7-Day Tokyo & Kyoto Itinerary (April 2026) - Cherry Blossom Season

Over 7 days in 7 day Tokyo Kyoto itinerary, you'll alternate marquee icons with pocket‑sized favorites.

Mornings are crisp; afternoons suit slow garden walks under blossom canopies.

The pacing is forgiving, the walking is scenic, and the rides are JR‑pass friendly.

We’ll keep detours in pocket: a café with kissaten flair and a calm shrine when crowds swell.

You’ll start at 09:30 with ghibli museum, mitaka (advance-ticketed) in Ghibli Museum, Mitaka.

Booking: Reserve 1–2 months ahead (international sales vary).

Tip: Tickets sell out; morning slot is calmer.

Midday brings at 13:00 with meiji shrine & harajuku stroll in Meiji Jingu, Harajuku.

Booking: No booking required.

Tip: Best early morning for serenity; afternoons busy.

Later at 16:00 with teamlab planets (advance booking) in teamLab Planets, Toyosu.

Booking: Book 2-3 weeks ahead, especially weekends.

Tip: Evening slots less crowded, allow 2-3 hours.

Wear broken‑in walking shoes to avoid blisters.

Carry a refillable water bottle; convenience stores will keep you topped up.

Cherry blossom season in Japan is notoriously unpredictable.

While peak bloom typically occurs in late March to early April, the exact timing varies by 1-2 weeks each year.

In 2026, experts predict an early bloom due to warmer winter temperatures.

The best strategy is to plan for the last week of March and first week of April, with backup indoor activities for rainy days.

The Ghibli Museum requires booking exactly 3 months in advance at 10 AM Japan time.

International visitors often miss this window, so set multiple calendar reminders.

For teamLab Planets, book 2-3 weeks ahead, but avoid weekends if possible.

Many restaurants in Pontocho require Japanese phone numbers for reservations - consider using your hotel's concierge service.