12-Day Vegetarian Japan Journey with Scenic Trains, Mount Fuji, Lakes, Nature, and Cherry Blossoms

Arrival and transfer into Tokyo

After landing at Haneda Airport, allow roughly two hours for immigration, baggage collection, and setting up an IC card such as Suica or PASMO. For central Asakusa, the easiest route is the Keikyu Airport Line direct service toward Asakusa—around 35–45 minutes and approximately ¥600–¥700, depending on the train. If you have large luggage, use a taxi or arrange luggage delivery from the airport; Asakusa’s older streets and station exits are not especially suitcase-friendly.

Late Afternoon: Senso-ji and Kappabashi

Check in or leave your bags, then walk to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest major temple. Enter through Kaminarimon, stroll along Nakamise-dori, and continue to the main hall; late afternoon is a good compromise between daylight and the heaviest daytime crowds. The temple grounds are generally accessible throughout the day, while individual shops usually close around 5:00–6:00 PM. From there, walk west for about 10–15 minutes to Kappabashi Dougu Street, the wonderfully practical neighborhood devoted to Japanese kitchenware. Browse the knife, pottery, tea, and restaurant-supply shops—many close around 5:00 PM, so keep this stop moving if you arrive late. Pack fragile purchases carefully, and ask about tax-free shopping if eligible.

Evening: Buddhist vegetarian dining

Finish with dinner at Shojin Dining Sakurai in Asakusa, a refined introduction to shojin ryori, the Buddhist vegetarian tradition. Expect seasonal vegetables, tofu, grains, and carefully balanced small dishes rather than a single large entrée; allow 1.5–2 hours and budget approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during cherry-blossom season, and confirm that the menu is suitable for your dietary needs when booking. After dinner, take a gentle walk back toward the illuminated Senso-ji grounds—quieter and atmospheric at night—or use Asakusa Station for a short return journey to your hotel.

Morning

Start early at Meiji Jingu, ideally around 8:00, before the Harajuku crowds and tour groups arrive. From Asakusa, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Ueno, change to the JR Yamanote Line, and get off at Harajuku—allow about 35 minutes. The shrine grounds are free and open from sunrise until sunset, and the broad forest approach feels remarkably quiet despite being beside one of Tokyo’s busiest districts. Allow about 1½ hours; wear comfortable shoes, as the gravel paths are long. From the shrine, walk toward Takeshita Street for colorful shops, crepes, character goods, and youth fashion. It becomes extremely busy from late morning, so keep this to about an hour and treat it as a lively street stroll rather than a relaxed shopping stop.

Afternoon

Continue south and take a taxi or the Tokyo Metro from Meiji-jingumae toward Nezu Museum in Aoyama—walking takes roughly 25 minutes, while a taxi is usually ¥1,000–¥1,500 depending on traffic. The museum is generally open 10:00–17:00, closed Mondays, with admission commonly around ¥1,500–¥2,000; check the exhibition calendar before visiting, as hours and prices can change. Spend about two hours with the Japanese and Asian art collection, then leave time for its beautifully landscaped garden, where stone paths, ponds, and small bridges offer a welcome pause from central Tokyo. For vegetarian lunch nearby, Brown Rice Canteen in Omotesando is a dependable choice for seasonal plant-based Japanese set meals; reserve or arrive early, as it is popular.

Evening

From Nezu Museum, take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line from Omote-sando toward Kiyosumi-shirakawa, changing as needed; allow about 30–35 minutes. Settle in at Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi Shirakawa, one of Tokyo’s original specialty-coffee destinations, for an hour—budget roughly ¥700–¥1,500 per person. The surrounding Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood is low-key and warehouse-like, with small galleries and independent cafés, so enjoy an unhurried walk rather than adding another major attraction. Later, continue by the Hanzomon Line and Tokyo Metro to Nakameguro for an evening stroll along the Meguro River. In late March, blossoms can be anywhere from first bloom to near peak, depending on the year; the riverside is especially crowded after dark, so walk a little away from the station and keep valuables secure. For dinner, Ain Soph. Ripple in the nearby Ebisu area is a useful vegan option, but check the latest opening hours and reserve where possible.

