7-Day Tokyo and Kyoto Itinerary in January 2026: Vending Machines, Sumo, Disneyland & Culture

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Gatchapon

Tokyo, Japan on January 10, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Begin with fresh sushi and street snacks at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from early morning and perfect for energising your first day in Tokyo.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Gatchapon Capsule Toy Hunting in Akihabara

Explore the rich collection of gatchapon vending machines and specialty shops in Akihabara, Tokyo’s mecca for collectible capsule toys.
Variable starting at JPY100, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Maidreamin Maid Café

Experience the playful atmosphere and kawaii culture at Maidreamin, where you can enjoy themed Japanese comfort food. Open 11am to 9pm.
JPY1800, 1h

2:00pm

Mystery Vending Machines Safari in Shibuya and Shinjuku

Find unique and surprising mystery vending machines offering toys, snacks, and novelty items, a fun treasure hunt for curious travellers.
Variable, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Relish authentic yakitori and izakaya specialties in the atmospheric alleyways near Shinjuku Station, perfect for a traditional Tokyo evening.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Sumo Tournament & Kodokan

Tokyo, Japan on January 11, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Crie

Enjoy a light Japanese-Western style breakfast with pastries and coffee at this chain café, open early for a quick start.
JPY800, 45m

9:30am

Watch Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan

Attend the thrilling sumo wrestling matches at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan arena. January tournaments are held early in the month, so verify exact dates.
JPY5000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chanko Nabe Restaurant

Sample the hearty sumo staple hotpot, Chanko Nabe, at a nearby specialty restaurant to warm up after the tournament.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kodokan Judo Institute

Tour the prestigious Kodokan, birthplace of judo, and learn about its rich martial arts history. Open from 9am to 5pm.
JPY300, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner in Ryogoku

Enjoy a variety of izakaya dishes nearby, an ideal way to finish a day dedicated to traditional Japanese sports.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo, Japan on January 12, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel or Convenience Store

Grab a quick and convenient breakfast at your hotel or a nearby convenience store before heading to the park.
JPY700, 30m

8:30am

Full Day at Tokyo Disneyland

Spend the day enjoying the magical attractions, shows, and parades of Tokyo Disneyland, which is open from 8am to 10pm in January.
JPY8200, 10h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grandma Sara’s Kitchen

Enjoy hearty western-style comfort food with a Japanese touch inside Disneyland, open throughout park hours.
JPY1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall

Dine in the whimsical themed restaurant within Disneyland, offering a magical atmosphere and meals until park closing.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 4: Vending Machines & Shinjuku

Tokyo, Japan on January 13, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and fresh juices at this beloved western-style breakfast spot, open from 8am.
JPY2500, 1h

10:30am

Explore Shinjuku’s Unique Vending Machines

Discover a variety of extraordinary vending machines selling hot meals, flowers and quirky gifts in Shinjuku.
Variable, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Torikizoku Yakitori Chain

Enjoy budget-friendly and tasty yakitori skewers at this popular Tokyo chain located in multiple Shinjuku spots.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience tranquil surroundings at Meiji Shrine and adjacent Yoyogi Park, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Oedo Izakaya Shinjuku

Relax with local izakaya fare and sake in one of Shinjuku’s atmospheric pubs, perfect after a full day of exploring.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on January 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hotel breakfast before making your journey by bullet train to Kyoto.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station for a quick and scenic 2.5-hour ride to Kyoto.
JPY14000, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Food Hall

Enjoy diverse Japanese dishes at the food court within Kyoto Station, ideal for a quick hearty meal.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning golden-covered pavilion surrounded by tranquil gardens, open 9am to 5pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Ryoanji Temple's Zen Rock Garden

Admire Japan’s most famous rock garden, open 8am to 5pm, a perfect spot for calm contemplation.
JPY500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in the Gion District

Savour traditional Japanese cuisine in Kyoto’s historic Gion area, known for its atmospheric streets and dining options.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 6: Kyoto Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on January 15, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy a classic Kyoto style breakfast and excellent coffee at this renowned local café, opening at 8am.
JPY1200, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic pathway of thousands of vermilion torii gates on the mountain trail, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vermillion Café

Relax with light meals and matcha drinks nearby Fushimi Inari Shrine, a popular spot with visitors.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour the iconic temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto, open 6am to 6pm in winter months.
JPY400, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Higashiyama District

Wander the preserved traditional streets filled with artisan shops, cafés and cultural sites.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience the historic atmosphere of Pontocho Alley with a range of dining options, from casual to kaiseki meals.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kyoto Departure

Kyoto, Japan on January 16, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your final day with a hotel breakfast, preparing to return home or travel on.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Stroll Nishiki Market

Browse Kyoto’s famous market with fresh food, snacks, and souvenirs, open from 9am to 6pm.
Free entry, food cost varies, 2h

11:30am

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample fresh Kyoto delicacies and street food at various market stalls.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Kansai International Airport or Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Kansai Airport or back to Tokyo for your departure flight.
JPY14000, 2.5h
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