Since you've arrived earlier today, ease into Tokyo with a relaxed stroll through Ueno Park, where early cherry blossoms and museum gardens offer a gentle introduction to the city; pop into the Tokyo National Museum or the small stalls around Ameya-Yokochō Market for street snacks and souvenirs. After that, take a short subway ride to Asakusa to visit Senso-ji and explore the atmospheric Nakamise shopping street-perfect for tasting local treats and picking up omiyage while you acclimatise to the time zone.
After a leisurely morning, head to the fashionable neighborhood of Omotesandō for tree-lined shopping avenues and architect-designed boutiques, then wander through the nearby narrow lanes of Harajuku to soak up youth culture and try crepes and takoyaki along Takeshita Street. As the afternoon cools, relax in the peaceful grounds of Meiji Jingu-a short walk from Harajuku-before finishing with rooftop views and a sunset coffee at a café in Shibuya overlooking the scramble crossing to get a first glimpse of Tokyo's electric evening energy.
As the city lights come alive, wander to the neon-soaked streets of Shinjuku for dinner - try an izakaya crawl in the atmospheric alleys of Omoide Yokocho followed by grilled skewers at a local yakitori spot. Afterwards, ascend to the observation deck at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free nighttime panoramas, or finish with cocktails in the rooftop bar of Golden Gai to soak up authentic late-night Tokyo vibes before turning in.
Begin your day with a peaceful walk through Hibiya Park, then head to the nearby Imperial Palace East Gardens for tranquil moats, seasonal blooms and a look at the outer walls of the Imperial Palace. After a garden stroll, ride the Ginza Line to Ginza to browse high-end department stores like Mitsukoshi and sample refined Japanese pastries at a classic kissaten or modern bakery before lunchtime.
After a refined morning in Ginza, take the subway to Tsukiji Outer Market to sample fresh sushi stalls and try grilled seafood skewers before a tasting at a local tamago-yaki shop. Then wander along the waterfront to Hamarikyu Gardens, sail a short pleasure-boat ride on the Sumida River toward Kachidoki Bridge, and finish the afternoon with craft cocktails or coffee at a chic riverside café in the redeveloped Toyosu area as the light softens.
As night falls, head to the lively riverside district of Kawasaki Daishi for a quieter, local evening stroll and seasonal street-food stalls (a short train ride from central Tokyo), or stay closer to central Tokyo and explore the illuminated shopping arcade of Nihonbashi with its historic bridges and modern craft shops before dinner. For a memorable meal, reserve a counter seat at a renowned sushi-ya in Kabutocho or sample innovative kaiseki small plates in the atmospheric lanes around Kayabachō, then finish with drinks at a cozy jazz bar in Kodenmacho to round out a cultured, low-key Tokyo night that builds naturally from your daytime Ginza and riverside explorations.
Catch an early Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku and head to Hakone-Yumoto, then board the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway through mountain switchbacks to the charming village of Gora, where you can visit the verdant Gora Park and its glasshouse café for a relaxed morning tea. From Gora, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car up toward Sounzan and transfer to the breathtaking Hakone Ropeway for panoramic volcanic vistas over Owakudani - time your visit for clear air to spot Mount Fuji across the caldera before descending to lakeside towns for afternoon activities.
After descending from the ropeway, glide across Lake Ashi on a pirate-styled sightseeing boat to enjoy mirror-like water views and, on clear days, distant glimpses of Mount Fuji; disembark at Moto-Hakone to stroll the atmospheric lakeside promenade and visit the small but charming Hakone Checkpoint museum that reconstructs Edo-period harbor life. Continue with a restorative soak at a local onsen town-book a private outdoor bath at Yumoto Onsen's quieter ryokan alternatives or try the modern communal facilities at Tenzan Tohji-kyo to relax your muscles before an early evening train back toward Tokyo or onward travel.
As twilight falls, settle into a traditional ryokan meal at Yamanochaya or a similar riverside inn for a multi-course kaiseki that highlights local mountain produce and seafood, then take a post-dinner stroll along the lantern-lit path of Hakone-machi to watch boats drift on the quiet shore. Finish the night with a restorative soak in an outdoor rotenburo at Hakone Yuryo or a private onsen at Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone, where warm mineral waters and the sound of nearby streams create a peaceful close to your day before returning toward Odawara or Tokyo.
Board a shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka and drop luggage at a nearby coin locker before exploring Osaka Castle Park with its spring blooms and panoramic views from the castle keep; wander the adjacent Nishinomaru Garden for a tranquil tea break under cherry trees. Next, head to the lively Kuromon Ichiba Market to sample freshly grilled seafood, takoyaki stalls and local street snacks, then stroll through the atmospheric streets of Shinsaibashi-suji as you make your way toward your hotel and the evening buzz of Dotonbori.
After dropping your bag at the hotel, wander the revived riverside district around Nakanoshima-visit the airy Nakanoshima Rose Garden (if blooms are out) and pop into the striking Osaka City Central Public Hall for photos of its Neo-Renaissance architecture. Continue to the nearby Kitahama Retro neighborhood for a leisurely coffee in a historic bank-turned-café, then explore the artisanal stalls and galleries of Semba Center Building to sample local sweets and pick up unique Osaka crafts before the city shifts toward its lively evening energy in Dotonbori.
As night falls, dive into the neon theatre of Dotonbori with a canal-side stroll, stopping to pose beneath the famous illuminated Glico Running Man and sampling regional bites from street vendors-try octopus-filled takoyaki from a long-standing stall and a steaming bowl of kushikatsu at a lively counter. After dinner, take a short walk to the nearby Hozenji Yokocho alley to sip on local sake in an intimate izakaya and admire the moss-covered statue at Hozenji Temple, then finish with a riverside cruise along the Dotonbori Canal for a glittering perspective of Osaka's nightlife.
Start with a peaceful stroll through the verdant grounds of Temmabashi's Osaka-Temmangu Shrine to watch morning rituals and seasonal plum blossoms, then head to nearby Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street-Japan's longest covered arcade-to sample local breakfast bites like savory oden and freshly grilled yakitori skewers from family-run stalls. Finish the morning with hands-on fun at the interactive CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, where you can design your own instant noodle cup and learn about the quirky history of Japan's favorite convenience-food invention before an afternoon of castle and market explorations.
After a hands-on morning, head to the atmospheric grounds of Osaka Castle to climb the keep for panoramic city views and then stroll the seasonal paths of Nishinomaru Garden for a relaxed hanami-style picnic with local bento and sakura-flavored snacks. From there, wander into the lively Temmabashi riverside promenade and board a scenic Aqua-Liner river cruise to see Osaka's bridges and modern skyline, disembarking near Tenma to explore intimate craft breweries and cozy kushikatsu bars for early evening tastings before the neighbourhood hums to life.
As dusk falls, wander through the atmospheric lanes of Nakazakicho, popping into tiny craft shops and retro cafés for an indie, local vibe before dinner; then head to Ura-Namba to hunt down a buzzy izakaya famous for creative small plates and seasonal sashimi. Finish with rooftop views and cocktails at Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Terrace or a twilight stroll along the illuminated riverside promenade of Nakanoshima to soak up a calm contrast to the day's busier castle and market scenes.
Catch an early shinkansen to Hiroshima and begin at Hiroshima Castle, where the reconstructed keep and surrounding park offer a peaceful stroll and views over the city before the crowds arrive; nearby, explore the historic exhibits at the Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum for local modern and traditional works. Afterward, walk along the riverside to the atmospheric Shukkeien Garden for a tranquil tea break in its teahouse and enjoy seasonal blossoms reflected in its miniature landscapes before boarding the ferry to Miyajima for the afternoon.
After the morning's castle and gardens, take the ferry back to Hiroshima and explore the contemplative exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the moving grounds of the Atomic Bomb Dome, then pause for reflection with a walk through the sculpted memorials of Peace Memorial Park. Mid-afternoon, head to the nearby Hondori Shopping Arcade for lively street-food stalls-try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a standing counter-and board a short tram ride to Ujina Port for a late-afternoon ferry to Miyajima to catch the island's golden light and wandering deer before dinner.
After the ferry back from Miyajima, wander the atmospheric lanes of Gion-machi near the riverside for dinner at a charming family-run okonomiyaki restaurant that serves Hiroshima-style pancakes with local oysters; afterward, stroll across the illuminated Motoyasu Bridge for a calm riverside view of the Atomic Bomb Dome at night. Finish with a soothing drink at Ekohiiki Brewing or a riverside café in Naka-ku, where you can relax and reflect on the day while watching tram lights shimmer on the Ota River before catching your late train or returning to your accommodation.
After arriving in Kyoto by mid-morning, head straight to Nijo Castle to wander its serene gardens and marvel at the ornate palace interiors before they get busy; the nightingale floors and painted screens offer a gentle introduction to Kyoto's history. From there, stroll through the nearby Nishiki Market to sample local specialties-try freshly grilled eel, pickled vegetables and a cup of matcha at a traditional stall-then meander along the atmospheric lanes toward Pontocho Alley for an early lunch and a first glimpse of Gion's timeless streetscape.
After a market lunch and Nijo Castle's calm, drift east to the atmospheric Higashiyama district: climb the stone steps to Kiyomizu-dera for sweeping city views and sip freshly whisked matcha at the temple's teahouse before wandering the preserved lanes of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, where craft shops and wagashi stalls invite browsing. Finish the afternoon with a peaceful walk through Yasaka Shrine and down to the lantern-lit lanes of Hanami-koji in Gion-keep an eye out for geisha heading to appointments as dusk begins to settle, setting the tone for an evening in Kyoto.
As dusk deepens, wander the atmospheric waterways of Pontocho and choose a riverside kaiseki or yakitori spot for a leisurely multi-course dinner while watching lanterns reflect on the Kamogawa River. Afterwards, take a short stroll to Maruyama Park to enjoy its illuminated pathways and maybe a late-matcha dessert at a nearby teahouse, then finish the night with a sake-tasting flight at a cozy, family-run Gion izakaya to soak up Kyoto's nocturnal charm.
Begin with an early stroll through the emerald grove of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then cross the river to explore the hillside gardens and mossy stone lanterns at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, where hundreds of carved Buddhas create a quietly evocative atmosphere. Follow this with a riverside break at Okochi Sanso Garden-enjoy the teahouse matcha and panoramic views over Kyoto-and finish the morning browsing artisanal crafts and traditional sweets along the nearby Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street before a relaxed lunch in Arashiyama, setting you up to head north to Kyoto's temple districts in the afternoon.
After a tranquil morning, cross into northern Kyoto to wander the peaceful moss gardens and tea houses of Kokedera (Saiho-ji)-note you'll need to reserve ahead and arrive for the specified entry time-then stroll the temple-dotted slopes to visit the cliffside sanctuaries of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) with its evocative sand garden and reflective pond. Finish the afternoon with a contemplative walk along the historic Philosopher's Path, popping into small craft shops and a riverside café for matcha sweets before heading toward the polished wooden halls of Nanzen-ji as the light softens and the precincts take on a golden glow.
As twilight falls, wander the quiet lanes of Iwatayama Monkey Park foothills to catch sunset views over Kyoto (no need to climb fully if you prefer a gentler pace), then descend toward the charming riverside district of Sagano for a riverside kaiseki at a local ryotei that highlights seasonal mountain vegetables and river fish. After dinner, take a serene night stroll through the lantern-lit paths of Kameyama Park, stopping for a final warm cup of matcha at a nearby teahouse before returning to central Kyoto to rest for tomorrow's temple explorations.
Begin before the midday crowds with a serene walk through Fushimi Inari Taisha's famous torii tunnels, then branch off the main trail to explore quieter mountain paths and lesser-known sub-shrines like Yotsutsuji Intersection for sweeping views over the city. After descending, head to nearby Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi to sample regional sake while learning about traditional brewing methods, and finish the morning with a hands-on pottery workshop at Shinise Kiln to craft a personal yunomi (tea cup) as a lasting Kyoto memento.
After your morning at the shrine and a pottery workshop, wander to nearby Tofuku-ji to admire its sweeping wooden bridges and maple gardens, then pause for a contemplative tea ceremony at the intimate Camellia Garden Tea House on the temple grounds. Continue with a visit to the historic Fushimi Sake District-stroll the canal-side lanes past traditional kura breweries, join a guided tasting at Masuda Sake Brewery and pick up a handcrafted masu box as a souvenir before an early evening sake-paired dinner at a local machiya turned restaurant.
As dusk settles, wander the lantern-lit lanes of Pontocho Alley and secure a riverside table to enjoy an intimate kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal Kyoto vegetables and locally caught river fish. After dinner, take a short walk to Maruyama Park for a peaceful stroll under illuminated trees, then finish the night with a tasting flight of artisanal sake at Tsuki no Katsura (or a nearby sake bar) to deepen your appreciation of Fushimi's brewing heritage while reflecting on the day's shrine and craft experiences.
Spend a gentle final morning wandering the quiet lanes of Nishijin Textile Centre to watch traditional weaving demonstrations and pick up a small silk souvenir, then stroll to nearby Kamigyo's Shirakawa Canal for a calm coffee at a waterside café while reflecting on your trip. If time allows before your train, stop at Kyoto Imperial Palace Park for a last breath of landscaped gardens and broad moats, or visit a local machiya tea house for a final matcha and wagashi tasting to send you off with Kyoto's flavors before catching the shinkansen to Tokyo or Osaka.
After your calm morning, take a relaxed stroll through the artisan-lined lanes of Teramachi Shopping Arcade to pick up last-minute crafts and a sweet bite at a traditional wagashi shop, then cross to nearby Pontocho Kawayuka (riverside platforms) for an early riverside lunch of seasonal Kyoto cuisine if your schedule allows. Before boarding your shinkansen, pop into the compact but atmospheric Kyoto Station Building to visit the rooftop garden and a final cup of matcha from a station café, then collect luggage and head to Shin-Kyoto or Shijo-Omiya transit points with time to spare for a peaceful send-off from the city.
For a gentle final evening before departure, enjoy a refined meal at Kikunoi Roan, a seasonal kaiseki restaurant that showcases Kyoto's delicate vegetable and river-fish preparations in an intimate tatami room, then stroll the nearby lantern-lit promenade of Kamogawa River to watch locals unwind and the city lights shimmer on the water. If you prefer a livelier send-off, head to Nishiki Market's adjacent Pontocho side-streets for last-minute street-food bites and a sake flight at Sake Bar Yoramu, soaking up one last taste of Kyoto before collecting your luggage and boarding the shinkansen.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ueno Park | Free |
| Tokyo National Museum | ¥1,000 |
| Ameya-Yokochō Market (street snacks) | ¥800 |
| Senso-ji (Asakusa) | Free |
| Nakamise Shopping Street (snacks & souvenirs) | ¥1,500 |
| Omotesandō (shopping stroll) | Free |
| Harajuku / Takeshita Street (crepe or takoyaki) | ¥700 |
| Meiji Jingu | Free |
| Shibuya rooftop café (coffee / sunset) | ¥900 |
| Izakaya crawl in Omoide Yokocho (dinner) | ¥2,500 |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck | Free |
| Hibiya Park | Free |
| Imperial Palace East Gardens | Free |
| Ginza (department store pastries / kissaten) | ¥1,500 |
| Tsukiji Outer Market (sushi stalls) | ¥2,000 |
| Hamarikyu Gardens | ¥300 |
| Sumida River pleasure boat (short ride) | ¥1,000 |
| Kawasaki Daishi evening stroll | Free |
| Nihonbashi illuminated arcade (stroll) | Free |
| Sushi-ya counter seat (mid-range) | ¥6,000 |
| Hibiya / Kayabachō jazz bar (drinks) | ¥1,500 |
| Odakyu Romancecar (Shinjuku → Hakone-Yumoto) one-way (reserved seat) | ¥2,080 |
| Hakone Tozan Railway (Hakone-Yumoto → Gora) | ¥410 |
| Gora Park | ¥550 |
| Hakone Tozan Cable Car / Ropeway (combined segments) | ¥1,550 |
| Owakudani (ropeway area) - viewpoint access | Free |
| Lake Ashi pirate ship (one-way) | ¥1,000 |
| Hakone Checkpoint museum | ¥500 |
| Tenzan Tohji-kyo onsen (public bath entry) | ¥1,300 |
| Yamanochaya or similar ryokan kaiseki dinner (per person) | ¥8,000 |
| Hakone Yuryo rotenburo (evening onsen access) | ¥2,200 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo → Shin-Osaka (unreserved / one-way) | ¥14,000 |
| Osaka Castle (entry to museum / keep) | ¥600 |
| Nishinomaru Garden | ¥200 |
| Kuromon Ichiba Market (snacks) | ¥1,200 |
| Shinsaibashi-suji stroll | Free |
| Nakanoshima Rose Garden | Free |
| Osaka City Central Public Hall (visit) | Free |
| Kitahama Retro café (coffee) | ¥800 |
| Semba Center Building (crafts / sweets) | ¥800 |
| Dotonbori street food (takoyaki / kushikatsu) | ¥1,500 |
| Hozenji Yokocho izakaya (drink/snack) | ¥1,500 |
| Dotonbori canal cruise (evening) | ¥900 |
| Osaka-Temmangu Shrine | Free |
| Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street (breakfast bites) | ¥800 |
| CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda (entry + build-your-own) | ¥800 |
| Aqua-Liner river cruise (Osaka) | ¥1,400 |
| Craft brewery tasting / kushikatsu bars (Tenma) | ¥2,000 |
| Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Terrace (observation/visit) | ¥1,500 |
| Shinkansen Osaka → Hiroshima (one-way, reserved) | ¥10,000 |
| Hiroshima Castle (entry) | ¥370 |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum (entry) | ¥300 |
| Shukkeien Garden (entry) | ¥260 |
| Ferry to Miyajima (round trip) | ¥360 |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (entry) | ¥200 |
| Atomic Bomb Dome / Peace Memorial Park | Free |
| Hondori Shopping Arcade (okonomiyaki meal) | ¥1,200 |
| Shinkansen Hiroshima → Kyoto (one-way, reserved) | ¥11,000 |
| Nijo Castle (entry) | ¥1,000 |
| Nishiki Market (samples / street snacks) | ¥1,200 |
| Pontocho Alley (lunch / riverside dining) | ¥2,500 |
| Kiyomizu-dera (entry) | ¥400 |
| Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka stroll | Free |
| Yasaka Shrine | Free |
| Maruyama Park (evening stroll) | Free |
| Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Free |
| Adashino Nenbutsu-ji | ¥500 |
| Okochi Sanso Garden (entry + tea) | ¥1,000 |
| Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street (stroll) | Free |
| Kokedera (Saiho-ji) (reservation fee / admission) | ¥3,000 |
| Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) entry | ¥500 |
| Philosopher's Path (stroll / café treats) | ¥800 |
| Nanzen-ji (visit) | Free |
| Iwatayama Monkey Park (viewpoint entry) | ¥550 |
| Kameyama Park (stroll) | Free |
| Fushimi Inari Taisha | Free |
| Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum (entry + sample) | ¥600 |
| Shinise Kiln pottery workshop (per person) | ¥3,000 |
| Tofuku-ji (entry) | ¥400 |
| Camellia Garden Tea House (tea ceremony) | ¥1,500 |
| Masuda Sake Brewery tasting (guided tasting) | ¥800 |
| Tsuki no Katsura sake bar tasting flight | ¥1,200 |
| Nishijin Textile Centre (demonstration & small purchase) | ¥800 |
| Kyoto Imperial Palace Park | Free |
| Teramachi Shopping Arcade (last-minute crafts) | ¥1,000 |
| Pontocho Kawayuka riverside lunch (if available) | ¥3,500 |
| Kikunoi Roan (kaiseki dinner) | ¥15,000 |
| Sake Bar Yoramu (tasting flight) | ¥1,200 |
| Kyoto Station rooftop garden & café (final cup of matcha) | ¥700 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ¥119,670 |