Morning

Begin at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, arriving close to its 9:00 opening before the paths become busy. This is one of Tokyo’s most refined strolling gardens, with borrowed views of the surrounding city, stone bridges, ponds, and early-season blossoms. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is approximately ¥300. From Asakusa, take the Toei Oedo Line to Iidabashi or Kasuga, then walk around 10–15 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes—the garden paths are uneven in places, and cherry blossom timing can vary from year to year.

Midday and Afternoon

Walk or take one stop on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line to Tokyo Dome City, where you can have a relaxed lunch among the restaurants and cafés rather than committing to a formal meal. Allow about 1½ hours to browse the open-air complex; attractions such as the rides operate separately and are optional. For vegetarian food, check the menus at the LaQua-area restaurants and confirm whether dishes contain dashi or fish stock. Continue by subway toward Ginza, and spend roughly an hour at the Ginza Six rooftop garden. The garden is free, usually accessible during the building’s daytime and evening opening hours, and offers a surprisingly calm view over the Ginza rooftops. The department store itself is useful for a coffee, restroom break, or picking up beautifully packaged snacks.

Evening

From Ginza Six, stroll west toward Hibiya Park—about 15 minutes—or take the short subway ride to Hibiya. Spend an unhurried hour around the ponds, flowerbeds, and tree-lined paths; late afternoon is particularly pleasant as the office district starts to empty. Then make your way to the Tokyo Cruise Himiko departure area at Asakusa for the early-evening boat to Odaiba, allowing time to collect or confirm tickets in advance. The journey takes about 1 hour and is a lovely change of pace, with views of bridges, waterfront warehouses, and Tokyo’s illuminated skyline. Check the day’s timetable carefully, as sailings are limited and can change with weather or seasonal operations; if the final boat does not fit, keep the evening flexible rather than waiting around.

Finish at T’s Tantan Tokyo Station, located inside the station’s ticketed area near the Keiyo Street side. Expect around ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person for vegan ramen, and remember that you may need a valid station ticket to reach the restaurant—ask staff about the easiest access if you have exited the gates. After dinner, return to Asakusa by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Tokyo Station via Ueno, allowing roughly 25–30 minutes.

Morning

Take the early Tobu Railway Spacia X from Asakusa around 7:30–8:00, arriving at Tobu-Nikko Station after roughly 1 hour 50 minutes. Pick up a Nikko bus pass or pay with an IC card, then ride toward the temple district. Begin at Shinkyo Bridge, the vivid vermilion crossing over the Daiya River; allow about 30 minutes for photographs, especially if morning mist still hangs over the wooded hills. From here, it is a steady uphill walk of around 20 minutes to Nikko Toshogu, which generally opens around 9:00. Spend about two hours among the ornate gates, carved animals, and richly decorated halls; admission is approximately ¥1,600, and comfortable shoes are worthwhile on the stone paths.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch near the shrine district—look for a simple yuba, soba, or vegetable set meal—take a local bus or walk downhill toward Kanmangafuchi Abyss. The riverside path takes about an hour and is one of Nikko’s quieter experiences, with mossy forest, rushing water, and rows of weathered Jizo statues. Continue by bus toward Lake Chuzenji, allowing extra time for the winding Iroha-zaka road and possible traffic; the lake is best treated as a relaxed late-afternoon outing rather than a rushed photo stop. Give yourself around 1½ hours along the waterfront, but check the final bus back carefully, particularly in late March when services are less frequent and daylight fades early. Return to Tobu-Nikko Station for a local yuba or vegetable set dinner—Takumi, near the station, is a practical choice for handmade yuba dishes, usually around ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. If you are not staying overnight in Nikko, do not attempt this full route as a same-day return to Tokyo; the lake and temple district deserve the slower pace of an overnight stay.

