Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Überblick
This moderate-paced 7-day itinerary uses 3 bases — Tokyo (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (3 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Tokyo, Karuizawa, Kanazawa, Kyoto. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥19,000 per person including accommodation.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.
Tokyo: Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset
Travel to Kanazawa
Morning transfer to Kanazawa (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya geisha district and Omicho Market.
Kanazawa: 21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district
21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district
Travel to Kyoto
Morning transfer to Kyoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto: Nishiki Market · depart
Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and the Philosopher's Path Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Anreise & Nahverkehr
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Point-to-point tickets are usually cheaper than a JR Pass for this route.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Tokyo, Karuizawa, Kanazawa?
Yes — this plan gives Tokyo (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (3 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a moderate pace.
How much does this 7-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥133,000 per person for 7 days (≈¥19,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.