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Ultimate 13-Day Adventure in Japan: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Begin your journey with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market to experience the bustling energy and savory aromas of fresh seafood.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore the historic Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding Nakamise shopping street, where you can indulge in traditional snacks.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor the flavors of kaiseki at Asakusa Imahan, renowned for its exquisite wagyu beef.
Walk to the restaurant from Senso-ji.
JPY5000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Tokyo Skytree

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree.
Take the Tobu Skytree Line from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree Station.
JPY2100, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Shinjuku

Enjoy a unique sushi experience at Uobei, where sushi is delivered by high-speed trains.
Take the train back to Shinjuku Station then walk.
JPY1500, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Sushi Keyaki

Start your day with a delightful sushi breakfast at this well-regarded sushi bar.
Travel to Tsukiji via Tokyo Metro.
JPY2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the serene forested grounds of Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the city.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Grab lunch at this popular gyoza joint, known for its delicious pan-fried dumplings.
Walk to Harajuku Gyoza Lou from Meiji Shrine.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Shibuya

Experience the world-famous Shibuya Crossing and pop into the famed Hachiko statue.
Take the train one stop on the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy single-serve ramen at Ichiran, where you can customize your order to your liking.
Walk to Ichiran from Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Nikko.
Travel by Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa to Nikko.
JPY2800, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Toshogu Shrine

Visit the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a local bus from Nikko Station.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Experience a local ramen shop favored by both tourists and locals alike.
Take the bus back to the city center from Toshogu Shrine.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Rinno-ji Temple

Visit Rinno-ji Temple, famous for its tranquil gardens and multiple Buddha statues.
Walk from the restaurant to Rinno-ji.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy the breathtaking views at Lake Chuzenji, one of Japan's most beautiful lakes.
Take a bus to Lake Chuzenji.
JPY1500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Italian Restaurant Piccolo

Dine at this quaint Italian restaurant with an outstanding view of the lake.
Return back to Nikko City and walk to the restaurant.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Travel back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for the night.
Take the Tobu Limited Express back to Asakusa.
JPY2800, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 4: Transit to Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de L'ambre

Start your day with a cup of artisanal coffee and fresh pastries.
Travel to the cafe by the Tokyo Metro.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Take the JR Azusa Limited Express to Matsumoto.
Depart from Shinjuku Station.
JPY5800, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsumoto Shokudo

Savor delicious soba noodles at this popular local eatery.
Walk from Matsumoto Station to the restaurant.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore the stunning Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles.
Walk to Matsumoto Castle from the restaurant.
JPY610, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll through Nakamachi Street

Wander through Nakamachi Street, known for its traditional wooden buildings and shops.
Walk from the castle.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Daijiro

Enjoy flavorful yakitori at one of Matsumoto's best spots.
Take a short walk from Nakamachi.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Matsumoto

Day 5: Travel to Takayama

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before departing.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Catch the bus from Matsumoto to Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets.
Take the Nohi Bus from Matsumoto Station.
JPY2500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Satoya

Enjoy Hida beef at this cozy restaurant.
Walk from Takayama Station to Satoya.
JPY4000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Sanmachi Suji District

Explore the charming Sanmachi Suji district with its traditional sake breweries.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Takayama Jinya

Check out the historic Takayama Jinya, which illustrates the area's rich history.
Walk from the district.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore the Hida Folk Village

Wander the Hida Folk Village for a glimpse into traditional rural life.
Take a bus to the village.
JPY700, 2.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Heianraku

Savor delicious local cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Take a bus back to Takayama city center.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Takayama

Day 6: Onwards to Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a warm breakfast before embarking on today's adventure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the Limited Express Wide View Hida train to Kanazawa.
Board from Takayama Station.
JPY3800, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Dine on fresh seafood at Omicho Market, a vibrant culinary destination.
Walk from Kanazawa Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kenrokuen Garden

Stroll through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens.
Take a bus or walk from Omicho Market.
JPY320, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore the historic Kanazawa Castle adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden.
Walk to the castle from the garden.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy an outstanding kaiseki meal at this local favorite.
Walk from the castle.
JPY6000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

