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12 Day Japan Itinerary: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

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Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on April 22, 2025

3:00PM

Check-in at hotel

After a long flight, check into your accommodation to refresh and relax.
USD150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Asakusa is famous for its Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, where you can enjoy the vibrant shopping street leading up to it.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy a delicious traditional meal featuring sukiyaki, a classic Japanese dish.
USD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and sashimi from one of the numerous vendors in this bustling market.
USD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Meiji Shrine

A peaceful shrine located in a serene forested area, remarkably close to the bustling Harajuku district.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Experience the eclectic fashion and trendy shops that Harajuku is known for.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Relish mouth-watering gyoza at this popular eatery, known for its affordable prices and great taste.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing

Witness one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world and explore the nearby Shibuya shopping area.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo from this iconic landmark.
USD22, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Famous for inspiring the restaurant scene in 'Kill Bill', enjoy great izakaya food in a unique setting.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out on your day trip.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Nikko, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD30, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the elaborately decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan's first shogun.
USD10, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Try local specialties such as yakitori in a quaint atmosphere at this popular family restaurant.
USD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Visit the stunning Kegon Falls and enjoy the views of Lake Chuzenji, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
USD5, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo via Tobu Railway to relax at your hotel.
USD30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Relish the famous tonkotsu ramen at this popular chain where you can customize your bowl.
USD15, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast at your hotel to prepare for travel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Take Shinkansen to Kyoto

Travel on the famous bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, experiencing high-speed travel.
USD120, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
USD4, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Savor traditional udon noodles in an authentic Japanese setting, right near Nanzen-ji Temple.
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest and enjoy a peaceful escape from the city.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at If Café

Experience modern takes on Japanese classics in a cozy atmosphere, perfect after a busy day.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a lavish buffet breakfast at your hotel with Japanese and Western options.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, it’s a must-see shrine in Kyoto.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local delicacies such as yuba (tofu skin) and matcha sweets at this bustling market.
USD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Gion District

Explore the historic streets of Gion and keep an eye out for geishas.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine at this lovely restaurant that focuses on local ingredients.
USD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a robust breakfast at your hotel before heading to Nara.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Catch a train from Kyoto to Nara, famous for its deer parks and temples.
USD10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to a giant bronze Buddha statue, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD5, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hiraso

Try out traditional kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves that's unique to Nara.
USD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll Nara Park

Enjoy the sight of the free-roaming deer and picturesque landscapes in one of Japan's oldest parks.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for an evening of relaxation.
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kichisen

Delight in a high-end kaiseki dining experience filled with various seasonal dishes.
USD100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 7: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on April 28, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride to Osaka, known for its modern architecture and vibrant nightlife.
USD8, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic castle and its beautiful gardens, providing a glimpse into Japan's past.
USD6, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try the famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this lively district filled with neon lights.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Wander through this famous shopping street packed with trendy shops and boutiques.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Beef Steak M

Indulge in a premium steak dining experience offering the finest Matsusaka beef.
USD80, 2 hours
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Day 8: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for another exciting day in Osaka.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Universal Studios Japan

Experience thrilling rides and attractions at one of the most popular theme parks in Japan.
USD75, 6 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Kuromon Market

Sample various local foods and street snacks at this energetic market.
USD30, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 9: Visit Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a solid breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, a city known for its poignant history.
USD120, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at this memorial park honoring the victims of the atomic bomb.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Try the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with various ingredients.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed castle and learn about its history in the small museum.
USD5, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for an evening at leisure.
USD20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu

Enjoy some delicious okonomiyaki from this well-known restaurant in Osaka.
USD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10: Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast and prepare for a trip to Miyajima Island.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima Island

Take a ferry from Hiroshima to this scenic island known for Itsukushima Shrine.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Admire this iconic shrine that seems to float on water during high tide.
USD5, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yakigaki no Hayashi

Enjoy grilled oysters, a local specialty within stunning surroundings.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Mount Misen

Hike or take the ropeway to the top for breathtaking views of the island and beyond.
USD10, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Take the ferry back and relax after a fulfilling day.
USD20, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kintyō

Experience delicious Hiroshima-style tsukemen (dipping ramen) at this popular spot.
USD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 11: Visit Himeji Castle

Himeji, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast as you prepare for a visit to Himeji Castle.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Himeji

Catch a train from Osaka to Himeji to see the stunning white castle.
USD10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore one of Japan's most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
USD12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsushima

Enjoy delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood and kaiseki meals.
USD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka for your last evening in Japan.
USD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Kushi Katsu Daruma

Revel in a fun dinner of kushi katsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) in Osaka's vibrant atmosphere.
USD25, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan with your favorite dishes.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo to catch your flight at Narita or Haneda Airport.
USD120, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-in for Flight

Ensure you arrive in time for your international flight's check-in process.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Leave Japan with unforgettable memories and experiences.
N/A, N/A
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