7-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka

Fly into Tokyo and out of Osaka (an open-jaw ticket) so you never backtrack. Haneda is closer to the city; Narita is further out but well connected by express trains. Check in, drop your bags and keep the first evening easy.

Shibuya Sky at sunset needs a time slot booked ahead. Alternative: swap Day 3 for a day trip to Hakone or the Mount Fuji Five Lakes area — Fuji is often hidden by clouds, so keep this flexible and check the forecast.

Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Kyoto — the fastest services take a little over two hours. Sit on the right side heading west (seats D/E in standard cars) for a chance to see Mount Fuji. With large suitcases, check the oversized-baggage seat reservation rules or send luggage ahead (takkyubin).

Most visitors turn back near the first viewpoint on Mount Inari; climb further and the crowds thin quickly.

In Gion, don't follow or photograph geiko and maiko without permission.

With extra energy, the stone-paved slopes around Kiyomizu-dera are magical in the early morning or at dusk.

Nara is an easy trip from Kyoto by JR or Kintetsu train.

Bow to the deer and they'll bow back (and nudge you insistently for deer crackers).

Late afternoon: continue to Osaka (under an hour by train) and check in.

Depending on your flight time, visit Osaka Castle or graze through Kuromon Market.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) is reached by the JR Haruka express or the Nankai Rapi:t train. Allow plenty of time — the airport is on an island in Osaka Bay.