16-Day Immersive Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on April 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi or tamagoyaki in the lively market area, experiencing Tokyo's famous seafood culture. Open from early morning, usually 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY0-2000, 1h

10:30am

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping street, a blend of culture and local crafts.
JPY0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura

Savor traditional tempura donburi, known for its light and crispy batter near Asakusa.
JPY2000-3500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ueno Park and Museums

Relax in the park and choose from museums like Tokyo National Museum, open 9:30am-5:00pm, to experience art and history.
JPY620 (museum entrance), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen (Shinjuku)

Enjoy rich and flavorful tonkotsu ramen, a perfect introduction to Japan’s ramen culture.
JPY1000-1500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Modern Tokyo Sights

Tokyo, Japan on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy fluffy ricotta pancakes and fresh coffee at this stylish café, open from 8:00am.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

9:30am

Meiji Shrine Visit

A peaceful walk through the forested grounds to this grand Shinto shrine near Harajuku.
JPY0, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Experience youthful fashion, quirky shops, and street food unique to Tokyo’s trendy district.
Free, food costs vary, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen

Taste the yuzu-flavored ramen, a refreshing twist popular in Tokyo.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:30pm

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Witness the famous scramble crossing and visit the statue of loyal dog Hachiko, a symbol of Tokyo.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Shopping and Exploring Shibuya

Visit Shibuya 109 mall and nearby shopping streets for fashion and souvenirs.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the ‘Kill Bill’ inspired restaurant serving yakitori and Japanese dishes in lively ambiance.
JPY3000-5000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Historic and Futuristic Mix

Tokyo, Japan on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Enjoy western-style breakfast with pancakes and eggs, open from 8:00am.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

9:30am

Tour Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll the seasonal gardens and ruins of Edo Castle; open 9:00am to 4:30pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
JPY0, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Ginza Shopping District

Luxury shopping and flagship stores in one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kyubey Sushi

Experience exquisite Edomae sushi at one of Tokyo's top sushi restaurants in Ginza.
JPY5000+, 1.5h

3:30pm

TeamLab Planets Museum

Immerse yourself in interactive digital art installations, open 10:00am to 7:00pm (last entry 6:00pm).
JPY3200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Toriki Yakitori

Sample authentic yakitori made with special care in a Michelin-starred venue; reservation recommended.
JPY6000-8000, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast before travel; many cafes open from 7:00am.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

8:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto (about 2h 20m), for a comfortable and speedy transfer westward.
JPY14000-15000, 2h20m

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Settle into Kyoto accommodation and recharge.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy delicious udon noodles and traditional Kyoto cuisine near Kiyomizu temple.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its large wooden stage and city views, open 6:00am - 6:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll Higashiyama District

Walk along preserved historic streets with traditional shops, tea houses, and crafts.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Taste authentic Kyoto cuisine in the historic Gion district with a cozy atmosphere.
JPY3500-6000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Historic Temples Day

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Enjoy traditional Japanese-style coffee and breakfast in a classic Kyoto coffee shop open from 7:00am.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates; open 24 hours and free entrance.
JPY0, 2h

11:30am

Tofuku-ji Temple Visit

Visit this zen temple famous for its gardens and autumn colors, open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY400, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tsukuneya near Tofuku-ji

Taste Kyoto-style grilled chicken and other local specialties.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

2:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic golden temple and its beautiful gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to City Center and Rest

Relax at your accommodation before dinner.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Explore the narrow alley full of traditional restaurants offering Kyoto cuisine and river views.
JPY3000-7000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Arashiyama Nature and Culture

Kyoto, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Bibliotic Hello!

Start your day with western-Japanese fusion breakfast in a cozy setting.
JPY1200-2000, 1h

9:00am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the captivating bamboo forest, an unforgettable natural experience open 24/7.
JPY0, 1h

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this zen temple with stunning gardens, open 8:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY500, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Enjoy soba noodles with views of the river and mountains.
JPY2000-3000, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Ride on Katsura River

Take a scenic boat ride (seasonal and weather-dependent), offering peaceful views of Arashiyama.
JPY2500-3500, 1h

4:00pm

Okochi Sanso Villa

Explore a beautiful villa and gardens with impressive views, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Saga Tofu Ine

Savor a tofu-focused meal showcasing Kyoto’s delicate vegetarian cuisine.
JPY3000-4500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departure.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

9:00am

Train to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka (about 30 minutes) for an easy, quick transfer.
JPY560, 30m

10:00am

Check-in and rest

Settle into your Osaka accommodation and prepare for exploration.
Varies, 1h

11:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic castle and museum showcasing its history, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Try takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and street food at this vibrant district’s many stalls and eateries.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

3:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore Osaka’s premier shopping area featuring boutiques, cafes, and entertainment.
Free, purchases extra, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Enjoy fresh crab dishes at this famous and iconic restaurant with giant crab sign.
JPY4000-7000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Osaka Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with specialty coffee and light breakfast in a trendy setting.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying theme park attractions and shows, open 8:30am to 9:00pm; buy tickets in advance.
JPY8200, 8h