Day 7: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up for a busy day of exploring Kyoto.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Travel via Limited Express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
Take the train from Kanazawa Station.
JPY4200, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste local specialties at Nishiki Market, a food lover's paradise.
Walk from Kyoto Station to Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, stunning golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from Nishiki Market.
JPY400, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the otherworldly beauty of the famous Bamboo Grove.
Travel by train from Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Savor Kyoto's traditional yudofu (tofu hot pot) in a quaint setting.
Walk to the restaurant from the bamboo grove.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 8: Temples and Shrimps in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Floresta

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at this famous donut shop.
Take a taxi to the shop.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates at this iconic shrine.
Take the train from Kyoto to Inari Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Kizuna

Delight in delicious Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake.
Return to Kyoto Station via train.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Nijo Castle

Discover the historical significance of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk or take a short bus ride.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Philosopher's Path

Wander along the Philosopher's Path, lined with beautiful cherry trees.
Bike or walk to the path.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kyotan

Relish a traditional Kyoto-style dinner.
Travel to the restaurant by bike or taxi.
JPY3500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 9: Cultural Immersion in Nara

Nara, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Nara.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nara

Travel to Nara via train, known for its free-roaming deer.
Board at Kyoto Station.
JPY720, 1 hour

10:00AM

Nara Park

Explore Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly deer and numerous temples.
Walk from Nara Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji, housing the Great Buddha statue.
Walk through Nara Park.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nakatanido

Taste traditional mochi and other delights at this local sweet shop.
Walk back to the center.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Wander through the beautiful lantern-lined path to one of Nara's most sacred shrines.
Take a short walk.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Naramachi

Visit this preserved historical district, full of traditional buildings and shops.
Walk from Kasuga-taisha.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh sushi and Japanese delicacies in a cozy eatery.
Walking around Naramachi.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 10: Day in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Prepare for the day ahead with breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history.
Board at Kyoto Station.
JPY13000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the memorial park to understand the impact of WWII.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous food building.
Walk to Okonomi-mura from the park.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its beautiful gardens.
Take a tram from the food building.
JPY370, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Shukkeien Garden

Relax in the serene Shukkeien Garden, a historical landscape garden.
Walk from the castle.
JPY260, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nagataya

Enjoy another flavor of okonomiyaki at this highly-rated restaurant.
Walk or take a tram.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 11: Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Usher in another day of exploration with your hotel breakfast.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic floating torii gate.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station.
JPY1800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yakigaki-no-hayashi

Indulge in scrumptious grilled oysters, a local specialty.
Walk from Itsukushima Shrine.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Miyajima Ropeway

Take the ropeway to Mount Misen for breathtaking views.
Walk to the ropeway station.
JPY1850, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima after enjoying the serene island.
Ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY1800, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Kemby’s

Finish your day with a traditional kaiseki meal.
Travel to the restaurant from the ferry terminal.
JPY5000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 12: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Relish breakfast to fuel up for the journey to Osaka.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the shinkansen from Hiroshima to Osaka.
Board from Hiroshima Station.
JPY10700, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at your hotel

Drop off your bags and freshen up before heading out.
Walk to your hotel from Osaka Station.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Sample Osaka's famous street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the historical Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
Walk or take a subway to Osaka Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Universal Citywalk

Enjoy a stroll through Universal Citywalk with its shops and entertainment.
Take a train to Universal City Station.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Savor premium Matsusaka beef at this luxury yakiniku restaurant.
Take the train from Universal City Station.
JPY10000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 13: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a relaxing farewell breakfast in the vibrant metropolis.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo from Osaka.
Board from Shin-Osaka Station.
JPY14000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Relish your last lunch in Japan with fresh sushi and seafood.
Walk to the market from your hotel.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Visit the lively Shibuya Crossing to take some iconic photos.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Harajuku

Wander through the trendy streets of Harajuku for unique fashion finds.
Take the train to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Narisawa

Celebrate your final night at Narisawa, a Michelin-star restaurant that showcases innovative Japanese cuisine.
Travel to the restaurant from Harajuku.
JPY30000, 2.5 hours

8:30PM

Evening Tokyo Tower View

End your adventure with stunning nighttime views from Tokyo Tower.
Take the subway to Tokyo Tower.
JPY3000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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