15-Day Japan Travel Itinerary: Tokyo to Takayama and Beyond

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 14, 2025

3:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Arrive in Tokyo and head directly to your hotel to settle in after your flight. Rest and prepare for the upcoming itinerary.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu

Enjoy dinner at the iconic Gonpachi, known for its traditional izakaya atmosphere, which inspired the Kill Bill movie scene.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 2: Mt. Fuji Day Trip

Tokyo, Japan on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi or Japanese street food at Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5am to early afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h

9:00am

Mt. Fuji and Five Lakes Tour

Join a guided day tour from Tokyo to the iconic Mt. Fuji area, including stops at Lake Kawaguchi and Chureito Pagoda for breathtaking views.
JPY12000, 8h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ninja Akasaka

Dine at Ninja Akasaka, a themed restaurant with immersive ninja performances and creative Japanese cuisine, open until 11pm.
JPY5000, 1h30m

Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Tokyo, Japan on June 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day trip to Nikko.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the train from Tokyo to Nikko (approx. 2 hours).
JPY2500, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the ornate Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its intricate carvings and historical significance.
JPY1300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local specialties at Hippari Dako, a cozy restaurant known for yakitori and traditional fare, open 11am to 3pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kegon Falls

Witness the stunning Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, accessible via elevator to viewing platform.
JPY570, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo by train, arriving in the early evening.
JPY2500, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

End the day with a classic bowl of Ichiran Ramen, famous for its solo dining booths and rich tonkotsu broth.
JPY1000, 1h

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Tokyo to Hakone, Japan on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before traveling to Hakone.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara and then transfer to Hakone by local transport (approx. 2 hours).
JPY4000, 2h0m

11:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this outdoor museum featuring contemporary sculptures set amidst beautiful landscapes, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked bread and sandwiches with scenic lake views at this popular spot near Lake Ashi.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise and Hakone Shrine

Take a scenic pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi and visit the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
JPY1500, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Hakone Yuryo Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at this ryokan, paired with relaxing onsen baths (reserve in advance).
JPY8000, 2h

Day 5: Travel Hakone to Kyoto

Hakone to Kyoto, Japan on June 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Breakfast at the ryokan followed by check-out and departure to Kyoto via Shinkansen. Travel approx. 2.5 hours.
Included & JPY14000, 3h

11:30am

Arrive and check-in Kyoto Hotel

Settle into your Kyoto accommodation and freshen up for the afternoon.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore the bustling Nishiki Market, sampling local Kyoto delicacies like yuba and matcha sweets.
JPY2000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by serene gardens, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h

4:00pm

Walk in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the iconic bamboo groves and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa Restaurant

Dine on Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine in the atmospheric Gion district, open until 10pm.
JPY6000, 1h30m

Day 6: Kyoto - Himeji day trip

Kyoto, Japan on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the train to Himeji.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Himeji

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji (approx. 1 hour).
JPY4000, 1h

9:30am

Himeji Castle Visit

Explore Japan’s most spectacular castle, known for its brilliant white facade and well-preserved grounds, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch near Himeji Station

Enjoy lunch at Miyuki sushi restaurant famous for fresh local seafood dishes, open 11am-3pm.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Koko-en Garden

Visit this beautiful Japanese garden adjacent to Himeji Castle, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
JPY300, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto by train.
JPY4000, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Omen Ginkakuji

Try traditional udon noodles in a cozy setting near the Philosopher’s Path.
JPY2000, 1h

Day 7: Kyoto - Nara day trip

Kyoto, Japan on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before departing for Nara.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Take the train from Kyoto to Nara (approx. 45 minutes).
JPY800, 45m

9:15am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Famous for its massive Great Buddha statue and historic temple complex, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park and Deer Interaction

Walk through Nara Park to see and feed friendly free-roaming deer.
JPY500 for deer crackers, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Sample famous mochi rice cakes at this popular shop open from 9:00am until sold out.
JPY800, 30m

12:45pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Visit this emblematic Shinto shrine known for its lantern-lined paths, open 6:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Travel back to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
JPY800, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Experience Kyoto’s nightlife with dinner at one of the traditional restaurants in Pontocho Alley, known for its atmospheric setting.
JPY5000, 2h

Day 8: Kyoto Local Exploration

Kyoto, Japan on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a day of local sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Try Inari sushi and other local rice delicacies at this small eatery near the shrine.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Gion Walking Tour

Walk through the historic Geisha district with a guided tour, learning about Kyoto’s culture and traditions.
JPY3000, 2h

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at a tea house in Gion.
JPY2500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Savor unique burnt miso ramen in a cozy, modern setting, open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 9: Kyoto to Naoshima

Kyoto to Naoshima, Japan on June 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before departure for Naoshima, the art island.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Naoshima

Take train to Uno Port (approx. 3 hours), then ferry to Naoshima (about 20 minutes).
JPY4000 + JPY360 ferry, 4h30m

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch

Check into accommodation and have lunch at Café Konichiwa, known for its light meals and coffee.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Chichu Art Museum

Visit this underground museum showcasing works by Monet, James Turrell and Walter De Maria, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
JPY2060, 2h