6:00pm

Dinner in Universal CityWalk

Select from various casual dining options with diverse cuisine within the USJ complex.
JPY1500-3000, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cultural Exploration

Osaka, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Roxy

Enjoy western-style and Japanese breakfast options in a cozy cafe.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:30am

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Visit one of Japan’s oldest shrines, known for its unique straight bridge and peaceful grounds, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY0, 1.5h

11:30am

Shitennoji Temple

Explore one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples, open 8:30am to 4:30pm.
JPY300, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu, deep-fried skewered delicacies that Osaka is famous for.
JPY1500-2500, 1h

2:30pm

Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s rich past with interactive exhibits, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a calm riverside park with gardens and museums nearby.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsuzushi

Experience high-quality sushi in a traditional setting.
JPY4000-7000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

Osaka to Nara, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before leaving for Nara.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

8:30am

Train to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Line from Osaka to Nara (approx. 40 min).
JPY560-800, 40m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha and explore the largest wooden building, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore Nara Park

Walk with free-roaming deer and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, open 6:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY0 for park; Shrine admission varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste freshly made mochi, a famous local sweet treat.
JPY500-1000, 30m

2:30pm

Visit Naramachi District

Explore this traditional merchant district with preserved Edo-era buildings and shops.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka to rest and freshen up.
JPY560-800, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsuruhashi Fugetsu Okonomiyaki

Enjoy Osaka’s famous savory pancake in a lively atmosphere.
JPY1500-3000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Free Exploration & Shopping

Osaka, Japan on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Brooklyn Roasting Company

Enjoy fresh roasted coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Nipponbashi Den Den Town

Discover electronics, anime, manga, and otaku culture stores.
Free, purchases vary, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Chibo

Try a different style of okonomiyaki, a must-eat Osaka specialty.
JPY1500-3000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

3:30pm

Shopping at Grand Front Osaka

Explore this modern shopping complex with dining and entertainment options.
Free, shopping extra, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Harukoma Sushi

Enjoy affordable conveyor belt sushi with fresh ingredients.
JPY2000-4000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Day Trip to Himeji

Osaka to Himeji, Japan on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before the day trip.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

8:30am

Train to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen or express train from Osaka to Himeji (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY1500-3000, 45m

9:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Tour Japan’s most spectacular original castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

11:30am

Koko-en Garden

Explore a beautiful Edo-style garden next to the castle, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Menkyo Himeji

Enjoy local ramen specialties popular in the region.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Engyoji Temple

Take a scenic cable car up Mount Shosha to historic temple complex, open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY800 (cable car + temple entry), 2h

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka for rest.
JPY1500-3000, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ajinoya Okonomiyaki

Taste one of Osaka’s best okonomiyaki spots with a lively atmosphere.
JPY1500-3000, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Cultural Delights

Osaka, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Takama Coffee

Enjoy well-crafted coffee and breakfast dishes in a cozy environment.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:30am

National Museum of Art, Osaka

Explore modern and contemporary Japanese art, open 10:00am to 5:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY430, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi

Try fresh sushi at this famous Osaka fish market restaurant.
JPY3000-5000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

World-class aquarium featuring Pacific Rim marine life, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2.5h

5:00pm

Relax at Tempozan Harbor Village

Stroll the harbor, enjoy shopping and dining options.
Free, shopping extra, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Tanaka

End your day with Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers in a casual dining setting.
JPY2000-3500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Day Trip to Kobe

Osaka to Kobe, Japan on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast before departure to Kobe.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

8:30am

Train from Osaka to Kobe

Take JR Special Rapid or Hankyu line (about 25-30 minutes).
JPY410-450, 30m

9:30am

Kobe Harborland Walk

Enjoy scenic seaside walk with shops, cafes, and landmarks.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens

Take ropeway to beautiful gardens with city views, open 9:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY1080 (round-trip ropeway), 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe-kan

Savor authentic Kobe beef in an affordable casual restaurant.
JPY5000-8000, 1.5h

3:00pm

Kobe Kitano Ijinkan-Gai

Explore historic foreign residences and museums of the port city.
JPY500 approx., 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka for the evening.
JPY410-450, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy creative udon dishes with upscale ambiance in Osaka.
JPY2000-3500, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Leisure and Last-minute Shopping

Osaka, Japan on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Refuel with quality coffee and breakfast favorites.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Amerikamura

Visit this vibrant neighborhood known for youth fashion and street art.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi (another chance)

If you missed it before, enjoy fresh sushi again at Osaka Central Fish Market area.
JPY3000-5000, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Spa World Onsen

Enjoy Japanese hot spring baths and spas in a unique multi-floor facility, open 10:00am to midnight.
JPY1200-1500, 3h

5:00pm

Last-minute Shopping at Namba

Shop souvenirs and gifts in bustling Namba area.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Zuboraya Dotonbori

Try fugu (pufferfish) dishes in a famous historic restaurant, reservation recommended.
JPY6000+, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 16: Departure

Osaka, Japan on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a final breakfast in Osaka before departure.
JPY1000-2000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the JR or Limousine Bus from Osaka city center to KIX airport for your flight home.
JPY1000-1500, 1h
View Hotel Availability