Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
After arriving in Tokyo, make Tokyo Station Marunouchi your first base: the Marunouchi side is the easiest place to orient yourself, with broad streets, handsome red-brick station architecture, and plenty of cafés if you need a reset. Store large bags in the station’s paid lockers or at a luggage counter—availability can be tight, so go straight there before sightseeing. Allow roughly an hour for arrival logistics, including finding the correct exit and getting an IC card or topping up a transit card. From Marunouchi, Imperial Palace East Gardens are about a 15–20-minute walk, or a short taxi ride if you are tired.
Spend around 90 minutes in the gardens, taking the route through the former Edo Castle grounds and seasonal planting areas. Entry is free, but opening days vary and the gardens generally close in the late afternoon; they are commonly closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as some holidays, so check the Imperial Household Agency’s official calendar before committing. If they are open, this is a gentle first look at Tokyo rather than a rushed attraction—bring water, since the grounds involve more walking than their map suggests.
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Mitsukoshimae or Nihombashi toward Asakusa—allow about 25–35 minutes including the walk to the station. Begin at Senso-ji, entering through Kaminarimon Gate and following the lantern-lined approach. The temple precinct is free and accessible throughout the day, though the main hall’s interior hours can vary; late afternoon is particularly atmospheric as tour groups thin out and the lanterns begin to glow. Leave time simply to wander around the side lanes near the temple rather than treating the visit as a quick photo stop.
On the way, browse Nakamise-dori, where stalls sell ningyo-yaki cakes, rice crackers, folding fans, and small crafts. It is more enjoyable to sample one or two snacks than to buy a full meal here; many shops close around early evening, so keep this stop before dinner. From Asakusa, allow about 35–45 minutes to reach Shibuya by Tokyo Metro, usually changing at Ueno or Ginza depending on the service.
Finish at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a lively, inexpensive conveyor-belt sushi spot where orders arrive directly at your seat. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, and allow time for a queue—especially from 6:30pm onward. The meal itself is usually quick, so afterward you can take an unhurried first walk through Shibuya around Dogenzaka and the station crossings. If you arrive before dinner, use the extra time to settle into the neighborhood rather than adding another major sight; after a long arrival day, Tokyo is best enjoyed at street level.
Start early at Tsukiji Outer Market, ideally around 8:00–8:30am, when the food stalls are lively but the crowds have not yet reached their peak. Wander the narrow lanes around Tsukiji Uogashi, trying a hot tamagoyaki skewer, grilled seafood, or a small sushi breakfast; allow roughly ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. Most individual shops set their own hours and many close once their stock sells out, so this is best treated as a morning visit rather than a late brunch stop. From Tsukiji Station, walk or take the short subway hop toward Shiodome, then enter Hamarikyu Gardens for a slower late morning among ponds, bridges, and carefully clipped pines. Allow about 1½ hours and ¥300 for admission; the garden generally opens at 9:00am, and its tea house is a pleasant place for matcha if you want a quiet pause.
Take the Toei Oedo Line from Shiodome to Aoyama-Itchome, then continue on foot toward Meiji Shrine—the full transfer and walk usually takes around 30–40 minutes. Enter through the towering torii and follow the shaded gravel path into the forest; the contrast with the surrounding city is part of the experience. Meiji Shrine grounds are free and open from early morning until late afternoon or evening depending on the season, but the inner shrine area is best visited with daylight. Afterward, walk south through Harajuku to Takeshita Street, where the atmosphere changes completely: browse compact fashion shops and sample a crepe or rainbow-colored sweet, while keeping an eye on your belongings in the busiest stretch. Give yourself about an hour here, and do not worry about covering every shop—the side streets are often less hectic and more interesting.
From Harajuku, take the JR Yamanote Line two stops to Shinjuku, then walk west to Omoide Yokocho. Arrive around 6:00–7:00pm for the lantern-lit alley at its most atmospheric, before the smallest counters fill up. Choose a yakitori counter with a visible menu and settle in for skewers, grilled vegetables, and a drink; budget approximately ¥2,500–¥5,000 per person. Seating is close, menus may be limited, and some establishments are cash-only, so carry a little yen. After dinner, leave time to wander the surrounding Shinjuku streets rather than adding another major attraction—the day already covers three very different sides of Tokyo.