Morning

Leave Nikko around 6:30–7:00 to reach Hakone-Yumoto after the long rail journey via Utsunomiya, Tokyo, and Odawara. Drop bags at your accommodation or a station locker, then take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora. The 45-minute mountain ride climbs through wooded valleys and switchbacks; sit on the right side when leaving Hakone-Yumoto for some of the better valley views. Allow roughly ¥460 for the train, and check the seasonal timetable because services can be busy in late March. From Gora Station, it is a short walk to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, open about 9:00–17:00, with admission around ¥2,000. Spend approximately two hours among the sculpture gardens, Picasso exhibition, and mountain-framed installations.

Afternoon

From Gora, take the short funicular to Sounzan, then board the Hakone Ropeway toward Togendai. Allow about 1½ hours including a stop at Owakudani, where volcanic vents, sulphurous air, and wide views create Hakone’s most dramatic landscape. If the ropeway is suspended because of wind or volcanic conditions, replacement buses operate, so check the official status before setting out. The full ropeway fare is roughly ¥1,800 one way; a Hakone Freepass can be worthwhile if you are also using several trains, buses, and boats. At Togendai, take the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise to Moto-Hakone, a journey of about 30–40 minutes. Fuji views depend heavily on cloud, but the lake crossing is scenic regardless—keep an eye out for the flamboyant replica pirate ships.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Walk from Moto-Hakone along the lakeshore to Hakone Shrine, allowing around 15 minutes. The shrine’s forested approach and lakeside torii are atmospheric in the late afternoon, though the torii can have a queue for photographs. The shrine grounds are free and generally accessible until dusk; wear shoes with good grip for the steps. Finish with a vegetarian-friendly ryokan dinner in Hakone-Yumoto or Gora, arranged in advance and clearly specifying that you need vegetarian food—ideally Buddhist-style shōjin ryōri, with no dashi, fish, or meat if required. Expect approximately ¥4,000–¥10,000 per person, and confirm whether dinner is served at a fixed time, as many ryokan kitchens finish service relatively early.

Morning

Take an early Tokaido Shinkansen from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station, aiming for an 8:30–9:00 departure so you arrive before lunch. A reserved Hikari seat costs roughly ¥12,000–¥13,500; reserve a seat with oversized-baggage space if your suitcase exceeds 160 cm in total dimensions. From Kyoto Station, leave your bags at the hotel or a station locker, then walk or take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station for Nishiki Market. Spend about 1½ hours exploring the covered arcade: look for Kyoto pickles, yuba, sesame treats, matcha sweets, and freshly made tofu items. Many stalls use bonito stock or offer samples containing fish, so ask “vegetarian desu ka?” and avoid eating while walking—vendors generally expect food to be eaten beside the stall.

Afternoon

From the market, walk east toward Shosei-en Garden, a pleasant 20–25-minute route through central Kyoto, or take a short taxi ride if you are carrying luggage. This landscaped pond garden is far quieter than Kyoto’s headline sights; allow around 1½ hours for the bridges, seasonal flowers, and views toward the Higashi Hongan-ji area. Admission is usually about ¥500, though seasonal rates can vary. Continue on foot for roughly 10 minutes to Higashi Hongan-ji, where the enormous wooden halls and broad gravel forecourt give you a sense of Kyoto’s religious scale without requiring a long temple circuit. Entry to the main grounds is generally free; keep shoulders covered and speak quietly inside the halls.

Evening

As the light softens, walk or take a short bus ride toward Pontocho Alley and stroll its narrow lane between Kiyamachi-dori and the Kamo River. It is best enjoyed as an atmospheric wander rather than a restaurant hunt: some establishments are reservation-only or display prices aimed at special-occasion dining. For a relaxed vegetarian dinner, continue across the river to Veg Out, near Shichijo-dori, where plant-based bowls, curries, and café-style dishes typically cost about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Ask about the day’s menu and closing time when you arrive, as hours can change; afterward, take an easy riverside walk along the Kamo River back toward central Kyoto.