5:00pm

Benesse House Museum

Explore art installations and modern architecture, combining museum and hotel facilities.
JPY2060, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Naoshima Bathhouse Cafe & Bistro

Enjoy fusion cuisine in a unique setting, formerly a public bathhouse.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 10: Naoshima to Hiroshima

Naoshima to Hiroshima, Japan on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before checking out and traveling to Hiroshima.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Ferry and Train to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Uno Port then train to Hiroshima (approx. 3 hours total).
JPY360 ferry + JPY7000 train, 4h

12:00pm

Hotel Check-in and Lunch

Check into your Hiroshima accommodation and have lunch at Okonomimura, famous for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the poignant park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, open 8:30am-6:00pm.
JPY200, 2h

4:00pm

Shukkeien Garden

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in this historic Japanese garden located near the city center.
JPY260, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hassho

Try local Hiroshima cuisine at Hassho, specializing in fresh seafood and okonomiyaki.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 11: Miyajima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast and prepare for day trip to Miyajima Island.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Miyajima

Take train and ferry to Miyajima Island (approx. 1 hour).
JPY410 ferry + JPY410 train, 1h

9:30am

Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the iconic shinto shrine famous for its floating torii gate, open 6:30am-6:00pm.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:00am

Mount Misen Hiking

Hike or take a ropeway up Mount Misen for panoramic views and natural beauty.
JPY1800 ropeway, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Yakigaki no Hayashi

Savor fresh grilled oysters, a local specialty, open 11:00am-4:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Miyajima Streets

Leisurely explore souvenir shops, try momiji manju cakes, and enjoy island charm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima.
JPY820, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shunsui

End day with Kaiseki style dinner featuring seasonal ingredients.
JPY6000, 2h

Day 12: Hiroshima to Osaka

Hiroshima to Osaka, Japan on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before checking out and heading to Osaka by Shinkansen (approx. 1.5 hours).
Included & JPY10000, 2h

11:00am

Hotel check-in and lunch

Check into Osaka hotel and have lunch at Dotonbori street food stalls - try takoyaki and kushikatsu.
JPY1500, 1h30m

1:00pm

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit the famous historic castle with museum exhibits and panoramic city views, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

3:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Experience stunning views from the Floating Garden Observatory.
JPY1500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Feast on Osaka's famous crab dishes in this iconic restaurant with a giant mechanical crab outside.
JPY6000, 1h30m

Day 13: Universal Studios Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for a full day at Universal Studios Japan.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions including Harry Potter World and Minion Park. Park opens at 8:30am and usually closes at 9:00pm.
JPY8500, 10h

7:00pm

Dinner inside Universal Citywalk

Dine at one of the many restaurants inside Universal Citywalk Mall, such as Mos Burger or Hard Rock Cafe.
JPY2500, 1h30m

Day 14: Osaka to Takayama

Osaka to Takayama, Japan on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast and check-out preparing for trip to Takayama.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Takayama

Take the train via Nagoya to Takayama (approx. 4.5 hours).
JPY9000, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Sanmachi Suji

Enjoy traditional Hida beef and local cuisine in historic Takayama district.
JPY2500, 1h

2:30pm

Takayama Old Town

Explore Edo-era streets, shops, and sake breweries unique to this charming town.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Hida Folk Village

Visit this open-air museum featuring traditional farmhouses and local crafts, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY700, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoya

Experience authentic Hida beef dishes in a warm, rustic setting.
JPY4000, 1h30m

Day 15: Takayama to Tokyo

Takayama to Tokyo, Japan on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast before the journey back to Tokyo.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Tokyo

Take train via Nagoya from Takayama to Tokyo (approx. 5 hours).
JPY11000, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch upon arrival in Tokyo

Enjoy lunch at Afuri Ramen, known for its yuzu-flavored broth and fresh ingredients.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Rest or light sightseeing

Relax or explore nearby areas such as Shibuya or Harajuku at your leisure.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Return to this famous izakaya for a memorable final dinner in Tokyo.
JPY5000, 1h30m

Day 16: Kamakura & Disneyland

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast early before setting out for day activities.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Trip to Kamakura

Take train to Kamakura (around 1 hour) to see the Great Buddha and temples.
JPY920, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha)

View the iconic 13.35m bronze Buddha statue, open 8:00am-5:30pm.
JPY200, 1h

10:30am

Hasedera Temple

Explore this temple famous for its beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
JPY400, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Kamakura Matsubara-an

Try soba noodles and tempura at this local favorite.
JPY1500, 1h

12:30pm

Travel to Tokyo Disneyland

Return to Tokyo and transfer to Disneyland (about 1.5 hours).
JPY800 subway + JPY750 Monorail, 1h30m

2:00pm

Tokyo Disneyland

Enjoy attractions and themed entertainment in Disney's flagship park open 9am-10pm.
JPY8500, 6h

8:00pm

Dinner at Disneyland

Dine at one of Disneyland’s restaurants such as Eastside Cafe or Grandma Sara’s Kitchen.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30pm

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel to rest after a fun-filled day.
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