This Japan 8 day itinerary was a dream come true for me — one I had been planning, saving for, and imagining for years. In 2025, I finally experienced Japan the way I wanted to: unhurried, intentional, and fully present.
I didn’t aim to do everything, but for the experiences I did choose, I tried to spare no expense. I splurged, dipped into my savings, booked the views, lined up for the food, and said yes to moments I knew I’d remember long after the trip ended. It wasn’t cheap — but it was absolutely worth it. I would come back to Japan in a heartbeat.
This itinerary is based on how I actually traveled — walkable days, food-first planning, flexible pacing, and one unforgettable Mt. Fuji day trip.
I also posted my Japan vlogs on TikTok, so if you want to see these places in motion — street food, views, and daily walks — you can check those out there.
Japan 8 Day Itinerary Overview
- Base: Tokyo (Asakusa / Oshiage area)
- Day Trip: Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
- Travel Style: Walkable neighborhoods, food-focused, culture + modern Tokyo
- Budget Approach: Comfortable, experience-first, no regrets
This itinerary works especially well if it’s your first time in Japan or if you want a Tokyo-centered trip with variety.
Day 1: Arrival in Japan – Narita Airport to Asakusa
Narita International Airport
After landing at Narita Airport, I did the essentials:
- Visit Japan Web – QR
- Cash withdrawal (GCash card works)
- E-SIM activation
- Picked up a Suica card
- Grabbed 7-Eleven onigiri (mandatory)
From Narita, I took the Keisei Skyliner, heading straight toward my base near Oshiage / Asakusa.
Asakusa (Base Area)
Choosing a base near a major station made everything easier — especially with early mornings and late returns.
That first night was intentionally slow. Jet lag hits differently, so I walked around the neighborhood, got konbini food, and slept early.
Day 2: Asakusa, Sumida, and Old Tokyo
Sensō-ji Temple
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and one of the most iconic attractions in Asakusa, known for its massive lantern, incense rituals, and traditional shopping street.
Nakamise Street
Nakamise Street is a lively pedestrian street leading to Sensō-ji, packed with souvenir shops and traditional Japanese snacks like rice crackers and sweets.
Asakusa Strawberry Daifuku
This small shop is known for fresh strawberry daifuku, a soft mochi dessert filled with red bean paste and a whole strawberry inside — simple but memorable.
Imo Pippi
Imo Pippi specializes in sweet potato desserts, and their crème brûlée-style sweet potato is one of Asakusa’s most popular street foods.
Asakusa Kagetsudō Melon Bread
Kagetsudō is famous for oversized melon pan, often served warm and sometimes filled with ice cream, making it a must-try Asakusa snack.
Kukurihime Coffee (Asakusa)
This café is known for its beautiful parfaits and desserts, with reservations recommended later in the day but easy walk-ins in the morning.
HATCOFFEE
HATCOFFEE is a specialty café where you can get personalized latte art, often featuring pets or portraits, making it a popular stop for content creators.
Tokyo Asakusa Rickshaw Tours
Rickshaw tours offer a unique way to explore Asakusa while learning about the area’s history from local guides.
Day 3: Sumida, Ueno, and Yanaka
Sumida Hokusai Museum
The Sumida Hokusai Museum showcases the life and works of Katsushika Hokusai, the artist behind The Great Wave, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
Ekōin Temple
Ekōin Temple offers cultural experiences like fire rituals led by monks, creating one of the most spiritual and memorable moments of my trip.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a massive green space in Tokyo, popular for cherry blossoms in spring and casual strolls year-round.
Shinobazu Pond
Located within Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond adds a peaceful lakeside atmosphere and is especially scenic during warmer months.
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s oldest and largest museum, showcasing samurai armor, ancient artifacts, and traditional art.
Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street
Ameyoko is a bustling market street known for cheap eats, souvenirs, and snacks, perfect for casual exploring.
Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza is a nostalgic shopping street that feels like old Tokyo, famous for its relaxed vibe, local food stalls, and frequent cat sightings.
Day 4: Shinjuku – Food, Neon, and Views
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen blends Japanese, English, and French garden styles and is a calm escape in the middle of the city.
Gyukatsu Motomura
This restaurant is known for gyukatsu — breaded beef cutlets cooked to your liking on a hot stone.
Omoide Yokocho
Omoide Yokocho is a narrow alley of tiny eateries offering a nostalgic, post-war Tokyo vibe.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is Tokyo’s most famous nightlife district, filled with neon signs and high-energy streets.
