8-Day Tokyo and Kyoto Itinerary with Osaka Day Trip, Harry Potter Studio Tour, Sagano Romantic Train and Nishiki Market Visit

Day 1: Arrival & Shibuya Introduction

Tokyo, Japan on April 24, 2025

2:00pm

Hotel Check-in

Arrive and settle into a centrally located hotel near Shibuya or Shinjuku, convenient for metro access.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the world-famous scramble crossing and visit the renowned Hachiko statue.
JPY0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Stroll Shibuya Center-Gai

Enjoy lively street shops, cafés, and vibrant youth culture along this bustling pedestrian zone.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Dine on fresh and affordable conveyor-belt sushi, open till 10 pm for convenient dining.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 2: Tokyo Markets & Tradition

Tokyo, Japan on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh seafood and local snacks at the bustling market, open until early afternoon.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Explore the historic temple and lively Nakamise Shopping Street; site open from 6 am to 5 pm.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Enjoy traditional sukiyaki or shabu-shabu near Senso-ji for a hearty midday meal.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tokyo Skytree Visit

Ascend Japan’s tallest tower for panoramic city views; open 8 am to 10 pm.
JPY2100, 1h30m

4:30pm

Sumida River Walk

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along this scenic riverbank with impressive city skyline views.
JPY0, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo (Ginza)

Experience exquisite tempura dishes at this acclaimed Ginza restaurant; open 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
JPY7000, 1h30m

Day 3: Harry Potter Studio Tour

Tokyo, Japan on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Begin your day with a filling breakfast before heading to the Harry Potter Studio.
Included or JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Harry Potter Studio (Warner Bros Studio)

Take the shuttle or train approx. 1–1.5 hours to the studio just outside Tokyo.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:30am

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Explore the magical film sets, props, and exhibits on a 3-4 hour immersive tour; open 9 am–7 pm.
JPY4500, 3h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Studio Café

Enjoy themed foods and drinks inside the studio café during your visit.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Tokyo City Center

Travel back to central Tokyo to rest or explore neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
JPY2000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner in Shinjuku – Omoide Yokocho

Dine on yakitori and traditional izakaya dishes in this atmospheric alley open until 11 pm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 4: Creative Streets & Gardens

Tokyo, Japan on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Aaliya (Shimokitazawa)

Try fluffy pancakes at this charming café, open from 8 am for breakfast lovers.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Shimokitazawa

Discover vintage shops, indie boutiques, and laid-back cafés in trendy Shimokitazawa.
JPY0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen (Harajuku)

Savor the delicious yuzu-flavored ramen with refreshing citrus notes; open 11 am to midnight.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Experience vibrant culture, eclectic shops, and street snacks in this youthful district.
JPY0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Relax in the peaceful grounds of Tokyo’s famous Shinto shrine, open 6 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Wander the beautiful gardens noted for cherry blossoms and serene landscapes; open until 4:30 pm (last entry 4 pm).
JPY500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho, Shinjuku

Enjoy nostalgic yakitori and small plates in a lively alley full of charm.
JPY3000, 1h30m

Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto Transfer & Fushimi Inari

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your bullet train ride to Kyoto.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Board the bullet train at Tokyo Station; travel time about 2 hours 15 minutes.
JPY14000, 2h15m

12:00pm

Hotel Check-in and lunch near Kyoto Station

Settle in and enjoy tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo near Kyoto Station for a satisfying lunch.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the iconic thousand red torii gates on the mountainside; open 24/7 with free admission.
JPY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Gion District Walk

Discover Kyoto’s traditional geisha area with historic streets and teahouses.
JPY0, 1h0m

5:15pm

Nishiki Market Visit

Visit the “Kitchen of Kyoto” with a wide variety of food stalls and shops; best explored late afternoon before closing around 6 pm.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Dine on exquisite kaiseki cuisine in an elegant setting – reservations recommended.
JPY8000, 1h30m

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a quick breakfast to start the day early on your Osaka excursion.
Included or JPY800, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Osaka

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

9:00am

Osaka Castle

Tour the historic castle and expansive park; open 9 am to 5 pm with entrance fee.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Dotonbori

Sample Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the lively canal-side area.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Explore the bustling shopping street filled with boutiques and eateries open till late evening.
JPY0, 2h0m

3:00pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory with panoramic city views; open 10 am to 10:30 pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for evening pause or dinner preparation.
JPY560, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy atmospheric traditional Japanese dining along the scenic riverside alley with many options open until 10 pm.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 7: Sagano Romantic Train & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Have a classic Kyoto-style breakfast at this popular coffeehouse; opens at 8 am.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Train to Saga Station

Take local train to Saga-Arashiyama Station to begin the scenic Sagano Romantic Train journey.
JPY230, 1h0m

9:30am

Sagano Romantic Train Ride

Enjoy a breathtaking 25-30 minute scenic railway ride along the Hozugawa River; tickets should be secured in advance.
JPY620, 0h30m

10:15am

Bamboo Grove Walk

Walk through the iconic Arashiyama bamboo forest, open 24 hours with free admission.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:15am

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens, open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura Soba

Enjoy river views and freshly made soba noodles at this popular spot open 11 am – 3 pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Togetsukyo Bridge & Katsura River

Leisurely sightseeing at the iconic bridge and riverside scenery.
JPY0, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto Central

Travel back to Kyoto city for relaxed free time or optional shopping and dining.
JPY230, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening Gion stroll

Take a final evening walk in Gion’s atmospheric streets to potentially spot geishas and enjoy traditional ambiance.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Taste the unique burnt miso ramen in a cozy setting; open until 10 pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

Day 8: Departure Day Tokyo Transfer

Kyoto to Tokyo, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Have an energizing breakfast before your shinkansen trip back to Tokyo.
Included or JPY800, 1h0m

9:00am

Shinkansen to Tokyo

Travel by bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo with approx 2h15m duration.
JPY14000, 2h15m

11:30am

Quick lunch at Tokyo Station Gransta

Grab a bento or light meal at the station’s popular shopping/dining area before heading to the airport.
JPY1000, 30m

12:15pm

Travel to Airport

Take limousine bus or train to Narita or Haneda Airport allowing ample time for check-in.
JPY3000, 1h30m