Japan 6-Day Itinerary: How to See Tokyo & Kyoto in One Week

Only have 6 days in Japan? Don't worry - you can still experience the best of this incredible country.

Six days isn't enough to see "everything," but that's not the goal. The goal is to experience Japan deeply rather than rushing through a checklist. This itinerary focuses on Tokyo and Kyoto - the two cities that best capture Japan's unique blend of ultra-modern and ancient traditional culture.

In this guide, you'll get:

• A realistic day-by-day itinerary for Tokyo (3 days) and Kyoto (2.5 days)
• No Osaka - we'll explain why skipping it makes sense for 6 days
• Practical tips on transport, budget, and pacing
• Honest advice on what to skip (and what you'll regret missing)

Let's make every day count.

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Can You Really See Japan in 6 Days?

Short answer: Yes, but with the right expectations.

What 6 days CAN give you:

• Tokyo's electric energy: Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Akihabara
• Kyoto's timeless beauty: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, traditional Gion
• A taste of Japanese food culture: sushi, ramen, kaiseki
• Understanding of the contrast between modern and traditional Japan

What 6 days CAN'T give you:

• Osaka (save it for your next trip)
• Rural Japan (no time for Hokkaido, Okinawa, or countryside)
• Deep exploration of any single area
• Leisurely, unplanned wandering days

The key principle: Quality over quantity. You'll remember 3 amazing experiences far better than 10 rushed ones.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary Overview

Day	City	Highlights
Day 1	Tokyo	Arrival + Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine
Day 2	Tokyo	Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara
Day 3	Tokyo → Kyoto	Tsukiji Market, Ginza, Evening Shinkansen
Day 4	Kyoto	Fushimi Inari (early!), Gion, Kiyomizu-dera
Day 5	Kyoto	Arashiyama Bamboo, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Day 6	Kyoto	Nishiki Market + Departure

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Days 1-3: Tokyo

Day 1: Arrival + Shibuya, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival

Most international flights arrive midday. After clearing immigration:

• From Narita: 60-90 min to central Tokyo (Narita Express ~$30 or Skyliner ~$25)
• From Haneda: 30-45 min (Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line ~$5-8)

Tip: Stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku - central, well-connected, and great for first-timers.

Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Meiji Shrine & Harajuku

Start with serenity before the chaos:

Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu):

• Japan's most famous Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji
• Walk through the massive torii gate and forested pathway
• Free admission, open sunrise to sunset
• Time needed: 45 min - 1 hour

Harajuku (right next to Meiji Shrine):

• Takeshita Street: Teen fashion, crepes, quirky shops
• Cat Street: More sophisticated boutiques and cafes
• Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées - luxury brands, beautiful architecture

Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Shibuya

Walk from Harajuku to Shibuya (15 min) or take 1 stop on JR Yamanote:

• Shibuya Crossing: World's busiest intersection. Experience it from street level first, then view from above:
  • Shibuya Sky observation deck ($18) - best at sunset
  • Starbucks 2F - free with drink purchase
• Hachiko Statue: The famous loyal dog
• Shibuya Center-Gai: Neon-lit entertainment street

Dinner: Try Ichiran (solo ramen booths) or conveyor belt sushi at Genki Sushi

Jet lag tip: You'll be tired. This schedule is intentionally light - see the highlights, then sleep early.

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Day 2: Asakusa, Ueno & Akihabara

Morning (7:30 AM - 11:00 AM): Asakusa

Tokyo's most traditional neighborhood. Go early to beat crowds:

Senso-ji Temple:

• Tokyo's oldest temple (founded 628 AD)
• Walk through Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) - THE iconic photo
• Browse Nakamise Shopping Street - 250m of traditional snacks and souvenirs
• The temple is free and open 24/7; shops open ~9-10 AM

Must-try street food:

• Melon-pan (sweet bread)
• Ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes)
• Age-manju (fried sweet buns)

