5-Day Cultural and Scenic Adventure in Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or tamagoyaki at Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling spot famous for authentic Japanese seafood and street snacks.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, famed for its vibrant colors and rich history, and stroll down Nakamise Street for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Ueno Park and museums

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Ueno Park and visit either Tokyo National Museum or National Museum of Western Art, both open from 9:30am to 5pm.
JPY620, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Isetan Shinjuku Food Hall

Savor a variety of Japanese delicacies spread across the upscale Isetan Department Store food hall.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the iconic scramble crossing and visit the statue of loyal dog Hachiko, a popular meeting spot.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through serene forest pathways to visit this tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Enjoy a personalized bowl of famous tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, known for its solo dining booths and rich broth.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Hakone Nature & Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Enjoy a quick Japanese style breakfast or grab a bento from a convenience store before departing Tokyo.
JPY700, 30m

9:00am

Travel Tokyo to Hakone by Romancecar train

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, an efficient and scenic way to reach the mountainous area.
JPY2200, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Spend time with impressive sculptures set across beautiful gardens with mountain views, open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy fresh bakery items and meals with views of Lake Ashi at this popular café.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

Board a pirate ship-style cruise that offers breathtaking views of the lake and Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
JPY1000, 30m

3:30pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Explore this lakeside red torii gate shrine in a tranquil forest setting, open daily.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Hotel check-in and Onsen experience

Relax in a traditional ryokan with an onsen hot spring bath, a quintessential Japanese relaxation experience.
JPY15000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki multi-course dinner served by your ryokan, showcasing seasonal and local ingredients.
Included with stay, 1h30m
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Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring rice, grilled fish, and miso soup.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara Station to Kyoto, about a 2-3 hour journey with scenic views.
JPY13500, 2h30m

11:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates on the mountain trails at this famous shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of street foods and local crafts at Kyoto’s vibrant food market.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit this historic and scenic temple with a stunning wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto, open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets famous for traditional wooden machiya houses and chance encounters with geisha.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine by the Kamogawa River with options ranging from izakaya to upscale kaiseki in this atmospheric alley.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nara day trip

Nara, Japan on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty Japanese or Western style breakfast to prepare for the day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Nara by train

A quick 45-minute train ride to Nara, known for its temples and free-roaming deer.
JPY710, 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the largest wooden building housing the giant Buddha statue, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:45am

Walk at Nara Deer Park

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely in this expansive city park near Todai-ji.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi

Try freshly pounded mochi sweets, a local specialty famous in Nara.
JPY500, 30m

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Admire the thousands of stone and bronze lanterns at this historic Shinto shrine.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Travel back to Kyoto

Return to Kyoto for evening relaxation.
JPY710, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen Kyoto

Savor rich broth ramen at this well-known chain, popular for its balance of flavor and atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 5: Final Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final Japanese breakfast in Kyoto before heading to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka by train

A quick 30-minute train ride to Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene and nightlife.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the iconic castle and its museum, surrounded by scenic park grounds, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Indulge in takoyaki and okonomiyaki at the lively and colorful Dotonbori district.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Ascend to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka city.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll through Osaka’s busiest shopping street with diverse boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables, a famous local Osaka specialty.
JPY2000, 1h
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