7-Day Itinerary for Tokyo and Kyoto in May 2025

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and seafood at Tsukiji Outer Market, a buzzing hub of eatery stalls.
Walk or take the subway to the market, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Senso-ji Temple

Experience the serenity of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, after a vibrant approach along Nakamise Street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Asakusa

Enjoy a delicious bowl of tempura soba at a local restaurant in Asakusa.
Walk from Senso-ji to the restaurant nearby.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Get a panoramic view of Tokyo from the iconic Tokyo Skytree, standing at 634 meters.
Take the subway to Oshiage Station.
JPY 2,100, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shopping at Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime and electronics while exploring the eclectic shops and arcades of Akihabara.
Take the train to Akihabara Station.
Free, 3 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at a Yakitori Izakaya

Savor grilled chicken skewers at an izakaya while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Take the local train to your chosen izakaya in Shinjuku.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Adventures in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Have a delicious Japanese-style breakfast at a cozy café, featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Nearby your accommodation.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the serene forested path to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Take the subway to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Omotesando

Enjoy a trendy lunch spot featuring gourmet salads and artisan sandwiches.
Walk from Meiji Shrine to Omotesando.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore Harajuku

Experience the unique youth culture of Harajuku, famed for its colorful fashion and quirky shops.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Shibuya Crossing

Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Take the subway to Shibuya Station.
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at a Sushi Restaurant

Enjoy a high-quality sushi dinner at a renowned restaurant in Shibuya.
Easily accessible within the area.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Discovering Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Dean & Deluca

Indulge in a gourmet breakfast at Dean & Deluca, featuring fresh pastries and artisanal coffee.
Nearby your accommodation.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage through priceless artifacts at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
Take the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Ueno Park

Pack a picnic lunch or grab local snacks to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of Ueno Park.
Walk to a nearby convenience store.
JPY 800, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax among the cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese landscapes in Shinjuku Gyoen.
Take the train to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 500, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Explore the Golden Gai District

Wander through the narrow alleyways of Golden Gai, known for its tiny bars and unique atmosphere.
Short walk from the garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

Dine at a lively izakaya, savoring a selection of dishes shared among friends.
Choose a location in Golden Gai.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
In-house dining.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel via Shinkansen to Kyoto, enjoying stunning views of the Japanese countryside.
Walk to Tokyo Station and board the train.
JPY 14,000, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Arrive and Check-in

Arrive at Kyoto Station, check into your accommodation, and refresh yourself.
Short walk from the train station to your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site imbued with tranquility.
Take local bus number 101 from the station.
JPY 400, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at a Traditional Kyoto Restaurant

Enjoy a kaiseki-style lunch featuring seasonal ingredients in a serene setting.
Short walk from Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting paths of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by towering bamboo stalks.
Take the train to Arashiyama Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park

Go on an adventure to see wild monkeys in their natural habitat while enjoying beautiful views of Kyoto.
Hike a short trail from the bamboo grove.
JPY 600, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience fine dining in Pontocho Alley, renowned for its traditional wooden architecture and authentic Kyoto cuisine.
Take a short walk from your hotel.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discover Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee from a local bakery.
Short walk from your accommodation.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike through thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up the sacred Mt. Inari.
Take the train to Fushimi Inari Station.
Free, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Savor a steaming bowl of ramen in the Fushimi area, a local favorite.
Short stroll from Fushimi Inari.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Nijo Castle

Delve into the history of Japan at Nijo Castle, known for its spectacular gardens and beautiful architecture.
Take the train to Nijo-jo-mae Station.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace

Take a stroll through the gardens of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan.
Walk from Nijo Castle.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Experience street food delights and local specialties at Nishiki Market, a culinary heaven.
Short train ride to Shijo Station.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Kyoto's Hidden Gem

Kyoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
In-house dining.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Discover the iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, surrounded by cherry blossoms in season.
Local bus or taxi to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY 400, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Kiyomizu-zaka Street

Enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant with picturesque views outside.
Walk down to Kiyomizu-zaka.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through Gion, the historic geisha district, and possibly spot geishas in the evening.
Take a short walk from Kiyomizu-zaka.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Philosopher's Path

Take a peaceful walk along the Philosopher's Path, adorned with cherry blossom trees.
Local bus or taxi to the path.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at a Traditional Tea House

Indulge in a kaiseki dinner-style meal at one of the traditional tea houses.
Taxi or bus to a recommended tea house.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Closing Kyoto & Return to Tokyo

Kyoto/Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in the charming city before packing up.
In-house dining.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Final Walk in Kyoto

Take a leisurely stroll around your favorite spots in Kyoto, soaking in the last moments.
Depends on your chosen locations.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo as you take in the last views of Kyoto.
Walk to Kyoto Station.
JPY 14,000, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch in Tokyo

Head to a highly-rated ramen shop to relish your last meal in Japan before departure.
Take the local transit from Tokyo Station.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Souvenir Shopping

Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Explore areas around Tokyo Station.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Departure

Board your flight and take home unforgettable memories of Japan.
Travel to Haneda Airport via the airport express.
Free, 1.5 hours
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