18-Day Cultural and Scenic Japan Itinerary: Osaka to Tokyo via Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Hakone

Day 1: Arrival & Evening Food

Osaka, Japan on August 11, 2025

6:00pm

Dinner in Dotombori

Explore the vibrant street food and casual izakayas in the Dotombori area, known for its lively atmosphere and local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m
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Day 2: Historic & Shopping Tour

Osaka, Japan on August 12, 2025

9:00am

Osaka Castle & Park

Visit Osaka Castle, a historic symbol with a beautiful park surrounding it; enjoy the museum inside and the castle views.
CURRENCY600, 2h

11:30am

Tenmangu Shrine & Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street

Explore Tenmangu Shrine followed by a stroll along Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street for souvenirs and snacks.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Namba

Have lunch amidst Namba’s bustling food culture featuring kuidaore (eat till you drop) specialties in casual eateries.
CURRENCY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon Shopping & Mirador 300

Shop and explore local stores in Namba, then visit Mirador 300 for panoramic city views.
CURRENCY700, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Shinsekai

Experience the iconic kushikatsu skewers in Shinsekai, a bustling and retro district filled with eateries.
CURRENCY2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Theme Park Day

Osaka, Japan on August 13, 2025

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a full day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions at Universal Studios Japan; purchase an Express Pass for shorter wait times.
CURRENCY8800, 9h

7:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

After a long day, opt for a relaxing dinner at a nearby casual Japanese restaurant or izakaya.
CURRENCY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Kyoto Arrival & Local Flavors

Kyoto, Japan on August 14, 2025

9:00am

Train from Osaka to Kyoto

Take the train from Osaka to Kyoto; the journey takes about 30 minutes by Shinkansen.
CURRENCY1500, 0h30m

11:00am

Explore Nishiki Market

Wander the Nishiki Market with its wide variety of fresh and local foods, perfect for snacking though lunch may be pricey here.
CURRENCY0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Gion / Ponto-cho

Enjoy traditional Kyoto-style lunch in the atmospheric Gion or Ponto-cho district featuring authentic local cuisine.
CURRENCY2500, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon Stroll in Gion & Ponto-cho

Leisurely walk through the historic streets of Gion and Ponto-cho, known for traditional teahouses and geisha culture.
CURRENCY0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner Kyo-Kaiseki or Izakaya

Dine on elegant Kyoto kaiseki cuisine near Ponto-cho or enjoy a lively izakaya experience on Kiyamachi Street.
CURRENCY6000, 2h
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Day 5: Spiritual Walk & Sunset

Kyoto, Japan on August 15, 2025

8:30am

Philosopher’s Path

Begin your day walking the Philosopher’s Path, stopping at Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples for cultural and historic insights.
CURRENCY1000, 3h

3:30pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine at Sunset

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous torii gate paths, ideal during sunset for beautiful photographs and fewer crowds.
CURRENCY0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner: Tofu or Vegetarian Kaiseki

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto dinner specializing in tofu cuisine or vegetarian kaiseki in Gion, highlighting local seasonal ingredients.
CURRENCY5000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nature & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to enjoy the tranquility and avoid large crowds.
CURRENCY0, 1h

9:00am

Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Explore UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning gardens for an immersive cultural experience.
CURRENCY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Optional: Iwatayama Monkey Park Hike

Hike up to Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic views of Kyoto and to see wild monkeys in natural habitat.
CURRENCY550, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Arashiyama

Have lunch at a local café or restaurant in Arashiyama featuring seasonal Japanese fare.
CURRENCY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Take a bus or taxi to Kinkaku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most famous sights with its stunning gold leaf façade.
CURRENCY400, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

Walk through the charming historic Saga-Toriimoto Street lined with old merchant houses and shops.
CURRENCY0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner Nearby

Dine at a local Kyoto restaurant offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes nearby your hotel or central Kyoto.
CURRENCY3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Kyoto & Nara, Japan on August 17, 2025

9:00am

Nara Park & Todaiji Temple

Visit Nara Park to see freely roaming deer and explore Todaiji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue.
CURRENCY600, 3h

1:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine surrounded by thousands of hanging lanterns and serene forest paths.
CURRENCY500, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto in the late afternoon, resting before dinner.
CURRENCY1200, 1h

7:00pm

Optional Dinner: Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try regional varieties of ramen conveniently at Kyoto Station’s popular Ramen Street for a casual evening meal.
CURRENCY1200, 1h
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Day 8: Travel to Takayama & Explore

