9-Day Tokyo and Japanese Alps Adventure Itinerary with Culinary Highlights

Day 1: Tokyo urban highlights

Tokyo, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes in this renowned seafood market area, open from early morning to early afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. Great for cultural immersion and souvenir browsing. Open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try their famous sukiyaki beef hot pot, a comforting and iconic Japanese dish in a historic setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park for cherry blossoms if in season and the Tokyo National Museum, open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY620 (museum entry), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Known as the 'Kill Bill' restaurant, it offers traditional Japanese izakaya dishes in a lively atmosphere.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo and shopping

Tokyo, Japan on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Famous for their fluffy ricotta pancakes and cozy atmosphere, open from 8:00am.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Explore Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine surrounded by forest and enjoy a stroll in adjacent Yoyogi Park.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Enjoy affordable and delicious gyoza dumplings in the trendy Harajuku area.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping in Harajuku and Shibuya

Explore Takeshita Street and nearby Shibuya Crossing, renowned for youth fashion and vibrant urban culture.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience conveyor belt sushi with affordable prices and fun ordering system.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Takayama

Takayama, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a simple Japanese-style breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the Alps region.
Included with hotel, 1h

8:30am

Travel Tokyo to Takayama by train

Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama then transfer to the Hida Limited Express to Takayama. Total travel about 4.5 hours.
JPY11000, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Heianraku

Savor local Hida beef dishes in the heart of Takayama’s old town.
JPY3000, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Takayama Old Town

Stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-period streets and visit local shops and sake breweries.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoya

Try traditional Japanese kaiseki dining with seasonal ingredients in a historic setting.
JPY6000, 2h
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Day 4: Japanese Alps hiking and culture

Takayama/Mount Norikura area, Japan on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Energy-packed Japanese breakfast to prepare for the day in nature.
Included with stay, 1h

9:00am

Day hiking Mount Norikura

Take a bus to Mount Norikura for scenic alpine hiking trails open until October. Enjoy forested paths, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Bus JPY2000 roundtrip, 6h

4:00pm

Return and rest

Rest in Takayama after hiking with some leisure time in local cafes or shops.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ajikura Tengoku

Famous for Hida beef BBQ in a casual setting, perfect for relaxing after a hike.
JPY4500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Matsumoto visit

Matsumoto, Japan on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel travel to the next city.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel Takayama to Matsumoto

Travel by train via Nagoya, approximately 3.5 hours, check the JR timetable in advance for connections.
JPY6000, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nobu

Enjoy local soba noodles, a Matsumoto speciality in this highly rated restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY700, 1h30m

4:00pm

Nakamachi Street stroll

Wander historic merchant streets lined with shops, cafes, and galleries.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kurassic Market

Contemporary dining with fresh local ingredients in a cozy environment.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Light morning meal before heading back to Tokyo.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel Matsumoto to Tokyo

Train ride about 3.5 hours via Shiojiri and Nagano using JR pass or ticket.
JPY7000, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch near Tokyo Station at Ramen Street

Sample a variety of ramen styles in this famous food area inside Tokyo Station.
JPY1200, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll the beautiful gardens open 9:00am to 4:30pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho

Dine at traditional small eateries offering yakitori and local dishes in a retro atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Cultural Tokyo and neighborhoods

Tokyo, Japan on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at AIN SOPH. Ripple

Enjoy vegan-friendly pancakes with creative toppings in Shinjuku, opens 8:00am.
JPY1800, 1h

10:00am

Visit teamLab Planets

Immersive digital art museum with interactive light exhibits. Open 10:00am to 7:00pm, last entry 6:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tsuta Ramen

Michelin starred ramen restaurant famous for its truffle oil enhanced broth.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Odaiba

Visit seaside shopping, entertainment complexes and see the Rainbow Bridge. Check opening times for key attractions (10:00am-9:00pm).
Variable, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Odaiba

Another branch of the famous izakaya with beautiful views of Tokyo Bay.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Day trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast to start the day early for the Nikko trip.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Travel Tokyo to Nikko

Train journey approx 2 hours with transfer at Utsunomiya, use Tobu or JR lines.
JPY3000 round trip, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Lavishly decorated shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Casual eatery known for yakitori and local soba noodles in Nikko town.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy a scenic bus ride to the famous waterfall and lakeside area. Open all day, bus fare approx JPY1000.
JPY1000, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo by train, arriving in the evening.
Included in round trip fare, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a nearby izakaya or convenience store for light late dinner after the day trip.
JPY1500, 1h
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Day 9: Final Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Last breakfast in Tokyo, relax and pack for departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Morning visit to Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views. Opens at 8:00am, tickets approx JPY2100.
JPY2100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Solamachi Mall

A wide range of dining options within the shopping complex at the Skytree base.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Last minute shopping or visit Akihabara

Visit electronics, anime, and pop culture shops in Akihabara for souvenirs before departure.
Free to browse, 2h

4:00pm

Transfer to airport

Head to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight, allow sufficient travel time.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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