What is a good second city to pair with Tokyo for first time to Japan?

Don’t forget to manage expectations for your first day/night there. Especially if you land in the AM, it’s going to be rough.

I specifically avoid the flights that land in Haneda in the AM because of this. Direct to Narita landing about 14:30, 90 minute bus ride, unpacking, and I can force myself to stay awake until almost 1900. Wake up at 0300 the next day, but I’m adjusted.

If you are visiting Japan I'd say Kyoto is a must for sure. Not sure you particularly need three nights there though. I'd probably try to visit somewhere else like Nara or Osaka as well as Kyoto myself

Kyoto and Osaka are great.

All the obvious choices are here for sure and they are that for a reason. Guaranteed good time.

I didn't have long in Japan, but if I get a chance to go again I'd consider Nakasendo Trail (old post towns route), Sapporo, Beppu, and Nagano/Gunma. So if you get a wild idea to change up the more typical first time to Japan thing that's some options for you. Get some more nature destinations and small towns, especially since we all hear the stories that small town Japan is dying.

Kyoto for sure. Nara for a daytrip out of there.

We also did yamazaki distillery and Osaka as day trips out of Kyoto.

What an amazing country. Visiting will change your understanding of the world.

For only 7 nights, I would stay in Tokyo the whole time and visit 1 or 2 districts within Tokyo each day. Like Asakusa one day, the next Ueno and Akihabara, then Ginza, and then Shibuya and Shinjuku. Each area is a vibe and can take time to explore. If you really want to go to another city within Japan, you could do Osaka and Kyoto either by plane or bullet train and you have to consider that will at least eat up 1/3 or 1/2 of your day with the logistics. How is your transportation looking and are you looking at flying in and out of different airports? That will eat up some time as well depending on how it's structured.