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

Viewed by 1.4K travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Start your Japan adventure by visiting the iconic Senso-ji Temple and the vibrant streets of Asakusa.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Asakusa Station.
JPY 0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo from one of the tallest towers in the world.
Walk from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree (15-minute walk).
JPY 2100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Indulge in a delicious traditional Sukiyaki hot pot meal.
Walk to Asakusa Imahan (10-minute walk).
JPY 3500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping at Nakamise Street

Stroll through the bustling Nakamise Street for unique souvenirs and snacks.
Short walk from lunch restaurant.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Akihabara Tour

Dive into the world of anime and electronics in the famous Akihabara district.
Take the Tokyo Metro from Asakusa to Akihabara (30 minutes).
JPY 0, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Katsukura

Enjoy a delicious Gyukatsu (fried beef cutlet) dinner.
Walk from Akihabara to the restaurant (15 minutes).
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh seafood breakfast at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukiji Station.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Imperial Palace

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a peaceful park in the heart of the city.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Otemachi Station.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience

Partake in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.
Walking distance from the Imperial Palace (15 minutes).
JPY 3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience fast and fun sushi at this conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Shibuya Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Stroll through the vibrant streets of Harajuku and enjoy the unique fashion and trendy shops.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station.
JPY 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Enjoy tranquility at this beautiful shrine surrounded by a lush forest.
Short walk from Harajuku (10 minutes).
JPY 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Savor a steaming bowl of delicious tonkotsu ramen.
Take the train from Harajuku to Ebisu Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Art and Nightlife

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a floral ambiance while having a healthy breakfast.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Aoyama-itchome Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

TeamLab Borderless Museum

Experience an immersive art exhibition that blends digital art and nature.
Take the train to Odaiba via Yurikamome Line.
JPY 3200, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Grab a bite and witness the iconic Gundam statue outside the plaza.
Walk from TeamLab to DiverCity Tokyo (15 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Odaiba Seaside Park

Relax and enjoy the views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
Walk from DiverCity to Odaiba Seaside Park (10 minutes).
JPY 0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Unwind in this beautiful park showcasing various landscapes and floral gardens.
Take the Yurikamome Line back to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Sunset at The Metropolitan Government Building

Catch stunning sunset views of Tokyo from the observation deck.
Short walk from Shinjuku Gyoen.
JPY 0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience the lively atmosphere while enjoying yakitori and drinks in a traditional alleyway.
Walk or take a short taxi to Omoide Yokocho.
JPY 2500, 2 hours

9:00PM

Karaoke at Shidax

End your night with fun karaoke in Shinjuku.
Short taxi ride or walking distance.
JPY 1500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel comfortably on the famous bullet train to Kyoto.
Head to Tokyo Station via the Yamanote Line.
JPY 14000, 3 hours including check-in and waiting time

12:30PM

Check-in at Kyoto accommodation

Settle into your hotel and freshen up before lunch.
Take a taxi or local bus to your accommodation.
JPY 0, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Gion Nanba

Savor a traditional kaiseki lunch in the heart of Gion.
Walking from the hotel.
JPY 5000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic streets of Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses.
Walking distance.
JPY 0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its famous wooden stage.
Taxi or bus from Gion (15 minutes).
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a wide variety of local delicacies at the famous Nishiki Market.
Short taxi ride or bus to Nishiki Market.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening at Pontocho Alley

Experience the beautiful lantern-lit alley with quaint bars and restaurants.
Walking distance from Nishiki Market.
JPY 0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Temples and Traditional Living

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at % Arabica

Kickstart your day with some of the best coffee and pastries in Kyoto.
Walking distance.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a serene walk through the breathtaking bamboo forest.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Station (30 minutes).
JPY 0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Enjoy a delightful yudofu (tofu hot pot) meal in the picturesque Arashiyama.
Short walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and its stunning gardens.
Short walk from lunch.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Stroll across the iconic bridge and take stunning photos of the surrounding nature.
Short walk from Tenryu-ji Temple.
JPY 0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Hike to the top and see wild monkeys in their natural habitat.
Hike from Togetsukyo Bridge (30 minutes).
JPY 600, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Akizuki

Relish local vegetables and seasonal dishes based on the region's specialties.
Return to Kyoto city center (30 minutes by train).
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Citta

Enjoy a rustic breakfast in a cozy atmosphere while trying some Italian-Kyoto fusion dishes.
Short walk from your accommodation.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nijo Castle

Visit the grand Nijo Castle and its stunning gardens, a symbol of Kyoto's rich history.
Take the bus from your hotel (30 minutes).
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Explore the historical significance and beauty of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Take a bus from Nijo Castle (15 minutes).
JPY 0, 1 hour

12:15PM

Lunch at Katsuya

Try a delicious Katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl) for lunch.
Walking distance from the palace.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Learn about Kimono Ateliers

