12-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone Staying at Hotel Citadines Shinjuku

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Local Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

3:00PM

Check into Hotel Citadines Shinjuku

Settle into Hotel Citadines Shinjuku located in the lively Shinjuku district, great for exploring Tokyo.
Varies, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Shinjuku Area

Walk through the bustling streets of Shinjuku, visit shops, and experience neon cityscapes right outside your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho Alley

Sample authentic yakitori and other izakaya dishes at this iconic narrow alley of small eateries a short walk from your hotel.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Tokyo Culture & Food

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Citadines Shinjuku

Enjoy breakfast conveniently at your hotel before starting the day.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk to the forested Meiji Shrine, a peaceful Shinto shrine located near Shinjuku.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Walk or take a short train ride to enjoy flavorful gyoza near the youthful Harajuku area.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Takeshita Street and Omotesando

Wander the vibrant Takeshita Street and upscale Omotesando avenues for shopping and people watching.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Shinjuku

Head back to the hotel to rest before evening plans.
JPY200, 30 min

7:00PM

Dinner at Oreno Italian Shinjuku

Dine on Italian-inspired dishes with a Japanese twist just a short walk from the hotel.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic & Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with hotel breakfast.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and shop for souvenirs along Nakamise Street.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Menchi

Try juicy menchi katsu near the temple grounds.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum

Visit the museum to explore Japanese art and history, then relax in Ueno Park.
JPY620, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Torigin Honten, Shinjuku

Return to Shinjuku and enjoy traditional yakitori at this popular restaurant near your hotel.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip: Hakone

Hakone, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab breakfast at the hotel before your trip to Hakone.
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Catch the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakone-Yumoto station.
JPY2370, 1 hour 30 minutes

10:30AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Enjoy modern sculptures in a stunning mountain setting.
JPY1600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hakone Bakery & Table

Relax with fresh bakery items and views of Lake Ashi.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Owakudani Valley Ropeway

Ride the ropeway and enjoy volcanic views and famous black eggs.
JPY2100, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Take the ropeway and bus back then the Romancecar to Shinjuku.
JPY2370, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen, Shinjuku

End your day with rich tonkotsu ramen just minutes from your hotel.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel Citadines Shinjuku

Have breakfast and check out before leaving for Kyoto.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto station, approx. 2 hours 15 minutes.
JPY13500 (with JR Pass) or standard fare, 2.25 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s famous food market with many fresh, local specialties.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning golden temple reflecting over the pond.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Enjoy the serene beauty of one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen Kyoto

Sample classic tonkotsu ramen near your accommodation in Kyoto.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Kyoto Temples & Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a fresh breakfast at your Kyoto accommodation.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha

Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates up the mountain path.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Kappa

Try Kyoto’s famous inari sushi near the shrine.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the wooden stage of this UNESCO heritage site and enjoy city views.
JPY400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Gion District

In the evening, stroll the historic geisha district known for its atmosphere.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Savor traditional Kyoto cuisine in the heart of Gion.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast before checking out.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nijo Castle

Tour this impressive historic castle with beautiful gardens before heading to Osaka.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsukura

Enjoy crispy tonkatsu at a local favorite with excellent quality meat.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Travel to Osaka by Train

Take a short JR train from Kyoto to Osaka, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY560, 45 minutes

3:30PM

Explore Dotonbori

Experience Osaka’s famous neon-lit entertainment and food district.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Enjoy making and eating okonomiyaki in this fun interactive restaurant.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Universal Studios Fun

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your exciting day.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy thrilling rides, shows, and themed attractions all day at this popular theme park.
JPY7500, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Universal City Walk

Choose from many dining options close to the park before returning to hotel.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Osaka Attractions

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day refreshed with breakfast at your hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour this iconic Japanese castle and visit the historic museum inside.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste fresh seafood and street food at Osaka’s lively market.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Explore one of the world's largest aquariums with diverse marine life.
JPY2300, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Discover Shinsekai District

Wander this nostalgic neighborhood and try signature kushikatsu dishes.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Daruma Kushikatsu

Experience the famous deep-fried skewers in a vibrant setting.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Osaka Free Day

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast before a free day to explore Osaka.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Free Exploration Day

Optional activities include shopping in Umeda, visit museums, or revisit favorite spots.
Varies, All day

12:00PM

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Choose a local eatery for casual lunch during your explorations.
JPY1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Beef Suki-ya

Enjoy premium Matsusaka beef in a sukiyaki style restaurant for a special meal.
JPY8000, 2 hours
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Day 11: Relax & Last Highlights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last full breakfast in Japan.
Included with stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Spa or Onsen Experience

Relax with a traditional Japanese spa or hot spring experience in Osaka or nearby.
JPY6000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe de l'ambre

Visit this cozy café for light meals and specialty coffee.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Tennoji Zoo

Spend your afternoon exploring the well-maintained zoo and its animals.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

End your final night with casual dining and drinks at a local izakaya near your hotel.
JPY2000, 2 hours
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Day 12: Departure

Osaka, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab your last breakfast in Japan at the hotel.
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Travel to Kansai Airport

Leave hotel and take Nankai Airport Express or Limousine Bus to Kansai Airport for your departure flight.
JPY1400, 1 hour
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