Discovering Japan: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a fresh sushi breakfast at one of the market's many renowned sushi restaurants, experiencing the bustling atmosphere of the market.
Approximately £15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Asakusa Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and its Nakamise shopping street, where you can find traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kawaii Monster Café

Experience a uniquely colourful and eccentric dining experience at Kawaii Monster Café, known for its quirky decor and themed food and drinks.
Approximately £25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Discover the vibrant and trendy fashion district of Harajuku, filled with quirky shops, fashionable boutiques, and delicious crepes.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Enjoy a dazzling show and an entertaining dinner at the renowned Robot Restaurant, featuring robots, lasers, and energetic performances.
Approximately £60, 2 hours

Day 2: Kyoto Tranquility

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at %Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Start your day with a scenic breakfast overlooking the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo forest at this renowned coffee shop.
Approximately £10, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a tranquil stroll through the iconic bamboo grove, appreciating the serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hirokawa

Indulge in a traditional kaiseki lunch at Hirokawa, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its exquisite presentation and flavours.
Approximately £100, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden pavilion set amidst beautiful gardens, capturing the essence of traditional Japanese architecture.
Approximately £5, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience a sophisticated kaiseki dinner at Gion Karyo, located in the historic Gion district, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's traditional culture.
Approximately £80, 2 hours

Day 3: Osaka Urban Adventure

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Savour a diverse breakfast at the lively market, sampling local street food, fresh seafood, and regional delicacies.
Approximately £20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Osaka Castle

Discover the rich history and architecture of Osaka Castle, surrounded by expansive castle grounds and offering panoramic city views.
Approximately £8, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori and savour local street food specialities, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, at one of the many food stalls.
Variable, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shop at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Indulge in some retail therapy at one of Osaka's most famous shopping streets, offering a wide range of shops and boutiques.
Variable, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kitashinchi District

Experience a memorable dining experience at one of Kitashinchi's upscale restaurants, known for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant nightlife.
Approximately £70, 2 hours

Day 4: Historical Nara

Nara, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try freshly made yomogi mochi (rice cake) at Nakatanidou, a renowned mochi shop famous for its energetic mochi pounding performances.
Approximately £5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park

Explore the iconic Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Hall, and wander through Nara Park, encountering friendly deer roaming freely.
Approximately £12, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Harushika Sake Brewery

Indulge in a sake tasting and traditional lunch at Harushika Sake Brewery, learning about the art of sake production.
Approximately £30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Naramachi District

Stroll through the historic Naramachi district, filled with traditional merchant houses, quaint cafes, and charming streets.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Wa Yamamura

Enjoy a refined kaiseki dinner at Wa Yamamura, renowned for its innovative and artful presentation of traditional Japanese cuisine.
Approximately £100, 2 hours

Day 5: Hiroshima Reflection

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Okonomimura

Savour Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki for breakfast at Okonomimura, a multi-storey building dedicated to this savoury pancake dish.
Approximately £15, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history at the Peace Memorial Park, visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome and the moving Peace Memorial Museum.
Approximately £5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hassei

Enjoy a comforting lunch at Hassei, a local favourite known for its hearty and soul-warming tonkotsu ramen.
Approximately £10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Shukkeien Garden

Find tranquility in the meticulously designed Shukkeien Garden, featuring teahouses, ponds, and traditional landscaping.
Approximately £4, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Hondori Street

Experience the lively atmosphere of Hondori Street and discover a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to izakayas.
Variable, 2 hours

Day 6: Miyajima Island Serenity

Miyajima, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Iwata Coffee

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Iwata Coffee, known for its scenic views and delicious coffee and pastries.
Approximately £12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the iconic floating torii gate and stunning shrine complex, capturing the essence of spiritual tranquility on Miyajima Island.
Approximately £5, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Irori Misoten

Indulge in a flavoursome tempura lunch at Irori Misoten, savouring traditional Japanese cuisine in a picturesque setting.
Approximately £25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Hike Mount Misen

Embark on a rewarding hike up Mount Misen, enjoying panoramic views of the island and the Seto Inland Sea.
Approximately £8, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Momiji-tei

Relish a delightful dinner at Momiji-tei, famous for its delectable grilled oysters and seafood dishes, offering a taste of local island delicacies.
Approximately £40, 2 hours

Day 7: Hakone Relaxation

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hakone Yuryo

Enjoy a soothing breakfast at Hakone Yuryo, a traditional Japanese onsen resort, offering a relaxing start to the day.
Approximately £20, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover the impressive outdoor sculptures and art installations at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Hakone.
Approximately £15, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Togendai View Restaurant

Indulge in a delectable lunch with panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji at Togendai View Restaurant.
Approximately £30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Cruise on Lake Ashi

Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi, admiring the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Approximately £10, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gora Kadan

Experience a luxurious kaiseki dinner at Gora Kadan, a renowned ryokan offering a serene and elegant dining experience.
Approximately £150, 2 hours