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14-Day Japan Food, Anime, Shrines & Views Loop: Tokyo → Hakone (Gora) → Osaka → Kyoto → Tokyo

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku

Tokyo, Japan on September 10, 2025

2:30pm

Arrive Narita Airport (NRT)

Land at NRT and clear immigration and baggage; allow 60–90 minutes for passport control and luggage collection.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:15pm

Narita Express to Shinjuku

Take the Narita Express direct to Shinjuku for the smoothest transfer to Kabukicho; reserve seats for your group of five.
JPY3300, 1h20m

6:00pm

Check in — APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower

Drop bags and freshen up; check-in is usually from 3pm but arriving this evening is normal—store luggage if rooms aren't ready.
JPY0, 0h30m

7:15pm

Dinner in Omoide Yokocho (yakitori stalls)

Casual narrow alley with many yakitori and small eateries—perfect for a relaxed first-night meal focused on grilled skewers and atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h0m

8:30pm

Stroll Kabukicho & Shinjuku surroundings

Short wander through neon-lit Kabukicho and the nearby streets to get a feel for Shinjuku without a late night; great for photos and window shopping.
JPY0, 0h45m

9:30pm

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation (optional)

Free panoramic view over Tokyo from the observatory—open until around 10:30pm on many days; a calm and scenic way to finish the evening.
JPY0, 0h45m

10:15pm

Return to hotel & rest

Head back to APA Hotel for an early night—pack for tomorrow and recover from travel. Night ends by 10:30pm as requested.
JPY0, 0h15m
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Day 2: Hakone (Gora)

Gora (Hakone), Japan on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel / quick café

Light breakfast before travelling; many hotels offer an early buffet or cafés nearby for sandwiches and coffee.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:30am

Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto (Odakyu Romancecar)

Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (reserve seats), then transfer to Hakone Tozan Train up to scenic Gora; enjoy mountain views en route.
JPY2200, 1h45m

11:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Outdoor sculpture park set in beautiful mountain scenery—ideal for art, photography and a relaxed stroll; typically open 9:00–17:00.
JPY1600, 2h0m

3:00pm

Check-in — Ajisai Onsen Ryokan & onsen soak

Check in at the ryokan from 3pm and enjoy bathing in the onsen to unwind after travel; ryokan experience includes communal baths and peaceful ambience.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal ingredients—an excellent introduction to refined Japanese cuisine.
JPY8000, 2h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on September 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Enjoy a Japanese breakfast at the ryokan before checking out—hearty and well-suited for travel days.
JPY0, 0h45m

9:30am

Gora → Odawara → Shin-Osaka (Shinkansen)

Hakone Tozan to Odawara then board the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka—fast and comfortable way to reach Kansai.
JPY13000, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Market (Osaka)

Sample takoyaki, fresh sushi and grilled seafood at this lively market—ideal for a group that loves street food.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Check in — The Rise Osaka Kitashinchi

Drop luggage and rest; hotel check-in mid-afternoon is standard and Kitashinchi places you near nightlife for later evenings.
JPY0, 0h45m

5:00pm

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi stroll

Neon-lit Dotonbori for photos (Glico sign), street food and shopping—an essential Osaka evening experience.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Okonomiyaki or Kushikatsu

Try Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki at a specialist restaurant or kushikatsu in Shinsekai—fun, casual and perfect for a group.
JPY2500, 1h30m

9:30pm

Umeda Sky Building — Floating Garden Observatory

Night views from the Floating Garden Observatory; confirm seasonal closing times (often around 10:30pm) and aim for sunset/blue hour.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 4: Nara Half-Day

Osaka (day trip to Nara), Japan on September 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Quick breakfast to fuel a day trip; cafés near the hotel offer sandwiches and coffee to go.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:00am

Train Osaka → Nara

Take JR or Kintetsu to Nara (approx 35–50 minutes); Kintetsu Nara is closest to Nara Park and convenient for starting your visit.
JPY800, 0h45m

10:00am

Todai-ji & Nara Park (deer)

See the great bronze Buddha at Todai-ji and stroll Nara Park to interact with tame deer; Todai-ji is typically open around 8:00–17:00.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch near Todai-ji (udon / local specialties)

Enjoy local udon or casual temple-area restaurants for a satisfying midday meal.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kasuga Taisha & Naramachi stroll

Visit the atmospheric Kasuga Taisha Shrine and explore Naramachi’s preserved merchant streets and small craft shops.
JPY500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Osaka / Nipponbashi (Den Den Town)

Back in Osaka, head to Den Den Town for manga, figures and retro games—perfect for anime fans wanting to hunt collectibles.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Evening — Dotonbori street food & karaoke

Sample more street-food hits then enjoy a group karaoke session in a private room—typical late-night Osaka fun.
JPY2500, 3h0m
Find Hotels in Osaka (day trip to Nara)

