Exploring Japan Itinerary: From Kanazawa to Tokyo Using the Hokuriku Arch Pass

Day 1: Arrival in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

11:00 AM

Arrival at Narita Airport

Arrive at Narita Airport and activate your Hokuriku Arch Pass for travel to Kanazawa.
Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Total travel time is about 4 hours.
3000 JPY (approximate, depending on transport), 4 hours

3:00 PM

Kenrokuen Garden

Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens known for its beauty through all seasons.
Take a local bus from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen, about 25 minutes.
300 JPY (garden entrance fee), 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Higashi Chaya District

Stroll through Higashi Chaya, the historic geisha district, renowned for its charming streets and teahouses.
Walk from Kenrokuen Garden to Higashi Chaya District, it takes around 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Omicho Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's vibrant food hub.
Walk to Omicho Market from Higashi Chaya, about 10 minutes.
1500 JPY, 1 hour
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Day 2: Kanazawa to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00 AM

Morning Market

Start the day at Takayama's Morning Market, where you can sample local produce and handmade crafts.
Take a limited express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto. The journey takes about 2 hours with the Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through its beautiful surrounding gardens.
Take a bus or taxi from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji, around 40 minutes travel time.
400 JPY, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Discover local flavors at Nishiki Market, sampling Kyoto-style street food and fresh ingredients.
Take a bus from Kinkaku-ji to Nishiki Market, approximately 30 minutes.
1000 JPY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vibrant torii gates leading up the mountain.
Take a train from Nishiki Market to Inari Station, taking about 15-20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Kaiseki Dinner

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner, an artfully arranged multi-course meal reflecting local culinary culture.
Make a reservation at a recommended kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto.
5000 JPY, 2 hours
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Day 3: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00 AM

Nijo Castle

Visit Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and historical significance as a former residence of Shogun.
Take a train to Nijojo-mae Station, around 20 minutes.
600 JPY, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an iconic natural attraction in Kyoto.
Take a train from Nijo Castle to Saga-Arashiyama Station, about 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing the serene atmosphere of Arashiyama.
Head to a local eatery within the area.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Travel to Osaka

Transfer to Osaka for your next adventure.
Take a train from Saga-Arashiyama to Osaka, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
800 JPY, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dotonbori Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Dotonbori, famous for its neon lights and delicious street food, like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take a short subway ride or walk from your hotel to Dotonbori, around 20 minutes depending on your location.
Variable, 2 hours
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Day 4: Osaka Fun & Culture

Osaka, Japan

9:00 AM

Osaka Castle

Begin your day at Osaka Castle, a historic monument with beautiful gardens and a museum inside.
Take a subway to Osaka Castle Park, a short ride of about 20 minutes.
600 JPY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan's oldest temples, Shitennoji, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Take a short subway ride from Osaka Castle to Shitennoji Temple, approximately 20 minutes.
300 JPY, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, sampling local street food offerings from fresh seafood to grilled meats.
Take a subway from Shitennoji to Kuromon Ichiba Market, a quick 15-minute ride.
1500 JPY, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the largest aquariums in the world at Kaiyukan, showcasing diverse marine life.
Take a subway from Kuromon Ichiba to Osaka Aquarium, about 30 minutes.
2300 JPY, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening Kuromon Street Food

Return to Kuromon Market for dinner, trying more of the various delicious street food options available.
Walk back to Kuromon from the aquarium, about 15 minutes.
1500 JPY, 1 hour
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Day 5: Travel to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00 AM

Travel to Tokyo

Prepare for your journey to Tokyo, taking the Shinkansen for a smooth ride.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo, approximately 2 hours with the Hokuriku Arch Pass.
2000 JPY (approximate, depending on time of travel), 2 hours

11:00 AM

Check-In and Relax

Check into your hotel in Tokyo and relax before exploring the city.
Your hotel check-in timeframe will vary but take this time to refresh yourself.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy a fantastic seafood lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market, renowned for its fresh and diverse offerings.
Take a subway from your hotel to Tsukiji Station, travel time will vary but should be about 20-30 minutes.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Ginza Shopping

Explore the upscale shopping district of Ginza, home to luxury brands and department stores.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Ginza, about 5-10 minutes.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Evening at Shibuya Crossing

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and vibrant nightlife, a must-do in Tokyo.
Take the subway from Ginza to Shibuya, about 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 6: Tokyo Cultural Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

9:00 AM

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, surrounded by shopping streets in Asakusa.
Take a subway to Asakusa Station, around 30 minutes depending on your hotel location.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Tokyo Skytree

Head to Tokyo Skytree for stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Take a subway or a short train ride from Asakusa to Tokyo Skytree, approximately 20 minutes.
2000 JPY, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch in Asakusa District

Enjoy a local lunch at one of the many restaurants in the Asakusa area, sampling traditional Japanese dishes.
Walk back to Asakusa for lunch.
1000 JPY, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Meiji Shrine

Visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a lush forest, offering a peaceful escape from the city hustle.
Take a train from Asakusa to Shibuya, then transfer to Harajuku Station for a short walk to the shrine, about 30 minutes total.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Harajuku Shopping & Culture

Explore Harajuku, known for its trendy shops and unique fashion culture, ending the day with delicious crepes.
Walk around and enjoy the colorful streets of Harajuku.
Variable, 2 hours
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Day 7: Tokyo Final Day

Tokyo, Japan

9:00 AM

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Wander through the serene Imperial Palace East Gardens, a historical site with beautiful landscaping.
Take a subway from your hotel to Tokyo Station, about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Akihabara Electric Town

Explore Akihabara, the mecca of electronics and otaku culture, famous for its anime and game shops.
Take a train from Tokyo Station to Akihabara Station, around 5-10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Izakaya

Try a traditional lunch at a local izakaya, tasting Japanese small plates and sake.
Find a recommended izakaya nearby in Akihabara for an authentic experience.
1500 JPY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Return to Shibuya for last-minute shopping and exploring the famous Shibuya 109 shopping complex.
Take a train back to Shibuya, about 20 minutes.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Farewell Dinner in Tokyo

Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Tokyo, celebrating the experiences of your trip.
Make a reservation at a recommended fine dining establishment for your final meal.
5000 JPY, 2 hours
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