Neon Tokyo and temple-filled Kyoto in one week: neighbourhoods, shrines, gardens and food stops, planned day by day with travel times.
Updated
Four days in Tokyo and three in Kyoto, with a different neighborhood or garden to walk through almost every day. Look forward to ramen near the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji by the Sumida River, and a last morning in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Per person for 7 days: a room shared by two, food, local transport and sights. Flights are extra.
Budget
$240–270
Mid-range
$460–620
Comfort
$810–950
A rough guide from typical local prices; yours depends on season and choices.
A travel eSIM gives your phone mobile data in Japan as soon as the plane touches down: maps, ride apps and messages work at the airport, with no roaming bill and no SIM card to swap. Set it up at home in a few minutes; your own number keeps working for calls and texts.
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Day 1 · Tokyo, Japan
Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen and the forest path to Meiji Shrine, browse Omotesando, then end in the tiny lantern-lit bars of Omoide Yokocho.
Your base for the next 4 nights: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Days 1 to 4 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓12:30 PM · 1.5 hours
The Narita Express (N'EX) train runs every 30–60 minutes from both terminals to Shinjuku Station. Journey takes 60 minutes, costs 3,070 yen. Skip the airport bus; the train is faster and cheaper.
1A 58-hectare park with 1,500+ cherry trees in full bloom mid-April. You'll see Yoshino cherries, weeping cherries, and locals under the blossoms. A 5-minute walk south from Shinjuku Station's south exit.
Insider tip: Enter via the south gate (closest to the station) and head straight to the French Garden area for the thickest cherry concentration and fewer crowds than the main promenade.
2A 70-hectare forest of tall cedars around Tokyo's best-known Shinto shrine, with wide gravel paths and a calm main hall. From Shinjuku Gyoen, ride the JR Yamanote Line one stop from Shinjuku to Harajuku, then walk 10 minutes.
Insider tip: The gates close around sunset (about 6 PM in April), so arrive before 5 PM and enter from the Harajuku side.
3Tokyo's elegant tree-lined avenue of design-led shops and cafes, about 1 km long. Stroll down from the Harajuku end in the late light. A 5-minute walk from Meiji Shrine's south gate.
Insider tip: Duck into the side streets of Ura-Harajuku for smaller cafes and fewer crowds.
A narrow lane of tiny smoky yakitori and noodle counters by the tracks, little changed since the post-war years. Squeeze onto a stool for skewers and a cold beer. A 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's west exit.
Insider tip: Most counters seat 6 to 10 people: if one is full, try the next. Some charge a small seating fee.
If you land early
Optional, close to your stay, before the plan above.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
2-3 hours
The 4km stretch is lined with 800 trees, and a bike lets you cover it all and escape the packed walking paths.
Book now
3 hours
You'll taste fresh sea urchin, tamago, and toro at a sushi counter run by the same family for 40 years, then walk through stalls of dried seaweed and fresh wasabi.
Book now
2.5-3 hours
This old merchant quarter has wooden buildings, tiny bars, and temples that feel untouched by central Tokyo. A guide shows you places most tourists miss.
Book nowBook a hotel or capsule in east Shinjuku, near Shinjuku Station's JR East exit. You're 10 minutes from the parks, on the main train line, and surrounded by ramen shops and izakayas for your evening.
Want more choice for your 4 nights? See everything in Shinjuku, Tokyo, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Tonkotsu broth, individual booths, no talking required. Sit, order, slurp. Classic.
Market stall food. Yakitori skewers, fresh tempura. Eat standing up, move fast.
Sweet egg omelette, fresh sashimi over rice. Quick, perfect before Meiji Shrine.
Day 2 · Tokyo, Japan
Stroll the Imperial Palace East Gardens, spend the afternoon in the Idemitsu and Mitsubishi Ichigokan museums, and finish with a bowl at Ippudo.
1Spring cherry blossoms frame stone walls, bridges and traditional landscape design. The gardens open at 9 AM and morning light is clearest. Fifteen minutes by Metro from Shinjuku: take the Marunouchi Line to Otemachi, exit C13a.
