Japan 8-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 10 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Japan.

Eight days in Japan is a good amount of time to experience and explore some of the country's most famous sites. You can experience the highlights of Japan on this trip through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka and go from experiencing a massive metropolis to seeing quaint markets, temples, and palaces while spending your days with the friendly deer of Nara, sampling regional specialties on a food tour and bar-hopping through neon-lit neighborhoods. If you're visiting Japan during winter, venture along the ancient Nakasendo Trail, starting in Kyoto, heading to the snowy Kiso Valley, and spending your days savoring regional cuisine, snowshoeing through cedar forests, and soaking in natural mineral pools. Experience the best of Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto, visit parks, museums, and temples, stay in a traditional Ryokan inn, and experience a multicourse kaiseki dinner and hot spring.

See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 8-day trips in Japan.

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Paper lanterns in a Shinto shrine in Japan

Japan's Highlights: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka - 8 Days

Hit the highlights of Japan on this eight-day adventure that takes you west from Tokyo to Osaka. After getting to know the massive metropolis of Tokyo, head to Kyoto to witness the contrast between traditional versus modern culture in its markets, temples, and palaces. Spend some downtime among the peaceful shrines and friendly deer of Nara, then finish your trip in vibrant Osaka, sampling regional specialties on a food tour and bar-hopping through neon-lit neighborhoods to your heart's content.

A dusting of snow along the Nakasendo Trail leading into Magome

Winter on the Nakasendo Trail: Kyoto, Kiso Valley & Tokyo - 8 Days

Experience the tranquil magic of a Japanese winter during this immersive eight-day itinerary. Starting in Kyoto, you'll head to the snowy Kiso Valley to hike along the ancient Nakasendo Trail, spending each night in quaint wooden villages or hot spring inns. After a week spent savoring regional cuisine, snowshoeing through cedar forests, and soaking in natural mineral pools, you'll enjoy your final night in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo—the historical endpoint of the trail.

Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - 8 Days

Japan is world-famous for its stunning panoramas of cherry blossoms. On this springtime trip, you'll see the flowers while discovering the country's highlights by train. Begin by exploring Osaka on a river cruise and food tour. Transfer to the historic city of Kyoto for sightseeing and temples, then move on to Hakone, where you'll visit hot springs and stay in a traditional ryokan inn. Top off your experience with some cherry blossom-spotting excursions in Tokyo and en route to Mount Fuji.

Cruise Lake Ashi and snap pics of Mount Fuji

Best of Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto - 8 Days

Explore the best of Japan's world-famous highlights. Begin by wandering through Tokyo's parks, museums, temples, and neon-lit shopping areas. Then head to Hakone, where you'll stay in a traditional ryokan inn, and experience a multicourse kaiseki dinner and hot spring. Move on to Kyoto to explore markets, temples, and castles, then take a day trip to Nara to see its famed deer park before returning to Kyoto for one last day of sightseeing.

Traditional Japan: Tokyo, Kanazawa & Kyoto - 8 Days

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture as you explore some of the highlights of this fascinating country. Start in Tokyo, where you'll visit Asakusa District and discover Senso-ji Shrine. Get zen as you spend time in the historic gardens of Kanazawa, then visit Shirakawa-go to see villages of 250-year-old thatched-roof houses. Head to Kyoto to wander the streets of the Gion District, stroll under 10,000 red torii (gates) at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and get lost in a maze of bamboo at Arashiyama.

Spring in Japan: Okinawa, Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura & Mount Fuji - 8 Days

Discover the wonders of springtime in Japan on this eight-day tour. Follow the country's famous pink cherry blossoms as they bloom, traveling from the tropical island of Okinawa to the parks, shrines, and temples of Tokyo. Next, you'll discover prime cherry blossom viewpoints and historical landmarks in Yokohama and the ancient capital Kamakura, ending in Fujikawaguchiko for iconic views of Mount Fuji surrounded by pink-hued trees.

Spend a day cruising and hiking in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Best of Japan's Hokkaido Island: Sapporo, Noboribetsu & Hakodate - 8 Days

Japan's great northern island, Hokkaido, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. It's an uncrowded place where dramatic landscapes take center stage, with plenty of volcanoes, mountains, lakes, and geothermal attractions to choose from. This eight-day tour starts in the foodie capital, Sapporo, and from here, you'll visit the dramatic scenery in Noboribetsu and the mountains and lakes in two national parks before finishing in the cool port city of Hakodate.

Explore both the traditional and avant-garde food scene in Japan

Culture & Cuisine in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto - 8 Days

This tasty culinary adventure through Japan takes you to the country's gastronomic capitals, starting in Tokyo, where you'll try authentic omakase sushi in the foodie haven of Shinjuku and sip fine whiskies. Next, you'll train to Kyoto to learn about the mysterious world of the geisha and sample sakés in the Fushimi district. Then it's time to make ramen at a ramen factory, ending your trip in Osaka, home to the iconic Osaka Castle and delicious food stalls in the Kuromon Market.

See some of Kyoto's many temples including Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion

Best of Japan: Kobe, Kyoto, Mount Koya & Osaka - 8 Days

Japan's Kansai region is loaded with culture, urban attractions, and natural beauty—and is relatively compact. With just eight days you can experience much of the region's diversity, from Kyoto's ancient temples to Kobe's modern architecture, not to mention fishing villages, beaches, hot springs, and traditional crafts. Get a taste of some of Western Japan's finest sights and experiences on this well-rounded itinerary that will pique your curiosity and leave you inspired.

Cycle around key sections of Lake Biwa including charming canals

Cycling Expedition Around Japan's Lake Biwa - 8 Days

Active travelers will love cycling around the largest freshwater lake in Japan during this eight-day adventure. Starting and ending in the cultural powerhouse of Kyoto, you'll cycle the perimeter of Lake Biwa, admiring the natural landscapes and cultural attractions along the way. See a part of Japan that many international tourists overlook while enjoying classic local experiences like soaking in onsen baths and dining on traditional cuisine. This tour is ideal for outdoor lovers who enjoy a dose of culture, too.

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