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8 Days in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025

Eight days are enough for you to visit the major cities of Japan — Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — while also allowing you to have the flexibility to dedicate 1–2 days for enriching day trips to nearby destinations, such as Hakone, Mount Fuji, Nara, or Hiroshima.

In this article, we've selected five wonderful 8-day Japan itineraries to help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime, beautiful, and stress-free journey. You could choose one of them as a starting point or we could customize your own unique itinerary , maybe based on the inspiration they provide.

Itinerary 1: Classic Japan (Most Chosen)

• Itinerary 2: For Family with Teenagers
• Itinerary 3: Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

Itinerary 4: Japan Off-the-Beaten-Path

• Itinerary 5: Get Involved with the Ainu Aboriginal People

How Much Does 8 Days in Japan Cost?

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• 2 nights in Tokyo
• 1 night in Hakone
• 2 nights in Kyoto
• 2 nights in Osaka

This 8-day itinerary is ideal for your first trip to experience the best of Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Moreover, you could experience abundant authentic hands-on activities to create an unforgettable Japan trip.

Begins your journey in Tokyo.  Immerse yourself in the ambiance of the Edo era (1603–1868) at Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, walk along the wide stone paths adorned with towering trees at the downtown Meiji Shrine, experience a sushi-making class, and enjoy what you make as your lunch.

Then, travel to Hakone, a small town known for its onsens (hot spring baths). Spend a traditional Japanese-style night at a ryokan (inn) with an onsen, where you could unwind in the hot springs while admiring picturesque countryside views.

A ryokan usually has only 5–15 rooms and they easily become fully booked. You're advised to make reservations at least 3 months in advance to ensure that more options are available. Your personal Japan travel advisor would help you to select a family-friendly or couple-friendly ryokan.

Next, take a comfortable Shinkansen to Kyoto to visit its attractive highlights:  Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of orange-red torii gates, the gold-leaf-covered Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and experience making Kyoto pottery.

Take a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka to visit the site of the atomic bombing and explore the museum. This would allow you to witness the collection of items left behind after the attack and cherish the post-war peace.

Complete your trip in flourishing Osaka. Experience unique ukiyo-e printmaking to immerse yourself in the charm of Japanese culture, and feel the excitement of a classic Japanese sport — a sumo wrestling match.

Just let us know your interests and requirements , and our Japan travel expert can help make it happen.

Itinerary 2: A Japan Tour for a Family with Teenagers

• 2 nights in Kyoto (side trip to Nara)
• 3 nights in Tokyo

This 8-day Japan itinerary is perfect for families, especially those with teenagers. It caters to kids' love for animation and games, and provides a wealth of family-friendly activities that every member could participate in and enjoy. Plus, you won't have to switch hotels frequently.

You'll start in Osaka.  We could arrange many special experiences for your family, such as wearing ninja outfits to be immersed in a ninja experience, or embarking on an extraordinary adventure in the magic world of Mario at Super Nintendo World.

Kyoto is a medieval capital city that's rich in culture.  It's a great place to experience wearing kimonos as you explore shrines and feel like you're traveling back in time, enjoy a night's stay at a traditional ryokan with a family room (accommodating 3–5 people), and take a day trip to Nara to feed deer.

Finally, travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen. Tokyo is an exciting city offering anime elements for families.  You'll explore the Pokémon Center to buy Japan-exclusive products, enjoy coffee and desserts at an anime café themed around your kids' favorite cartoon characters, and dive into a fun-filled world in Tokyo Disneyland at your own relaxed pace.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our Japan travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

Itinerary 3: Japan Cherry Blossom Tour (in March or April)

• 3 nights in Kyoto (side trip to Nara)
• 1 night in Osaka

March to April is the cherry blossom season in Japan. You could admire the beautiful cherry blossoms almost everywhere in Japan, making it one of the best times to visit due to the stunning scenery and pleasant weather.

In this well-planned 8-day cherry blossom itinerary, you would enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms, witness attractions adorned with delicate pink petals, and experience authentic activities to enrich your trip.

Staying at a ryokan with an onsen could be a memorable experience for you. Relax in an open-air hot spring while watching the cherry blossoms dance in the spring breeze. 

By starting to plan for the 2025 cherry blossom season now, you could make a wise decision that grants you a broader selection of hotels and ryokans, along with the possibility of taking advantage of early bird deals. This proactive approach also ensures a higher chance of securing a more experienced and knowledgeable guide with an early booking.

• 3 nights in Kyoto
• 1 night in Koyasan
• 1 night in Wakayama

This 8-day itinerary not only allows you to visit two top cities, Kyoto and Osaka, but also it allows you to explore two off-the-beaten-path places near these cities. It provides you with the chance to experience the lifestyle of monks while enjoying a vegetarian meal in the mountains, to explore an exclusive traditional Japanese village, and to relax on a sandy beach.

Kyoto and Osaka are two major cities in the western region of Japan. Both cities offer plenty of awesome highlights and authentic activities for you to enjoy. Take a day trip to Kobe to sample the best high-quality wagyu — prepare to be amazed by the incredibly tender and juicy meat.

Koyasan is a significant holy site for Buddhists in Japan. You could spend a night at a well-equipped temple to experience Japanese accommodation, indulge in a healthy vegetarian meal, and immerse yourself in a serene Zen atmosphere to relax your mind and body.

End your trip in Wakayama, a city boasting the best western region beach. Leisurely stroll along the sandy beach to relieve your travel fatigue, take a glass-bottom boat trip to discover the wonders of the clear sea, and sample the exquisite culinary delight of fugu ryori, a Japanese pufferfish delicacy.

We'd like to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests, whatever the weather.

