HELLO EVERYONE!
I will be heading over to Japan in September for a week.
Does anyone have any suggestions on what are must dos and sees within the 7 days? What should I do to plan ahead of time?
I've never been before and I'm feeling overwhelmed.
Thanks in advance.

There's so much to see and do in Japan, it depends where you're going.We've been 3 times and every time there's more to see. Japan is a beautiful place with amazing people, you eill love it. I would recommend buying a Japan travel book, Eyewitness Travel is my favorite. There is a lot of information online as well. Google "Top 10 Japan", you'll find some great places to visit.

be sure to spend a couple of days in Kyoto, it's a must!

Darren it was one of my favourite places in Japan

There is a page Tokyo volunteer travel guide. I can't think of the exact name. But this page always shows up on my feed. They have a bunch of info for first timers.

If you only have a week then focus on one or two areas only. Traveling around takes time. For a first timer, two to three days in Tokyo, one in Nara and two in Kyoto. That will be more than plenty and give you a wonderful overview of modern and ancient Japan. They are also in reasonable distance to each other so you aren’t spending a day of travel.

Sheila agreed!

Sheila Nara and Kyoto are only easily accessible from Tokyo if you are getting Shinkansen tickets and even then about 2/3 hours away. We have been 4 times (just were there in April for Cherry blossoms) and I would make different recommendations depending on where you plan to spend the majority of your time. Shinkansen passes are about $240 one way.

Just came back last week. We are darn well going again as soon as the date of purchase for flying is available.
We missed a lot of stuff but left it for when we go back again. We loved it.
Use Google translate.
Do not take a cab from the airport. Look for a bus or the train. The cab will cost a lot. Within city it's more reasonable.
The train system can be overwhelming at first.
Google maps directions helps.
It'll tell you the line and the platform you need to stand on. If you can't pronounce the name of the line, look for the abbreviation letters in a color square and follow that.
Don't believe the amount of stops written in Google maps. But the other stuff is bang on.
If you take the Shikansen, bullet train, some where for a few days and bring big luggage, pre book your seats in advance. Otherwise you won't get the space for it.
If you plan to rent a car or do the mario kart thing, you need an international license by your local registry here.
There is going to be so many nick nacks you are going to want to buy and won't have room for. 2 people in my group bought carry-ons for that stuff.
ALMOST nothing is open for break fast meals before 10:30am. Go to the konbini and get sandwich or soup there. Dennys does open early there though.
Inyabayashi Coco curry house! Try it!
What cities are you hitting up?
Tokyo by itself is huge! Even the train station is massive in levels.

We liked Ueno, Marunouchi, Ginza, and Asakusa. We stayed in Kanda and took the train to our destinations. If you will go shopping, have your passport handy for a 10% tourist discount. Enjoy, Tokyo is beautiful!

We stayed in Uneo and took the bus/train everywhere. Check out team lab boarderless

Osaka is great, I've been to japan 3 times now. Been top to bottom and still so much left to see and do lol. Just came back from japan about a month ago and in our week we did 3 Osaka, hakone and Tokyo and it was a bit much, 2 places would be better lol

Mitchell we are doing hakone in October. Besides the cruise and the gondola up to the black egg place do you recommend any cool walks/activities? We will stay 2 nights

Leticia we hiked mt kintoki after doing the gondola, and it was epic. 2nd time hiking it actually, it's steep but not very long if you start closer to it near sengoku station

Leticia from the top of kintoki

Any Tokyo or Kyoto hotel recommendations? We have a 1yo

Leticia Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is close to the shopping area and JR station. The rooms are relatively big for a Japanese hotel.

Leticia I'm currently in Kyoto in this hotel
Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sakaiza Shijo-Kawaramachi
557 Nakanocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8042 Japan
It is PERFECT!

If you are you can still get the Japan railway pass for 1 week. Definitely recommend it if you’re wanting to do trips out of Tokyo or even going around the country in a short time (multiple as it’s still expensive being it’s unlimited rides on the bullet train and any of the JR lines in the cities). Since you’re only there a week and will likely need the first day or two to adjust to the time change I’d say stick to two places, max three. We did day trips to Nikko and Fuji from Tokyo so if you’re not wanting to move around too much.

If you're taking the shinkansen and have large size luggage, make sure you reserve the luggage spot that's right by the car entrance. Otherwise you'll have to keep it by your seat.

We're heading to Japan on September as well! It is our 2nd time. I'd suggest focus on one area first as 7 days is definitely not enough... so much to see!
maybe you can go to Tokyo or Kansai area like Osaka or Kyoto. Enjoy!
Some places in Tokyo:
-Ginza. Mostly for shopping.
-Odaiba. Close to seaside/water. Best for evening stroll.
-Shibuya crossing
-Meiji Shrine or Sensoji Temple
-Shinjuku Garden
-Ueno Park

Tokyo is very cool, Kyoto was our fave for a mix of modern and traditional.

Week isn't long enough..lol

Bring lots of money it’s expensive

I have lots of Japan tips at jusztravel.com
JUSZTRAVEL.COM
Jusz Travel

Amit Vyas

I've been many times, you will have a blast - such a great country to visit. A week isn't that long, but if you can swing a couple of days in Hiroshima (take the shinkansen from Tokyo) it is SO worth a visit. Take a dinner cruise over to the island of Miyajima where you see the big orange gates that you will recognize. The atomic bomb museum is very much worth seeing. In Tokyo you must visit the Tsukiji fish market, and if you like to cook you can pickup some really amazing Japanese knifes there to bring home as an excellent and usable souvenir. When I go now I often will just hop on a train and get off on a random stop, walk around and see what is there. You find all kinds of interesting things around Tokyo. Akihabara is a cool district to check out, and if you can find a decent hotel or airbnb in Shibuya that's a great place to stay because it's central and there is a lot to see nearby. Enjoy Japan, it makes for a very unique trip.