Japan, the land of cherry blossoms, ancient temples, and unique culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. With 7 days and 6 nights, you can explore prominent cities such as vibrant Tokyo, traditional Kyoto, culinary Osaka, and historical Hiroshima. Independent travel not only helps you save money but also gives you the freedom to experience Japan in your own way.
This article provides detailed itineraries, practical experiences, and cost-saving tips, suitable for both beginners and professional travelers .
- Why choose 7-day independent travel to Japan?
- Prepare for your 7-day self-guided tour of Japan
- Detailed 7-day, 6-night Japan travel itinerary
- Day 1: Tokyo – Shinjuku and Shibuya
- Day 2: Tokyo – Asakusa and Akihabara
- Day 3: Tokyo – Kyoto
- Day 4: Kyoto – Nara
- Day 5: Kyoto – Osaka
- Day 6: Osaka – Hiroshima
- Day 7: Hiroshima – Tokyo – back to Vietnam
- Compare independent travel and package tours
- Tips to save money when traveling independently in Japan
- Frequently asked questions when traveling to Japan
- Conclusion: 7-day itinerary to explore Japan
Why choose 7-day independent travel to Japan?
Japan is renowned for its harmonious blend of modernity and tradition: from the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto, from the street food of Osaka to the peaceful atmosphere of Hiroshima.
The public transportation system (shinkansen, train, bus) is extremely modern and convenient, making independent travel easy.
With 7 days, you can fully experience Japanese culture, cuisine, and nature while still having time to relax. Independent travel allows you to flexibly arrange your schedule, saving costs compared to package tours.
FAQ: Is 7 days enough to explore Japan? With proper planning, you will be able to visit the highlights and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Let’s explore the detailed itinerary below!
Prepare for your 7-day self-guided tour of Japan
To make your trip smooth and economical, you need to prepare carefully. Here are the specific steps:
- Best time: March-April (cherry blossom season) and October-November (red leaf season) are the best times, with cool weather (10-20°C). Avoid June-July (rainy season) and December-February (cold, snowy in many places). Book early to avoid high prices during peak season.
- Visa: Vietnamese citizens need a Japanese tourist visa (fee 650,000-1,300,000 VND, depending on the type). Prepare documents (passport, financial proof, itinerary) and submit at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate or through a visa service company.
- Airfare: Round-trip tickets from Hanoi/HCMC to Tokyo/Osaka cost 7,000,000-12,000,000 VND (book via Skyscanner, Traveloka). Low-cost airlines such as Vietjet, Scoot, or ANA, Japan Airlines have discounts if booked 3-4 months in advance.
- Finance: Estimated cost 25,000,000-35,000,000 VND/person (airfare, food, transportation, accommodation, sightseeing tickets). Bring 10,000-15,000 JPY (Yen, equivalent to 2,000,000-3,000,000 VND) in cash/day and credit card (Visa/Mastercard).
- Accommodation: Book a hostel (300,000-600,000 VND/night/dorm bed) or a 2-3 star hotel (1,000,000-2,000,000 VND/room/night) via Booking, Agoda in areas near train stations such as Shinjuku (Tokyo), Gion (Kyoto), Namba (Osaka).
- Luggage: Bring seasonal clothes (light jacket for spring/fall), sneakers, folding umbrella, multi-charger, personal medicine, and Suica/Pasmo card (500 JPY, recharge at train stations for trains and buses). Download Google Maps, Google Translate, Hyperdia (train schedule checker) to help with travel and communication.
- 4G/Wifi Sim: Buy a 4G sim (1GB/day, price 800,000-1,200,000 VND/7 days) at the airport or rent a pocket wifi (1,000,000 VND/7 days) through Klook.
Detailed 7-day, 6-night Japan travel itinerary
This 7-day itinerary is designed to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, using the shinkansen and bullet trains to maximize your time. Here is the detailed plan:
Day 1: Tokyo – Shinjuku and Shibuya
8:00: Arrive at Narita/Haneda airport
Take a flight from Hanoi/HCMC to Tokyo. Take the Narita Express (3,000 JPY, 1 hour) or Limousine bus (1,000 JPY, 1.5 hours) to central Tokyo. Check-in at a hostel/hotel in Shinjuku (price 400,000-1,500,000 VND/night).
