3-Day Scenic and Cultural Japan Itinerary: Tokyo to Kyoto

Day 1: Tokyo Urban Culture

Tokyo, Japan on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast delicacies at the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market, open from 5:00am to 2:00pm. It’s a perfect start to experience Tokyo’s culinary culture.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple located in Asakusa. Marvel at the architecture and vibrant Nakamise shopping street leading up to the temple. Open daily from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk through Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum

Stroll the spacious Ueno Park and experience Japanese art and history at the Tokyo National Museum, open 9:30am to 5:00pm (closed Mondays).
JPY620, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Innsyoutei Restaurant

Savor traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine amidst the serene setting of Ueno Park. Open from 11:30am to 9:30pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into Tokyo’s famous electronics and anime district, perfect for shopping and pop culture enthusiasts.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy an izakaya style dinner famous for inspiring the fight scene in Kill Bill, serving grilled skewers and traditional dishes. Open from 5:00pm to midnight.
JPY3500, 1h30m

Day 2: Nature & Onsen Relaxation

Hakone, Japan on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Enjoy a Japanese styled breakfast at your accommodation to fuel up for the day ahead.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Hakone by Romancecar train

Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto, offering scenic views in approximately 85 minutes.
JPY2080, 1h25m

10:30am

Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore expansive sculpture gardens showcasing contemporary art mixed with beautiful nature. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Relax with artisan bread and freshly brewed coffee while overlooking Lake Ashi. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi offering views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Cruises run from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1000, 0h30m

3:00pm

Relax in Hakone Onsen

Enjoy the hot spring baths at a local ryokan for ultimate relaxation and traditional experience.
JPY1500, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at your ryokan

Experience a traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Included, 1h30m

Day 3: Historic Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast before heading out.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station in about 2 hours, experiencing Japan’s high-speed rail.
JPY13600, 2h0m

10:45am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates along scenic forest trails. Open 24 hours, free admission.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample diverse local foods and street snacks at Kyoto’s famous food market. Most stalls open from around 10:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning gold leaf covered Zen temple and its reflection in the pond. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Experience Kyoto’s famous geisha district with historic wooden machiya houses and tea shops.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Enjoy refined kaiseki dining in an elegant setting, offering seasonal Kyoto cuisine. Reservations recommended. Open from 5:30pm.
JPY8000, 1h30m