The Perfect Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors by Eni
14 days5 cities
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Trip Overview
Stays from
Tokyo
Itinerary
Recommended Hotels
We didn’t stay at this hotel ourselves, but friends recommended it to me! It has spacious rooms and a great location with easy access to public transport.
We didn’t stay at this hotel ourselves, but friends recommended it to me! It has spacious rooms and a great location with easy access to public transport.
Tokyo
Day trip from Tokyo
Day 1
2h 21mARRIVE IN TOKYO
Don’t plan anything major today. Your only mission: survive the jet lag and realise you’re actually in Japan. Keep your first day easy, explore your neighbourhood, visit a convenience store, try your first Japanese snack, go crazy at a gachapon shop, browse a Don Quijote, and just take it all in. No strict itinerary. No rushing. Just enjoy that first “wait… I’m actually in Japan” feeling.
Skyliner to Tokyo station
Rail
I recommend taking the Skyliner from the airport it’s super convenient and takes you straight to central Tokyo. ✨ But before you do, make sure to have your luggage delivered to your accommodation! Use Yamato Transport TA-Q-BIN. And honestly, don’t use luggage delivery just on your first day use it throughout your trip whenever you can. It’s one of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel around Japan, especially when you’re changing cities or staying in multiple accommodations.
1. Shibuya
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
💡 BEST TIP FOR FIGHTING JET LAG WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN THE MORNING: HEAD STRAIGHT TO SHIBUYA AND EXPLORE!
2. ICHIRAN Shibuya
Japan, 〒150-0041 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jinnan, 1-chōme−22−７ 岩本ビル B1F
4.4
Ichiran is a must-stop for a delicious ramen experience! 🍜🇯🇵
Tokyo
Day 2
11h 42mMODERN TOKYO
3. Meiji Jingu
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
4.7
I recommend stopping by around 8 AM, when it’s still quiet and almost empty. The temple opens at 9 AM so you can enjoy the area before the crowds arrive. And don’t forget to get a goshuincho (御朱印帳) a special book for collecting goshuin stamps from temples and shrines throughout Japan.
4. Harajuku
Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Stop at NAO CAFFEE or a delicious egg toast on your way to Harajuku! 🍳🥪 On the way there, you’ll also come across Uniqlo, so it’s the perfect little stop for breakfast and some shopping before continuing your day.
5. Shibuya Sky
Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ スクランブルスクエア 14階・45階 46階・屋上
4.6
Daily: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Shibuya Sky is especially amazing around sunset but getting tickets for this time can be quite difficult because it’s one of the most popular time slots. So if you can’t get a sunset ticket, I definitely recommend visiting Shibuya Sky in the evening instead. The city lights and views over Tokyo are still incredible.
6. WHITE GLASS COFFEE
Japan, 〒150-0031 Tokyo, Shibuya, Sakuragaokachō, 23−１８ ビジョナリーアーツ 1F
4.2
Daily: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
7. Shibuya 109
2-chōme-29-1 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
4.0
Daily: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Girls, this is basically shopping heaven. 🛍️
8. Café Ma Maison
Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya, Dōgenzaka, 2-chōme−29−１ 7F
3.4
Daily: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
They have really good carbonara and bubble tea here!
9. Shinjuku City
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
10. BRISK STAND KABUKICHO
2-chōme-11-2 Kabukichō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
4.6
Mon: 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM, Tue: 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM, and Wed-Sun: 11:30 AM - 12:30 AM
A friend recommended this to me.
Tokyo
Day 3
9h 44mFROM OLD TOKYO → NEON TOKYO
11. Nakamise Shopping Street
1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
4.3
Daily: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
I recommend visiting early in the morning ideally before 8 AM. It’s much quieter and more peaceful, so you can walk through the beautiful streets all the way to the temple without the huge crowds. Then, on your way back, the shops and food stalls will start opening the perfect time to try some delicious Japanese street food!
12. Sensō-ji
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
4.6
13. Asakusa
Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
14. Ueno
Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
A lot of people don’t know that Ueno Park is home to several small, hidden temples and shrines that are worth exploring. So don’t just stick to the main attractions take some time to wander around and discover the quieter spots tucked away in the park.
15. Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno no Mori Sakura Terrace Branch
Japan, 〒110-0007 Tokyo, Taito City, Uenokōen, 1−５４ 上野の森さくらテラス B102
4.9
Daily: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Before we head to Akihabara for the rest of the day, we need to fuel up!
16. Akihabara
Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan
Every anime fan is going to have a field day here!
17. Maidreamin Akihabara Head Store
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3-chōme−16−１７ 住吉ビル 6階
4.9
Weekdays: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM and Sat-Sun: 10:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to book it in time, so I hope I’ll get to experience it next time! But I’d definitely recommend adding it to your Japan itinerary. 💕
Kamakura
Day trip from Tokyo
Day 4
11h 13mGETAWAY FROM TOKYO
Train to Kamakura
Rail06:00
I recommend getting an early start for this one you can be in Kamakura by 8 AM and beat the crowds. 🌿⛩️
18. Cobakaba
1-chōme-13-15 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
4.3
Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Delicious traditional Japanese breakfast. Not a touristy spot at all just a small local restaurant.
Train to Kamakurakoko-Mae Station
Rail09:00
You don’t need to buy a special ticket for the Enoden Line in Kamakura you can simply use your Suica!
19. Kamakurakōkō-Mae Station
1 Chome-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0033, Japan
4.4
20. Shichirigahama
Shichirigahama, 2 Chome-1 Shichirigahamahigashi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0025, Japan
4.7
The photos here are absolutely beautiful around sunset if you wanted to do this day in reverse 🌅✨
21. Hase-dera
3-chōme-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
4.5
Daily: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
22. Kotoku-in
4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
4.4
Daily: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
23. Komachi
Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0006, Japan
24. RURU KAMAKURA
Japan, 〒248-0005 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Yukinoshita, 1-chōme−6−２８ ランプ雪ノ下 2A
4.0
Daily: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
No reservation is needed! I recommend visiting this one earlier than the popular spots in Tokyo there are usually fewer people, and we barely had to wait at all.