8-day Japan itinerary for a visa application

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Planning a Japan trip from the Philippines? This sample 8-day Japan visa itinerary covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, with arrival in Tokyo and departure from Kansai International Airport.

Japan’s visa materials for Filipino applicants include a Travel Itinerary form with fields for the date, activity plan, contact and accommodation. Use this route as a planning reference, then enter your genuine details in the official form. Use this route as a planning reference, then enter your genuine dates, accommodation, contact details and activities in the official form.

Before applying, check the latest Japan visa requirements for Filipinos and Japan travel requirements.

We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

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Sample 8-day Japan visa itinerary at a glance

The schedule below follows the main fields in Japan’s official itinerary form. Replace the example days with your actual dates and make sure the information matches your flights, hotels and other application documents.

Replace every placeholder with your genuine information and use the official form required for your application. Check the current instructions if you are unsure which contact details to provide.

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Trip logistics

The sample uses an multi-city ticket route and three hotel bases, avoiding an additional journey from Osaka back to Tokyo before departure.

Is eight days enough for Japan?

Eight days is enough for a fast-paced first trip: three nights in Tokyo, two in Kyoto and two in Osaka. Arrive by early afternoon, fly home from Osaka and stay near major stations where possible.

Ten days is more comfortable for families, slower mornings, theme parks or a return flight from Tokyo. To make this route easier, skip one Tokyo area or use Osaka as your only Kansai base.

Planning flights to Japan from the Philippines

Compare multi-city and return fares from Manila, Cebu or Clark. A multi-city ticket lets you arrive in Tokyo and leave from Osaka. If a Tokyo return looks cheaper, include the fare and time needed to travel back from Osaka. Consider adding a ninth day for that journey.

Check the baggage allowance before booking, especially if you’re planning to bring home plenty of pasalubong. Compare the total cost of a ticket with the cost of returning from Osaka to Tokyo.

How much should you budget for 8 days in Japan?

Japan trip costs vary. JNTO's official budget guide lists these example starting prices:¹¹

These estimates use 1 JPY to about 0.38 PHP, checked 7 August 2026. Check the current JPY to PHP rate.

These prices aren't guaranteed. Check current flights, hotels and travel between cities, then add food, attractions, insurance, data, shopping and emergency funds.

Detailed 8-day Japan itinerary

Day 1 — Arrive in Tokyo and visit Shibuya

Morning or afternoon — Arrival and hotel check-in

Leave enough time for immigration, baggage collection, the trip into Tokyo and hotel check-in. Delays happen, so don't book a timed attraction after landing. Ueno is convenient from Narita, while Shinjuku is another well-connected base.

Evening — Shibuya

Visit Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, then browse nearby shops. Only book a timed observation deck if your arrival schedule allows it. Keep the evening light after your flight.

Day 2 — Explore Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara

Morning — Senso-ji and Asakusa

Start early at Senso-ji and walk through Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise shopping street. Carry some yen, as smaller stalls and temple payments may be cash-only.

Afternoon — Ueno

Head to Ueno Park, then choose a museum or Ameyoko shopping street to avoid rushing. Check museum opening days before you go.

Evening — Akihabara

End in Akihabara for electronics, games, anime, manga and collectables.⁹ Keep your baggage allowance in mind while shopping.

Day 3 — Visit Meiji Shrine, Harajuku and Shinjuku

Morning — Meiji Shrine

Begin at Meiji Shrine near Harajuku Station. Walk through the forested grounds and follow the posted worship and photography rules.

Afternoon — Harajuku and Omotesando

Explore Harajuku's fashion and character shops, then head to Omotesando or Yoyogi Park. Families can shorten this stop and take a midday break.

Evening — Shinjuku

Have dinner in Shinjuku, check your Shinkansen booking and pack for Kyoto. Consider luggage forwarding if you have several suitcases.

