7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 (April 15): Arrival in Tokyo

Morning: Arrive at Narita/Haneda Airport

Afternoon:

  • Check into hotel in Tokyo
  • Exchange JR Pass voucher at airport JR office
  • Light exploration of hotel neighborhood

Evening:

  • Dinner at local restaurant near accommodation
  • Early night to recover from jet lag

Travel Tip: To help adjust to the time difference, try to stay awake until at least 8 PM local time.

Day 2 (April 16): Tokyo Exploration - Modern & Traditional

Morning:

  • Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park (peaceful forest walk)
  • Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Afternoon:

  • Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky observation deck
  • Shopping in Shibuya

Evening:

  • Dinner in Harmonica Yokocho (hidden gem in Kichijoji)
  • Explore this former black market area with small izakayas and shops

Travel Tip: Harmonica Yokocho is best experienced in the evening when all the small bars and eateries are lit up and bustling with locals.

Day 3 (April 17): Tokyo Hidden Gems & Cultural Experience

Morning:

  • Visit Gotokuji Temple (home of the beckoning cat figurines)
  • Explore Shimokitazawa neighborhood (trendy area with vintage shops)

Afternoon:

  • Proposal Opportunity: Chidorigafuchi Park for cherry blossom viewing and boat ride
  • Stroll along the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Evening:

  • Dinner at Ebisu Yokocho food alley
  • Optional: Tokyo Tower night view

Travel Tip: Activate your 7-day JR Pass today to maximize usage for long-distance travel.

Day 4 (April 18): Travel to Kyoto & First Impressions

Morning:

  • Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (2-2.5 hours)
  • Check into Kyoto accommodation

Afternoon:

  • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousand torii gates)
  • Explore southern Higashiyama district

Evening:

  • Dinner in Pontocho Alley
  • Evening stroll along Kamogawa River

Travel Tip: For the best photos at Fushimi Inari, either go early in the morning or hike up past the first viewing platform where crowds thin out significantly.

Day 5 (April 19): Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Morning:

  • Tea Ceremony experience at WAK JAPAN or Toyokuni Shrine
  • Zen Meditation session at a local temple

Afternoon:

  • Kendo experience through WAK JAPAN
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Evening:

  • Proposal Opportunity: Maruyama Park during evening cherry blossom illumination
  • Dinner at traditional Kyoto restaurant

Travel Tip: Book cultural experiences in advance through WAK JAPAN's website to ensure availability.

Day 6 (April 20): Nara Day Trip

Morning:

  • Train from Kyoto to Nara (30-45 minutes)

Full Day in Nara:

  • Nara Park and friendly deer
  • Todai-ji Temple and Great Buddha
  • Kofukuji Temple and five-story pagoda
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Evening:

  • Return to Kyoto
  • Dinner in Gion district
  • Possible geisha spotting in Gion

Travel Tip: Purchase deer crackers (shika senbei) from vendors in Nara Park to feed the deer. They will bow to you before receiving food!

Day 7 (April 21): Arashiyama & Northern Kyoto

Morning:

  • Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (early to avoid crowds)
  • Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens
  • Monkey Park Iwatayama

Afternoon:

  • Proposal Opportunity: Romantic boat ride on the Hozugawa River
  • Visit Ryoan-ji Temple (famous rock garden)

Evening:

  • Farewell dinner at upscale restaurant
  • Final night in Kyoto

Travel Tip: Arrive at the Bamboo Grove before 8 AM for the best experience with fewer crowds.

Day 8 (April 22): Return to Tokyo & Departure Preparation

Morning:

  • Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo
  • Last-minute shopping in Tokyo

Afternoon:

  • Visit any missed Tokyo attractions
  • Pack and prepare for departure

Evening:

  • Final dinner in Tokyo

Day 9 (April 23): Departure

Morning/Afternoon:

  • Transfer to Narita/Haneda Airport
  • Departure flight to Seattle

Travel Tip: Allow at least 3 hours at the airport before your international departure.

