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12-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone

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Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

3:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport and settle into your hotel in Tokyo.
Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus for arrival.
JPY15000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Discover the vibrant otaku culture of Akihabara with its many shops and arcades.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto

Enjoy a delicious gyukatsu (breaded wagyu beef) dinner in Akihabara.
Walk around Akihabara until you find the restaurant.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savor fresh sushi or a seafood bowl to start your day.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Take a peaceful stroll through the forested paths of Meiji Shrine.
Walk from the subway station to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Indulge in some tasty gyoza in the trendy Harajuku area.
Walk to the restaurant from the shrine.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Shibuya Crossing

Experience the iconic bustling energy at Shibuya Crossing.
Take the train to Shibuya.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi at this innovative izakaya.
Short walk from Shibuya Crossing.
JPY2500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Marvel at Tokyo's oldest temple and explore Nakamise Shopping Street.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Menchi

Enjoy crispy menchi katsu (breaded meat patties) in Asakusa.
Short walk from Senso-ji.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ueno Park and Museums

Stroll through Ueno Park and visit either the Tokyo National Museum or Ueno Zoo.
Take the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY600 (museum entry), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Jumbo

Savor high-quality Japanese grilled meat at this renowned restaurant.
Take the subway to Shinokubo Station.
JPY5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 4: Hakone Day Trip

Hakone, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel before heading to Hakone.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Enjoy the scenic views as you propel into nature, heading for the hot springs.
Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto.
JPY4000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

This renowned outdoor museum features impressive sculptures amid beautiful settings.
Take a bus from the station to the museum.
JPY1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hakone Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee at this cozy bakery.
Bus to the bakery.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Owakudani Valley

See the volcanic activity and taste the famous black eggs.
Take the ropeway from the museum.
JPY2000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo after a day of exploration.
Take the ropeway back to Togendai and board the bus.
JPY2000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Indulge in a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen after a long day.
Walk to your nearest Ichiran location.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 5: Kyoto Travel

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before checking out and heading to Kyoto.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto for a swift transition.
Take the train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY14000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore food stalls and sample local delicacies in Kyoto's kitchen.
Short walk from Kyoto Station.
JPY2000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf.
Take a bus to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through this quintessential bamboo forest and its tranquil paths.
Take a train to Arashiyama.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Treat yourself to delectable tonkotsu ramen at this popular chain.
Return to downtown Kyoto from Arashiyama.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Temple Town Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in breakfast while gearing up for a day full of temples.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gate pathway up the sacred mountain.
Take a train to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Kappa

Enjoy inari sushi filled with sweet rice while visiting Fushimi Inari.
Short walk from the shrine.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Marvel at the wooden stage and beautiful views of Kyoto from this historic temple.
Take a bus to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Gion District

Search for geisha as you wander this traditional neighborhood in the evening light.
Take a bus back towards the city center.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Relish local cuisine with traditional flavors in the heart of Gion.
Easy start to walk over.
JPY3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel for the day with a traditional breakfast.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens.
Take a bus to Nijo Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsukura

Delicious tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) served with a variety of sides.
Take a bus back to the city center.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Travel to Osaka

Short train ride into the bustling city of Osaka.
Catch a train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 45 minutes

3:00PM

Dotonbori Exploration

Wander through this famous district, known for its neon lights and street food.
Walk from Osaka Station to Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Sample delicious okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and learn to make your own.
Easy access within Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Osaka Adventure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before a fun-filled day in Osaka.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day experiencing thrilling rides and attractions.
Take the train to Universal-City Station.
JPY7500, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at City Walk

Choose from a variety of dining options at Universal City Walk.
Walk around the area after finishing at the theme park.
JPY3000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Osaka Culture

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with breakfast before an exploration of Osaka's culture.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Osaka Castle

Visit this historic castle, surrounded by beautiful parks and moats.
Take the subway to Osakajo Koen Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies as you explore the market.
Short walk from the station.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Discover the amazing marine life at one of the world's largest aquariums.
Take the subway to Osaka-ko Station.
JPY2300, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Shinsekai

Wander through this historical district and try some kushikatsu.
Short subway ride from the aquarium.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Daruma

Taste the famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this popular eatery.
Walk around Shinsekai area.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 10: Osaka Free Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast while planning your day.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Free time to explore

Optional (shopping, visiting neighborhoods, or relaxing).
Utilize local transportation.
Varies, All day

12:00PM

Lunch at a local eatery

Grab something nearby as you explore on your own.
Find a nearby restaurant.
JPY1000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Beef Suki-ya

Indulge in Matsusaka beef, known for its quality and flavor.
Go to the restaurant from your activities.
JPY8000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 11: Osaka Relaxation

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at this favorite hotel.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Spa Day

Unwind with a visit to a local onsen or traditional Japanese spa.
Research nearby options for your spa day.
JPY6000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe de l'ambre

Relax at this café while enjoying coffee and light meals.
Travel to the café nearby.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Osaka's Tennoji Zoo

Spend a few hours seeing the animals at the zoo.
Utilize public transportation for the zoo.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Visiting a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya.
Head anywhere near your accommodation.
JPY2000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 12: Departure

Osaka, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish your final breakfast in Japan before you depart.
Eat on-site.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and travel to Kansai Airport

Prepare for departure with ample time for your flight.
Use the Nankai Airport Express from Namba Station.
JPY1400, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Osaka
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