Start at teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu, aiming for your reserved entry around 9:00–9:30am. The immersive rooms involve bare feet and walking through shallow water, so wear trousers that can be rolled up; lockers are provided, but avoid bringing bulky luggage. Allow about two hours, and do not count on walk-in admission—timed tickets frequently sell out. From Toyosu Station, it is roughly a 10-minute walk, while Shin-Toyosu Station on the Yurikamome is closer. Tickets are typically around ¥3,800–¥4,800 for adults, depending on the date and booking type.
Walk or take a short ride to Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai for a relaxed late-morning browse and lunch. The complex recreates an Edo-style market street beside the wholesale market, with seafood bowls, grilled items, sweets, and regional specialties; budget approximately ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person. Give yourself about 90 minutes, and expect some stalls to close earlier than the building itself, particularly on quieter days. It is an easy base for a casual meal rather than a place to plan a long restaurant-style lunch.
Continue by the Yurikamome toward Odaiba Seaside Park—the elevated ride gives you a good first look at the waterfront. Spend an hour along the promenade, especially around the beach and the Rainbow Bridge viewpoints; the light is often nicest in mid-afternoon, and this is a useful pause after the busier market area. Then walk approximately 15–20 minutes to Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Allow two hours for the large-scale displays, robotics, space and earth-science exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations. General admission is usually around ¥630, though special exhibitions cost extra; check the museum’s current closing day before setting out, as opening days can vary.
From Tokyo Teleport Station or Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station, take the Rinkai Line or Yurikamome toward Shibuya; allow roughly 35–45 minutes depending on the connection. Finish at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where the best experience is to cross once at street level, then watch the waves of pedestrians from an upper-floor café or department-store viewpoint. Keep this final stop deliberately unstructured: explore the surrounding lanes for dinner, but remember that some popular restaurants use ticket machines, numbered queues, or last orders well before closing.
Make Kiyomizu-dera your first stop, arriving as close to opening as possible—roughly 8:00–8:30am is ideal for quieter temple grounds and a better chance of enjoying the famous wooden terrace without heavy queues. Allow about two hours for the main hall, hillside paths, and views across eastern Kyoto; admission is approximately ¥400. From Kyoto Station, a taxi is simplest with luggage, while buses toward Gojozaka are cheaper but can be slow and crowded. If you have not checked in yet, leave larger bags at your hotel or at Kyoto Station lockers before heading uphill.
From the temple, walk downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two beautifully preserved lanes of wooden townhouses, ceramic shops, confectioners, and tea rooms. This is the place to browse rather than rush—try a small Kyoto sweet or matcha drink, but keep moving gently with the pedestrian flow, particularly around the narrowest corners. Continue to Kodai-ji, about 10–15 minutes away on foot, for its refined Zen gardens, bamboo grove, and seasonal landscaping; allow around an hour and budget approximately ¥600 for admission.
Take a taxi or walk west toward Nishiki Market—walking takes roughly 25–30 minutes, while a short taxi ride is useful if your feet are tired. The covered market is best treated as a grazing stop rather than a full restaurant meal: sample Kyoto pickles, yuba or tofu specialties, grilled seafood, and sweets, budgeting ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Most stalls operate from late morning into the afternoon, but individual vendors vary and some close on Wednesdays, so keep the visit flexible and avoid arriving too late. Eat beside the stall where you buy food, as walking while eating is generally discouraged in the crowded arcade.
In the evening, stroll to Pontocho Alley, just a few minutes from Nishiki, and settle in for dinner among the lantern-lit wooden buildings near the Kamo River. Choose a small izakaya, yakitori counter, or Kyoto-style seasonal restaurant; expect roughly ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person, and reserve ahead for a particular dining room because the narrow alley’s popular tables fill quickly. After dinner, take an unhurried walk along the river—especially pleasant around the nearby Shirakawa area—or return to your accommodation by subway or taxi.
Start at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as early as you can—ideally around 7:30–8:00am—before tour groups fill the narrow path. From central Kyoto, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station), then walk roughly 15 minutes; alternatively, the Hankyu Line reaches Arashiyama Station, though the walk is longer. The grove itself is free and takes about 45 minutes. Continue into Tenryu-ji, where the temple’s opening hours are generally from 8:30am and admission is around ¥500 for the garden, with a separate fee for some buildings. Spend about 1½ hours here, especially in the garden around the pond, which is at its best before the paths become busy.
