Discover Japan: A 5-Day Exploration of Culture and Cuisine

Day 1: Tokyo Tour

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast in Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with an exquisite seafood breakfast at one of the stalls in Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoying fresh sushi and grilled fish while soaking in the bustling atmosphere.
Walk around Tsukiji Outer Market; it's pedestrian-friendly.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

After breakfast, head to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, where you can marvel at the impressive architecture and shop for traditional snacks.
Take the Toei Asakusa Line from Tsukiji to Asakusa, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shin Nakamise Street

Indulge in a traditional Japanese lunch at a local eatery along Nakamise Street, where you can try specialty dishes like Ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cakes) and melon bread.
Stroll from Senso-ji Temple to Nakamise Street.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Next, dive into the vibrant world of otaku culture in Akihabara, where you can visit anime shops and themed cafés.
Take the Tsukuba Express Line from Asakusa to Akihabara, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Shinjuku

For dinner, head to Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, to savor yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at one of the atmospheric izakayas.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Akihabara to Shinjuku, approximately 25 minutes.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Kamakura Day Trip

Kamakura, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a breakfast set at Komachi Street, where you can sample Japanese-style pancakes and matcha green tea.
Walk along Komachi Street, close to the train station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

Marvel at the iconic Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue that stands 13.35 meters tall and represents a symbol of Kamakura.
Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station to Hase Station, about 20 minutes.
JPY200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Hase-dera Temple

Have a lunch set at the beautiful Hase-dera Temple café, with stunning views of the sea and serene gardens surrounding the area.
Walk to Hase-dera from the Great Buddha, about 15 minutes.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hase-dera Temple

After lunch, take some time to stroll through the impressive grounds of Hase-dera Temple, known for its beautiful Kannon statue and gardens.
Self-guided walk through the temple grounds.
JPY400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kamakura's Komachi Street

Head back to Komachi Street for dinner at a ramen shop and enjoy a hot bowl of tonkotsu ramen after a long day.
Take the Enoden Line back to Kamakura Station, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY1000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Hakone Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast served at your hotel to start your day with a healthy and filling meal.
Conveniently located at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Open-Air Museum

Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features impressive sculptures and art installations amidst lush landscapes.
Take a bus from your hotel to the museum, around 20 minutes.
JPY1600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Relish seasonal Hakone specialties such as black egg (onsen tamago) and vegetable tempura at a nearby restaurant.
Walk from the museum to nearby dining options, about 10 minutes.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ride the Hakone Ropeway

Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji as you ascend via the Hakone Ropeway, experiencing the scenic beauty of the region.
Take the ropeway from the museum station; the ride is approximately 30 minutes.
JPY1300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind in an onsen (hot spring) to rejuvenate after a day of exploration, surrounded by the serene countryside views.
Walk to an onsen nearby, which may take around 15 minutes.
JPY3000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Your Ryokan

Savour a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring multiple seasonal dishes beautifully arranged, enhancing your Japanese culinary experience.
Dining is usually available at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Ryokan

Enjoy another delightful breakfast at your ryokan, which incorporates a variety of local ingredients.
Conveniently located at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Start your Kyoto adventure at Kinkaku-ji, the beautiful gold-leaf covered Zen temple surrounded by stunning gardens.
Take a bus from your ryokan to Kinkaku-ji, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Next, wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a unique atmosphere.
Take the train from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama, roughly 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Arashiyama

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby soba shop, famous for its hand-made soba noodles.
Located within walking distance of the Bamboo Grove.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wrap up your day by exploring Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its stunning thousand red torii gates leading up the mountain.
Take the train from Arashiyama to Inari Station, about 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Dine at a traditional kaiseki restaurant in Gion, the geisha district of Kyoto, to enjoy a beautiful multi-course meal.
Take a train from Fushimi Inari Station to Gion-Shijo, approximately 20 minutes.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Osaka Adventure

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Savor a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead in lively Osaka.
Conveniently located in your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Begin your day at Osaka Castle, a stunning historic castle that boasts beautiful architecture and a surrounding park perfect for a morning stroll.
Take the subway from your hotel to Osaka Castle, about 30 minutes.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori for lunch and try famous street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at one of the many stalls.
Take the subway from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori, approximately 20 minutes.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market

Wander through Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as 'Osaka's Kitchen,' where you can sample fresh produce and local delicacies.
Walk from Dotonbori to Kuromon Ichiba Market, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Universal Studios Japan

For some excitement, head to Universal Studios Japan for thrilling rides and attractions themed after your favorite movies.
Take the subway to Universal City Station, about 30 minutes.
JPY8600, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Caps off your adventure with dinner at an izakaya, enjoying small dishes and drinks in a lively, local atmosphere.
Walk to a nearby izakaya from Universal Studios Japan, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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