Morning

Start early at Kiyomizu-dera, ideally arriving around 8:00, before the Higashiyama lanes fill with tour groups. From central Kyoto, take a Kyoto City Bus toward Gojozaka or Kiyomizudera, then walk uphill for 10–15 minutes; a taxi is worthwhile if you want to save energy. The temple generally opens from 6:00, with admission around ¥500. Allow about two hours for the wooden stage, hillside pagoda views, and quieter corners beyond the main platform. From the entrance, continue downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, taking your time with the preserved wooden townhouses, pottery shops, and small cafés. These lanes are prettiest before 10:30, and the cobblestones can be slippery, so comfortable shoes matter.

Afternoon

Walk north to Kodai-ji, roughly 15 minutes away, for its polished gardens, bamboo-lined paths, and seasonal temple scenery; admission is usually around ¥600, and 1½ hours is enough at an unhurried pace. For lunch, look for a set meal around the Higashiyama approach streets, but check ingredients carefully if you avoid fish stock, bonito flakes, or egg. A useful vegetarian option is Mumokuteki Café, farther toward central Kyoto, though its location makes it better suited if you are happy to take a short taxi or bus ride. After lunch, continue to Maruyama Park in Gion, where the large weeping cherry tree is the natural pause point. In late March it may be at or near bloom, but the park is enjoyable regardless—bring a drink from a convenience store and allow an hour to wander rather than trying to claim a crowded picnic spot.

Evening

Finish at Kennin-ji, a short walk south through Gion. It is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, known for its calm dry gardens and dramatic ink paintings, including the famous twin dragons; check the seasonal closing time before setting out, as last admission is often around 16:30–17:00 and the temple may close on occasional irregular days. Admission is generally about ¥600. For dinner, reserve a vegetarian kaiseki seating near Gion, budgeting roughly ¥5,000–¥12,000 per person; ask explicitly for shojin ryori or a vegetarian menu when booking, since “vegetable dishes” in Kyoto can still include dashi made from fish. Yoshikawa Tempura, Gion Soy Milk Ramen for a more casual meal, or a dedicated shojin-ryori restaurant are possibilities, but reserve ahead for cherry-blossom season and confirm the exact menu. From Gion-Shijo Station, the Keihan Line is convenient for returning toward eastern Kyoto or Kyoto Station connections; otherwise, taxis are often the most practical way back after dinner.

Morning

Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station—about 15 minutes on a rapid train, or 20–25 minutes on a local service. Aim to arrive around 7:30, then walk 10 minutes to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The grove is free and accessible all day, but early morning is essential for a quieter walk; allow about an hour and continue uphill rather than stopping only at the first viewpoint.

Next, enter Tenryu-ji, which opens at 8:30. Its pond garden and mountain backdrop are especially beautiful in spring, while the temple buildings provide a calm contrast to the busy lanes outside. Allow roughly 1½ hours. For lunch, eat at Shigetsu, inside the temple grounds, where Buddhist vegetarian cuisine is served in seasonal set menus. Expect around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person; arrive early or check availability at the entrance, as seating can fill quickly.

Afternoon

Walk through the Togetsukyo Bridge area after lunch, allowing about 45 minutes for river views and the mountains beyond. The bridge itself is a public crossing, so there is no admission fee; the riverside paths are a pleasant place to pause, though the main road can be crowded. From the bridge, climb toward Okochi Sanso Garden. Admission is around ¥1,000 and includes a small tea service; allow 1½ hours for the villa, moss gardens, seasonal flowers, and elevated views over Kyoto.

From nearby Torokko Saga Station, board the Sagano Scenic Railway for the afternoon ride to Torokko Kameoka Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and follows the Hozugawa River through wooded valleys; reserve seats in advance if possible, especially during cherry-blossom season. Trains generally run from late morning through the afternoon, with reduced or altered services possible in poor weather. At Torokko Kameoka Station, take the connecting bus or walk to Umahori Station, then return to Saga-Arashiyama Station by JR—allow roughly 30–45 minutes for the transfer and ride. Finish with an unhurried stroll around Saga before returning to central Kyoto; a JR train back to Kyoto Station takes about 15–20 minutes.

