Ultimate 8-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara Adventure

Day 1: Explore Ueno

Tokyo, Japan on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Innsyoutei

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast in Ueno’s famous Innsyoutei restaurant located in Ueno Park, renowned for its seasonal dishes and serene garden views.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum

Stroll through Ueno Park to see cherry blossoms if in season, then visit the Tokyo National Museum to admire Japan's rich cultural heritage with samurai armor, ancient pottery, and scrolls. Open 9:30am–5pm.
JPY620, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ise Sueyoshi

Taste authentic Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in a cozy setting, just a short distance from Ueno, perfect for a refined and delicious lunch.
JPY4000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Ameya-Yokocho Market Shopping

Explore this bustling shopping street filled with fresh food, clothes, and souvenirs offering a lively atmosphere and great bargains.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen Ueno

Sample rich tonkotsu ramen at this famous chain known for flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, just minutes from your accommodation.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 2: Museums and Cultural Sites

Tokyo, Japan on April 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de l'Ambre

Begin your day with carefully brewed vintage coffee at this legendary Ueno cafe known for expert roasting techniques.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Ueno Zoo

Visit Japan’s oldest zoo featuring giant pandas, elephants, and diverse animal species in lush surroundings within Ueno Park. Open 9:30am–5pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tonkatsu Butagumi

Indulge in premium tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) made from rare Japanese pork breeds in an elegant setting near Ueno.
JPY2500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit National Museum of Western Art

Browse masterpieces by Rodin, Monet, and other Western artists at this modern museum located inside Ueno Park. Open 9:30am–5pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Shinobazu Pond

Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the scenic pond known for lotus flowers and rowboat rentals with views of Bentendo Temple.
Rowboat rental approximately JPY700 (optional), 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tofuya Ukai Ueno

Experience traditional Japanese tofu cuisine in a beautiful garden setting near Ueno Park.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Osaka

Tokyo to Osaka, Japan on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a convenient and hearty breakfast at your Ueno hotel before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station

Take the fastest bullet train (Nozomi train) to Osaka, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes ride.
JPY14000, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Namba accommodation

Settle into your hotel in the vibrant Namba district, the perfect base to explore Osaka.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try making your own takoyaki (octopus balls) and enjoy freshly cooked street food in Dotonbori Area.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi

Walk along the famous Dotonbori canal lined with neon lights, shops, and street food vendors, then browse the fashionable Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka’s iconic kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) in a lively, casual atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Day Trip to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Namba to Kyoto by train

Catch the JR Special Rapid Service train from Osaka Namba to Kyoto Station, about 45 minutes ride.
JPY560, 45m

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee Kyoto Main Branch

Enjoy a hearty Western-style breakfast with coffee at this historic Kyoto café.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates up the mountain trails to experience one of Kyoto’s most iconic and spiritual sites. Open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various Kyoto delicacies and street food at this lively market known as 'Kyoto’s Kitchen.'
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the famous wooden temple with panoramic views of Kyoto. Open 6am–6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll along historic streets famous for traditional wooden machiya houses and the chance to spot geisha.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Namba, Osaka for the evening.
JPY560, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Feast on premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku at this highly rated restaurant near Namba station.
JPY5000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Train from Namba to Nara

Board the Kintetsu Nara line to reach Nara in about 40 minutes.
JPY560, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try famous freshly made yomogi mochi or kusa dango (mugwort rice cakes) near Nara Park.
JPY500, 30m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the massive Great Buddha statue in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 7:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Nara Park & Feed Deer

Walk through the vast parkland home to hundreds of freely roaming bowing deer, a symbol of the city.
JPY200 for deer crackers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Enjoy fresh tuna dishes and local specialties in a cozy restaurant near Nara Park.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Admire the lush forest setting and hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns at this ancient Shinto shrine. Open 6:30am–5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Namba in Osaka for your last evening in the city.
JPY560, 40m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Try Osaka’s famous okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at this popular spot in Dotonbori. Open until around 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 6: Return to Tokyo Shinjuku

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast at your Namba hotel for energy before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo

Depart Osaka on the Nozomi bullet train back to Tokyo, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
JPY14000, 2h30m

11:30am

Check-in at Shinjuku hotel

Settle into accommodation in lively Shinjuku, a major entertainment and shopping district.
Varies, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Omoide Yokocho

Explore tiny eateries serving yakitori and local snacks in this nostalgic narrow alley near Shinjuku station.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in one of Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens featuring traditional Japanese, English landscape, and French formal gardens. Open 9am–4:30pm (closed Mondays).
JPY500, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Kabukicho

Walk through Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife area lined with shops, bars, and entertainment venues.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Robot Restaurant

Experience the unique and colorful futuristic dinner-show featuring robots, neon lights, and performances. Reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 7: Shinjuku Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsunahachi Tempura

Start with expertly fried tempura breakfast dishes in a longstanding Shinjuku restaurant. Open 11am–10pm, but breakfast menus available early with prior check.
JPY2500, 1h

9:30am

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

View panoramic Tokyo skyline for free from twin towers. Open 9:30am–11pm, closed second and fourth Monday.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Shopping at Takashimaya Times Square

Browse an array of fashion, souvenirs, and gourmet food in this popular multi-floor shopping complex adjacent to Shinjuku Station.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Menya Musashi

Delight in savory ramen from one of Tokyo’s most famous ramen chains, known for thick broth and chewy noodles.
JPY1200, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Golden Gai

Discover tiny themed bars and the retro atmosphere of Shinjuku’s famous nightlife alley, ideal to visit early afternoon for quieter vibe.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Unwind in this hot springs theme park offering various baths, footbaths, and relaxation zones. Open 11am–9am next day.
JPY2800, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at New York Grill, Park Hyatt

Dine with a spectacular night view from the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt, famous from the movie Lost in Translation.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Tokyo, Japan on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack for your flight home.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Check-out and travel to airport

Take airport limousine bus or train from Shinjuku to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) or Narita, depending on your departure.
JPY3000-4000, 1-1.5h
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