From Narita take the Narita Express (N'EX) or from Haneda take the Tokyo Monorail + JR to central Tokyo; for a group of 5 book either airport limousine bus or multiple train seats. Choose Shinjuku or Nihonbashi for easy onward connections and group-friendly hotels.
If rooms are not ready, ask the hotel to hold luggage and use that time to start exploring nearby neighborhoods; apartments or two connecting rooms suit 5 people well.
Stalls and small restaurants serve fresh seafood, grilled items and yuba — plenty of dairy-free choices; market vendors vary but many operate ~8:00am–3:00pm.
Historic Senso-ji with its Nakamise approach offers cultural atmosphere and photo opportunities; temple grounds are open from early morning until late afternoon (roughly 6:00am–5:00pm, seasonal).
Stroll along the Sumida for views of Tokyo Skytree and local riverside life; if you want tower observation, Skytree observation decks are typically open 8:00–22:00 but book tickets in advance for a group.
See neon nightlife at Shinjuku Golden Gai or Shibuya Crossing; casual wander to acclimate to Tokyo after arrival. Streets are public and accessible late into the evening.
Well-maintained gardens on the palace grounds with historic moats and seasonal flower displays; typically open 9:00am–4:30pm (last entry earlier) and closed on Mondays (or different weekday closures — check seasonal schedule).
Interactive exhibits about Tokyo’s history from Edo to modern times — informative for understanding Japan’s urban evolution; hours are commonly 9:30am–5:30pm and closed Mondays (confirm before visiting).
Central Tokyo has many restaurants able to accommodate dairy-free diets (ramen with clear broth, soba/udon shops, or plant-based venues). Most midtown restaurants open 11:00–15:00 for lunch.
If the group prefers culture, visit the National Museum in Ueno (open ~9:30–5:00); if curious about tech/pop culture, a short Akihabara walk is an option without deep shopping. Museum closures vary — usually Monday.
Short river cruise from Asakusa toward Oshiage offers a different perspective on Tokyo; services run frequently during daylight hours but reduce in evening — check operator schedules.
See Tokyo lit up from the Skytree observation decks for sweeping city views; decks usually open 8:00–10:00pm — book timed tickets to avoid lines for a group of five.
Visit the Sumo Museum inside Ryogoku Kokugikan to learn about sumo history; the Sumo Museum is usually open 9:00–17:00 (closed on some weekdays), and watching a morning stable training session requires advance arrangement through a tour or guide.
Explore open-air exhibits and local specialty museums that reveal Edo-era life; many small museums and historic houses operate 9:00–17:00 with occasional closures.
Try tempura (check batter ingredients), soba, or grilled fish at Asakusa eateries — many can confirm dairy-free preparation; most open 11:00–15:00 for lunch.
Wander behind Senso-ji into quieter temple lanes and visit Kappabashi for Japanese kitchenware and faux-food displays (sightseeing rather than shopping focus). Shops typically open 9:00–18:00.
Relaxed afternoon option: Sumida Aquarium (inside Skytree Town) or the museum in Ueno Park; aquarium hours often 9:00–21:00 and museums usually 9:30–17:00 (check closures).
Choose an izakaya that can prepare grilled and simmered dishes without dairy — show an allergen translation card to staff. Dinner commonly served 17:30–22:00.
Take Tobu Limited Express or JR (via Utsunomiya) to Nikko — roughly 2 hours from central Tokyo; check which lines the JR Pass covers and whether Tobu passes are needed.
Lavishly decorated UNESCO shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu — arrive early to avoid crowds; shrine grounds commonly open 8:00–17:00 (seasonal changes possible).
Historic temple complex and shrine areas within Nikko’s heritage zone — allow time for strolling through the forested approachways and cemetery of the Tokugawa family. Typical hours 8:30–16:30.
If time and energy permit, take a bus to scenic Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji for mountain vistas; bus/transit can take 40–60 minutes one way and some facilities have seasonal hours.
Select an easy dinner spot near your hotel that can handle dairy-free requests — many urban restaurants can adjust dishes if asked. Dinner hours typically 17:30–22:00.
If using a 7/14-day JR Pass, activate it today before boarding the shinkansen; reserve seats for your party of five at the JR ticket office to secure contiguous seats.
Fast and comfortable trip to Kyoto taking ~2h15m — luggage solutions: coin lockers at Kyoto Station or deliver luggage by takuhaibin to your ryokan/hotel.
Base yourself in Gion or Higashiyama for easy access to temples and evening atmosphere; machiya (traditional townhouse) rentals are excellent for groups but book early.