Maps & Key Locations

Tokyo Highlights

Key locations in Tokyo:

  • Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park
  • Harajuku & Takeshita Street
  • Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
  • Harmonica Yokocho (Kichijoji)
  • Gotokuji Temple
  • Shimokitazawa neighborhood
  • Chidorigafuchi Park
  • Imperial Palace East Gardens
  • Ebisu Yokocho
  • Tokyo Tower

Kyoto Highlights

Key locations in Kyoto:

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Southern Higashiyama district
  • Pontocho Alley
  • Kamogawa River
  • WAK JAPAN cultural center
  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Maruyama Park
  • Gion district
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • Tenryu-ji Temple
  • Monkey Park Iwatayama
  • Hozugawa River
  • Ryoan-ji Temple

Nara Highlights

Key locations in Nara:

  • Nara Park
  • Todai-ji Temple and Great Buddha
  • Kofukuji Temple and five-story pagoda
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine
  • Nara National Museum
  • Sarusawa Pond

Transportation Routes

Key transportation routes:

  • Tokyo to Kyoto: Shinkansen (2-2.5 hours)
  • Kyoto to Nara: JR or Kintetsu Line (30-45 minutes)
  • Kyoto to Arashiyama: JR or local train (15-20 minutes)

Key Attractions

Tokyo Attractions

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

A serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a lush forest in the heart of Tokyo. Yoyogi Park adjacent to the shrine is one of Tokyo's largest parks and a popular recreation spot.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds

Admission: Free for the shrine grounds

Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky

The world's busiest pedestrian crossing where up to 3,000 people cross at once during peak times. Shibuya Sky is a new observation deck offering 360° views of Tokyo.

Best Time to Visit: Evening for the crossing, late afternoon for Shibuya Sky

Admission: Free for crossing, ¥2,000 for Shibuya Sky

Harmonica Yokocho (Kichijoji)

A hidden gem featuring narrow alleyways filled with tiny bars, eateries, and shops. Originally a black market after WWII, it's now a vibrant local hangout spot.

Best Time to Visit: Evening when bars and restaurants are open

Admission: Free

Gotokuji Temple

The birthplace of the famous "beckoning cat" (maneki-neko) figurine. This temple features hundreds of cat figurines of all sizes left as offerings by visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings

Admission: Free

Chidorigafuchi Park

One of Tokyo's most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots, featuring hundreds of cherry trees along the moat of the former Edo Castle. Boat rentals available for a unique perspective.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon during cherry blossom season

Admission: Free (boat rental ¥800 for 30 minutes)

Kyoto Attractions

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create tunnels along the mountain trails. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and business.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening to avoid crowds

Admission: Free

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, set beside a reflective pond in a traditional Japanese garden. One of Kyoto's most iconic sights.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning

Admission: ¥500

Maruyama Park

Kyoto's most popular cherry blossom viewing spot, centered around a magnificent weeping cherry tree that becomes illuminated in the evenings during peak bloom.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds or evening for illuminations during cherry blossom season

Admission: Free

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A magical pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks that create a unique atmosphere as sunlight filters through.

Best Time to Visit: Before 8 AM to avoid crowds

Admission: Free

Hozugawa River Boat Ride

A scenic 16km boat ride through the ravines of Arashiyama, offering beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for best lighting and calmer water

Admission: ¥4,100 per person

Nara Attractions

Nara Park

A large park home to over 1,200 wild but tame deer that are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion. The deer bow to visitors to request food.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon

Admission: Free (deer crackers ¥200)

Todai-ji Temple

Home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) housed in the largest wooden building in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds

Admission: ¥600

Kofukuji Temple

Features a 50-meter tall five-story pagoda, the second tallest in Japan. The temple's museum houses important Buddhist statues.

Best Time to Visit: Midday

Admission: ¥700 for the National Treasure Museum

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A Shinto shrine famous for its bronze lanterns donated by worshippers. The lanterns are lit during special festivals.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon

Admission: ¥500 for the inner area

Essential Japanese Phrases

Basic Greetings

こんにちは Konnichiwa

Hello/Good afternoon

おはようございます Ohayō gozaimasu

Good morning

こんばんは Konbanwa

Good evening

さようなら Sayōnara

Goodbye

Essential Expressions

ありがとうございます Arigatō gozaimasu

Thank you

すみません Sumimasen

Excuse me/I'm sorry (also used to get attention)

お願いします Onegaishimasu

Please

はい Hai / いいえ Iie

Yes / No

Travel & Transportation

〜はどこですか？ ... wa doko desu ka?

