Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After landing at Haneda Airport, allow roughly 1–1½ hours door-to-door to reach Shinjuku. Immigration, baggage collection, and withdrawing or exchanging a small amount of yen can take time, especially in the evening. The simplest rail options are usually the Keikyu Line toward central Tokyo, connecting onward to the JR Yamanote Line, or the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō followed by JR. Check the exact route to your hotel once you know which Shinjuku exit is closest; the station is enormous, and navigating it with luggage can add 15–20 minutes. Drop your bags, freshen up, and keep the first night deliberately easy.
Start at Omoide Yokocho, the atmospheric cluster of narrow yakitori alleys just west of Shinjuku Station. It is ideal for a first taste of Tokyo: sit at a counter, order a few skewers and a drink, and expect about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person for a light meal. Most tiny restaurants are cash-friendly but have limited seating, so a short wait is normal. Afterward, wander through Shinjuku Golden-Gai, where hundreds of tiny themed bars fill a maze of lanes. Many bars charge a cover of roughly ¥500–¥1,500 in addition to drinks, and some welcome visitors more readily than others—look for menus or signs with English and avoid entering places that appear to be private or reservation-only. Keep this to a relaxed stroll rather than trying to visit many bars.
Finish with dinner at Torikizoku Shinjuku, a casual national yakitori chain where most items are uniformly priced and a filling meal usually runs about ¥2,000–¥3,500 per person. Queues are common at peak dinner time, so use the restaurant’s ticketing or wait system if available and expect around 30–60 minutes before being seated. It is a practical, low-pressure first-night meal after the flight; if you are tired, return to the hotel after eating rather than forcing a late night. Keep your passport and valuables secure in the busy entertainment district, and note that Omoide Yokocho and Golden-Gai are best enjoyed on foot—comfortable shoes matter even on this relatively short evening.
Start early at Meiji Jingu, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, while the forest paths are quiet and before the larger tour groups arrive. From Shinjuku, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station; the shrine entrance is immediately nearby, though the walk from the torii gate to the main sanctuary takes about 10–15 minutes. Allow roughly 1½ hours, and remember that this is an active Shinto shrine: keep voices low, stay to the side of the approach, and avoid photographing worshippers. Entry is free; the grounds generally open from around sunrise until late afternoon or early evening, depending on the season.
Walk across to Takeshita Street late in the morning for a completely different side of Harajuku. Browse the compact fashion shops and stop for a crepe or other snack, but expect a crowded, slow-moving street—especially around midday. Give yourself about an hour, then continue toward Aoyama. The easiest option is walking via Omotesando, taking roughly 20–25 minutes; otherwise, the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or Fukutoshin lines can shorten the journey, though the station transfers are not always worth it.
Have lunch around Aoyama or Omotesando before visiting Nezu Museum. The museum’s collection of Japanese and East Asian art is beautifully presented, while its garden provides a welcome break from the city. Allow about two hours, including the garden paths. Check the museum’s current weekly closure before committing—its regular closing day is often Monday, but schedules can change—and reserve timed admission if the museum requires it for your visit. Admission is commonly around ¥1,500–¥2,000, with the final price and booking rules best confirmed on the official website.
From Nezu Museum, walk or take a short taxi ride toward Shibuya, allowing roughly 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and your exact starting point. Arrive at Shibuya Scramble Crossing in the late afternoon, when the surrounding signs begin to glow and the crossing becomes especially atmospheric. Watch from street level, or use an elevated café or department-store viewpoint if you want photographs without standing in the densest crowd. Spend the rest of the hour wandering the nearby streets rather than trying to cover all of Shibuya.
Finish at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a lively, affordable sushi restaurant where orders arrive at your seat on high-speed lanes. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, but queues can build during dinner; put your name down before exploring nearby streets if the wait is long. The restaurant is close to Shibuya Station, making it convenient for returning to your hotel by the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro.
After the morning Shinkansen transfer and hotel bag drop, head straight to Nishiki Market for a late lunch and an easy first taste of Kyoto. Allow about 1½ hours here, but keep your pace relaxed: the covered arcade is compact and crowded, with vendors selling yuba, pickles, grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, and seasonal sweets. Try small portions rather than settling at the first stall, and remember that eating while walking is generally discouraged—use the vendor’s designated area. Most stalls operate roughly from late morning into the afternoon, but individual businesses often close by 5:00–6:00pm, so arriving before 3:30pm is safest. From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
From Nishiki Market, walk east toward Yasaka Shrine in approximately 20–25 minutes, passing through the lively Shijo Kawaramachi area. Yasaka Shrine is free and open around the clock, making it a reliable stop even if your timing slips; spend about 45 minutes exploring the vermilion gates, lanterns, and shrine buildings as the afternoon light softens. Afterward, continue a few minutes south into Hanamikoji Street, where traditional machiya facades line one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric lanes. Keep voices low, stay on public paths, and do not photograph geiko or maiko without permission. The street is best enjoyed as a short, unhurried stroll rather than a photo stop.