Walk downhill toward Togetsukyo Bridge, allowing 45 minutes to enjoy the river, wooded hills, and small side streets along the way. Cross the bridge or pause on the riverbank, then continue to Okochi Sanso Garden, reached from the bamboo-grove side of the hill. The entrance is typically around ¥1,000 and includes a cup of tea and a sweet; allow about an hour for the carefully landscaped paths and elevated views over western Kyoto. For lunch, settle at Arashiyama Yoshimura, near the bridge, for handmade soba with a particularly pleasant river view. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person; queues are common around midday, so put your name down before exploring nearby.
After lunch, take a taxi to Ryoan-ji—usually around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic—or use the Randen tram from Arashiyama Station toward Kitano-Hakubaicho, then walk or transfer by bus. The taxi is worth considering after a full morning on foot. At Ryoan-ji, allow about an hour for the famous dry rock garden and the surrounding moss garden; admission is generally around ¥500, with opening hours commonly beginning at 8:00am and varying slightly by season. Keep the rest of the afternoon unhurried: the neighborhood is quieter than central Kyoto, and bus connections back toward Kyoto Station or Shijo can be slow in traffic, so allow 45–60 minutes for the return journey.
Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha as early as possible, ideally around 7:00–7:30am. The shrine grounds are always open and free, and the path beneath the vermilion torii is much more atmospheric before the tour groups arrive. From central Kyoto, take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station—the entrance is directly opposite—or the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station, followed by a short walk. Allow two to three hours if you climb well beyond the main gates; the full summit loop takes longer, so turn around whenever the crowds thin and the uphill walk stops being enjoyable.
Continue into the Fushimi Sake District, walking or taking the Keihan Line a couple of stops to Fushimi-Momoyama Station. The old brewery streets around Otesuji Shopping Street are pleasant for a late-morning wander, with white-plastered storehouses and small tasting counters. Sake tastings generally cost about ¥500–¥1,500, but opening hours and English availability vary, so treat this as a flexible stop rather than a guaranteed tasting session. Have a light lunch nearby—Torisei Honten is a reliable local choice for chicken dishes and sake, though a queue is possible.
Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, a short walk from the district’s main shopping streets. It usually takes about an hour and includes traditional brewing displays plus samples; check the current operating days and last admission before setting out, as museum hours can change. Admission is typically around ¥600–¥1,000. From there, take the Keihan Line from Chushojima toward Tofukuji, or use a short taxi if you want to save time; allow roughly 20–30 minutes door to door.
Spend the afternoon at Tofuku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most rewarding Zen temples, especially when its maple gardens are in season. The temple grounds are spacious, so take time with the Tsutenkyo Bridge and the dry landscape gardens rather than rushing through. General temple admission is commonly around ¥500–¥1,000, with some garden sections ticketed separately; seasonal foliage periods can mean queues. Afterward, head toward central Kyoto by Keihan train and pause along the Kamo River, perhaps walking north from Shijo Bridge for 30–45 minutes as the city softens into evening.
Finish at Honke Owariya, a historic soba restaurant near Nijo Castle. Expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person, and arrive before the main dinner rush because seating is limited; opening days and closing times should be checked on the day. Try the layered horai soba or a warm noodle dish if the evening is cool. The restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, making it easy to return afterward by subway, taxi, or on foot depending on your accommodation.
From Kyoto, take the JR Miyakoji Rapid to JR Nara Station, allowing about 45 minutes on the train plus roughly 15–30 minutes to reach the platform, buy food, and walk from your accommodation. Aim to leave around 7:30–8:00am. From JR Nara, it is about a 20-minute walk or a short local bus ride toward Nara Park; if you have not yet bought a ticket, the Kintetsu route is more convenient for this area because Kintetsu-Nara Station is closer. Begin at Kofuku-ji, where the pagoda and temple grounds are especially pleasant in the quieter morning light; allow about an hour, noting that individual buildings may have separate opening hours and admission fees. Continue on foot for roughly 15–20 minutes to Todai-ji Temple, arriving before the main wave of tour groups if possible. Allow two hours for the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds; the main hall admission is generally around ¥800, though prices and access can change.