Insider tip: Arrive right at 9 AM to beat crowds. Peak blossom bloom is mid-April; check the gate's bloom forecast.
2A compact museum with Japanese ceramics, calligraphy and seasonal exhibitions. The rooftop overlooks the Imperial Palace moat in full spring colour. Seven minutes' walk from the gardens; head south past the moat to the office towers in Chiyoda.
Insider tip: Entry is 1,100 yen. Skip the gift shop downstairs; the real view is upstairs near the cafe.
3A restored 1894 brick building housing rotating art and design shows. The ground floor gallery and courtyard are free to enter, and the building itself is worth a look. Eight-minute walk from Idemitsu, heading west toward the old city centre.
Insider tip: Free entry to the courtyard and ground floor. Paid exhibitions upstairs run 1,500–2,000 yen; this month check what's on.
4Tonkotsu ramen with silky pork broth cooked for hours. Counter seating, quick service, and honest bowls that won't break the budget. Two minutes' walk from Mitsubishi Ichigokan, near Otemachi Station. Order the Akamaru Shinboshi: regular noodles, egg and pork belly.
Insider tip: Lunch rush is 12–1 PM, then again at 5–6 PM. Come at 2 PM to walk straight in. Budget 950 yen.
5Free observation deck on the 45th floor with 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. On a clear April evening, you'll see cherry blossoms in parks across Tokyo and Mount Fuji in the distance. Twelve minutes by Metro from Otemachi: Marunouchi Line back to Shinjuku, exit to Tocho.
Insider tip: Golden hour starts around 5:40 PM. Arrive by 5:15 to claim a window spot before the evening rush. North observation deck has fewer crowds than south.
Tonkotsu ramen with rich pork broth. Sit at the counter, order the classic bowl.
Specialty coffee and light pastries near the Imperial Palace. Open early, quiet morning spot.
Kaiseki-style small plates with seasonal ingredients. Traditional setting, booking recommended.
Day 3 · Tokyo, Japan
Visit Senso-ji in Asakusa, walk along the Sumida River through Sumida Park, have dinner at Imasa, then spend the evening in Rikugien.
1Tokyo's oldest temple, built in 645. Arrive by 7 AM to see the grounds quiet and catch morning light on the lantern and pagoda. The 100-meter shopping arcade Nakamise opens early. From Shinjuku, take the JR Yamanote line to Taito station, then walk 5 minutes.
Insider tip: Go straight up the left side of the approach (Nakamise) to avoid the growing crowd and reach the main hall first.
2650 cherry trees line both banks of the Sumida River, peak bloom in early April. Walk the north embankment where trees arch over the water and fewer tourists gather. From Senso-ji, walk east 8 minutes to the river's edge near Azuma Bridge.
Insider tip: The east bank (away from the main road) has denser blossoms and better photo angles with the water in the frame.
3A 70-year-old ramen shop in a backstreet north of Asakusa, famous for rich tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and springy noodles. Lunch lines form by noon. A 15-minute walk from Sumida Park, northwest toward Kuramae station.
Insider tip: Order the tonkotsu ramen (900 yen); ask for a firmer noodle texture (katai) if you like it chewy.
Prefer a guide? · 1.5-2 hours
This quiet stroll garden is stunning in April and far less crowded than the touristy ones. A guide explains the design and seasonal plants.
Book this tour
4A Edo-period stroll garden with a pond, stone bridge, and manicured pines. Cherry trees bloom around the water in early April. A 12-minute walk from Imasa, or take the Oedo line from Kuramae to Iidabashi (3 stops, 5 minutes), then walk 7 minutes.
Insider tip: Walk the path anti-clockwise from the main gate to see the pond and bridge from the best angles; skip crowds by starting at the quieter south end.