12:00: Lunch and visit Shinjuku
Lunch at Ichiran Shinjuku with ramen (1,000 JPY/meal, about 200,000 VND). Stroll around Shinjuku, visit Shinjuku Gyoen Park (500 JPY/ticket, see cherry blossoms or red leaves depending on the season). Take photos at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free) to see the whole city.
16:00: Explore Shibuya
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station (160 JPY). Check in at the famous Shibuya Crossing, take a photo of the Hachiko statue. Visit Shibuya Sky (2,000 JPY/ticket) to watch the sunset and panorama of Tokyo.
19:00: Dotonbori Night Market (Shibuya)
Dinner at street food stalls in Shibuya with takoyaki, yakitori (200-500 JPY/dish). Enjoy matcha tea at Uji Matcha House (300 JPY/cup). Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo – Asakusa and Akihabara
8:00: Visit Senso-ji Temple
Have breakfast at FamilyMart (bread, onigiri, 200 JPY). Take the train to Asakusa Station (200 JPY). Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and stroll Nakamise Street for souvenirs (folding fans, mochi, 300-1,000 JPY).
12:00: Lunch and explore Akihabara
Lunch at Kura Sushi (1,000 JPY/set). Take the train to Akihabara (160 JPY), an electronics district with anime, manga, and tech stores. Experience a maid café like @Home Café (1,500 JPY/hour).
17:00: Tokyo Tower
Take the train to Hamamatsucho Station (160 JPY). Visit Tokyo Tower (1,200 JPY/ticket) to enjoy the night view. Have dinner at a restaurant near the tower with tempura, eel rice (1,500 JPY/meal). Stay overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3: Tokyo – Kyoto
7:00: Depart for Kyoto
Breakfast at Lawson (bread, 200 JPY). Take the Hikari shinkansen from Tokyo station to Kyoto station (13,000 JPY, 2.5 hours, use JR Pass if available). Arrive in Kyoto, check-in at a hostel near Kyoto station (400,000-1,200,000 VND/night).
11:00: Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
Take the bus to Kinkaku-ji Temple (230 JPY, ticket 400 JPY). See the magnificent “Golden Temple” reflected on the lake. Have lunch at a restaurant near the temple with udon noodles (800 JPY/meal).
14:00: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Take the train to Arashiyama Station (240 JPY). Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, take photos, and visit the Togetsukyo Bridge. Enjoy matcha ice cream (300 JPY). Tour time is about 2 hours.
18:00: Gion Old Town
Take the bus to Gion (230 JPY). Stroll through the old town of Gion, where you have a chance to meet geisha. Have dinner at Gion Yata with kaiseki (2,000 JPY/meal). Stay overnight in Kyoto.
Day 4: Kyoto – Nara
8:00: Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Breakfast at 7-Eleven (onigiri, 150 JPY). Take the bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (230 JPY, ticket 400 JPY). Admire the unique wooden architecture and panoramic view of Kyoto from the temple grounds.
11:00: Depart for Nara
Take the JR Nara Line to Nara (720 JPY, 45 minutes). Have lunch with katsu curry (800 JPY/set).
13:00: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple
Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer (buy deer cakes, 200 JPY). Walk to Todai-ji Temple (600 JPY/ticket) to see the giant Buddha statue. Visit time 2 hours.
17:00: Return to Kyoto
Take the train back to Kyoto (720 JPY). Have dinner at Nishiki market with sushi, yakitori (500-1,000 JPY/dish). Stay overnight in Kyoto.
Day 5: Kyoto – Osaka
8:00: Depart for Osaka
Breakfast at Kyoto Ramen Koji (800 JPY). Take the JR Special Rapid train to Osaka (570 JPY, 30 minutes). Check-in at a hostel near Namba (400,000-1,200,000 VND/night).
11:00: Osaka Castle
Take the train to Osakajokoen Station (160 JPY). Visit Osaka Castle (600 JPY/ticket), admire the ancient architecture and cherry blossom park. Have lunch with okonomiyaki (800 JPY/meal).
14:00: Dotonbori Area
Take the train to Namba (160 JPY). Stroll around Dotonbori, take a photo of the Glico Man sign. Enjoy takoyaki, ramen (500-1,000 JPY/dish).