Morning

Take the JR Miyakoji Rapid from Kyoto Station around 8:00; it reaches JR Nara Station in about 45 minutes and costs approximately ¥720. From the station, walk toward Nara Park in roughly 25 minutes, or take a short local bus ride if you would rather save your legs. Start among the open lawns of Nara Park, where the deer are usually most active in the morning. Keep food in a closed bag until you have bought official deer crackers, and bow gently to the deer if you like—their famous nod is often rewarded with a cracker, though some are impressively persistent.

Continue on foot to Todai-ji, about 15 minutes through the park. The temple opens from around 7:30 seasonally, with entry approximately ¥800; allow 1½ hours for the enormous wooden hall, the Great Buddha, and the quieter surrounding grounds. From here, follow the forest road east toward Kasuga Taisha, a gradual 25–30-minute walk lined with stone and bronze lanterns. The shrine grounds are free, while the inner area has a small admission fee; allow about 1½ hours and take time to notice the mossy woodland rather than rushing straight to the main buildings.

Afternoon and Lunch

Walk back west through the trees to Isuien Garden, roughly 20 minutes from Kasuga Taisha. Open approximately 9:30–16:30 and closed on Tuesdays, it is a peaceful contrast to the busier temple grounds, with carefully placed ponds and borrowed views of the Wakakusayama hillside. Admission is around ¥1,200, and one hour is enough for a relaxed circuit. For lunch, continue a few minutes to Mizutani-chaya, a charming thatched restaurant near the park. Its menu is traditional and seasonal, with vegetarian choices such as vegetable tempura, rice, tofu, and pickles—confirm ingredients and dashi when ordering. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person; arrive before the main lunch rush and carry some cash, as smaller restaurants may not accept cards. Afterward, wander back through the quieter lanes near Naramachi or return to JR Nara Station for the train to Kyoto, leaving around 16:00–17:00 so you are not navigating the station late.

Morning: Nara to Osaka and the castle park

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line rapid express from Kintetsu-Nara Station at around 8:30; the ride to Osaka-Namba Station takes about 40–45 minutes and costs roughly ¥680. Leave your luggage at the hotel or a Namba locker, then take the Osaka Metro Sennichimae Line from Nippombashi toward Tanimachi 4-chome—the short ride puts you close to Osaka Castle Park. Spend around two hours wandering the broad moats, stone walls, and blossom-lined paths; late March and early April can be beautiful here, although full bloom varies each year. The castle tower opens from 9:00 and admission is about ¥1,200, but the surrounding park is free, so you can simply enjoy the grounds if queues are long.

Late morning and afternoon: Osaka’s history and market life

Walk about 10 minutes to the Osaka Museum of History, which generally opens at 9:30 and costs around ¥600. Its upper floors trace Osaka’s development through vivid reconstructions, and the large windows give one of the best framed views of Osaka Castle. Allow roughly 1½ hours, then take the Tanimachi Line south from Tanimachi 4-chome to Tanimachi 9-chome, changing for Nippombashi if needed. Browse Kuromon Ichiba Market for about 1½ hours; it is liveliest before late afternoon, though some seafood stalls close early. For a vegetarian visit, look for grilled vegetables, fruit, tamagoyaki only if eggs are suitable, pickles, rice snacks, and tofu-based items, and ask clearly for bejitarian or dashi nashi—many seemingly vegetable dishes use fish stock. Market prices vary, but ¥500–¥1,500 is enough for light bites.

Evening: Namba’s old lanes and vegan dinner

From Kuromon Ichiba Market, walk west toward Namba, passing through the atmospheric Hozenji Yokocho in about 10–15 minutes. Come around dusk, when the narrow stone lane’s lanterns are glowing, and visit Hozenji itself; the moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue is traditionally splashed with water. Keep this stop to around 45 minutes, then continue toward Paprika Shokudo Vegan for dinner. Expect approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person for hearty vegan Japanese comfort food; check the restaurant’s current opening days and last-order time before setting out, as independent eateries can change schedules. Namba is easy to explore on foot afterward, but save energy for the final walk back to your hotel.