Market offering Kyoto specialties: grilled fish, pickles, tofu and vegetables — many dairy-free choices and good for sampling regional flavors; stalls generally open 9:00–18:00.
Iconic shrine with thousands of red torii gates; the main approach and lower gates are easily walkable (open 24 hours) and early afternoon is a good time to start the climb for quieter upper paths.
Historic shogunal palace with ornamental gardens and timber interiors — check opening times (usually 8:45–17:00) and plan accordingly if you want to visit before closure.
Book a shojin-ryori (Buddhist vegetarian) restaurant or request dairy-free kaiseki at a local restaurant — Kyoto chefs are experienced with plant-based courses; many places require reservations.
Wander Hanami-koji and quieter lanes of Gion to spot geisha/maiko and enjoy lantern-lit streets — public areas open anytime but be respectful of residents and performers.
Visit the atmospheric bamboo grove early to avoid peak crowds and see Tenryu-ji’s garden (Tenryu-ji usually open 8:30–17:30). Allow time for the scenic riverside area.
Walk along the Hozu River or take a short boat ride; lunch options include yudofu and other Kyoto specialties that are dairy-free when requested. Many eateries open 11:00–15:00 at lunchtime.
The shimmering golden temple set in a reflective pond — typically open 9:00–17:00 and best seen in clear afternoon light for photos. Expect walking between viewpoints.
A pleasant stroll along the canal lined with small temples and peaceful tones; Ginkaku-ji hours usually 8:30–17:00 — good for contemplative walking and temple visits.
Book a kaiseki with dairy-free notice or enjoy traditional izakaya fare that can be adjusted; confirm dairy-free ingredients when reserving. Typical service 17:30–21:00.
Short ride from Kyoto (approx 45 minutes); use Kintetsu for faster service from central Kyoto or JR for JR Pass holders. Check timetable for express trains.
Visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Todai-ji and enjoy the deer in Nara Park — Todai-ji open roughly 8:30–17:00 and allow at least 1.5 hours to explore.
Enjoy tofu or vegetable-based meals in old merchant homes turned cafés; many Naramachi eateries are comfortable accommodating dairy-free needs and open 11:00–17:00.
Stroll Naramachi’s narrow lanes to see preserved machiya houses, small museums and traditional crafts — a quieter cultural experience than heavy shopping streets.
Dine in Pontocho’s atmospheric alleys with options for dairy-free requests — many restaurants have traditional set meals and riverside views for an atmospheric final Kyoto night.
Board an early shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (~1h45m) using reserved seats on Hikari/Sakura services; luggage-forwarding to ryokan is an option if overnighting on Miyajima.
From Hiroshima Station take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi and a short ferry to Miyajima island — ferries run frequently (~7:00–20:00) and island arrival is scenic.
Take the ropeway or hike for panoramic views and shrine ruins — ropeway typically operates 9:00–17:00 with seasonal extensions; hiking adds 1–2 hours depending on route.
A contemplative and important museum and park documenting the 1945 bombing; museum hours typically 8:30–6:00 (seasonal) — allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the museum and park.
Hiroshima’s layered okonomiyaki can be made without mayonnaise or butter — let the cook know your dairy restriction; restaurants usually open 11:00–15:00 and reopen for dinner.
Board the shinkansen to Osaka (~1h15m) using reserved seats; choose Namba for nightlife/dotonbori or Umeda for shopping and transport hub convenience for departure.
Visit Osaka Castle grounds and nearby museum if time permits (castle museum hours usually 9:00–17:00); the lit castle and park are pleasant in early evening for photos.
Visit ancient Shinto shrines for a quieter cultural experience — Sumiyoshi Taisha has a unique bridge and often quieter grounds; shrines are open throughout the day.
If your group prefers castles, take a 1-hour train to Himeji to see Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle (9:00–17:00 typical); otherwise enjoy Osaka neighborhoods like Nakazakicho for local culture.
Book a plant-based restaurant or request dairy-free modifications at a reputable izakaya (show an allergen card) — Osaka’s service staff are helpful when alerted in advance.
Confirm airport transfer or train timing to Kansai International Airport (KIX); hotels usually hold luggage if you want a short last walk into the neighborhood.
Take the Nankai Rapit or JR Haruka express depending on passes/tickets; allow 1–1.5 hours transit and arrive 2.5–3 hours before international departure.
Complete departure procedures, pass security/immigration and enjoy last-minute snacks in KIX; many airport shops list dairy-free food items for the flight.