14-Day Loop from Tokyo to Hiroshima, Kanazawa & Takayama — Classic Japan Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Stroll

Tokyo, Japan on September 5, 2025

9:00am

Arrival & Hotel Drop-off

Arrive in Tokyo (Narita/Haneda), take airport transfer to central Tokyo and drop bags at your hotel so you can start exploring. Useful to activate any rail passes now if you have them.
JPY0, 1h00m

10:30am

Breakfast — Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh tamago, grilled seafood and sushi stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market for a lively introduction to Japanese breakfast flavours; many stalls open from 7:00–15:00.
JPY1500, 1h00m

12:00pm

Asakusa & Senso-ji

Walk Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji temple (Senso-ji often open from early morning) to see traditional shops and the famous Kaminarimon gate; great for photos and souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch — Tempura Tendon Tenya (Asakusa branch)

Quick, tasty tempura bowls popular with locals; inexpensive and fast service, ideal after temple strolling.
JPY1000, 45m

3:30pm

Ueno Park & Ameyoko

Stroll Ueno Park (museums typically 9:30–17:00) and the bustling Ameyoko market for snacks and bargain shopping.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Izakaya in Shinjuku

Head to Omoide Yokocho or an izakaya near Shinjuku station for yakitori and shared dishes; a fun first-night experience of Tokyo nightlife.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Classic Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Café in Shibuya

Light western/Japanese breakfast near Shibuya Station to fuel a full day of sightseeing; many cafés open from 7:00.
JPY1000, 45m

8:30am

Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Peaceful Meiji Jingu shrine set in a forested park near Harajuku; shrine precincts are open from sunrise to sunset and are perfect early morning to avoid crowds.
JPY0, 1h15m

10:30am

Harajuku Takeshita-dori

Explore colourful street fashion, crepe stands and unique boutiques on Takeshita Street — lively and quirky culture of modern Tokyo.
JPY0, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Afuri Ramen (Harajuku)

Try yuzu shio ramen at Afuri for a refreshing, lighter ramen variant near Harajuku.
JPY1200, 45m

2:00pm

Akihabara Electronics & Anime

Head to Akihabara to browse electronics stores, themed cafés and anime shops; many stores open from 10:00–11:00 and stay late.
JPY0, 2h00m

5:30pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and view the scramble from a café or the station overpass; great at dusk when neon lights come on.
JPY0, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner — Sushi Izakaya

Sit down at a local sushi izakaya in Shibuya (many open until late) for a relaxed evening meal.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kamakura & Hakone

Kamakura → Hakone, Japan on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Kamakura

Take the JR or private line from Tokyo to Kamakura (approx 1h). An early start helps beat crowds at the main sites.
JPY920, 1h00m

8:30am

Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)

See the large outdoor bronze Daibutsu — a peaceful, open-air icon typical of Kamakura; temple grounds open from early morning.
JPY300, 30m

10:00am

Hase-dera Temple & Beach Walk

Hase-dera offers gardens, views and a calm atmosphere; follow with a short stroll to the nearby beach for coastal scenery.
JPY400, 1h00m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local Soba or Seafood

Try a family-run soba shop or seafood bowl near Komachi-dori; many eateries open 11:00–15:00.
JPY1200, 45m

2:00pm

Travel to Hakone (via Odawara)

Train from Kamakura to Odawara then local transport into Hakone (total ~2h); arrive mid–late afternoon to check into a ryokan and enjoy an onsen.
JPY2200, 2h00m

5:00pm

Onsen & Ryokan Experience

Relax in a traditional ryokan onsen; many ryokans serve kaiseki dinners — book in advance. Onsen facilities typically operate through the evening.
JPY8000, 2h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Ryokan Kaiseki

Multi-course kaiseki dinner at your ryokan for seasonal, meticulously presented dishes — a highlight of staying in Hakone.
JPY0, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hakone to Kyoto

Hakone → Kyoto, Japan on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Ryokan

Enjoy a Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, typically including grilled fish, rice and miso soup; served in the morning before checkout.
JPY0, 45m

9:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Outdoor sculpture exhibitions and indoor galleries; museum opens at 9:00 and is a relaxing way to end your Hakone visit.
JPY1600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Soba or Local Café

Quick lunch near Hakone-Yumoto station before boarding the shinkansen via Odawara; plan for about an hour to allow transfers.
JPY1200, 1h00m

2:00pm

Travel to Kyoto

Take Odawara → Tokyo → Shin-Osaka or Odawara → Kodama/Shinkansen via Shin-Osaka then transfer to Kyoto. Journey time roughly 2.5–3.5 hours depending on connections.
JPY14000, 3h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Pontocho Alley

Arrive in Kyoto and head to Pontocho Alley for atmospheric riverside dining; many restaurants open from early evening and stay late.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on September 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Kyoto Café

Light breakfast near your hotel to start an active day of temple visits; cafés typically open 7:00–8:00.
JPY900, 30m

8:30am

Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama

Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple (open 6:00–18:00), then wander historic streets of Higashiyama for traditional shops and photo spots.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Stroll

Walk the preserved lanes lined with wooden shops and tea houses — ideal for souvenirs and matcha sweets.
JPY0, 45m

1:00pm

Lunch — Yudofu or Kaiseki Bento

Try a local yudofu (tofu hot-pot) restaurant near the temple area for a Kyoto speciality; many open through lunch hours.
JPY1500, 1h00m

3:00pm

Nijo Castle or Kyoto Imperial Palace

Visit Nijo Castle (9:00–16:00) to see samurai-era architecture or stroll the Imperial Palace grounds (advance registration advisable for palace).
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Gion Dining

Dine in Gion for a chance to spot geisha/maiko in the evening — book ahead for popular restaurants.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Arashiyama & Fushimi

Kyoto, Japan on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Early Visit — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Beat the crowds with a sunrise walk through the bamboo grove (open 24 hours), followed by Tenryu-ji temple (9:00–17:00).
JPY500, 1h30m

10:30am

Togetsukyo Bridge & Riverside

Stroll the scenic riverside and consider a short boat ride or visiting the monkey park if you prefer wildlife views.
JPY700, 1h00m

12:30pm

Lunch — Yakiniku or Local Café

Return to central Kyoto for lunch; try regional specialties or a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant for variety.
JPY1800, 1h00m

2:30pm

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit Fushimi Inari's famous thousand torii gates (open 24 hours) and hike as far as you like along the wooded trails up the mountain.
JPY0, 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Izakaya near Kyoto Station

Casual izakaya near the station for late-evening dishes and drinks; convenient before the next day's travel.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara & Osaka

Nara → Osaka, Japan on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nara

Short train ride from Kyoto to Nara (approx 45m) to explore ancient temples and parkland.
JPY720, 45m

9:00am

Todai-ji & Nara Park

See the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Todai-ji (open 8:30–17:00) and stroll among freely roaming deer in Nara Park.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Kakinoha-zushi or Local Eatery

Try regional specialties like pressed sushi or a casual noodle shop near Nara-machi.
JPY1200, 45m

2:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Afternoon train to Osaka (approx 45m). Check into your accommodation and prepare for an evening of street food and city lights.
JPY560, 45m

4:00pm

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi

Explore the neon-lit Dotonbori canal, try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and stroll Shinsaibashi shopping arcade (shops typically open until late).
JPY0, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — Okonomiyaki in Dotonbori

Savour Osaka's famous savoury pancake, okonomiyaki, at a well-known local restaurant or teppan-style eatery in the area.
JPY1800, 1h30m
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Day 8: Osaka City

Osaka, Japan on September 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast — Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore Kuromon Market's stalls for fresh seafood, fruit and street snacks — many vendors open from early morning.
JPY1200, 1h00m

10:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit Osaka Castle park and the castle museum (castle tower typically open 9:00–17:00) for history and panoramic city views.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Kushikatsu in Shinsekai

Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Shinsekai for an authentic Osaka comfort food experience.
JPY1500, 1h00m

2:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory (opens ~10:00) for sweeping views across Osaka, especially pleasant in late afternoon light.
JPY1500, 1h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Dotonbori Night Food Crawl

Return to Dotonbori for a night-time food crawl sampling takoyaki, ramen and street desserts; lively evening atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Himeji & Hiroshima

Himeji → Hiroshima, Japan on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Himeji

Morning shinkansen from Osaka to Himeji (approx 1h) to visit Japan's best-preserved castle before continuing west.
JPY3000, 1h00m

9:30am

Himeji Castle

Explore Himeji Castle (opening 9:00–17:00) and its expansive grounds — a UNESCO World Heritage site; allow plenty of time for photos.
JPY1000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Local Soba or Curry

Lunch near Himeji station; try local dishes or a quick set meal to keep to the schedule.
JPY1200, 45m

2:00pm

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the shinkansen Himeji → Hiroshima (approx 1.5–2h); arrive mid–late afternoon to see the Peace Park or sample local cuisine.
JPY8000, 2h00m

5:00pm

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Dome at dusk for a reflective experience; many outdoor areas open 24 hours, museums have set hours (approx 8:30–18:00).
JPY200, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki

Enjoy Hiroshima-style layered okonomiyaki at a specialty restaurant near the station (popular and filling).
JPY1500, 1h00m
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Day 10: Miyajima Day

Miyajima → Hiroshima, Japan on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Miyajima (Itsukushima)

Short ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island (ferries run early) to see the floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine when tides are favourable.
JPY360, 30m

9:00am

Itsukushima Shrine & Torii

Explore the shrine (opening times approx 6:30–18:00 depending on season) and the scenic seaside setting; aim for lower tide times for better access.
JPY300, 1h00m

11:00am

Mount Misen Cable or Hike

Take the ropeway or hike up Mount Misen for panoramic views; ropeway typically opens from around 9:00 onward depending on season.
JPY1800, 2h00m

