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11-Day City Experiences Itinerary in Japan

Discover the Vibrant Cities of Japan

Viewed by 72 travelers

Tuesday November 21: Tokyo

Start your trip in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. In the morning, explore the historic district of Asakusa, known for the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Indulge in a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the trendy neighborhood of Shibuya and experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. As the evening approaches, head to Shinjuku and witness the mesmerizing neon lights of Kabukicho.

  • Asakusa: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 4 hours
  • Shibuya: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Shinjuku: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
Restaurants
  • Start your day with a delicious Japanese breakfast at Suzunari, known for its traditional dishes like miso soup, grilled fish, and rice. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 yen per person.
  • For lunch, try the mouthwatering sushi at Sushizanmai, a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 yen per person.
  • End your day with a memorable dinner at Gonpachi, a renowned izakaya with a rustic atmosphere and a wide variety of Japanese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 yen per person.

Wednesday November 22: Tokyo

Embark on a cultural journey by visiting the breathtaking Meiji Shrine in the morning. Enjoy a tranquil walk through the surrounding Meiji Jingu Gyoen Park. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture with a visit to Akihabara, Tokyo's electronic and anime district. Spend the evening exploring the upscale shopping area of Ginza with its luxury boutiques and gourmet dining options.

  • Meiji Shrine and Meiji Jingu Gyoen Park: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Akihabara: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 4 hours
  • Ginza: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 3 hours

Thursday November 23: Tokyo

Visit the majestic Tokyo Imperial Palace in the morning and take a stroll in the beautiful East Gardens. Indulge in a traditional sushi lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market (or Toyosu Fish Market). In the afternoon, explore the trendy district of Harajuku, home to vibrant fashion and quirky street art. As the evening sets in, head to Roppongi and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene.

  • Tokyo Imperial Palace and East Gardens: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Tsukiji Fish Market or Toyosu Fish Market: Estimated cost - £15, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Harajuku: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Roppongi: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 4 hours

Friday November 24: Kyoto

Take a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto in the morning (approximately 2.5 hours). Begin your exploration of Kyoto with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates. Enjoy a delicious traditional kaiseki lunch. In the afternoon, explore the historic district of Higashiyama and visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Wind down the day with a walk through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha: Estimated cost - £3, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Traditional Kaiseki Lunch: Estimated cost - £30, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Estimated cost - £0, Time spent - 2 hours

Saturday November 25: Kyoto

Discover the historic beauty of Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, in the morning. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of traditional Japanese gardens at Ryoan-ji Temple. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Nishiki Market for a delightful culinary adventure. Spend the evening exploring Gion, Kyoto's geisha district.

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Ryoan-ji Temple: Estimated cost - £3, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony: Estimated cost - £20, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Nishiki Market: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Gion: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours

Sunday November 26: Osaka

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka in the morning (approximately 1 hour). Start your Osaka adventure with a visit to Osaka Castle, known for its historical significance. Enjoy a tasty okonomiyaki lunch, a popular local dish. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant district of Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights and delicious street food. Take a ride on the iconic Tempozan Ferris Wheel for stunning views of the city.

  • Osaka Castle: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Okonomiyaki Lunch: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Dotonbori: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 1 hour

Monday November 27: Osaka

Spend the morning exploring the enchanting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, a lively food market offering a wide variety of local delights. In the afternoon, visit the Umeda Sky Building and take in panoramic views of Osaka from its observation deck. Indulge in a traditional kushiage dinner in the vibrant district of Shinsekai.

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Estimated cost - £20, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Umeda Sky Building: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Traditional Kushiage Dinner in Shinsekai: Estimated cost - £20, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday November 28: Mount Fuji

Take a bullet train from Osaka to Mount Fuji area (approximately 3 hours). Explore the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi and enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji. Take a tranquil boat ride on the lake and indulge in a delicious hot pot lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and experience thrilling rides. Relax at an onsen (hot spring) resort in the evening.

  • Lake Kawaguchi: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Boat Ride: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Hot Pot Lunch: Estimated cost - £15, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Fuji-Q Highland: Estimated cost - £40, Time spent - 4 hours
  • Onsen Resort: Estimated cost - £30, Time spent - Overnight

Wednesday November 29: Hokkaido

Take an early morning flight from Mount Fuji to Hokkaido (approximately 2 hours). Explore the vibrant city of Sapporo and visit Odori Park, famous for its beautiful flower displays. Enjoy a delectable seafood lunch at the Nijo Market. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique art installations at the Sapporo Art Park. Experience the local nightlife scene in Susukino.

  • Odori Park: Estimated cost - £0, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Nijo Market: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Sapporo Art Park: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Susukino: Estimated cost - £10, Time spent - 3 hours

Thursday November 30: Tokyo

Take a flight from Hokkaido back to Tokyo. Spend the day exploring any missed attractions in the vibrant city. Visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market for a sushi breakfast. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa and Yanaka Ginza. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional izakaya. Reflect on your incredible journey through Japan.

  • Tsukiji Fish Market: Estimated cost - £15, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Shimokitazawa: Estimated cost - £5, Time spent - 3 hours
  • Yanaka Ginza: Estimated cost - £0, Time spent - 2 hours
  • Traditional Izakaya Dinner: Estimated cost - £30, Time spent - 2 hours

Friday December 1: Departure

Check out from your hotel and depart from Tokyo with unforgettable memories of your city experiences in Japan.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When venturing off the beaten path, consider visiting the traditional district of Yanaka in Tokyo, known for its charming streets, old temples, and local artisan shops. Another hidden gem is the city of Kanazawa, famous for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, as well as its beautiful Kenroku-en Garden. In Osaka, explore the vibrant Shinsekai neighborhood, filled with retro charm and delicious street food. Lastly, in Hokkaido, spend some time in the charming town of Otaru, known for its romantic canal and delightful music box museum.

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