Day 4 — Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning — Take the Shinkansen

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa. The fastest services reach Kyoto in roughly two hours.⁵ Book ahead during busy periods and check oversized-luggage rules. Compare a Japan Rail Pass with individual fares before buying.

Afternoon — Central Kyoto

Leave your bags at the hotel, then explore Nishiki Market, Shijo and Kawaramachi. Check the opening hours of any must-visit shops or stalls.

Evening — Gion

Walk around Gion, then continue to Yasaka Shrine if time allows. Follow local signs, as some streets restrict access or photography.

Day 5 — Visit Fushimi Inari and eastern Kyoto

Morning — Fushimi Inari

Visit Fushimi Inari early. You don't need to finish the mountain trail to see the famous torii gates. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

Afternoon — Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama

Continue to Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Allow for hills, crowds and queues, with time for nearby temples, shops and cafés.

Evening — Gion or Kawaramachi

Have dinner around Gion, Kawaramachi or Kyoto Station. For Arashiyama, swap out one of today's areas or add another night.

Day 6 — Visit Nara and continue to Osaka

Morning — Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Store or forward your luggage, then take a JR or Kintetsu train. Kintetsu-Nara Station is closer to the park, but your best route depends on your hotel and ticket.⁶

Afternoon — Nara Park and Todai-ji

Visit Nara Park and Todai-ji, adding Kofuku-ji if time allows. The deer are wild, so secure food and paper, watch young children and follow feeding guidance. Leave time to collect your bags and continue to Osaka.

Evening — Dotonbori

Stay near Namba for food and shopping or Umeda for transport links. After checking in, visit Dotonbori and try takoyaki or okonomiyaki.

Day 7 — Explore Osaka

Morning — Osaka Castle

Start at Osaka Castle. Allow at least an hour for the museum, plus time for queues and the grounds.¹⁰ Check the latest opening hours.

Afternoon — Kuromon Market and Shinsaibashi

Visit Kuromon Market, then continue to Shinsaibashi for snacks, skincare, stationery and pasalubong. Check airline limits before buying large boxes or liquids. Review declaration rules and Philippine customs guidance before buying food, cosmetics or supplements in bulk.¹²

Evening — Dotonbori or Umeda

Return to Dotonbori or explore Umeda. Keep your final evening easy, with enough time to pack and check your route to the airport.

Day 8 — Depart from Japan

Morning or afternoon — Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take a JR or Nankai train to Kansai International Airport. The trip from central Osaka can take around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the service.⁷ Allow extra time for luggage, check-in and immigration. Complete or update eTravel within 72 hours before returning to the Philippines, and review customs requirements.³ ¹²

Can you stay in Osaka and visit Kyoto as a day trip?

Yes. You can travel directly from Tokyo to Osaka and use it as your only Kansai base.

This means fewer hotel changes but more commuting. Kyoto offers quieter mornings and evenings, while Osaka may be simpler for families, older travellers or groups with several bags.

Practical Japan travel tips

Use these practical tips to plan when to visit, prepare your visa and entry documents, get around and stay connected during your trip.

When is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring and autumn usually have comfortable sightseeing weather. Cherry-blossom season is especially popular, while autumn brings cooler days and colourful leaves.⁸ Summer can be hot and humid. Golden Week and New Year can affect crowds and prices.

Read our guide to the best time to visit Japan from the Philippines.

Japan visa and entry requirements for Filipinos

Philippine passport holders generally need a tourist visa. Check the latest document checklist, application timing and validity rules before applying.¹ ²

The official requirements do not state one minimum amount of available funds for every applicant. Your financial documents should reasonably support your route, trip length and expected costs.

Complete the free Philippine eTravel registration within 72 hours before departure.³ You can also use Visit Japan Web to prepare for Japan’s immigration and customs procedures.⁴

Information checked on 7 August 2026.

