Discovering Japan: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a variety of fresh seafood options at Tsukiji Outer Market, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious street food.
Take a train to Tsukiji Station from your accommodation. It will take approximately 30 minutes.
£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore the ancient Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple, and soak in the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Walk from Tsukiji Outer Market to Tsukiji Station. Take the Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Street in Tokyo Station

Indulge in a bowl of authentic Japanese ramen at Ramen Street, located within Tokyo Station, offering a variety of delicious options.
Take the Ginza Line from Asakusa Station to Tokyo Station.
£12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Harajuku District

Stroll through Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a vibrant area known for its quirky fashion shops, delicious crepes, and youthful energy.
Take the Yamanote Line from Tokyo Station to Harajuku Station.
£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience a unique dinner show at the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, featuring flashy performances and futuristic vibes.
Take the Yamanote Line from Harajuku Station to Shinjuku Station.
£40, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Japanese countryside.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
£100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savour a variety of local Kyoto delicacies at Nishiki Market, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', offering fresh seafood and traditional snacks.
Walk from Kyoto Station to Nishiki Market.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates, creating a mystical and picturesque atmosphere.
Take a train from Nishiki Market to Fushimi Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine in one of the traditional restaurants along Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with charming eateries and a serene ambiance.
Walk from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to Pontocho Alley.
£20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at %Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your day with a tranquil walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a natural wonder in Kyoto.
Take a train or bus from your accommodation to Arashiyama. It will take approximately 30-40 minutes.
£5, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by beautiful gardens and reflecting ponds.
Take a bus or train from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji.
£5, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Return to Nishiki Market for a delightful lunch experience, sampling more of the local culinary delights.
Take a bus or train from Kinkaku-ji to Nishiki Market.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic Gion District, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and the chance to spot geishas.
Take a bus or train from Nishiki Market to Gion District.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy another evening meal at Pontocho Alley, immersing yourself in the charming Kyoto nightlife.
Take a bus or train from Gion District to Pontocho Alley.
£20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka via Shinkansen

Board the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. Enjoy a smooth and quick journey to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
£30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's power and majesty, offering panoramic views from its observation deck.
Take a local train or bus from Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Castle.
£8, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in Osaka's famous street food at Dotonbori, a bustling district with a wide range of mouth-watering options.
Walk from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Discover a shopper's paradise at Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, offering everything from luxury brands to quirky souvenirs.
Walk from Dotonbori to Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Experience a lively food market atmosphere at Kuromon Ichiba Market, trying fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Take a train or walk from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade to Kuromon Ichiba Market.
£20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima via Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station. Enjoy the swift journey to the historically significant city of Hiroshima.
Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
£60, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945, and visit the iconic A-Bomb Dome.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station to the Peace Memorial Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a multi-storey building filled with various okonomiyaki restaurants.
Walk from the Peace Memorial Park to Okonomimura.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its 'floating' torii gate, a symbol of Japan's natural beauty.
Take a train and ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.
£20, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Enjoy another round of delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the unique flavours of the region.
Take a ferry and tram back to Hiroshima city for dinner.
£20, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hiroshima to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Hakone via Shinkansen and Odakyu Romance Car

Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto Station, gateway to the Hakone region.
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Romance Car to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
£80, 5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a unique art museum showcasing beautiful sculptures and artworks amidst the stunning natural landscape.
Take a bus or walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Open-Air Museum.
£15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) in Hakone, surrounded by picturesque views of mountains and nature.
Take a bus or taxi to your chosen onsen location.
£30, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Ryokan

Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner at a ryokan (Japanese inn) in Hakone, showcasing seasonal and local delicacies.
Enjoy a meal at your ryokan's dining area.
£50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hakone Exploration

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, featuring various dishes like grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and pickles.
Enjoy breakfast at the dining area of your ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding Hakone mountains.
Walk or take a bus to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise dock.
£20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Hakone Shrine

Visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, nestled by Lake Ashi and surrounded by lush forests, offering a peaceful and spiritual experience.
Walk from the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise dock to Hakone Shrine.
£5, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Owakudani

Enjoy a unique lunch experience at Owakudani, known for its black eggs boiled in sulphuric hot springs and stunning volcanic views.
Take a bus or cable car to Owakudani.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Spend some time relaxing in an onsen in Hakone, rejuvenating your body and mind in the healing waters.
Return to your ryokan or visit a nearby onsen for relaxation.
£30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at a Traditional Izakaya

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cosy izakaya in Hakone, savouring delicious Japanese dishes and raising a toast to your memorable journey.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to the izakaya.
£25, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability