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12-Day Japan Loop: Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima & Return (Arrive/Depart Narita)

Viewed by 132 travelers

Day 1: Arrival Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on November 9, 2025

09:30AM

Arrive Narita Airport (NRT)

Land at Narita — collect luggage, complete immigration and buy or activate JR Pass if pre-ordered; Narita is your arrival airport per flight plan.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Transfer to Central Tokyo (Narita Express)

Take the Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo/Shinjuku for ~60–90 minutes; trains run often but check timetable and platform on arrival.
CURRENCY30, 1h30m

01:00PM

Check in & Lunch in Shinjuku — Ichiran or Omoide Yokocho

Drop bags, then enjoy a solo-ramen booth at Ichiran or small izakaya eats in Omoide Yokocho — quick, iconic Tokyo lunches (most open midday).
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

03:00PM

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

See the famous scramble crossing and the Hachiko statue; area is always open (outdoor) and great for first photos and shopping.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

05:00PM

Relax at Hotel then Early Dinner — Torikizoku or local izakaya

Try casual yakitori or izakaya small plates near your hotel — many places open from 5pm; good to recover from jet lag.
CURRENCY20, 1h15m

07:30PM

Tokyo Night View — Shinjuku or Roppongi

Visit the Metropolitan Government Building observatory (free; open until ~11pm) or Roppongi Hills for skyline views — check closing times before going.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Classic Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on November 10, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi/chirashi or tamagoyaki at stalls in the Outer Market; most shops open from early morning (check individual stall hours).
CURRENCY20, 1h0m

09:30AM

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Street

Walk the historic street and visit Senso-ji in Asakusa — temple grounds are open daily (shops open mid-morning); great cultural introduction.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Sumida River / Tokyo Skytree area

Stroll toward the Skytree for riverside views and optional plaza shopping; Skytree observation decks have paid entry and variable opening hours.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m

01:30PM

Lunch — Tendon Tenya or sushi near Asakusa

Try tempura rice bowl at Tenya or a sushi set at a local spot; many restaurants open midday and close mid-afternoon so check times.
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

03:00PM

Akihabara (electronics & anime)

Explore electronics stores, anime shops and themed cafés; most stores are open ~10:00–20:00, so afternoon is lively.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

06:00PM

Dinner in Shinjuku — Omoide Yokocho or Robot Restaurant area (shows vary)

Choose yakitori alleys for authentic local atmosphere or book a themed show (verify show dates/times as some nights closed).
CURRENCY30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Modern & Traditional

Tokyo, Japan on November 11, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast in Harajuku — pancakes or crepes on Takeshita Street

Takeshita has trendy sweets and cafés; some cafés open from 9:00, so check the specific spot you want to visit.
CURRENCY12, 1h0m

09:30AM

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

A peaceful shrine walk through a large forested area near Harajuku; shrine grounds open early, typically from sunrise to sunset.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Omotesando & Shopping

Stroll Omotesando’s architecture and boutiques for luxury and local design — stores typically open around 11:00–12:00.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

01:00PM

Lunch at Afuri (yuzu ramen) or Maisen tonkatsu

Taste yuzu-shio ramen at Afuri or classic tonkatsu at Maisen; both are famed and usually open for lunch service.
CURRENCY18, 1h0m

03:00PM

Ginza Window Shopping & Kabukiza (optional show)

Explore Ginza’s department stores; consider a short Kabuki act at Kabukiza Theater (single-act tickets available, check show times in advance).
CURRENCY10, 2h0m

06:30PM

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai or mid-range sushi

Enjoy a sushi dinner — many high-quality options in Ginza/Shimbashi with dinner service from early evening; reservations recommended for groups.
CURRENCY40, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Tokyo → Kyoto, Japan on November 12, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast & Check-out

Have hotel breakfast and check out early to catch the shinkansen; verify luggage service or coin lockers if moving to a different hotel in Kansai.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

09:00AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto (Nozomi/Hikari with JR Pass rules)

Board bullet train for a ~2h15m trip to Kyoto; if using a JR Pass, take Hikari or Sakura services (Nozomi not covered).
CURRENCY120, 2h15m

12:00PM

Check in & Lunch near Kyoto Station — Ramen or tempura

Drop bags then enjoy a Kyoto-style lunch near the station; many eateries open midday (11:00–15:00).
CURRENCY20, 1h0m

02:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion and surrounding gardens; the site is open daily (~9:00–17:00) but check seasonal hours.
CURRENCY5, 1h0m

04:00PM

Ryoan-ji rock garden (nearby)

See the famous zen rock garden — tranquil and great for reflection before evening in Gion.
CURRENCY3, 45m