Day 5: Kobe Half-Day

Osaka (day trip to Kobe), Japan on September 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Quick breakfast then head to Osaka Station to catch a train to Kobe; an early start lets you maximise the half-day.
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:30am

Osaka → Kobe (train)

Short train ride to Sannomiya (Kobe), which is convenient for Kitano, Harbourland and the waterfront.
JPY410, 0h30m

10:15am

Kitano-cho (Ijinkan) & Kobe cafés

Wander the charming foreigner-house district on the hillside and enjoy stylish cafés with great photo opportunities.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Kobe beef lunch (Steakland or Mouriya recommended)

Treat yourselves to authentic Kobe beef at a reputable teppanyaki or steakhouse—book ahead for groups of five.
JPY8000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kobe Harborland & Meriken Park

Stroll the waterfront promenade, visit Meriken Park and take photos by maritime sculptures and harbour views.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for an evening of relaxed izakaya hopping or extra shopping in Dotonbori if you wish.
JPY410, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Osaka specialities

Finish the day sampling any Osaka dishes you missed—takoyaki and kushikatsu are perfect for sharing.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Arrival

Kyoto, Japan on September 15, 2025

8:30am

Shin-Osaka → Kyoto (train)

Short JR or local train to Kyoto (15–30 minutes); arrive and drop bags at M's Hotel Gojo Naginatagiri or use lockers if rooms aren’t ready.
JPY560, 0h45m

10:00am

Check in — M's Hotel Gojo Naginatagiri

Check in and store luggage; if rooms aren’t ready, leave luggage with reception and begin exploring nearby sights.
JPY0, 0h30m

11:00am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous thousand torii gates trail—accessible 24 hours though shops around the shrine close earlier in the evening.
JPY0, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch — Inari-area udon or sushi

Try udon or quick sushi near Fushimi Inari for a satisfying local meal before heading into central Kyoto.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Gion & Pontocho evening stroll

Walk through historic Gion and atmospheric Pontocho alley by the river—possible geisha/maiko sightings in the early evening.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Pontocho (kaiseki or yakitori)

Choose a Pontocho izakaya or kaiseki restaurant for a memorable Kyoto meal; reservations recommended for a group your size.
JPY4000, 2h0m
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Day 7: Arashiyama & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on September 16, 2025

7:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (early visit)

Beat the crowds with an early morning walk through the bamboo groves—soft morning light and fewer people make for great photos.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple (9:00–17:00)

A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and serene pond—close to the bamboo grove for an efficient route.
JPY500, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch — Shoraian (tofu specialties) or riverside café

Enjoy refined Kyoto tofu cuisine at a riverside restaurant or try local bento and street snacks in Arashiyama.
JPY2500, 1h15m

2:30pm

Okochi-Sanso Villa (9:00–17:00)

Scenic villa with manicured gardens and panoramic views across Kyoto—perfect for relaxed exploration and photos.
JPY1000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Iconic golden temple with a reflective pond—typically open 9:00–17:00 so plan to arrive before closing for the best light.
JPY400, 1h0m

7:00pm

Nishiki Market / Dinner

Return toward central Kyoto to sample snacks at Nishiki Market or dine at an izakaya for a casual evening meal.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on September 17, 2025

8:00am

Kiyomizu-dera (6:00–18:00)

Visit the famous wooden stage with sweeping views over Kyoto and wander the historic Higashiyama streets afterwards.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Philosopher's Path & Nanzen-ji

A tranquil walk along a canal dotted with temples and shrines—especially pleasant if the weather is clear.
JPY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kyoto-style bento or ramen

Try Kyoto-style dishes or a comforting bowl of ramen before an afternoon of shrine visits.
JPY1200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Heian Shrine & gardens (9:00–17:00)

Large torii gate and pretty gardens make this an attractive stop—late afternoon light is particularly lovely.
JPY300, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner near hotel — izakaya or small kaiseki

Relaxed final Kyoto dinner sampling seasonal dishes—revisit a favourite spot or try a new local recommendation.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on September 18, 2025

8:00am

Kyoto → Tokyo (Shinkansen)

Board the Tokaido Shinkansen back to Tokyo (approx 2h15–2h30); reserve seats for your group of five to ensure you travel together.
JPY14000, 2h20m

12:30pm

Check in — APA Hotel PRIDE Akasaka Kokkaigijidomae

Drop luggage and freshen up in Akasaka; excellent base for reaching Akihabara, Shibuya and Shinjuku quickly.
JPY0, 0h45m

2:00pm

Akihabara anime shopping & maid café (optional)

Spend the afternoon in Akihabara browsing figures, manga and retro games—consider a maid café for a quirky group experience (book ahead).
JPY2500, 3h0m