Time needed: 2-2.5 hours

Late Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Ueno

Take the subway from Asakusa (10 min):

Choose ONE based on interest:

Option A - Nature: Ueno Park

• Beautiful gardens, temples, and shrines
• Great for a relaxing walk
• Free

Option B - Culture: Tokyo National Museum

• Japan's oldest and largest museum
• World-class collection of Japanese art
• $7 admission, 2-3 hours needed

Option C - Quirky: Ameyoko Market

• Bustling street market under the train tracks
• Fresh seafood, clothes, snacks
• Free to browse

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Akihabara

Take the JR Yamanote Line (5 min from Ueno):

Welcome to Electric Town - anime, manga, gaming, and electronics paradise:

• Yodobashi Camera: 8-floor electronics megastore
• Animate / Mandarake: Anime and manga merchandise
• Super Potato: Retro gaming heaven
• Maid Cafes: Uniquely Japanese experience (~$25-30 for set course)
• Game Centers: Crane games, rhythm games, arcades

Time needed: 3-4 hours (more if you're into anime/gaming)

Evening: Your Choice

Options:

• Return to Shibuya/Shinjuku for dinner
• Explore Akihabara at night (the neon is impressive)
• Try a themed restaurant (robot restaurant, ninja restaurant, etc.)

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Day 3: Tsukiji, Ginza & Evening Train to Kyoto

Important: This is your travel day. Pack your bags and check out, but most hotels will store luggage for free.

Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Tsukiji Outer Market

The famous tuna auction moved to Toyosu, but Tsukiji Outer Market is still THE place for:

• Fresh sushi breakfast: Skip the 3-hour waits at famous spots. Try Sushi Zanmai, Yamazaki, or any shop with a short line
• Street food: Grilled scallops, oysters, tamagoyaki (sweet omelet), mochi
• Atmosphere: Narrow alleys, vendors shouting, the smell of fresh seafood

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Late Morning (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Ginza

Walk from Tsukiji (15 min) or take the Metro (1 stop):

Ginza Highlights:

• Ginza Chuo-dori: Tokyo's most upscale shopping street
• Uniqlo Ginza: 12-floor flagship - worth visiting even if you don't buy
• Itoya: 12 floors of Japanese stationery (great for unique souvenirs)
• Department store basements (depachika): Incredible food halls

Lunch: Eat in a depachika or try tempura/soba in the area

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Free Time / Last Tokyo Activity

Options based on interest:

• teamLab Planets (Toyosu, 25 min from Ginza) - immersive digital art, book ahead
• Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree - city views
• Shopping - pick up last-minute items
• Rest - recharge before the journey

Evening (5:00 PM): Shinkansen to Kyoto

Pick up your luggage and head to Tokyo Station:

• Tokyo → Kyoto: 2 hours 15 min by Nozomi Shinkansen
• Cost: ~$130 one-way
• Tip: Reserve a seat on the right side (E seats) for potential Mt. Fuji views
• Dinner: Grab an ekiben (train bento) at Tokyo Station - the selection is incredible

Arrive Kyoto: ~7:30 PM

Check into your hotel (recommend staying near Gion or Kyoto Station).

Evening in Kyoto: Light walk around your neighborhood or rest for tomorrow's early start.

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Days 4-5: Kyoto

Day 4: Fushimi Inari, Gion & Kiyomizu-dera

Early Morning (6:30 AM - 9:30 AM): Fushimi Inari Shrine

This is the highlight of Kyoto - 10,000+ vermillion torii gates winding up a mountain.

Why go early?

• Sunrise light through the gates is magical
• Virtually empty before 8 AM
• By 10 AM, it's packed with tour groups

Getting there: JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (5 min, $1.50)

The hike:

• To first viewpoint: 30-45 min
• Full mountain loop: 2-3 hours
• Recommendation: At least go to the first viewpoint (Yotsutsuji intersection)

Cost: Free, open 24/7

Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Rest & Lunch

Return to your hotel or explore the area around Fushimi. You've earned a break.