Finish at Gion Tanto, a casual okonomiyaki restaurant close to Hanamikoji Street. Expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person for dinner, depending on toppings and drinks; the compact setting can fill quickly, so an early dinner or reservation is wise. Order an okonomiyaki and perhaps yakisoba to share, then take a short walk around Gion afterward if you still have energy. Kyoto’s lanes become especially peaceful once the daytime crowds thin, but avoid entering private alleys or blocking doorways.
Start early at Kiyomizu-dera, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, before the Higashiyama lanes fill with tour groups and rental-kimono photo sessions. From central Kyoto, take a taxi for roughly 15–25 minutes, or use the bus toward Gojozaka and walk uphill for about 10 minutes; a taxi is worth considering today because the temple area is hilly. Allow around two hours for the main hall, hillside paths, and views across Kyoto. General admission is typically about ¥500, while special areas or seasonal events may require separate or advance entry—check the official site before relying on a timed visit.
Walk downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two of Kyoto’s best-preserved pedestrian streets. This is a good place to browse ceramics, yatsuhashi sweets, tea, and small craft shops, but the lanes become congested late in the morning, so keep moving rather than trying to visit every storefront. Stop for a light lunch at one of the side-street noodle or tofu restaurants, budgeting roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person. Continue on foot to Kodai-ji, about 10 minutes away, and spend 1–1½ hours in its gardens and temple buildings. Its evening illumination is particularly atmospheric in the darker months, but operating dates and entry arrangements vary, so verify the seasonal schedule; daytime admission is generally around ¥600.
From Kodai-ji, walk north toward Kennin-ji in Gion, allowing about 15 minutes. Arrive no later than 4:00pm in winter, since temple hours are commonly around 10:00am–5:00pm with last admission before closing. The temple is known for its calm gardens and dramatic painted screens, and roughly an hour is enough without rushing; admission is usually around ¥600. Afterward, walk west toward the Kamo River and explore Pontocho Alley after dusk. The narrow lane is atmospheric but restaurants can be small and reservation-oriented, so choose a clearly marked casual spot or reserve ahead. Plan on ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person for dinner, then take the short walk to Gion-Shijo Station or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station for the train back to your hotel.
Make an early start for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, ideally arriving around 8:00am. From central Kyoto, the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes about 15 minutes, followed by a 10–15-minute walk; a taxi is easier if you are carrying luggage, but allow 30–45 minutes in traffic. The bamboo path itself takes about an hour. Go straight through rather than stopping for photos at the entrance—the quieter, higher section is generally more pleasant.
Continue to Tenryu-ji, which opens from 8:30am and usually costs around ¥500 for the garden, with an additional fee if you enter the temple buildings. Allow 1–1½ hours for the pond garden and mountain views. Then walk uphill to Ōkōchi Sansō Garden, opening from around 9:00am. The admission, roughly ¥1,000, includes a small tea and sweet; the paths are hilly but beautifully maintained, so wear shoes with good grip. The garden takes about 1½ hours at an unhurried pace.
Walk down toward Togetsukyo Bridge for the classic river-and-hills view, allowing about 45 minutes along the riverbank. For lunch, settle at Arashiyama Yoshimura, where handmade soba comes with a particularly nice riverside setting; expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. It can develop a queue around noon, so put your name down before wandering near the bridge if necessary.
After lunch, take the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama Station back toward Kyoto Station, then walk or use a short taxi ride to the Kyoto Railway Museum in Shimogyō. Allow about two hours; the museum is especially good if you enjoy historic locomotives, train interiors, and the large operating model railway. Admission is about ¥1,500, and it typically closes around 5:00pm, with last entry earlier, so aim to arrive by 2:30–3:00pm. Check the museum’s calendar before leaving, since opening days can vary. Finish with a relaxed dinner around Kyoto Station or your hotel rather than adding another major sight.
After breakfast, check out and take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station—about 30 minutes, with trains roughly every 15 minutes. Allow 2–3 hours door-to-door for checkout, the station transfer, and leaving bags at your Osaka hotel. An ICOCA or Suica works at the gates; otherwise, the fare is about ¥580. From Osaka Station, continue by Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome, then walk about 10 minutes to Osaka Castle. Spend around two hours exploring the grounds and museum; the exterior views and moat are free, while the tower museum generally costs about ¥1,200. Check the official site for current hours and consider reserving admission online if available.