Takayama, Japan on August 18, 2025

9:00am

Train Kyoto to Takayama

Take the morning train from Kyoto to Takayama, enjoying scenic mountain views on the route.
CURRENCY6500, 4h

2:00pm

Stroll Old Town Sanmachi Suji

Explore Takayama’s charming historic district with preserved Edo-era buildings and local shops.
CURRENCY0, 2h

4:30pm

Sake Tasting

Visit local breweries for sake tasting sessions to sample the region’s renowned sake varieties.
CURRENCY1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner Hida Beef

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring premium Hida beef at a well-reviewed grill or steakhouse in Takayama.
CURRENCY5000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Kanazawa & Scenic Sights

Kanazawa, Japan on August 19, 2025

9:00am

Bus/Train Takayama to Kanazawa

Travel from Takayama to Kanazawa by bus or train, with the journey offering nice countryside views.
CURRENCY3000, 3h

1:00pm

Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle

Visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top gardens, followed by Kanazawa Castle nearby for history and beauty.
CURRENCY400, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Omicho Market

Wander Omicho Market and sample fresh seafood for dinner, a local Kanazawa specialty.
CURRENCY1500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Hakone & Nature Loop

Hakone, Japan on August 20, 2025

9:00am

Train Kanazawa to Hakone

Travel from Kanazawa to Hakone using train routes; expect a 4-5 hour journey with transfers.
CURRENCY8000, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch in Hakone-Yumoto

Enjoy a lunch in Hakone-Yumoto town, known for its onsen ryokans and local cuisine.
CURRENCY2000, 1h

3:30pm

Hakone Loop Activities

Experience the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, cruise Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, and visit scenic Hakone Shrine (check operation times for ropeway typically 9am-5pm).
CURRENCY3500, 3h
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Day 11: Tokyo Arrival & City Buzz

Tokyo, Japan on August 21, 2025

9:00am

Train Hakone to Tokyo

Take the train from Hakone to Tokyo, approximately 2 hours via Shinkansen and local trains.
CURRENCY2500, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in & Lunch

Check in to accommodation in Tokyo and have lunch at a local café serving Japanese or international cuisine.
CURRENCY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Shibuya & Shinjuku

Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing, shopping areas, and then head to Shinjuku for city views from the Metropolitan Government Building.
CURRENCY0, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a vibrant dinner in Shinjuku at an izakaya or themed restaurant showcasing Tokyo’s culinary creativity.
CURRENCY3500, 1h30m
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Day 12: Historic & Arts Districts

Tokyo, Japan on August 22, 2025

9:00am

Asakusa Visit

Explore Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street and experience traditional Edo atmosphere.
CURRENCY0, 2h

11:30am

Ueno Park

Walk to Ueno Park, visiting museums or enjoying the park’s ponds and gardens.
CURRENCY0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch near Ueno

Try some casual Japanese dishes in restaurants near Ueno before afternoon activities.
CURRENCY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Relax or explore more

Free time for shopping or relaxing in local cafés in Taito or nearby areas.
CURRENCY0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner in Asakusa

Enjoy dinner at one of Asakusa’s traditional eateries serving tempura or sushi.
CURRENCY3000, 1h30m
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Day 13: Tech & Waterfront

Tokyo, Japan on August 23, 2025

9:30am

Akihabara Electronic Town

Explore Akihabara, famous for electronics, anime, gaming, and pop culture stores.
CURRENCY0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch in Akihabara

Eat at a themed café or casual Japanese restaurant specializing in quick meals.
CURRENCY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Odaiba Visit

Head to Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic waterfront district; visit shopping centers and enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge.
CURRENCY0, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner in Odaiba

Dine overlooking Tokyo Bay, with options ranging from seafood to international cuisine.
CURRENCY3500, 1h30m
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Day 14: Luxury & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on August 24, 2025

9:00am

Morning in Ginza

Explore Ginza’s upscale shopping, coffee shops and art galleries in the morning.
CURRENCY0, 2h

11:30am

Tokio Central Area

Visit Tokyo Central area including the Imperial Palace grounds and nearby attractions.
CURRENCY0, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch near Tokyo Station

Enjoy lunch at a quality restaurant near Tokyo Station with varied Japanese and international options.
CURRENCY2500, 1h

4:00pm

Rest & Packing

Return to hotel for rest and packing to prepare for departure the following day.
CURRENCY0, 3h

10:00pm

Flight from Tokyo to Beijing to Barcelona

Depart from Tokyo late night, connecting via Beijing, to return to Barcelona.
CURRENCY0, Overnight
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