06:30PM

Dinner in Gion — kaiseki or cosy izakaya

Dine in Gion for traditional Kyoto flavors (kaiseki more formal; many restaurants require reservations and have set hours).
CURRENCY60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo → Kyoto

Day 5: Arashiyama & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 13, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start early to beat crowds for Arashiyama; many cafés open from 8:00 onward.
CURRENCY0, 45m

09:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge

Wander the famous bamboo grove and riverside area — outdoor and open 24/7, but mornings are best for photos and fewer people.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

11:30AM

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Explore the UNESCO-listed temple and its landscaped garden; typically open ~8:30–17:30 (confirm seasonal times).
CURRENCY6, 1h0m

01:00PM

Lunch — yudofu (tofu) set in Arashiyama

Try a Kyoto-style tofu lunch near the temples for a regional specialty; many restaurants cater to tourists midday.
CURRENCY18, 1h0m

03:00PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha (later afternoon)

Walk the iconic torii gate tunnels; shrine is open 24 hours but later afternoon is pleasant and less hot/crowded.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

06:30PM

Dinner — Kyoto Gogyo (burnt ramen) or Pontocho alley

Choose a unique bowl of burnt ramen or dine in Pontocho for riverside ambiance; check restaurant closing times and reserve if possible.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Kyoto Local Life

Kyoto, Japan on November 14, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast & Nishiki Market

Browse Kyoto’s kitchen — sample pickles, sweets and fresh snacks; most stalls open ~9:00–18:00, earlier for busy vendors.
CURRENCY15, 1h30m

10:30AM

Tea Ceremony Experience / Kodaiji

Join a short tea ceremony or visit Kodaiji Temple with its gardens and historic atmosphere (check booking/op hours).
CURRENCY25, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch — Obanzai or soba in Gion

Try Kyoto home-style dishes (obanzai) or a soba set in the historic district, many shops open midday.
CURRENCY20, 1h0m

02:30PM

Philosopher’s Path & Nanzen-ji

Walk the scenic pathway with small temples and coffee shops; Nanzen-ji temple complex typically open daytime hours.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

05:30PM

Evening in Gion — possible maiko sightings

Stroll Hanami-koji street; evenings are atmospheric but be respectful and avoid blocking locals (street access is public).
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

07:00PM

Dinner — Kaiseki or Yakitori

For a special night, book a kaiseki meal; otherwise, local yakitori offers casual but delicious options (check reservation needs).
CURRENCY60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara (from Kyoto), Japan on November 15, 2025

08:00AM

Train to Nara (Kintetsu or JR)

Take a ~35–50 minute train from Kyoto to Nara; Kintetsu-Nara is slightly faster to the central area — check timetable for departures.
CURRENCY10, 45m

09:00AM

Todai-ji & Great Buddha

Visit the massive Daibutsu hall and Great Buddha statue — the temple is typically open ~8:00–17:00; arrive early to avoid crowds.
CURRENCY6, 1h0m

10:30AM

Nara Park (deer) & Kasuga-taisha

Stroll the park, feed tame deer from licensed vendors, and explore Kasuga-taisha shrine — Kasuga and the park are usually open during daylight hours.
CURRENCY5, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch — Local kakinoha-zushi or set meals

Try regional specialties like persimmon-leaf sushi or a casual set meal at a Nara eatery open for lunch service.
CURRENCY18, 1h0m

02:30PM

Naramachi (old merchant quarter)

Wander the historic lanes and small shops; museums and machiya shops typically open mid-morning to late afternoon.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

04:30PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto to relax and prepare for travel to Osaka the next day.
CURRENCY10, 45m

07:00PM

Dinner in Kyoto — casual grill or izakaya

Enjoy an easy dinner near your hotel after a full day of walking; many places stay open into the evening.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nara (from Kyoto)

Day 8: Move to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on November 16, 2025

08:30AM

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast then take a short train (JR or private) from Kyoto to Osaka (~15–30 minutes by rapid service).
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Explore the castle museum and park grounds (castle museum open typically 9:00–17:00); great panoramic views from the top floor.
CURRENCY6, 1h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori — takoyaki & okonomiyaki

Sample Osaka street food in the lively Dotonbori area; vendors and restaurants are busiest midday–evening.
CURRENCY15, 1h0m

02:00PM

Shinsaibashi & Namba Shopping

Shop the covered arcades and boutique streets — stores generally open from 10:00–20:00, good for afternoon shopping.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

05:00PM

Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden)

Head to the observatory for sunset city views; check observatory hours (often until 22:30) and buy tickets on arrival.
CURRENCY10, 1h0m