5Return to the river at 5:30 PM for golden hour. Blossoms glow pink against the sunset, and evening lamps light the promenade. Cycle or walk south from Rikugien back toward Azuma Bridge (20 minutes by train and foot, or 30-minute walk).
Insider tip: Stop at the small bench area just north of Azuma Bridge, facing west, for the best golden-hour light on the blossoms.
6Intimate 8-seat counter restaurant in a 40-year-old wooden building near Kuramae, serving refined comfort food with seasonal vegetables and slow-cooked broths. From the riverside, take the Oedo line from Kuramae to Kuramae (1 stop), then walk 3 minutes.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead by phone (03-3845-7379); ask the chef what's seasonal and trust the omakase-style menu.
Tonkotsu broth, rich and silky. Sit at the counter, order the chashu ramen.
Ningyoyaki and senbei crackers. Walk the arcade, graze as you explore Senso-ji.
Tororo (grated yam) dishes, tempura. Book ahead, views of Sumida River.
Day 4 · Tokyo, Japan
Start with the crowds on Takeshita Street, lunch at Gonpachi, take in the Mori Art Museum, and cross Shibuya at dusk.
1Harajuku's pedestrian alley packed with youth culture, fast fashion, and crepe stands. It's chaotic but essential for modern Tokyo. Five-minute walk north from Omotesando Station.
Insider tip: Go now, before 11 AM, or it becomes shoulder-to-shoulder by noon. Skip the long-queue crepe shops; grab one from a side stall.
2Lively izakaya in a converted warehouse with yakitori, grilled skewers, and sake flights. Lunch here is fast and energetic, a break before afternoon exploration. A 12-minute walk south from Meiji Shrine via Roppongi-dori.
Insider tip: Order the yakitori skewers (negima and tsukune are reliable), and ask for a sake flight if you're curious about regional differences.
3Contemporary art in a sleek space on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills, with skyline views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Exhibitions rotate every few months. A 5-minute walk south from Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu.
Insider tip: The cafe on the 52nd floor is pricey but worth 20 minutes for coffee and the view; check the current exhibition online before you go.
Prefer a guide? · 3 hours
You'll hit three family-run ramen spots before crowds arrive and eat with locals who know the real order to try them in.
Book this tour
4The world's busiest intersection, best seen from the Starbucks overlooking it or the pedestrian bridge for a ground-level plunge. Five-minute train ride from Roppongi Hills Station to Shibuya Station (Hibiya Line), then a 5-minute walk to the crossing.
Insider tip: Go as golden hour hits (around 5:40 PM) when the light softens the scene and fewer tourists crowd the overlook. Skip the Starbucks line; stand on the upper pedestrian bridge instead.
5No-frills tonkotsu ramen specialist with a counter setup where you order via ticket machine and eat alone in a booth. Rich, clean broth and firm noodles. A 3-minute walk from Shibuya Crossing, south toward the station.
Insider tip: Order the regular tonkotsu ramen; add a soft-boiled egg. The queue moves fast even at dinner rush. Pay in cash or IC card.
Bold tonkotsu broth, thin noodles, chashu that melts. Queue forms early.
Multi-level warehouse space, grilled skewers and seasonal dishes, lively crowd.
Smooth espresso, pastries, small counter spot in Harajuku backstreets.
Day 5 · Kyoto, Japan
Head up Sannenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera, wander the old lanes of Ishibe-koji, and have dinner at Gojo Ramen Yokocho.
Your base for the next 3 nights: Higashiyama, Kyoto
Days 5 to 7 start and end here, so you only unpack once.
Where to stay ↓Getting here: Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train) (2.5 hours).
9:30 AM · 2 hours 45 minutes
The Tokaido line takes you 280 km in 2.5 hours (reserved seat around 14,500 yen). Depart 9:30 AM, arrive 12:15 PM. A smooth, fast journey; the view flattens after the first 30 minutes, so eat breakfast on board or pack something.
12:30 PM · 35 minutes
Take bus 100 or 101 from the station bus terminal (south exit) toward Higashiyama. The ride takes 25-30 minutes (700 yen, IC card or cash). Get off at Gojo-zaka stop, a short walk uphill to your accommodation.
