Exploring Urban Japan: Tokyo and Osaka Itinerary from May 5 to May 15, 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on May 5, 2025

10:00AM

Check-in & Rest

Arrive in Tokyo, check in to hotel in central Shinjuku area and relax after your flight to prepare for sightseeing.
¥0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy traditional Japanese street food in the nostalgic alleyway full of small eateries offering yakitori and ramen.
¥1000-2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, set in a peaceful forested area in Shibuya.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll Takeshita Street

Walk through the famous Takeshita Street known for quirky fashion boutiques and vibrant youth culture.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the iconic restaurant inspiring the Kill Bill movie, serving traditional Japanese izakaya dishes in a lively setting.
¥3000-5000, 2 hours

Day 2: Tokyo Culture & Skyline

Tokyo, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh sushi and seafood delights at Tsukiji Outer Market, an iconic spot for breakfast lovers.
¥1500-3000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy sukiyaki, a traditional hot pot dish, at one of Asakusa's most famous restaurants.
¥4000-6000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Ascend Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views from one of the tallest observation towers in the world.
¥2100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai

Indulge in fresh sushi in a lively and well-known chain with multiple locations near the Skytree area.
¥3000-5000, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on May 7, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Bills, Odaiba

Experience a western-style breakfast with a Japanese touch in the scenic Odaiba area.
¥2000-3000, 1 hour

10:00AM

TeamLab Borderless Museum

Immerse yourself in the stunning digital art exhibitions at this interactive museum (opens at 10 AM).
¥3200, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Choose from many restaurants offering Japanese and international cuisine at DiverCity shopping mall.
¥1500-3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping in Ginza

Explore Tokyo’s upscale shopping district with boutiques, department stores, and cafes.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tempura Kondo

Savor exquisite tempura dishes, highly acclaimed and Michelin starred, in Ginza (advance reservation recommended).
¥8000-12000, 2 hours

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 8, 2025

7:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Take the train from Tokyo to Nikko (about 2 hours).
¥2500, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
¥1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local Nikko specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) in a cozy traditional restaurant.
¥1500-2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Walk around Lake Chuzenji

Relax with scenic views and nature walks around Lake Chuzenji near Nikko.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Take train back to Tokyo and rest.
¥2500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

End your day with a flavorful ramen bowl at this popular chain with various Tokyo locations.
¥1000-1500, 1 hour

Day 5: Tokyo to Osaka Transfer

Tokyo to Osaka, Japan on May 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shinkansen to Osaka

Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka for a speedy and comfortable 2.5-hour ride.
¥14000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Indulge in Osaka’s street food specialties like takoyaki and fresh seafood at the Kuromon Market.
¥1500-3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Check-in & rest

Check into your hotel in central Osaka and relax.
¥0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Explore Dotonbori

Walk the lively Dotonbori district with bright neon lights, shops, and eateries.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Mizuno

Try authentic okonomiyaki, Osaka’s famous savory pancake, at this popular local spot.
¥2000-3500, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Osaka Castle & Aquarium

Osaka, Japan on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the historical Osaka Castle and its museum, surrounded by beautiful park gardens.
¥600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon

Relish innovative and hearty udon dishes in a modern setting near Osaka Castle.
¥1500-2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life (open 10 AM - 8 PM).
¥2500, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a lively traditional atmosphere.
¥2000-3500, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Culture & Shopping in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Have a fresh coffee and light breakfast at this well-loved specialty coffee shop in Osaka.
¥800-1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shitennoji Temple

See one of Japan’s oldest temples, offering a peaceful historic experience.
¥300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Enjoy shopping at the largest shopping area in Osaka with a mix of luxury brands, boutiques, and cafes.
Free, 3 hours

3:00PM

Coffee break at Nana’s Green Tea

Relax with traditional Japanese matcha sweets and tea at this cozy cafe in Shinsaibashi.
¥1000-1500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Endo Sushi

Savor fresh sushi at this famous Osaka fish market sushi restaurant.
¥4000-6000, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Train to Nara

Take the short 45-minute train ride from Osaka to Nara, known for its temples and deer park.
¥800, 45 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue inside Todai-ji, one of Japan's most famous temples.
¥600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Nara Park

Feed and walk among freely roaming deer in expansive Nara Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Kasuga Ninai Jyaya

Enjoy traditional Nara cuisine near the Kasuga Taisha Shrine area.
¥2000-3500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Experience this important Shinto shrine famous for its bronze and stone lanterns.
¥500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take train back to Osaka and rest.
¥800, 45 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Fukutaro

Relax with a delicious Osaka-style okonomiyaki dinner at this well-known local restaurant.
¥2000-3500, 1.5 hours

Day 9: Modern Life & Night Views

Osaka, Japan on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gram Cafe

Treat yourself to fluffy Japanese pancakes at this trendy cafe.
¥1200-2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory.
¥1500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hankyu Sanbangai

Eat at the variety of restaurants in Hankyu Sanbangai shopping complex.
¥1500-3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Amerikamura

Discover this hip district known for fashion boutiques and street art.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Have a relaxing coffee break at a local favorite.
¥800-1500, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Tsurutontan Soemoncho

Enjoy a stylish and delicious udon dinner at this popular restaurant in downtown Osaka.
¥2000-3500, 1.5 hours

Day 10: Relax & Departure Prep

Osaka, Japan on May 14, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a slow breakfast and pack for your trip home.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Take a peaceful morning visit to this beautiful, historic shrine in Osaka.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at local cafe nearby

Grab lunch at a nearby café to enjoy final local tastes.
¥1500-2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing

Use your afternoon to revisit favorite spots or shop for souvenirs.
Varies, 3 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Matsuzushi

Celebrate your last night with exquisite sushi at this Michelin-recommended restaurant.
¥8000-12000, 2 hours

Day 11: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before checkout.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Head to the airport for your flight departure.
¥1500 by train, 1 hour