7-Day Japan Itinerary for Korean Travelers: Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

With just a short flight from Korea, Japan remains one of the top international destinations for Korean travelers. Whether it’s a first-time visit or a return trip, Japan offers the perfect blend of historical charm, modern convenience, culinary adventure, and efficient transportation. This 7-day itinerary is crafted specifically for Korean travelers, covering the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more—along with tips for JR Pass usage, must-visit attractions, and how to stay online effortlessly with Voye Global’s eSIM for Japan.

Why Japan Is Ideal for Korean Travelers?

• Direct flights from Seoul, Busan, and Daegu to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo
• Shared cultural familiarity and signage in Korean in tourist hotspots
• Safe, clean, and organized cities with excellent public transit
• Korean-friendly payment options and ease of mobile booking
• Quick, seamless access to data with a travel eSIM for Japan

Before you go, check out our Japan eSIM Travel Guide to ensure your phone is ready for maps, bookings, and instant translation—no pocket Wi-Fi needed.

7-Day Japan Itinerary for Korean Travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo and Light Sightseeing

• Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport
• Activate your JR Pass at the airport station
• Check in to your hotel in Shinjuku, Ueno, or Asakusa
• Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine or enjoy evening views from Tokyo Skytree
• Have dinner at Izakaya Alley in Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho or explore Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Day 2: Tokyo City Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
• Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street for souvenirs and street snacks
• Cruise the Sumida River for city views from the water

Afternoon:

• Head to Shibuya Crossing and visit Shibuya Sky Observatory
• Browse Harajuku’s Takeshita Street and Omotesando boutiques

Evening:

• Dinner in Korean Town (Shin-Okubo) or try Sukiyaki in Ginza
• Optional: Watch a show at Robot Restaurant or explore Kabukicho (red-light area)

Day 3: Day Trip to Mt. Fuji or Nikko

Option A: Hakone (Mt. Fuji Views)

• Take the Romancecar or JR train to Hakone
• Visit the Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, and ride the Hakone Ropeway
• End with a lake cruise on Lake Ashi

Option B: Nikko

• Famous for Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Enjoy scenic views, historic temples, and beautiful waterfalls like Kegon Falls

Return to Tokyo by evening.

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto via Shinkansen

• Board the Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Nozomi) to Kyoto (~2.5 hours)
• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate tunnels
• Walk the Higashiyama District for preserved streets, teahouses, and artisan shops
• Sunset at Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking the city
• Try a kaiseki dinner or simple Kyoto-style soba

Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Morning:

• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• See wild macaques at Iwatayama Monkey Park
• Cross the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge

Afternoon:

• Tour the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)
• Explore Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns
• Relax with matcha tea at a traditional teahouse

Evening:

• Stroll through Pontocho Alley or attend a geisha performance in Gion

Day 6: Day Trip to Osaka from Kyoto

• Take the JR rapid line (~30 min) to Osaka
• Visit Osaka Castle and surrounding park
• Head to Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for fashion and beauty finds
• Try street food at Kuromon Ichiba Market: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more
• Experience the neon-lit vibe of Dotonbori and take a photo by the Glico sign

Optional additions:

• Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
• Visit TeamLab Botanical Garden or Universal CityWalk for themed shops
• Explore Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Day 7: Departure from Kansai Airport

• Travel to Kansai International Airport (KIX) via the Haruka Express
• Last-minute tax-free shopping at airport duty-free stores
• Use Voye eSIM to access airline apps, check-in, and stay online until boarding

Other Add-on Destinations (If You Have More Time)

• Hiroshima & Miyajima: Peace Memorial Park and floating torii gate
• Nara: Feed the sacred deer and visit Todai-ji Temple
• Kobe: Sample world-famous Kobe beef and tour the sake breweries
• Fukuoka: Accessible via JR Pass and great for tonkotsu ramen lovers
• Sapporo: Best for a summer escape or winter sports (not on JR Pass)

Why Use a Travel eSIM in Japan?

Japan’s public Wi-Fi is limited, and renting pocket Wi-Fi can be a hassle. A Voye Global’s Japan travel eSIM is the easiest way to stay online across cities, trains, and tourist hotspots.

Benefits of Voye eSIM for Japan:

• Activate instantly via QR code—no store visits
• Works nationwide with top-tier carriers
• No roaming charges or SIM swapping required
• Supports eSIM-compatible Android and iOS devices
• Prepaid and contract-free for flexible travel

Travel Tips for Korean Visitors

• Bring cash: Many places still prefer cash over card
• Use Suica or Pasmo: Great for local transport, vending machines, and convenience stores
• JR Pass: Reserve seats during busy seasons, especially for Shinkansen
• Shop smart: Look for tax-free signs and bring your passport
• Respect etiquette: No loud phone calls on trains, and always queue up properly

FAQs

Do I need a visa?
No. South Korean citizens can stay in Japan visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is it better to start in Tokyo or Osaka?
Both work well—fly into one and return from the other to minimize travel time.

Should I use a pocket Wi-Fi or eSIM?
An eSIM is faster, lighter, and more convenient. No pick-up, no return, and no charging needed.

Final Thoughts

This 7-day Japan itinerary is tailor-made for Korean travelers looking to balance iconic sights with cultural immersion. With efficient transport via the JR Pass and seamless mobile connectivity from Voye Global, you can enjoy Japan’s best without the usual travel stress.

From the temples of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo and the vibrant flavors of Osaka, Japan delivers a world-class experience—just a short flight from home.