If you’re planning a short trip and have 5 days in Japan, here are some travel tips and suggestions to help you get the most out of your visit.
To some, Japan may look small on the map, but in fact the country is surprisingly large (bigger than Italy, for example), and you could easily devote years to exploring Japan’s best destinations.
While most people who travel to the country tend to spend a longer amount of time here, the good news is that you can actually see and do quite a bit, even with just five days in Japan.
If you’re the super active and “ambitious” type of traveler, you could be tempted to try and fit everything in. But for a five-day trip, we recommend focusing on either Tokyo or Kyoto for a slower-paced and more immersive experience.
To help you make the most of a short trip, below you’ll find two sample 5-day itineraries, each offering a different way to experience Japan.
Originally written in 2014, this post was updated and republished on May 8, 2026.
Is 5 Days in Japan Enough?
In our experience, five days in Japan is more than enough time to fall in love with the country — as long as you resist the temptation to cover too much ground. With only five days, our strongest recommendation for travelers who don’t want to feel too rushed is to consider choosing either Tokyo or Kyoto as your main destination, rather than trying to fully experience both in one trip.
Tokyo and Kyoto could each fill weeks of exploration on their own. By focusing on one region, you’ll spend more time experiencing the places that make Japan so memorable — whether that means exploring Tokyo’s eclectic neighborhoods or Kyoto’s temples and traditions.
And with Japan’s wonderful rail system, you can include a day trip or overnight stay in one of many worthwhile destinations within easy reach of Tokyo or Kyoto.
That’s why we’ve created the sample itineraries below, each offering inspiration for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Japan on a five-day visit.
Example 5-Day Itineraries for Japan
There isn’t one “right” way to experience Japan. To help you make the most of your time, we’ve outlined two five-day itineraries, each created with a different travel style and pace in mind.
Option 1: Kanto Region (Tokyo and the Countryside)
- Spend 2–3 days exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods, food, and culture
- Add 1–2 nights in the countryside (Hakone, Izu, or Nikko) for a ryokan stay
- Balance city energy with nature, onsen, and traditional experiences
You could easily spend all five days in Tokyo and barely scratch the surface, but for a more well-rounded experience, consider allotting one or two nights to a ryokan (traditional inn) stay in the countryside nearby.
You’ll want at least two or three full days to explore all the unique things to do in the city of Tokyo itself.
To complement your time in the city, spend one or two nights at a luxurious traditional ryokan in Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, or Nikko (all within 1-2 hours of Tokyo). This will be the perfect change of pace and a chance to enjoy nature, traditional Japanese hospitality, soothing onsen (hot springs), and incredible kaiseki cuisine featuring local and seasonal specialties.
This would make for a great five-day Japan itinerary if you love cities, but also want to experience nature and tradition.
Option 2: Kansai Region (Kyoto and Osaka)
- Spend 3–4 days exploring Kyoto’s temples, shrines, and historic districts
- Add a day trip to Nara for more heritage, or Osaka for lively culture and delicious food
- Balance cultural experiences and slower-paced travel with a taste of modern city life
If you’re more interested in history and “old Japan,” you may want to focus your five-day trip on the ancient capital Kyoto. In this case, to minimize in-country traveling, consider flying into nearby Osaka (Kyoto has no airport).
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years. You could spend weeks here and never see it all, but three or four days will give you a great introduction to the city.
If you have time, consider taking a day trip to nearby Nara, or for a contrast, head to the lively, modern city of Osaka. Nara is ideal for history lovers, while Osaka is arguably a must-visit for travelers passionate about food (Osaka’s cuisine is legendary in Japan).
Spend 5 Days in Japan
Wherever you choose to go, even a five-day trip will enable you to get a memorable taste of Japan. And chances are, you’re going to want to come back for a second visit!
Looking for more Japan travel ideas? See our sample trips and 31 Japan experiences to add to your bucket list.
