Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima: 7-Day Itinerary
Saturday, October 7: Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! Start your trip by exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya. In the morning, visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. Afterward, take a stroll in the picturesque Yoyogi Park and visit the Meiji Shrine. In the afternoon, head to the trendy Harajuku district for unique shopping experiences and delicious street food. As the evening sets in, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku.
Shibuya Crossing: Free, 1-2 hours
Yoyogi Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Meiji Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Harajuku: Varies, 2-3 hours
Shinjuku: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bills Shibuya. This popular Australian cafe offers mouthwatering dishes like their signature ricotta pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 yen per person.
For lunch, try Afuri Ramen in Harajuku. Known for their yuzu-infused ramen, this place offers a refreshing twist to the classic dish. Average cost for a meal is about 1,000 yen per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima. This traditional Japanese restaurant specializes in kaiseki, a multi-course meal showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 8,000 yen per person.
Sunday, October 8: Kyoto Exploration
Embark on a day trip to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. In the morning, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, to marvel at its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. Afterward, explore the historic district of Gion, where you might spot geisha walking along the streets. In the afternoon, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and hike through the famous thousand torii gates. In the evening, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in one of Kyoto's tea houses.
Kinkaku-ji Temple: ¥400 (approx. $4), 1-2 hours
Gion District: Free, 1-2 hours
Fushimi Inari Shrine: Free, 2-3 hours
Tea Ceremony: ¥2,500 (approx. $25), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Morning Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Morning Cafe, located near Kinkaku-ji Temple. They offer a variety of options including fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ¥1000 per person.
Gion Sushi: For lunch, head to Gion Sushi, a traditional sushi restaurant in the heart of Gion. Enjoy their fresh and meticulously crafted sushi rolls while immersing yourself in the historic atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about ¥2000 per person.
Kyoto Kaiseki: Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Kyoto Kaiseki, known for their exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals. Prepared with seasonal ingredients, their dishes showcase the beauty and flavors of Kyoto's cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about ¥5000 per person.
Monday, October 9: Nara Day Trip
Take a day trip to Nara, a city known for its friendly deer and ancient temples. In the morning, visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to the famous Great Buddha statue. Explore the Nara Park, where you can feed and interact with the adorable deer roaming freely. In the afternoon, discover the serene beauty of the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and wander through the historic Naramachi district. Don't forget to try some delicious local specialties, such as Nara's famous mochi.
Head to Coffee Morning for a delicious breakfast in Nara. This cozy cafe offers a variety of freshly brewed coffees and scrumptious pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For a satisfying lunch in Nara, visit Murasaki Wakuden. This traditional Japanese restaurant serves exquisite kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 3,500 yen per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Wakakusa Yamayaki-Tei. This restaurant specializes in yakiniku, where you can grill your own high-quality beef and vegetables right at your table. Average cost for a meal is about 5,000 yen per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Hiroshima Day Trip
Discover the historical significance of Hiroshima. In the morning, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the devastating impact of the atomic bomb during World War II. Take a moment of reflection at the Peace Memorial Park's iconic A-Bomb Dome. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the Itsukushima Shrine's famous floating torii gate. Explore the island's hiking trails and enjoy the stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Peace Memorial Park and Museum: ¥200 (approx. $2), 2-3 hours
A-Bomb Dome: Free, 30 minutes
Miyajima Island: Ferry fare ¥180 (approx. $2), 2-3 hours
Itsukushima Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast at Okonomi-mura, a popular Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 JPY per person.
For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at Miyajima Fish Market, located near the ferry port to Miyajima Island. Try their mouthwatering grilled oysters or sashimi. Average cost for a meal is about 2,000 JPY per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Kagura, a cozy restaurant known for its exquisite kaiseki cuisine in Hiroshima. Be prepared for a multi-course meal that includes seasonal dishes and traditional flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 8,000 JPY per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Tokyo Modernism
Immerse yourself in Tokyo's modern side. In the morning, explore the futuristic Odaiba district and visit attractions like TeamLab Borderless, a digital art museum, or the Gundam Statue. In the afternoon, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market to sample fresh seafood delicacies and witness the famous tuna auction. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic city views. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the vibrant area of Shinbashi.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Eggs 'n Things, located near Odaiba. This popular spot serves up fluffy pancakes, omelettes, and other breakfast favorites. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 yen per person.
For lunch, head to Tsukiji Sushiko, a renowned sushi restaurant near the Tsukiji Fish Market. Indulge in a fresh and authentic sushi experience with their wide selection of sushi and sashimi. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 yen per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Torikizoku in Shinbashi. This izakaya specializes in grilled chicken skewers and offers a lively atmosphere. Enjoy a variety of flavorful skewers and drinks at an average cost of about 2000 yen per person.
Thursday, October 12: Tokyo Tradition
Discover Tokyo's traditional side. In the morning, visit the historic Asakusa district and explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street to find unique souvenirs and traditional snacks. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace and learn about Japan's imperial history. As the evening approaches, head to the vibrant district of Shinjuku and indulge in delicious street food at the Omoide Yokocho alley.
Asakusa: Free, 2-3 hours
Senso-ji Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Nakamise Shopping Street: Varies, 1-2 hours
Imperial Palace: Free, 1-2 hours
Omoide Yokocho: Varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A quaint breakfast spot near Asakusa is Cafe Asakusa Kurikoan. Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with options such as rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and pickles. Average cost for a meal is about ¥1000 per person.
For lunch, try the local favorite, Ichiran Ramen. Known for its flavorful tonkotsu (pork bone) broth and customizable noodle options, Ichiran Ramen offers a unique solo dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about ¥1000 per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at Uobei Sushi in Shibuya. This conveyor belt sushi restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh and affordable sushi options. Each plate costs ¥108, making it an affordable and fun dining experience.
Friday, October 13: Farewell Tokyo
On your last day, take some time to explore more of Tokyo's diverse neighborhoods and attractions. You can visit the trendy district of Shinjuku for shopping and entertainment, or head to Akihabara to immerse yourself in Japan's anime and gaming culture. Don't forget to try some delicious street food in the bustling streets of Shibuya. In the evening, bid farewell to Tokyo and start planning your next adventure in Japan!
Shinjuku: Varies, 2-3 hours
Akihabara: Varies, 2-3 hours
Shibuya: Varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe de l'ambre. This cozy coffee shop in Tokyo offers a variety of breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, head to Ramen Kikanbo in Tokyo. Known for its spicy ramen, this restaurant offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. The average cost for a meal is about 1,000 yen per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Tempura Kondo in Tokyo. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite tempura dishes using the freshest ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 10,000 yen per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Tokyo, be sure to visit Yanaka Ginza, a charming shopping street lined with traditional shops and eateries. In Kyoto, take a stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit the tranquil Gio-ji Temple. In Nara, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known Isuien Garden and enjoy its beautiful landscapes. Lastly, in Hiroshima, explore the Shukkei-en Garden, a hidden gem showcasing traditional Japanese garden design.