1A charming arcade of wooden shops, cafes and restaurants climbing toward the temples. Wander slowly, browse local crafts, and orient yourself to the neighborhood. A 5-minute walk uphill from Gojo-zaka bus stop.
Insider tip: Stop at Kasagiya for matcha ice cream or Vermillion Cafe for a quiet coffee; both have views over the city.
2Kyoto's most famous temple sits perched on a hillside with veranda views over the city and cherry blossoms (peak bloom in early April). Entry is 400 yen. The main hall, lantern-lit at dusk, is most atmospheric now. A 10-minute walk uphill from Sannenzaka.
Insider tip: Arrive by 4:30 PM to explore the grounds before golden hour. The veranda at 5:45 PM catches the last warm light on the city below.
3A narrow, lantern-lit lane lined with wooden machiya (traditional houses), some now tea rooms and shops. Cherry trees frame the approach in April. Deeply atmospheric and less crowded than the main streets. A 5-minute walk downhill from Kiyomizu-dera.
Insider tip: Visit between 5:30 and 6:15 PM when the stone lanterns light and the sky softens. No crowds, perfect for photos.
A compact alley of eight ramen shops (traditional tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso broths) in a restored wooden arcade. Pick one based on the queue or ask locals. Bowls are 900-1200 yen. Five minutes on foot from Ishibe-koji.
Insider tip: Try Gojo Ramen (the namesake stall) for a rich, slow-cooked tonkotsu broth and chashu that melts. Sit at the counter for the full atmosphere.
Popular experiences worth booking ahead.
Half day
You'll cover twice as much ground as walking, hit the best viewing spots before tour buses, and stop for photos without feeling rushed.
Book now
2-3 hours
Multi-course seasonal meal in a 200-year-old wooden machiya house; this is how Kyoto's elite eat, and it's one of the best meals Japan offers.
Book now
2-3 hours
Skip the morning crush at this 15th-century rock garden, a guide takes you at a quieter time to absorb its meditative design without elbows in your ribs.
Book now
2.5 hours
Local guide steers you past the tourist trap stalls to real fishmongers, tofu makers, and pickle shops, plus you'll taste five dishes along the way.
Book nowBook in Higashiyama, the eastern hillside district: it's where the temples are, sunset views are better, and you're walking distance to tomorrow's gardens. Stay near Kiyomizu-michi or Sannenzaka for easy access to shops, restaurants, and the main temple trail.
Want more choice for your 3 nights? See everything in Higashiyama, Kyoto, or an apartment or house (good for families and groups).
Tonkotsu ramen with rich pork broth. Order the Karamamen for heat.
Multi-course seasonal dinner. Kyoto's culinary tradition in one meal.
Coffee and fresh pastries near Higashiyama. Quick fuel before exploring.
Day 6 · Kyoto, Japan
Walk the Philosopher's Path to Ginkakuji, stop for yudofu at Hakusuikan, and finish at Nanzenji Temple.
1A 2 km canal-side walk under cherry blossom arches, lined with cafes and small shrines. Peak bloom makes this the highlight of your day. From Kiyomizu-dera, take the south path down and walk 15 minutes to the path's southern entrance near Nanzenji.
Insider tip: Walk north to south for the best light and fewer crowds. The middle stretch around Ginkakuji area has the densest blossoms.
2A garden temple halfway along the path, with contemplative moss gardens and reflecting pools framed by blossoms. Pop in for 45 minutes if crowds allow. It's directly on your walk north.
Insider tip: The sand garden (karesansui) is best viewed from the upper terrace. Go straight there before the garden fills up.
Traditional tofu hot-pot lunch in a wooden house overlooking a garden. Warming and light before the afternoon temples. A 5-minute walk north from Ginkakuji on the main street.
Insider tip: Order the kaiseki set (around 3,500 yen) for multiple courses. Sit by the window if available.
