Welcome to Japan! Start your trip in the bustling city of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and explore the vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street. In the afternoon, head to the trendy neighborhood of Harajuku to experience the unique fashion and visit the iconic Meiji Shrine. As the evening sets in, enjoy the breathtaking views from the Tokyo Skytree.
Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Harajuku and Meiji Shrine: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Tokyo Skytree: ¥3,000 (observation deck), 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kagurazaka Hanten, known for their traditional Japanese breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Tsukiji Fish Market and indulge in fresh sushi at Sushi Dai. Expect a wait, but it's worth it for their amazing omakase experience. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, made famous by its appearance in the Kill Bill movie. Experience their fusion of traditional Japanese and Western cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, March 22: Exploring Kyoto
Take a day trip to Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and immerse yourself in its serene surroundings. Afterward, explore the historic streets of Higashiyama and visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple. In the evening, experience a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Kinkaku-ji Temple: ¥400, 1-2 hours
Higashiyama District and Kiyomizu-dera Temple: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Tea Ceremony and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: ¥2,000, 2-3 hours
Sunday, March 23: Cultural Delights in Osaka
Visit Osaka, a vibrant city known for its delicious street food and lively atmosphere. Begin your day by exploring the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the bustling Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights and mouthwatering street food. Wrap up your day by experiencing a traditional kabuki performance at the famous Osaka Shochikuza Theater.
Osaka Castle: ¥600, 2-3 hours
Dotonbori Street: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Kabuki Performance: ¥4,000, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Osaka is Hanamaru Udon, known for its delicious bowls of udon noodles and various tempura toppings. The average cost for a meal here is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, try Takoyaki Wanaka, a small eatery specializing in takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food. Their crispy octopus-filled balls are a must-try and will set you back around 500 yen per serving.
For dinner, head to Kushikatsu Daruma, a local favorite known for its deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables. This lively restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat option for 1,900 yen per person, allowing you to sample a wide variety of kushikatsu.
Monday, March 24: Peaceful Nara
Embark on a day trip to Nara, a city renowned for its friendly deer and rich history. Begin your day by visiting the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple and its colossal bronze Buddha statue. Afterward, explore the beautiful Nara Park, where you can encounter the friendly deer roaming freely. In the afternoon, visit the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine and enjoy a serene walk through the surrounding forest.
Todai-ji Temple: ¥600, 2-3 hours
Nara Park: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Kasuga Taisha Shrine: ¥500, 1-2 hours
Tuesday, March 25: Hiroshima's History
Take a trip to Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history. Start your day by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the tragic events of World War II. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate. Enjoy the island's natural beauty and hike up Mount Misen for stunning panoramic views.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum: ¥200, 2-3 hours
For breakfast in Hiroshima, head to Cafe de Raku and enjoy their delicious omelettes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, try Okonomi-mura, a popular food market specializing in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. You can customize your own savory pancake filled with various ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 1,200 yen per person.
In the evening, dine at Miyajima Momijitei, a traditional Japanese restaurant on Miyajima Island. Indulge in their exquisite kaiseki dinner set featuring seasonal delicacies such as fresh seafood and local vegetables. The average cost for a meal is about 6,000 yen per person.
Wednesday, March 26: Cultural Immersion in Nikko
Visit Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning shrines and natural beauty. Begin your day by exploring the Toshogu Shrine complex, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush forests. Afterward, visit the picturesque Lake Chuzenji and take a boat ride to enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, relax in one of Nikko's hot spring resorts and experience traditional Japanese hospitality.
Toshogu Shrine: ¥1,300, 2-3 hours
Lake Chuzenji: ¥1,150 (round trip bus), 2-3 hours
Hot Spring Resort: ¥3,000-¥10,000 (varies), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Japanese breakfast at Café & Restaurant 379. This cozy eatery offers a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as miso soup, grilled fish, and rice. The average cost for a meal is about 800 yen per person.
For lunch, head to Kanaya Hotel's Garden Café for a delightful meal surrounded by nature. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you indulge in Japanese and Western-style cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about 1,500 yen per person.
End your day with a memorable dining experience at Nikko Honten, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine. From sushi to tempura, each dish is carefully prepared using fresh, local ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about 3,000 yen per person.
Thursday, March 27: Farewell to Tokyo
Spend your last day exploring more of Tokyo's hidden gems. Start by visiting the tranquil gardens of the Imperial Palace and learning about Japan's imperial history. In the afternoon, venture to the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa for its unique shops and vibrant culture. As the evening approaches, indulge in a traditional sushi dinner at Tsukiji Fish Market, savoring the freshest seafood before bidding farewell to Japan.
Imperial Palace: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Shimokitazawa: ¥0, 2-3 hours
Tsukiji Fish Market: ¥3,000-¥10,000 (varies), 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Hoshino Coffee. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast sets, such as miso soup, rice, grilled fish, and a cup of rich coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
For lunch, head to Afuri Ramen in Shimokitazawa for a delicious and refreshing bowl of yuzu-infused ramen. Their signature citrusy broth paired with tender pork and springy noodles is a must-try. The average cost for a meal is about 1200 yen per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner experience at Sushizanmai in Tsukiji Fish Market. This bustling sushi restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh and expertly crafted sushi. Indulge in their omakase menu or choose your own favorites from the conveyor belt. The average cost for a meal is about 3000 yen per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Japan, don't miss the opportunity to visit the ancient village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Another hidden gem is the coastal town of Kamakura, where you can find the iconic Great Buddha statue and beautiful temples. Locals also love visiting the historic town of Takayama in the Japanese Alps, known for its well-preserved streets and traditional festivals.
For more information and to check hotel and flight prices, visit Kayak.
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
AI-assisted, human-reviewed