Explore the Best of Japan: A 5-Day Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Tokyo Highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Tsukiji Outer Market Breakfast

Start your day with fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast delights at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Senso-ji Temple Visit

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, in Asakusa district. Enjoy the historic architecture and nearby Nakamise shopping street offering traditional snacks and souvenirs. Open 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience a modern sushi train restaurant offering fresh sushi in a fun and efficient setting, open daily 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the sprawling Yoyogi Park nearby. Shrine open 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Shibuya Crossing and Shopping

See the famous Shibuya pedestrian scramble and explore the vibrant shopping district around. Great for photos and evening energy.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a customized bowl of authentic Tonkotsu ramen in a unique single-seat booth environment, open 24 hours.
JPY1200, 1h

Day 2: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on April 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Start with a traditional Japanese-Western breakfast at Inoda Coffee, an iconic Kyoto café open from 7:00 AM.
JPY1000, 1h

9:00am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning and world-famous Golden Pavilion, a shining zen temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. Open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

See the famous minimalist Zen rock garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY500, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Try traditional Kyoto street food and fresh local delicacies at the bustling Nishiki Market, open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic thousands of bright orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, open 24 hours and free entry.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Gion District Evening Walk

Stroll through Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional wooden machiya houses and maybe spot a geisha or two.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy dinner at one of the traditional restaurants in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, offering a variety of Japanese cuisines.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 3: Ancient Nara

Nara, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try famous yomogi mochi (Japanese mochi cakes) at Nakatanidou, a renowned mochi shop in Nara, open from 9:00 AM.
JPY600, 45m

9:30am

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the grand Todai-ji temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Nara Park

Enjoy a walk in Nara Park, famous for its friendly freely roaming deer. Great for photos and nature.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Dine on local freshwater eel dishes near the historic Naramachi district, open 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this iconic Shinto shrine known for its many bronze and stone lanterns, open 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
JPY0, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Naramachi

Walk around the preserved merchant district of Naramachi, enjoying traditional buildings and shops.
JPY0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Harmonica Yokocho

Enjoy casual dining and drinks at this lively alley of small eateries and bars.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 4: Osaka Urban Fun

Osaka, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start with specialty coffee and a light breakfast at this trendy café in Osaka, open from 8:00 AM.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Visit the historic Osaka Castle, explore the museum inside and enjoy panoramic city views. Castle open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore this popular fresh food market and eat street food specialties famous in Osaka, open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample diverse local delights like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along vibrant Dotonbori Street, bustling with energy.
JPY1800, 1h

3:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory with panoramic views over Osaka city, open 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
JPY1500, 1h

5:30pm

Namba Walk Shopping

Explore underground shopping arcades in Namba, offering fashion, souvenirs, and more.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Enjoy premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku (grilled beef), Osaka’s specialty in a modern setting.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 5: Hiroshima Reflection

Hiroshima, Japan on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ekohiiki

Light breakfast near Hiroshima Station offering fresh local produce and coffee, open from 7:00 AM.
JPY800, 45m

8:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the 1945 atomic bomb victims. Park open 24 hours, museum 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY200, 2h

11:00am

Atomic Bomb Dome

View the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome adjacent to the park, a symbol of peace and resilience.
JPY0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at one of the many stalls in this multi-floor okonomiyaki building, open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Shukkeien Garden

Relax in a traditional Japanese garden with beautiful landscaping and tea houses, open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY260, 1h

3:00pm

Miyajima Island (Optional Afternoon)

If time permits, take a short ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate. Ferry and shrine open 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
JPY2000, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Enjoy another regional specialty, Hiroshima okonomiyaki, at this well-known local restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h