19:00: Umeda Sky Building
Take the train to Umeda Station (200 JPY). Enjoy the night view from Umeda Sky Observatory (1,500 JPY/ticket). Stay overnight in Osaka.
Day 6: Osaka – Hiroshima
8:00: Depart for Hiroshima
Breakfast at FamilyMart (bread, 200 JPY). Take the Sakura shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima (9,000 JPY, 1.5 hours). Check-in at a hostel near Hiroshima Station (400,000-1,200,000 VND/night).
12:00: Hiroshima Peace Park
Take the bus to Peace Park (200 JPY). Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Museum (200 JPY/ticket). Have lunch with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (1,000 JPY/meal).
15:00: Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima)
Take the train and ferry to Miyajima Island (2,000 JPY round trip). Visit the floating Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (300 JPY/ticket). Enjoy grilled oysters (500 JPY/portion).
19:00: Return to Hiroshima
Dinner with ramen at local restaurant (800 JPY/meal). Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 7: Hiroshima – Tokyo – back to Vietnam
8:00: Depart for Tokyo
Breakfast at 7-Eleven (onigiri, 150 JPY). Take the Nozomi shinkansen back to Tokyo (18,000 JPY, 4 hours).
13:00: Shopping for specialties
Buy mochi, matcha kitkat (300-1,000 JPY/box) at Don Quijote Shinjuku. Have lunch with sushi at Sushi Zanmai (1,500 JPY/meal).
16:00: Arrive at Narita/Haneda airport
Take Narita Express (3,000 JPY) to the airport. Take a flight back to Hanoi/HCMC, end of trip.
Compare independent travel and package tours
To choose the right form, below is a comparison table between independent travel and package tours:
| Criteria | Independent travel | Package tour |
|---|---|---|
| Expense | 25,000,000-35,000,000 VND/person (airfare, food, accommodation, transportation) | 35,000,000-50,000,000 VND/person (including airfare, food, accommodation, tour guide) |
| Flexible | High, free to arrange schedule | Low, fixed schedule |
| Experience | Authentic, close to local culture | Convenient, with tour guide to share knowledge |
| Suitable for | Young, experienced, freedom-loving | Newcomer, Family, Business |
Independent travel is suitable for those who want flexibility and cost savings. Package tours are ideal for beginners or businesses organizing team building, with prices starting from 35,000,000 VND/person.
Tips to save money when traveling independently in Japan
To optimize costs, apply the following tips:
- Book early: Book flights and accommodation 3-4 months in advance via Skyscanner, Booking to save 20-30% on costs.
- Buy JR Pass: If you travel a lot by shinkansen, buy JR Pass (50,000 JPY/7 days) to save 30-40% on train costs.
- Eat on a budget: Choose food at convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, 200-500 JPY/dish) or cheap eateries instead of restaurants (2,000-3,000 JPY/meal).
- Travel in groups: Share accommodation and taxi costs to reduce personal expenses by 20-30%.
- Shop smart: Buy specialty items at Don Quijote supermarkets or airport duty-free shops to save 10-15%.
Frequently asked questions when traveling to Japan
1. What is special about Japan?
Japan is known for its traditional culture (shrines, shrines, geisha), modernity (cities, technology), and cuisine (sushi, ramen, tempura).
2. Is 7 days enough to explore?
Enough to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima with a reasonable schedule.
3. How much does the trip cost?
Self-sufficient about 25,000,000-35,000,000 VND/person, package tour from 35,000,000-50,000,000 VND/person.
4. Do I need to know Japanese?
English is enough to communicate in big cities. Download Google Translate for support in remote areas.
5. What to do if the weather is bad?
Check the weather forecast 7 days in advance. If it rains, switch to visiting museums, shopping malls.
A 7-day, 6-night self-guided tour of Japan is a great opportunity to explore the culture, nature, and unique cuisine of the land of the rising sun.
Armed with a detailed itinerary, practical tips, and money-saving tips, you're ready to embark on this adventure. Book your flight, pack your bags, and hit the road to experience Japan today!
Source: https://baonghean.vn/7-ngay-6-dem-tren-cac-hon-dao-dong-a-xu-mat-troi-moc-cung-sac-hoa-dao-10302181.html
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