7-Day Winter Adventure in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast in this vibrant market that showcases local delicacies, ideal for starting your culinary adventure.
¥1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's historic district and the famous Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo, experiencing traditional shopping at Nakamise Street.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try the renowned melonpan (sweet bread) and other light dishes, a perfect casual lunch option near the temple.
¥800, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Akihabara District

Dive into Tokyo’s pop culture, electronic shops, and anime stores; great for shopping unique souvenirs and gadgets.
Variable, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Savour rich tonkotsu ramen in a solo dining experience booth setting, famous throughout Japan.
¥1000, 1h
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Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bill’s Omotesando

Delight in fluffy pancakes and coffee at this iconic breakfast spot known for its modern Australian cuisine style.
¥2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience the serene Meiji Shrine surrounded by forest, and stroll through Yoyogi Park, a beautiful space for relaxation.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Enjoy tasty gyoza dumplings with a lively crowd, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch in the Harajuku area.
¥1000, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping in Omotesando

Explore this upscale shopping street with flagship designer boutiques and stylish cafes in a modern architectural setting.
Variable, 2h

5:00pm

Visit teamLab Borderless Museum

Immerse yourself in interactive digital art installations at this popular museum; check closing times to ensure entry before 7pm.
¥3200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy izakaya-style dining with traditional Japanese dishes in a lively setting known for inspiring the Kill Bill movie scene.
¥3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Nature and Hot Springs

Hakone, Japan on December 3, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe

Have a light breakfast before travelling to Hakone to maximise your day exploring nature and hot springs.
¥1000, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Hakone by Romance Car

Take the scenic Romance Car train from Shinjuku to Hakone, enjoying mountain views on this approximately 1.5-hour ride.
¥2000, 1.5h

10:30am

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore this open-air art museum blending nature and sculpture, open from 9am to 5pm, a unique and refreshing experience.
¥1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bakery and Table Hakone

Enjoy freshly baked goods and views of Lake Ashi at this bakery café, perfect for light lunch fare.
¥1200, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Ashi Boat Cruise

Relax and take in views of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) on this 30-minute scenic boat ride across Lake Ashi.
¥1000, 0.5h

3:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Discover this tranquil Shinto shrine nestled in forest near the lake, a peaceful cultural site to explore.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Check into Ryokan with Onsen

Experience a traditional Japanese inn and relax in natural hot spring baths, a perfect ending to the day in Hakone.
¥15000 per person approx, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner, an exquisite traditional Japanese meal served at your ryokan.
Included with stay, 2h
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Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast provided by your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto (approximately 2 hours), enjoying a comfortable and speedy journey.
¥13000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Choose from a variety of top ramen shops inside Kyoto Station for a delicious and convenient lunch.
¥1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates, one of Japan’s most famous and scenic shrines, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at Kyoto Accommodation

Relax and freshen up before evening activities at your centrally located hotel or traditional guesthouse.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy Kyoto-style kaiseki or izakaya cuisine in this atmospheric narrow alley beside the river famous for nightlife and dining.
¥3000-5000, 2h
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Day 5: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Try a classic Kyoto-style coffeehouse experience with excellent coffee and pastries.
¥1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold-leaf covered temple reflecting in its surrounding pond, a must-see in Kyoto, open 9am-5pm.
¥400, 1.5h

11:30am

Explore Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Visit the famous rock garden to experience peaceful contemplative space and classic Japanese garden design.
¥500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample a variety of local street food and fresh ingredients at this lively market, great for a casual and diverse lunch.
Variable, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Gion District

Stroll through the historic geisha district, spotting traditional wooden machiya houses and maybe glimpse a Maiko, open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Yasaka Endo

Enjoy seasonal Kyoto cuisine in an elegant setting near Gion, perfect for immersing yourself in local flavours.
¥4000, 2h
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Day 6: Nara & Osaka

Nara and Osaka, Japan on December 6, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast to start your day before travelling to Nara.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Take a train from Kyoto to Nara, journey takes about 45 minutes.
¥710, 0.75h

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue and experience one of Japan’s most famous temples, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
¥600, 1.5h

11:30am

Nara Park

Walk among free-roaming deer in this large park surrounding Todai-ji, a fun cultural experience.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Enjoy traditional eel dishes, a local specialty, in a cosy atmosphere in Nara’s historic district.
¥2000, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Osaka

Journey from Nara to Osaka is about 45 minutes by train.
¥560, 0.75h

3:00pm

Visit Osaka Castle Park

Explore the impressive Osaka Castle grounds and its museum, open 9am-5pm.
¥600, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Discover Osaka’s lively street food scene with dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the bustling Dotonbori area.
¥2500, 2h
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Day 7: Departure

Osaka, Japan on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your departure, with options ranging from Japanese to Western style.
Included or ¥1000, 1h

10:00am

Pack and Check-out

Ensure all belongings are packed and check out from your accommodation in Osaka.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the airport express train from Osaka city to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.
¥1000, 1h
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