After Todai-ji Temple, slow the pace in Nara Park, following the paths between the wooded slopes and open lawns for about 90 minutes. The deer are accustomed to visitors but can be persistent—buy deer crackers only when you are ready to feed them, keep them visible until finished, and do not offer other food. Walk east toward Kasuga Taisha, following the lantern-lined approach through the forest; allow around 30 minutes for the gentle uphill route and 1½ hours at the shrine. The shrine grounds are free to enter, while some inner areas require a modest admission fee. A small lunch around the park or near the approach is practical, but keep it light if you plan to sample mochi later; cafés and set-meal restaurants near the Naramachi side are usually a better bet than relying on the limited options deep inside the park.
Head back toward Naramachi—roughly 25–30 minutes on foot from Kasuga Taisha—and stop first at Nakatanidou to watch its famously energetic mochi pounding when a demonstration is underway. A freshly made kusamochi or yomogi mochi usually costs about ¥300–¥1,000 depending on what you order; timings are not fixed, so treat the stop as a pleasant chance rather than a guaranteed performance. Spend the remaining 1½ hours wandering Naramachi, where preserved merchant houses, narrow lanes, craft shops, and compact cafés make for an easy, unhurried finish. Look for a café stop in the ¥800–¥1,500 range, and keep some flexibility for browsing—the neighborhood is best enjoyed without trying to cover every side street. From here, Kintetsu-Nara Station is about a 15-minute walk and JR Nara Station about 20 minutes; allow extra time for the return train to Kyoto and for collecting luggage if you left it at your accommodation.
Leave Nara around 7:30am for Osaka-Namba on the Kintetsu Nara Line rapid express; the ride takes about 40 minutes, followed by roughly 25–35 minutes on the Osaka Metro and on foot to Osaka Castle. Aim to reach the grounds close to the castle museum’s opening—typically 9:00am, though hours can vary—because queues build quickly. Allow about 2½ hours for the museum, exterior viewpoints, and a walk through Osaka Castle Park; the reconstructed tower is more about the panoramic city view and historical exhibitions than original architecture.
Walk south through the park to the Osaka Museum of History, allowing around 15 minutes. Its upper galleries are arranged chronologically and give an excellent elevated view back toward the castle, making it a worthwhile complement rather than a repeat visit. Plan about 1½ hours, and check the museum’s current closing day before setting out, as Japanese museums commonly have a weekly closure and occasional holiday changes.
From Osaka Museum of History, take the Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line from Tanimachi 4-chome toward Nippombashi, then walk a few minutes to Kuromon Ichiba Market. Spend about 1½ hours grazing rather than ordering a formal meal: grilled scallops, wagyu skewers, seasonal fruit, and takoyaki are easy choices, with ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person usually sufficient. Go earlier rather than late afternoon, when several stalls begin closing; eat only where seating is provided and avoid carrying open food through the busiest lanes.
After lunch, wander into Den Den Town, Osaka’s compact electronics, anime, manga, and hobby district. The main stretch along Sakaisuji is easy to explore on foot from Kuromon Ichiba, and 1½ hours is enough for browsing without turning the afternoon into a shopping mission. Smaller specialty shops may open late morning and close around 7:00–8:00pm; keep receipts and check tax-free procedures before leaving a store if making larger purchases.
Walk west toward Hozenji Yokocho, a charming stone-paved alley just beyond Dotonbori. Spend about 45 minutes here, pausing at the moss-covered Hozenji statue and enjoying the contrast between the quiet shrine pocket and the neon-lit Namba streets nearby. The alley is atmospheric after dusk, but it is narrow, so keep voices low and avoid blocking entrances while taking photographs.
For dinner, settle into Matsusaka Gyu Yakiniku M Hozenji Yokocho, where the beef is cooked at the table and the old-fashioned alley setting makes the meal feel distinctly Osaka. Budget approximately ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person depending on the cuts and drinks, and reserve ahead if possible—popular evening seating can fill, especially on weekends and holidays. Afterward, you are already in central Namba, with straightforward subway connections or a short walk to nearby accommodation.