4A vast Zen temple with a brick aqueduct, koi-filled ponds and a peaceful rock garden. Cherry blossoms frame the main hall. From Yudofu Hakusuikan, head north for 10 minutes to the main gate.
Insider tip: The subtemple Tenjuan has a smaller admission (700 yen) and fewer crowds. The stroll garden there is excellent.
5Dinner of handmade noodles (udon and soba) in a low-lit wooden restaurant with a garden view. A calm end to the day. From the path, head south 10 minutes into the village near Kiyomizu-dera.
Insider tip: Order the seasonal vegetable tempura to go with your noodles. Arrive by 7 PM to avoid the queue.
Quiet spot near Kiyomizu-dera. Toast, eggs, strong coffee. Head up before 7am.
Traditional tofu sets overlooking a garden. Sit by the window facing the cherry trees.
Intimate counter, seasonal sashimi and grilled fish. Book ahead, arrive by 5:45pm for golden light.
Day 7 · Kyoto, Japan
Go early to the Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji, have sushi at Okutan Kappa Zushi, then take a slow walk along the river.
Prefer a guide? · 2 hours
Beat everyone to the bamboo grove and catch the forest lit by early light; less crowded, better photos, and you'll have the afternoon free.
Book this tour
1Towering bamboo walls create an otherworldly walk. Go before 8 AM to beat tour groups. From Higashiyama, take the Keifuku Tram westbound toward Arashiyama (about 20 minutes), then walk 5 minutes north from Arashiyama Station.
Insider tip: Arrive by 7:45 AM. The light is softer then, and you'll have the paths mostly to yourself for photos.
2A UNESCO-listed temple with a stunning borrowed-landscape garden overlooking the Katsura River. The autumn maple garden is spectacular in spring too. 10-minute walk south from the bamboo grove.
Insider tip: Pay the 800 yen garden fee if you want to sit in the pavilion. The view from inside is worth it.
A beloved tofu-focused restaurant on the riverbank since 1635. Sit by the water and watch boats drift past while you eat delicate tofu kaiseki. 5-minute walk from Tenryu-ji, heading south along the river.
Insider tip: The lunch set (around 3,300 yen) is excellent value. Try the agedashi tofu. Book ahead on weekends.
A quiet green space with views down the Katsura River. Cherry blossoms line the water in early April. Walk the towpath south, passing small shrines and tea houses tucked into the hillside. 15 minutes south of Okutan on foot.
Insider tip: Don't rush. Stop at Arashiyama Yoshimura soba house (5 minutes into the walk) for a late snack and a second break if legs need it.
5The iconic arched wooden bridge framed by mountains and cherry trees. Climb the small hill behind it for the best golden-hour view of the river valley. 15-minute walk back north from Sagatenryu.
Insider tip: Position yourself on the north bank at 5:55 PM when golden light hits the bridge. Skip the souvenir shops and stay for sunset.
Sit by the window overlooking the bamboo grove. Order the tenzaru soba with tempura on the side.
Traditional tofu-focused meal in a wooden machiya. Reserve ahead, go early to catch riverside golden hour.
Local spot near Togetsukyo Bridge. Grab coffee and a pastry before heading into the bamboo grove at dawn.
What travellers ask about each place on this trip, answered.
What travellers ask about Tokyo, answered.
Peak bloom is usually April 5-15. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecast a week before you travel. If you're arriving late April, blooms will be fading but the crowds vanish.
Skip Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen on weekends. Go to Rikugien Garden (traditional, fewer people), the Meguro River walk at 7am, or Chidori-Hashi bridge. Book Rikugien as a half-day, don't rush it.
Ichiran (Shibuya branch) or Ippudo are reliable chains, but skip them. Instead go to a small shop in Shinjuku's Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) or ask hotel staff for the nearest neighbourhood ramen-ya. Expect a queue, not English, and ¥900.
Yes. Reserve popular spots 2 weeks ahead via Tabelog or ask your hotel to book. Walk-in works for ramen, conveyor sushi, and izakayas, but not for nice dinners in April.
