8-Day Tokyo and Kyoto Itinerary with Osaka Day Trip and Arashiyama Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Shibuya Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on April 24, 2025

2:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Arrive and relax at your accommodation centrally located near Shibuya or Shinjuku for convenient access to transport and attractions.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the iconic scramble crossing and visit the statue of faithful dog Hachiko, a must-see symbol of Tokyo.
JPY0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Wander Shibuya Center-Gai

Enjoy shopping, street food, and lively nightlife atmosphere in this youthful and vibrant district.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Have fun eating sushi delivered by conveyor belt for a quick, affordable meal with fresh options; open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 2: Tokyo Markets and Tradition

Tokyo, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Relish fresh seafood and traditional Japanese snacks in this vibrant market open early to mid-afternoon.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, admire the majestic Thunder Gate, and shop along Nakamise Street; open 6am-5pm.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Sample authentic sukiyaki and shabu-shabu near Senso-ji in a traditional setting.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Ascend to panoramic views from Japan’s tallest tower; open 8am-10pm to fit your schedule.
JPY2100, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sumida River Walk

Relax along the scenic riverbanks with views of the Skytree and city skyline.
JPY0, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo (Ginza)

Savor exquisite tempura dishes in an upscale Ginza eatery, open dinner 5:30pm-9:30pm; reservations advised.
JPY7000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Creative Streets & Gardens

Tokyo, Japan on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Aaliya (Shimokitazawa)

Begin with fluffy pancakes in this trendy café in a youthful neighborhood; opens at 8am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Shimokitazawa

Discover vintage clothing, cozy cafés, and indie shops in this artistic suburb.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen (Harajuku)

Enjoy yuzu-flavored ramen known for refreshing citrus taste; open 11am-midnight.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Experience the colorful street fashion culture and snacks along the lively Takeshita Street.
JPY0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Enjoy a peaceful walk through a forested shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji; open 6am-5:30pm.
JPY0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in sprawling gardens famous for seasonal flowers; open 9am-4:30pm (last entry 4pm).
JPY500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Sample yakitori and small plates in a lively alley famed for nostalgic eateries and drinks.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cultural Tokyo & Free Time

Tokyo, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Tsuta Ramen (Sugamo)

Indulge in Michelin-starred ramen early to avoid crowds; opens 7am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:00am

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Explore tranquil gardens and historic castle grounds; open 9am-4:30pm, closed Mondays/Fridays.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Free Afternoon

Choose your own adventure: shopping in Ginza, visiting Odaiba, or relaxing at your hotel.
Varies, 4h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sometaro Okonomiyaki

Enjoy classic Japanese savory pancake cooked at your table; open 11:30am-10pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto Transfer

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before your bullet train journey.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Kyoto (Shinkansen)

Board the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, journey about 2h15m.
JPY14000, 2h15m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch near Kyoto Station

After check-in, have lunch at Ippudo Ramen nearby, famous for tonkotsu broth.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine Visit

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates; open 24 hours with free entry.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Take in the traditional atmosphere and try spotting a geisha; shops open till early evening.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience refined kaiseki dining emphasizing seasonal Kyoto ingredients, by reservation; open till 9pm.
JPY8000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast before setting off for Osaka; hotel or cafés typically serve from 7-8am.
Included or JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Osaka

Take JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka, approximately 30 minutes travel.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Osaka Castle

Tour the historic castle and surrounding park; open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Dotonbori

Savor famous street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively canal area, open late morning onward.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and explore Osaka’s premier shopping street, open till 9pm.
JPY0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory; open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto to unwind before dinner.
JPY560, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine in the atmospheric Pontocho dining district; many places open till 10pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Arashiyama & Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Classic Kyoto coffee shop experience with a Japanese breakfast; opens at 8am (arriving slightly early recommended).
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Arashiyama

Take the train or bus to the Arashiyama district to begin your day exploring natural and cultural sights.
JPY230, 1h0m

9:30am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a breathtaking natural bamboo forest open 24/7 with no entry fee.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning gardens and traditional architecture; open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba

Savor hand-made soba noodles with views of the nearby river, a local favorite open 11am-3pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River

Enjoy walking across the iconic wooden bridge and relaxing by the Katsura River with picturesque scenery.
JPY0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb up to see wild macaques and panoramic views of Kyoto; opens 9am-4:30pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY550, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Central Kyoto

Head back to central Kyoto for the late afternoon visit.
JPY230, 1h0m

5:00pm

Gion District Evening Stroll

Enjoy the traditional streets and ambiance of Gion at dusk, ideal for photography and spotting geishas.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Sample their unique burnt miso ramen for a flavorful conclusion to your day; open until 10pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 8: Departure Day Tokyo Transfer

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Early breakfast to prepare for travel, many options available starting 7am.
Included or JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Board the bullet train back to Tokyo, with approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes travel time.
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:30am

Quick Lunch Near Tokyo Station

Grab a convenient bento or light meal at Gransta dining area inside Tokyo Station; open morning onward.
JPY1000, 30m

12:15pm

Head to Airport for Flight

Travel from Tokyo Station to the airport for your afternoon flight ensuring adequate arrival time.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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