Begin in Shinsekai, arriving around 9:00am while the district still feels pleasantly unhurried. Wander the retro lanes around Tsutenkaku, with their bright signboards, kushikatsu restaurants, and slightly old-fashioned Osaka atmosphere; most eateries become livelier later in the day, so this is a good time for photographs and a coffee. From Dobutsuen-mae Station, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Tennoji—about 5 minutes—then walk into Abeno Harukas. Allow around 1½ hours for the observatory and shopping complex; Harukas 300 admission is roughly ¥2,000, and timed entry can apply, so reserve ahead if the view is a priority. Visibility is best earlier, before haze builds.
Take the Midosuji Line from Tennoji to Namba—about 6 minutes—and walk roughly 10 minutes to Namba Yasaka Shrine. The enormous lion-head building is compact but genuinely distinctive, and 30–45 minutes is enough unless you want to linger in the surrounding neighborhood. Continue on foot toward Dotonbori, arriving around mid-afternoon when the canal promenade is busy but not yet at its evening peak. Walk both sides of the canal, crossing Ebisu-bashi for the classic Glico sign photograph, then continue west toward Amerikamura via Shinsaibashi-suji. In Amerikamura, browse the independent clothing and vintage shops around Triangle Park and the side streets; opening hours vary, with many stores starting closer to late morning or noon.
Return to Dotonbori for dinner at Mizuno, a long-running okonomiyaki institution near the canal. Expect about ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person and a queue, particularly from 6:00pm onward; arriving just before the main dinner rush gives you the best chance of a shorter wait, though no specific seating time is guaranteed. Order an Osaka-style okonomiyaki and allow about 1½ hours. Afterward, keep the evening simple with a final canal walk—Dotonbori is most atmospheric after dark—or browse the nearby Hozenji Yokocho lanes. From Namba, your accommodation is usually easiest to reach by Osaka Metro or a short taxi ride; allow extra time if traveling during the busiest evening period.
Check out of your Osaka accommodation early enough to reach Shin-Osaka Station about 20–30 minutes before your reserved Sanyo Shinkansen. From central Osaka, allow 30–45 minutes to reach the station, plus time for breakfast, platform access, and collecting a station bento. The train to Hiroshima Station takes roughly 1½ hours, but budget about 2½–3 hours door-to-door including checkout and the onward tram or taxi. From Hiroshima Station, take the Hiroshima Electric Railway tram toward the city centre—allow around 25 minutes—or use a taxi if travelling with luggage. If you are returning to Osaka tonight, arrange luggage storage at the station or your hotel before sightseeing.
Head first to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, allowing 1½–2 hours. Advance timed entry may be required or strongly advisable, particularly during busy periods, so check the official booking system before travelling; entry is generally inexpensive, around ¥200. The exhibits are emotionally demanding, and the East Building is best approached slowly rather than rushed. A light lunch at the museum area or a nearby café is sensible—save room for okonomiyaki later. Afterward, pause outside before continuing through the park.
Walk through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, following the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, Peace Flame, and Children’s Peace Monument in that order. Allow about 1½ hours, with time to read the inscriptions and sit beside the river. Continue toward the Atomic Bomb Dome, a five- to ten-minute walk away across the park; around 30 minutes is enough to view the preserved structure from both the riverside and the nearby bridge. Keep this part unhurried—the riverside paths and open lawns offer a quiet contrast to the museum. Hiroshima’s central sights are compact, so walking is preferable to another tram ride.
For dinner, go to Okonomimura in the downtown Shintenchi district, roughly a 15–20-minute walk from the park or a short tram ride toward Hatchobori. The multi-floor building is casual and lively, with several counters serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layered with cabbage, noodles, pork, and seafood. Expect about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person; queues are common at the most popular counters, so choose the first appealing seat rather than waiting for one famous stall. If returning to Osaka tonight, leave downtown with plenty of margin: allow 30–45 minutes to reach Hiroshima Station, then a further 1½ hours on the shinkansen and at least 30–45 minutes for the final transfer to your Osaka accommodation. A late same-day return is feasible, but only with a pre-booked return train and luggage plan; otherwise, staying overnight in Hiroshima is the more comfortable choice.
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