Walk about 10 minutes to the Osaka Museum of History, directly southwest of the castle. Its exhibits explain Osaka’s development from ancient capital to merchant city, and the upper floors offer especially good views back toward the castle. Allow about 1½ hours; admission is typically around ¥600, with opening hours and any holiday closures worth checking before you go. Afterward, take the Osaka Metro from Tanimachi 4-chome toward Nippombashi, allowing roughly 20 minutes including the walk, and arrive at Kuromon Ichiba Market in the mid-afternoon.
At Kuromon Ichiba Market, spend about 1½ hours grazing rather than ordering a full meal: look for grilled scallops, tuna cuts, wagyu skewers, and seasonal fruit. Prices vary widely, so check the posted cost before choosing seafood, and remember that some vendors close earlier than the market’s nominal hours. From the market, it is a pleasant 10-minute walk west through Nipponbashi to Dotonbori. Come after sunset for the illuminated canal, giant restaurant signs, and lively Ebisubashi area, but keep valuables secure in the dense crowds. Finish at Mizuno for Osaka-style okonomiyaki—budget roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person and expect a queue, especially at dinner; if the wait is long, put your name down and browse nearby rather than standing in the narrow frontage.
Start with Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Tempozan, arriving close to opening—usually around 10:00am, though hours and last admission vary by season. From central Osaka, take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Osakako Station, then walk about 5–10 minutes; allow roughly 30–45 minutes from areas such as Namba or Umeda, depending on your connection. The aquarium takes about 2½–3 hours at an unhurried pace, and timed admission is strongly recommended because popular morning slots can sell out. Budget around ¥2,700–¥3,500 per adult, depending on the date and ticket type.
After the aquarium, walk directly to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, next to the shopping complex. The ride itself takes about 15 minutes, but allow around 45 minutes for queues and boarding; on a clear day, the upper cabins give wide views across Osaka Bay and toward the port. Tickets are generally around ¥900 per person, with operating hours changing seasonally. Grab a quick lunch around Tempozan Marketplace before continuing—this is more practical than trying to return to central Osaka between stops.
From Osakako Station, take the Chuo Line toward Bentencho, transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line, and continue to Universal City Station—roughly 25–35 minutes in total. Spend about an hour at Naniwa Food Theme Park, an indoor setting focused on Osaka-style food culture; check the current operating schedule before relying on it, as individual attractions and stalls may have limited hours. Then wander through Universal CityWalk Osaka for another hour, browsing its restaurants, snack counters, and lively entertainment atmosphere beside the theme park. It is a good place for a drink or small bite, but save room for dinner.
Finish in Shinsekai at Kushikatsu Jan Jan, traveling from Universal City by JR to Nishikujo and then onward toward Shin-Imamiya, followed by a short walk—allow about 35–45 minutes, including the transfer. Order a selection of fried skewers, such as beef, shrimp, lotus root, and asparagus; expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person depending on drinks and how much you order. Shinsekai is most atmospheric after dark, with the neon around Tsutenkaku and the old-school streets providing a very different feel from the polished bayfront. Check the restaurant’s same-day hours and queue situation, and remember that the traditional communal sauce rule—where applicable—is never to double-dip.
Start at Sumiyoshi Taisha around 8:30–9:00am, when the shrine grounds are peaceful and the distinctive red Sorihashi Bridge is reflected in the pond. From central Osaka, take the Nankai Main Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station—roughly 10–15 minutes from Namba, plus a short walk. Allow about 1½ hours to see the main buildings, smaller shrines, and tree-lined paths. Entry to the grounds is free; the inner areas generally open during daylight hours, though specific facilities and seasonal ceremonies vary.
Continue by the Hankai Tramway or local train toward Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka, allowing around 25–35 minutes including the walk and transfer. Explore Shitennoji, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple complexes, for about 1½ hours. The grounds are usually open during the daytime, while the central precinct, garden, and treasure house may have separate hours and modest admission fees—check the official schedule before setting out.
From there, walk or take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line toward Abeno Harukas; the journey is about 15 minutes. Have lunch in the tower or nearby Abeno before going up to the Harukas 300 observatory, ideally with a viewing time reserved in advance if timed entry is offered. Budget roughly ¥1,500–¥2,000 for observatory admission, and leave about 1½ hours for the elevators, indoor galleries, and rooftop-level views. Afterwards, spend an easy hour in Tennoji Park, particularly around its landscaped areas and museum grounds. It is a good place to slow down rather than add another major attraction; individual gardens and museums may charge separately and can have regular closure days.
