Japan Spring Adventure: Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima (Mar 23 – Apr 4)

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Harajuku & Shibuya

Morning: After your evening flight, settle into your accommodation near Harajuku and Yoyogi Park and take a short walk to explore the vibrant streets of Harajuku and the famous Meiji Shrine grounds.

Afternoon: Stroll through Yoyogi Park, where early‑blooming cherry trees begin to show color, and enjoy a light snack at a nearby café.

Evening: Experience the bustling Shibuya Crossing and grab your first dinner of ramen at a local shop.

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Day 2: Akihabara & Traditional Tokyo

Morning: Dive into the electric atmosphere of Akihabara, trying your luck at the many gaming arcades and picking up a customized UNIQLO piece.

Afternoon: Visit Senso‑ji in Asakusa, draw a fortune at the temple, and wander the surrounding market for souvenirs.

Evening: Relax at a themed café such as Cure Maid Café before heading to Golden Gai for a drink.

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Day 3: Culture, Gardens & Onsen

Morning: Explore the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, perfect for viewing the blooming sakura along its ponds.

Afternoon: Experience a traditional Japanese soak at Oedo‑Onsen‑Monogatari, complete with a kimono rental and tea ceremony.

Evening: Dine on sushi and takoyaki in the lively Odaiba waterfront area.

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Day 4: Museums & Modern Art

Morning: Visit the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum for a futuristic experience.

Afternoon: Head to the Tokyo National Museum and the nearby Ueno Park for more cherry blossom scenery.

Evening: Play a few rounds of mahjong at a local lounge and sample okonomiyaki at a nearby izakaya.

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Day 5: Shopping & Souvenirs

Morning: Browse the quirky shops of Nakano Broadway and Radio Kaikan for anime collectibles and a new mahjong set.

Afternoon: Stop by Don Quijote and Mandarake for unique souvenirs, then pick up a ceremonial match set at a specialty tea shop.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner of bento and umeboshi at a cozy restaurant near your lodging.

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Day 6: Travel to Kyoto – Arrival

Morning: Check out of your Tokyo ryokan and board the Shinkansen to Kyoto, admiring the countryside scenery.

Afternoon: Settle into your downtown hotel on Karasuma‑dori and take a short walk to the historic Gion district.

Evening: Dine along the picturesque Pontocho canal, trying local katsu‑don and a glass of sake.

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Day 7: Eastern Kyoto – Temples & Sakura

Morning: Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking through its thousands of torii gates.

Afternoon: Stroll the Philosopher’s Path, a cherry‑blossom‑lined walk perfect for photos, then explore the nearby Ginkaku‑ji (Silver Pavilion).

Evening: Sample matcha desserts at the KIMONO TEA HOUSE MAIKOYA and enjoy a quiet night in.

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Day 8: Arashiyama & Western Kyoto

Morning: Wander through the serene Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama and visit the scenic Tenryū‑ji Temple.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride on the Katsura River, then head to the Nijō Castle Gardens for more sakura views.

Evening: Play a few rounds of mahjong at a local tea house and try dango from street vendors.

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Day 9: Markets, Museums & Farewell Kyoto

Morning: Explore the bustling Nishiki Market, tasting fresh takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and local sweets.

Afternoon: Visit the Kyoto Railway Museum and the Kyoto Manga Museum for a cultural finish.

Evening: Enjoy a final Kyoto dinner of sushi and umeboshi before boarding the night train to Hiroshima via Osaka.

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Day 10: Hiroshima – Peace & Island

Morning: Arrive in Hiroshima and reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and its moving museum.

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and try the famous momiji manju pastries.

Evening: Savor Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki and a glass of local lemon cider before returning to Tokyo by late‑night train.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Oedo‑Onsen‑Monogatari – 2 hours – ¥3,500
  • Akihabara Arcade Session – 3 hours – ¥2,000
  • Meiji Shrine Fortune – 30 minutes – ¥500
  • Sakura Viewing (Yoyogi, Shinjuku Gyoen, Philosopher’s Path) – 4 hours total – Free
  • Mahjong Lounge – 2 hours – ¥1,200
  • Ryokan Stay (Tokyo Night 1) – 1 night – ¥12,000
  • Food Tasting (Ramen, Sushi, Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Dango, Bento, Umeboshi) – 6 meals – ¥8,000
  • Shopping (UNIQLO, GU, Don Quijote, Nakano Broadway) – 5 hours – ¥15,000
  • Shinkansen Tokyo‑Kyoto (2 trips) – 2 hours each – ¥14,000
  • Shinkansen Kyoto‑Hiroshima (via Osaka) – 2 hours – ¥13,000
  • Fushimi Inari Visit – 2 hours – Free
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – 2 hours – Free
  • Nishiki Market Food – 2 hours – ¥4,000
  • Peace Memorial Park & Museum – 3 hours – ¥2,000
  • Miyajima Island Ferry & Shrine – 4 hours – ¥3,000
  • Miscellaneous Transport (metro, buses) – 10 hours – ¥6,000
  • **Total Estimated Cost** – **¥99,200**

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in Osaka to explore Dotonbori and try its street food, or spend an extra night on Miyajima for a sunrise view of the torii gate. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Tokyo museum visits into a single half‑day and skip the mahjong lounge, focusing instead on the must‑see cultural sites and food experiences.

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