Expect 10-20°C (50-68°F) with warm afternoons. Pack layers: a light jacket for mornings, short sleeves for midday, and a cardigan for evenings. Bring an umbrella for occasional spring showers.
Spoken here: Japanese. English is spoken in hotels, major restaurants, and stations. Away from tourist areas, people are helpful even with a language barrier.
Useful phrases
• Arigatou gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh go-zigh-moss): thank you
• Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen): excuse me / sorry
• Oishii (oh-ee-shee): delicious
• Eigo ga dekimasu ka (ay-go gah dek-ee-moss kah): do you speak English
• Kurejitto kado wa tsukaemasu ka (koo-ray-jee-toh kah-doh wah tsoo-kah-eh-moss kah): do you accept credit cards
Tokyo is extremely safe. The main thing: learn the basic train rules (no eating on local lines, stand on the correct side of escalators).
Police 110. Ambulance and fire 119. Both answer in English in big cities, or ask for an interpreter.
No tipping at all. It's not expected or wanted in Japan, even at high-end restaurants and bars. The bill is the final price.
• Cherry blossoms peak for only one to two weeks. Check the bloom forecast (sakura.weathermap.jp) before you go and adjust if needed.
• Skip the crowded Chidoriguchi side of Ueno Park. Walk the quieter paths along the pond's east edge, or come after 6pm when day-trippers leave.
• Convenience stores like Lawson and 7-Eleven have excellent, cheap food: the onigiri, bentos, and fresh fruit are genuinely good.
• Many small traditional restaurants don't take cards. Bring cash, especially to older neighbourhoods like Yanaka and Koenji.
What travellers ask about Kyoto, answered.
Early April: mostly at their peak. Mid-April: still good but some trees are starting to drop petals. Late April: many blossoms are gone but you'll catch stragglers. Peak is usually April 7-14; book now and don't wait.
Ippudo (Gojo branch, 5-minute walk from Gojo Station) does excellent tonkotsu ramen for ¥850. It's busy but no reservation needed and the queue moves fast. Go at 11:30am or after 2pm to avoid the lunch rush.
Ryoan-ji is the most famous (rock garden, very zen, ¥800 entry) but book online to skip the queue. If you want something less crowded with water and flowers, Tenryu-ji has a beautiful pond garden and is worth the ¥800.
No, but arrive before 8am at Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Most other temples don't require advance booking. Book major gardens (Ryoan-ji, Tenryu-ji) online to skip entry lines in April.
Expect 15-22°C (59-72°F), mild and dry. Pack layers: mornings are cool, afternoons warm up. A light rain jacket handles the occasional shower, and comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.
Spoken here: Japanese. English is spoken in hotels, major restaurants, and tourist areas. Smaller ramen shops and local eateries often have no English, but menus with photos help.
Useful phrases
• Arigatou gozaimasu (ah-ree-gah-toh go-zigh-moss): thank you very much
• Sumimasen (soo-mee-mah-sen): excuse me, or to call a server
• Kore onegaishimasu (koh-reh oh-neh-guy-shee-moss): I'll have this one
• Oishii desu (oh-ee-shee dee-soo): this is delicious
• Toile wa doko desu ka (toy-reh wah doh-koh des-oo kah): where is the bathroom
Kyoto is very safe. Watch for overcrowded buses and trains during peak blossom week (early April), especially around temples.
Police 110. Ambulance and fire 119. Both answer in English in big cities, or ask for an interpreter.
Don't tip. It's not expected and can be seen as insulting. Service charge is included in the bill.
• Book accommodation by late February; cherry blossom season fills hotels fast, and prices spike 30-50% in early April.
• Hit Philosopher's Path at sunrise before crowds arrive; the canal-side walk under blooming trees is magical in solitude.
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) have excellent, cheap meals; grab onigiri and tea for temple picnics.
• Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are quieter than weekends; visit famous temples on these days if you can shift your dates.
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