7-Day Cultural Immersion Trip to Japan from Los Angeles under $8000 with Detailed Expenses

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation

Tokyo, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo

Depart from LAX to Narita International Airport (NRT). Flights take around 11 hours including meals and amenities onboard.
USD1200, 11h0m

4:00pm

Transport from Narita Airport to Tokyo by train

Take the Narita Express train to central Tokyo, a direct and comfortable transport option into the city.
JPY3000 (~USD23), 1h

5:30pm

Check-in at Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi

Comfortable and affordable hotel featuring traditional touches, near cultural sites in Tokyo.
JPY10000 (~USD75) per night, Flexible

6:30pm

Dinner at Den Sushi

Enjoy authentic Edo-style sushi showcasing a taste of traditional craftsmanship.
JPY7000 (~USD52), 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening walk in Asakusa area

Explore streets around Senso-ji Temple, absorbing local culture in the evening.
Free, 1h
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Day 2: Tokyo Cultural Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample traditional Japanese breakfast dishes while experiencing the vibrant market atmosphere.
JPY1200 (~USD9), 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Historic Buddhist temple and cultural heart of Tokyo's Asakusa district.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Nakamise Shopping Street

Buy traditional souvenirs and sample street snacks on this lively shopping street.
JPY1500 (~USD11), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Komagata Dozeu

Try grilled loach eel, an authentic Edo-era delicacy unique to Tokyo.
JPY1800 (~USD13), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore this serene Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji amidst a large forested area.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll through Harajuku

Experience Tokyo's cutting-edge youth culture, fashion, and street art.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyubey Ginza

Dine on deluxe sushi crafted with meticulous attention in a refined setting.
JPY8000 (~USD60), 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast prepares you for a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train travel to Nikko

Enjoy a two-hour scenic train ride through countryside to this UNESCO heritage site.
JPY4000 (~USD30) round trip, 2h

10:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

A masterpiece of Japanese architecture and craftsmanship with ornate decorations.
JPY1300 (~USD10), 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy yuba, a regional traditional delicacy made from tofu skin, in a homely atmosphere.
JPY1500 (~USD11), 1h

2:00pm

Visit Shinkyo Bridge and Nature Walk

Admire the picturesque red bridge and surrounding natural beauty reflecting Shinto reverence.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Relax on the train back to Tokyo after a culturally enriching day.
2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Teyandei Izakaya

Sample traditional Japanese tapas in a lively local atmosphere for cultural dining experience.
JPY3500 (~USD26), 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy traditional Japanese breakfast, featuring rice and fish to start the travel day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Ride the famous bullet train for a fast, scenic 2.5-hour journey to historic Kyoto.
JPY13000 (~USD97), 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at Kyoto Ryokan Yachiyo

Stay in a traditional tatami room with garden views for authentic cultural immersion.
JPY12000 (~USD90) per night, Flexible

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s culinary culture sampling tofu, pickles and fresh street foods.
JPY1500 (~USD11), 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic golden temple reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto.
JPY400 (~USD3), 1h

5:00pm

Walk Philosopher’s Path

Take a peaceful stroll along a scenic canal lined with cherry trees and temples.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Experience Kaiseki dining – a Japanese multi-course haute cuisine in an elegant setting.
JPY10000 (~USD75), 2h
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Day 5: Kyoto Cultural Day

Kyoto, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional seasonal Japanese breakfast included with accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore thousands of delightfully vivid torii gates and learn about Shinto traditions.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy specialty Kyoto noodle dishes in a calm traditional environment.
JPY1500 (~USD11), 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A must-see wooden temple known for stunning panoramic city views.
JPY400 (~USD3), 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll Higashiyama District

Wander traditional streets lined with shops and tea houses full of Japanese crafts.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy evening in a famous alley with a variety of Japanese restaurants showcasing local cuisine.
JPY5000 (~USD37), 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Hearty traditional breakfast to prepare for the day's excursions.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara by train

Short 45-minute train ride to Nara, famous for its historic temples and sacred deer.
JPY750 (~USD6), 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue and explore one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples.
JPY600 (~USD5), 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste freshly pounded mochi, a traditional rice cake unique to Nara’s sweet culture.
JPY600 (~USD5), 30m

1:00pm

Walk through Nara Park

Enjoy the company of freely roaming deer and scenic park surroundings steeped in history.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax on return train journeys and prepare for evening plans.
JPY750 (~USD6), 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience refined vegetarian Buddhist temple cuisine, imparting spiritual and food traditions.
JPY7000 (~USD52), 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan to Los Angeles, USA on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Last traditional Japanese breakfast included with stay.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport

Train to Kansai International Airport to begin journey home.
JPY1800 (~USD14), 1h

12:00pm

Flight from Osaka to Los Angeles

Return flight to LAX concludes the culturally rich trip.
Included in earlier flight cost, 10h
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