Where is...?

いくらですか？ Ikura desu ka?

How much is it?

〜に行きたいです ... ni ikitai desu

I want to go to...

トイレはどこですか？ Toire wa doko desu ka?

Where is the restroom?

Dining

メニューをください Menyu o kudasai

Menu, please

水をください Mizu o kudasai

Water, please

おいしいです Oishii desu

This is delicious

お会計をお願いします Okaikei o onegaishimasu

Check, please

Emergency

助けて！ Tasukete!

Help!

医者が必要です Isha ga hitsuyō desu

I need a doctor

英語が話せますか？ Eigo ga hanasemasuka?

Do you speak English?

日本語が分かりません Nihongo ga wakarimasen

I don't understand Japanese

Special Moments

きれいです Kirei desu

Beautiful (for scenery)

すごい Sugoi

Amazing

結婚してください Kekkon shite kudasai

Will you marry me?

乾杯！ Kanpai!

Cheers! (for drinking)

Japanese Etiquette Tips

General Etiquette

Bowing

A slight bow is appropriate for tourists. The deeper and longer the bow, the more respect is shown.

Shoes

Always remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional ryokans, some restaurants, and areas with tatami mats. Look for shoe racks, slippers, or follow the locals' lead.

Public Behavior

  • Keep your voice down in public places, especially on trains
  • Don't eat while walking in public (except in festival areas)
  • Don't talk on your phone on public transportation
  • Stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo (right side in Osaka)

Tipping

Not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion. Good service is the standard expectation.

Dining Etiquette

Chopsticks (Hashi) Etiquette

  • Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice (resembles funeral rituals)
  • Don't pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks
  • Don't point with chopsticks or wave them around
  • Use the opposite end of chopsticks when taking food from a shared plate

Before & After Eating

Say "Itadakimasu" (いただきます) before starting your meal (means "I gratefully receive")

Say "Gochisōsama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) after finishing (means "Thank you for the meal")

Pouring Drinks

It's customary to pour drinks for others, not yourself. Your dining companions will pour for you.

Temple and Shrine Etiquette

Purification

At the entrance of shrines, use the provided ladle to wash your hands and mouth at the water pavilion (temizuya)

Prayer Customs

At Shinto shrines, bow twice, clap twice, then bow once more

At Buddhist temples, simply bow once with hands together

Transportation Etiquette

Train Etiquette

  • Line up orderly where marked on platforms
  • Let passengers exit before boarding
  • Refrain from eating on local trains (long-distance trains are fine)
  • Set phones to silent mode and take calls outside the train car
  • Priority seats are for elderly, pregnant women, and those with disabilities

Proposal Locations

Romantic Proposal Spots

Chidorigafuchi Park, Tokyo

Description: One of Tokyo's most picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots, featuring hundreds of cherry trees lining a moat of the former Edo Castle. The location offers romantic boat rides through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

Best Timing: Early morning (around sunrise) or late afternoon (1-2 hours before sunset) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Evening illuminations run from late March to early April (around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM).

Privacy Level: Moderate - While popular, early morning visits can provide relative privacy. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. The boat ride offers more privacy than the walking paths.

Special Notes: Boat rental costs approximately ¥800 per 30 minutes. Boats are available from 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM (last admission at 7:30 PM) during cherry blossom season.

Maruyama Park, Kyoto

Description: Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot, centered around a magnificent weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) that becomes illuminated in the evenings. The park offers a traditional Japanese garden setting with ponds and pathways.

Best Timing: Early morning (before 8:00 AM) for fewer crowds or evening for illuminated views. The illumination period typically runs from sunset until midnight during peak bloom.

Privacy Level: Low to Moderate - Very popular during peak season. Early morning visits (before 7:00 AM) offer the most privacy. The park has various secluded corners away from the main weeping cherry tree.