Getting around Japan

Use trains and metro services in Tokyo and Osaka, and a mix of trains, buses and walking in Kyoto. An IC card covers many local trips, but Shinkansen journeys may need separate tickets. Families may prefer fewer stops, midday breaks and occasional taxis.

Staying connected in Japan

If your phone supports eSIMs and isn't network-locked, compare data, validity, coverage and hotspot rules. Download offline maps before changing cities.

See our guide to the best eSIMs for international travel.

Shopping and payments in Japan

Plan how you’ll pay and what you want to bring home, as payment options can vary between hotels, department stores, restaurants, markets and ticket machines.

What should you buy in Japan?

Popular pasalubong includes snacks, matcha products, skincare, stationery, anime merchandise and crafts. Check expiry dates, baggage limits and Philippine customs rules before buying in bulk.

Read our complete guide to what to buy in Japan.

How to pay in Japan: cash, cards and IC cards

Cards work at many hotels, department stores and larger businesses. Carry some yen for smaller restaurants, stalls, temples and ticket machines. IC cards also cover transport and some purchases.

At a card terminal or ATM, you may be asked to pay in PHP or JPY. Choosing PHP uses dynamic currency conversion, or DCC. The merchant or ATM provider converts the yen amount into pesos using its exchange rate, which may include a markup or fee.¹³

Seeing the price in pesos may feel convenient, but it can cost more. To decline DCC, choose JPY, “local currency” or “without conversion”. Your card provider handles the conversion, but its usual fees may still apply. Check your card's terms before travelling.

Learn more about using cash or card in Japan.

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Before travelling to Japan: checklist

• Check your passport and visa
• Make sure your itinerary matches your real plans
• Confirm flights, accommodation and baggage allowances
• Review long-distance train arrangements
• Check attraction opening hours
• Complete eTravel within 72 hours of departure
• Update eTravel before returning to the Philippines
• Review Visit Japan Web
• Consider travel insurance
• Arrange an eSIM, SIM or roaming
• Prepare cards and Japanese yen
• Save offline copies of your documents

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Frequently asked questions

Is eight days enough for a first trip to Japan?

Yes, if you're comfortable with a busy itinerary. Ten days gives you more time for slower mornings, theme parks or extra day trips.

How much should I budget for eight days in Japan?

Start with current prices for flights, seven hotel nights and travel between cities. Then add food, attractions, insurance, mobile data, shopping and an emergency fund. JNTO lists budget single rooms from about 6,000 JPY per night, although actual prices vary.¹¹

Should I book an open-jaw flight or return to Tokyo?

A multi-city, or open-jaw, ticket can save you from returning to Tokyo after Osaka. Compare the total cost, including baggage, airport transfers and a possible Shinkansen trip back to Tokyo.

Can I stay in Osaka and visit Kyoto?

Yes. It means fewer hotel changes, although you'll spend more time on trains. Staying in Kyoto gives you more time to enjoy the city during its quieter mornings and evenings.

Is a Japan Rail Pass necessary?

Not necessarily. Add up the individual train fares in your final route and compare the total with the current pass price before buying one.

Is this itinerary suitable for Filipino families?

It can be. Remove a few stops from the busier days, plan midday breaks and consider using Osaka as your only Kansai base.

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Sources:

1. Embassy of Japan in the Philippines — Visa and consular services
2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Short-term visas for nationals of the Philippines
3. Philippine eTravel — Frequently asked questions
4. Digital Agency of Japan — Visit Japan Web
5. Japan National Tourism Organization — Travel FAQ
6. Japan National Tourism Organization — The Kansai trio: Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
7. Japan National Tourism Organization — Kansai International Airport access
8. Japan National Tourism Organization — Weather and geography
9. GO TOKYO — Official Tokyo travel guide
10. OSAKA-INFO — Osaka Castle Museum
11. Japan National Tourism Organization — Guide to travelling Japan on a budget
12. Philippine Bureau of Customs — Essential guide for travellers
13. Visa — Decoding Dynamic Currency Conversion