One week in Japan Travel Guide
Visiting Japan was a dream come true and there is so much to exlore. So in this Japan travel guide I will give you an overview of the best things to do while visiting Japan for a week, making sure you donāt miss out on anything worth seeing. The scenery, culture, and vibrant life in Japan really left a long lasting impression on me and I can’t wait to share all the top spots and tips with you.
If you want to have a closer insight in our week in Japan you can watch my video here:Ā
Visiting Tokyo
When I imagined Tokyo I expected a loud, buzzling city full of skyscrapers, people and neon lights.
So it really took me by surprise how cozy and calm it felt with little cafes, quiet streets and small houses. Itās a city where old meets new in the most interesting ways, from ancient temples to towering skyscrapers. Every corner offers something unexpected, making it the perfect starting point for your Japan adventure.
There are a million things to do in Tokyo, but here are some of my highlights.
Visit the ancient Sensoji Temple
The first attraction on our week in Japan was the Sensoji Temple, in the Tokyo’s Asakusa district. It is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Founded in 628 AD it is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
If you come here make sure to bring a bit more time to explore the vibrant Nakamise Street leading to the temple. It is lined with shops selling traditional snacks (such as Mochis that I tried here in the picture!) and souvenirs. And the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive lantern is a beautiful photo spot if it’s not too crowded. Also if you’re curious about what your future holds you can draw a “omikuji” which are small paper fortunes.
Sensoji offers an interesting mix of history, culture, and bustling market life and is a perfect start for your one week in Japan!
Walk around Shibuya with its famous Shibuya Crossing
Next, we dove into the chaos of the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and most iconic pedestrian intersections worldwide and definitely something you should not miss!Ā
In general Shibuya is the perfect spot for a night out during your one week in Japan. Packed with neon lights, endless shops, and some of the best restaurants and bars, itās always buzzing with energy. Whether you’re grabbing dinner, exploring the side streets, or just soaking in the chaos of Shibuya Crossing, this area is Tokyo at its most electric.
Go up the Tokyo Skytree
Another thing we can definitely recommend during your one week in Japan is heading up the Tokyo Skytree. The panoramic views over Tokyo are absolutely insane, and if you’re lucky with the weather, you might even see Mount Fuji in the distance. It does get pretty busy, and tickets are around ā¬20, but honestly, the view is so worth it!
Visit the TeamLab Planets exhibition
My personal highlight of our time in Tokyo was the visit to the TeamLab Planets exhibition. This digital art museum offers a fantastical world where interactive installations respond to movement, blending art with modern technology in a stunning experience that is truely captivating.Ā
Visit the Snow Monkey Park / Jigokudani Yaen-Koen
Another thing we couldnāt miss during our one week in Japan was visiting the Snow Monkey Park near Nagano. Youāve probably seen pictures of these fluffy monkeys chilling in hot springs, and let me tell you itās just as magical and cute as in real life. Watching them soak in the steaming water, completely unbothered by the cold, was such a special experience. Definitely a bucket list moment for me!
How to get to the Snow Monkey Park
Getting there was relatively uncomplicated, yet hard to find information about (at least in our experience). From Tokyo, we took the Shinkansen to Nagano which takes about 1.5 hours. Then from Nagano we took an express bus to the Snow Monkey park, which took around another hour. From there, itās a 30 minute walk to the park entrance and the snow monkey spring.Ā
Visiting Kyoto
Kyoto is like stepping back in time with a modern twist, a must-visit for any Japan travel guide. It used to be Japan’s capital and is packed with old temples, but you’ll also find cool cafes and lively markets.
It’s a mix of calm, historic vibes and bustling city life, which makes wandering around here really special. Whether you’re checking out the famous bamboo forest or strolling through the historic Gion district, Kyoto offers a perfect snapshot of Japan’s rich traditions mixed with a lively, modern feel.
Discover the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
In Kyoto, our first stop was the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. It became social media famous in the last couple years for its thousands of torii gates. I honestly did not expect the shrine to be that huge, so do prepare for an 1-2 hour walk up the mountain mostly through these beautiful torii gates. Along the way you will find beautiful temples and cemeteries and at the top of the shrine you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Kyoto.
