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Exploring Japan: A 7-Day Vegetarian Itinerary

Monday, September 18: Arrival in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Start your trip in Tokyo, the bustling capital city. In the morning, visit the serene Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a tranquil forest. Afterward, explore the trendy Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street fashion and quirky shops. In the evening, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful stroll amidst beautiful landscapes and stunning cherry blossoms (depending on the season).

  • Meiji Shrine: Free admission, approximately 2 hours
  • Harajuku district: Cost varies based on shopping, approximately 3-4 hours
  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Admission fee of 500 yen (approximately $5), approximately 2 hours
Restaurants
  • Breakfast: Tofu Cafe Fujino - Start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at Tofu Cafe Fujino. This cozy cafe offers a variety of tofu-based dishes, including tofu scramble and tofu pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
  • Lunch: Ain Soph Journey - Enjoy a flavorful vegetarian lunch at Ain Soph Journey. This restaurant offers a diverse menu of vegan dishes, such as their popular vegan burgers and colorful salad bowls. Average cost for a meal is about 1,500 yen per person.
  • Dinner: Olu Olu - Indulge in some vegan Hawaiian cuisine at Olu Olu for dinner. Feast on delicious plant-based dishes like veggie poke bowls and tofu teriyaki. Average cost for a meal is about 2,000 yen per person.
Tuesday, September 19: Exploring Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) temple, adorned in gold leaf. In the afternoon, explore the historic Higashiyama district, stroll along the charming Philosopher's Path, and visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. In the evening, experience a traditional tea ceremony in one of Kyoto's tea houses.

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Admission fee of 400 yen (approximately $4), approximately 1-2 hours
  • Higashiyama district and Philosopher's Path: Free, approximately 3-4 hours
  • Kiyomizu-dera temple: Admission fee of 400 yen (approximately $4), approximately 1-2 hours
  • Traditional tea ceremony: Prices vary, approximately 1 hour
Wednesday, September 20: Peaceful Nara

Take a day trip to Nara, a city known for its friendly deer and historical sites. Begin your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Todai-ji temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. Explore Nara Park and enjoy the company of the roaming deer. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Kasuga Taisha shrine and stroll through the picturesque Isuien Garden.

  • Todai-ji temple: Admission fee of 600 yen (approximately $6), approximately 2 hours
  • Nara Park: Free, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Kasuga Taisha shrine: Free, approximately 1-2 hours
  • Isuien Garden: Admission fee of 900 yen (approximately $9), approximately 1-2 hours
Thursday, September 21: Cultural Osaka

Head to Osaka, a vibrant city known for its delicious street food and lively atmosphere. Start your day by visiting Osaka Castle, a magnificent symbol of the city's history. In the afternoon, explore the lively Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights and mouthwatering street food. Don't miss the opportunity to try local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancake). In the evening, take a scenic cruise along the Dotonbori River.

  • Osaka Castle: Admission fee of 600 yen (approximately $6), approximately 2 hours
  • Dotonbori district: Cost varies based on food and shopping, approximately 3-4 hours
  • Dotonbori River cruise: Prices vary, approximately 1 hour
Friday, September 22: Hiroshima Remembered

Take a day trip to Hiroshima to learn about its history and resilience. Begin by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. Explore the Peace Memorial Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the tragic event. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and witness the famous floating torii gate.

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Free, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Peace Memorial Museum: Admission fee of 200 yen (approximately $2), approximately 2 hours
  • Itsukushima Shrine: Admission fee of 300 yen (approximately $3), approximately 2-3 hours
Saturday, September 23: Scenic Hakone

Experience the natural beauty of Hakone, famous for its hot springs and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Start your day with a relaxing soak in one of Hakone's traditional onsens (hot springs). Afterward, take a cruise on Lake Ashi and then ride the Hakone Ropeway for stunning panoramic views. Don't forget to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire impressive sculptures set against the backdrop of nature.

  • Hakone onsen: Prices vary, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Lake Ashi cruise: Admission fee of 1,000 yen (approximately $10), approximately 1 hour
  • Hakone Ropeway: Admission fee of 2,500 yen (approximately $25), approximately 1-2 hours
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum: Admission fee of 1,600 yen (approximately $16), approximately 2-3 hours
Sunday, September 24: Farewell Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for your last day in Japan. Spend the morning exploring the historic Asakusa district, home to the iconic Senso-ji temple and bustling Nakamise Shopping Street. In the afternoon, visit the modern Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking views of the city. End your trip with a visit to the vibrant Shibuya crossing, known as the busiest intersection in the world.

  • Asakusa district: Free, approximately 2-3 hours
  • Tokyo Skytree: Admission fee of 3,000 yen (approximately $30), approximately 2 hours
  • Shibuya crossing: Free, approximately 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Japan, don't miss the opportunity to visit some off the beaten path attractions and experience local favorites. In Tokyo, visit Yanaka Ginza, a charming street full of traditional shops and local eateries. In Kyoto, explore the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the lesser-known but beautiful Eikan-do Zenrin-ji temple. In Osaka, venture to the hip and artsy district of Shinsekai, known for its unique atmosphere and delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Hotel and flight prices can be checked here.

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