Morning

Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Namba to Shin-Osaka, then change to the Osaka Monorail for Bampaku-kinen-koen Station—allow about 50–60 minutes in total. Start at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, arriving near its 9:30 opening; admission is around ¥260, and the grounds are large enough that comfortable shoes make a real difference. Follow the central paths toward the Tower of the Sun, then wander through the Japanese garden and flower areas at an unhurried pace. Late March and early April can bring early blossoms, but the park is enjoyable even before peak cherry bloom. Allow about 2½ hours, and bring water because cafés are spread out.

Afternoon

The National Museum of Ethnology sits beside the park, so walk over rather than returning to the station. It generally opens at 10:00 and closes at 17:00, with last admission around 16:30; admission is roughly ¥580. Set aside about two hours for its thoughtfully arranged galleries on everyday life, textiles, rituals, music, and food cultures from around the world. For lunch, use one of the park cafés or eat before entering the museum—vegetarian choices can be limited, so a convenience-store rice ball or packed meal is a sensible backup. Afterward, take the Osaka Monorail back toward Senri-Chuo, change to the Midosuji Line, and continue to Umeda; the journey is about 45–55 minutes. Late afternoon is a good time for Umeda Sky Building: the observatory is usually open until 22:30, with last admission around 22:00, and costs approximately ¥2,000. The open-air Kuchu Teien Observatory is particularly atmospheric as the city lights come on, though visibility depends on the weather.

Evening

Walk from Umeda Sky Building toward Grand Front Osaka, following the pedestrian route across the railway area; allow 15–20 minutes. Spend about an hour browsing its design shops, bookshops, and cafés rather than treating it as a major shopping mission. For dinner, head to Aju in the central dining area and confirm which dishes are vegetarian when ordering—ask for no meat, fish, or seafood, as Korean broths and sauces are not always vegetarian by default. Budget around ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. From Grand Front Osaka, Osaka Station and Umeda Station are only a few minutes away, making the return to Namba straightforward on the Midosuji Line; avoid the busiest rush-hour trains if you finish dinner around 18:00–19:00.

Morning

If your flight is later in the day, make one final seasonal walk through Osaka Castle Park, heading first to the Osaka Castle Plum Grove. It is a particularly good choice when the cherry blossoms are not yet fully open: the grove has hundreds of plum trees, and the paths are usually peaceful early in the morning. From central Osaka, use the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome or Morinomiya; allow about 20–30 minutes, and plan roughly an hour here. The park itself is free, though the castle keep is a separate paid attraction and is best skipped today unless you have a long airport buffer. There are convenience stores and cafés around the station, but breakfast is easier to pick up before entering the park.

Late Morning and Airport Transfer

From Osaka Castle Park, take the Osaka Metro toward Yodoyabashi, then walk to Nakanoshima Park. This compact island park sits between the Dōjima River and Tosabori River, with broad promenades, bridges, and handsome early-modern architecture framing the water. Allow about an hour for an unhurried stroll; the Nakanoshima Rose Garden is pleasant even outside its main flowering season, and the riverside benches are a good place for a final pause. For lunch, look around Kitahama or Yodoyabashi for a vegetarian set meal, curry, or café dish rather than relying on airport food.

Leave central Osaka around 3½–4 hours before your flight. The simplest route is the Nankai Rapi:t from Namba to Kansai-Airport Station, taking about 35–45 minutes, or the JR Haruka if you are closer to Tennoji or Shin-Osaka; ordinary services take longer but cost less. In practice, allow 70–90 minutes from Nakanoshima to the terminal, including the city transfer and station walking, then allow another two hours for check-in, security, and immigration—especially during the spring travel period. Check your terminal and airline carefully before boarding, and keep your IC card topped up for the final Osaka-to-airport journey.