7-Day Comprehensive Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at Tsukiji Outer Market, a vibrant place that offers a taste of authentic local cuisine and lively early morning atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, known for its iconic Kaminarimon Gate and traditional shopping street Nakamise-dori, ideal for souvenirs and local snacks.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy delicious sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in a traditional atmosphere at Asakusa Imahan, renowned for quality Japanese wagyu beef.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Walk at Ueno Park and Visit Tokyo National Museum

Stroll through Ueno Park’s beautiful green space and visit the Tokyo National Museum showcasing Japan's extensive art and cultural artifacts collections.
JPY620, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner in Akihabara

Experience vibrant Akihabara with dinner at a themed cafe like Gundam Cafe or a local izakaya offering a fun dining atmosphere and Japanese comfort food.
JPY2500, 2h
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Shichirigahama

Enjoy a western-style breakfast with a Japanese twist at Bills, famous for its ricotta pancakes and fresh seasonal ingredients. Located near the beach for a relaxing start.
JPY1800, 1h

10:00am

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, followed by a stroll in the lush Yoyogi Park, a popular spot among locals for relaxation and picnics.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Taste authentic Japanese gyoza, known for their juicy fillings and handmade quality, in the vibrant Harajuku district.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping and Exploring Shibuya

Explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing, shop at Shibuya 109 and enjoy the youthful, energetic vibe of this trendsetting district with countless boutiques and cafes.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy a fun and affordable sushi conveyor belt experience in Shibuya known for its speedy service and fresh selections.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 6, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nikko from Tokyo

Take the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa to central Nikko, approximately 2 hours, to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site full of historic temples and scenic nature.
JPY2500, 2h

10:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, with stunning sculptures and golden details.
JPY1300, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Savor local Nikko specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) dishes in a cozy, traditional eatery near the shrine.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Visit Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of nearby Lake Chuzenji surrounded by lush mountains.
JPY550, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo to relax and rest for the next day’s travel.
JPY2500, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and classic Japanese dishes at Gonpachi, the restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill movie’s fight scene, located conveniently in Tokyo.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel and Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick Japanese style breakfast or pastry in Kyoto Station’s bustling dining section before heading out to explore.
JPY1000, 30m

9:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, a comfortable and fast journey taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes with views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
JPY14000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, sampling street food and local delicacies like pickles, fresh seafood, and matcha sweets.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning gold-leaf covered pavilion set in a serene pond garden, an iconic symbol of Kyoto and a must-visit historic site.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through the historic streets of Gion, famous for traditional tea houses and possibly spotting geishas on their way to appointments.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a variety of dining options including kaiseki, yakitori, and other Kyoto specialties in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley along the Kamogawa River.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start the day with a traditional Japanese-style coffee and light breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a Kyoto classic since 1947.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through the famous torii gate tunnel at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, a stunning and spiritually significant site open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at a local soba restaurant

Enjoy hand-made soba noodles at a traditional Kyoto soba restaurant, offering a refreshing meal after the hike.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Stroll through the famous bamboo forest then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple, with beautiful gardens blending nature and architecture.
JPY500, 3h

5:00pm

Explore Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride offering views of the Hozugawa River Valley and picturesque mountains, a relaxing late afternoon excursion.
JPY620, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Try yudofu (boiled tofu) dishes, a Kyoto specialty, at a serene restaurant near Arashiyama, perfect for a light and healthy dinner.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Grab a quick breakfast at the station before traveling to Osaka, focusing on pastries or rice balls for a quick start.
JPY800, 30m

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka by train

Take the JR Special Rapid Service or Shinkansen to Osaka, a short 15-30 minute trip depending on train type.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic and majestic Osaka Castle, an important historical landmark surrounded by a vast park and museum inside.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy street food favorites such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling Dotonbori area, famous for its vibrant nightlife and neon signs.
JPY1500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and explore Osaka's longest shopping street with a mix of modern stores and traditional shops, great for souvenirs.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to the rooftop observatory of Umeda Sky Building to enjoy panoramic views of Osaka city at sunset.
JPY1500, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu, a popular Osaka deep-fried skewer dish, at Kushikatsu Daruma, a famous local chain in Dotonbori.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Osaka Departure

Osaka, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Eggs 'n Things Osaka

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a Hawaiian twist featuring pancakes and eggs to fuel up before departure.
JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life from the Pacific Rim, perfect for a relaxing morning activity before heading to the airport.
JPY2400, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Dine at the adjacent marketplace with various Japanese and international options, a great spot to grab a final meal in Japan.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the airport limousine bus or train from Osaka city center to Kansai International Airport for departure.
JPY1000, 1h
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