Japan has so much to see that planning a first trip can feel hard. This 7-day itinerary links three places that work well together: Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. It focuses on how to arrange the days, the trains, and the stays, so you can build a calm and comfortable trip.

How the 7 days fit together

• Days 1-3: Tokyo (2 nights)
• Days 3-5: Hakone (2 nights)
• Days 5-7: Kyoto (2 nights)

This plan uses 6 nights. If you have more time, add a night to any stop.

Days 1-2: Tokyo

Arrive at Haneda or Narita and go straight to your hotel. Haneda is generally closer to central Tokyo than Narita. Keep the first evening light, so you can rest after the flight. On Day 2, choose the districts that interest you most, rather than trying to see everything. Tokyo is huge, and a few well-chosen areas make a better day than a long list. For help choosing where to stay, see our guide on how to choose a luxury hotel in Tokyo.

Day 3: Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku. The fastest train takes about 75 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto. All seats are reserved, and there is a limited express surcharge of 1,200 yen on top of the basic fare. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. one month before your travel date, so reserve early. Check in to your ryokan in the afternoon and enjoy the evening at the inn. See our guide on how to choose a luxury ryokan in Hakone.

Day 4: Hakone

Spend the day slowly. Hakone is a place to rest, not to rush. If the weather is clear, you may see Mount Fuji, but this cannot be guaranteed. Keep the schedule open and leave time for the hot spring and the meals at your inn.

Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto

Take a local train to Odawara, then board the Tokaido Shinkansen. Not every Shinkansen stops at Odawara: Nozomi trains do not stop there, and only some Hikari trains do. Kodama trains stop at every station. From Odawara to Kyoto, a Hikari takes about 1 hour 43 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, and a Kodama takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours. Reserved seats generally go on sale at 10:00 a.m. one month before travel. In the afternoon, check in to your stay in Kyoto. See our guide on how to choose a luxury ryokan in Kyoto.

Day 6: Kyoto

Kyoto is full of temples and gardens that are popular with visitors. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. A private guide can help you plan the day. See our guide on how to choose a private tour in Kyoto. In the evening, you can enjoy a kaiseki dinner. See our guide to fine dining in Japan.

Day 7: Kyoto and departure

Leave time for a last visit and for your trip to the airport. Consider flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka (Kansai), so you do not need to go back to Tokyo. Check this when you book your flights.

Tips for planning

• Book the Romancecar and the Shinkansen early, because reserved seats can sell out.
• Book your ryokan and your restaurants as soon as your dates are fixed.
• Keep one slow day in the plan, so the trip does not feel rushed.

Where to book

GetYourGuide lists tours and day trips in Tokyo and Kyoto. Each listing shows its own price, guide language and cancellation terms, so compare them before you book.

Booking links for hotels, ryokan and restaurants will be added to this guide soon.

Sources: Ekitan (Hakone Romancecar); Ekitan (Tokaido Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto); GetYourGuide listings (Tokyo and Kyoto tours). Photos: Pexels.

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