Godzilla Head
The Godzilla Head peeking out over Shinjuku is one of the city’s most recognizable photo spots.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
This building offers free observation decks with expansive views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
Day 5: Odaiba & Digital Art
teamLab Borderless / teamLab Planets
teamLab museums are immersive digital art experiences that blend light, mirrors, sound, and movement — reservations required and absolutely worth it.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
DiverCity is a shopping mall best known for the life-sized Gundam statue standing outside.
UNKO Museum Tokyo
The UNKO Museum is playful, colorful, and surprisingly entertaining — especially if you enjoy interactive spaces.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
This indoor attraction is designed for LEGO fans and families, with rides and creative zones.
Odaiba Marine Park
Odaiba Marine Park offers waterfront views of Tokyo Bay and the city skyline.
Rainbow Bridge
Rainbow Bridge lights up at night and provides scenic views of Tokyo Tower and surrounding areas.
Day 6: Mt. Fuji Day Trip (Kawaguchiko)
This day was fully built around weather flexibility because Mount Fuji only shows itself when it wants to. I checked the Fuji visibility webcam the night before and committed when conditions looked good.
Lake Kawaguchi
Lake Kawaguchi is one of the best and most accessible places to see Mount Fuji, especially in the early morning when the air is clearer and crowds are lighter.
Arakurayama Sengen Park / Chureito Pagoda
This iconic viewpoint requires climbing nearly 400 steps, but it rewards you with one of the most photographed scenes in Japan — Mount Fuji framed by a five-story pagoda.
Oishi Park
Oishi Park sits along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and is known for seasonal flowers, open Fuji views, and surprisingly good soft-serve ice cream.
Mount Fuji Distant Worship Site (Tenku no Torii)
The Tenku no Torii is a scenic torii gate positioned perfectly to frame Mount Fuji, making it a popular photography and spiritual viewing spot.
LAWSON Kawaguchiko Station
This Lawson convenience store became famous for its Mount Fuji backdrop — a simple, quick photo stop that’s best done respectfully and efficiently.
Kosaku Kawaguchiko (Houtou Noodles)
Kosaku serves houtou, a thick miso-based noodle soup local to the Fuji region, and it’s one of the most comforting meals after a long walking day.
After sunset, I headed back to Tokyo, tired but satisfied — Fuji days are long, but they’re always worth it when the mountain shows up.
Day 7: Shibuya, Harajuku & Final Tokyo Views
After the physical effort of the Mt. Fuji day trip, Day 7 was back to city energy — but more focused.
Meiji Jingu
I started the day at Meiji Jingu, a peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by forest that feels worlds away from the chaos just outside its gates.
Takeshita Street
Takeshita Street is the heart of Harajuku’s youth culture, packed with colorful fashion, anime merchandise, and over-the-top desserts.
Omotesando Hills
Omotesando Hills offers modern architecture, luxury fashion, and stylish cafés, making it a quieter, more refined contrast to Takeshita Street.
Hachiko Statue
The Hachiko Statue is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks and a classic meeting point just outside Shibuya Station.
Onitsuka Tiger Shibuya
This flagship sneaker store showcases Japan’s classic athletic brand with exclusive designs and clean aesthetics.
GU Flagship Store
GU, Uniqlo’s sister brand, offers affordable, trend-forward clothing and is perfect for practical shopping during a Tokyo trip.
Shibuya Sky
I ended the day at Shibuya Sky, an open-air observation deck with one of the best panoramic views in Tokyo — especially at sunset, when the city transitions from daylight to neon.
Reservations are required, and it’s absolutely worth planning this as a final Tokyo highlight.
Day 8: Departure
Narita International Airport
I returned to Narita for my departure, already thinking about the next time I’d come back.
Final Thoughts on My Japan 2025 Trip
This Japan 8 day itinerary was a dream come true. I splurged through my savings, chose experiences over restraint, and fully allowed myself to enjoy the trip without constantly worrying about cost.
Every view, every meal, every long walk was worth it.
Japan rewarded intention, patience, and presence — and I would absolutely come back.
If you want to see how this trip looked in real time, I shared my Japan travel vlogs on TikTok, where I documented the food, streets, and everyday moments from this itinerary.
If Japan is on your list — save, plan, and go. You won’t regret it.
