Ultimate 9-Day Tokyo to Osaka and Back Travel Itinerary for Couples

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival and City Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on May 13, 2025

9:00AM

Arrive at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Reach Tokyo and prepare to explore the vibrant capital city.
N/A, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00AM to 2:00PM, perfect for tasting authentic local flavors.
JPY2000-4000 per person, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit Sensō-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple and the colorful Nakamise shopping street leading up to it. This cultural site is open 24 hours, with shops closing around 6:00PM.
Free, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Daikokuya Tempura

Taste traditional tempura in a historic restaurant known for its crispy and light batter.
JPY1500-3000 per person, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum

Relax in Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum to admire Japanese art and history. The museum is open 9:30AM to 5:00PM, closed on Mondays.
JPY620 per person, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy an atmospheric dinner at the famous Gonpachi, also known as the 'Kill Bill' restaurant, serving traditional Japanese dishes with modern flair.
JPY3000-6000 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Modern Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aoyama Flower Market Tea House

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast surrounded by flowers and nature at this charming café open from 10:00AM, so arrive around opening for a tranquil experience.
JPY1500 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine and stroll through Yoyogi Park, a calm retreat in busy Tokyo, both open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Delicious and affordable gyoza dumplings in a relaxed environment, open from 11:30AM to 10:00PM.
JPY1000-1500 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Experience the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, followed by a visit to the famous Hachiko Statue nearby.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Shibuya and Omotesando

Explore trendy shops and boutiques along Omotesando and in the Shibuya area.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Enjoy a fun and high-tech conveyor belt sushi experience, open till 11PM.
JPY2000-3500 per person, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:00AM

Travel from Tokyo to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, approximately 1.5-hour trip.
JPY2000 per person (one way), 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore beautiful sculptures and artworks in a scenic outdoor setting, open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY1600 per person, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked bread and local dishes while overlooking Lake Ashi.
JPY1500-2500 per person, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji, cruises run from 9:00AM to 4:30PM, lasting about 30 minutes per trip.
JPY1000 per person, 1 hour including waiting and boarding

2:30PM

Ride Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani

Experience volcanic valley views and try black eggs boiled in hot springs. Ropeway open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY1500 per person round trip, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo via Romancecar train, approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY2000 per person, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner near hotel

Choose a local izakaya near your accommodation for casual dining and authentic Japanese flavors.
JPY2500-4500 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Tokyo to Osaka Travel Day

Tokyo to Osaka, Japan on May 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light Japanese or Western style breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
JPY1000-2000 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka

Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, about 2.5 hours travel time. Booking a reserved seat on the Nozomi or Hikari train is recommended.
JPY14000 per person one way, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market, Osaka

Explore fresh seafood and street food stalls at this lively market, open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY1500-3000 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Check into Osaka hotel

Settle in and relax briefly before starting sightseeing.
Variable, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the famous historic castle and surrounding parklands. The castle is open from 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY600 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Walk and shop in Dotonbori

Enjoy vibrant nightlife, neon signs, and street food in Osaka’s main entertainment district.
Free to walk, food & purchases vary, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in a fun and interactive setting.
JPY2000-4000 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Osaka Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan on May 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rikuro Ojisan no Mise

Try the fluffy and famous Japanese cheesecake, available starting from 9:00AM.
JPY600 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest public aquariums with fascinating marine exhibits, open 10:00AM to 8:00PM.
JPY2400 per person, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy a variety of food options including sushi, ramen, and local specialties in the marketplace next to the aquarium.
JPY1500-3000 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Get panoramic views of Osaka Bay and cityscape, operating from 10:00AM to 10:00PM.
JPY800 per person, 30 minutes

3:00PM

Visit Namba Parks

Explore this unique shopping complex with beautiful rooftop gardens and shops, open 11:00AM to 9:00PM.
Free to enter, shopping varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor the local deep-fried skewers specialty, located in the Shinsekai area.
JPY2500-4000 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on May 18, 2025

7:30AM

Train from Osaka to Kyoto

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station, approximately 30 minutes.
JPY560 per person, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto café breakfast in a historic atmosphere, open from 7:30AM.
JPY1000-1500 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic torii gate tunnels and the sacred mountain trails, open 24 hours.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of Kyoto street food and fresh ingredients at this lively market open 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY1500-3000 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold-leaf covered temple surrounded by serene gardens, open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY400 per person, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Gion District

Walk through the historic Geisha district and traditional streets.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka, approx 30 minutes.
JPY560 per person, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M

Indulge in premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, a top-notch Osaka dining experience.
JPY6000-12000 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Leisure Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café de L’Ambre

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and pastries, open from 8:00AM.
JPY1000-1500 per person, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, known for its distinctive architecture, open from 6:00AM to 5:00PM.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy unique and flavorful udon dishes in a stylish setting, open from 11:30AM to 10:00PM.
JPY1500-2500 per person, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax at Spa World

Experience a large onsen theme park with multiple international spa baths and relaxation areas, open 10:00AM to 8:45AM next day.
JPY1200 per person, 3 hours

5:00PM

Free evening – explore local neighborhoods or rest

Use this time for shopping or dining at your discretion nearby your accommodation.
Variable, 3 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Tokyo and Final Exploration

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on May 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for travel day with a hearty breakfast.
Included or JPY1000-2000 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo

Travel back on the bullet train, approximately 2.5 hours journey.
JPY14000 per person, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Sample various renowned ramen shops conveniently located inside Tokyo Station.
JPY1000-2000 per person, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Odaiba

Spend afternoon at the shopping and entertainment district Odaiba, with attractions like teamLab Borderless (9:00AM-7:00PM).
teamLab Borderless JPY3200 per person, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Odaiba

Enjoy a lively dinner with views of Tokyo Bay in this popular restaurant, open until 11:00PM.
JPY3000-6000 per person, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Early breakfast offering light fare to start your final day comfortably.
JPY1000-2000 per person, 1 hour

8:30AM

Relaxing walk or quick shopping in nearby area

Spend your last few hours strolling local neighborhoods or final souvenir shopping.
Variable, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-out and travel to airport

Prepare for departure and transfer to Haneda or Narita Airport depending on your flight.
Taxi or train fare approx JPY3000-4000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability