Land at Narita or Haneda, take airport limousine, N’EX or taxi to central Tokyo, check in and rest; allow extra time for immigration and luggage. Confirm hotel has fridge/kettle if you prefer self-catering for Jain meals.
Eat at T's TanTan (vegan ramen in Tokyo Station) or an Indian vegetarian restaurant in central Tokyo; ask staff explicitly for no onion, garlic or root vegetables. Call ahead to confirm they can accommodate strict Jain requirements.
A calming stroll through the Meiji Jingu forest and shrine precinct to acclimatise; shrine grounds are free and open from sunrise to sunset (approx 5:00am–5:00pm in winter). It’s a peaceful introduction to Japanese spiritual sites.
See the famous Shibuya scramble and explore surrounding shopping streets. Good spot for evening photos and light shopping; many department stores have vegetarian options in depachika (basement food halls).
Dine at Ain Soph. (vegan restaurant chain) or another trusted vegan/vegetarian restaurant; request no onions/garlic and no root vegetables — bring a printed request in Japanese for clarity.
Have a simple breakfast at the hotel or grab a vegan onigiri / tofu-based item from Tokyo Station (T’s TanTan or depachika). Confirm items contain no hidden dashi (fish stock).
Optional panoramic view from Tokyo Skytree (observation decks open ~8:00am–10:00pm); book tickets in advance to avoid queues and watch weather for clear views.
Return to a reliable vegan ramen spot (T's TanTan) or an Indian vegetarian restaurant; again request no onion/garlic/root veg and confirm ingredients with staff.
Stroll Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum (check opening hours, typically 9:30am–5:00pm, closed Mon) for Japanese art and history — calm, educational afternoon.
Dine at a reputable vegetarian Indian restaurant (e.g., Nataraj or similar); explain Jain dietary restrictions and confirm no use of onion, garlic or root vegetables. Many restaurants will prepare customised thali if given notice.
Take JR or Enoden train (approx 1h–1h15m from Tokyo) to Kamakura, a compact coastal town with large temples and a relaxed atmosphere — leave early to beat crowds.
See the iconic Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha). The site opens around 8:00am and has a small entrance fee; it’s a short, meaningful visit and very accessible.
Pick a café near Komachi-dori that offers vegetarian set meals or sushi-style vegetarian plates; always confirm ingredients and ask for no bonito/dashi.
Choose a quieter spot: Hokoku-ji (bamboo temple with tea room) or head to Enoshima for coastal views. Check opening times (Hokoku-ji approx 9:00–16:30).
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (~2h15–2h30 by Nozomi; slightly longer by Hikari). Reserve seats ahead for comfort. Enjoy scenic views moving west.
Check into Kyoto hotel and have lunch at a vegetarian-friendly cafe such as Mumokuteki Cafe & Foods (popular organic/vegetarian spot) — confirm Jain restrictions.
Visit Fushimi Inari shrine and walk part of the torii tunnel trails; shrine is open 24 hours so you can choose quieter late-afternoon times. Trails can take 1–2 hours depending on how far you go.
Stroll the Gion district for traditional wooden machiya houses and early-evening atmosphere; photo-friendly and a good introduction to Kyoto’s historic district.
Try a vegetarian restaurant in Kyoto; shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) restaurants are available but must be asked about root vegetables and seasoning — many will accommodate with notice.
Eat at hotel or a nearby vegetarian-friendly café; pick simple items and avoid sauces containing fish stock. Carry a translated dietary card to show restaurants.
Early visit to the bamboo grove (open 24h) to avoid crowds, then Tenryu-ji temple (often open 9:00–17:00). Tenryu-ji’s gardens are peaceful and very photogenic.
Have shojin ryori at Tenryu-ji’s Shigetsu (lunch service usually around 11:30–14:00) or an alternative vegetarian cafe; ask for a menu without root vegetables where possible.
Return to central Kyoto for dinner at Mumokuteki Cafe & Foods or a vegetarian-friendly izakaya that can adapt dishes to Jain needs; always reconfirm no hidden dashi or roots.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (typically open 6:00–18:00), a UNESCO site with wooden stage views over Kyoto — walk the historic streets up to the temple for traditional shops (many sell souvenirs).
Visit Nijo Castle (usually open 8:45–17:00) to see Edo-period palace architecture and gardens. It’s a good mix of indoor and outdoor exploring for an afternoon visit.
Order a customised Indian Jain thali at a reputable Indian restaurant in Kyoto — many chefs will remove onion/garlic and avoid root vegetables if asked in advance.
Take the train from Kyoto to Nara (approx 45m–1h). Arrive early to enjoy Nara Park before the largest crowds, and to visit major temples with calm surroundings.
Visit Todai-ji and its Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall). The temple generally opens around 8:00–9:00 and has a modest entry fee; the site is a must-see for historic architecture.
Choose a vegetarian-friendly restaurant near Kintetsu Nara station; confirm no fish stock or root vegetables in dishes. Many tourist cafés can adapt simple rice/veg plates.
Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market for fresh produce and vegetarian-friendly stalls; shop vendors can often prepare simple vegetable dishes if requested (confirm ingredients).
Walk the lively Dotonbori canal area and Shinsaibashi shopping arcade; the area is famous for neon signs and shopping — avoid street foods containing fish/meat.
Dine at a known vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Osaka such as Paprika Shokudo Vegan or a reliable Indian vegetarian restaurant; confirm Jain-specific restrictions in advance.
Take the ferry to Miyajima island and visit Itsukushima Shrine (the floating torii) — shrine grounds are open daylight hours (varies seasonally); arrive early for best photos.
Seek out temple-style or vegetarian-friendly restaurants on Miyajima; options are limited so carry snacks if you need strict Jain-compliant food, or eat plain rice/seaweed dishes after confirming ingredients.
Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (usually open 8:30–6:00pm); allocate time for the museum’s moving exhibits and the A-Bomb Dome.
Take an evening Shinkansen back to Osaka and have dinner at a vegetarian restaurant; plan for a later arrival if trains are delayed. If too tired, consider overnighting in Hiroshima instead.
Have an early breakfast; if departure is late, use this time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping near the hotel. Pack purchases and confirm airport transfer timing.
Optional short visit to Umeda Sky Building observatory (usually open 10:00–22:30) or last-minute shopping in Namba/Shinsaibashi depending on flight time.
Allow at least 3 hours before international departure for check-in and immigration; take the airport express (approx 40–1h) or pre-book private transfer depending on luggage and comfort needs.