Quick summary: Explore the rich culture of Kyoto and the vibrant city life of Tokyo over seven days. Visit iconic temples, enjoy bustling food streets, and take memorable day trips with family-friendly activities and mixed transport options.
Route map + stops
Kyoto
- Nishiki Market (錦市場)
Nearest station: Shijo Station — Line: Hankyu Kyoto Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Tokyo
- Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー)
Nearest station: Oshiage Station — Line: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺)
Nearest station: Asakusa Station — Line: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場)
Nearest station: Tsukiji Station — Line: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue (渋谷スクランブル交差点・ハチ公像)
Nearest station: Shibuya Station — Line: JR Yamanote Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Other
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)
Nearest station: Fushimi Inari Station — Line: JR Nara Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺)
Nearest station: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station — Line: Keihan Main Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (嵐山竹林)
Nearest station: Arashiyama Station — Line: JR Sagano Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage - Day Trip to Nikko (日光)
Nearest station: Nikko Station — Line: Tobu Nikko Line — Exit: Best exit: check station signage
Timeline (hour-by-hour)
Day 1
Begin at Fushimi Inari Shrine exploring the iconic torii gates and mountain trails. In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple to enjoy historic architecture and city views.
09:00 — Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine
Why go: Experience the iconic thousands of vermilion torii gates and peaceful mountain trails.
Do:
- Walk through the torii gate pathways
- Visit the main shrine buildings
- Enjoy family-friendly hiking trails
How to get there: Take JR Nara Line to Fushimi Inari Station, short walk from exit.
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
13:00 — Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Why go: Famous for its wooden stage and panoramic views of Kyoto.
Do:
- Visit the main hall and stage
- Explore Jishu Shrine for love and luck
- Stroll through nearby historic streets
How to get there: From Fushimi Inari, take Keihan Line to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, then walk.
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. 400 yen per adult
Time needed: 2 hours
Day 2
Start with a morning stroll through Nishiki Market tasting local delicacies. Spend the afternoon in the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and nearby attractions.
10:00 — Stroll through Nishiki Market
Why go: Sample Kyoto’s local foods and shop for souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.
Do:
- Try local snacks and sweets
- Shop for crafts and kitchenware
- Enjoy casual family dining
How to get there: Take Hankyu Kyoto Line to Shijo Station, walk to market.
Cost / tickets: Free to enter, food prices vary
Time needed: 2 hours
14:00 — Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Why go: Walk through serene bamboo paths and enjoy riverside views.
Do:
- Walk the bamboo grove
- Visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple
- Explore the Togetsukyo Bridge area
How to get there: Take JR Sagano Line to Arashiyama Station, walk to grove.
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Day 3
Take a full-day trip to Nikko to explore UNESCO shrines and natural scenery, perfect for family exploration.
08:00 — Day Trip to Nikko
Why go: Discover UNESCO World Heritage shrines and natural beauty outside Tokyo.
Do:
- Visit Toshogu Shrine
- Explore Kegon Falls
- Walk around Lake Chuzenji
How to get there: Take Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station to Nikko Station.
Cost / tickets: Train approx. 2500 yen one way
Time needed: Full day
Day 4
Visit Tokyo Skytree in the morning for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple with its traditional shopping streets.
10:00 — Ascend Tokyo Skytree
Why go: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the tallest tower in Japan.
Do:
- Visit observation decks
- Explore Solamachi shopping complex
- Family-friendly interactive exhibits
How to get there: Take Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station.
Cost / tickets: Entry approx. 2100 yen adults
Time needed: 2-3 hours
14:00 — Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
Why go: Experience Tokyo’s historic district with traditional shops and temple grounds.
Do:
- Visit Senso-ji Temple
- Shop on Nakamise Street
- Try street food snacks
How to get there: Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Day 5
Enjoy fresh seafood and street food at Tsukiji Outer Market in the morning. Later, experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and visit the Hachiko Statue.
09:00 — Visit Tsukiji Outer Market
Why go: Taste fresh seafood and explore vibrant food stalls in Tokyo’s famous market area.
Do:
- Sample sushi and seafood snacks
- Shop for kitchen tools
- Enjoy casual dining
How to get there: Take Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station.
Cost / tickets: Free to enter, food prices vary
Time needed: 2 hours
13:00 — Experience Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue
Why go: Witness the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and visit the famous dog statue.
Do:
- Cross Shibuya Crossing
- Take photos with Hachiko Statue
- Explore nearby shopping streets
How to get there: Take JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station.
Cost / tickets: Free
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Logistics (read this first)
- Purchase a JR Pass or regional rail passes for cost-effective travel between Kyoto and Tokyo.
- Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient local transit.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes due to moderate daily walking.
- Plan meals around market visits for authentic local cuisine.
- Book accommodations near major stations for easy transit access.
- Carry a portable Wi-Fi device or SIM card for navigation and communication.
Local tips and guide
Kyoto Highlights
Start your journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gates, then visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for panoramic views. Explore Nishiki Market for local foods and crafts, and stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Tokyo Highlights
Experience the modern skyline from Tokyo Skytree, visit historic Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, savor fresh seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, and witness the lively Shibuya Crossing. Consider a day trip to Nikko for cultural heritage and nature.
If it rains (2 alternatives)
If something is closed (2 alternatives)
FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for young children?
Yes, the itinerary includes family-friendly activities with moderate walking and accessible transport.
What is the best way to travel between Kyoto and Tokyo?
The Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest and most convenient option, especially with a JR Pass.
Are English signs available at the stations and attractions?
Most major stations and tourist sites have English signage and information.
Can I buy food easily along the route?
Yes, markets and food streets offer a variety of local and international options suitable for families.
Is the itinerary wheelchair accessible?
Some areas have limited accessibility due to historic sites and outdoor paths; check specific locations in advance.
How we planned this route
Byline: Expert travel planner with extensive experience in Japan itineraries.
Based on cultural highlights, family-friendly activities, and efficient transport routes for a balanced 7-day trip.
Last updated: 2024-06-01