Itinerary 5: Get Involved with the Ainu Aboriginal People in Hokkaido

• 3 nights in Sapporo
• 2 nights in Furano
• 2 nights in Noboribetsu

If you are interested in the aboriginal culture of Japan, then this 8-day Japan itinerary is suitable for you. You could gain more insights into how the Ainu aboriginal people impacted Hokkaido's history and culture. Furthermore, you would be able to try traditional crafts and observe wildlife up close.

One of the highlights of this itinerary is fully immerse yourself in the Hokkaido's Ainu artifacts.  You could learn about the Ainu aboriginal people and their way of life at the Historical Village of Hokkaido in Sapporo, and observe Ainu artifacts, such as tools and weapons.

For a more immersive encounter with the aboriginal culture, visit an Ainu village in Noboribetsu. Besides watching traditional Ainu dance performances and tasting authentic Ainu cuisine, you could engage in traditional handicraft activities, such as weaving bamboo baskets and making traditional Ainu dolls.

Another highlight of this itinerary is   you could experience yet more hands-on experiences in Furano.  For example, making cheese and candles, which could add more fun to your trip. Asahikawa boasts Hokkaido's best Asahiyama Zoo, where you could closely observe animals and learn about unique habitats specific to Hokkaido's diverse wildlife population, such as Sakhalin foxes and sika deer.

US$350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and hand-picked 4-star hotels. Thus, the total cost for 8 days in Japan is about US$2,800-4,000 (international flights not included).

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Typhoon Shanshan seen approaching western, eastern parts of Japan from Tuesday

Typhoon Shanshan is expected to approach western and eastern parts of Japan from Tuesday onwards. Weather officials are warning of violent winds and landslides.

The Meteorological Agency says the strong typhoon was moving northwest over waters south of Japan at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour as of 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Shanshan has a central atmospheric pressure of 980 hectopascals. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 126 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts peaking at 180 kilometers per hour.

The typhoon is expected to continue heading north while picking up strength, and reach a very strong level on Tuesday before coming close to western and eastern Japan.

Agency officials forecast that the maximum wind speed will reach 126 kilometers per hour in southern Kyushu on Tuesday and 90 kilometers per hour in the Shikoku region.

They also predict that the maximum gust speed will reach 180 kilometers per hour in southern Kyushu and 126 kilometers in the Shikoku and Amami regions.

The typhoon is expected to bring heavy rain to western and eastern Japan, mainly to areas along the Pacific coast, from Tuesday through Wednesday.

Tokai and Shikoku could get up to 200 millimeters of rainfall in the 24-hour-period through Tuesday evening, while the Kinki region and southern Kyushu could get 150 millimeters. During the 24 hours through Wednesday evening, rainfall could reach up to 400 millimeters in Tokai, 300 millimeters in Kinki, Shikoku and southern Kyushu, and 200 millimeters in northern Kyushu.

Seas are expected to become rough with swells on Tuesday, and may become extremely rough later.

Agency officials are urging caution against violent winds, landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, rising water levels and flooding of rivers, and high waves.

The Central Japan Railway Company says cancellations of its Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services due to the typhoon are possible, and will be announced around Wednesday and Thursday.

The company says heavy rain is forecast on Tuesday which could cause some services to be suspended for hours.

Chūō-ku, Kanagawa

Chūō-ku

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Mon, Aug 26

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Tonight: Mostly cloudy and humid Lo: 75°

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Typhoon will affect the area Wednesday afternoon

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10-Day Highlights Of Japan & China

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized

Places You’ll See

• Explore Tokyo with an optional discovery tour
• Cruise Lake Ashi and view Mount Fuji
• Visit Kyoto's historic temples and shrines
• Experience the Great Wall of China
• Optional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing
• Introduction
• Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo, Japan
• Day 2 Tokyo, Japan( Breakfast)
• Day 3 Tokyo-Hakone-Shizuoka/Aichi(Breakfast)
• Day 4 Mt. Fuji Area/ Shizuoka-Kyoto(Breakfast)
• Day 5 Kyoto(Breakfast)
• Day 6 Kyoto-Tokyo(Breakfast)
• Day 7 Tokyo, Japan-Beijing,China
• Day 8 Beijing(Breakfast)
• Day 9 Beijing-The Great Wall(Breakfast)
• Day 10 Beijing -Home

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Beijing Chun Hui Yuan Resort or Similar

Adventure Type

• Group of 40 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Travel with your own group of min. 4 travelers
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

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Number of tours

2 to 88 years old

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within 1 day

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InterTrips is a tour operator located in Southern California. Since 2002, InterTrips has been committed to bring the best of sceneries of the world to customers’ doorsteps. We are passionate travelers, enthusiastic about showing the world and present the most authentic travel experiences for our...

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Customer Reviews

• Tour Operator Intertrips 4.3
• Wendy · 2nd May 2024 Just got back from the most incredible trip to Japan! We saw everything - the crazy lights in Tokyo, beautiful... Show more
• Stephen · 21st April 2024 Group organization wasn’t great, but overall the guides did reasonably well. Kaylie’s English was much better than... Show more
• Cynthia · 23rd October 2023 Overall we were pleased with the trip. The hotel in Tokyo was quite far away from the city center but had wonderful... Show more

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• Upcoming departures
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 Saturday 26 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,156 + €134 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
• Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 Friday 6 Dec, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,156 + €134 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
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• Thursday 16 Jan, 2025 Saturday 25 Jan, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,250 + €178 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates
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• Tuesday 6 May, 2025 Thursday 15 May, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €2,250 + €178 Local Service Fee Confirm Dates

Good to Know

• Currencies ¥ Yuan Renminbi China ¥ Yen Japan

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types G, I. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, I. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, G, I.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for China. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for China. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for China and Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 6 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 30th October 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 30th October 2024, a minimum payment of 100% is required to confirm your booking with Intertrips. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intertrips will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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