07:30PM

Dinner — Kushikatsu in Shinsekai or Dotonbori restaurant

Try deep-fried skewers in Shinsekai or enjoy riverside dining in Dotonbori; many venues stay open late.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Travel to Hiroshima

Osaka → Hiroshima, Japan on November 17, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast & Check-out

Fuel up and check out early to catch the shinkansen west to Hiroshima; allow time for luggage handling or coin lockers if needed.
CURRENCY0, 45m

09:00AM

Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approx. 1h45–2h)

Board the bullet train for Hiroshima; travel time varies by service (Nozomi fastest but JR Pass users use Sakura/Hikari).
CURRENCY130, 2h0m

11:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Visit the Peace Park, A-Bomb Dome and Museum (museum open ~8:30–18:00, check seasonal hours) for a moving historical experience.
CURRENCY6, 2h0m

02:00PM

Lunch — Okonomiyaki at Okonomi-mura

Taste Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki at this multi-restaurant food building; many stalls are open for lunch and dinner.
CURRENCY12, 1h0m

03:30PM

Hiroshima Castle & Shukkeien Garden

Stroll the reconstructed castle and nearby Shukkeien garden (gardens usually open until late afternoon), relaxing after the museum visit.
CURRENCY6, 1h30m

07:00PM

Dinner — fresh oysters at a local izakaya

Hiroshima is famous for oysters; enjoy them grilled or in seasonal dishes at recommended seafood restaurants (check hours/reservation).
CURRENCY30, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Osaka → Hiroshima

Day 10: Miyajima Island

Miyajima (Itsukushima), Japan on November 18, 2025

08:00AM

Ferry to Miyajima (Miyajimaguchi)

Short local train then ferry to the island (ferries run frequently); check first ferry times and tide times for the floating torii views.
CURRENCY8, 1h0m

09:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine & Torii Gate

Explore the famous shrine built over water and photograph the torii — shrine usually open from morning to late afternoon (confirm seasonal times).
CURRENCY3, 1h0m

11:00AM

Mount Misen hike or ropeway

Hike or take the ropeway for panoramic island views; trails and ropeway operate during daytime (ropeway has variable schedule in poor weather).
CURRENCY10, 2h0m

01:30PM

Lunch — anago (grilled conger eel) or local specialties

Try the island’s famed anago dishes at waterfront restaurants; lunchtime is popular so expect queues at top spots.
CURRENCY20, 1h0m

03:30PM

Stroll Omotesando & Momiji-dani Park

Browse souvenir shops and enjoy the park; relaxed afternoon before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

05:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Catch ferry and train back to Hiroshima city to rest after the island day trip.
CURRENCY8, 1h0m

07:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima — casual izakaya

Finish the day with a relaxed meal near your hotel; many izakaya open into late evening.
CURRENCY25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Miyajima (Itsukushima)

Day 11: Return to Tokyo

Hiroshima → Tokyo, Japan on November 19, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast & Check-out

Have a quick breakfast and prepare luggage for the long rail return to Tokyo; consider sending luggage ahead if preferred.
CURRENCY0, 45m

09:30AM

Shinkansen back to Tokyo (approx. 4h)

Board the bullet train for the return trip to Tokyo — travel time depends on service; bring snacks for the journey.
CURRENCY140, 4h0m

02:00PM

Check-in & Lunch near hotel

Arrive back in Tokyo, check in and enjoy a relaxed lunch; choose an area you’d like to revisit (Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa).
CURRENCY20, 1h0m

04:00PM

Final Shopping — Akihabara or Ginza

Use the afternoon to buy souvenirs, electronics or gifts; stores generally open until early evening, some later into night.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

07:30PM

Farewell Dinner — memorable sushi or izakaya

Book a special last-night dinner (sushi, kaiseki, or vibrant izakaya) — reserve in advance for groups of 4.
CURRENCY70, 1h45m
Find Hotels in Hiroshima → Tokyo

Day 12: Departure Narita

Tokyo → Narita Airport, Japan on November 20, 2025

07:00AM

Breakfast & Final Packing

Have an early breakfast and confirm airport transfer time; allow extra time for Narita check-in and security (international flights recommend 3 hours pre-departure).
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

08:30AM

Transfer to Narita Airport (Narita Express or airport bus)

Take the Narita Express or airport limousine bus depending on hotel location; trains take ~60–90 minutes so plan accordingly.
CURRENCY30, 1h30m

10:30AM

Arrive at Narita & Check-in

Complete check-in and security, browse duty-free if time permits before your international flight back to Vancouver.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

01:00PM

Flight Departure from Narita

Board your flight home from Narita Airport — safe travels and keep travel documents handy.
CURRENCY0, —
Find Hotels in Tokyo → Narita Airport
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