Walk around Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Another beautiful temple to check out in Kyoto at your trip to Japan is the Kiyomizu-dera. It’s nestled into the hillside with a beautiful view over the city. The temple is known for its impressive wooden terrace that extends from the main hall, making it a great spot for photos. It feels like a peaceful escape right in the city, with plenty of shrines and cozy tea shops nearby to explore.
Roam around Gion District
If you’re spending one week in Japan, we highly recommend taking some time to explore Kyotoās Gion district. Wandering through the iconic Hanamikoji Street, surrounded by traditional wooden houses and historic teahouses, feels like stepping back in time. We even got a glimpse into the geisha culture, which was super interesting. To fully soak in the atmosphere, stop by a traditional tea house for a matcha break.
Gion has such a special charm, especially in the evening when the lanterns light up the streets. Itās the perfect place to slow down and experience the old-world beauty of Kyoto.
Go to an Onsen (Hot Spring)
As the temperatures cooled, we took the opportunity to visit the onsens, or hot springs, renowned in Kyoto and the surrounding areas. These traditional Japanese baths, which are typically separated by gender and require nudity, are a deeply relaxing and authentic japanese experience. A lot of onsens also come with saunas, which, to my surprise, even had a TV.Ā
Tip: Many onsens don’t allow you to enter if you have tattoos. If that’s the case, you should look up lists of onsens that make an exception.Ā
Japanese Cuisine: Things you must try!
Japan has some of my favorite food ever (Ramen!) and no week in Japan is complete without diving into its incredible food scene. There are so many dishes to try, but here is a list of the most important ones that you definitely don’t wanna miss!
Sushi
Perhaps the most well-known Japanese dish, sushi is just simply a must-have in your one week in Japan! There are thousands of Sushi places to choose from, from “running sushi” to high-end restaurants. And even tough they were a bit slim on the vegetarian end (they often didn’t even have Avocado Maki!) the quality was undeniably good!
Ramen
In the last couple years Ramen became my absolute comfort food. For anybody who doesn’t know, Ramen is a noodle soup that consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses a lot of different toppings such as sliced pork, nori (dried seaweed), menma (bamboo shoots), eggs and green onions.
I am vegetarian and I was worried that we will not be able to find any vegetarian Ramen places, but there were a bunch and they were SO good.Ā
Onigiri
Onigiri are triangular rice balls with fillings, and I like to refer to them as the Japanese version of sandwiches.
You will find them in any 7-ELEVEN and they are super handy so we ended up grabbing these almost every day for lunch! They come with a bunch of different fillings, from salmon to pickled plum, and there are plenty of vegetarian choices too, like seaweed or seasoned tofu.
Mochi
I tried Mochi in Tokyo for the first time, and honestly, Iām still not sure how I feel about them! The soft, chewy texture is definitely unique, and while some flavors were really good (like the matcha one I am eating in the picture) others werenāt quite my thing. But theyāre such a classic Japanese treat that Iād still recommend trying them at least once, especially fresh from a local shop!
Hashimaki
We tried Hashimakis at a street stand in Kyoto and really loved them! Theyāre basically rolled savory pancakes rolled on a stick for better eating. The filling can be both meaty or vegetarian and it is topped with condiments like mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce and spring onions making them a super flavorful and fun street food snack!
Matcha tea
Matcha tea is a must-try when visiting Japan! This finely ground green tea has a rich, slightly bitter flavor and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
We highly recommend enjoying a cup in a traditional tea house, where you can truly appreciate the calming atmosphere and the art of tea preparation. If you want to take it a step further, you can even attend a tea ceremony, where matcha is prepared and served in a beautifully ritualistic way.
Even though our one week in Japan went by way too fast, it was easily one of my favorite travel destinations so far. From the crazy energy of Tokyo to the peaceful temples in Kyoto and the unforgettable snow monkeys in Nagano, the whole week felt really special. Japan completely stole my heart, and I already know Iāll be back and hopefully for a much longer trip next time.
I hope this article help you to plan your unforgettable trip to Japan!Ā
Love,Ā
Amelie