Special Notes: The weeping cherry tree tends to bloom earlier than other varieties. Evening illumination creates an especially romantic atmosphere.

Hozugawa River, Arashiyama

Description: The Hozugawa River boat ride offers a unique proposal setting as you float through the scenic ravines of Arashiyama. During cherry blossom season, the riverbanks are lined with blooming trees, creating a natural, romantic backdrop away from the crowds.

Best Timing: Morning boat rides (first departure around 9:00 AM) for best lighting and calmer water. Boat schedule typically operates from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM (last departure).

Privacy Level: High - Private experience on the boat. The 16km journey provides multiple scenic spots for proposing. Other passengers will be present but focused on the scenery.

Special Notes: Boat ride costs approximately ¥4,100 per person. The full ride takes about 2 hours from Kameoka to Arashiyama. Reservations are highly recommended during cherry blossom season.

Proposal Tips

Weather Contingency

Always have an indoor backup plan during cherry blossom season as spring weather can be unpredictable.

Timing Flexibility

Build 2-3 days of flexibility into your itinerary for the proposal, as cherry blossom peaks can vary.

Ring Security

Keep the ring secure but accessible; consider a pocket with a zipper.

Post-Proposal Celebration

Research and reserve a special restaurant near your chosen proposal spot.

Travel Tips

Money & Payments

  • Japan is still largely a cash-based society, especially outside major cities
  • Carry sufficient cash for daily expenses
  • 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards
  • Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants
  • Inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent card blocks
  • Current exchange rate: approximately ¥110-120 JPY to $1 USD

Transportation Tips

  • Activate your 7-day JR Pass on Day 3 (April 17) to maximize usage for long-distance travel
  • Purchase an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for convenient local transit in cities
  • Download Japan Transit Planner or Google Maps for accurate train schedules
  • Trains and buses run exactly on schedule - be punctual!
  • Reserve shinkansen seats in advance during peak travel times
  • For taxis, have your destination written in Japanese if possible

Connectivity

  • Rent a pocket WiFi device or purchase a Japanese SIM card upon arrival
  • Free WiFi is available at major train stations, airports, and some cafes
  • Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip
  • Consider downloading the Japan Official Travel App for tourist information

Packing Essentials

  • Comfortable walking shoes (you'll walk a lot!)
  • Portable battery pack for your devices
  • Light raincoat or umbrella (April can have occasional showers)
  • Layers for varying temperatures
  • Portable trash bag (public trash cans are rare in Japan)
  • Hand sanitizer and tissues (some public restrooms may not have soap or paper)
  • Medication and basic first aid supplies

Cultural Tips

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases - even simple greetings are appreciated
  • Carry a small notebook for communication difficulties
  • Be mindful of noise levels in public places
  • Follow local customs regarding shoes, chopsticks, and public behavior
  • Convenience stores (konbini) are incredibly useful for quick meals, ATMs, and essentials

Emergency Information

Emergency Numbers

Police: 110

Ambulance/Fire: 119

Japan Helpline (24/7 English service): 0570-000-911

U.S. Embassy Information

U.S. Embassy Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-8420
Phone: 03-3224-5000
Website: https://jp.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe
2-11-5 Nishitenma, Kita-ku
Osaka 530-8543
Phone: 06-6315-5900

Medical Information

Tokyo:

Tokyo Medical University Hospital
6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160-0023
Phone: 03-3342-6111
(English-speaking staff available)

Kyoto:

Kyoto University Hospital
54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku
Kyoto 606-8507
Phone: 075-751-3111
(Limited English support)

Medical Phrases:

  • "I need a doctor" - 医者が必要です Isha ga hitsuyō desu
  • "It hurts here" - ここが痛いです Koko ga itai desu
  • "I have an allergy to..." - 私は〜のアレルギーがあります Watashi wa ... no arerugī ga arimasu

Natural Disaster Information

Japan is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. In case of a natural disaster:

  • Follow instructions from local authorities
  • Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes at your accommodations
  • Download the Japan Meteorological Agency app for alerts
  • For earthquake information: https://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/