12-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Osaka Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 14, 2025

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your accommodation in Tokyo.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Shinjuku

Wander through the bustling streets of Shinjuku, known for its vibrant nightlife and shopping.
JPY0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience traditional Japanese izakaya dining in this nostalgic alleyway.
JPY3,000, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno

Tokyo, Japan on April 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Enjoy a melon pan, a famous sweet bread, at this historic bakery.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple and the surrounding Nakamise Shopping Street.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Savor sukiyaki, a traditional Japanese hot pot dish.
JPY4,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Ueno Park

Stroll through the park, visit museums, and enjoy seasonal flowers.
JPY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Ameya-Yokochō Market

Shop for snacks, clothes, and souvenirs in this lively open-air market.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Izuei Honten

Try unagi (grilled eel) at this renowned restaurant.
JPY3,500, 1 hour

Day 3: Akihabara and Sunshine 60

Tokyo, Japan on April 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de L'Ambre

Enjoy a classic Japanese coffee experience at this historic café.
JPY1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Akihabara

Visit electronics stores, anime shops, and themed cafés in this otaku paradise.
JPY0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maidreamin

Experience a maid café, where staff entertain guests with songs and games.
JPY2,500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sunshine 60 Observatory

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from this 60-story skyscraper.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Ikebukuro Shopping

Explore shopping centers like Sunshine City and Tokyu Hands.
JPY0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Mutekiya Ramen

Savor rich tonkotsu ramen at this popular spot.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

Day 4: Harajuku and Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a Western-style breakfast at this popular café.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit this serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Takeshita Street

Explore this vibrant street known for its trendy shops and crepe stands.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Try yuzu shio ramen, a refreshing citrus-infused noodle dish.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and explore nearby shops.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Hachiko Statue

Visit the famous statue of the loyal dog Hachiko.
JPY0, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Shopping at Shibuya 109

Browse the latest fashion trends in this iconic department store.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Sushi

Enjoy affordable and delicious conveyor belt sushi.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

Day 5: Tsukiji Market and Shinsaibashi

Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh seafood and street food at this bustling market.
JPY2,000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hamarikyu Gardens

Relax in this traditional Japanese garden with a tea house.
JPY300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Sumida River Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride to Asakusa.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Sometaro

Enjoy okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, in a traditional setting.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Travel to Osaka

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka.
JPY14,000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Hotel in Osaka

Settle into your accommodation in Osaka.
JPY0, 1 hour

6:30PM

Explore Shinsaibashi

Wander through this popular shopping district known for its boutiques and restaurants.
JPY0, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this lively area.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo, Japan on April 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Tokyo Disneyland

Take the train to Maihama Station, the gateway to Tokyo Disneyland.
JPY500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Tokyo Disneyland

Experience the magic of Disney with various attractions, parades, and shows.
JPY10,900, 12 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall

Dine in a whimsical setting inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Blue Bayou Restaurant

Enjoy Cajun-Creole cuisine in a romantic, dimly lit setting.
JPY3,500, 1 hour

Day 7: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on April 20, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Universal Studios Japan

Take the train to Universal City Station.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies.
JPY8,400, 10 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Three Broomsticks

Experience British pub fare in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Finnegan's Bar & Grill

Savor American-Irish cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
JPY2,500, 1 hour

Day 8: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this vibrant market.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle and its surrounding park.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kura Sushi

Enjoy conveyor belt sushi with a wide variety of options.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shitenno-ji Temple

Visit Japan's oldest Buddhist temple.
JPY300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore this beautiful shrine known for its unique architecture.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Harukoma Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi at this popular local spot.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

Day 9: Kyoto Day Trip

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before heading to Kyoto.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the train to Kyoto Station.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic torii gates leading up the mountain.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various local foods in Kyoto's 'Kitchen'.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning gold-leaf covered temple.
JPY400, 1 hour

2:30PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the serene bamboo forest.
JPY0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gion District

Explore Kyoto's famous geisha district.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal.
JPY5,000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

Day 10: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on April 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Nara.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the train to Nara Station.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the Great Buddha Hall housing a massive bronze Buddha statue.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer roaming freely in the park.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kura Sushi Nara

Enjoy a variety of sushi options at this conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this historic shrine known for its lanterns.
JPY500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Naramachi District

Wander through this traditional merchant district with preserved buildings.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Maguro Koya

Savor fresh tuna dishes at this local favorite.
JPY2,000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka.
JPY800, 1 hour

Day 11: Kobe Day Trip

Kobe, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before heading to Kobe.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Kobe

Take the train to Kobe Station.
JPY700, 1 hour

9:00AM

Kobe Harborland

Explore this shopping and entertainment district by the waterfront.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Ride the ropeway and enjoy panoramic views and beautiful gardens.
JPY1,500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Wakkoqu

Indulge in authentic Kobe beef at this renowned restaurant.
JPY8,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ikuta Shrine

Visit one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.
JPY0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Explore the vibrant Chinatown area with various shops and eateries.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Roushouki

Try the famous pork buns at this popular spot.
JPY500, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka.
JPY700, 1 hour

Day 12: Departure

Osaka, Japan on April 25, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan at the hotel.
JPY1,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Check-out and Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the train or airport shuttle to Kansai International Airport.
JPY1,500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Flight Check-in

Complete check-in procedures for your departure flight.
JPY0, 1 hour