1:30pm

Lunch — Grilled Oysters & Momiji Manju

Try fresh oysters grilled on the street and sample sweet momiji manju cakes — Miyajima speciality stalls open all day.
JPY1200, 45m

4:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back and head to Hiroshima for a relaxed evening; arrival gives time for shopping or an extra museum visit if open.
JPY360, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Local Izakaya

Casual dinner in Hiroshima; try local beers and regional dishes after a day of sightseeing.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 11: Okayama & Kurashiki

Hiroshima → Okayama/Kurashiki, Japan on September 15, 2025

8:30am

Travel to Okayama

Morning shinkansen Hiroshima → Okayama (approx 40–50m) to visit Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
JPY4200, 50m

10:00am

Korakuen Garden

One of Japan's top landscape gardens (typically opens 7:30–18:00 depending on season); enjoy strolling paths and seasonal plantings.
JPY410, 1h00m

12:00pm

Lunch — Okayama Local Cuisine

Enjoy a set lunch near the station or garden; try dishes featuring local produce.
JPY1200, 45m

1:30pm

Transfer to Kurashiki Bikan Quarter

Short train to Kurashiki (approx 20m) to stroll the preserved canal area, white-walled warehouses and artisan shops.
JPY260, 1h30m

4:30pm

Travel to Kanazawa (evening)

Make your way toward Kanazawa; typical route involves Okayama → Shin-Osaka → Kanazawa with transfers (allow 3.5–4.5 hours total).
JPY12000, 4h00m

9:00pm

Dinner — Casual Near Hotel in Kanazawa

Arrive late and dine near your accommodation; many eateries in Kanazawa stay open until 21:00–22:00.
JPY2000, 1h00m
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Day 12: Kenrokuen & Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on September 16, 2025

7:30am

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan's three great gardens; opening times often start early (e.g. 7:00/7:30) — ideal early-morning visit to avoid larger crowds.
JPY330, 1h00m

9:30am

Kanazawa Castle & Nagamachi Samurai District

Explore Kanazawa Castle grounds and the preserved samurai district with traditional residences and museums; many sites open from 9:00.
JPY300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Omicho Market

Sample fresh seafood and seasonal produce at Omicho Market; vendors open from morning into the afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h00m

2:00pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Modern art museum with engaging installations (typically 10:00–18:00); a contrast to historical Kanazawa.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Book a short tea ceremony in the Higashi Chaya district to experience traditional Japanese tea culture; many venues accept reservations.
JPY1500, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Kaisendon or Kaga Cuisine

Dine on a seafood bowl (kaisendon) or local Kaga cuisine in a chaya-style restaurant in the evening.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Shirakawa-go & Takayama

Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama, Japan on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Bus from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (approx 1.5–2h depending on service); buses are frequent but book early in peak seasons.
JPY2400, 2h00m

10:30am

Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village

Explore the UNESCO-listed village with thatched-roof farmhouses and panoramic viewpoints; visitor centre open during daytime hours.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local Soba or Set Menu

Try mountain soba or set meals in a village eatery; food options are simple but hearty and local.
JPY1200, 45m

2:00pm

Bus to Takayama

Continue by bus to Takayama (approx 1.5–2h). Arrive in the afternoon to stroll the preserved old town.
JPY1800, 1h45m

4:30pm

Takayama Old Town & Evening Market

Wander Sanmachi Suji with wooden merchant houses and visit the evening markets for local crafts and snacks; shops often open until early evening.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Hida Beef

Taste Hida beef at a yakiniku or specialty restaurant — one of Takayama’s culinary highlights (reserve if possible).
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 14: Takayama & Return

Takayama → Tokyo, Japan on September 18, 2025

7:30am

Takayama Morning Market & Breakfast

Visit the Miyagawa morning market for local produce and snacks; pick up a light breakfast and souvenirs before departing.
JPY800, 1h00m

9:30am

Takayama Jinya (Historic Government House)

Tour the formerly administrative building that dates to the Edo period; it typically opens mid-morning and offers historical context to the town.
JPY430, 1h00m

11:30am

Lunch — Local Noodles or Bento

Lunch in town before the return trip; choose a soba shop or grab a bento for the train ride back to Tokyo.
JPY1200, 45m

1:00pm

Travel to Tokyo

Take the JR limited express from Takayama to Nagoya (approx 2.5h) then shinkansen Nagoya → Tokyo (approx 1.5h). Total journey ~4–5 hours depending on connections.
JPY14000, 4h30m

6:30pm

Arrival & Final Dinner in Tokyo

Return to Tokyo in the evening — enjoy a final dinner near your hotel (try an izakaya or sushi bar) to conclude the loop.
JPY3500, 1h30m

9:30pm

Trip End / Hotel Rest

Check into your Tokyo hotel or head to the airport if you have a late-night international departure; rest after 14 full days of travel.
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed