After arriving and settling in, ease into Tokyo with a relaxed stroll through Ueno Park, enjoying early spring blossoms (or the park's calm ponds) and a visit to the approachable exhibits at the Tokyo National Museum to get a cultural primer. Follow with a coffee and light bite at the atmospheric Ameya-Yokochō market alleys - great for people-watching, casual street snacks like yakitori or melonpan, and picking up practical supplies for the rest of your trip.
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the lively streets of Asakusa, starting with a walk along Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional snacks and souvenirs before visiting the atmospheric Senso-ji Temple grounds. As daylight softens, take a short river cruise on the Sumida River or climb the observation deck at Tokyo Skytree for sweeping city views, then relax with an early dinner of tempura or monjayaki at a nearby local izakaya.
As twilight falls, wander through the neon-lit alleys of Shinjuku Kabukichō and soak in the urban energy, then duck into a cozy standing bar for a flight of craft sakes at Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) or a nearby izakaya for small plates like karaage and grilled skewers. Finish with a peaceful late stroll around the illuminated gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen's outer areas (or a quiet rooftop view from a nearby hotel bar) to reflect on your first impressions of Tokyo before turning in.
Begin with a peaceful temple visit at Nezu Shrine, wandering its mossy stone steps and arched vermilion gates before strolling the adjacent galleries of Nezu Museum to admire its refined collection and tranquil garden. From there, head to the stylish streets of Omotesandō for boutique window-shopping and a coffee break at Koffee Mameya before exploring the youth-driven atmosphere of Harajuku's Takeshita Street, sampling crepes and quirky fashion before lunch.
Wander through the historic streets of Yanaka Ginza, sampling local sweets and admiring traditional wooden facades before heading to the serene burial mounds and cherry-lined lanes of Yanaka Cemetery for a glimpse of old Tokyo. Continue to the creative hub of Kagurazaka, where narrow alleys hide artisanal shops and a fusion of French-Japanese cafés-stop for a late-afternoon matcha dessert at a tucked-away tea house and catch soft golden light on the neighborhood's stone steps as you make your way toward evening.
As dusk deepens, head to the atmospheric lanes of Kagurazaka Ishikawa-dori for a kaiseki dinner at an intimate ryotei, then drift toward the illuminated waterways of Kanda Myōjin Bridge for a twilight photo stop. After dinner, ascend to the sky-high observation deck of Roppongi Hills Mori Tower to drink in the glittering cityscape and finish with cocktails at the rooftop Mori Garden Terrace for a serene end to a full Tokyo day.
Catch an early Romancecar or local Odakyu train to Hakone-Yumoto, then ride the nostalgic Hakone Tozan Railway through mossy forest switchbacks to arrive in the mountain air; pause for a hearty breakfast of onsen tamago and soba at a riverside café near Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, board the charming Hakone Tozan Cable Car up toward Gora Park, stroll its European-style gardens and tea house, and warm up with a private footbath or a short soak at an intimate onsen ryokan tucked into the hills before continuing your Fuji-focused explorations.
Ride the scenic Hakone Ropeway toward Owakudani, pausing to sample the famous black eggs and take in the sulfurous valley views before descending to the lakeside. Spend golden-hour exploring Lake Ashi by pirate-ship cruise, then walk the cedar-lined approach to Hakone Shrine for a tranquil lakeside photo beneath its iconic torii as the light softens.
As evening falls, unwind at the traditional ryokan area of Yumoto Onsen with a restorative soak in a public rotenburo that overlooks wooded slopes, then change for a relaxed dinner of kaiseki featuring local mountain vegetables and river fish at Itoh Dining or a nearby ryokan restaurant. After dinner, take a gentle lantern-lit stroll along the atmospheric lantern-lined lanes of Hakone Yumoto Chaya Street, stopping for a cup of hot matcha at Sengokuhara Tea House before returning to your accommodation to rest under the faint glow of the mountains.
Board a shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka for a swift, scenic ride and drop your luggage at your hotel before heading to Osaka Castle Park to stroll beneath blossom-framed stone walls and explore the informative museum inside the castle keep. Continue to nearby Osaka Museum of History for layered city views and context, then refuel with a hearty bowl of local udon at the bustling Kiji in the Umeda district before wandering the lively rooftop terraces around Umeda Sky Building for an urban panorama that bridges your Tokyo arrival with Osaka's energetic skyline.
After settling in, head to the lively Shinsekai district to soak in retro Showa-era atmosphere, admire the towering Tsutenkaku, and sample kushikatsu at a standing stall for an authentic local snack experience. Continue with a peaceful walk through Tennoji Park to visit the tranquil Shitenno-ji temple grounds and the adjacent Keitakuen Japanese garden, then pause for coffee and people-watching at a café near Abeno Harukas before preparing for the neon-soaked evening ahead.
As neon takes over, wander the bustling canalside of Dotonbori to watch the famous mechanical signs flicker to life, then hop into a lively yokochō alley like Hozenji Yokocho to sample small plates-try fresh takoyaki from a popular stall and a plate of okonomiyaki at a local teppan table. Finish the night with a riverside sake flight at Spectacle Bar or a cocktail at the stylish rooftop terrace of Namba Parks, pausing on the iconic Ebisubashi Bridge for a classic nighttime photo that links your Osaka arrival to the rest of the trip.
Start with a savory breakfast of steaming broth and thinly sliced beef at Mizuno's morning prep kitchen near the river, then wander the elegant grounds of Nakanoshima Park to admire the rose gardens and the striking architecture of the Osaka Central Public Hall. From there, dive into the lively Kuromon Market to sample grilled scallops, fresh sushi and seasonal fruit from friendly stall vendors, and stop for a late-morning craft-coffee and cheesecake at the boutique café LiLo Coffee Roasters before continuing your day's exploration.
Head to the vibrant Nakazakicho neighborhood to wander its narrow alleys lined with indie boutiques, retro cafés and quirky galleries, pausing for a matcha parfait at Cafe Atl and vintage shopping at YaYa+. From there, stroll to the atmospheric riverside district of Nakanoshima's eastern edge to visit the calming Kyuho Riverwalk, rent a bike to explore the riverside parks, then enjoy a late-afternoon kushikatsu tasting flight at the local favorite Daruma outpost before an early evening refresh.
As dusk falls, head to the lively riverside district of Tosabori for an atmospheric stroll and catch sunset reflections on the water before settling in at Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten for a theatrical crab-centric dinner or try sizzling teppanyaki at Misono for a quintessential Osaka meal. After dinner, dive into live-music energy at Billboard Live Osaka or discover local craft beers and jazz at the intimate Craft Beer Base Plover in Kitahama, finishing the night with panoramic city views and a nightcap at the cozy rooftop bar The Ritz-Carlton Osaka's Club Lounge or a hidden izakaya in the nearby alleys.
Begin with a scenic walk along Meriken Park, taking photos of the striking Kobe Port Tower and the modern architecture of the Kobe Maritime Museum before hopping on the retro Kobe Port Loop sightseeing bus to reach the hillside. Pause for a mid-morning tasting of Kobe specialties at Harborland Mosaic-try a delicate glass of locally brewed craft beer with a small plate of seafood-and then ride the charming Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway up to Nunobiki Herb Garden for panoramic city and harbor views amid early-spring blooms.
Stroll the elegant lanes of Kitano-cho, visiting preserved foreign residences like the atmospheric Ijin Kan and popping into charming specialty cafés for a light coffee and pastry while admiring the hillside architecture. Continue to the lively Motomachi Shopping Street for local sweets and souvenir hunting, then book a late-afternoon tasting at a recommended Kobe beef yakiniku restaurant such as Kobe Plaisir to savor melt-in-your-mouth slices before heading up to the viewpoint at Mt. Maya (via Maya Ropeway) for sunset-lit panoramas of the city and harbor.
As night falls, wander the atmospheric waterfront of Kobe Harborland to enjoy illuminated ferris-wheel reflections and street performers, then hop into a cozy sake bar like Sawanotsuru Sake Brewery & Museum's tasting room for a guided flight of local brews paired with savory snacks. For a memorable dinner, reserve a table at Steakland Kobe for expertly grilled Kobe beef in an intimate setting, and finish with a digestif at the stylish cocktail lounge Bar Royal while taking in sweeping nighttime views of the harbor.
Arrive in Hiroshima by shinkansen and drop bags at your hotel, then begin with a reflective walk through Shukkeien Garden, enjoying its miniature landscapes, teahouse views and early-morning koi feeding before the crowds arrive. From there, visit the atmospheric Hiroshima Castle grounds to learn about the city's feudal history and climb the reconstructed keep for a quiet panorama that bridges your journey from Kansai to the resilient heart of Hiroshima.
Wander the moving exhibits at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and spend time reading the personal testimonies in the upper galleries, then cross the park to reflect beneath the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome and photograph its haunting silhouette from different angles. Afterward, stroll to the nearby Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum for a calm dose of local and modern art, followed by a late-afternoon stop at Okonomimura to sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki prepared on a teppan and watch the skilful cooks flip layers of noodles, cabbage and sauce.
As twilight settles, wander the peaceful riverside lanes of Ebisu Bridge and step into the lively food alleys around Hondori Shopping Arcade to sample local street snacks like oden and freshly made momiji manju from a specialty shop. For a reflective yet convivial end to the day, enjoy a riverside dinner at Ristorante Sant'Apollinare (for a western-style meal with local ingredients) or opt for craft sake paired with small plates at the intimate Fukuya Sake Bar, then take a gentle post-dinner stroll to view the softly illuminated silhouette of Genbaku Dome from a different riverside angle to close the day.
Catch an early ferry to Miyajima and begin with a gentle hike through the cedar-cloaked trails to Daisho-in Temple, where you can explore mossy stone steps, prayer halls and rows of small Jizo statues while inhaling the forest air. Afterwards, stroll the quieter side streets to sample fresh grilled oysters and sweet momiji manju at a seaside stall before taking the ropeway up Mount Misen for panoramic views and a short summit walk past the sacred Reikado (Eternal Flame).
After descending from Mount Misen, wander the waterfront toward Itsukushima Shrine's lesser-known shore-side paths to watch the torii from a new angle as tides change, then board a short sightseeing ferry to circle the floating gate for postcard views. Spend the late afternoon sampling fresh seafood at Miyajima Omotesando-try grilled scallops and a local anago-don-before exploring the artisan shops and stopping for a serene tea tasting at Momiji-do Tea House, which offers matcha and seasonal wagashi with a view of the harbor as the light softens.
As twilight deepens, wander the lantern-lit lanes toward Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine pavilion) to enjoy quiet temple views and seasonal illumination before settling at Yakigaki-no-Hayashi for freshly grilled oysters paired with a local cold beer or sake. Afterwards, take a slow coastal stroll to the peaceful Momijidani Park to watch the last light on maple-lined streams, then finish with a relaxed dessert and harbour vista at Ichiya Café while listening to distant ferry horns before returning to the mainland.
After arriving from Hiroshima, drop your bags and begin with a slow, restorative walk through Philosopher's Path, pausing at small shops and a local café for matcha and yudofu (simmered tofu). Continue to the serene hillside gardens of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to admire mossy paths and refined tea-garden views, then stroll down to the nearby Nanzen-ji's aqueduct where you can sit by the stone arches and sample sweet bean desserts from a riverside wagashi shop before a light lunchtime meal at a nearby soba house.
Ease into Kyoto's rhythm with a visit to the mossy, contemplative grounds of Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) to admire its late-afternoon light and maple-lined approaches, then wander the peaceful lanes to the nearby Heian Shrine with its expansive gardens and striking vermilion torii for relaxed photos. Continue by exploring the artisan shops and ceramic studios along Nishiki Market's quieter side streets-sample pickled specialties and yuba snacks-before pausing for tea at the refined Ippodo Tea Kyoto Salon to taste a freshly whisked matcha and reflect on the shift from Hiroshima's resilience to Kyoto's serene heritage.
As dusk deepens, wander the lantern-lit lanes of Pontocho Alley, pausing at a riverside table for kaiseki-style small plates or a yakitori counter with local sake while watching kimono-clad passersby. After dinner, head to Yasaka Shrine to enjoy its atmospheric evening lamps and then stroll into Gion Corner for a brief cultural performance or an intimate tea ceremony at a machiya teahouse, finishing with a quiet nightcap beneath the illuminated facades of Hanamikoji Street.
Begin with a serene riverside stroll along the Hozu River from Saga-Arashiyama Station, then board a short traditional-style boat cruise (Hozugawa River Boat) for scenic canyon views and the gentle rush of spring water. After disembarking, wander the bamboo groves behind Okochi Sanso Villa, sip matcha in its hillside tea house overlooking manicured gardens, and stop by the charming Togetsukyo Bridge area for a lakeside breakfast of yudofu and sweet bean pastries at a local café before continuing to the day's Arashiyama sights.
After a tranquil morning in Arashiyama, head toward central Kyoto to explore the elegant gardens and tea culture around Kodaiji Temple, wandering its mossy pathways and stepping into a nearby machiya for an intimate tea ceremony. Continue with a leisurely stroll through Maruyama Park to enjoy late-afternoon light over its ponds, then browse artisanal sweets and pottery along Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka before settling at a traditional teahouse for matcha and wagashi as the city eases into evening.
As the day winds down, head to Fushimi Sake District for a guided tasting at a historic kura where you can sample seasonal junmai and namazake alongside small bites; linger in the atmospheric lanes to pick up a final bottle as a souvenir. Afterwards, enjoy a farewell kaiseki at a refined machiya such as Gion Suetomo or a riverside izakaya near Kamo River-sit on the terrace if the weather is mild to watch lantern-lit reflections and let Kyoto's quiet evening charm close your trip.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Ueno Park | Free |
| Tokyo National Museum | ¥1,000 |
| Ameya-Yokochō (street snacks/shopping) | ¥800 |
| Nakamise Shopping Street (snacks/souvenirs) | ¥1,200 |
| Senso-ji Temple | Free |
| Sumida River Cruise | ¥1,000 |
| Tokyo Skytree (observation deck) | ¥2,300 |
| Shinjuku Kabukichō (neon alleys) | Free |
| Omoide Yokocho (small plates/sake flight) | ¥2,500 |
| Shinjuku Gyoen (outer areas/rooftop view) | ¥500 |
| Nezu Shrine | Free |
| Nezu Museum | ¥1,100 |
| Omotesandō / Koffee Mameya (coffee) | ¥700 |
| Takeshita Street (crepes/snacks) | ¥800 |
| Yanaka Ginza (snacks/shopping) | ¥600 |
| Yanaka Cemetery (walk) | Free |
| Kagurazaka (cafés/matcha dessert) | ¥1,200 |
| Kaiseki dinner at a ryotei (Kagurazaka) | ¥12,000 |
| Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (observation deck) | ¥2,000 |
| Mori Garden Terrace (cocktails) | ¥2,500 |
| Romancecar / Odakyu to Hakone (train, one-way) | ¥2,080 |
| Hakone Tozan Railway | ¥410 |
| Gora Park (entry/garden) | ¥550 |
| Onsen ryokan (private footbath / short soak) | ¥2,500 |
| Hakone Ropeway (round trip) | ¥2,500 |
| Owakudani (black egg snack) | ¥500 |
| Lake Ashi pirate-ship cruise | ¥1,000 |
| Hakone Shrine | Free |
| Yumoto Onsen rotenburo (public bath) | ¥1,000 |
| Kaiseki dinner at Itoh Dining / ryokan | ¥8,000 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo to Shin-Osaka (reserved seat, one-way) | ¥14,000 |
| Osaka Castle Museum (inside keep) | ¥600 |
| Osaka Museum of History | ¥600 |
| Umeda Kiji (udon/meal) | ¥1,200 |
| Umeda Sky Building (observation) | ¥1,500 |
| Shinsekai / Tsutenkaku (kushikatsu snack) | ¥1,000 |
| Tennoji Park / Shitenno-ji | Free |
| Abeno Harukas (cafe/observation optional) | ¥1,500 |
| Dotonbori (takoyaki / okonomiyaki meal) | ¥1,800 |
| Hozenji Yokocho (small plates) | ¥2,000 |
| Spectacle Bar / rooftop (sake flight/cocktail) | ¥2,000 |
| Mizuno (breakfast / local specialty) | ¥1,000 |
| Nakanoshima Park / Osaka Central Public Hall | Free |
| Kuromon Market (samples/meals) | ¥1,500 |
| LiLo Coffee Roasters (coffee & cake) | ¥800 |
| Nakazakicho (cafés & shopping) | ¥700 |
| Daruma kushikatsu tasting flight | ¥1,200 |
| Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten (crab dinner) | ¥5,000 |
| Billboard Live Osaka (live music ticket) | ¥5,000 |
| Craft Beer Base Plover (drinks) | ¥1,500 |
| Kobe Meriken Park / Kobe Port Tower (photo walk) | Free |
| Kobe Maritime Museum | ¥300 |
| Kobe Port Loop (sightseeing bus) | ¥300 |
| Harborland Mosaic (snack / drink) | ¥800 |
| Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway / Herb Garden | ¥900 |
| Kitano-cho / Ijin Kan (foreign residence) | ¥700 |
| Motomachi Shopping Street (souvenirs/snacks) | ¥600 |
| Kobe beef yakiniku tasting (Kobe Plaisir style) | ¥8,000 |
| Mt. Maya / Maya Ropeway (round trip) | ¥1,200 |
| Sawanotsuru Sake Brewery & Museum tasting | ¥800 |
| Steakland Kobe (steak dinner) | ¥6,000 |
| Shukkeien Garden (Hiroshima) | ¥260 |
| Hiroshima Castle (grounds and keep) | ¥370 |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | ¥200 |
| Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) | Free |
| Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum | ¥150 |
| Okonomimura (Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki) | ¥1,000 |
| Hondori Shopping Arcade (street snacks) | ¥600 |
| Fukuya Sake Bar / Ristorante Sant'Apollinare (dinner) | ¥3,500 |
| Ferry to Miyajima (round trip) | ¥360 |
| Daisho-in Temple (visit) | Free |
| Grilled oysters / momiji manju (Miyajima snacks) | ¥1,000 |
| Mount Misen Ropeway / summit (round trip) | ¥2,000 |
| Itsukushima Shrine | ¥300 |
| Sightseeing ferry around torii | ¥500 |
| Miyajima Omotesando (seafood meal) | ¥1,500 |
| Momiji-do Tea House (tea tasting) | ¥800 |
| Senjokaku (Toyokuni Shrine pavilion, evening walk) | Free |
| Ichiya Café (dessert / harbor vista) | ¥700 |
| Philosopher's Path | Free |
| Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) | ¥500 |
| Nanzen-ji (aqueduct area) | Free |
| Eikan-dō (Zenrin-ji) | ¥600 |
| Heian Shrine | Free |
| Nishiki Market (samples/snacks) | ¥1,000 |
| Ippodo Tea Kyoto Salon (matcha tasting) | ¥1,200 |
| Pontocho Alley (kaiseki small plates / yakitori) | ¥4,000 |
| Yasaka Shrine (evening lamps) | Free |
| Gion Corner (cultural performance) | ¥3,150 |
| Hozu River boat cruise (Hozugawa) | ¥4,000 |
| Okochi Sanso Villa (entry & matcha) | ¥1,000 |
| Togetsukyo Bridge area (breakfast/snacks) | ¥800 |
| Kodaiji Temple (entry / gardens) | ¥600 |
| Maruyama Park | Free |
| Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka (shopping / tea) | ¥800 |
| Fushimi Sake District guided tasting | ¥2,000 |
| Guided kura tasting / souvenir bottle | ¥3,000 |
| Farewell kaiseki at Gion Suetomo (per person) | ¥12,000 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | ¥132,770 |