Begin your journey in the bustling city of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the historic Asakusa district to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at T's TanTan, a popular vegan ramen restaurant. Spend the afternoon in the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku, known for its vibrant street fashion and quirky shops. In the evening, head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful stroll amidst beautiful scenery.
Senso-ji Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
T's TanTan: ¥1000-1500 ($9-14) per person, 1 hour
Harajuku: Free, 2-3 hours
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: ¥200 ($2), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café Kaila in Harajuku, known for its fluffy pancakes and delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
For lunch, head to Brown Rice Café in Omotesando, which offers a variety of organic and vegan dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 yen per person.
For dinner, visit Ain Soph Journey in Shinjuku, a vegan restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring a range of international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 yen per person.
Saturday December 9: Kyoto Exploration
Take a morning train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Start your day with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant Torii gates. Find a vegetarian-friendly lunch at Veg Out Kyoto, a cozy plant-based restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple. In the evening, wander through the historic Gion district, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha culture.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: Free, 2-3 hours
Veg Out Kyoto: ¥1500-2000 ($14-18) per person, 1 hour
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Free, 1-2 hours
Tenryu-ji Temple: ¥500 ($5), 1-2 hours
Gion District: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Try the traditional Japanese breakfast at Arashiyama Kikusui, where you can enjoy a delicious and healthy meal of rice, miso soup, pickles, and grilled fish. The average cost for a meal is about 1,000 yen per person.
Lunch: Enjoy a unique dining experience at Mumokuteki Cafe, a cozy vegetarian restaurant located near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Their menu offers a variety of vegan dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pastas. The average cost for a meal is about 1,200 yen per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a flavorful vegetarian dinner at Tofu Ryori Ajiro, a renowned tofu restaurant in Gion. Their menu features a wide selection of tofu-based dishes, such as tofu hot pot and grilled tofu skewers. The average cost for a meal is about 2,500 yen per person.
Sunday December 10: Osaka Highlights
Take a day trip to Osaka, a vibrant city known for its street food and lively atmosphere. Start your day by visiting the iconic Osaka Castle and enjoying the panoramic views from its observation deck. For lunch, head to Falafel Garden, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant offering delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Dotonbori district and trying out local street food. In the evening, stroll along the picturesque Umeda Sky Building for stunning city views.
Osaka Castle: ¥600 ($6), 2-3 hours
Falafel Garden: ¥1000-1500 ($9-14) per person, 1 hour
Dotonbori: Free, 2-3 hours
Umeda Sky Building: ¥1000 ($9), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Bibliotic Hello! in Osaka. They offer a cozy atmosphere and a variety of vegetarian breakfast options. The average cost for a meal is about ¥800 per person.
For lunch, head to Mikoan in Osaka. This vegetarian-friendly restaurant offers traditional Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. The average cost for a meal is about ¥1,000 per person.
For dinner, visit Vegans Cafe and Restaurant in Osaka. They have a diverse menu of vegan dishes with both Japanese and international flavors. The average cost for a meal is about ¥1,500 per person.
Monday December 11: Nara Day Trip
Embark on a day trip to Nara, a city famous for its ancient temples and friendly deer population. Begin your day by visiting Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. For a vegetarian lunch, head to Awa's Cafe & Restaurant, offering a variety of plant-based options. Spend the afternoon exploring Nara Park, where you can interact with the adorable deer and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the serene Isuien Garden.
Todai-ji Temple: ¥600 ($6), 2-3 hours
Awa's Cafe & Restaurant: ¥1000-1500 ($9-14) per person, 1 hour
Nara Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: ¥500 ($5), 1-2 hours
Isuien Garden: ¥900 ($8), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Cafe y Media, a cozy coffee shop serving delicious vegetarian pastries and beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, try Veg Out, a vegan restaurant offering a variety of nutritious bowls and salads. The average cost for a meal is about 1,200 yen per person.
For dinner, dine at T's TanTan, a popular vegetarian ramen restaurant known for their flavorful noodle dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 1,000 yen per person.
Tuesday December 12: Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Take a morning train to Hiroshima and embark on a day trip to the historic city and its neighboring Miyajima Island. Begin by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the city's tragic past. For lunch, try out the vegetarian-friendly Okonomiyaki at Nagataya. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and explore the Itsukushima Shrine and the iconic floating torii gate. Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll along the beach before heading back to Hiroshima.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum: ¥200-300 ($2-3), 2-3 hours
Nagataya: ¥1000-1500 ($9-14) per person, 1 hour
Miyajima Island: Free, 2-3 hours
Itsukushima Shrine: ¥300 ($3), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head over to Café Sanpour for a tasty vegetarian meal. They offer a variety of breakfast dishes such as avocado on toast and smoothie bowls. The average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, visit Falafel Brothers Hiroshima for some Middle Eastern flavors. They serve delicious falafel wraps and plates with vegetarian options. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
For dinner, try out the vegetarian-friendly menu at GM Angus Miso Nikomi Udon in Hiroshima. They specialize in miso nikomi udon, a hearty noodle soup. The average cost for a meal is about 1200 yen per person.
Wednesday December 13: Tokyo Disneyland
Indulge in a fun-filled day at Tokyo Disneyland. Start early to make the most of your time in the magical park. Enjoy various vegetarian dining options available at the restaurants inside the theme park. Spend the day exploring the different themed lands, riding exciting attractions, and catching entertaining shows. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere and create unforgettable memories. In the evening, watch the spectacular fireworks display before heading back to your accommodation.
Tokyo Disneyland: ¥8200 ($75) per person, 8-10 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Café Kaila located in Tokyo Disneyland. They offer a variety of vegetarian options such as toast, pancakes, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about ¥1,200 per person.
For lunch, head to Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall in Tokyo Disneyland. They have vegetarian dishes like vegetable curry, salads, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about ¥1,500 per person.
For dinner, visit Crystal Palace Restaurant. They serve a buffet-style dinner with vegetarian options like pasta, salads, and desserts. The average cost for a meal is about ¥3,000 per person.
Thursday December 14: Tokyo Shopping and Farewell
On your last day, dedicate your morning to shopping in the vibrant districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Explore Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, and visit the famous Takeshita Street in Harajuku for unique shopping. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Ain Soph Ripple, a vegan cafe in Shinjuku. In the afternoon, visit the Meiji Shrine for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the bustling city. Bid farewell to Japan and depart for your next destination.
Shibuya Crossing: Free, 1-2 hours
Takeshita Street: Free, 1-2 hours
Ain Soph Ripple: ¥1000-1500 ($9-14) per person, 1 hour
Meiji Shrine: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hoshino Coffee in Shibuya where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and fluffy pancakes. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 1500 yen per person.
For lunch, try Cafe 8ochi in Harajuku, which offers a variety of vegetarian options including sandwiches and salads. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 1000 yen per person.
For dinner, visit the popular restaurant Komaki Syokudo in Shinjuku, known for its Japanese-style set meals. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 2000 yen per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Japan, don't miss the opportunity to visit the charming town of Kamakura, known for its historic temples and the iconic Great Buddha statue. For a unique cultural experience, consider attending a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto or Tokyo. Additionally, venture off the beaten path and explore the beautiful landscapes of Hakone, famous for its hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji. These local favorites offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history and natural beauty.