Return to Abeno Harukas for dinner at Harukas Dining, where the upper floors offer a wide range of Japanese and international restaurants with excellent city views. Expect approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person, more for premium sushi or yakiniku. Restaurants are busiest from about 6:00pm onward, so either arrive early or check whether your chosen restaurant accepts reservations. After dinner, Tennoji Station gives you straightforward JR, Metro, and private-rail connections back to your Osaka hotel; keep an IC card topped up for the short evening ride.
Take a morning Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, allowing 5–6 hours door-to-door once checkout, getting to the station, the train, and reaching your Tokyo hotel are included. A departure around 7:00–8:00am is the right target; reserve seats through SmartEX or JR Central, especially if you have large luggage. If possible, use oversized-baggage space reservations or send suitcases ahead and travel with a day bag. After arriving in Tokyo, leave your bags at the hotel or a station locker before heading east toward Ueno.
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tōhoku Line to Okachimachi Station, then begin at Ameyoko Shopping Street. Spend about 1½ hours browsing its lively stalls along the railway tracks: look for grilled seafood, fruit sandwiches, senbei, dried snacks, and inexpensive clothing. It is more of a market-and-snacking stop than a formal lunch, so pick up small bites as you wander; many vendors are cash-friendly, and the arcade can feel packed in the afternoon.
Walk north toward Ueno Park, roughly 10 minutes from Ameyoko. Allow an hour for the broad paths, ponds, and museum district, but keep this as an easy stroll rather than trying to add another museum after the long transfer. December daylight fades early, so leave Ueno by around 3:00–3:30pm. From Ueno Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station, then change to the Tobu Skytree Line for Tokyo Skytree Station; the trip is about 25–30 minutes.
Arrive at Tokyo Skytree in time for a late-afternoon entry, when you can see the city in daylight and watch it transition into its evening lights. Plan around two hours for the Tembo Deck and, if desired, the higher Tembo Galleria. Advance timed admission is strongly recommended; availability and prices vary, but budget roughly ¥2,100–¥3,500 per adult depending on the ticket combination and time. Weather matters here—on a very hazy day, consider keeping expectations modest rather than paying extra for every viewing level.
For dinner, stay in Tokyo Solamachi and eat at Rokurinsha Tokyo Solamachi, known for rich dipping noodles served separately from the noodles. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person and a possible queue; join the line before you are extremely hungry, or use the restaurant-floor options as a backup. Afterward, take the Tobu or Tokyo Metro back toward your hotel, or linger briefly outside for Skytree’s illuminated tower and riverside views.
Start at Tsukiji Outer Market for a final Tokyo breakfast, ideally around 8:00–8:30am. The market is best in the morning, but individual stalls set their own hours and many close once the breakfast and lunch rush fades. Choose a busy counter serving grilled fish, tamagoyaki, or a seafood bowl rather than trying to cover every lane; allow about 1½ hours, including time to browse knives, ceramics, and other kitchenware. Carry cash as a backup, and avoid eating while walking in the narrowest sections.
Walk or take the Toei Oedo Line from Tsukijishijo toward Shiodome, then enter Hamarikyu Gardens for a slower late morning. The garden takes roughly 1½ hours at an easy pace, with ponds, bridges, teahouses, and excellent views of the surrounding towers. Admission is usually around ¥300, and opening hours are generally daytime-only, though seasonal schedules can change. This is a good place to pause before the afternoon shopping; the paths are mostly easy, but comfortable shoes help.
Continue on foot toward GINZA SIX, roughly 15–20 minutes from Hamarikyu Gardens, or use the short subway connection if the weather is poor. Spend about 1½ hours browsing Japanese fashion, cosmetics, sweets, and design goods, then go up to the rooftop garden for one last city view. Shops are commonly open from late morning into the evening, but confirm the current schedule before relying on an early opening. For beautifully packaged gifts, look especially at the department-store-style food and confectionery counters; keep receipts and leave room in your luggage.
From GINZA SIX, allow about 1–1½ hours to reach Haneda Airport by train, plus time for walking through the station and transferring with luggage. The simplest route is usually from Higashi-Ginza Station on the Toei Asakusa Line through to Haneda, though the exact train and terminal stop depend on your airline. For an international flight, aim to leave Ginza roughly 3½–4 hours before departure so you have a buffer for the airport transfer, check-in, security, and any terminal-navigation delays. Check your airline’s terminal and recommended arrival time before setting out; Haneda Airport has useful final shopping and dining after security, but do not count on having time to explore it leisurely.
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