7:00pm

Shibuya crossing & dinner

See the famous Shibuya Crossing and dine nearby—choices range from conveyor-belt sushi to lively izakaya and ramen houses.
JPY2500, 2h0m
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Day 10: Harajuku & teamLab

Tokyo, Japan on September 19, 2025

9:00am

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tranquil Shinto shrine set in a forest near Harajuku—calm morning walk and cultural photo opportunities; shrine grounds open early.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Harajuku — Takeshita Street crepes & shopping

Vibrant youth-culture street with quirky shops and the famous crepes—perfect for people-watching and anime-influenced fashion finds.
JPY900, 1h30m

1:30pm

teamLab Planets (Toyosu) — book tickets

Immersive digital art experience ideal for groups—purchase tickets in advance and check opening times (often 10:00–19:00, may vary).
JPY3200, 2h0m

6:30pm

Roppongi Hills / Mori Tower observation

Evening skyline views and Roppongi nightlife; Mori Tower observation deck provides sweeping views of Tokyo (check seasonal hours).
JPY1800, 1h15m

8:30pm

Dinner in Roppongi (izakaya or sushi)

Choose from international dining or traditional izakaya in Roppongi—good nightlife options if you wish to continue after dinner.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 11: Anime districts

Tokyo, Japan on September 20, 2025

10:00am

Nakano Broadway (collectibles & anime shops)

Indoor shopping complex famed for retro manga, figures and collectible hunting—great for serious anime shoppers.
JPY0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Ikebukuro (Sunshine City / Otome Road)

Head to Ikebukuro for more anime-focused stores, themed cafés and Sunshine City attractions—there are options for every fan.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ikebukuro — arcades & anime shopping

Visit arcades, character stores and themed cafés; try crane machines and retro cabinets for group fun.
JPY1000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and relaxed evening

Return to central Tokyo for dinner and an early night to prepare for your big Shinjuku night tomorrow, or continue exploring nightlife at your pace.
JPY2500, 2h0m
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Day 12: Shinjuku Night Out

Tokyo, Japan on September 21, 2025

9:00am

Shinjuku Gyoen (park morning)

Relaxed morning stroll in beautifully maintained gardens—a calm counterpoint before a big night; check seasonal opening hours (often 9:00–16:30).
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market or nearby sushi

Fresh sushi or seafood bowls at market stalls or small restaurants—great for lunch with excellent ingredients and variety.
JPY2500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Free time — rest / shopping

Recharge in the afternoon—grab souvenirs, nap at the hotel or explore Akasaka’s quieter streets prior to the night out.
JPY0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Omoide Yokocho or lively izakaya

Start the night with lively yakitori alleys or a bustling izakaya to fuel up before the late bar and club scene.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:30pm

Golden Gai bar crawl & Kabukicho exploration

Experience the unique tiny bars of Golden Gai and the neon craziness of Kabukicho—mix themed bars, live entertainment or clubs depending on mood.
JPY3000, 3h0m

12:30am

Group karaoke (Karaoke Kan or similar)

Sing together in a private karaoke room to cap off a memorable night—book a late slot to avoid long waits for a group of five.
JPY2000, 2h0m

3:00am

Late-night ramen / nightcap (optional)

If energy remains, enjoy a final bowl of ramen or a nightcap—many Shinjuku eateries stay open very late; pace yourselves for safety.
JPY1000, 0h45m
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Day 13: Asakusa & Skytree

Tokyo, Japan on September 22, 2025

9:00am

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori

Historic Asakusa district with ancient Senso-ji temple and a bustling shopping street of snacks and souvenirs—great for morning atmosphere.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Asakusa (tempura or local specialities)

Try an iconic tempura restaurant (e.g., Daikokuya) or small eateries along Nakamise for classic local flavours.
JPY2000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tokyo Skytree — observation decks

Visit the Skytree for expansive city views and shopping in the complex—book tickets in advance to avoid queues (opening generally 8:00–22:00).
JPY3100, 1h30m

7:30pm

Final group dinner near Akasaka

Celebrate with an elevated dinner near the hotel—sushi, modern Japanese or an izakaya depending on the mood and budget.
JPY4000, 2h0m

9:30pm

Pack & hotel rest

Return to the hotel to pack, prepare luggage for airport transfer and enjoy a restful final night in Tokyo.
JPY0, 1h0m
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Day 14: Departure

Tokyo → Narita (NRT), Japan on September 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & final check-out

Have a quick breakfast and complete check-out—confirm passports, boarding passes and luggage for transfer to the airport.
JPY1000, 0h45m

8:30am

Akasaka → Narita Express to NRT

Take the Narita Express from Tokyo to Narita Airport; allow at least 2–3 hours before international flight check-in and security for a smooth departure.
JPY3300, 1h20m

11:00am

Arrive Narita Airport (recommended arrival window)

Arrive with time to spare for check-in, security and duty-free shopping—extra buffer time helps when travelling as a group.
JPY0, 0h0m
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