Lunch suggestion: Try kitsune udon (udon with sweet fried tofu) - a Kyoto specialty

Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Gion District

The heart of traditional Kyoto:

• Hanamikoji Street: Wooden machiya houses, tea houses, the geisha district
• Spot a Geiko/Maiko: Best chances are early evening (5-6 PM) as they head to appointments
• Yasaka Shrine: Beautiful shrine at the end of Shijo Street
• Shinbashi Street: Picturesque willow-lined canal

Important etiquette: Don't chase or block geisha for photos. Respect their space.

Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:30 PM): Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Walk from Gion (20 min uphill through charming streets):

• Kiyomizu-dera: "Pure Water Temple" - famous for its wooden stage with city views
• Higashiyama streets: Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka - traditional lanes with shops, cafes
• Cost: $4
• Best time: Late afternoon for golden hour light

Evening: Dinner in Gion

Options:

• Splurge on kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal)
• Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) - a Kyoto specialty
• Walk along Pontocho alley for atmospheric riverside dining

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Day 5: Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arashiyama

Go early! The bamboo grove is overcrowded by 10 AM.

Getting there: JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station (15 min, $2.50)

Must-see:

Bamboo Grove:

• Free, open 24/7
• Best photos: 7-8 AM with morning light filtering through
• Walk slowly, enjoy the rustling sounds

Tenryu-ji Temple:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Beautiful Zen garden with mountain backdrop
• $8 admission
• Enter through the temple for a less-crowded bamboo path exit

Togetsukyo Bridge:

• Iconic bridge over the Katsura River
• Great photo opportunity
• Free

Optional additions:

• Arashiyama Monkey Park ($5, 20-min uphill walk) - 120+ wild monkeys
• Bamboo forest romantic train (scenic railway)

Lunch in Arashiyama: Try yudofu (tofu hot pot) - the area is famous for it

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Kinkaku-ji & Northern Kyoto

Take the bus from Arashiyama (40 min) or taxi (~$15):

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion):

• Gold-leaf covered temple reflected in a mirror pond
• One of Japan's most iconic images
• $5 admission
• Time needed: 45 min - 1 hour

If time permits, add one:

Ryoan-ji (15-min walk from Kinkaku-ji):

• Famous Zen rock garden - 15 rocks in raked white gravel
• Contemplative atmosphere
• $6 admission

Nijo Castle (bus back toward central Kyoto):

• Former shogun residence
• Famous "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked on
• $8 admission

Evening: Last Night in Japan

Make it memorable:

• Return to Gion at dusk for the atmosphere
• Try a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub)
• Walk along the Kamo River
• Onsen/sento (public bath) experience

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Day 6: Nishiki Market & Departure

Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Nishiki Market

"Kyoto's Kitchen" - a 400-year-old market street:

• 5-block covered arcade with 100+ shops
• Must-try: pickles (tsukemono), mochi, matcha sweets, fresh tofu, grilled seafood
• Great for last-minute food souvenirs
• Opens around 9 AM, but some shops open earlier

Time needed: 1.5-2 hours

Then: Head to the Airport

Flying from Kansai International Airport (KIX):

• Kyoto Station → KIX: 75 min by Haruka Express ($30)
• Allow 3 hours before international flights

Flying from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM):

• Kyoto Station → Itami: 55 min by airport bus ($13)
• Domestic flights only

Flying from Tokyo (NRT/HND):

• Take Shinkansen back to Tokyo (2h 15min, ~$130)
• Then Narita Express or Skyliner to airport
• Allow 5-6 hours total

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Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Mid-Range)

Category	Daily Cost	6-Day Total
Accommodation	$80-120	$480-720
Food	$40-60	$240-360
Transportation	$25-35	$150-210
Activities	$15-25	$90-150
Miscellaneous	$10-20	$60-120
TOTAL	$170-260/day	$1,020-1,560

Major transport costs:

• Tokyo → Kyoto Shinkansen: ~$130
• Airport transfers: $30-60
• Daily transport in cities: $10-15

Note: JR Pass is NOT worth it for 6 days with only one Shinkansen ride. Buy individual tickets.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Trying to Add Osaka

"But Osaka is so close to Kyoto!"

Yes, it's only 15 minutes by train. But adding Osaka to a 6-day trip means:

• Less time in Kyoto (which deserves at least 2 full days)
• Another hotel check-in/check-out
• A packed, exhausting schedule

Save Osaka for your next trip when you have 8-10 days.

Mistake #2: Underestimating Travel Time

Google Maps says 30 minutes? Plan for 50-60.

In Japan, you need to account for:

• Walking to/from stations
• Navigating complex station layouts
• Waiting for trains
• Getting lost (it happens!)

Mistake #3: Not Booking Shinkansen Seats

During peak seasons (cherry blossom, Golden Week, autumn leaves), non-reserved cars can be PACKED.

Solution: Reserve seats in advance at JR ticket counters or online.

Mistake #4: Over-scheduling Day 1

You'll be jet-lagged. Don't plan a full day of activities right after a 12+ hour flight.

This itinerary keeps Day 1 light for a reason.

Mistake #5: Skipping Fushimi Inari Early Morning

Going at 10 AM vs 7 AM is a completely different experience. One is magical solitude; the other is fighting through crowds.

Set that alarm.

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Is Your 6-Day Itinerary Too Rushed?

This guide provides a balanced schedule, but everyone travels differently.

Warning signs your plan is too packed:

• More than 5 activities per day
• No buffer time between locations
• "Must-eat" restaurants booked for every meal
• Day trips added (Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima)

Not sure? Get your itinerary checked for free.

Our AI analyzer reviews your specific plan and tells you:

• Which days are too ambitious
• Where you've underestimated travel time
• What to cut (and what to keep)

→ Check My Japan Itinerary (Free)

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What About Nara? Osaka? Hiroshima?

Nara (45 min from Kyoto): Honestly, you could squeeze in a half-day if you sacrifice some Kyoto time. But for 6 days, we recommend focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto.

Osaka (15 min from Kyoto): Save it. Osaka deserves at least 1.5-2 days. Come back with an 8-9 day itinerary.

Hiroshima (2 hours from Kyoto): Not realistic for 6 days unless you cut Tokyo or Kyoto significantly.

Our recommendation: Do Tokyo and Kyoto well. You'll leave wanting more - and that's perfect motivation for your next Japan trip.

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Final Thoughts

Six days in Japan isn't about seeing everything. It's about experiencing the contrast that makes Japan unique:

• Tokyo: Neon lights, robot restaurants, anime shops, cutting-edge technology
• Kyoto: Ancient temples, bamboo forests, geisha districts, zen gardens

These two cities together give you the complete picture of Japan - hyper-modern and deeply traditional, existing side by side.

The best souvenirs aren't things you buy - they're moments you remember:

• The first time you see Fushimi Inari gates glowing in morning light
• Getting lost in a Tokyo backstreet and finding an amazing ramen shop
• Sitting quietly in a Kyoto temple garden
• The controlled chaos of Shibuya Crossing

Leave room for those moments. Don't over-plan.

Ready to finalize your trip?

• → Check Your Itinerary (Free AI Tool)
• → 9-Day Japan Itinerary (if you can extend your trip)

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Related Articles

• Japan 9-Day Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka Complete Guide
• Is My Japan Itinerary Too Rushed? How to Know
• ChatGPT Travel Planning: Why 90% of AI Itineraries Are Wrong

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About This Article: This 6-day Japan itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want quality over quantity. Based on real traveler feedback and tested routes.

Last Updated: January 19, 2026 Word Count: 2,420 words Reading Time: 10 minutes