Visit kimono ateliers to understand the art of kimono making and perhaps buy a souvenir.
Explore the nearby streets.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Philosopher’s Path

Stroll along this beautiful cherry blossom-lined canal, ideal for a tranquil walk.
Take public transport to the North end of the Path.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo

Recap your day with more ramen, this time at the famous Ippudo located in Kyoto.
Return to the city center (30 minutes).
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Hop on the train for a quick journey from Kyoto to Osaka.
Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (30 minutes).
JPY 560, 1 hour including check-in

10:00AM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and enjoy its surrounding gardens.
Walk from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle (20 minutes).
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:15PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in street food delights including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take train to Namba Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Dotonbori

Stroll along the famous canal while taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walking distance from lunch.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Get lost in a vast selection of shops within one of Japan's longest shopping streets.
Walking distance from Dotonbori.
JPY 0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Umeda Sky Building

Catch sunset views over the cityscape from the floating garden observatory.
Take the Osaka Metro from Shinsaibashi to Umeda Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Return back to Dotonbori for dinner; try the famous Kushikatsu (skewered deep-fried foods).
Walking back or take the subway from Umeda to Namba.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Local Flavors and Experiences

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Le Bouchon

Savor a French-style breakfast featuring pastries and delicious coffee.
Take the train to Nakazaki-cho, nearby the restaurant.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Get up close with marine life at one of the world's most impressive aquariums.
Take the subway to Osakako Station.
JPY 2400, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample a variety of fresh seafood and gourmet street food.
Take a subway to Nippombashi Station.
JPY 1500, 2 hours

2:00PM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan’s oldest shrines, characterized by its unique architecture.
Take the Nankai Airport Line to Sumiyoshitaisha Station.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Osaka’s Air Museum

Discover Japan's aviation history at this fascinating museum.
Take the subway to Itami Airport.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M, Osaka

Experience the marbled Matsusaka beef served hot off the grill.
Take the train back to the city center.
JPY 6000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Last Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Raku

Enjoy a calm breakfast with organic options and fresh coffee.
Walk or take local transport to the café.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Shopping in Namba

Last-minute shopping in Namba for souvenirs and local goods.
Walking distance from breakfast.
JPY 0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsuruhashi Fouju

Indulge in some of the best barbecue chicken skewers in the area.
Take the train to Tsuruhashi Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Museum of History

Deepen your understanding of Osaka's rich history through interactive exhibits.
Take the subway from Tsuruhashi to Tanimachi 4-chome.
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Nakazakicho

Spending some free time exploring the bohemian neighborhood of Nakazakicho.
Take the subway to Nakazakicho.
JPY 0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hanamomo

Wrap up your Osaka adventure with perfectly grilled fish in a cozy setting.
Take the train back to your hotel.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 10: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Take Shinkansen Back to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo for your final days with another bullet train experience.
Depart from Osaka Station.
JPY 14000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Get a taste of the best ramen in Tokyo at any of the famous stalls.
Walk from the station.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Ueno Park

Relax in the lush urban oasis with museums and cherry blossoms.
Take the subway to Ueno Station.
JPY 0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping in Ameyoko Market

Browse through the bustling market for snacks, clothes, and souvenirs.
Walking distance from Ueno Park.
JPY 0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Asakusa Sushiken

Relish traditional sushi at one of Asakusa's top sushi restaurants.
Take the subway back to Asakusa.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll in Akihabara

Explore the electric town as the neon lights illuminate the streets.
Take the subway back to Akihabara.
JPY 0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 11: Tokyo's Hidden Gems

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Sushiko

Savor the flavour of sushi in the traditional Tsukiji area.
Take the subway back to Tsukiji.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Yanaka District Tour

Discover a vintage Tokyo atmosphere with its temples and shops.
Take the subway to Nippori Station.
JPY 0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yanaka Beer Hall

Try local craft beers and enjoy a hearty Japanese meal.
Short walk from Yanaka District.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kichijoji

Visit this charming neighborhood known for its parks and boutiques.
Take the JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Station.
JPY 0, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Harmonica Yokocho

Sample local street food in this narrow alley filled with eateries.
Take the JR Chuo Line back to Koenji Station.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Sunset at Shinjuku Ni-chome

Experience Tokyo's LGBTQ nightlife in this vibrant area.
Walk or take the subway from your restaurant.
JPY 0, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 12: Final Adventure and Departure

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Little Nap Coffee Stand

Enjoy specialty coffee and tasty breakfast items in a cozy café.
Take the train to Yoyogi Station.
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Ghibli Museum

Delve into the world of Studio Ghibli and explore enchanting displays.
Take the train to Mitaka Station.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kichijoji Liaison

Enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the local vibe.
Short walk from Ghibli Museum.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute shopping at Shibuya

Make sure you grab all your last souvenirs before leaving Japan.
Take the train to Shibuya Station.
JPY 0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Airport Transfer

Head to the airport for your departure home after this amazing adventure.
Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus.
JPY 3000, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tokyo
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