5-Day Cultural Immersion and Foodie Train Trip in Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Start your journey surrounded by nature at Shinjuku Gyoen, a tranquil park featuring traditional Japanese gardens.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station, then a short walk to the garden.
JPY500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh seafood and savoury dishes at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for its top-quality sushi.
Walk from Shinjuku Gyoen to Shinjuku Station, take the Oedo Line to Tsukiji Shijo Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore the historic Nakamise street leading to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, lined with shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Take the Toei Subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yoshinoya

Experience a classic beef bowl at Yoshinoya, a popular fast-food chain offering delicious and quick meals.
Walk from Senso-ji to nearby Yoshinoya.
JPY800, 1 hour

8:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

End the day with a visit to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, immersing yourself in Tokyo's vibrant atmosphere.
Take the train from Asakusa back to Shibuya Station.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Shift to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Traditional Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan (inn), complete with grilled fish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.
N/A (pre-booked accommodation)
JPY3000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Zen temple, Kinkaku-ji, covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take the bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Savour local delicacies at Nishiki Market, from fresh sushi to matcha desserts, while mingling with locals.
Take the bus back to downtown Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Walk through the famous vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha, one of Japan's most breathtaking sites.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Fushimi Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion District

Dine in the traditional Gion area, sampling kaiseki (multi-course) cuisine at a local restaurant.
Walk to the Gion district from Fushimi Inari.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Food Exploration in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

7:00AM

Osaka Castle Park

Morning stroll in Osaka Castle Park, enjoying the serene atmosphere and cherry blossoms if in season.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Osakajokoen Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy delicious street food breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market, trying takoyaki (octopus balls) or grilled seafood.
Take a short train ride to Nippombashi Station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Dotonbori Exploration

Wander the vibrant Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights and street food stalls offering local specialities.
Walk from Kuromon to Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Delight in local ramen at a popular Dotonbori eatery before continuing your adventure.
Stay in Dotonbori for lunch.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing the marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Take the subway from Dotonbori to Osakako Station.
JPY2300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Experience Osaka's famous kushikatsu (fried skewers) at Daruma, a beloved local chain.
Take the subway back to Namba Station.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Historic Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Catch the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, enjoying the smooth ride across the scenic countryside.
Direct Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima Station.
JPY10500, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museums, a powerful testament to resilience.
Walk from Hiroshima Station to the park.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Village

Indulge in Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki (savory pancake), a must-try local dish.
Walk to Okonomiyaki Village nearby.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, home to the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Ferry from the mainland to the island.
JPY2000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End the day at a local izakaya, enjoying sake and izakaya-style dishes.
Ferry back to Hiroshima for dinner.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Wonders of Nara

Nara, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the train to Nara and start your exploration of this historic city.
Direct train from Hiroshima to Nara.
JPY6000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

Visit Nara Park, home to friendly deer, and the impressive Todai-ji Temple housing a giant Buddha statue.
Walk around the park visiting the attractions.
JPY600, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Tea House

Enjoy lunch in a traditional tea house, sampling seasonal dishes and matcha in serene surroundings.
Within Nara Park area.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Discover the beauty of Kasuga-taisha with its numerous lanterns, an emblem of Nara's rich history.
Take a short walk from the tea house.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo, reflecting on the incredible experiences you’ve gathered in Japan.
Direct train from Nara to Tokyo.
JPY13000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at an Izakaya in Tokyo

Conclude your trip with a dinner at a local izakaya in Tokyo, relishing the blend of flavours from your journey.
Choose a nearby izakaya.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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