7-Day Japan Rail Exploration

Day 1: Fukuoka Welcomes You

Fukuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Yanagibashi Market

Start your journey with a delicious breakfast at Yanagibashi Market, known for its fresh seafood, fruits, and local specialties. Try some mentaiko (spicy cod roe)!
$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle

Take a leisurely walk in the serene Ohori Park, then visit the nearby Fukuoka Castle ruins for a glimpse into the city's history and culture.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at yatai Food Stalls

Experience Fukuoka's famous yatai food stalls for lunch, where you can enjoy local street food like ramen, tempura, and yakitori in a vibrant atmosphere.
$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Explore the historic Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning. Write your wishes on an ema (wooden plaque) and stroll through the picturesque grounds.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hakata Mizutaki Restaurant

End your day with a traditional Hakata mizutaki (chicken hot pot) dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal.
$$, 2 hours

Day 2: Cultural Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Canal City Hakata

Start your day with a continental breakfast at one of the cafes in Canal City Hakata, a shopping and entertainment complex with a canal running through it.
$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

Immerse yourself in Fukuoka's culture by exploring Kushida Shrine, known for its Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mentai Park Fukuoka

Indulge in a mentai (spicy cod roe) meal at Mentai Park Fukuoka, where you can enjoy dishes like mentai pasta, rice bowls, and more.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall

Discover the underground shopping mall in the vibrant Tenjin district, filled with fashion boutiques, cafes, and unique goods to take home.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nakasu Yatai Stalls

Savor dinner at Nakasu Yatai food stalls, where you can try a variety of local specialties like oden (hotpot), yakitori, and fresh seafood by the river.
$, 2 hours

Day 3: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at a Traditional Kyoto Cafe

Start your exploration of Kyoto with breakfast at a charming traditional cafe, where you can enjoy matcha green tea and wagashi (Japanese sweets).
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Embark on a memorable hike through the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. Enjoy breathtaking views.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Delight in a gastronomic adventure at Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's pantry, where you can savor fresh seafood, pickles, and traditional snacks.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gion District

Step into the picturesque world of the geisha in Gion District, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Wander the historic streets and possibly spot a maiko.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Ryotei

Experience kaiseki dining at a traditional ryotei, where you'll savor meticulously prepared dishes served in a luxurious and refined atmosphere.
$$$, 2 hours

Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at a Tea House in Higashiyama

Enjoy breakfast at a charming tea house in Higashiyama district, surrounded by historic temples and traditional wooden machiya houses.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple

Marvel at the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, set amidst lush gardens and shimmering ponds.
$, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Tofu Restaurant

Indulge in a healthy tofu-based lunch at a traditional Kyoto restaurant, where you can savor various tofu dishes prepared with precision and artistry.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Wander the charming streets of Higashiyama District, lined with preserved historic buildings, pottery shops, and traditional sweet stores.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in the narrow alleyways of Pontocho, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. Experience Kyoto's nightlife.
$$, 2 hours

Day 5: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with a breakfast feast at Kuromon Ichiba Market, a food lover's paradise with stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, and local snacks.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Shitenno-ji Temple

Discover the ancient roots of Buddhism in Japan at Shitenno-ji Temple, the country's oldest officially administered temple. Admire its architecture and serene garden.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Osaka Takoyaki Museum

Delight in a Takoyaki (octopus balls) tasting at the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, dedicated to this popular local dish. Try various flavors and styles.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Amerikamura

Explore Osaka's hip and trendy district known as Amerikamura, filled with street fashion, vintage shops, and unique boutiques catering to the youth culture.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Indulge in Osaka's street food scene along the vibrant Dotonbori area, known for its illuminated signs, iconic Glico running man, and lively atmosphere.
$$, 2 hours

Day 6: Memorial Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Spend a solemn morning at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, honoring the victims of the atomic bombing. Explore the Peace Memorial Museum and view the A-Bomb Dome.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with ingredients of your choice, at Okonomimura, a multi-story okonomiyaki paradise.
$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to picturesque Miyajima Island and marvel at the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Explore the island's temples and deer park.
$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local restaurant, enjoying the layers of noodles, cabbage, pork, and special sauce expertly grilled teppanyaki-style.
$$, 2 hours

Day 7: Tokyo Extravaganza

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can sample fresh seafood delicacies and experience the lively market atmosphere.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Asakusa by wandering Nakamise Shopping Street and visiting Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Street in Tokyo Station

Satisfy your lunch cravings with a bowl of steaming ramen at Ramen Street in Tokyo Station, offering a variety of regional noodle dishes to choose from.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop in Harajuku

Experience the vibrant and eclectic street fashion of Harajuku, where you can browse trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and quirky kawaii (cute) goods.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Izakaya in Golden Gai

End your journey with a memorable dinner in Golden Gai, Shinjuku, at a cozy izakaya where you can enjoy small plates and drinks among locals and travelers.
$$, 2 hours