousands of red torii gates.
• Midday: Head to Arashiyama for the Bamboo Grove, Monkey Park Iwatayama, and scenic riverside strolls.
• Afternoon: Visit Tenryu-ji Temple or rent a boat on the Hozugawa River.
• Evening: Stroll along Pontocho Alley and try Kyoto-style cuisine or head to an Indian restaurant like Ganga or Ajanta.

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara – A Step into Japan’s Past

• Just 1 hour from Kyoto, Nara is rich with history and natural beauty.
• Visit:
  • Nara Park – Home to over 1,000 free-roaming friendly deer.
  • Todai-ji Temple – Houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha.
  • Kasuga Taisha – A shrine lined with stone lanterns and forest paths.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and carry essentials in a crossbody bag.

Return to Kyoto by evening and unwind at a local sento (public bath) or café.

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka – Food, Street Life & Neon Lights

• Travel to Osaka (30–45 mins via JR train).
• Check in near Namba or Umeda—convenient and bustling areas.

What to Do:

• Explore Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
• Visit Kuromon Market for fresh street food.
• Head to Dotonbori at night for glowing billboards, canal walks, and the famous Glico Running Man sign.

Must-Try Foods: Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), and matcha soft serve. Prefer Indian? Try Curry House CoCo Ichibanya (vegetarian options available) or Govinda’s Vegetarian Café.

Day 8: Departure – Say Goodbye to Japan

• If time permits, visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan or shop at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.
• Head to Kansai International Airport (KIX) with ample time for check-in and duty-free shopping.

Checklist Before You Fly:

• Travel wallet with passport, JR Pass, and leftover yen
• Shopping bags packed in your carry-on duffel
• Memories, photos, and maybe a matcha kit-kat or two!

Pro Tips for a Smooth Itinerary

• Pack Light: Japan’s transport is efficient but involves walking. Use a lightweight, durable duffel bag to stay mobile.
• Stay Connected: Download Google Maps, Hyperdia, and Google Translate.
• Respect Local Culture: Be polite, follow signage, and always be on time!

Budgeting Your Japan Trip from India

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but with smart planning, it can absolutely fit within a reasonable budget. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple, or a family, here’s a breakdown of what an 8-day Japan trip could cost you—starting from India.

1. Flights from India to Japan

Round-trip flights (Economy Class): ₹45,000 – ₹70,000 per person

• Cheapest from major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru
• Book 2–3 months in advance for best fares
• Airlines: Air India, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Vistara (codeshare)

2. Accommodation (Mid-Budget)

Hotels / Ryokans / Hostels

• Tokyo: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 per night
• Kyoto: ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 per night
• Osaka: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per night

Total (for 7 nights): ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 per person (based on double occupancy)

3. Transport in Japan

• Japan Rail Pass (7-Day): Approx. ₹20,000
• IC Card (Suica/PASMO): ₹1,500–₹2,000 (for metros, buses)
• Airport Transfers: ₹1,000–₹2,500 depending on city

4. Food & Dining

Per day average spend: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000

• Convenience store meals: ₹300–₹500
• Mid-range restaurants: ₹800–₹1,500
• Indian food outlets: ₹1,000+ (set meals or thalis)

Total for 8 days: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000

5. Attractions & Experiences

• Most temples, shrines, and parks have low or free entry fees
• teamLab Planets, Tokyo Skytree, Osaka Aquarium: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 per attraction
• Optional experiences:
• Kimono rental: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000
• Tea ceremony or cultural show: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
• Mt. Fuji/Hakone tour: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000

6. Shopping & Souvenirs

• Matcha products, snacks, cosmetics, gadgets, anime merch
• Budget around ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (or more, if you're a shopaholic!)